Patents by Inventor James Fitzgibbons

James Fitzgibbons 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).

  • Publication number: 20060164267
    Abstract: Ternary data as corresponds to a movable barrier operator is provided (21) and converted (22) into corresponding binary information. In a preferred approach this comprises converting each ternary trit into a corresponding binary pair. Pursuant to a preferred approach binary bits as correspond to, for example, fixed and/or non-fixed information (32 and 33) are provided (31) and then converted (34) into the aforementioned ternary data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: James Fitzgibbon, Eric Gregori
  • Patent number: 7065452
    Abstract: The present invention relates to crystallized molecules and molecular complexes which comprise the active site binding pocket or the FKBP12/FK506 binding pocket of calcineurin or close structural homologues to either binding pocket. This invention also relates to a data storage material encoded with the corresponding structure coordinates of those crystallized molecules or molecular complexes. Such data storage material is capable of displaying such molecules and molecular complexes as a graphical three-dimensional representation on a computer screen. In addition, this invention relates to methods of using the structure coordinates of those molecules or molecular complexes to solve the structure of homologous proteins. This invention also relates to methods of using the structure coordinates to screen and design compounds that bind to calcineurin or homologues thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
    Inventors: David M. Armistead, Matthew James Fitzgibbon, Mark Andrew Fleming, James P. Griffith, Eunice E. Kim, Joseph L. Kim, Michael D. Sintchak, John Allan Thomson, Keith P. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20060109978
    Abstract: A rolling code transmitter is useful in a security system for providing secure encrypted RF transmission comprising an interleaved trinary bit fixed code and rolling code. A receiver demodulates the encrypted RF transmission and recovers the fixed code and rolling code. Upon comparison of the fixed and rolling codes with stored codes and determining that the signal has emanated from an authorized transmitter, a signal is generated to actuate an electric motor to open or close a movable barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Applicant: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradford Farris, James Fitzgibbon
  • Publication number: 20060109077
    Abstract: A system is disclosed including a transmitter and receiver for the communication of security codes which may be validated at the receiver to operate equipment. In one embodiment, the transmitter transmits a security code at two frequencies contemporaneously to the receiver which may receive both frequencies and resolve the security code therefrom. The receiver may lock onto one frequency when parts of a security code are detected to the exclusion of the other frequency. In another embodiment, the transmitter selectively transmits security codes at a default frequency which is selected because of a recorded count of prior apparent successful transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventor: James Fitzgibbon
  • Publication number: 20060091998
    Abstract: A moveable barrier system includes a loop detector for providing an electrical field. The electrical field has an associated base frequency. The base frequency changes when a vehicle enters the loop detector and the loop detector detects this change. A transmitter device is positioned at the vehicle. The transmitter detects the base frequency of the electrical field as the vehicle becomes positioned in proximity to the loop detector. The transmitter responsively transmits a coded signal to a moveable barrier operator when the base frequency is detected. The coded signal is operable to actuate the moveable barrier operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Publication date: May 4, 2006
    Inventor: James Fitzgibbon
  • Publication number: 20060086895
    Abstract: One or more optical signals (wherein at least some of a plurality of optical signals are at different angles of travel with respect to one another and are directed towards an area comprising a movable barrier-controlled point of passage) create reflections when striking passageway boundaries as correspond to a given movable barrier. Obstacles in the pathway also give rise to reflections. By determining a time-of-flight for such reflections, one can detect a likely presence of an obstacle in such a pathway. Pursuant to one approach, such time-of-flight information can further provide information regarding a likely size of such an obstacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Publication date: April 27, 2006
    Inventors: James Fitzgibbon, Robert Olmsted
  • Publication number: 20060082337
    Abstract: An access control mechanism such as a movable barrier operator (70) has a first time window unit (72) that is responsive to one or more triggers (71) (such as a delayed-closure button). An event detector (73) then monitors for one or more events of interest during a corresponding first time window. For example, the event detector can monitor for evidence that a vehicle is moving towards a garage exit or has effected an exit from the garage. A second time window unit (74) responsive at least to the event detector and optionally as well to the first time window unit then responds with a second time window. Upon conclusion of the second time window, a movable barrier closer (75) initiates movement of the corresponding movable barrier towards a closed position (or other position of interest).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Inventors: James Fitzgibbon, Walter Parsadayan
  • Publication number: 20060071624
    Abstract: A system and method for sensing capacitance at the edge of a movable barrier and for detecting an obstruction includes positioning a conductive member within or about a holder. A sensed capacitance between the conductive member and ground. A controller is coupled to the sensor. The controller determines whether an obstruction exists within a path of the barrier by analyzing the sensed capacitance. The conductive member and holder move away from a physical reference as the physical reference is approached such that the sensed capacitance between the conductive member and the physical reference remains below a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Publication date: April 6, 2006
    Inventor: James Fitzgibbon
  • Publication number: 20060061313
    Abstract: A power ventilation system comprising an exhaust fan, a power supply, and a control system is provided for ventilation of a garage. The ventilation system may be controlled by a moveable barrier, interfaced to a weather seal of the garage door, or configured to allow power ventilation of the garage when the garage door is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: March 23, 2006
    Inventors: James Fitzgibbon, Mark Karasek, David Mack
  • Publication number: 20060049914
