Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling loading dock components is disclosed that includes a distribution center having at least one dock station for exchanging materials and a dock component configured to in at least two operational states. An actuator is included that is configured to change the operational state of the dock component in response to an activation signal. A mobile remote control is configured to generate the activation signal to cause the actuator to change the operational state of the dock component and at least one predefined non-activation zone is included such that changing of operational state of the dock component is inhibited when the mobile remote control is located within the at least one predefined non-activation zone.

Abstract: A door closer system includes a base housing configured to couple to a mounting point. A top housing movably couples to the base housing, where the top housing is configured to travel in a linear motion between a extended position and a compressed position relative to the base housing. A linear actuator couples to the base housing and the top housing. A spring couples to the base housing and the top housing. A locking mechanism couples to the base housing and the top housing. A controller couples to the base housing and the linear actuator. A wireless receiver couples to the base housing and the controller. A remote controller includes a user interface and a wireless transmitter.

Abstract: An improved barrier door one way wireless communication system for operating a barrier, such as a garage door, includes the transmission and reception of multibit code hopping data packets in combination with automatic RF channel switching. Packet data is transmitted automatically on more than one RF channels in a switching style while sending two or more redundant multibit code hopping data packets on each of the RF channels. The system also provides for the learning of a transmitter to a receiver where two or more code hopping data packets must be received and decoded by the receiver on all RF channels before a transmitter can be learned to a receiver. Once the transmitter is learned, actuation of the transmitter during a learn mode can open a window for learning of a single channel transmitter.

Abstract: A motorized closure assembly is provided that includes an opening frame configured to fit around the opening; a substantially rectangular closure slab having a closure slab frame configured to surround the substantially rectangular closure slab and sealingly fit within the opening frame; and a motorized driver, wherein the motorized driver is entirely embedded within the closure slab frame or within a combination of the closure slab frame and the opening frame, the motorized driver configured to slidably move the slab between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: The invention provides a closures (106) for a compartment (100) having one or more walls (112, 114, 116, 118) and an opening (110) defined by at least one of the walls (112, 114, 116, 118). The closure (106) is associated with at least one fastener located inside the compartment (100). The fastener can hold the closure (106) in a first position (eg. closed) relative to the opening (110). The fastener is adapted to cause the closure (106) to assume a second position (eg. open) relative to the opening (110) upon receipt of a suitable signal. The closure (106) has at least one indicium (108) visible from outside the compartment (110). The indicium (108) is adapted to provide a visual indication of a status of the closure (106) or the compartment (110), such as closure open, closure closed, compartment empty, compartment occupied.

Abstract: A closure lock has a wireless power coupling. The wireless power coupling is used to determine whether the closure is in an open or closed position.

Abstract: A door for a refrigerated trailer including a door pan formed of fiberglass reinforced plastic, the door pan having an inner surface and an outer surface. A door sheet is formed of fiberglass reinforced plastic and has an inner surface and an outer surface. A foamed plastic core is provided between the inner surfaces of the door pan and the door sheet. A housing is mounted between the inner surfaces of the door pan and the door sheet and is substantially encapsulated within the foamed plastic core. An automotive-style handle and locking mechanism is mounted to the housing.

Abstract: An obstacle detection system includes a first component and a second component. The motor is configured to move the second component toward the first component. Radio frequency identification tags (RFIDs) are connected to one of the first component and the second component. A controller is operatively connected to the motor and has a transmitter operatively connected to the other of the first component and the second component. The transmitter is operable to create a magnetic field between the first component and the second component. Each of the RFIDs is operable to provide a respective signal in response to the field. The controller is configured to modify power delivery from a power source to the motor when the respective signals received by a receiver change due to at least a portion of the magnetic field being at least partially blocked or attenuated. A method of detecting an obstacle is also provided.

Abstract: An open-close member control apparatus is to prevent a foreign matter from being trapped to a window glass serving as an open-close member that is driven to open by manipulation of a manipulation switch. When a trapping detection section determines that the foreign matter is trapped to the window glass, power supply to a driving device is stopped to stop opening of the window glass. Then, it is determined whether a predetermined condition is satisfied for approving re-open of the window glass. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the power supply to the driving device is re-started. Opening of the window glass is thereby enabled again.

