Abstract: A remote control system uses a state signal that indicates whether a door or lock is opening, open, closing or closed. The state signal that indicates whether a door or lock is opening, open, closing or closed is transmitted. The remote control device receives the state signal, while the remote control device is proximate to the door or lock. The received state signal is stored in the remote control device. An alarm signal is generated, if the state signal is not received by the remote control device, and the stored state signal indicates that the door or lock is opening or open. The system may be used to monitor and control an automatic garage door opener, a power door locking system in an automobile, a trunk locking system in an automobile, or door or window locking systems in a building.

Abstract: A platform sensing and control system including a wireless sensor (10, 12) for sensing at least the presence of a platform (26) opposite a door (32) of a railcar and providing an output indication of at least a platform presence in response thereto, and a door control controller (14) operative in response to the output indication of at least platform (26) presence for enduring that normally a door (32) is not opened other than when a platform (26) is located opposite such door (32).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically controlling the movement of a door over a floor from an open position to a closed position with respect to a door frame, by mounting ultrasonic transmitters at one side of the door frame and oriented to transmit ultrasonic energy downwardly towards the floor and to reflect the energy from the floor upwardly upwardly at the other side of the door frame; mounting ultrasonic receivers over the door frame at the opposite side and oriented to receive the energy from the ultrasonic transmitter reflected by the floor; and processing the reflected energy received by the ultrasonic receiver to detect the presence of an object in the path of the door, when moving toward its closed position, and to automatically interrupt the closing of the door.

Abstract: A system and an associated method of detecting an object in a three-dimensional field adjacent to a doorway, such as an elevator doorway, uses an array of energy emitters that emit three-dimensional energy signals into the field and an array of energy receivers that receive the energy signals reflected from the object. The signals are sampled a predetermined number of times. In one embodiment, if the lowest value sampled signal reaches a predetermined threshold, an object detection signal is generated. In an alternative embodiment, if the sampled signals are within a predetermined variance range, the object detection signal is generated. In another alternative embodiment, if a predetermined modulation code is detected within a sampled signal, the object detection signal is generated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically controlling the opening and closing of a door by: (a) ultrasonically monitoring a predetermined approach area located in front of the door for the entry of an object into the approach area and the movement of the object towards the closed door; (b) ultrasonically monitoring a predetermined opening-door protect area laterally outwardly of the outer end of the closed door, and a predetermined closing-door protect area inwardly of the inner end of the door for the presence of an object in the opening-door and closing-door protect areas; and (c) controlling a drive in response to the above monitoring operations.

Abstract: A elevator door protection system, having an infrared curtain comprising pairs of infrared transmitters and receivers and circuitry responsive to an output of the receiver due to interception for opening the elevator doors, includes detection circuitry which responds (a) when the elevator doors are closed, so as to reduce the usual power supplied to the transmitters; and (b) when the elevator doors open, so as to restore the usual power to the transmitters. Preferably, a time delay is included so that power dissipation is reduced only after a predetermined period following door closure. The invention reduces power consumption of infrared transmitter diodes, hence extending their lifetime.

Abstract: A wireless battery-operated window covering assembly is disclosed. The window covering has a head rail in which all the components are housed. These include a battery pack, an interface module including an IR receiver and a manual switch, a processor board including control circuitry, motor, drive gear, and a rotatably mounted reel on which lift cords wind and unwind a collapsible shade. The circuitry allows for dual-mode IR receiver operation and a multi-sensor polling scheme, both of which are configured to prolong battery life. Included among these sensors is a lift cord detector which gauges shade status to control the raising and lowering of the shade, and a rotation sensor which, in conjunction with internal registers and counters keeps track of travel limits and shade position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the distance between opposing sides of an elevator door system is presented. The invention enhances the ability of an elevator door safety system to discriminate between false targets and true obstructions. The method detects distance between a first plurality of emitters and a first plurality of receivers mounted on the opposing sides of the elevator door system. The method comprises emitting an energy beam from an emitter. A halo component of the energy beam, having a predetermined wide angle, is sampled with the plurality of receivers to provide a set of energy signals indicative of intensity of the halo component energy sampled. From the set of energy signals, a vertical distance from the center of the pattern to an intersection of the halo component with the first plurality of receivers is determined. The distance between the first plurality of emitters and receivers is then calculated utilizing the predetermined wide angle and the vertical distance.

