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

• US 7,635,960 B2
• Filed: 12/06/2007
• Issued: 12/22/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 08/24/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: HRH Newco Corporation
• Original Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corporation (HRH Door Corp.)
• Inventors: Mullet, Willis J., Mamaloukas, Jason L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Benson; Walter
• Assistant Examiner(s): MCCLOUD, RENATA D
• Application Number:
  US11/999,539
• Publication Number:
  US 20080094175A1
• Time in Patent Office: 747 Days
• Field of Search: 318/280, 318/266, 318/282, 318/283
• US Class Current: 318/280
• 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, said base operator adapted to receive at least one automatically generated signal;

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 operational data comprising a dual identification mobile signal that includes an open identification signal and a close identification signal, 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 based upon whether said open and close identification signals are received or not.

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.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one mobile transmitter comprises:

a sensitivity button which upon actuation adjusts a power level of said dual identification mobile signal.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein actuation of said sensitivity button adjusts said power level for at least one of said open and close identification signals.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein said power level for said open identification signal is different than said power level for said close identification signal.

11. The system according to claim 9, wherein said power level for said open identification signal is the same as said power level for said close identification signal.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one mobile transmitter automatically and periodically generates said dual identification mobile signal without the need for said base operator to generate signals which are received by said at least one mobile transmitter.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein said base operator only receives said dual identification signals and does not return any type of signal to said mobile transmitter in response to receipt of said dual identification mobile signal when in said operate mode.