Abstract: A gyro-stabilized automatic pet door is installed in a hinged door and is actuated by a magnet worn by a pet. The automatic pet door prevents unintended openings caused by the Earth's ambient magnetic field that may trigger a magnetic detector that responds to the magnet worn by the pet. A microelectromechanical systems gyro disposed on the hinged door generates a signal in response to a movement of the hinged door that engages a lockout timer overriding the signal from the magnetic detector and preventing the pet door from opening.

Abstract: A driving system for an automatic sliding door includes a driver and a rack and pinion mechanism. The pinion is selectively attachable to the driver in a first position to cause sliding movement of the door in the first direction and in a second position to cause sliding movement of the door in the second direction. A device for indicating whether a driving system is suitable for driving a sliding door includes a first end, a region including one or more calibrations; and a second end. The first end is adapted to be pulled by a user. The second end is adapted to be selectively and detachably attached to one of the calibrations. The region is located between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: Monitoring apparatus for monitoring a movement element pivoted between open and closed states of an opening to be closed, the apparatus having a sensor for detecting an object and for monitoring a spatial angle originating at or near the rotation axis. The sensor is fitted at or near the rotation axis and includes a transmitter and receiver for transmitting and receiving radiation within the spatial angle. The sensor emits detection signals generated by the receiver when radiation is detected. The monitoring apparatus includes an evaluation unit that evaluates the detection signals depending on the angular position of the detected radiation in the spatial angle and determines whether an object has been detected and/or the position of the detected object. The evaluation unit draws a distinction between the movement element and an object depending on the current angular position of the movement element.

Abstract: A method for individualized control of means for closing off at least one window, by: determining coordinates of a dazzle cone associated with a window and with a dazzle-sensitive zone, the dazzle cone defined by a vertex positioned at the dazzle-sensitive zone and a directrix curve superimposed on the perimeter of the window; determining the orientation of direct rays of sunlight, and defined by a solar azimuth and a solar elevation; periodically checking whether the orientation falls within a predetermined dazzle cone; the directions of the rays of sunlight being parallel to one of the directions within the dazzle cone and passing through the vertex of the cone; and acting on closing-off means associated with the window for which orientation of rays of sunlight falls within a dazzle cone.

Abstract: A detecting unit (14) forms a plurality of detection spots arranged two-dimensionally on a floor surface near a door panel (12). Each detection spot is capable of detecting a human or an object by infrared light independently from other detection spots. Region distinguishing means (30) distinguishes a region formed by plural ones of the said detection spots that have detected the human or object. Person's movement judging means (44) judges the direction in which the distinguished region moves. A signal which causes a door panel (12) to be opened is supplied to a door controller (34) only when the direction of movement of the distinguished region is the direction toward the door panel.

Abstract: An automatic barrier operator system for operating a gate or upward acting garage door, for example, includes a controller for operating a reversible motor, a base radio frequency transmitter and a base radio frequency receiver. One or more remote control units include a radio frequency remote receiver and remote transmitter. The controller is operable to automatically close or open the barrier in response to a query signal sent from the base transmitter to the remote receiver and when the remote receiver is within range, returning a signal to effect operation of the barrier. The system is operable to effect operation or maintain the status quo of the barrier depending on the state of the barrier and a particular signal or lack of signal received by the controller from an authorized remote control unit or units. The system provides essentially hands-free automatic operation of opening and closing a garage door and the like.

Abstract: A combined active sealing system for connecting a panel to a frame of a door/window comprises a plurality of active sealing systems, a seal activation system, and an electronic control system. Each of the plurality of active sealing systems includes an anchor for engaging one of the panel and the frame, and an actuator connected to the anchor and for driving the anchor. In a closed position of the panel relative to the frame, the anchor is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The seal activation system is connected to at least one of the actuators of the plurality of active sealing systems. The electronic control system controls the seal activation system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to the field of pet doors, particularly selective entry pet doors based on detection of RFID tags. An RFID pet door, the pet door comprising: an RFID reader to read an RFID tag on a pet; and a lock coupled to said RFID reader to control access through said pet door in response to an RFID signal from said tag; wherein said RFID reader has two modes, a first operational mode and a second, reduced power mode, and wherein said pet door further comprises: a pet proximity detector coupled to said RFID reader to identify when a pet is proximate said pet door and to control said RFID reader responsive to said identification such that when said pet is proximate said RFID is in said operational mode and such that said RFID reader is otherwise in said reduced power mode.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for use with: an RFJD proximity card; a frame including a pair of jambs; a door hingedly connected to one of the jambs, the other being hollow and having a rabbet defined by a pair of surfaces, one surface presenting to the closed door and defining part of a stop against which the door is positioned when closed and the other surface flanking and presenting towards the door edge when closed . The other surface width is in the direction which defines the one jamb depth. The one jamb thickness is in the direction which defines the doorway width. The apparatus comprises a sensor which: produces a signal when the card is presented thereto; and has thickness T, width W and height H T<[thickness of other jamb?thickness of stop]. W is equivalent to the width of other surface. H<doorway height.