Abstract: A parallelogram gate for controlling traffic on a roadway, comprised of an arm assembly that is rotatable between a raised position and a horizontal, longitudinally-extended, roadway blocking position, a housing, and a drive assembly mounted within the housing. The arm assembly has parallel, elongated upper and lower rails, and a plurality of spaced-apart pickets pivotally attached to the upper and lower rails. A stationary pivot attaches a pivot end of the upper rail to the housing. A pair of vertical, grooved channel guides are attached to the housing at a location within the housing that is intermediate the stationary pivot and a lower portion of the housing. The drive assembly includes a hydraulic cylinder having a vertically-upward directed piston arm and mounted to the lower portion of the housing. A horizontal pin inserted through a traveling clevis carried by the piston arm, and inserted through a pivot end of the lower rail, extends into a groove within each of the guides.

Abstract: A railway gate system comprising a railway station having an elevated platform area for passengers to stand and a recessed area with a track and a train movable therealong. A gate has a continuous upper restraining rail along its length. A plurality of cylindrical posts each have an upper end secured to the lower surface of the rail and a lower end. A horizontal recess and vertical apertures are located in the edge of the platform area adjacent to the track. The recess is adapted to receive the rail when lowered to an inoperative orientation and with the circular apertures adapted to slidably receive the posts. Motion imparting mechanisms include elongated pistons having upper ends secured to the lower surface of the rail, central extents extending through selected spaced circular apertures in the platform and lower ends. Hollow cylinders are located beneath the selected spaced circular apertures having open upper ends to receive the pistons.

Abstract: A system for automatic regulation of daylight admitted by a window in the presence of artificial illumination produced by a high-efficiency (e.g., fluorescent-type) electric lamp. A preferred embodiment, adaptive window covering system 10, consists of an illuminance sensor 11, a conventional control apparatus 12, and a conventional shading means 13. System 10 is used in conjunction with a conventional, high-efficiency, electric lamp 14 and a conventional window 18, in a room 19.Sensor 11 produces a signal dependent on power contained in a portion of the daylight spectrum, but substantially insensitive to power contained in the spectrum of artificial illumination produced by lamp 14. In a preferred embodiment, sensor 11 includes a silicon photodiode and optical low-pass filter to provide a spectral response which extends from approximately 800 to 1200 nanometers, which falls outside the spectrum produced by typical fluorescent lamps (e.g, 300 to 750 nanometers).

Abstract: An illuminated safety or security barrier is shown for preventing children and pets from gaining unauthorized access through passageways. The barrier may optionally be a gate allowing authorized passage. The barrier includes an electrically operated light disposed to illuminate the barrier directly, to project a visible signal away from the barrier, or both. The barrier includes an electrical system having a battery or plug and cord to supply power, controls, and conductors connecting the light, power source, and controls. Optionally, the controls include a programmable timer or a photocell or a motion sensor to inhibit operation of the light, and a manual switch which controls intensity of the light. The various controls may be combined if desired. Optionally, a remote controller is provided.

Abstract: A method for operating a power sliding door and a power liftgate in an automobile, such as a minivan, using a remote keyless entry (RKE) is comprised in a control system that includes a user input interface for receiving sliding door actuation requests from a user. The actuation signals are carried to a body control module (BCM) where the request is broadcast to a power sliding door module (PSDM) over a serial data bus communications network meeting the SAE J1850 multiplex communications protocol standard. Upon receipt of the actuation message the PSDM monitors several operating conditions of the automobile and makes a determination whether or not to carry out the power sliding door activation request. Power sliding door actuation is controlled by the PSDM via electric motors located at or near the power doors. A power liftgate module (PLGM) controls the power liftgate actuation upon via electric motors located at or near the liftgate.

