Patents by Inventor James S. Murray
James S. Murray 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: 8400264Abstract: An operator system and related methods for automatically controlling access barriers which includes a base controller associated with at least one access barrier and at least one base receiver associated with the base controller. The system also includes at least one mobile transmitter that automatically and periodically generates at least one mobile signal detectable by the base receiver. The base controller selectively generates barrier movement commands upon receipt of the at least one mobile signal. Timers may be used to block receipt of any mobile signals for a period of time to prevent any further door movement. Such a system allows for hands-free operation of the access barrier. A discrete processing system may also be used to retrofit existing barrier operator systems for use in hands-free operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2007Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Homerun Holdings CorporationInventors: Willis J. Mullet, Jason L. Mamaloukas, James S. Murray
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Patent number: 8330572Abstract: A multiple barrier control system includes a plurality of barrier operators configured to move associated access barriers between limit positions. Each of the barrier operators are enabled to communicate with one or more local transmitters. The local transmitters may maintain an all-close button, an all-open button, and an all-stop button, which are associated with corresponding functions maintained by the barrier operators. Upon the actuation of one of the buttons, the associated function is simultaneously carried out by each of the associated barrier operators. Additionally, a portable network control may invoke the simultaneous control of functions at each of the barrier operators via an associated communication network. Moreover, scenes may be created wherein the barrier operators and other accessories, such as lights and appliances, may be moved or actuated to a desired status upon actuation of a scene button on either the local transmitter or the portable network control.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2007Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Homerun Holdings CorporationInventors: Yan Rodriguez, James S. Murray
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Patent number: 8111133Abstract: A barrier operator is configured to learn and receive disparate wireless transmission signals to control movement of a barrier. The operator includes a receiver core circuit adapted to receive wireless transmission signals containing known and unknown formatted data words. A microcontroller is adapted to determine a fixed code portion of the unknown formatted data words. The microcontroller is also associated with a memory unit and connected to the receiver core circuit for storing in the memory unit the known formatted data words and the unknown formatted data words if the fixed code portion can be determined when the microcontroller is in a learn mode. The receiver core circuit may also scan only frequencies associated with learn codes, pre-selected frequencies, and incremental frequencies within a predetermined range of frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Homerun Holdings CorporationInventors: Yan Rodriguez, Ben L. Garcia, James S. Murray
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Patent number: 7521881Abstract: A constant speed barrier operator comprises a controller, a memory unit, a potentiometer, a pulse counter, and a motor control. The potentiometer and pulse counter monitor the position and speed of an access barrier. As the access barrier is moved between open and closed positions the controller samples the position and speed of the access barrier. These samples are used to analyze whether the speed at a given point deviates from a predetermined speed selected for the access barrier. If a variation exists, the controller takes corrective action by changing power settings for the motor for a given access barrier position.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Paul J. VanDrunen, Jason L. Mamaloukas, James S. Murray
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Publication number: 20080224886Abstract: A multiple barrier control system includes a plurality of barrier operators configured to move associated access barriers between limit positions. Each of the barrier operators are enabled to communicate with one or more local transmitters. The local transmitters may maintain an all-close button, an all-open button, and an all-stop button, which are associated with corresponding functions maintained by the barrier operators. Upon the actuation of one of the buttons, the associated function is simultaneously carried out by each of the associated barrier operators. Additionally, a portable network control may invoke the simultaneous control of functions at each of the barrier operators via an associated communication network. Moreover, scenes may be created wherein the barrier operators and other accessories, such as lights and appliances, may be moved or actuated to a desired status upon actuation of a scene button on either the local transmitter or the portable network control.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventors: Yan Rodriguez, James S. Murray
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Publication number: 20080224885Abstract: A barrier operator is configured to learn and receive disparate wireless transmission signals to control movement of a barrier. The operator includes a receiver core circuit adapted to receive wireless transmission signals containing known and unknown formatted data words. A microcontroller is adapted to determine a fixed code portion of the unknown formatted data words. The microcontroller is also associated with a memory unit and connected to the receiver core circuit for storing in the memory unit the known formatted data words and the unknown formatted data words if the fixed code portion can be determined when the microcontroller is in a learn mode. The receiver core circuit may also scan only frequencies associated with learn codes, pre-selected frequencies, and incremental frequencies within a predetermined range of frequencies.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventors: Yan Rodriguez, Ben L. Garcia, James S. Murray
