Barrier movement operator with controlled power outlet

• US 7,378,760 B2
• Filed: 05/12/2004
• Issued: 05/27/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/12/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Chamberlain Group LLC
• Original Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc. (The Chamberlain Group LLC)
• Inventors: Olmsted, Robert J.
• Primary Examiner(s): DeBeradinis; Robert L.
• Application Number:
  US10/843,918
• Publication Number:
  US 20050254194A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,476 Days
• Field of Search: 307/115
• US Class Current: 307/115
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/668 for overhead wings
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/61 Power supply
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/106 for garages
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00253 dynamically, e.g. variable code - rolling code
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/652 with earth pin, blade or socket
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/70 with built-in switch
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2103/00 Two poles
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/22 with additional earth or shield contacts

Abstract

A barrier movement operator having an integrated mains voltage connection with a selective connection of power to an accessory such as a light is disclosed.

Claims

1. A power connection apparatus for a barrier movement operator, comprising:

a connector for removable connection to a source of mains power;

a first conductive path from the connector to the barrier movement operator;

a power outlet for a barrier movement operator accessory;

a light assembly of the barrier movement operator;

a control apparatus, disposed within a housing of the barrier movement operator, and responsive to control signals from the barrier movement operator for selectively connecting power to the power outlet via a second conductive path, and for selectively connecting power to the light assembly via a third conductive path, wherein the second conductive path is physically independent and separate from the third conductive path.

2. A power connection in accordance with claim 1 wherein the conductive path comprises a signaling path from the barrier movement operator and the control apparatus comprises circuitry responsive to control signals on the signaling path to selectively couple power to the power outlet.

3. A power connection in accordance with claim 1 comprising a wireless receiver connected to the control apparatus to receive wireless signals from the barrier movement operator.

4. A power connection in accordance with claim 3 wherein the control apparatus responds to wireless control signals received by the wireless receiver to selectively connect power to the power outlet.

5. A barrier movement operator system, comprising:

a connector for removable connection to a source of mains power;

a first conductive path from the connector to a barrier movement operator to supply mains power to the barrier movement operator;

a power outlet for a barrier movement operator accessory;

a second conductive path from a power control apparatus of the barrier movement operator to the power outlet;

a third conductive path from the power control apparatus to a linht assembly of the barrier movement operator, wherein the third conductive path is physically independent and separate from the second conductive path; and

a control apparatus, of the barrier movement operator, and disposed within a housing of the barrier movement operator, for selectively connecting power to the power outlet via the second conductive path, and for selectively connecting power to the light assembly via the third conductive path.

6. A power connection in accordance with claim 5 wherein the power outlet comprises a light bulb socket.

7. A power connection in accordance with claim 5 wherein the power outlet comprises a power socket for removably connecting power to apparatus.

8. A power connection in accordance with claim 5 wherein the power outlet comprises a light bulb socket and a power socket for removably connecting power to apparatus.

9. A power connection in accordance with claim 5 wherein the power outlet comprises a light bulb socket.

10. A power connection in accordance with claim 5 wherein the power outlet comprises a power socket for removably connecting power to apparatus.

11. A power connection in accordance with claim 5 wherein the power outlet comprises a light bulb socket and a power socket for removably connecting power to apparatus.