Abstract:
A system and method for determining the position of a moveable barrier relative to the fully open position and fully closed position. The invention utilizes in a preferred embodiment a geo-magnetic sensor to determine the extent to which the barrier has traveled from reference position of fully open or fully closed to some intermediate point. A multi-axis sensor provides an output which changes during the barrier's excursion relative to each of the respective axes so that direction or tilt may be readily known in between the closed and open positions. Operation of the gate or barrier may be more efficiently controlled when its precise location between open and closed is known.
Abstract:
A system and method for detecting a tampering of a moveable gate barrier. A singular or a plurality of vibration sensors are strategically positioned on the gate and a gate operator to detect tampering while the gate is closed. If the sensor outputs exceed preset thresholds of duration and/or magnitude, an alarm is activated to alert personnel to an attempted breach of the gate barrier.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for moving a gate a distance in a predetermined period of time. In one embodiment the current load for an electric motor to move a gate is first measured to determine whether the gate's motion is being hindered or helped. A microprocessor then controls voltage supplied to the motor to enhance or retard the evolved power of the motor according to the load and the predetermined time.
Abstract:
A lock module housing containing the components of a preferred embodiment is physically mounted to the rear of a gate drive motor of an automatic gate system. A solenoid front shaft, when the solenoid is de-energized, is pushed into a sprocket attached to the drive motor, thus preventing the motor shaft from turning. To release the drive motor, the solenoid is energized. The solenoid rear shaft contacts a limit switch to indicate to the controller that the drive motor is indeed unlocked. When the controller is about to move the gate, energizing the solenoid retracts the shaft and allows normal operation of the gate control system. At the end of the gate cycle, the solenoid is de-energized and the drive motor is once again locked. In the case of a manual release, a key lock is turned from a first position to a second position to unlock the motor shaft. A mechanical linkage arm attached to the key lock pulls the solenoid shaft to its energized position, which in turn contacts the limit switch. The gate can then be back driven manually.
Abstract:
The temperature of an operator circuit is measured. A relationship between the temperature of the operator circuit and characteristics of the operator circuit is determined. The relationship is applied to the measured temperature of the operator circuit to create an adjustment action. The detection threshold is adjusted by the adjustment action.
Abstract:
A security gate operating system, is disclosed which comprises an electrically powered motor; a thermally controlled circuit breaker set to remove power to the motor when the motor reaches a preselected threshold temperature; a cooling fan associated with the motor and selectively powered to provide auxiliary cooling to the motor to prevent the motor from overheating; and a cooling fan motor controller, adapted to selectively supply power to the cooling fan when the motor is approaching the threshold temperature. The apparatus can further comprise the cooling fan controller being a thermo-static switch set to close at a preselected temperature below the threshold temperature, or a programmed microprocessor/microcontroller programmed to provide power to the cooling fan at a preselected temperature below the threshold temperature or when the temperature of the motor is about to reach the preselected temperature.
Abstract:
A system and method for detecting an object or obstruction in the path of a moveable barrier or automatic gate and allowing a coupled controller to determine corrective action prior to the moveable barrier coming in physical contact with such object or obstruction. A plurality of sensors in a physical array is used to detect such objects in the path of a barrier as it moves from closed to open and vice versa. The output of each respective sensor is compared to all of the others. In the preferred embodiment, if all of the sensor outputs are the same, it is assumed that there is no obstruction. However, if the output of any one sensor differs from the output of another sensor, it is assumed that there is an obstruction and the gate is either stopped or reversed before contact is made.
Abstract:
A system and method of troubleshooting a communication connection for a remotely located security system is disclosed. A communication line test unit is incorporated into the remote security system and its communication unit. A central control unit can then contact the remote security system communication unit, enable the communication line test unit and perform tests on various operational parameters of the communication unit located in the remote unit and the communication connection of the local unit. The tests conducted can include loop current, tip to ring voltage, ring to ground current, circuit loss, circuit noise, power influence as well as other tests. Based on the results of these tests a determination can be made if the problem is an extraneous influence, such as a poor local telephone line connection, or some problem with the security system communication unit itself.
Abstract:
A wireless host access control unit (11) and one or more corresponding wireless remote user interfaces (14) are configured and arranged to participate in a test mode of operation. Pursuant to the test mode of operation, these two system components participate in one or more test transmissions that exercise a wireless transmission link to thereby assess the viability of that link. A corresponding user-discernable test indicator is then provided at the wireless remote user interface. So configured, an installer can test any number of candidate locations for a wireless remote user interface prior to permanently installing that interface, thereby more likely ensuring that the latter will be able to successfully interface with the wireless host access control unit following installation.