Patents by Inventor Paul Vandrunen

Paul 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: 7397342
    Abstract: An operating system for a motorized barrier includes an operator for controlling movement of the barrier between various positions. The operator may receive wireless signals from a wireless or wired wall station transmitter, a wireless keyless entry device and/or a portable remote transmitter device. The system also includes a device such as a light kit or switch that controls a load, wherein the device is capable of also receiving wireless signals to control the kit or the load. And the transmitters are capable of generating wireless signals receivable by the operator and the device for independent operation of each.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.
    Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Yan Rodriguez, Paul Vandrunen, Steven Maurer, Richard E. Gagnon
  • Publication number: 20070194218
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventors: Willis Mullet, Paul VanDrunen
  • Publication number: 20070075655
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: April 5, 2007
    Inventors: Paul VanDrunen, Jason Mamaloukas, James Murray
  • Publication number: 20070076645
    Abstract: A signal repeater system in a repeater unit having a repeater receiver, a repeater transmitter, a controller, a power source, and an optional network interface. The repeater unit performs an authentication of security codes contained in the received communication signals. If validly authenticated, the repeater unit retransmits the communication signals to a barrier operator. The transmitted communication signals may also contain predetermined functions that allow a remote transmitter to actuate an access barrier, such as a garage door opener, via the barrier operator. As such, the repeater system extends the effective range of the remote transmitter, allowing a user to actuate the barrier operator from a greater range. An optional network interface provided by the repeater unit, allows the repeater unit to be connected to any computer network. Accordingly, a remote host can access certain data content and invoke certain functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: April 5, 2007
    Inventor: Paul VanDrunen
  • Publication number: 20070046428
    Abstract: An operator system and related methods for automatically controlling access barriers including a controller associated with at least one access barrier and a transceiver associated with the controller for transmitting and receiving operational signals. The system also includes at least one proximity device capable of communicating operational signals with the transceiver based upon a position of the proximity device with respect to the barrier and/or the operational status of a vehicle carrying the proximity device, wherein the controller monitors the operational signals and controls the position of the access barrier based upon the operation signals. Such a system allows for hands-free operation of the access barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Inventors: Jason Mamaloukas, Paul VanDrunen, Albert Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20060290307
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Inventors: Willis Mullet, Paul VanDrunen
  • Publication number: 20060267409
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Publication date: November 30, 2006
    Inventors: Willis Mullet, Yan Rodriguez, Paul VanDrunen, Richard Bardin, Ben Garcia
  • Publication number: 20050195066
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2004
    Publication date: September 8, 2005
    Inventors: Paul Vandrunen, James Murray
  • Publication number: 20050184854
    Abstract: An operating system for a motorized barrier includes an operator for controlling movement of the barrier between various positions. The operator may receive wireless signals from a wireless or wired wall station transmitter, a wireless keyless entry device and/or a portable remote transmitter device. The system also includes a device such as a light kit or switch that controls a load, wherein the device is capable of also receiving wireless signals to control the kit or the load. And the transmitters are capable of generating wireless signals receivable by the operator and the device for independent operation of each.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Willis Mullet, Yan Rodriguez, Paul Vandrunen, Steven Maurer, Richard Gagnon