Movable barrier operator

• US 6,744,231 B2
• Filed: 04/23/2001
• Issued: 06/01/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/28/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc. (The Chamberlain Group LLC)
• Original Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc. (The Chamberlain Group LLC)
• Inventors: Fitzgibbon, James J., Willmott, Colin B., Wanis, Paul E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ro, Bentsu
• Application Number:
  US09/840,601
• Publication Number:
  US 20010024094A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,135 Days
• Field of Search: 318/256, 318/264, 318/265, 318/266, 318/268, 318/280, 318/283, 318/286, 318/461, 318/466, 318/468, 318/469, 318/470, 318/567
• US Class Current: 318/286
• CPC Class Codes: E05D 15/38 for upwardly-moving wings, e.g. up-and-over doors
• 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 15/603 using rotary electromotors
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/668 for overhead wings
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/684 by chains
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/726 Ring gears; Internal gears
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/452 for saving energy
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/456 for programming
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/59 Travel display
• 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: Y10S 388/904 Stored velocity profile
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 388/909 Monitoring means

Abstract

A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.

Claims

1. A movable barrier operator comprising:

an electric motor;

a transmission connected to the motor to be driven thereby and connectable to a movable barrier to move the barrier between an open position and a closed position;

a position detector for sensing a position of the barrier between the open and closed positions;

a learn routine for determining a minimum reversal position of the barrier relative to a close limit, wherein the minimum reversal position of the barrier position is located a short distance more toward the open position than the close limit;

a controller responsive to the position detector for controlling the motor, wherein when the position detector senses the position of the barrier at the minimum reversal position, the controller causes the motor to continue to operate to drive the barrier to the close limit.

3. A movable barrier operator according to claim 1 wherein the electric motor comprises an AC motor.

4. A movable barrier operator according to claim 1 wherein the minimum reversal position is located approximately one inch above the close limit.

5. A movable barrier operator according to claim 1 wherein the close limit corresponds to a location of a floor.

2. A movable barrier operator according to claim wherein the electric motor comprises a DC motor.

6. A movable barrier operator comprising:

a motor connectable to a movable barrier and energizable to move the barrier between an open position and a closed position with respect to a barrier opening;

a position detector for sensing a position of the barrier;

a controller responsive to input commands and the position detector for controlling the energizing of the motor to control the movement of the barrier;

apparatus for defining a minimum reversal position of the barrier at a position near a closed limit of the barrier; and

the controller responsive to the position detector for controlling the motor, wherein when the position detector senses the position of the barrier at the minimum reversal position, the controller causes the motor to continue to operate to drive the barrier to the closed limit.