Abstract: A wireless battery-operated window covering assembly is disclosed. The window covering has a head rail in which all the components are housed. These include a battery pack, an interface module including an IR receiver and a manual switch, a processor board including control circuitry, motor, drive gear, and a rotatably mounted reel on which lift cords wind and unwind a collapsible shade. The circuitry allows for dual-mode IR receiver operation and a multi-sensor polling scheme, both of which are configured to prolong battery life. Included among these sensors is a lift cord detector which gauges shade status to control the raising and lowering of the shade, and a rotation sensor which, in conjunction with internal registers and counters keeps track of travel limits and shade position.

Abstract: A safety system for detecting an obstruction approaching closing doors includes a transmitter stack and a detector stack. Each transmitter stack includes a plurality of transmitter three-dimensional lenses. Each detector stack includes a plurality of detector three-dimensional lenses. The three-dimensional lenses are offset from the corresponding optical devices to angle an outgoing or incoming signal. The present invention results in more compact packaging for the safety system and in reduced cost of the assembly therefor.

Abstract: A garage door status indicating system is provided including a power source. Also included is a switch having a first orientation when the garage door is open and a second orientation when the garage door is closed. A first indication circuit includes a red diode adapted to illuminate intermittently upon the switch being in the first orientation thereof, thereby indicating that the garage door is open. Associated therewith is a second indication circuit including a green diode adapted to illuminate continuously upon the switch being in the second orientation thereof, thereby indicating that the garage door is closed.

Abstract: A fume hood having a trimodal piston driven sash operator which have been improved by the addition of a travel interference system for the moveable sash to prevent accidents and the possible breakage of glassware and the like.

Abstract: An entry control and security system in the form of a pre-assembled door and door frame unit having an electric light, a motion detector, a radiant energy receiver and an electromechanically actuated latch all disposed on and built into the door frame. The invention provides an economically manufactured and easily installed unit which allows persons to unlatch a door by remote control in order to gain access to a building, as well as providing illumination in the vicinity of the doorway during periods of darkness. A radiant energy receiver, such as a radio frequency receiver, is disposed on the door frame and is electrically coupled with at least one electromechanical door latch also disposed on the frame. A keychain-sized remote control transmitter unit is carried by a person desiring access to the building. When a button on the remote control unit is pressed, the remote control unit transmits a coded signal which is received by the radiant energy receiver.

Abstract: An adjustable shutter assembly having an automated adjustment system including an electronic actuating device, such as an electric actuating motor. The shutter assembly has at least one and typically a plurality of parallel slats rotatably attached at both ends to a frame. The actuating motor is embedded within a self-contained module that can strengthen the shutter frame and be hidden from view. The actuating motor has a spindle that is coaxially connected to one end of an actuator slat selected from among the plurality of parallel slats. The spindle typically includes a tongue that engages a receiving pocket of the actuator slat without additional fastening mechanisms. One or more of the other slats are interconnected with the actuator slat such that rotation of the actuator slat is accompanied by substantially synchronous rotation of the other slats interconnected thereto. Selecting the actuator slat from among the more centrally located slats provides for more reliable and secure closure of all slats.

Abstract: A garage door opener transmitter system includes a sensor for determining the relative direction of the garage door opener receiver. A transmitter then selectively transmits a signal in the direction of the receiver. In one embodiment, the direction of the receiver is determined based upon a compass and the direction of travel of the vehicle at the time the signal is transmitted.

