Barrier operator with secure/unsecure transmitter and method of use

• US 20060055511A1
• Filed: 09/10/2004
• Published: 03/16/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/10/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corporation (HRH Door Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corporation (HRH Door Corp.)
• Inventors: Rodriguez, Yan
• Granted Patent: US 7,248,144 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.710
• 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

A wireless transmitter used with an operator system controls movement of a barrier between limit positions can be used in an unsecure, single-button actuation mode, or a secure, multiple button actuation mode. The transmitter includes at least two transmitter switches, and a controller connected to the switches. The controller has a first mode of operation, wherein actuation of a single one of the switches generates a wireless signal receivable by the operator system, and a second mode of operation, wherein actuation of the switches in a predetermined sequence generates the wireless signal.

Claims

1. A wireless transmitter used with an operator system that controls movement of a barrier between limit positions, the transmitter comprising:

at least two transmitter switches; and

a controller connected to said switches;

said controller having a first mode of operation, wherein actuation of a single one of said switches generates a wireless signal receivable by the operator system; and

said controller having a second mode of operation, wherein actuation of said switches in a predetermined sequence generates said wireless signal.

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

a housing which carries said transmitter switches and said controller, and a single button associated with each of said corresponding switches and carried by said housing.

3. The transmitter according to claim 2, wherein each said button has a unique indicia marking.

4. The transmitter according to claim 2, wherein each said button has a unique shape.

5. The transmitter according to claim 1, wherein said second mode is enabled by selectively pressing said transmitter switches and then selectively actuating said transmitter switches in said predetermined sequence within a predetermined period of time.

6. The transmitter according to claim 5, wherein said predetermined sequence always concludes with actuation of a selected one of said transmitter switches.

7. The transmitter according to claim 5, wherein said second mode is disabled by entering a factory defined master key sequence which switches the transmitter from said second mode to said first mode.

8. A method for transmitting wireless signals from a transmitter to an operating system that moves a barrier between limit positions, comprising:

providing in the transmitter a controller capable of generating a wireless transmission signal; and

designating one of two transmission modes in said controller, wherein a first mode requires only actuation of one of said switches and wherein a second mode requires actuation of said switches in a predetermined sequence.

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

enabling said second mode by requiring actuation of at least two of said switches for a predetermined period of time.

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

distinguishing said at least two switches with indicia.

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

distinguishing said at least two switches by shape.

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

distinguishing said at least two switches by shape and indicia.

13. The method according to claim 9, further comprising, disabling said second mode by requiring actuation of at least two of said switches for another predetermined period of time.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising entering a pre-designated sequence of said switches within yet another predetermined period of time.

15. A method of programming a multiple-button wireless transmitter that in an unsecured mode initiates a function controlled by a moveable barrier operator with a single button actuation, the method comprising:

actuating at least two buttons of the transmitter simultaneously for a predetermined period of time;

releasing said actuated buttons; and

actuating separately at least two buttons of the transmitter in a sequence and one of said at least two buttons to terminate said sequence.