Motorized barrier operator system adaptable to different safety configurations and methods for programming the same

• US 7,211,975 B2
• Filed: 02/18/2004
• Issued: 05/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/10/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: HRH Newco Corporation
• Original Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corporation (HRH Door Corp.)
• Inventors: VanDrunen, Paul J., Murray, James S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Leykin; Rita
• Application Number:
  US10/781,248
• Publication Number:
  US 20040164693A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,168 Days
• Field of Search: 318/466, 318/286, 340/825.57, 49/26, 49/28
• US Class Current: 318/286
• CPC Class Codes: E05D 13/1261 specially adapted for overhead wings E05D13/1269 takes precedence
• 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 15/41 Detection by monitoring transmitted force or torque E05F15/48 takes precedence; Safety couplings with activation dependent upon torque or force, e.g. slip couplings
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/42 Detection using safety edges
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/43 responsive to disruption of energy beams, e.g. light or sound
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/668 for overhead wings
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/77 using wireless control
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 2015/436 the beam being parallel to the wing edge
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/456 for programming
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/53 Wing impact prevention or reduction
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/554 sensing motor load
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/58 Sensitivity setting or adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/80 User interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2600/45 in or on the fixed frame
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/22 of not identical elements of the same category, e.g. combinations of not identical springs
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/246 with at least one element being redundant
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/106 for garages

Abstract

A motorized barrier operator system is disclosed that is adaptable to different safety configurations. The system is provided with a default configuration that may be changed upon detection of an optional safety configuration by the operator system. The changeover may be accomplished by actuation of a program button upon system power-up or in conjunction with program button actuation and the presence or absence of a jumper associated with a controller of the operator system.

Claims

1. A method for selecting a safety system used in conjunction with a motorized barrier operator, comprising:

determining whether one type of a safety system is connected to the operator; and

selecting said one type of safety system if connected to the operator and selecting another type of said safety system if said one type of safety system is not connected to the operator.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

pressing a program button connected to the operator;

releasing said program button within a predetermined period of time; and

selecting by the operator of another type of said safety system.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising:

releasing said program button after said predetermined period of time; and

selecting by the operator of said one type of safety system if connected to the operator.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising:

providing an indication that said program button has been pressed.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising:

removing said indication after elapsing of said predetermined period of time.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein said indication is illumination of a lamp.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein said indication is emitting of an audible sound.

8. A method for designating a safety system associated with a motorized barrier operator, comprising:

providing a motorized barrier operator adaptable to different types of safety systems;

providing said motorized barrier operator with a default safety system;

providing said motorized operator with a boot-up sequence to allow for selection of one of said default safety system and an optional safety system.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:

detecting said optional safety system'"'"'s connection to said motorized barrier operator.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising:

designating said optional safety system by said motorized barrier operator when said optional safety system is detected.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:

providing a program button with said motorized operator, wherein actuation and release of said program button designates said default safety system for use with said motorized operator.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein said motorized operator requires actuation of said program button on power-up and release of said program button within a predetermined period of time for designation of said default safety system.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein said motorized operator reverts to designation of said optional safety system only at power-up and detection of said optional safety system.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein said motorized operator reverts to designation of said optional safety system on power-up and holding of said program for a predetermined period of time.

15. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:

providing said motorized operator with a pre-installed jumper; and

detecting said optional safety system'"'"'s connection to said motorized barrier operator.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising:

designating said optional safety system when said optional safety system is detected and said pre-installed jumper is intact.

17. The method according to claim 15, further comprising:

designating said default safety system when said pre-installed jumper is cut.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising:

providing a program button with said operator, wherein actuation of said program button with said pre-installed jumper intact maintains said optional safety system.

19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising:

providing a program button with said operator, wherein actuation of said program button and cutting of said pre-installed jumper disables said optional safety system.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising:

providing an external jumper mount; and

checking for the presence of a connection of an external jumper across said external jumper mount.

21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising:

enabling said optional safety system upon detection of the presence of said external jumper.

22. The method according to claim 20, further comprising:

performing said checking step each time said motorized operator receives a barrier movement command.