Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling physical access to a location include an entry system including at least one barrier at the physical location, with the barrier configured to selectively permit access into and/or from and/or within the physical location upon proper credentials and/or authorization. A cellular device is connected to or integrated with the entry system and is configured to transmit and receive voice and/or data information to the entry system that includes the credentials and/or authorization. The cellular device can be a retrofit to prior art/installed systems, can be external to an otherwise operational system, and/or can be integrated natively into the entry system. Methods and apparatus are disclosed to determine the power status and network link state of the cellular device and/or to establish communication through/to same, as well as for the cellular device to be connected to and control a plurality of entry systems and/or barriers.

Abstract: A security system for control access of multiple users to a selected area combines rotating electronic security code or equivalent technology with an automatic self-learning receiver. The first transmitter is “learned” by the receiver manually, but subsequent transmitters are learned without the need for actuating the conventional “manual learn” mode of the receiver. Instead, by simply sending the transmit signal twice within a fixed time period, users of the subsequent transmitters use “self-learning” circuitry (interposed between conventional transmitter and receiver technology) in a way that is relatively transparent to the user. Other aspects of conventional systems are provided, such as separate control via computer or otherwise of an authorized list of uniquely-identified transmitters. In alternative embodiments, even the first transmitter/controller can be programmed into the receiver (such as at the time of manufacturing or installing the system).

Abstract: A gate operator which provides for an opening and closing movement of a gate in response to an external opening and closing signal. The gate operator of the invention cushions the movement and reduces the impact against a fixed member at the fully opened and/or fully closed positions with a magnetically operable gate repelling and gate attracting arrangement. The repelling and attracting arrangement functions as a switching system and comprises a first magnetically operable member, such as a permanent magnetic, on a fixed member at the end position, or otherwise on the gate, and an electromagnet on the other of the fixed member or gate. In this way, the magnetically operable system applies a momentary force to the gate in opposition to the movement to that end position and then releases the force to reduce impact with any abutment at that end position. The magnetic force is then reversed and provides a magnetic locking action when the gate is at that end position.

Abstract: An operator for an overhead door, such as a garage door, to raise and lower the door. The operator comprises a chain drive which is rotated about upper and lower pulleys and powered by a drive motor. Preferably, a pair of spaced apart drive chains are employed. A carriage is secured to the one or a pair of drive chains and is releasably connected to the drive chains by connecting blocks extending outwardly from the carriage. The garage door is thereupon secured to the carriage for raising and lowering movement thereof. Each drive chain includes one double-pitch link for connecting the ends of the chain to form a continuous loop. Each connecting block is provided with a releasable pin which extends into the double-pitch link for releasably securing the carriage to the drive chains. Removal of the pin for each drive chain will allow manual movement of the carriage and hence, the door.

Abstract: A gate operator with an extensible actuating arm adapted for light to moderate gate passing traffic. The operator comprises a small drive unit, such as an electric motor drive, and a rotatable drive shaft, such as a worm shaft driven through operation of the motor. An extensible shaft or so-called ball race shaft, cooperates with the rotatable shaft and extends inwardly or outwardly in response to rotation of the rotatable shaft. A microprocessor operated control circuit is used with or forms part of the operator, and measures a number of counts generated by magnetic elements rotatable with the worm shaft, and which are equivalent to distance units of measurement. In this way, the distance on the opening and closing movement is measured and stored in the microprocessor, so that on subsequent movements, the gate can open and close to precisely the open and closed positions without stopping short of or banging into such end positions.

Abstract: A gate opening and closing apparatus, typically referred to as a "gate operator" and which automatically moves a gate, such as a swinging gate between opened and closed positions. The gate operator of the invention employs a power unit, such as an electrically motor driven power unit which rotates a power arm. A crank arm is releasably connected to the power arm and movable therewith. In addition, the crank arm is, in turn, connected to a connecting arm which has one end connected to the gate for movement of the gate. The invention relies upon the use of a swing movement control mechanism in place of stop rings which were previously used to control the limits of movement of the gate. The swing movement control mechanism comprises a swing movement control plate shiftable along the crank arm so that the connecting arm which is also pivoted on the swing movement control plate can be connected to a gate having a desired swing or so-called "throw".

Abstract: A gate opening and closing apparatus for moving a gate between a gate closed position which covers an access opening and a gate opened position. The apparatus comprises an electric motor for driving the gate between the open position and the closed position. A connecting arrangement connects the electric motor to the gate in order to enable powered movement of the gate between the gate opened and gate closed positions. A control unit in the form of a microprocessor control unit is operatively connected to the electric motor for control of the same and hence control of the movement of the gate. The gate normally remains unlocked at the closed position and is only locked when a force is applied to the gate tending to move same to the open position. In one embodiment, a positive locking mechanism, such as a solenoid lock may be provided and which is automatically locked when an opening force is applied to the gate.

Abstract: A gate opening and closing apparatus for moving a gate between a gate closed position which covers an access opening and a gate opened position. The apparatus comprises an electric motor for driving the gate between the open position and the closed position. A connecting arrangement connects the electric motor to the gate in order to enable powered movement of the gate between the gate opened and gate closed positions. A control unit in the form of a microprocessor control unit is operatively connected to the electric motor for control of the same and hence control of the movement of the gate. The gate normally remains unlocked at the closed position and is only locked when a force is applied to the gate tending to move same to the open position. In one embodiment, a positive locking mechanism, such as a solenoid lock, may be provided and which is automatically locked when an opening force is applied to the gate.

Abstract: A gate opening and closing apparatus for moving a gate between a gate closed position which covers an access opening and a gate opened position. The apparatus comprises an electric motor for driving the gate between the open position and the closed position. A connecting arrangement connects the electric motor to the gate in order to enable powered movement of the gate between the gate opened and gate closed positions. A control unit in the form of a microprocessor control unit is operatively connected to the electric motor for control of the same and hence control of the movement of the gate. The gate normally remains unlocked at the closed position and is only locked when a force is applied to the gate tending to move same to the open position. In one embodiment, a positive locking mechanism, such as a solenoid lock may be provided and which is automatically locked when an opening force is applied to the gate.