Abstract: A object sensor system for a swing door includes swing-side and approach-side sensors. Each of the sensors includes light-emitters and light-receivers which are mounted on a swing door. The light-emitters emit light toward a floor, and the light-receivers receive the light as reflected from the floor. The light emitted and received provides an object sensing zone which has a rectangular shape on the floor having a width equal to or larger than the width of the door. The sensing zone includes a main sensing area closer to the door and an auxiliary sensing area extending along the main sensing area. The auxiliary sensing area is disabled when the door moves.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for safety sensors for automatic garage door openers is shown in which the sensor is gimbal mounted in a insect and dust proof shroud on a mounting stud. The stud and shroud are adjustable in height. The shroud has transparent lenses for sensor and status information and provides protection against external impact to the sensor as well as improved safety for users of the device.

Abstract: A bracket which can be secured to a track for a garage door for mounting an IR receiver/sender to the track and need not be screwed to the framing around the door opening or bolted into the garage floor includes a main web portion with a right angle lip portion attached at one side and a serpentine-shaped spring member attached adjacent to the other side of the web and bent down so as to face the opposite lip member. An IR mounting extension member extends from the side of the web with the spring member with the IR mounting member extending at right angles to the web and in a direction opposite from the spring member and lip member. Retention of the bracket to the track is achieved by the effect of spring loading of the bracket on the exterior of the track, which is snap fit between the serpentine member and the lip portion.

Abstract: A trash enclosure includes a bay with a moveable lid and a sensor attached to the inner periphery of the bay. The moveable lid attaches to the enclosure and moves between an open position and a closed position to cover the bay. Upon detection of an object within the bay, the sensor causes the lid to open. Accordingly, the inner periphery shields the sensor to inhibit detection of objects beyond the inner periphery.

Abstract: A safety system for detecting small objects that approach closing doors comprising a transmitter stack, a detector stack, and a controller including instructions to detect small objects as the doors are closing. A transmitter or a group of transmitters from the transmitter stack are powered sequentially resulting in an output from the detector stack. The controller compares each output from the detector stack with an average of all the outputs plus a threshold value. The outputs that exceed the average plus threshold value trigger the safety system to reverse closing operation of the doors.

Abstract: A portable remotely controlled automatic door closing apparatus enables the door of a room or office to be closed from a remote location within the room or office by transmitting a signal to an actuator which exerts a force on the door to move it from an opened position to a closed position. The apparatus comprises a battery or AC powered motor which moves a lever arm into engagement with the door to rotate the door about its hinges from the open to the closed position. The apparatus is free standing and immobilized on the floor in a non-connected relationship thereto between an adjacent wall and the door in its open position. The apparatus is immobilized to prevent slipping by a floor-engaging mechanism, such as an adhesive, an anti-skid rubber material, or suction cups, or carpet engaging projections.

Abstract: A remotely controlled blind arrangement comprises a head rail with an operating member for operation the blind arrangement. The blind arrangement can be controlled by means of a remote control device and is powered by a power supply such as for instance a battery. According to the invention the blind arrangement comprises a wake-up circuit for periodically switching the processor unit between an active status and a sleep status. The processor unit periodically calibrates the wake-up unit to maintain a constant period wake-up signal. Hereby the wake-up circuit can be made from relatively cheap components and drifts of the wake-up signal due to the decreasing battery power or temperature influences can be reduced. In an embodiment according to the present invention the processor unit is adapted to disregard the signal of the transmitter when the blind has a fully tilted, fully deployed or fully retracted position for further energy saving.

Abstract: A safety system for detecting objects or persons that approach closing doors includes a plurality of detectors on one door and a plurality of transmitters on an opposite door. The plurality of transmitters emit a signal at an angle into a hallway. The intensity of the signal emitted from the transmitters is progressively reduced as the distance between the closing doors is decreasing. The reduction in intensity of the transmitted signal allows discrimination between actual targets and false targets.

Abstract: A remotely controllable door operator system permitting active and passive use of a door includes a transmitter, a receiver, a master timing sequencing mechanism, a clutch-regulated prime mover that can actively move the door, and a mechanism that senses whether the door is fully closed. The door operator is controllable by depressing a single button on the transmitter, which sends a signal to the receiver. If the sense mechanism determines the door is fully closed, the receiver causes the timing mechanism to cause the prime mover to disengage the door latch and to commence actively opening the door for a first time period. The timing mechanism may be user adjusted to control the extent of the door opening by adjusting the length of the first time period.

