Abstract: This invention is about an improved garage door opener system, with design features for preventing garage door break-in from outside of the garage using an object such as a hanger. Typically, a person pulls down a cord connected to a release handle to release emergency release of a garage door opener, allowing the door to be manually open or closed. An unauthorized person may attempt to pull down the cord using a hanger from outside the garage or to pull or push down the release handle, to open the door from outside and gain unauthorized entrance. The improved garage door opener system provides a mechanism to reverse the pulling direction of the cord and also protects release handle from being accessed from outside the garage, for increased security.

Abstract: This invention is about an improved garage door opener system, with design features for preventing garage door break-in from outside of the garage using an object such as a hanger. Typically, a person pulls down a cord connected to a release handle to release emergency release of a garage door opener, allowing the door to be manually open or closed. An unauthorized person may attempt to pull down the cord using a hanger from outside the garage or to pull or push down the release handle, to open the door from outside and gain unauthorized entrance. The improved garage door opener system provides a mechanism to reverse the pulling direction of the cord and also protects release handle from being accessed from outside the garage, for increased security.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for encoding data for wireless transmission are disclosed in which a data message may be encoded into a transmission code as a first coding format and a second coding format. The first coding format characterized by a first bit representation and the second coding format characterized by a second bit representation different from the first bit representation. The transmission code may be transmitted having the first and second coding formats.

Abstract: The invention provides a low current consumption control switch device and method related thereto. The control switch device includes a switch control component, a microprocessor, a wireless signal receiver for receiving control signal and a DC power supply. The DC power supply draws an AC current from the AC power supply to power the wireless signal receiver, the microprocessor and the switch control component. The switch control component has a control input for receiving control instructions to control current supply from the AC power supply. The microprocessor is operatively connected to the switch control component for providing control instructions to alter its switching state. The control signal comprises a preamble and a message portion. The wireless signal receiver is configured to alternate between at least two current consumption modes and to remain in a higher current consumption mode upon detection of the preamble.

Abstract: A universal remote control system is disclosed. The universal remote control includes a receiver that has a wireless signal receiver unit, an electric motor that drives a mechanical arm and a microprocessor. When the receiver receives a control signal from a wireless signal transmitter, the microprocessor will energize the motor which drives the mechanical arm toward a pushbutton switch of a controlled device, such as a garage door opener, and depresses the push button, therefore activating the garage door opener. A feedback signal, for example, from the mechanical arm or the motor, may be provided to the microprocessor to inform the microprocessor when the pushbutton switch is sufficiently depressed and is in an engaged state. When the switch is in the engaged state, the motor will reverse its direction, causing the mechanical arm to raise and move back to a standby position.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for a universal transmitter. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting activation of at least one button of the universal transmitter, by a controller, for a predetermined time, outputting at least one set of signals to a first set of terminals of a switch of the universal transmitter, detecting output on a second set of terminals of the switch and determining position of a switch, by the controller, based, at least in part, on the output detected on the second set of terminals, wherein position of the switch relates to a transmission type. The method can further include detecting activation of a first button to be programmed and programming the first button based on the transmission type.

Abstract: A universal remote control system is disclosed. The universal remote control includes a receiver that has a wireless signal receiver unit, an electric motor that drives a mechanical arm and a microprocessor. When the receiver receives a control signal from a wireless signal transmitter, the microprocessor will energize the motor which drives the mechanical arm toward a pushbutton switch of a controlled device, such as a garage door opener, and depresses the push button, therefore activating the garage door opener. A feedback signal, for example, from the mechanical arm or the motor, may be provided to the microprocessor to inform the microprocessor when the pushbutton switch is sufficiently depressed and is in an engaged state. When the switch is in the engaged state, the motor will reverse its direction, causing the mechanical arm to raise and move back to a standby position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for operating a control switch. In one embodiment, the control switch includes an input terminal coupled to an alternating current (AC) power supply, a load terminal coupled to a load, a triac circuit coupled to the input terminal and the load terminal, a microcontroller and a power supply. The triac circuit may be configured to receive a triggering voltage and provide an activation pulse to the load based on one or more triggering voltage signals supplied by the microcontroller. In another embodiment, the power supply may be configured to step down AC power received from the input terminal and supply line voltage to the microcontroller.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for triggering an operating device. In one embodiment, a triggering device includes a receiving unit configured to receive one or more wireless control signals. The receiving unit may include a switch and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to control the switch for activation of an operating device coupled to a signaling line based, at least in part, on the one or more wireless control signals. According to another embodiment, the triggering device may include a connector configured to electrically couple the receiving unit to the signaling line, the connector having one or more contacts and a housing configured to clasp the signaling line and couple the one or more contacts to the signaling line. Additionally, the signaling line may relate to existing wiring of the operating device.

