System and methods for automatically moving access barriers initiated by mobile transmitter devices

• US 20080094175A1
• Filed: 12/06/2007
• Published: 04/24/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/24/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: HRH Newco Corporation
• Original Assignee: Homerun Holdings Corporation
• Inventors: Mullet, Willis, Mamaloukas, Jason
• Granted Patent: US 7,635,960 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.7
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/00 Power-operated mechanisms for wings motor-operated accessories in locks for completing closing or initiating opening of a wing E05B17/00
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/668 for overhead wings
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/76 responsive to devices carried by persons or objects, e.g. magnets or reflectors E05F15/77 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/822 Light emitters, e.g. LEDs
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/00 Details, accessories and auxiliary operations not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/106 for garages
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/538 Interior lids
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00309 operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00817 where the code of the lock can be programmed

Abstract

An operator system and related methods for automatically controlling access barriers which includes a base controller associated with at least one access barrier and at least one base receiver associated with the base controller. The system also includes at least one mobile transmitter that automatically and periodically generates at least one mobile signal detectable by the base receiver. The base controller selectively generates barrier movement commands upon receipt of the at least one mobile signal in an operate mode. The operator and the mobile transmitter both include transceivers to allow two-way communication therebetween during a learn mode. Such a system allows for hands-free operation of the access barrier. A discrete processing system may also be used to retrofit existing barrier operator systems for use in hands-free operation.

Claims

1. A system for controlling an access barrier comprising:

a base operator to actuate the access barrier, said base operator adapted to communicate learning data in a learn mode and receive operational data only when in an operate mode;

at least one mobile transmitter including a transceiver adapted to communicate learning data when in said learn mode and transmit operational data only when in said operate mode, said at least one mobile transmitter and said base operator being learned to each other by exchanging learning data, thereby enabling said at least one mobile transmitter to actuate said base operator when in said operate mode to actuate the access barrier.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said base operator includes a base transceiver.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one mobile transmitter is a hands-free device.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said learning data includes a communication frequency selected by said base operator.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said learning data comprises a security code.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein said security code comprises a rolling code.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the exchange of said learning data results in the selection of a communication frequency for use by said base operator and said at least one mobile transmitter.