Abstract: A garage door opener system includes providing temporary access permission for some user or users while maintaining near permanent access permission for other users. The temporary access permission may be controlled by number of uses or a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gate closing device which operates either in an automatic mode or a manual mode. The device includes a first track which is adapted to be secured to a gate, and a second track to which a driving motor is interconnected. A linkage is slidably interconnected to both of these tracks. Activation of the motor results in the movement of the linkage, and thus the opening or closing of the gate. A damping device is employed at the first end of the linkage. The damping device enables the gate to be opened a slight distance without activating the motor.

Abstract: A railroad-crossing warning system for protecting pedestrians and motorists from an oncoming train. The warning system has a vehicle detector system for determining whether a vehicle is stuck in an area of the railroad crossing, a train detector system for determining vital train information including the speed and direction of the oncoming train, a display unit for displaying warning messages to the pedestrians and motorists approaching the railroad crossing, and a communication system for communicating the vital train information and the distressed vehicle information to the oncoming train and the display system. The system provides early warning to the operator of the oncoming train to provide more reliable protection for distressed vehicles in the railroad crossing and for motorists and pedestrians approaching the railroad crossing.

Abstract: A new automatic bathroom door and toilet flushing system for automatically raising the door and flushing the toilet when a user is finished. The system includes a housing secured to a ceiling between a pair of walls. The housing has an opening in a lower end thereof. A door is rotatably disposed within the housing. The door is disposed on a central shaft. The central shaft is coupled with an electric motor. The electric motor selectively raises and lowers the door with respect to an opening between the pair of walls. An electric sensor is in communication with the electric motor and an electrical system of an existing toilet. The electric sensor is disposed within one of the pair of walls adjacent to the handle of the manual pulley system.

Abstract: An automatic pet door, enclosed within a housing, having a pet door located in between two sensors. The two sensors are positioned on arms that extending perpendicular to the housing. An infrared beam extends between the two sensors. When the beam is interrupted, a signal is sent to a motor located on top of the pet door. The motor is in constant connection with a power supply. A rack and pinion device works in conjunction with the motor. When a pet walks in between the two arms and the beam is broken, the motor causes the rack and pinion device to engage with teeth found on the top portion of the pet door, thus causing the door to open. Once the pet walks through the open door and the beam is once again continuous, the door closes.

Abstract: A disabled persons multiple appliance and window remote control system that allows a disabled person to remotely and automatically operate at least one of at least one appliance and at least one window by merely aiming a remote control at any of the at least one of the at least one appliance and the at least one window regardless of which one of the at least one of the at least one appliance and the at least one window the disabled person desires to operate that includes a programmable infrared remote control and a separate and local control system. The programmable infrared remote control has an infrared transmitter that generates separate infrared signals associated with each of the at least one of the at least one appliance and the at least one window.

Abstract: A pneumatic device 10 comprises a piston 12 moveable along a cylinder 10. The piston has opposite ends 18, 26 defining a space 30 therebetween. The space is divided into two chambers 30a, 30b by a housing 40 fixed relative to the cylinder and having a fluid flow control passageway 42 therethrough. The space 30 is filled with fluid, such as oil. The piston 12 is arranged such that movement thereof against a spring 16 causes the fluid to be displaced from one chamber 30a of the space 30 to the other chamber 30b through the passageway 42. The spring 16 is arranged to apply a return force to the piston 12 and the rate of return of the piston 12 is controlled by the return flow of fluid through the passageway 42. A pneumatic system 100 includes a device 10 connected between first and second members 58, 58a of a building, such as a door and door frame.

