Electricity: motive power systems – Automatic and/or with time-delay means – Radiant energy
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-24
2001-01-30
Nappi, Robert E. (Department: 2837)
Electricity: motive power systems
Automatic and/or with time-delay means
Radiant energy
C318S266000, C049S028000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06181095
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to power actuated garage door openers and more particularly to garage door openers having obstruction detection devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Obstacle detection systems for garage door openers are well known. One type of detector utilizes an infrared (IR) beam transmitted across the door opening and is sometimes to referred to as a “beam break” unit. In this obstruction detector system, an IR emitter and IR detector are disposed on opposite sides of the door opening and the emitter sends a beam of IR pulses to the receiver. If the beam is broken by an obstruction, the garage door opener (GDO) is signalled to inhibit initiation of door closure or, if the door is closing, to stop and reverse the movement of the door.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention resides in improvements in a beam break type of obstruction detection system of a garage door opener. In addition to the usual functions of known beam break systems, the invention provides an annunciator which produces an audible and/or visible indication of an obstruction or a malfunction such as a misalignment of the emitter and receiver. Additionally, the invention provides a more effective utilization of the sequence of beam pulses in detecting an obstruction.
Further, in accordance with this invention, a signalling device which produces an audible or visual signal is provided for indicating an interruption of the beam and to aid the user in identifying a faulty condition such as misalignment.
Further, in accordance with this invention, in normal operation of the obstruction detection system, the beam emitter is immediately turned off, upon receipt of a transmitted pulse by the detector, until the next pulse transmission sequence. This achieves effective operation with transmission of an extremely short pulse instead of a pulse, which in typical systems, may be 100 to 1,000 times longer. This results in a substantial reduction of power required for pulse transmission. This is especially useful in the system of this invention which uses a capacitor storage power supply system.
Further, in accordance with this invention, the transmitter and receiver are operated in synchronism in such a manner that the receiver is enabled for reception of a pulse only in coincidence with the transmission of a pulse. This permits two or more systems to be installed on different doors in the same garage without the problem of having a pulse transmitted from one system interfere with operation of another system.
Further, in accordance with this invention, a visual signal perceptible to the user is given in the case of an occasional missing pulse or in case of several missing pulses in sequence. In this, a single missing pulse will be effective to prevent the door from closing. Additionally, the pulsing of the light emitting diode (LED) of the visual indicator is changed so that it is perceptibly flashed instead of giving the appearance of steady state illumination. Also, an audible signal is produced. The visual and audible signals are especially advantageous for use in adjusting the alignment of the emitter and detector during installation or servicing.
As used herein, the term “annunicator” means a device which, in response to one or more predetermined conditions, produces a perceptible signal. The term “perceptible signal” means a signal which can be perceived by the visual, auditory or other senses of a person.
A complete understanding of this invention will be obtained from the detailed description that follows.
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patent: 6020703 (2000-02-01), Telmet
Duda Rina I.
KDS Controls, Inc.
Nappi Robert E.
Reising Ethington, Barnes, Kisselle, Learman & McCulloch, P.C.
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