116 results about "Garage door opener" patented technology

An interior rearview mirror system for use in a vehicle includes a mirror support assembly for attachment to the interior of a vehicle. The mirror support assembly comprises a first electronic accessory such as an imaging sensor. A reflective mirror element is disposed in a housing, the housing being pivotally adjustable about the mirror support assembly via a pivot element. The housing includes second and third electronic accessories at least partially controlled by a microprocessor. The mirror support assembly preferably includes a wire passageway for wires passing into the housing for the reflective mirror element. The second and third electronic accessories may be a headlamp controller and automatic dimming circuitry, or may be selected from a variety of other devices such as a garage door opener, an INTERNET interface, a video device, a trip computer, a light, or other items. The mirror assembly may also be in wireless communication with an external device.

A vehicle-based control system and method for use with a barrier operating system that includes a motor, a receiver in communication with the motor, and a remote transmitter for transmitting an activation signal to the receiver. The activation signal includes a radio frequency carrier signal modulated with a codeword for use in activating the motor to open and close the barrier. A vehicle-mounted transceiver receives multiple radio frequency carrier signals, and transmits an activation signal for receipt by the barrier operating system receiver. A vehicle-mounted controller stores the received radio frequency carrier signals, and receives user input identifying an activation scheme having a variable codeword format. The controller generates a variable codeword based on the identified activation scheme, selects one of the stored carrier signals, and controls the transceiver to transmit an activation signal having the selected carrier signal modulated with the generated variable codeword in response to user input.

A trainable transceiver for learning and transmitting an activation signal that includes an RF carrier frequency modulated with a code for remotely actuating a device, such as a garage door opener. The trainable transceiver preferably includes a controller, a signal generator, and a dynamically tunable antenna having a variable impedance that may be selectively controlled in accordance with a detector circuit signal. The detector circuit provides a measurement of the transmission power and is also used to vary the applied transmission power of the transceiver in response to operating and environmental parameters.

A universal system and method for controlling existing garage doors via existing garage door openers. The system includes a module operable both manually and automatically to control the existing garage door, Wifi communication circuitry to receive instructions wirelessly from a remote, circuitry for automatic and remote control of the garage door and circuitry for pushing garage door status information.

A electronic padlock is disclosed with remote control device. The electronic padlock has a tamper detection mechanism, a camera, and a speaker. The padlock can be remotely controlled using a remote device, such as a device similar to a garage door opener or a cell phone.

A vehicle-based control system and method for use with a barrier operating system that includes a motor, a receiver in communication with the motor, and a remote transmitter for transmitting an activation signal to the receiver. The activation signal includes a radio frequency carrier signal modulated with a codeword for use in activating the motor to open and close the barrier. A vehicle-mounted transceiver receives multiple radio frequency carrier signals, and transmits an activation signal for receipt by the barrier operating system receiver. A vehicle-mounted controller stores the received radio frequency carrier signals, and receives user input identifying an activation scheme having a variable codeword format. The controller generates a variable codeword based on the identified activation scheme, selects one of the stored carrier signals, and controls the transceiver to transmit an activation signal having the selected carrier signal modulated with the generated variable codeword in response to user input.

Embodiments of method performed in conjunction with a vehicular garage door control system are provided, as are embodiments of a vehicular garage door control system and a program product executed by a smartphone in communicating with such a garage door control system. The vehicular garage door control system may include an in-vehicle Garage Door Opener (GDO) signal generator, a wireless receiver, and a controller. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving, at the controller via the wireless receiver, a request signal originating from a remote electronic device requesting actuation of a GDO unit that, when actuated, moves a garage door between open and closed positions. In response to receipt of the request signal, a command signal is supplied from the controller to the in-vehicle GDO signal generator commanding the in-vehicle GDO signal generator to generate a GDO actuation signal requesting actuation of the GDO unit.

A product that resides inside of a garage with a working wireless electric garage door opener, the product detects when the garage door is open for too long and when the garage door is open too long the product sends out warnings, then after the appropriate conditions occur the product can close the garage door. The product additionally requires no special installation of sensors or wires.

Methods and apparatus are provided for a combined vehicle keyless entry and garage door (GD) opener fob. The fob comprises a receiver, transmitter, processor, memory, user activated function switches, and preferably a display. In a GD function learn mode, the fob memorizes the signal parameters of a GD activate signal received directly from a nearby GD opener. In the normal GD operate mode, the fob transmits a replica of the GD activate signal using the learned signal parameters stored in the memory. The optional display preferably tells the user that the learn mode is active, prompts the user to operate the nearby GD opener during the learn mode, indicates whether the learn operation was successful or not and shows when the fob has returned to normal (non-learn mode) operation. The GD modes of the fob are entirely self-contained and do not depend upon the vehicle electronics system.

