NZ710073B2 - Sensing manual drive operation of a movable barrier - Google Patents

Abstract

movable barrier operator is provided that includes a motor coupled to a movable barrier to move the movable barrier, a computing device which controls movement of the motor, a manual drive coupled to the movable barrier to move the movable barrier, a ring coupled to move with the manual drive, and a sensor that senses and communicates rotation of the ring to the computing device. In response to receiving the sensed rotation of the ring, the computing device prevents operation of the motor to move the movable barrier. a sensor that senses and communicates rotation of the ring to the computing device. In response to receiving the sensed rotation of the ring, the computing device prevents operation of the motor to move the movable barrier.

Description

(12) Granted patent specificaon (19) NZ (11) 710073 (13) B2 (47) Publicaon date: 2021.12.24 (54) SENSING MANUAL DRIVE OPERATION OF A MOVABLE BARRIER (51) Internaonal Patent Classificaon(s): E05F 15/603 E05F 15/73 (22) Filing date: (73) s): 2015.07.20 Chamberlain Australia Pty Ltd. (23) Complete specificaon filing date: (74) Contact: 2015.07.20 AJ PARK (30) Internaonal Priority Data: (72) Inventor(s): US 14/339,519 2014.07.24 NICHOLSON, Scott James (57) Abstract: A movable r operator is provided that includes a motor coupled to a movable barrier to move the e barrier, a compung device which ls movement of the motor, a manual drive coupled to the movable barrier to move the movable barrier, a ring coupled to move with the manual drive, and a sensor that senses and communicates n of the ring to the compung device. In response to receiving the sensed rotaon of the ring, the compung device prevents operaon of the motor to move the movable barrier.

NZ 710073 B2 SENSING MANUAL DRIVE OPERATION OF A MOVABLE BARRIER TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates generally to safety features for a movable barrier system used to move a movable barrier, and more specifically to sensing use of a manual drive for a movable barrier.

BACKGROUND Movable barrier s are generally known in the industry. Such systems typically include a barrier operator that is used to move an associated barrier. There are several different styles of barrier operators including barrier operators that may be electronically driven under normal operating conditions and onally may be manually driven. One common ly driven barrier operator device is a chain hoist, though other methods ofmanual movement are known. The manually driven part of such barrier operator devices are generally used during installation ofthe movable barrier , when conducting maintenance or servicing of the movable barrier system, and in the event of emergencies or power failure, in other words, at times when the electrically driven motor is not used.

In n configurations, the manual chain hoist is coupled to the electronic motor through the use ofvarious devices. Thus, when using the manual chain hoist to open or close the movable barrier, the electronic operator may still be configured to e power to move the movable barrier and therefore may cause a force to be exerted on the manual chain hoist while a user is still holding onto it. Additionally, after a user engages the manual chain hoist to open or'close the movable barrier, the motor may still be configured to open or close the e r based on its own previous operating state. Thus, the motor may attempt to open the movable barrier when it is already in an open configuration, or alternatively t to close the movable barrier when it is already in a closed configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above needs are at least partially met through provision of the t matter described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein: comprises a perspective View ofan example barrier operator system having a manual drive and a sensing apparatus as configured in accordance with various embodiments ofthe invention; comprises a block diagram of an example manual drive g system as configured in ance with s embodiments ofthe invention; comprises a fiont left side perspective View of an example manual drive sensing system as configured in accordance with various embodiments ofthe invention; comprises a front left side exploded perspective View ofthe example manual drive sensing system of comprises a front right side perspective view of the example manual drive sensing system of ses a fi'ont right side exploded perspective View ofthe example manual drive sensing system of comprises a rear right side perspective View of the example manual drive sensing system of comprises a rear right side exploded perspective view ofthe example manual drive sensing system of comprises a rear left side perspective View ofthe example manual drive sensing system of comprises a rear left side exploded perspective View ofthe example manual drive sensing system of 1 comprises a front left side perspective View of the example manual drive sensing system of ses a perspective View of a chain pulley Wheel of an example manual drive sensing system as configured in accordance with various embodiments ofthe ion; ses a perspective View of a slip ring of an example manual drive sensing system as configured in accordance with various embodiments ofthe invention; comprises a front elevation View of a slip ring of an example manual drive g system as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; comprises a fiont elevation view of the slip ring of being inserted on the end belle of a manual dn've sensing system as configured in accordance with various embodiments ofthe invention; comprises a fi'ont elevation View of the slip ring of inserted on the end belle of an example manual diive sensing system as configured in accordance with various embodiments ofthe invention; comprises a ctive View of a portion ofthe example manual drive sensing system as configured in accordance with various embodiments ofthe invention; ses a fiont elevation View of an example manual drive sensing system in a resting configuration as configured in accordance with various embodiments ofthe invention; comprises a front elevation View of the example manual drive sensing system of rotated in a first direction as configured in accordance with various embodiments ofthe invention; comprises a fiont elevation View of the example manual diive sensing system of being r rotated in the same direction as in as configured in accordance with various embodiments ofthe invention; comprises a front elevation View ofthe example manual drive sensing system of rotated in a second direction as configured in accordance with various embodiments ofthe invention; comprises a fiont elevation View of the example manual drive sensing system of being further d in the same direction as in as configured in accordance with various embodiments ofthe invention; comprises flow chart rating an example method for controlling motor drive states of a movable barrier operator during and after operation of a manual drive mechanism as configured in accordance with various embodiments ofthe invention.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that ts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning ofsome of the elements in the figures may be rated ve to other elements to help to e tanding ofvarious embodiments ofthe present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed View e various embodiments. It will further be iated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those d in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be tood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

