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

• US 8,400,264 B2
• Filed: 12/06/2007
• Issued: 03/19/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 08/24/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: HRH Newco Corporation
• Original Assignee: Homerun Holdings Corporation
• Inventors: Mullet, Willis J., Mamaloukas, Jason L., Murray, James S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Nam V
• Application Number:
  US11/999,536
• Publication Number:
  US 20080088410A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,930 Days
• Field of Search: 340/5.71, 340/5.26, 340/5.61, 340/686.1, 318/280, 318/282, 318/283, 493/40, 455/420, 455/418
• US Class Current: 340/5.71
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/668 for overhead wings
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/77 using wireless control
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/106 for garages
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/538 Interior lids
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00261 the keyless data carrier having more than one function
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00928 for garage doors
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00182 operated with unidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks

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. Timers may be used to block receipt of any mobile signals for a period of time to prevent any further door movement. 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 discrete add-on processing system adapted to be connected to a barrier operating system which includes a barrier operator that moves a barrier between open and closed positions, the processing system comprising:

at least one mobile transmitter automatically and periodically generating both a close mobile signal and an open mobile signal regardless of location;

a barrier position indicator generating a barrier position signal; and

an add-on controller adapted to be connected to the barrier operator of the barrier operating system, said add-on controller receiving both said mobile signals and said barrier position signal so as to enable the barrier operating system to

open the barrier after receiving said open mobile signal and after having not received said open mobile signal for a period of time if said barrier position signal indicates that the barrier is in a closed position, and

close the barrier after receiving said close signal and after having not received said close mobile signal for a period of time if said barrier position signal indicates that the barrier is in an open position.

2. The processing system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a receiver connected to one of said add-on controller and the barrier operating system, the receiver receiving said at least one mobile signal.

3. The processing system according to claim 1, wherein said add-on controller stores said mobile signal for later processing.

4. The processing system according to claim 3, wherein said mobile signals which, if received by said add-on controller, are stored in corresponding buffers.

5. The processing system according to claim 4, wherein said barrier position indicator comprises:

a magnet adapted to be proximally secured to one of a trailing and a leading edge of the barrier in the barrier operating system; and

a pair of inductive switches adapted to be maintained in a track which guides the barrier, wherein each said inductive switch detects a presence of said magnet and generates said barrier position signal received by said add-on controller.

6. The processing system according to claim 5, whereupon detection of a change in the position of the barrier, said add-on controller initiates a timer having a corresponding time period, wherein said add-on controller ignores receipt of said mobile signals for said corresponding time period.

7. The processing system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one mobile transmitter comprises an activity sensor, wherein said at least one mobile signal is only generated if said activity sensor detects a predetermined activity.