Many people active and inactive can't readily control their audio experience without reaching into a pocket or some other location to change a setting or answer the phone. The problem is the lack of convenience and the inaccessibility when the user is riding his motorcycle, skiing, bicycling, jogging, or even walking with winter gloves on, etc. The electronic control glove described here enables enhanced control over electronic devices wirelessly at all times from the user's fingertips. The glove is manufactured with electrical conducive materials along the fingers and the thumb, where contact with the thumb and finger conductive materials creates a closed circuit which is transmitted to a control device on the glove that can then wirelessly transmit messages to remote electronic devices such as cell phones, audio players, garage door openers, military hardware and software, in work environments, and so forth.

Methods for replacing a first garage door controller with a second garage door controller can include electrically decoupling the first garage door controller from a first wire that is electrically coupled to the garage door opener. Methods can include electrically decoupling the first garage door controller from a second wire that is electrically coupled to the garage door opener. Methods can also include electrically coupling the second garage door controller to the first wire and electrically coupling the second garage door controller to the second wire. Methods can even include communicatively coupling the second garage door controller to an Internet router to thereby communicatively couple the second garage door controller to a wireless network.

A precision light source, such as a laser, controlled by the operation of a garage door opener to generate a light beam to provide a reference mark for guiding a user in parking a vehicle. One embodiment teaches powering the unit from the light activation circuitry of the garage door opener directly, or using a bulb connection base having an auxiliary light socket. Further improvements include the use of an aiming device providing dimensional adjustment of the light beam to move the distal reference point created when the light beam intersects the vehicle. A method for use of the apparatus is also taught.

A garage door opener apparatus (10) with a transfer mechanism (50) is described. The transfer mechanism includes motor sprocket (59), chain (52, 52A), drive sprocket (53, 53A), shaft (54, 54A), driven sprocket (64, 64A) and chain (65, 65A) connected to a carriage assembly (20). The transfer mechanism enables positioning of the apparatus in a building (100) with an obstruction such as a beam (102) and safely allows transfer of the rotation of the motor sprocket to the door (101).

A light activated optical parking guide includes a container, a dark tunnel, a light detector, an electrical level detector, a power switch and one or more laser pointers. The dark tunnel couples light from the garage door opener bulb to the light detector and limits ambient light. The light detector generates an electrical level which triggers a threshold when the garage door light bulb goes on. The threshold switch supplies power to one or more laser pointers, which point to a target on the vehicle driver's dashboard when vehicle arrives at the desired parking position, giving both forward-back and left-right alignment.

A signal repeater system in a repeater unit having a repeater receiver, a repeater transmitter, a controller, a power source, and an optional network interface. The repeater unit performs an authentication of security codes contained in the received communication signals. If validly authenticated, the repeater unit retransmits the communication signals to a barrier operator. The transmitted communication signals may also contain predetermined functions that allow a remote transmitter to actuate an access barrier, such as a garage door opener, via the barrier operator. As such, the repeater system extends the effective range of the remote transmitter, allowing a user to actuate the barrier operator from a greater range. An optional network interface provided by the repeater unit, allows the repeater unit to be connected to any computer network. Accordingly, a remote host can access certain data content and invoke certain functions.

The disclosed technology relates to transforming an ordinary remote control into an IoT device. IoT provides an opportunity to enable and extend traditional technology products in seamless and cost-effective way. As an example, a remote control for garage door openers is transformed, thereby allowing users of smart phones to remotely activate the garage door openers from anywhere in the world. The transformation virtually eliminates installation and integration difficulties, without losing any functionality. The IoT-powered devices also open the opportunity of whole world of M2M automation and benefits, such as automatically closing all garage doors after 9 PM or when people are away from the home.This technology further enables the power of smart phones, connected watches, tablets, IoT and M2M devices disruptively, changing how we live and interact with machines.

The present invention relates to an automatic wireless Bluetooth®-enabled garage door opener, gate opener or other automatic door opening system and method. Specifically, the door opener system and method comprises a Bluetooth wireless receiver interconnected to a low voltage wired garage door opening system, and a control application on a smart device, such as a smart phone, tablet, or other like Bluetooth®-enabled wireless transmitter.

An improved garage door opener is disclosed. The garage opener has a motor drive unit for opening and closing a garage door. The motor drive unit has a microcontroller. Connected to the motor drive unit is a wall console that is located inside the garage. The wall console also has a microcontroller. The microcontroller of the motor drive unit is connected to the microcontroller of the wall console by means of a digital data bus.

The present invention provides am apparatus and methods for an equipment monitoring system coupled to equipment, such as a garage door opener, sprinkler system, HVAC, and other equipment amenable to remote operation. The system permits a user to operate equipment controls via a smartphone, tablet, or other networked appliance. Photography and video equipment may be incorporated to validate equipment status and operation.