SUMMARY Generally speaking, pursuant to these various embodiments, a sensor senses rotation of a ring operably coupled to a manual drive mechanism used to move a movable barrier. The sensor communicates a signal to a computing unit that prevents operation of a motor that otherwise moves the movable barrier. In one approach, the sensor additionally senses the direction of on of the ring and communicates this signal to the computing unit. The computing unit uses this ation for ining how to next operate the motor.

So configured, such a ring and sensor apparatus can provide increased user safety when operating a manual drive mechanism. By preventing operation of the motor while the user engages the manual drive mechanism, the user may safely engage the manual drive to open and/or close the movable barrier. Additionally, when the computing device determines the first direction of operation of the motor after the manual drive has been used, the movable barrier operator will not control the motor in an incorrect manner, i.e., trying to close the movable barrier when it is already in its closed on or trying to open the movable barrier when the movable barrier is already in its open position and y potentially damaging the system. As a result, unnecessary wear and tear on the motor and corresponding ents may be reduced or eliminated. [0030a] In a particular aspect, the present invention provides a e barrier operator comprising: a motor coupled to a movable barrier to effectuate movement of the movable r; a computing device configured to control movement of the motor; a manual drive operably d to the movable barrier to effectuate movement of the movable barrier; a slip ring operably coupled to move with the manual drive along a portion of a rotation of the manual drive in a first direction until the slip ring engages a detent and to not move with the manual drive during further rotation of the manual drive in the first direction; at least one sensor configured to sense rotation of the ring and, in response to sensing the rotation of the ring, to communicate a signal to the ing device, wherein in response to receiving the signal, the computing device is configured to prevent operation of the motor to effectuate movement of the movable barrier.