Abstract: A revolving security door includes a drum defining a secure zone between door openings controlled by a revolving door disposed within the drum and wherein light curtain sensors and active infrared sensors may detect an intruder moving from a non-secure side of the doorway to the secure side and detect objects left behind in a secure zone. Methods of operation prevent persons or objects from passing from the non-secure side to the secure side of the doorway.

Abstract: A manhole security cover includes a manhole cover body comprising a non-metallic RF signal transmissive material. The manhole cover body is seatable on a manhole frame to cover a manhole opening. In the seated position, the first side is accessible from outside the manhole, the second side is disposed within the manhole, and the peripheral edge portion engages a manhole cover support surface on the manhole frame. A manhole cover tamper sensor is responsive to a predetermined movement of the manhole security cover body. A transmitter is operatively connected to the manhole cover tamper sensor and configured to generate a radio frequency manhole cover tamper signal when the manhole cover tamper sensor detects the predetermined movement of the manhole security cover body. An antenna is operatively coupled to the transmitter to radiate radio frequency energy through the manhole cover body to a receiver located outside of said manhole.

Abstract: A flow control gate system that comprises a first and second elongated barrier members defining a passageway between a first area and a second area. The gate system also comprises a plurality of narrow beam presence sensors with substantially constant spacing therebetween defining a linear array mounted along the first barrier member and defining a presence detection beam orientation crosswise and substantially perpendicular to the passageway. The gate system further comprises a controller electrically connected to the plurality of narrow beam presence sensors. The controller implements an operating program to process signals from the plurality of narrow beam presence sensors and define valid detection periods to determine that an item is detected when a detection period is equal to or longer than a predetermined value and invalid detection periods interpreted as no detection when a detection period is shorter than the predetermined value. A flow control method is further provided.

Abstract: A system and method using a skylight panel within a skylight frame attached to a flexible actuator. In an embodiment, the system provides for automated opening and closing of a remotely located skylight or window. The system may also include a solar panel coupled to a rechargeable battery pack that provides power to an electric motor that controls the actuation of the actuator. Such control may be realized through a gear train with a sprocket wheel that drives a flexible chain-like actuator that is coupled to the skylight panel. The system may further include a control circuit for controlling the above-described operation wherein the control circuit is also operable to communicate with a remote control device having two-way communication between them.

Abstract: A non-contact sensor switch assembly includes a switching transistor adapted for switching on/off the supply of a power supply to the control unit of an automatic handwash dispenser, automatic water tap or automatic door, a charge induction plate inducible by an approaching body part of a person, and a capacitive proximity sensor electrically coupled between the charge induction plate and the switching transistor for triggering the switching transistor to switch on the supply of the power supply to the control unit of the automatic handwash dispenser, automatic water tap or automatic door upon approach of a body part of a person.

Abstract: A door having a pneumatic sensing edge is operated automatically to open when an object and the edge make contact. An optical pressure switch in fluid communication with gas forced from the edge on contact with the object initiates the operation of a door opener. The optical pressure switch includes a membrane having a portion that interrupts a light beam when the membrane flexes due to the increase gas pressure over ambient pressure as gas is forced from the edge.

