Abstract: A system and method for determining the position of a moveable barrier relative to the fully open position and fully closed position. The invention utilizes in a preferred embodiment a geo-magnetic sensor to determine the extent to which the barrier has traveled from reference position of fully open or fully closed to some intermediate point. A multi-axis sensor provides an output which changes during the barrier's excursion relative to each of the respective axes so that direction or tilt may be readily known in between the closed and open positions. Operation of the gate or barrier may be more efficiently controlled when its precise location between open and closed is known.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the position of a moveable barrier relative to the fully open position and fully closed position. The invention utilizes in a preferred embodiment a geo-magnetic sensor to determine the extent to which the barrier has traveled from reference position of fully open or fully closed to some intermediate point. A multi-axis sensor provides an output which changes during the barrier's excursion relative to each of the respective axes so that direction or tilt may be readily known in between the closed and open positions. Operation of the gate or barrier may be more efficiently controlled when its precise location between open and closed is known.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a tampering of a moveable gate barrier. A singular or a plurality of vibration sensors are strategically positioned on the gate and a gate operator to detect tampering while the gate is closed. If the sensor outputs exceed preset thresholds of duration and/or magnitude, an alarm is activated to alert personnel to an attempted breach of the gate barrier.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting an object or obstruction in the path of a moveable barrier or automatic gate and allowing a coupled controller to determine corrective action prior to the moveable barrier coming in physical contact with such object or obstruction. A plurality of sensors in a physical array is used to detect such objects in the path of a barrier as it moves from closed to open and vice versa. The output of each respective sensor is compared to all of the others. In the preferred embodiment, if all of the sensor outputs are the same, it is assumed that there is no obstruction. However, if the output of any one sensor differs from the output of another sensor, it is assumed that there is an obstruction and the gate is either stopped or reversed before contact is made.

Abstract: A lock module housing containing the components of a preferred embodiment is physically mounted to the rear of a gate drive motor of an automatic gate system. A solenoid front shaft, when the solenoid is de-energized, is pushed into a sprocket attached to the drive motor, thus preventing the motor shaft from turning. To release the drive motor, the solenoid is energized. The solenoid rear shaft contacts a limit switch to indicate to the controller that the drive motor is indeed unlocked. When the controller is about to move the gate, energizing the solenoid retracts the shaft and allows normal operation of the gate control system. At the end of the gate cycle, the solenoid is de-energized and the drive motor is once again locked. In the case of a manual release, a key lock is turned from a first position to a second position to unlock the motor shaft. A mechanical linkage arm attached to the key lock pulls the solenoid shaft to its energized position, which in turn contacts the limit switch.

Abstract: A wireless telephone interface for use with the control operator of an automatic gate system. A device utilized as a telephone extension device where a user can remotely call the device and by entering a code, can wirelessly command the gate operator to initiate a movement of the gate to either an open or closed position. This system is designed as a direct telephone interface without the complexity of a telephone entry system. The key benefit is a programmable hold open time “per command”.

Abstract: An access control system and one or more remote user interfaces that communicate with one another via nine bit messages are able to wirelessly communicate with one another via conversion of such nine bit messages into multiple corresponding eight bit message. In a preferred approach, information from the original nine bit message that indicates a message type is segregated to one such eight bit message.

Abstract: The temperature of an operator circuit is measured. A relationship between the temperature of the operator circuit and characteristics of the operator circuit is determined. The relationship is applied to the measured temperature of the operator circuit to create an adjustment action. The detection threshold is adjusted by the adjustment action.

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 system and method of troubleshooting a communication connection for a remotely located security system is disclosed. A communication line test unit is incorporated into the remote security system and its communication unit. A central control unit can then contact the remote security system communication unit, enable the communication line test unit and perform tests on various operational parameters of the communication unit located in the remote unit and the communication connection of the local unit. The tests conducted can include loop current, tip to ring voltage, ring to ground current, circuit loss, circuit noise, power influence as well as other tests. Based on the results of these tests a determination can be made if the problem is an extraneous influence, such as a poor local telephone line connection, or some problem with the security system communication unit itself.

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 wireless host access control unit (11) and one or more corresponding wireless remote user interfaces (14) are configured and arranged to participate in a test mode of operation. Pursuant to the test mode of operation, these two system components participate in one or more test transmissions that exercise a wireless transmission link to thereby assess the viability of that link. A corresponding user-discernable test indicator is then provided at the wireless remote user interface. So configured, an installer can test any number of candidate locations for a wireless remote user interface prior to permanently installing that interface, thereby more likely ensuring that the latter will be able to successfully interface with the wireless host access control unit following installation.

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 security system and method is disclosed for use with a security gate entry system that uses a telephone or other communication system at a security gate for communication by a person seeking entry into the secure area with a residence or other unit in the secure area. When a person seeking entry to a limited access area calls on the voice communication system, provided at a security gate entry system a residence or other unit within the secure complex the party answering the call has the option of disguising or altering the voice characteristics of the person answering the call. The system in a preferred embodiment shifts the audio characteristics of a female or child's voice to that of an adult male.

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 security gate operating system and method are disclosed, which may comprise a security gate capable of motion between a closed position and an open position; a drive mechanism attached to the security gate and adapted to provide a driving force to the security gate to move the security gate between the closed position and the open position; and electrical drive motor having a drive shaft connected directly to the drive mechanism without a reduction gear between the drive motor and the drive mechanism. The method and system may also comprise the drive motor being a reluctance motor including a switched reluctance motor, and including also a three phase switched reluctance motor. The method and system may also comprise a drive chain operatively connected to the security gate; and a drive sprocket attached directly to the shaft of the drive motor, with the drive sprocket in operative connection to the drive chain.

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 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.