Abstract: An access control mechanism such as a movable barrier operator (70) has a first time window unit (72) that is responsive to one or more triggers (71) (such as a delayed-closure button). An event detector (73) then monitors for one or more events of interest during a corresponding first time window. For example, the event detector can monitor for evidence that a vehicle is moving towards a garage exit or has effected an exit from the garage. A second time window unit (74) responsive at least to the event detector and optionally as well to the first time window unit then responds with a second time window. Upon conclusion of the second time window, a movable barrier closer (75) initiates movement of the corresponding movable barrier towards a closed position (or other position of interest).

Abstract: Information regarding electrical components and their use is provided with a foldable information sheet having instructions thereon. The sheet has apertures which fit over the electrical components and information is printed on the sheet in proximity to the electrical component or components to which it applies. A portion of the information sheet may be adhered to a planar surface on which the components are mounted and non-adhered portions of the information sheet may be folded over the components.

Abstract: An independent back memory module is disclosed that is permanently installed at a security gate installation. The memory module has a nonvolatile memory and it is positioned within the system so that it automatically has a communication link with any gate controller installed. The memory module records a history of the operation of the system. The memory module retains operational information regarding the system and information identifying the gate controller, gate controller board and the setup of the particular installation. The memory module also retains information regarding changes made in the setup of the system. Whenever a new gate controller board is installed information in the memory module is transmitted to the new controller board.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing a backup power supply for a security gate system. In a preferred embodiment it includes a primary power supply, an AC motor and an auxiliary DC motor that share the same accessory devices including controller, movement mechanism, sensors, communication unit, etc. The auxiliary DC motor has its own independent DC power supply. If the primary power supply fails the auxiliary power supply takes over and moves the barrier between the open and closed positions as needed without interruption of service.

Abstract: A reusable shipping container for the transport of heavy and/or bulky objects is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the reusable-shipping container the carrying base of the container is made of a strong durable plastic like material. The reusable shipping container includes a cover made of a lightweight flexible material that is connected to the base in a detachable but secure fashion by securing mechanisms. In a preferred embodiment the securing mechanism can be a quick releasable clip type mechanism or a twist lock mechanism.

Abstract: A security gate operating system, is disclosed which comprises an electrically powered motor; a thermally controlled circuit breaker set to remove power to the motor when the motor reaches a preselected threshold temperature; a cooling fan associated with the motor and selectively powered to provide auxiliary cooling to the motor to prevent the motor from overheating; and a cooling fan motor controller, adapted to selectively supply power to the cooling fan when the motor is approaching the threshold temperature. The apparatus can further comprise the cooling fan controller being a thermo-static switch set to close at a preselected temperature below the threshold temperature, or a programmed microprocessor/microcontroller programmed to provide power to the cooling fan at a preselected temperature below the threshold temperature or when the temperature of the motor is about to reach the preselected temperature.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing a backup power supply for a security gate system. In a preferred embodiment it includes a primary power supply, an AC motor and an auxiliary DC motor that share the same accessory devices including controller, movement mechanism, sensors, communication unit, etc. The auxiliary DC motor has its own independent DC power supply. If the primary power supply fails the auxiliary power supply takes over and moves the barrier between the open and closed positions as needed without interruption of service.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed to the elimination of cross talk between inductive loop detector units in a security system. The system includes appropriate devices for assigning different operational frequencies of each loop detector circuit to avoid cross talk. In a further aspect it provides a system and method for determining actual operational frequencies of various loop detector circuits in a security system and for changing the resonant frequencies to eliminate cross talk.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the speed of security gate depending on its length is disclosed. It includes a system for determining the length of a gate that the system is working with and which automatically sets the speed of movement of the gate based on length. The system works automatically so that human intervention is not necessary to set the optimal speed once installed.