Abstract: A method and system for generating an alert for a possible collision between objects and a swinging barrier is provided. The method and system provides multiple sensing devices, a control unit, and multiple indicator devices at predetermined areas proximal to the swinging barrier. The sensing devices and the control unit electronically communicate with the indicator devices. The sensing devices are configured to establish sensing zones proximal to the swinging barrier. The sensing devices detect presence of one or more of stationary objects, approaching objects, and receding objects in the established sensing zones. The control unit tracks and differentiates the presence of the stationary objects, approaching movements of the approaching objects, and receding movements of the receding objects in the established sensing zones, and generates an alert signal. The indicator devices selectively indicate a possible collision on receiving the alert signal from the control unit.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for determining the presence or absence of anomalous radioactive materials in a target in a detection zone. In the method, a target gamma ray spectrum is obtained from the target and a target data set is prepared from the target gamma ray spectrum. This data set comprise a plurality of intensity values, each intensity value being associated with an energy bin representing a gamma ray energy or range of gamma ray energies in the target gamma ray spectrum. The target data set is then pre-processed and projected into a principal component space which contains a pre-processed data library projected into the principal component space. A distance is then determined between the projected pre-processed target data set and one or more clusters of the projected pre-processed data library in the principal component space and this distance is compared with a predetermined threshold distance so as to determine if an anomalous radioactive material is present in the target.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved system and method for sensing both hard and soft obstructions for a movable panel such as a sunroof. A dual detection scheme is employing that includes an optical sensing as the primary means and electronic sensing of motor current as a secondary means. The secondary means utilizes system empirical precharacterization, fast processing algorithms, motor parameter monitoring including both current sensing and sensorless electronic motor current commutation pulse sensing, and controller memory, to adaptively modify electronic obstacle detection thresholds in real time without the use of templates and cycle averaging techniques.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a first door skin, a second door skin spaced apart from the first door skin and a door operator disposed between the first door skin and the second door skin. An arm extends from the door operator. The door operator includes a motor moving the arm to move the door between a closed position and an open position and between the open position and the closed position. A current sensor generates a current signal corresponding to the current to the motor. A position sensor in communication with the door arm generates a position signal corresponding to the position of the door relative to the frame. A controller communicates with the sensor and the motor. The controller controls a motor current to the motor in response to the current signal and the position signal.

Abstract: A sensor element for opening of doors and gates, with the aim being to allow production of a detection field for identification of people and/or static objects by means of an antenna element, the antenna element is intended to have a flat antenna unit, with a pin-like antenna projecting at least approximately vertically from the flat antenna unit.

Abstract: A bi-swing gate lock uses an electric actuator to unlatch the gate on request, and a failsafe mode that automatically unlatches the gate during emergencies or power failures. The traplock uses two swing arms that pivot retractable door stops in and out on either side of a closed gate from a stationary 4? post. Loads trying to force open a locked gate are redirected through polyurethane pads on the sides of the retractable door stops directly to the insides of matching pockets within the post. Such loads can flex the swing arms, but significant loads will not reach the swing arm pivot bearings. Keeping the gate locked requires electric power applied to a lock actuator, and the loss of power automatically unlocks the traplock. Power applied to a retraction actuator pushes out the retractable door stops. A sensor detects when the gate returns to a closed position and the lock actuator can be energized once again.

Abstract: An automated guide rail apparatus includes a fixed wall that includes a pair of vertical supports attached to and extending upwardly from a floor surface and a horizontal support attached to the vertical supports. The fixed wall is positioned adjacent to a hazardous area. A movable wall is attached to the fixed wall and is movable laterally toward or extended away from the fixed wall to increase or decrease a combined length of the fixed and movable walls. The movable wall prevents access to the hazardous area when the movable wall is extended away from the fixed wall. A drive assembly is mounted on the fixed wall and moves the movable wall outwardly from the fixed wall when the drive assembly is actuated. An actuating assembly is in communication with the drive assembly to actuate the drive assembly when a hazardous condition is determined by the actuating assembly.

Abstract: A vertical lift, self-storing door system includes a plurality of panels supported by a first and a second single track guide rail which engages guide rollers associated with the panels. The guide rail has a vertical segment which defines a closed position of the door and a horizontal segment which defines an open, storage position for the door. When the door is closed, the individual panels are stacked in an edge-to-edge relationship so that their front faces are coplanar. When the door is in an open position, the panels hang vertically from the guide rails in a spaced apart, generally plane parallel relationship with regard to their front and rear faces. Bevels in the top and bottom edges of the panels accommodate panel motion and ensure a tight seal when the door is in a closed position, and these bevels may include connecting features such as notches or tabs.

Abstract: A controlled gate system is comprised of a barrier arm which is pivotally connected to a first fixed support. A motion detector is secured to a second fixed support spaced a predetermined distance from the first fixed support and in alignment therewith to create a restricted passageway with the barrier arm normally resting in an obstructing position within the passageway. The barrier arm is arrested at the obstructing position by a solenoid actuated latch which is disengaged by the motion detector. The arc of displacement of the barrier arm is also restricted to permit passage through the passageway in a single direction. Under certain conditions a controller will permit the barrier arm to be disengaged to permit passage in the passageway in opposed directions. The motion detector of the preferred embodiment is constituted by a further barrier arm.

