Movable Barrier Operator with Energy Management Control and Corresponding Method

• US 20110074331A1
• Filed: 12/09/2010
• Published: 03/31/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 08/23/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Chamberlain Group LLC
• Original Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc. (The Chamberlain Group LLC)
• Inventors: Fitzgibbon, James J.
• Granted Patent: US 8,314,509 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 318/590
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/603 using rotary electromotors
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/452 for saving energy

Abstract

A movable barrier operator system wherein one or more of the various components of the system is configured to operate selectively in at least either of two operational modes. Each operating mode is characterized by a corresponding energy usage profile. The operational status of the system is monitored and operating modes are selected that serve both to substantially ensure proper operation given current likely operational expectations and an overall desire to reduce energy consumption.

Claims

1-32. -32. (canceled)

33. A method comprising:

providing a movable barrier operator system having;

a power supply that is operably coupled to a source of alternating current; and

at least one obstacle detector that is operably coupled to the power supply;

determining an operating state of the movable barrier operating system;

selecting one from at least two different energy consumption operating modes for a movable barrier operating system obstacle detector as a function, at least in part, of the operating state of the movable barrier operating system to provide a selected energy consumption operating mode;

using the selected energy consumption operating mode to control energy consumption by the obstacle detector.

34. The method of claim 33 wherein determining an operating state of the movable barrier system includes determining a position of a movable barrier.

35. The method of claim 34 wherein selecting includes selecting a relatively lower energy consumption operating mode when the operating state of the movable barrier operating system comprises a substantially quiescent state.

36. The method of claim 35 wherein using the selected energy consumption operating mode includes using the selected energy consumption operating mode to reduce energy consumption by the obstacle detector when the movable barrier is in a substantially quiescent state.

37. The method of claim 36 wherein using the selected energy consumption operating mode to reduce energy consumption by the obstacle detector when the movable barrier is in a substantially quiescent state includes using the selected energy consumption operating mode to reduce energy consumption by the obstacle detector when the movable barrier is in a stationary state for more than at least a predetermined period of time.

38. The method of claim 33 and further comprising using the selected energy consumption operating mode to control energy consumption by at least one of:

the power supply;

a motor RPM sensor;

a movable barrier operator;

a radio; and

a remotely disposed user interface.

39-64. -64. (canceled)