Abstract: The present invention is remote control system including one or moree portable units and a base unit which employs identifiction codes for security. The operator preferably can select the identification code for the base unit, preferably via a process yielding a random number, with a provision for selection of a predetermined reset code. The base unit teaches this identification code to a portable unit via mating asynchronous communication ports. The same identification code may be taught to plural portable units. This identification code is stored in a static random access memory in the portable units and in an electrically erasable read only memory in the base unit and this is not susceptible to determination by visual inspection. Each portable unit includes a capacitor for storing energy so that the battery, which ordinarily supplies electrical power to the portable unit, can be replaced without loss of the stored identification code.

Abstract: The present invention is a safety feature in an automatic garage door operator. In the prior art a single momentary contact push button, either directly connected to the automatic garage door operator or connected via a radio transmitter, is used to control door operation. In accordance with the present invention, closing the garage door requires continuous actuation of the momentary contact push button from the time the operation is begun until the door is fully closed. Any interruption in this continuous operation causes the automatic garage door operator to reverse and fully open the door. Thus continuous attention of the operator is required, thus enhancing safety because of the attention of the operator.