    Abstract: A barrier movement operator system having a receiver for receiving, learning and responding to transmitted rolling code type access codes; at least one trained transmitter for operating the system by transmitting a rolling code type access code to the receiver; at least one learning transmitter for learning the rolling code type access code from said trained transmitter in order to operate the system; a controller for evaluating the relationship between the learning transmitter rolling type access code and the trained transmitter rolling type access code; and a device for providing a barrier movement in response to access codes received by the receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Inventor: James Fitzgibbon
  • Publication number: 20050253731
    Abstract: A movable barrier operator system operational component includes an integral display comprising at least one of a numeric display, an alphanumeric display, and a graphics display. The display can comprise an active display or an active interactive display and can further operate in conjunction with adjacent user-input interface opportunities. So configured, numerous user interface events can be highly leveraged to contribute to ease of installation and ease and reliability of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Inventors: James Fitzgibbon, Robert Daniel-Wayman, Eric Gregori, Robert Olmsted, Eric Robb
  • Publication number: 20050256718
    Abstract: An automated movable barrier control system component (11) as comprises a part of a movable barrier control system (10) has an audible speech output device (21) operably coupled thereto. These elements can share a common housing (22). The audible speech output device (21) can audiblize one or more items of stored speech content relating to one or more aspects of the component itself, other components within the system, and/or the system itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Inventors: Eric Robb, Eric Gregori, Robert Daniel-Wayman, James Fitzgibbon
  • Publication number: 20050237015
    Abstract: Multiple zones (21, 22, 23) are established with respect to the travel of a movable barrier over a course of permitted movement (typically between a fully open and a fully closed position). By detecting and knowing the juxtaposition of the movable barrier with a given one of these zones, a particular direction of movement for that movable barrier can be automatically selected notwithstanding possible ignorance regarding the exact position of the movable barrier due to, for example, one or more triggering conditions (such as momentary disconnection of the movable barrier with respect to its motive mechanism). Such zones are particularly efficacious when employed in conjunction with passpoint-based position determination movable barrier operator systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Inventors: James Fitzgibbon, Robert Keller, Colin Willmott, William Gioia, Richard Hill, David Schuda, Davide Alborghetti
  • Publication number: 20050232694
    Abstract: A first moveable barrier is actuated by using a first moveable barrier operator. Responsive to the receipt of a signal initiating actuation of the first moveable barrier, a wireless signal is transmitted from the first moveable barrier to a second moveable barrier operator. The signal is received at the second moveable barrier operator and the second moveable barrier operator is controlled in response to receiving the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 20, 2005
    Inventor: James Fitzgibbon
  • Publication number: 20050168321
    Abstract: A movable barrier operator system (10) having a movable barrier operator (11) and a wireless remote control (13) also has an automatic image recognizer (14) operably coupled to at least one of the preceding elements. In a preferred embodiment this automatic image recognizer comprises one or more image capture device (15). So configured, automated operational control decisions can be predicated, at least in part, on image-based information regarding a likely relative position of the wireless remote control with respect to the movable barrier operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Publication date: August 4, 2005
    Inventor: James Fitzgibbon
  • Publication number: 20050140323
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: June 30, 2005
    Inventors: James Fitzgibbon, Paul Wanis, Colin Willmott
  • Patent number: 6895355
    Abstract: An operator controller 10 controls a motor 12 via a motor controller (11). The motor (12), in turn, selectively controls movement of an object (such as a movable barrier) along a substantially predetermined path. An incremental movement sensor (13) monitors movement of the object by monitoring, in one embodiment, movement associated with operation of the motor (12). At the same time, a passpoint event generator (15) generates at least some passpoint events that are uniquely identifiable. When a given predetermined passpoint event is detected, the incremental movement sensor activity is potentially recalibrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventor: James Fitzgibbon
  • Publication number: 20050081452
    Abstract: A balance control system comprises a motor, a transmission system providing connection between the motor and the door and adapted to move the door between a closed position and an open position located above the closed position, a counterbalance system to reduce power required to lift the door, an apparatus to generate first signal representing a force used to move the door from the closed position to the open position, and to generate a second signal representing a force used to move the door from the open position to the closed position, and a controller responsive to the first signal and to the second signal to indicate an imbalance of the door when a difference between the first signal and the second signal exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Publication date: April 21, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas Brookbank, James Fitzgibbon
  • Publication number: 20050057100
    Abstract: A barrier movement operator with a backup source of DC power is disclosed. The power supply of the barrier movement operator sends current limited DC to the backup which uses the DC to charge a battery. The battery is in circuit at all times with the barrier movement operator power supply by means of a power diode and, when an AC mains power failure occurs, DC power is sent from the battery to power the barrier movement operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 17, 2005
    Inventors: Steven Crusius, James Fitzgibbon, Robert Keller, Matthew Stephen
  • Publication number: 20050057340
    Abstract: A system and method of actuating a remote control access system in a motor vehicle non-invasively detects the occurrence of an event involving an actuation of at least one component of a motor vehicle. A control signal is transmitted to a remote control access system as a result of detecting the event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: March 17, 2005
    Inventor: James Fitzgibbon