Abstract: A barrier movement operator having an integrated mains voltage connection with a selective connection of power to an accessory such as a light is disclosed.

Abstract: A barrier movement operator with improved mounting and power distribution capabilities is disclosed. The disclosed system includes an elongate member mounted from an overhead structure in a substantially horizontal manner. A head end of a barrier movement operator may be supported by the elongate member and the elongate member may be used to mount accessory devices such as lights and extension cords, and to provide mains voltage to the mounted accessories.

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.

Abstract: A fixed position remote control unit 20 as used with a movable barrier operator 11 has an externally accessible plug-in module interface 25. This interface 25 operably couples to the link 23 and 24 between the remote control unit 20 and the operator 11. So configured, a plug-in module 40 that docks and couples with this plug-in module interface 25 can receive operating (or charging) power from the movable barrier operator 11, exchange signaling with the movable barrier operator 11, or both. The ability to readily exchange signaling without invasive wiring permits a wide variety of plug-in modules 40 to be utilized.

Abstract: A drive system is provided for a moveable barrier, such as a garage door, that limits unauthorized shifting thereof. The drive system includes a flexible actuator for raising and lowering the door. The flexible actuator is tensioned with a biasing mechanism to minimize actuator throw, and a stop assembly of the biasing mechanism limits unauthorized travel of the garage door from the closed position by a predetermined amount that is sufficiently small so as to keep intruders out of the garage. The flexible actuator may for example, be a cable, a belt or a chain.

Abstract: A system for decoupling a barrier from a barrier movement apparatus for the manual operation of the barrier. Advantageously, the decoupling is performed in response to a wireless signal and may be done only when the barrier is determined to be in a safe position.

Abstract: A fixed position remote control unit 20 as used with a movable barrier operator 11 has an externally accessible plug-in module interface 25. This interface 25 operably couples to the link 23 and 24 between the remote control unit 20 and the operator 11. So configured, a plug-in module 40 that docks and couples with this plug-in module interface 25 can receive operating (or charging) power from the movable barrier operator 11, exchange signaling with the movable barrier operator 11, or both. The ability to readily exchange signaling without invasive wiring permits a wide variety of plug-in modules 40 to be utilized.

Abstract: A garage door movement apparatus comprising a garage door vertically movable in tracks to open and close a garage door opening. A jack shaft may be mounted horizontally above the door opening and support a sprocket disposed thereon. A chain may be connected to the door near a bottom thereof and engaged with the sprocket. A spring may be disposed about the jack shaft to provide rotation forces to act against the weight of the door. A track for carrying the garage door is mounted near the garage door opening and has at least a vertical section. In order to convey downward forces on the door from the sprocket, the chain between the sprocket and the door bottom may include a substantially vertical section of a chain guide, which is disposed beneath the sprocket in a direction substantially parallel with the door track.

Abstract: A cable tension sensing apparatus is mounted on a wall having a door opening. The jack shaft garage door operator includes a drive unit having an electric motor for driving a jack shaft mounted above a door opening. A pull-up cable drum is connected to the jack shaft and has a multi-strand steel pull-up cable that may be payed out to lower a door or wound up to raise the door. The cable tension sensing apparatus includes a cable guide to retain the cable a substantially fixed distance from the wall and a spring driven cable follower which urges against the cable extending between the drum periphery and the cable guide. An alerting switch is connected to the cable follower and sends a signal indicating loss of cable tension when the cable follower moves beyond a predetermined distance. Additionally, the movement of the cable follower moves a door blocking arrangement to a position to block movement of the door when being raised without use of the motor.

Abstract: A drive system is provided for a moveable barrier, such as a garage door, that limits unauthorized shifting thereof. The drive system includes a flexible actuator for raising and lowering the door. The flexible actuator is tensioned with a biasing mechanism to minimize actuator throw, and a stop assembly of the biasing mechanism limits unauthorized travel of the garage door from the closed position by a predetermined amount that is sufficiently small so as to keep intruders out of the garage. The flexible actuator may for example, be a cable, a belt or a chain.

Abstract: A system and method for decoupling a barrier from a barrier movement apparatus for the manual operation of the barrier. Advantageously, the decoupling is performed in response to a wireless signal and may be done only when the barrier is determined to be in a safe position.

Abstract: A drive system is provided for a moveable barrier, such as a garage door, that limits unauthorized shifting thereof. The drive system includes a cable actuator for lowering the door. The cable actuator is tensioned with a biasing mechanism to minimize cable throw, and a stop assembly of the biasing mechanism limits travel of the garage door from the closed position by a predetermined amount that is sufficiently small so as to keep intruders out of the garage.

Abstract: A cable tension sensing apparatus is mounted on a wall having a door opening. The jack shaft garage door operator includes a drive unit having an electric motor for driving a jack shaft mounted above a door opening. A pull-up cable drum is connected to the jack shaft and has a multi-strand steel pull-up cable that may be payed out to lower a door or wound up to raise the door. The cable tension sensing apparatus includes a cable guide to retain the cable a substantially fixed distance from the wall and a spring driven cable follower which urges against the cable extending between the drum periphery and the cable guide. An alerting switch is connected to the cable follower and sends a signal indicating loss of cable tension when the cable follower moves beyond a predetermined distance. Additionally, the movement of the cable follower moves a door blocking arrangement to a position to block movement of the door when being raised without use of the motor.