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Patent number: 7375484Abstract: A system and method for unattended control of an access barrier comprises a barrier operator having a timer capable of being updated at predetermined intervals. The barrier operator is configured to receive an auto-close signal that is periodically sent from a wall station, keyless transmitter, or remote transmitter that is compatible with the barrier operator. When the auto-close mode is invoked, the barrier operator initiates the timer when it detects that the access barrier has been opened. As such, the access barrier is closed via the barrier operator when both the timer has expired, and the auto-close signal is received by the barrier operator from one of the transmitters.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventor: James S. Murray
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Patent number: 7375612Abstract: A door operator and related methodologies for learning new transmitter codes include a motor for moving the moveable barrier between two travel limit positions, an operator for controlling operations of the motor and a remote transmitter. The operator includes temporary and permanent memory devices to assist in learning new transmitter codes as needed. In one embodiment, the operator learns a new transmitter code by receiving signals from the remote transmitter after a storage button is depressed. In another embodiment, the operator learns a new transmitter code by periodically alternating between receipt of low range and high range radio frequency signals. In a similar embodiment, actuation of a transmitter button emits an infrared signal for programming the operator and a radio frequency signal for enabling the motor.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2002Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: James S. Murray, Yan Rodriguez
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Patent number: 7327107Abstract: An operator system and related methods for automatically controlling access barriers which includes a base controller associated with at least one access barrier and at least one base receiver associated with the base controller. The system also includes at least one mobile transmitter that automatically and periodically generates at least one mobile signal detectable by the base receiver. The base controller selectively generates barrier movement commands upon receipt of the at least one mobile signal. Timers may be used to block receipt of any mobile signals for a period of time to prevent any further door movement. Such a system allows for hands-free operation of the access barrier. A discrete processing system may also be used to retrofit existing barrier operator systems for use in hands-free operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2005Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Jason L. Mamaloukas, James S. Murray
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Patent number: 7327249Abstract: A barrier operator system is disclosed that is capable of receiving different wireless signals. The system includes a primary controller that is connected to a first receiver which receives a first wireless signal. And the system includes a second receiver circuit that is connected to the controller and receives a second wireless signal that is different from the first wireless signal. This allows the system to accept wireless signals from two or more different types of transmitters to allow for use of older technology transmitters with newer technology operator systems. The wireless signals may be in the form of radio frequency, infra-red, visible light or audio signals.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventor: James S. Murray
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Patent number: 7315143Abstract: An operating system which utilizes a multi-functional wall station for a motorized barrier includes an operator for controlling movement of a barrier between various positions. The operator may receive signals from a wireless or wired wall station transmitter, a wireless keyless entry device and/or a portable remote transmitter device. The multi-function wall station provides for selective concealment of certain switches or buttons which are not commonly used in the day-to-day operation of a wall station. For example, the up/down switch may be actuated by a hinged cover which conceals other selected operational buttons and wherein those operational buttons are only accessed upon opening of the hinged cover. The wall station also provides a periodic lighting element so as to easily direct the user to push the hinge cover to initiate up/down movement of the barrier.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2005Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, James S. Murray, David B. Davies
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Patent number: 7228883Abstract: A movable barrier operator system includes a motorized operator which moves a barrier between limit positions, and a photo-electric safety system connected to the motorized operator. The photo-electric safety system monitors for obstructions at more than one height along the barrier's path between limit positions. This is done by installing a supplemental photo-electric safety system to work in conjunction with a pre-existing photo-electric safety system connected to the motorized barrier operator.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventor: James S Murray
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Patent number: 7211975Abstract: A motorized barrier operator system is disclosed that is adaptable to different safety configurations. The system is provided with a default configuration that may be changed upon detection of an optional safety configuration by the operator system. The changeover may be accomplished by actuation of a program button upon system power-up or in conjunction with program button actuation and the presence or absence of a jumper associated with a controller of the operator system.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: James S. Murray, Paul J. VanDrunen
