10 YEARS AGO …: ClipenGlyde Wins New Product Award
© 2005 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Spring 2005
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Page 64
10 YEARS AGO …
ClipenGlyde Wins New Product Award
In the spring of 1995, Anozira’s revolutionary new ClipenGlyde system won a new-product award at the 1995 Home Builders’ show in Houston. The ClipenGlyde’s patented tube and clip system, invented by John Jellá, offered a radical alternative to the conventional garage door track-and-roller system. The unique powder-coated product provided quieter and safer operation and eliminated metal-to-metal contact during door operation.
Update: Before leaving Anozira in 1996, Jellá put together an agreement with Overhead Door to market the product under the name of Ultraglyde. However, Overhead Door was bought by Sanwa Shutter in 1996, and Anozira was bought by Clopay in 1997.
Jellá feels that the product eventually got lost in the acquisition shuffle. He says that other factors also contributed to ClipenGlyde’s demise: (1) a dirty garage environment affected efficient operation, and (2) its components required longer installation time. Otherwise, he says the product performed very well.
Jellá has since secured the rights to the system, and he may resurrect this novel product. (Source: John Jellá, president, First United Door Technologies)
HomeLink Launched
In early 1995, the HomeLink Universal Transmitter was announced in industry publications. The three-button HomeLink transmitter, built into a car’s instrument panel, sun visor, or overhead console, was said to open “virtually any garage door opener or security gate.” It also could turn on indoor or outdoor lights.
HomeLink was offered in several 1995 automobile models as an optional feature, but it was expected to become a common feature for upscale vehicles. Powered by the car battery, HomeLink proposed to replace individual transmitters that can get lost or stolen or lose their charge.
Update: Today, more than 25 million vehicles worldwide are equipped with HomeLink, and that number is growing daily. More than 35 major automobile manufacturers and 240 models now offer HomeLink transmitters, including Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche, and Rolls Royce. HomeLink can now operate entry door locks, appliances, and security systems. (Source: www.homelink.com)
Chamberlain Promotes Colin Willmott
In the spring of 1995, Colin Willmott became the director of engineering for WECLA, Chamberlain’s recently acquired subsidiary in Germany. Willmott previously served as engineering manager for the Chamberlain Group and had been with Chamberlain for 33 years. With expertise in electronic product research, development, and production, Willmott was noted for holding a number of patents in the industry, including those for garage door opener safety devices and remote operator mechanisms.
Update: Willmott marked his 43rd year with Chamberlain in October 2004. He returned to the U.S. in 1997 and now serves as director of engineering, international liaison, at Chamberlain’s headquarters in Elmhurst, Ill. Today, he holds more than 30 patents. (Source: Colin Willmott)
Windsor Parent Acquires McKee Door
United Dominion Industries, then the parent company of Windsor Door, acquired McKee Door of Aurora, Ill. United Dominion announced that McKee had annual sales of $15 million and 160 employees at its Aurora manufacturing plant and its three distribution centers.
Update: Today, McKee doors are no longer manufactured, although Windsor (now Windsor Republic) continues to own the McKee brand. (Source: Sherry Booles, vice president of marketing, Windsor Republic Doors)