Abstract: A receptacle comprising a body including an opening having a door hingedly mounted therein for movement between a normal and substantially vertical orientation and a substantially horizontal orientation, a drive assembly having a hub for taking up and letting out the cord for moving the door between the substantially vertical orientation and the substantially horizontal orientation, and an actuator device for actuating the drive assembly, the hub being spaced apart from said hinge proximate an optimum position for minimizing the amount of force necessary for the drive assembly to move the door.

Abstract: A portable remotely controlled automatic door closing apparatus enables the door of a room or office to be closed from a remote location within the room or office by transmitting a signal to an actuator which exerts a force on the door to move it from an opened position to a closed position. The apparatus comprises a battery or AC powered motor which moves a lever arm into engagement with the door to rotate the door about its hinges from the open to the closed position. The apparatus is free standing and immobilized on the floor in a non-connected relationship thereto between an adjacent wall and the door in its open position. The apparatus is immobilized to prevent slipping by a floor-engaging mechanism, such as an adhesive, an anti-skid rubber material, or suction cups, or carpet engaging projections.

Abstract: An assembly for a no-contact power reversing system for an elevator car gate comprises a lost-motion linkage comprising inner and outer telescoping members, the inner member having an upper extension which stabilizes and protects the electrical cable leading to the scanner unit of the device during retraction and extension of the scanner unit mounting as the gate approaches and leaves full closed position. The linkage and associated parts mounted in such a way that the scanner unit is protected against pilferage.

Abstract: A parking barrier permanently installed in vehicle parking surface, which has a base (20), with legs (22) embedded within the surface. A hinge plate (28) is attached to the base and allows the barrier to be rotated to a horizontal position permitting a vehicle to safely pass over the collapsed barrier. A channel shaped post (34) is pivotally attached to the hinge plate and a rigid strut (40) is retained on one end within the post and, on the other, to the hinge plate. The strut forms a right angle triangle with the post. A pull pin (46) holds the upper end of the strut in place and when removed, permits the barrier to be rotated horizontally removing the obstruction. A second, or electromechanical, embodiment utilizes a linear actuator (84) for the strut. An electronic controller (100) receives a signal through a coded radio frequency transmitter (102) and receiver (104) and, in turn, energizes the actuator to rotate the barrier into a horizontal position.

Abstract: A garage door operator has an electric motor controlled by a control unit. A transmission is connected to the motor to be driven thereby to open and close a garage door. An infrared obstacle detector is connected to the control unit and includes a unitary infrared pulse emitter and an infrared detector. A missing pulse detector is coupled to the infrared detector to generate a door opening signal if the door is closing when the pulses are absent due to the infrared being interrupted by an obstacle or not having been generated. The control unit receives the door opening signal and causes the electric motor to open the garage door.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an object adjacent an elevator door includes a housing (47) mounted at an upper edge of a car door opening (38) and in which are mounted a plurality of short range detector pairs (50) and a plurality of long range detector pairs (53). Each short range detector pair includes a transmitter (14,25,40) for generating a relatively short range infrared beam (18,27,42) toward a path of travel (16) of an elevator door (17) across the door opening and a short range receiver (15,26,41) for detecting a reflection (31) of the beam from a facing surface (17b) of the door and generating a short range beam detection signal.

Abstract: An automatic door opening safety system particularly for use with garage doors is provided. The garage door includes a leading edge that moves from the open position, where the leading edge defines the top of the opening and a closed position, where the leading edge contacts the ground. A controller is provided for controlling movement of the door. An activation member provides an input to the controller to initiate movement of the door. A non-contact detector detects whether an obstruction is in the path of the door. The non-contact detector is positioned in front of the leading edge of the door, such that obstructions are detected at a predetermined distance in front of the leading edge of said door.