The system embodying the invention is employed to cool the interior of a normally closed area such as a garage or storage area, and / or to remove any noxious fumes or undesirable odors from inside the garage by moving outside air into the garage and providing means for that inside air and the fumes or odors in it, if any, to be removed to the outside ambient atmosphere. The system includes one or more fans installed in the upper section of the garage door, and the garage door is opened or closed by moving it in any well-known manner either by rolling it's hinged panels upward to a horizontal position from its normally-closed vertical position, or, when it is a solid door, tilting the entire garage door so that it is substantially horizontal instead of vertical and is located above the garage floor a sufficient distance to drive vehicles that will fit into the garage though the door opening. Those fans have a power cord that extends from a power supply position generally near the garage door opener that is secured to the garage ceiling and powers the garage door from its closed position to its open position, and vice versa, and that power cord is also secured to the garage door in the vicinity of the fan or fans used to move air into and out of the garage when the garage door is closed. The power cord is spring-urged to minimize its relatively free section between the power source and the place where it is secured to the garage door in the vicinity of the fan or fans where it provides power to the fan motor or motors when desired and appropriate. In the preferred embodiment the power cord is wound on a reel that is spring loaded to urge the reel in the rotational direction to wind the part of the power cord that is between the reel and the fan motor or motors, keeping the relatively free section of the power cord in tension so that it does not form any dangerous hanging loops when the garage door is moving from its open position to its closed position. There are also lesser desirable alternatives to apply a spring-loading to the power cord to keep it sufficient tension that it does not form such loops when the garage door is being opened.

This invention relates generally to a garage door opener. The garage door opener has a user interface and a motor operatively connected to the garage door, at least one sensor, and an integrated motor control circuit. The integrated motor control circuit has a motor control microprocessor and a memory. The memory contains previous operation data. The motor control microprocessor receives data from the user interface, the memory and the sensors to control the motor.

The instant invention provides a system for avoiding or reducing exposure to toxic gases. More specifically, the instant invention includes a base module having a first transceiver securable within a structure, and most preferably within the garage of a home. The base module is constructed and arranged to communicate with a remote module having a second transceiver to alert the user of a dangerous condition within the structure prior to entry thereto. In a most preferred embodiment, the remote module is also a garage door opener that can be carried by a person or within a vehicle. In operation, the remote module sends a signal to the base module. In response, the base transceiver checks the level of a toxic gas such as carbon monoxide within the dwelling, if the level is below a predetermined limit the base module sends a signal to the garage door opener to open the door, if the level of the gas is above the predetermined limit an alarm will be sent to the remote transceiver and the door will not be opened.

This invention relates generally to a garage door opener. The garage door opener has a user interface and an integrated motor operatively connected to the garage door. The integrated motor has a motor drive and an integrated motor control circuit. The integrated motor control circuit has a motor control microprocessor.

Embodiments of the invention enable the transmission and receipt of information packets to and from at least one automotive data bus that enables connectivity between automotive devices on at least one automotive data bus and external devices not originally coupled with an automotive data bus or between an automotive device residing on one automotive data bus and another automotive device residing on a different automotive bus. Devices that may be coupled with an automotive data bus that were not originally coupled with the bus include but are not limited to cell phones, garage door openers, radar detectors, digital music players, alarms, stereos, GPS receivers, PCs, PDAs, digital cameras, video cameras or any other electronic device. These external devices may be controlled by the switches on a steering wheel or radio buttons for example when coupled with embodiments of the invention. Existing devices on an automotive data bus may comprise device(s) such as for example a CD-player, MID (Multi-Information Display Buttons), menu screen, multi-function steering wheel buttons, parking distance control, radio, digital music system, digital sound processor, instrument control electronics, light control module, telephone, navigation system, integrated LCD screen, On-Board computer, On-Board computer text bar, lights, wipers, seats, seat memory and any other device originally installed in an automobile. These devices may be controlled by external devices coupled with an embodiment of the invention that is in turn coupled to the automotive data bus. For example an incoming cell phone number may be displayed on an automobile stereo display when an incoming call rings a cell phone coupled with an embodiment of the invention to the automotive data bus. Embodiments of the invention allow for the interception and delay of messages intended for a given device when an external device requests use of an automotive device. For example when the incoming number is displayed on the stereo system text display, such as a change in volume any message intended for the stereo system text display may be intercepted and delayed until the cell phone call is answered.

The present invention relates to a garage door operating system and to a kit for such a system. The system includes a two-channel cable drum where each channel is of a single-cable width. A motor is affixed to the wall of the garage either on either side of the door and is used to rotatably drive the two-channel cable drum. The two-channel cable drum has a length of cable spooled around each channel, each length of cable having one end attached to the drum and another guided through a series of pulleys and attached to the bottom of one of the sides of the door. To open or close the garage door, the motor rotates the two-channel cable drum gathering or releasing the two lengths of cable in a smooth and controlled fashion. The motor has strength sufficient to open the door without the aid of a counterbalance device.