Abstract: A modular terminal block with one or more built in surge protectors is disclosed. The terminal block contains all of the surge protection devices for a security or other type of system. The connectors of the terminal block also have indicia on the connector pairs of the terminal block that match the connectors of the terminal block with the connectors of the system to which the surge protector is to be connected. The identifying indicia on the connectors pairs provides for the easy identification of the proper interconnections between the terminal block and the system it is designed to protect.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a security gate is disclosed which may comprise a drive mechanism arm having a first end and a second end, and including a security gate attachment member connected to the first end of the drive mechanism arm; a drive mechanism actuator operatively connected directly or indirectly to the drive mechanism arm and adapted to move the drive mechanism arm along a predefined path in relation to the actuator in response to operation of the actuator; and a release mechanism adapted to release the connection of the security gate attachment member to the first end of the drive mechanism arm in response to the application of a force to the security gate attachment member in a direction other than the force applied to the security gate attachment member by the drive mechanism arm in response to the operation of the actuator to move the security gate drive mechanism arm along the predefined path.

Abstract: A system for preventing a security gate from making hard contact with an object in its path is disclosed. The apparatus detects the presence of an object by use of ultra sonic detectors that use ultra sonic transceivers. When an object is detected the gate operator makes the appropriate calculations to avoid hitting the object. The system operates continuously and can determine if the object is still in the protected area or has moved beyond the protected area.

Abstract: An apparatus for shutting off power to a gate motor is disclosed when the gate to which the gate motor is connected is opened or closed manually. In a preferred embodiment a sensor is activated that immediately shuts off power to the gate motor upon insertion of a crank into a receptacle on a pulley of the power driven gate movement system to commence manual opening or closing of the gate with the crank. Rotation of the crank in the appropriate direction either opens or closes the gate. Power is restored to the gate motor when the sensor determines that the crank has been withdrawn from the pulley.

Abstract: A modular terminal block with one or more built in surge protectors is disclosed. The terminal block contains all of the surge protection devices for a security or other type of system. The connectors of the terminal block also have indicia on the connector pairs of the terminal block that match the connectors of the terminal block with the connectors of the system to which the surge protector is to be connected. The identifying indicia on the connectors pairs provides for the easy identification of the proper interconnections between the terminal block and the system it is designed to protect.

Abstract: A apparatus for recording information on power surges in an electrical or electronic system is disclosed. The apparatus has a gas discharge tube connected between an input line of the electrical or electronic circuit protected and ground. The gas discharge tube is set to activate at a predetermined voltage. The gas discharge tube has adjacent to it a light sensor that reacts to discharges in the tube and the sensor in conjunction with enabling circuitry generates a signal representative of discharge of the gas discharge tube. The signal produced provides information on the time, magnitude and duration of discharges in the gas discharge tube, which are in turn representative of the power surge experienced by the system.

Abstract: A controller module unit is disclosed which may comprise a printed circuit board having a generally flat upper surface; a plurality of controller module connectors of a first type mounted on the printed circuit board, wherein each controller module connector may comprise: an elongated body; a plurality of first type connector elements arranged generally in alignment with the length of the elongated body; a flexible latching detent attached to the elongated body; a controller module alignment and positioning housing mounted on the printed circuit board; the controller module positioning and alignment frame may comprise: a front wall and a rear wall, each having an interior surface a connector bay containing a respective one of the controller module connectors; a first and a second guide shelf extending generally parallel to the upper surface of the printed circuit board, the separation of each of the first and second guide shelves from each other defining a first dimension of the connector bay; at least one gu

Abstract: An apparatus for shutting off power to a gate motor is disclosed when the gate to which the gate motor is connected is opened or closed manually. In a preferred embodiment a sensor is activated that immediately shuts off power to the gate motor upon insertion of a crank into a receptacle on a pulley of the power driven gate movement system to commence manual opening or closing of the gate with the crank. Rotation of the crank in the appropriate direction either opens or closes the gate. Power is restored to the gate motor when the sensor determines that the crank has been withdrawn from the pulley.

Abstract: A apparatus for recording information on power surges in an electrical or electronic system is disclosed. The apparatus has a gas discharge tube connected between an input line of the electrical or electronic circuit protected and ground. The gas discharge tube is set to activate at a predetermined voltage. The gas discharge tube has adjacent to it a light sensor that reacts to discharges in the tube and the sensor in conjunction with enabling circuitry generates a signal representative of discharge of the gas discharge tube. The signal produced provides information on the time, magnitude and duration of discharges in the gas discharge tube which are in turn representative of the power surge experienced by the system.