Patents by Inventor Paul J. VanDrunen
Paul J. VanDrunen 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).
-
Patent number: 7592767Abstract: A barrier operating system having a diagnostic performance feature includes a motorized barrier movable between limit positions and a counterbalance system coupled to the barrier. A disconnect mechanism may be interposed between the motor and the counterbalance system so that the barrier can be moved manually without assistance from the motor. A position detection device is coupled to either the barrier or the counterbalance system and generates a barrier position signal. One of the motor and the position detection device generates operational parameter values for the barrier moving in either direction. A controller receives the operational parameter values and the barrier position signal, and as the barrier is manually moved, the controller compares operational parameter values for each direction of movement at a given position and generates a diagnostic signal based upon the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2007Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Yan Rodriguez, Thomas B. Bennett, III, Paul J. VanDrunen
-
Patent number: 7576504Abstract: An operator system for moving a barrier between limit positions, includes an operator motor assembly mounted to the barrier, wherein the motor assembly is movable between an operating position and a locking position with the motor assembly blocking movement of the barrier. A bias assembly allows the motor assembly to move toward the locking position when either a predetermined force overcomes a biasing force, or when the barrier is moved to a closed position or when forced entry is imposed on the barrier. A modified blocker tab having a plurality of projections, and which is part of the motor assembly, allows the speed/angular position of the rotation of the motor assembly to be monitored with increased resolution.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2006Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Paul J. VanDrunen
-
Publication number: 20090115366Abstract: An operator system for moving a barrier between limit positions, includes an operator motor assembly mounted to the barrier, wherein the motor assembly is movable between an operating position and a locking position with the motor assembly blocking movement of the barrier. A bias assembly allows the motor assembly to move toward the locking position when either a predetermined force overcomes a biasing force, or when the barrier is moved to a closed position or when forced entry is imposed on the barrier. A modified blocker tab having a plurality of projections, and which is part of the motor assembly, allows the speed/angular position of the rotation of the motor assembly to be monitored with increased resolution.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2006Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicant: WAYNEDALTON CORP.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Paul J. VanDrunen
-
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
-
Publication number: 20080224642Abstract: A barrier operating system having a diagnostic performance feature includes a motorized barrier movable between limit positions and a counterbalance system coupled to the barrier. A disconnect mechanism may be interposed between the motor and the counterbalance system so that the barrier can be moved manually without assistance from the motor. A position detection device is coupled to either the barrier or the counterbalance system and generates a barrier position signal. One of the motor and the position detection device generates operational parameter values for the barrier moving in either direction. A controller receives the operational parameter values and the barrier position signal, and as the barrier is manually moved, the controller compares operational parameter values for each direction of movement at a given position and generates a diagnostic signal based upon the comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventors: Yan Rodriguez, Thomas B. Bennett, Paul J. VanDrunen
-
Publication number: 20080184622Abstract: An uninterruptible power source (UPS) for supplying power to a barrier operator when mains power has failed is disclosed. The UPS includes a UPS controller for detecting and responding to a mains power failure and capable of generating a plurality of control signals. A backup power source and an up-converter is connected to the UPS controller, wherein the up-converter increases the voltage of the backup power source when needed. A switch is responsive to one of the plurality of control signals of the UPS controller and toggles the operator barrier between the up-converter and the mains power source, and awakens the operator via a standby receiver power line. Another embodiment awakens the operator anytime a UPS receiver receives a preamble of a wireless transmission signal. Auxiliary lighting may also be associated with the UPS and/or photo-electric safety devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2008Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Yan Rodriguez, Paul J. VanDrunen, Richard Bardin, Ben L. Garcia
-
Patent number: 7382063Abstract: An uninterruptible power source (UPS) for supplying power to a barrier operator when mains power has failed is disclosed. The UPS includes a UPS controller for detecting and responding to a mains power failure and capable of generating a plurality of control signals. A backup power source and an up-converter is connected to the UPS controller, wherein the up-converter increases the voltage of the backup power source when needed. A switch is responsive to one of the plurality of control signals of the UPS controller and toggles the operator barrier between the up-converter and the mains power source, and awakens the operator via a standby receiver power line. Another embodiment awakens the operator anytime a UPS receiver receives a preamble of a wireless transmission signal. Auxiliary lighting may also be associated with the UPS and/or photo-electric safety devices.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2005Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Yan Rodriguez, Paul J. VanDrunen, Richard Bardin, Ben L. Garcia
-
Patent number: 7358480Abstract: A system for re-synchronizing an access barrier with a barrier operator comprises an access barrier, and a barrier operator to profile and monitor the manual and automatic movements of the access barrier. The barrier operator comprises a controller, a memory, a motor pivot encoder, and a counting encoder. The memory contains a primary counter to store the distance measured by the counting encoder, while a secondary counter maintains a value equal to the travel of the access barrier as determined by a profiling operation initiated prior to operating the barrier operator. The controller takes into account the counts of the primary and secondary counters, along with the stored profile information, allows the re-synchronization system to determine the proper amount of movement to be applied to open or close the access barrier, in the event the access barrier has been manually moved.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Paul J. VanDrunen
-
Patent number: 7282883Abstract: A system for moving a barrier between limit positions, includes an operator motor assembly mounted proximate to the barrier, wherein at least a portion of the motor assembly is movable between an operating position and a locking position with the motor assembly blocking movement of the barrier. A bias assembly biases the motor assembly in the operating position and allows the motor assembly to move toward the locking position when either a predetermined force overcomes a biasing force or when the barrier is moved to a closed limit position or when forced entry is imposed on the barrier. The biasing force may be adjusted by moving posts on the motor assembly that are engaged by the bias assembly. A disengagement feature may also be provided that allows pivotable movement of the motor assembly even when in a locking position. And the pivoting motor assembly may be used as a secondary entrapment input to an operator controller.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2006Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Paul J. VanDrunen
-
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
-
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
-
Patent number: 7061197Abstract: A system for moving a barrier between limit positions, includes an operator motor assembly mounted proximate to the barrier, wherein at least a portion of the motor assembly is movable between an operating position and a locking position with the motor assembly blocking movement of the barrier. A bias assembly biases the motor assembly in the operating position and allows the motor assembly to move toward the locking position when either a predetermined force overcomes a biasing force or when the barrier is moved to a closed limit position or when forced entry is imposed on the barrier. The biasing force may be adjusted by moving posts on the motor assembly that are engaged by the bias assembly. A disengagement feature may also be provided that allows pivotable movement of the motor assembly even when in a locking position. And the pivoting motor assembly may be used as a secondary entrapment input to an operator controller.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2005Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Albert W. Mitchell, David B. Davies, Paul J. VanDrunen, James S. Murray, Derek S. Paquette, Michael Cognevich
-
Patent number: 7053571Abstract: An electric motor control having reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions includes a motor controller, a switch, and a power converter. The motor controller upon receipt of a control signal causes the switch to toggle between two or more states. In one state the power converter produces a half-wave rectified output (50% power) and in another state produces full-wave rectified output (100% power). Thus, when an electric motor is connected to the output of the power converter, the motor's speed and other operating parameters can be controlled by motor controller by changing the state of the switch.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Paul J. VanDrunen, Steven K. Maurer
-
Publication number: 20040164693Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Applicant: WAYNE-DALTON CORP.Inventors: James S. Murray, Paul J. VanDrunen