Abstract: An automatic door opening safety system particularly for use with garage doors is provided. The garage door includes a leading edge that moves from the open position, where the leading edge defines the top of the opening and a closed position, where the leading edge contacts the ground. A controller is provided for controlling movement of the door. An activation member provides an input to the controller to initiate movement of the door. A non-contact detector detects whether an obstruction is in the path of the door. The non-contact detector is positioned in front of the leading edge of the door, such that obstructions are detected at a predetermined distance in front of the leading edge of said door.

Abstract: A wireless safety system for a garage door opener adapted for use at least in part with an independent energy source is provided. The wireless safety system includes a control circuit for controlling movement of the garage door. An activation member provides an input to the control circuit to initiate motion of the garage door. A detecting member detects whether an obstruction is provided in the path of the garage door. The detecting member includes a first state, wherein the detection member does not detect obstructions and consumes minimal energy, and a second state wherein the detection member detects obstructions. The detection member is selectively switchable between the first state (dormant) and the second state (active) by the control circuit.