Abstract: The invention provides a low current consumption control switch device and method related thereto. The control switch device includes a switch control component, a microprocessor, a wireless signal receiver for receiving control signal and a DC power supply. The DC power supply draws an AC current from the AC power supply to power the wireless signal receiver, the microprocessor and the switch control component. The switch control component has a control input for receiving control instructions to control current supply from the AC power supply. The microprocessor is operatively connected to the switch control component for providing control instructions to alter its switching state. The control signal comprises a preamble and a message portion. The wireless signal receiver is configured to alternate between at least two current consumption modes and to remain in a higher current consumption mode upon detection of the preamble.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for a universal transmitter. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting activation of at least one button of the universal transmitter, by a controller, for a predetermined time, outputting at least one set of signals to a first set of terminals of a switch of the universal transmitter, detecting output on a second set of terminals of the switch and determining position of a switch, by the controller, based, at least in part, on the output detected on the second set of terminals, wherein position of the switch relates to a transmission type. The method can further include detecting activation of a first button to be programmed and programming the first button based on the transmission type.

Abstract: A receiver is adapted to receive one or more wireless signals, while also being able to provide a barrier actuation signal to a barrier operator over a signaling line. The barrier operator may then be adapted to actuate a barrier in response to receiving the barrier actuation signal. The signaling line is further used to provide power from the barrier operator to the receiver. In one embodiment, the barrier operator is a garage door opener and the signaling line is coupled to the receiver and a garage door wall button. Alternatively, the receiver may replace the garage door wall button of the barrier operator.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for triggering an operating device. In one embodiment, a triggering device includes a receiving unit configured to receive one or more wireless control signals. The receiving unit may include a switch and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to control the switch for activation of an operating device coupled to a signaling line based, at least in part, on the one or more wireless control signals. According to another embodiment, the triggering device may include a connector configured to electrically couple the receiving unit to the signaling line, the connector having one or more contacts and a housing configured to clasp the signaling line and couple the one or more contacts to the signaling line. Additionally, the signaling line may relate to existing wiring of the operating device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for operating a control switch. In one embodiment, the control switch includes an input terminal coupled to an alternating current (AC) power supply, a load terminal coupled to a load, a triac circuit coupled to the input terminal and the load terminal, a microcontroller and a power supply. The triac circuit may be configured to receive a triggering voltage and provide an activation pulse to the load based on one or more triggering voltage signals supplied by the microcontroller. In another embodiment, the power supply may be configured to step down AC power received from the input terminal and supply line voltage to the microcontroller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for operating a wall switch module using leakage current. In one embodiment, the wall switch module may be operable using leakage current. The wall switch control module may be provided to include a microcontroller, wireless receiver and triac. The wall switch control module may be configured to control power applied to a load. In another embodiment, one or more signals received by the wireless receiver may be useable to control power applied to a load coupled to the wall switch control module. According to another embodiment, the wall switch control module may be useable for home automated systems.

Abstract: A communication protocol is employed between a movable barrier operator and an associated wall button using the traditional signaling wires connecting them. Implementing the communication protocol using the existing signaling wires also allows backward compatibility with the traditional push wall buttons that have a physical contact switch. In one embodiment, the communication protocol allows bi-directional communication between the moveable barrier operator and the wall button. The bi-directional embodiment of the protocol allows further communications, such as handshaking, signal confirmation and more advanced control between the wall unit and the barrier operator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for encoding data for wireless transmission are disclosed in which a data message may be encoded into a transmission code as a first coding format and a second coding format. The first coding format characterized by a first bit representation and the second coding format characterized by a second bit representation different from the first bit representation. The transmission code may be transmitted having the first and second coding formats.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for operating a wall switch module using leakage current. In one embodiment, the wall switch module may be operable using leakage current. The wall switch control module may be provided to include a microcontroller, wireless receiver and triac. The wall switch control module may be configured to control power applied to a load. In another embodiment, one or more signals received by the wireless receiver may be useable to control power applied to a load coupled to the wall switch control module. According to another embodiment, the wall switch control module may be useable for home automated systems.

Abstract: A communication protocol is employed between a movable barrier operator and an associated wall button using the traditional signaling wires connecting them. Implementing the communication protocol using the existing signaling wires also allows backward compatibility with the traditional push wall buttons that have a physical contact switch. In one embodiment, the communication protocol allows bi-directional communication between the moveable barrier operator and the wall button. The bi-directional embodiment of the protocol allows further communications, such as handshaking, signal confirmation and more advanced control between the wall unit and the barrier operator.