Abstract:
A first moveable barrier is actuated by using a first moveable barrier operator. Responsive to the receipt of a signal initiating actuation of the first moveable barrier, a wireless signal is transmitted from the first moveable barrier to a second moveable barrier operator. The signal is received at the second moveable barrier operator and the second moveable barrier operator is controlled in response to receiving the signal.
Abstract:
In a barrier movement operator comprising a controller hard-wire connected to a first safety sensor, it is determined whether a second safety sensor has been wirelessly connected to the controller. When it is determined that the second safety sensor has been wirelessly connected to the controller, the operator is operated according to a first predetermined procedure. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second safety sensor has not been wirelessly connected to the controller, the operator is operated according to a second predetermined procedure.
Abstract:
A balance control system comprises a motor, a transmission system providing connection between the motor and the door and adapted to move the door between a closed position and an open position located above the closed position, a counterbalance system to reduce power required to lift the door, an apparatus to generate first signal representing a force used to move the door from the closed position to the open position, and to generate a second signal representing a force used to move the door from the open position to the closed position, and a controller responsive to the first signal and to the second signal to indicate an imbalance of the door when a difference between the first signal and the second signal exceeds a predetermined threshold.
Abstract:
A movable barrier operator (10) has a wireless status condition data transmitter (15) that wirelessly transmits status condition messages to one or more remote peripherals (20). The latter can in turn use this status information to effect their own functionality and supported features.
Abstract:
A wireless transmit-only apparatus (20) can be comprised of a controller (21) that selectively controls which of a plurality of resonant devices (24 and 25) are utilized to influence the transmission carrier frequency of a transmitter (26). In a preferred embodiment at least one of the resonant devices comprises a mechanically resonant device (24) such as a surface acoustic wave device, a crystal resonator, or a ceramic resonator. In a preferred embodiment, a user interface (22) includes a plurality of independently assertable inputs. The controller responds to assertion of one of this inputs by selecting a particular set of characterizing transmission parameters (as are stored, for example, in a memory (23) and using those characterizing transmission parameters to transmit a message using a transmission carrier frequency as corresponds to use of a co-selected resonant device.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for controlling the speed of an A.C. induction motor are disclosed and shown in operation for controlling the movement of a barrier. Included are voltage configuration circuits which selectively gate portions of the half-cycles of AC mains voltage to the induction motor. When the motor is started increasing amounts of mains AC voltage is applied to the motor and decreasing portions of the mains AC are applied to the motor during a stopping routine. The motor can also be energized with less than full mains AC to permit differences in barrier movement speed dependent on operating parameters.
Abstract:
A movable barrier operator having a motor controller (10) and motor (11) that control selective movement of a movable barrier (12) also has an obstacle detector (14) that utilizes an automatically determined excess force threshold value to permit reliable detection of an obstacle under a wide variety of operational circumstances, including changing physical circumstances, aging components, temperature variations, and motor runtime. In a preferred embodiment, a characteristic force value for the system is frequently updated as a function of actual measured force requirements (and further compensated, pursuant to various embodiments, with respect to other conditions such as temperature and motor runtime). This characteristic force value is then utilized to determine the excess force threshold value.
Abstract:
A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.
Abstract:
A movable barrier operator includes a wall control switch module having a learn switch thereon. The switch module is connectable to a control unit positioned in a head of a garage movable barrier operator. The head unit also contains an electric motor which is connected to a transmission for opening and closing a movable barrier such as a garage door. The switch module includes a plurality of switches coupled to capacitors which, when closed, have varying charge and discharge times to enable which switch has been closed. The control unit includes an automatic force incrementing system for adjusting the maximal opening and closing force to be placed upon the movable barrier during a learn operation. Likewise, end of travel limits can also be set during a learn operation upon installation of the unit. The movable barrier operator also includes an ambient temperature sensor which is used to derive a motor temperature signal, which motor temperature signal is measured and is used to inhibit motor operation when further motor operation exceeds or is about to exceed set point temperature limits.
Abstract:
A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.