Abstract: A wireless transmit-only apparatus (20) has a controller (21) that responds to a user interface 25 by correlating specific user input with a corresponding characterizing transmission parameter(s) as is stored in a memory (35) and by selecting a corresponding resonant device (31 and 32). The latter devices serve to drive the PLL control input of a phase locked loop (23) to thereby influence the transmission carrier frequency of a wireless transmitter (22). In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the resonant devices comprises a mechanically resonant device such as a surface acoustic wave device, a crystal resonator, or a ceramic resonator.

Abstract: A wireless transmit-only apparatus (20) can be comprised of a controller (21) that selectively controls which of a plurality of resonant devices (24 and 25) are utilized to influence the transmission carrier frequency of a transmitter (26). In a preferred embodiment at least one of the resonant devices comprises a mechanically resonant device (24) such as a surface acoustic wave device, a crystal resonator, or a ceramic resonator. In a preferred embodiment, a user interface (22) includes a plurality of independently assertable inputs. The controller responds to assertion of one of this inputs by selecting a particular set of characterizing transmission parameters (as are stored, for example, in a memory (23) and using those characterizing transmission parameters to transmit a message using a transmission carrier frequency as corresponds to use of a co-selected resonant device.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator includes an absolute position detector which provides a unique value for each position of the barrier along its path of travel. The absolute position detector employs multiple binary serial streams and one multiple clock stream. After the first five cycles of the clock stream, the binary streams can be decoded by a processor to produce an absolute position. Every clock edge produces a new absolute position along the path of travel.

Abstract: An asymmetrical drive motor and apparatus with the asymmetric drive motor driving a barrier. The asymmetric drive motor drives the barrier at different drive powers according to direction, time of travel, safety requirements of speed. The drive power is controlled by electrically changing the capacitance value for a permanent split capacitor motor.

Abstract: An electronic service reminder to automatically notify a user as to when and what type of maintenance should be performed on the garage door operator, based on a variety of factors, including time, materials and operating environment. The garage door operator is configured to automatically generate an electronic service reminder in the form of an audible or visual alert based on one or more operating parameters of the garage door operator meeting or exceeding a predefined threshold. The predefined threshold is variable based on the values of the operating parameters.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the speed of an A.C. induction motor are disclosed and shown in operation for controlling the movement of a barrier. Included are voltage configuration circuits which selectively gate portions of the half-cycles of AC mains voltage to the induction motor. When the motor is started increasing amounts of mains AC voltage is applied to the motor and decreasing portions of the mains AC are applied to the motor during a stopping routine. The motor can also be energized with less than full mains AC to permit differences in barrier movement speed dependent on operating parameters.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator (11) transmits status signals from time to time to reflect its own operational states. A corresponding wireless remote control apparatus (14) receives such status signals and used the informational content of such status signals to effect a variety of automatic and/or user-facilitated control strategies. In one embodiment, the wireless remote control apparatus can use the status signal to determine a distance (or at least an approximate distance) between the movable barrier operator and the wireless remote control apparatus. This distance information, in turn, can also be used to inform and enrich the control strategies and possibilities of the wireless remote control apparatus.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator system wherein one or more of the various components of the system is configured to operate selectively in at least either of two operational modes. Each operating mode is characterized by a corresponding energy usage profile. The operational status of the system is monitored and operating modes are selected that serve both to substantially ensure proper operation given current likely operational expectations and an overall desire to reduce energy consumption.

Abstract: An access requesting remote control device (10) includes an agile radio frequency transmitter (13) that will accommodate a variety of communication channels and modulation types. Programmable logic (11) controls the operation of the transmitter depending upon its programming. Such programming can be selectively varied as desired. In one embodiment, any of a plurality of pre-existing application programs can be selected in response to reception of a corresponding selection command via an external communication interface (14). In another embodiment, a relevant application program can be downloaded to the programmable logic via the external communication interface. In yet another embodiment, both options are available.

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.

Abstract: A mechanical memory as used with a movable barrier operator serves to provide characterizing codes and/or executable code to the movable barrier operator. In one embodiment the mechanical memory is integrated with an RPM cup (20). The mechanical memory includes physical aspects that interact in a predetermined way with energy such as, for example, light. This interaction can include passage, reflection, and absorption. Regular placement of at least some of the physical aspects can be used to permit real-time monitoring of at least one operating parameter of the movable barrier operator (such as motor speed or movable barrier position). In addition, these and/or additional physical aspects can be modified to correlate to data, such as bits or symbols, that represent the operator code.

Abstract: Pulse variable information is used to control at least obstacle detection and also, optionally, speed of movement of a movable barrier. In one embodiment, pursuant to a learning mode the movable barrier is moved and, while moving the movable barrier, at least one pulse variable that corresponds to movement of the movable barrier at a desired speed is measured and used to determine at least one predetermined threshold that corresponds to a level of excessive force as exerted by the movable barrier. This threshold can then be used during an operating mode to facilitate detection of barrier obstacles.

Abstract: A method of achieving off-balance sheet treatment via bifurcated sale and leases. Initially one identifies a real property consisting of land and improvements. Then one determines a value of the improvements and a rental value of the land. Thereafter one estimates a remaining economic useful life of the improvement, a maximum cost associated with the transaction and a maximum cost comprising professional fees, financing fees and closing costs. The entity is capitalized so that substantive non-consolidation of the entity and the company results from the transaction. Title to the improvements is transferred from the company to the entity, and the value of the improvements is transferred from the entity to the company, wherein the company provides no financing of the transferred amount.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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. The operator automatically learns both the open and close limits, regardless of direction of travel and without having to press a learn switch to set the open and close limits.

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.

Abstract: A touch panel level set for a CRT including a plurality of energy paths crisscrossing the faceplate of the CRT includes a microprocessor for energizing and interrogating the energy paths on a regular basis. A specific threshold level for each energy path is regularly determined by the microprocessor and retained in its memory. The specific threshold levels are used to compare the determined threshold levels in each energy path during interrogation thereof to ascertain whether the energy paths have been interrupted. Comparison is done on an analog basis with the memory output of the microprocessor being supplied through a D/A converter.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an X-Y co-ordinate detection system of the type which generates intersecting paths of radiation across a surface which may be, for example, a touch panel of the cathode ray tube type. Less expensive and more reliable operation is provided by developing the paths of radiation by use of radiation-emissive material disposed near at least one edge of the surface and excited by a flying spot of energy, such as an electron beam. In the preferred embodiment, strips of infrared emissive material are disposed on an internal surface of a cathode ray tube's panel and excited by overscanning the tube's electron beam to develop intersecting paths of infrared radiation across the tube's faceplate.