Abstract: A first moveable barrier operator is actuated to move a first moveable barrier and a light beam is encoded with operational information regarding the first movable barrier operator. The encoded light beam is transmitted from an emitter associated with the first moveable barrier operator to a first detector associated with the second moveable barrier operator. The second moveable barrier operator may be subsequently operated at least in part according to the operational information encoded in the light beam.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement controls opening and closing of a door device. The sensor arrangement is arranged to be mounted in the vicinity of the door device. The sensor arrangement comprises an image-acquiring means, which monitors and acquires images of a field of view that encompasses at least an approach area located adjacent said door device, and a movement detector, which is arranged to process the acquired images in order to detect a movement, which is to result in an opening of the door device. The sensor arrangement also comprises an event generator, which is arranged to process information regarding the door device and said field of view in order to identify at least one event according to predetermined criteria, wherein the event generator in response to an identification of an event creates a recording of the event.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided having a sensor for detecting a vehicle occupant's presence, and another sensor for detecting an owner's response with respect to automatically opening a vehicle closure panel. An actuator opens the closure panel when the occupant's presence and response are detected. A signal from an emitter outside the vehicle signals occupant presence. A photoelectric and/or optical device, audio receiver, and/or touch-sensitive sensor detects the response. The optical device projects a light beam, and breaking the beam with a gesture signals the response. An automatic closure panel opening apparatus has an RF receiver adapted to receive an RF signal to detect occupant presence, a sensor for detecting the occupant response, and an actuator for opening the closure panel when both the presence and occupant response are detected.

Abstract: There are provided an apparatus for detecting coordinates, which may detect coordinates corresponding to an event occurring within a region of interest, and a display device, a security device, and an electronic blackboard, each including the same. The apparatus for detecting coordinates, which is provided in at least one side of a touch panel having a preset region of interest being surrounded by a frame having a predetermined length, the apparatus comprising: a light source body providing preset light; a scanner emitting the light provided from the light source body at a preset angle to scan the region of interest, and receiving light reflected by the region of interest; a photo diode receiving reflected light to convert the received reflected light to a voltage value; and a beam splitter transmitting the light provided from the light source body to the scanner via a first path, and transmitting, to the photo diode via a second path, the reflected light received from the scanner.

Abstract: A system and portable device are provided for opening and closing sliding doors associated with conventional sliding doors as used in residences and businesses. The portable sliding door device attaches to a sliding door via a bracket, and moves along the same track used by the sliding door. The sliding door device can be initiated to move the sliding door to the open position through remote control, voice-activation, and proximity transmitters. The sliding door device can communicate with wireless routers and be remotely controlled and monitored by computers, netbooks and cell phones. The sliding door device has safety features, including cameras and speakers to ward off attempted break-ins.

Abstract: A housing for protecting a garage door safety beam emitter or receiver from impact and from the elements. The housing has a transverse plane of symmetry such that the same style housing may be used over the emitter and over the receiver, the housings being minor images of each other when installed. The housing includes a flange by which the housing may be attached to a garage door track or to the framework around the garage door. The housing preferably is formed of plastic such that it can be trimmed to accommodate installation, for example, around a foundation and includes a side wall with an aperture through which LED diagnostic lights associated with the emitter or receiver may be viewed.

Abstract: An induction actuated container cover includes a control housing having a cover opening, a cover panel pivotally mounted to the control housing to pivotally move between a closed position that the cover panel covers at the cover opening and an opened position that the cover panel exposes the cover opening, and an automatic driving arrangement including a sensor mounted at the control housing for detecting a target movement of a user and an actuation unit supported in the control housing to operatively link with the sensor, wherein the actuation unit is actuated to generate a decelerating and torque enhancing force to move the cover panel between the opened and closed position in a hydraulic manner.

Abstract: A revolving security door includes a drum defining a secure zone between door openings controlled by a revolving door disposed within the drum and wherein light curtain sensors and active infrared sensors may detect an intruder moving from a non-secure side of the doorway to the secure side and detect objects left behind in a secure zone. Methods of operation prevent persons or objects from passing from the non-secure side to the secure side of the doorway.

