Patents by Inventor Colin B. Willmott
Colin B. Willmott has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 7164246Abstract: A movable barrier operator having an electrical motor responsive to control signals for moving the barrier, a controller to control the barrier movements, and two command apparatuses for generating command inputs, which command apparatuses are located remotely from each other. The first command apparatus is mounted in a location remote from the controller and easily accessible by the users, and the second command apparatus is located close proximity to the controller to be easily accessible by an installer at the time of service.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Paul E. Wanis, Colin B. Willmott
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Patent number: 7132813Abstract: A barrier movement operator moves a barrier between open and closed positions. The operator receives a first request to move the barrier. The actual force required to move the barrier is measured. An obstruction to barrier movement is determined by comparing the measured actual force to a first predetermined force threshold. Responsive to the detection of an obstruction, the direction of travel of the barrier is reversed. The operation of the barrier movement operator is modified, by permitting the use of a higher force threshold in future measurements. A second request to move the barrier is received. The actual force required to move the barrier is measured a second time. An obstruction to barrier movement is detected by comparing the measured actual force with the new, higher force threshold.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: Eric Gregori, Robert S. Study III, Colin B. Willmott, Robert R. Keller, Jr.
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Patent number: 6806672Abstract: A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2003Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Paul E. Wanis, Colin B. Willmott
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Publication number: 20040195986Abstract: A movable barrier operator having an electrical motor responsive to control signals for moving the barrier, a controller to control the barrier movements, and two command apparatuses for generating command inputs, which command apparatuses are located remotely from each other. The first command apparatus is mounted in a location remote from the controller and easily accessible by the users, and the second command apparatus is located close proximity to the controller to be easily accessible by an installer at the time of service.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2003Publication date: October 7, 2004Applicant: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Paul E. Wanis, Colin B. Willmott
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Patent number: 6744231Abstract: A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Paul E. Wanis, Colin B. Willmott
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Patent number: 6737821Abstract: A garage door opening and closing apparatus having improved operational safety includes a control circuit which responds to a number of input stimuli to generate commands to open and close a garage door as well as to stop garage door movement. Three relays respond to the commands via drive circuitry to actually connect door operating voltages to the windings of a door controlling motor. By redundancies in the operation of the three relays, faults in the operation of those relays result in safe door operating conditions. Additionally, the control circuitry upon issuing a door stop command, performs a test to determine whether or not the door is still moving. If the door is still moving, door up commands are generated by the control circuitry to place the door in a safe position.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1999Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Colin B. Willmott
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Patent number: 6720747Abstract: A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2000Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Paul E. Wanis, Colin B. Willmott
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Publication number: 20040056621Abstract: A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Paul E. Wanis, Colin B. Willmott
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Patent number: 6710560Abstract: A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Paul E. Wanis, Colin B. Willmott
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Patent number: 6683431Abstract: A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: The Chamberlin Group, Inc.Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Paul E. Wanis, Colin B. Willmott
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Patent number: 6456022Abstract: A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Paul E. Wanis, Colin B. Willmott
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Patent number: 6417637Abstract: A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2001Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Paul E. Wanis, Colin B. Willmott
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Patent number: 6400112Abstract: An operator for opening and closing movable barriers such as garage doors comprising a pass-point limit system which is a component of an operating head. An operator for a rolling shutter or gate can be installed on either side of the opening. A dual pass-point system provides a unique pass-point regardless of direction of mounting the operator, regardless of the direction of travel for opening the barrier, and regardless of installation configuration, eliminating the need for the installer to know which direction the motor is rotating or the barrier is travelling.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: James Fitzgibbon, Christopher M. Valente, Colin B. Willmott, Mark Siegler, Martin Rathgeber, Ramon Tam, Dan Lobbes
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Publication number: 20020033683Abstract: A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Applicant: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Paul E. Wanis, Colin B. Willmott
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Publication number: 20010038272Abstract: A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2001Publication date: November 8, 2001Applicant: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Paul E. Wanis, Colin B. Willmott
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Publication number: 20010024094Abstract: A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2001Publication date: September 27, 2001Applicant: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Paul E. Wanis, Colin B. Willmott
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Publication number: 20010024095Abstract: A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2001Publication date: September 27, 2001Applicant: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Paul E. Wanis, Colin B. Willmott
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Patent number: 6278249Abstract: A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2000Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Paul E. Wanis, Colin B. Willmott
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Patent number: 6246196Abstract: A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2000Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Paul E. Wanis, Colin B. Willmott
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Patent number: 6239569Abstract: A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2000Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Paul E. Wanis, Colin B. Willmott