Skip Navigation
DATI Logo

Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative

. . . bringing technology to you

AT Messenger Logo - Bringing Technology to You

Volume 16, No. 3, Summer 2008

Previous Issues

Subscribe to AT Messenger
Download PDF Viewer
PDF Version (for printing)
Large Print (PDF)
Text Version

image of the Homegrown in Delaware logo. It includes a simple rendition of the state of Delaware, with a tree in the lower part of the state, a man holding a watering can and picking a lightbulb from the tree, and the words "Homegrown in Delaware" to the right of the image.

photo of a green door with an door opener at the top.photo of a green door with an door opener at the top.About 15 years ago, Tom Strab, a Delaware resident, set out to automate the doors to his sister's new home addition. You see, his sister had MS and was rapidly losing her independence. This was an unacceptable future for a former executive secretary! Unfortunately, automatic door operators for residential use did not exist, but the family trait of independence triumphed. With the assistance of a neighbor who was an electrical engineer, Tom put together a low-cost, simple operator that gave his sister the independence she so desperately desired. That first mechanism, which is still working, is an air-powered, linear "robot" with a patented valve assembly, all controlled with a garage door remote. Barbara, the sister, was so proud of her brother's invention that she immediately began to show off her new doors. Intrigued with the simplicity of the system, Wayne Carter, of the Colonial Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Inc., and Beth Mineo, of DATI, nominated Tom for an Architectural Accessibility Award, and the rest is history.

Requests to automate other types of doors and even windows were submitted. Over the years, the Gentleman Door Company has increased its line of products but continues to offer operators that are simple, rugged, and especially low cost, compared to the rest of the market. It is remarkable that out of adversity ingenuity resulted, and not just for Tom’s sister but for the public-at-large.

Tom is still happy to discuss your automation challenge, and assist in any way possible. He can be reached at the Gentleman Door Company, 800-525-7078, and you can check out the products he has developed at http://www.gentlemandoorcompany.com. The website will link you directly to the Terryco website. Simply click on the “Residential” door and you will be able to see pictures and read about openers for hinged and sliding doors as well as window openers.

Long-time readers may remember this story because a similar version appeared in The AT Messenger back in 1995. It warrants another look, however, as the company’s products have expanded, and the owner, Tom Strab, continues to dedicate his work to provide practical products to Delawareans and those beyond the borders of the first state.  ■

Back to the top
Current Issue