Abstract: A controller for an electrical switching device such as a motor starting contactor including separable contacts, an operating mechanism for operating the separable contacts and a control mechanism responsive to a plurality of control sources for controlling the operating mechanism, includes a plurality of light emitting diode indicators each of which corresponds to one of the control sources; a membrane pushbutton; and a selection circuit, responsive to the pushbutton for selecting one of the control sources, including a circuit for detecting actuation of the pushbutton; a circuit responding to the actuation for sequentially indicating representations of at least some of the control sources on the corresponding ones of the indicators; and a circuit for detecting de-actuation of the pushbutton to select one of the control sources the representation of which is indicated on the corresponding one of the indicators at the time of the de-actuation.

Abstract: A light and motion governed garage door opener lamp comprising an illumination system. Also included is a garage door opener system that produces a first electric signal upon the activation thereof. A sensor module includes a motion sensing mechanism capable of detecting the presence of one or more humans nearby and producing a second electrical signal upon the detection thereof. The sensor module further includes a light sensing mechanism having an open orientation when exposed to sufficient light for allowing the transmission of the first and second electric signals thereby allowing energization of the illumination system. The light sensor switch further has a closed orientation when exposed to insufficient light for precluding the transmission of the first and second electrical signals thereby preventing energization of the illumination system.

Abstract: A visual display panel is mounted on the exterior surface of a power-operated garage door to display messages for viewing by occupants of a departing automobile after the garage door has closed. The display panel may be part of an integrated home automation system (IHAS) so that, in addition to pre-programmed messages, the operational status of household devices included in the IHAS are presented on the display panel. Actuation of the garage door operator to open the garage door can also cause the IHAS to direct changes in the operation of one or more of the included devices.

Abstract: There is disclosed a photosensitive automatic controller for use with window coverings in particular for use with venetian blinds. The controller includes a reversible motor, a drive circuit, a photosensitive sensor, a user input, a control signal processor, a command circuit and a feedback sensor. The reversible motor is operably connected to the opening and closing device and it has a predetermined range from open to closed which corresponds to the window covering being fully opened and fully closed. The drive circuit is operably connected to the motor for generating a drive signal which drives the motor in a predetermined range from opened to closed. The photosensitive sensor generates a sensor signal. The user input generates an input signal. The control signal processor is operably connected to the photosensitive sensor and the user input and the sensor signal is combined with the input signal to produce a control signal.

Abstract: An exit bar has an elongated body for mounting on an exit door. The exit bar incorporates a pair of independent sensors. An infrared beam is generated along the front of the bar. An infrared detector produces a first signal when the beam is interrupted. The first signal results in release of a lock securing the door. If the beam is interrupted for longer than a pre-set time limit, a first alarm sounds. A capacitance sensor produces a second signal when the sensor detects changes of capacitance in the bar as a result of contact or near contact with foreign objects. The second signal also results in release of the lock securing the door. If the capacitance sensor detects a capacitance change for longer than a pre-set time limit, a second alarm sounds.

Abstract: The light beam in an obstruction detector is coded into packets of pulses by a transmitter according to a code generated only by the transmitter. When the light beam is received, the receiver recovers the code signal and supplies it to a code detection circuit. In one preferred embodiment, to detect the code, the code detection circuit supplies the code signal and a delayed version of the code signal to an "exclusive or" gate. In another embodiment, a frequency detection circuit determines whether the code signal detected by the receiver is within a predetermined permissible range. If the code is not present, the door operator system reverses the door if it is closing, and prevents the door from closing if it already is in the up position, or if it is opening. The door operator system will operate in this way not only in response to obstructions, but also, in response to errors and malfunctions in the wiring to the transmitter and receiver, and in the transmitter and receiver themselves.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system for remote control of garage doors and other devices wherein an extremely large number of codes are available for remote transmitters for operating the garage operator and wherein each transmitter has its own unique and permanent nonuser changeable code. The receiver at the garage door operator is capable of storing and remembering a number of different codes corresponding to different transmitters such that the receiver can be programmed so as to actuated by more than one transmitter code thus allowing two or more transmitters to actuate the same garage door operator and wherein the receiver stores the valid codes for the different transmitters.