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Patent number: 7193502Abstract: An operating system for a motorized barrier includes an operator for controlling movement of the barrier between various positions and an accessory. The system includes a wall station transmitter, a wireless keyless entry transmitter and/or a portable remote transmitter. The system also includes an accessory device such as a light fixture or switch that controls a load, wherein the device is capable of also receiving wireless signals to control the fixture or the load. The system allows for pre-storing of an operator serial number that is needed to communicate with the accessory devices. The operator serial number may also be randomly derived from a timer or by parsing a serial number generated by one of the transmitters.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Paul J. Vandrunen, James S. Murray
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Patent number: 7183732Abstract: A motorized barrier operator that moves a barrier between limit positions, includes a motor for moving the barrier between set limit positions. When the barrier is in a stopped, partially open position the operator implements at least a hybrid control sequence that employs either a four-phase logic or an open-only logic depending upon the status of a mode indicator. In the preferred embodiment the mode indicator is a time light that is activated upon receipt of a user command.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2004Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventor: James S. Murray
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Patent number: 7173516Abstract: An operating system which utilizes a multi-functional wall station for a motorized barrier includes an operator for controlling movement of a barrier between various positions. The operator may receive signals from a wireless or wired wall station transmitter, a wireless keyless entry device and/or a portable remote transmitter device. The multi-function wall station provides for selective concealment of certain switches or buttons which are not commonly used in the day-to-day operation of a wall station. For example, the up/down switch may be actuated by a hinged cover which conceals other selected operational buttons and wherein those operational buttons are only accessed upon opening of the hinged cover. The wall station also provides a periodic lighting element so as to easily direct the user to push the hinge cover to initiate up/down movement of the barrier.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, David B. Davies, Mikael Bäckström, Eric Wilmot, Keith Alsberg, James S. Murray
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Patent number: 7173514Abstract: A modifiable transmitter is used with an operator to control a position of a barrier. The operator includes a controller for comparing radio frequency transmissions received with stored serial numbers so that the controller can move the barrier when a radio frequency transmission matches any one of the stored serial numbers. The transmitter includes a housing that carries an encoder. A function button is carried by the housing, wherein actuation of the button generates in a first non-standard way a new serial number that can be learned by the controller to allow the modifiable transmitter to move the barrier by emitting the radio frequency transmission. A second non-standard way, which can only be implemented after use of the first non-standard way, may also be used to generate a new serial number. A restricted access button may also be activated to generate a new serial number.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, James S. Murray
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Patent number: 7116072Abstract: A method and system for setting a downward force adjustment exerted by a barrier is disclosed. As is known, the barrier operator initiates corrective action if a detected obstruction force is deemed excessive. The inventive method and system comprises pre-setting a force threshold value used by the barrier operator. While in a programming mode, the barrier is moved from one limit position to another limit position. A recorded value is determined during the moving of the barrier and the threshold value is adjusted until equal the recorded value. A feedback device such as a light or a speaker is used to indicate when the threshold value is at least equal the recorded value.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: James S Murray, Richard E Gagnon
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Patent number: 7109677Abstract: A method for controlling a motorized barrier operator after detecting an obstruction includes the steps of providing a motorized barrier operator that moves a barrier between limit positions and providing at least one control switch that upon actuation moves the barrier in a direction toward one of the limit positions. Actuation of the at least one control switch during movement of the barriers at least causes the barrier to stop. If an obstruction is detected by the motorized barrier operator during movement of the barrier, the operator allows only uni-directional movement of the barrier, regardless of actuation of the at least one control switch, after the detecting step.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2004Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Richard E Gagnon, James S Murray
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Patent number: 7075256Abstract: An operator and related method for adjusting an internal force setting for a motorized garage door operator is disclosed. The operator checks for the presence of a secondary entrapment safety feature and automatically increases a force threshold setting from a first value to a second value if the secondary entrapment safety feature is detected. If the safety feature is not detected or it is later disconnected, then the operator automatically sets the force threshold to a more sensitive value.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventor: James S. Murray