Abstract: A retaining arrangement is provided with at least one light-barrier fastening device for fastening the light-barrier element on the retaining arrangement, and with at least one first door-fastening device, for fastening the retaining arrangement on an element of a first type of door, and also with at least one second door-fastening device for fastening the retaining arrangement on an element of a second type of door, and/or with a floor-fastening/ground-fastening or wall-fastening device, for fastening the retaining arrangement on the floor/ground or a surrounding wall and/or on an element of an undetermined type of door.

Abstract: In a vehicle door control system, when a mobile terminal accepts door lock manipulation and a vehicle door control apparatus receives a door lock signal from the mobile terminal, the vehicle door control apparatus determines that a door should be locked and, at time of door locking, transmits the amount of charge of a secondary battery at that time. Then the door is locked.

Abstract: A safety system for safeguarding a moving, guided motion element against unwanted collisions with an object located on a motion path in the direction of motion of the motion element is proposed, which safety system comprises an object-detection device for detecting an object in an area of the motion element. The object-detection device can be blocked with respect to object detection by a motion of the motion element, and has an electronic unit with which the motion of the motion element can be controlled and which is configured to assign a blocked state to the object-detection device when the motion element approaches, in which blocked state an object or motion element does not trigger a safety mode, wherein shut-off mechanism are provided which, when a shut-off signal coming from the motion element is detected, transfer at least part of the object-detection device into the blocked state.

Abstract: A garage door control system for a garage door that is adapted to be lifted by a garage door opener. The system has a motion sensor or electric eye sensor located at least in part proximate the garage door, for sensing an object located on top of a vehicle approaching the garage and projecting higher than is safe to enter the garage, and a cutoff switch that at least temporarily prevents the garage door opener from opening the garage door when the sensor senses an object located on top of a vehicle approaching the garage and projecting higher than is safe to enter the garage.

Abstract: A pet door unit allowing entry to and egress from a dwelling of an animal includes a pet door provided with a latch. The pet door is mounted for movement to allow passage of an animal when the latch is disabled. The pet door unit includes an animal detector for detecting an animal seeking passage past the pet door. A controller allows selection of a permitted passage condition. A disabler selectively disables the latch. Other arrangements described include systems for controlling entry and exit for different animals in different time frames, systems that detect an animal by a tag carried by the animal, systems that detect a door, systems that detect whether an animal has actually passed through the door and in which direction, and systems that record time and direction of passage, a preferred coil geometry for tag detection, and a preferred latch.

Abstract: A swinging automatic door control system includes an activation sensor for acquiring images of a first area where the door swings when opening or closing, a presence sensor for detecting motion in a second area that fronts a non-swinging side of the door when said door is closed, and a controller for controlling the opening and closing of the door as a function of the acquired images of a first area and the detection of motion in the second area.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a door includes a first antenna block having a first integrated microcontroller electrically connected to a first transceiver device and a first antenna. A second antenna block having a second integrated microcontroller is electrically connected to a second transceiver device and a second antenna. A processor device is electrically connected between the first and second microcontrollers and a first switch. The first and second antennas receive a first radio frequency signal from a third, mobile transceiver device. The processor device measures a time difference of arrival (TDOA) of the first radio frequency signal. The processor device computes a direction of arrival (DOA). The DOA measurement is compared against a predefined range of DOAs. The processor device sends a control signal to the first switch to actuate the door in the event of a match.

Abstract: An automatic barrier operator system for operating a gate or upward acting garage door, for example, includes a controller for operating a reversible motor, a base radio frequency transmitter and a base radio frequency receiver. One or more remote control units include a radio frequency remote receiver and remote transmitter. The controller is operable to automatically close or open the barrier in response to a query signal sent from the base transmitter to the remote receiver and when the remote receiver is within range, returning a signal to effect operation of the barrier. The system is operable to effect operation or maintain the status quo of the barrier depending on the state of the barrier and a particular signal or lack of signal received by the controller from an authorized remote control unit or units. The system provides essentially hands-free automatic operation of opening and closing a garage door and the like.

Abstract: An animal release chute for use in steer or calf roping competitions is described. The chute has a fixed section and a moveable section that telescopes forwardly relative to the fixed section. A release gate at the forward end of the moveable section is moveable between a closed position for retaining a steer or calf inside the chute and an open position releasing the steer or calf from the chute. A sensor at the rearward end of the fixed section senses the presence of the horse of the roper at the rearward end of the fixed section. Only when the roper's horse is at the rearward end of the fixed section can the gate be released to release the calf. The chute system assures that there is always the fixed, predetermined distance between the calf and the roper at release.