Abstract: A remote control transmitter capable of transmitting a coded signal for actuating a device connected to a remote receiver. The remote control transmitter includes a controller which actuates a transmitter element upon each activation of an activation switch. A first code generator generates a first code and a second code generator generates a second code. The controller automatically selects one of the first code and the second code for transmitting within the coded signal. The first and second codes are generated by multi-positionable switches, a serial data device, a code key memory or by rolling code encryption.

Abstract: A remote control transmitter capable of transmitting a coded signal for actuating a device connected to a remote receiver. The remote control transmitter includes an electronic control device which controls the operation of the transmitter. A transmitter activation switch is connected to the electronic control device and acts to energize the transmitter. A first code generating device is capable of creating a first code and a second code generating device is capable of creating a second code. The two code generating devices are connected to the electronic control device. The electronic control device contains means for automatically selecting between the first and second codes for transmitting within the coded signal. A transmitting device is connected to the electronic control device for transmitting the coded signal to the remote receiver.

Abstract: A visual display panel is mounted on the exterior surface of a power-operated garage door to display messages for viewing by occupants of a departing automobile after the garage door has closed. The display panel may be part of an integrated home automation system (IHAS) so that, in addition to pre-programmed messages, the operational status of household devices included in the IHAS are presented on the display panel. Actuation of the garage door operator to open the garage door can also cause the IHAS to direct changes in the operation of one or more of the included devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a security system for controlling access of persons through a controlled portal. The portal, such as a door, has a lock mechanism for securing the door. A presence detector senses the presence of an object within an approach zone located substantially adjacent the portal. When an object is detected, a fixed transceiver automatically transmits an interrogation signal into the approach zone. A portable transceiver is carried by the person seeking access to the portal. The portable transceiver responds to the interrogation signal by transmitting a response signal. Each portable transceiver or group of transceivers has a unique identification code which is included in the response signal. The fixed transceiver receives the response signal and determines whether the response signal contains a valid access code. If a valid access code is received, the portal is unlocked and other devices may be activated.

Abstract: An improved door edge safety sensor for use with an automatic door operator which uses a motor to move a door between open and closed conditions with a controller for controlling operation of the motor and, an improved sensor comprising a tactile obstruction detector for generating a safety signal, a door vibration detector for detecting movement of the door, a safety signal transmitter operable in response to detected door motion, and control electronics which monitor the obstruction detector and the vibration detector and direct the signal transmitter to reverse the motor upon the door engaging an obstruction which reverses the door to an upward direction.

Abstract: A group of cabinets or other units each have a solenoid operated lock controlled by an electronic lock accessible by one or more electronic keys. The locks are linked together in a chain by power and data lines so that power is supplied through a single 12 volt transformer, and key codes are transmitted from a lock that reads a key to other locks, to open any cabinet programmed with an access code matching the transmitted key code. To limit power requirements, when one solenoid is being energized a busy signal is transmitted to prevent concurrent operation of other solenoids. A user installed master code stored in the lock and a corresponding master key are used to permit programming or erasing of other access key codes. A factory installed permanent reset code is stored in the lock and a secret algorithm known only to the manufacturer can derive the reset code from the cabinet serial number.

Abstract: A group of cabinets or other units each have a solenoid operated lock controlled by an electronic lock accessible by one or more electronic keys. The locks are linked together in a chain by power and data lines so that power is supplied through a single 12 volt transformer, and key codes are transmitted from a lock that reads a key to other locks, to open any cabinet programmed with an access code matching the transmitted key code. To limit power requirements, when one solenoid is being energized a busy signal is transmitted to prevent concurrent operation of other solenoids. A user installed master code stored in the lock and a corresponding master key are used to permit programming or erasing of other access key codes. A factory installed permanent reset code is stored in the lock and a secret algorithm known only to the manufacturer can derive the reset code from the cabinet serial number.

Abstract: A modulated light beam obstacle detector for use as a safety mechanism in an automatic closure operator which must operate in varying ambient light conditions. If the obstacle detector senses the interruption of the light beam, the motion of the door is arrested or reversed. The obstacle detector uses an auxiliary light source connected in a feedback circuit to maintain a constant background illumination on the light detector and thereby hold the light detector in conduction at all times. In this manner, the presence of the light beam can be sensed regardless of the ambient light conditions.

