Abstract: The present invention is an automatic garage door operator with a two button portable controller enabling a secure mode and control of a load remote from the door operator. In accordance with the normal operation of the secure button, actuation when the garage door is closed toggles a secure mode between secure and non-secure states. In the secure state the automatic gargage door operator does not move the door upon receipt of a door signal. To open the door when in the secure state the operator must first press the secure button to enter the non-secure state and then press the door button to open the door. The secure button has a secondary function when the garage door is open and the secure state is prohibited. Actuation of the secure botton when the door is open toggles the state of a load remote from the automatic garage door operator between an on state and an off state. This control is achieved via a signal modulated on the electric power main.

Abstract: A low-power transmitter for garage door operator systems and the like wherein harmonics of the fundamental frequency are suppressed by class A or AB oscillator operation and fundamental radiation is enhanced by way of a combined inductor/radiator having conductive printed circuit extrusions on the ends thereof to effectively form a center-fed dipole antenna.

Abstract: An FM demodulator wherein the input signal excursions advance a counter. At each of a sequence of equal sample times, the count is compared to a value which is the average of the highest and lowest counts during the sequence. The comparison may be numerically direct or by down-counting from a present number. The result of the comparison sets an output data value either "1" or "0".

Abstract: A dual purpose integrated circuit device which can be utilized both as an encoder for providing digital signals according to a preselected code and as a decoder for comparing a received signal with an internally generated digitally coded signal. The device includes a plurality of input/output ports for making an electrical connection between external circuitry and functional portions of the device. The device includes a pulse generator for providing digital signals at its output according to a preselected code. The output of the generator is coupled to an output port for supplying the digital signals to a transmitter when used in the encoding mode, and provides the internally generated comparison code in the decoder mode. Improved circuitry is provided for selectively adjusting the level of security for a system utilizing the device in a transmitter-receiver system for activating a load such as a garage door opener, as well as for accommodating noise levels which may be encountered in authorized use.

Abstract: A home security and garage door operator system includes a gas sensor for detecting the level of toxic gas in the garage. When the gas level exceeds a predetermined threshold the garage door is automatically opened. Lock out circuitry is provided for preventing the door from being accidentally closed as long as the gas sensor detects an excessive level of toxic gas in the garage. A two button transmitter is used to sequentially close the garage door and set a security alarm subsystem. Warning devices are activated if the security alarm is attempted to be set without the garage door and windows in the home being closed. Once the security alarm has been set, the lock out circuitry also disables the garage door motor control circuitry until the security alarm is first deactivated. The transmitter generates a digital pulse train according to a preselected code, with the operation of the dual buttons changing the state of a particular control bit in the pulse train.

Abstract: A data communication system for selectively activating a plurality of remote loads. The system includes a transmitter having an encoder with first and second sets of inputs. The encoder provides a multi-bit pulse train for transmission to a receiver. Selected bits of the pulse train are associated with the first set of inputs to the encoder and define an address code. Other bits of the transmitted pulse train are associated with the second set of encoder inputs and define data. A receiver incorporates a decoder coupled for receipt of the pulse train from the transmitter. A set of code select inputs for the decoder defines a local address code for the receiver. A pulse generator provides a local pulse train which is a function of the code select inputs. A comparator normally operates to compare all of the bits in the local pulse train with those in the received pulse train from the transmitter, with the comparator output preventing load actuation unless all of the bits match.

Abstract: A decoder circuit for selectively activating external loads which finds particular utility in automatic garage door operators. The coincidence of a repeatedly received digital word code with an internally generated local code results in a matched signal, each of the matched signals being stored in an accumulator device. A free running oscillator is used to reset the accumulator if a predetermined number of successive clock pulses are generated without an intervening matched signal. If a given plurality of matched signals are received and stored in the accumulator before it is reset, the accumulator will provide an output signal to a latch which activates the load. Once set, the output latch will not be reset unless a subsequent given number of successive clock pulses are generated without an intervening matched signal. In such manner, the decoder circuitry accommodates a limited number of mismatches possibly due to interference while still maintaining significant security aspects of the decoder circuitry.

Abstract: A control system for a power driven operator for garage doors and the like comprising an operator control circuit having a DC voltage source operating as the power supply for an electronic flip-flop device responsive to successively applied input signals to alternatively establish circuits of opposite direction through a reversible electric motor; i.e. one actuation causes the motor to run in one direction and the next actuation causes it to run in the opposite direction. The operator is subject to actuation by both a hard wired push button or an auxiliary device such as a radio receiver which is responsive to signals from a remote transmitter. The operator control circuit includes a feature which electronically prevents the simultaneous energization of the reversible electric motor in both directions.

Abstract: A digital radio control system comprising a transmitter for producing a repeating series of width modulated pulses, and a receiver responsive only to a series of predetermined pulse characters to actuate a load device such as a garage door operator. Both the transmitter and the receiver circuits comprise simple counter circuits and switches to define the pulse codes. The receiver counter is clocked by the transmitted pulse series and actuates the output circuit only if it reaches the final counter stage at least once.

Abstract: Control system including radio receiver circuit for a power-driven operator for garage doors and the like comprising an operator control circuit having a regulated DC voltage source operating as a power supply for an electronic flip-flop device responsive to successively applied input signals to establish circuits of opposite direction through a reversible electric motor; i.e., one actuation causes the motor to run in one direction and the next actuation causes it to run in the opposite direction. The operator is subject to actuation by both a hard-wired push-button and a radio receiver which is responsive to signals from a remote transmitter. The power supply for the flip-flop is also the power supply for the receiver; however, the receiver is packaged separately from the operator and power supply and is readily disconnected for independent maintenance and repair.