Abstract: An automatic door operator with a continuously monitored supplemental obstruction detector. In a first embodiment, the obstruction detector is a radiant beam obstruction detector that transmits a beam of modulated radiant energy across the door opening. A safety signal generator produces an active safety signal only on unobstructed receipt of radiant energy by a receiver. Failure to receive the active safety signal when the motor is closing the door at least stops the door. A two wire cable, which carries both power and the active safety signal, connects the supplemental obstruction detector to the automatic door operator. Constant activation of a portable transmitter or of a local push button can override the supplemental obstruction detector to close the door. An alternative supplemental obstruction detector includes a safety edge having a compressible tube disposed on a leading end of the door. Plural conductors change their conductive state upon compression of the compressible tube.

Abstract: A garage door operator has a light which is turned on for a preset period by the controller each time the operator motor is operated. A pedestrian door is equipped with a magnetic switch which signals the controller when the door is opened, causing the light to be turned on for the preset period. A switch console has a vacation switch, a work light switch and a push button which, with the magnetic switch, send signals to the controller. Voltage level encoding and decoding is used to minimize the number of connecting wires between the console and the controller. The controller comprises a microprocessor subject to the switch inputs and programmed to produce output signals for operator motor control and light control.

Abstract: A garage door operator has a microcomputer based control which is programmed to measure door position from full open position by counting motor revolutions and to determine motor speed and deceleration for each revolution. The program learns the open and closed position limits as well as force sensitivity limits for up and down operation with minimal user input. During normal door operation the closed limit and the sensitivity limits are adaptively adjusted to accommodate changes in conditions. The lowest up and down motor speeds in each operation are stored for comparison with motor speeds in the next like operation for obstruction detection. Motor deceleration is also monitored for obstruction detection. For a more sensitive obstruction detection during closing, the motor speed is mapped for each revolution for the last several inches of closing.

Abstract: A secure, keyless secondary transmitter unit for use in an automatic garage door operator transmits a code set by a code setting device as modified by digits entered at a keyboard. A controller constructs an identification code by inverting bits of the code set by the code setting device that correspond to entered digits. A radio frequency transmitter transmits this altered code in the manner of known automatic garage door operators. Thus operation of keys corresponding to the bits that differ between the receiver code and the secondary transmitter code controls the door. The keyboard preferably also includes an entry complete key indicating entry of the complete digit sequence and a clear key to restart the digit sequence. A lamp connected to the controller illuminates the keyboard upon operation of any key at the keyboard and is turned off if no key is operated in a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A brake member for a slide gate mechanism which includes a slanted drive mechanism engaging face adapted to engage at least one drive wheel of the drive mechanism for the slide gate so as to gradually brake the gate.The preferably a pair of opposed drive wheels are adapted to frictionally engage a drive rail on a gate so as to provide a slide gate mechanism. The pair of opposed wheels are spring biased toward the railing to ensure adequate frictional engagement with the rail. Limit switches are disposed to deactivate operation of the drive mechanism and a pair of brake members are disposed so as to positive a slanted drive mechanism engaging face toward the drive wheels of the drive mechanism such that when utilized the brake member operates to gradually brake the gate as the slanted drive mechanism engaging face engages at least one of the drive wheels.

Abstract: The present invention is an automatic door operator which includes an obstruction detector for at least stopping the motor when the detected motor speed indicates a motor torque greater than the selected closing torque limit while closing the door, and for at least stopping the motor when the detected motor speed indicates a motor torque greater than the selected opening torque limit while opening the door. The motor speed is detected based upon a predetermined count of electrical pulses corresponding to motor shaft rotation in order smooth noise. Selection of the number of pulses per rotation enables the same controller to control motors operating on either 60 Hz or 50 Hz power. A travel count of rotation pulses permits identification of a plurality of regions in the opening and closing travel of the door and corresponding adaptive torque limits. The travel counter may also be employed for detection of the fully opened and fully closed limits.

Abstract: An automatic door operator with a continuously monitored supplemental obstruction detector. In a first embodiment, the obstruction detector is a radiant beam obstruction detector that transmits a beam of modulated radiant energy across the door opening. A safety signal generator produces an active safety signal only on unobstructed receipt of radiant energy by a receiver. Failure to receive the active safety signal when the motor is closing the door at least stops the door. A two wire cable, which carries both power and the active safety signal, connects the supplemental obstruction detector to the automatic door operator. Constant activation of a portable transmitter or of a local push button can override the supplemental obstruction detector to close the door. An alternative supplemental obstruction detector includes a safety edge having a compressible tube disposed on a leading end of the door. Plural conductors change their conductive state upon compression of the compressible tube.