[FOLLOWED BY PAGE 5a] [0030b] In another particular aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for controlling motor drive states of a e barrier or during and after operation of a manual drive ism, the apparatus comprising: a slip ring configured to engage a rotatable portion of a drive mechanism that rotates along a portion of a rotation of a manual drive portion of the drive mechanism used to move a movable barrier until the slip ring engages a detent and to not move with the manual drive during further rotation of the manual drive; and at least one sensor configured to sense on of the slip ring and in response to sensing the rotation of the ring, to communicate a signal to a computing device, wherein the ing device is configured to prevent operation of a motor of the drive mechanism to move the movable barrier in response to receiving the signal. [0030c] In a yet further particular aspect, the present invention provides a method for controlling motor drive states of a movable barrier operator during and after operation of a manual drive mechanism, the method comprising: a slip ring engaging a ble portion of a drive mechanism that rotates in response to rotation of a manual drive portion of the drive ism used to move a movable barrier; a detent engaging the slip ring to prevent the slip ring from rotating in response to rotation of the manual drive portion of the drive mechanism beyond a portion of a rotation of the manual drive in a first direction while permitting the manual drive portion of the drive mechanism to continue rotating; at least one sensor sensing rotation of the slip ring; the at least one sensor, in response to sensing the rotation of the slip ring, icating a signal to a computing device; and the computing device preventing, in response to receiving the signal, ion of a motor of the drive mechanism to move the movable barrier; [FOLLOWED BY PAGE 5b] - 5a - wherein the slip ring engaging the rotatable portion comprises biasing the slip ring with a spring to close the slip ring around the rotatable portion of the drive mechanism with sufficient force to frictionally engage the rotatable portion such that the slip ring s with the rotatable portion but is slidable over the rotatable portion in response to the slip ring’s engaging the . [0030d] In a yet further particular aspect, the present ion provides a method for controlling motor drive states of a movable r operator during and after operation of a manual drive mechanism, the method comprising: a slip ring engaging a rotatable portion of a drive mechanism that s in response to rotation of a manual drive portion of the drive mechanism used to move a e barrier; a detent engaging the slip ring to t the slip ring from rotating in response to rotation of the manual drive n of the drive mechanism beyond a portion of a rotation of the manual drive in a first direction while ting the manual drive portion of the drive mechanism to continue rotating; at least one sensor sensing rotation of the slip ring; the at least one sensor, in response to sensing the rotation of the slip ring, communicating a signal to a computing device; and the computing device preventing, in response to receiving the , ion of a motor of the drive mechanism to move the movable barrier; the at least one sensor sensing a direction of rotation of the manual drive; and in response to sensing the direction of rotation, communicating a signal including an indication of direction of rotation to the computing device. [0030e] In a yet further particular aspect, the present invention provides a method for operating a movable barrier, the method comprising: rotating with a manual drive a rotatable portion of a manual drive mechanism; rotating a slip ring with the rotatable portion; sensing the rotation of the slip ring with at least one sensor; preventing operation of a motor in response to sensing the on of the slip ring; and stopping the rotation of the slip ring while continuing to rotate the rotatable portion; the at least one sensor sensing a direction of rotation of the slip ring; and in response to sensing the direction of rotation, communicating a signal including an indication of the direction.

[FOLLOWED BY PAGE 5c] - 5b - These and other benefits may become clearer upon making a thorough review and study of the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, movable r operator system 100 can include, for example, a barrier 102, an operator 104, a motor 106, an operator 104, a computing device 108, a drive shaft 110, a manual drive system or mechanism 120, and a g system 140. The sensing system 150 can further include a sensor 150 and a ring 152.

The operator 104 includes the computing device 108 and the motor 106. The motor 106 is coupled to the drive shaft 110, which is connected to move the movable barrier 102 in response to operation of the motor 106. It is understood that in some examples, the motor 106 and the ing device 108 are all ned within the same housing, but in other examples, the motor 106 and the computing device 108 are contained in separate housings. In other examples, other combinations are possible.

[FOLLOWED BY PAGE 6] - 5c - The manual drive system 120 is also operably coupled to move the movable barrier 102. A ring 152 is operably coupled to the manual drive system 120, and a sensor 160 is disposed to sense a position of the ring 152 In operation, the computing device 108 is configured to control movement ofthe motor 106. The motor 106 effectuates movement ofthe movable barrier 102. Such operators 104 and motors 106 and their respective ons are well known in the art, thus for the sake of brevity and the preservation of focus, additional details will not be presented here regarding such well understood peripheral structure.

The manual drive system 120 es an alternative system ofmoving of the movable barrier 102. In one example, a user manually operates the manual drive system 120 by pulling on a hand chain that is coupled to the manual drive system 120 to open or close the movable r 102.

The computing device 108 is configured to control drive states ofthe e barrier operator system 100 during and after operation ofmanual drive system 120 in response to sensed position ofthe ring 152. In some examples, the ring 152 is a slip ring 152 that engages a ble portion ofthe manual drive system 120 to move or rotate with the manual drive system 120 during a portion of its travel. The sensor 160 senses rotation ofthe slip ring 152 and in response, communicates a signal to the computing device 108. In response to receiving this signal, the computing device 108 prevents operation of the motor 106 to move the movable barrier 102. {0038] Referring now to FIGS. 3—1 1, specific examples of a manual drive system 120 and sensing system 140 are provided. The manual drive system 120 es a chain wheel 122, drive wheel 124, clutch 130, spring 134, and drive pawl 138. The sensing system 150 includes a ring 152 and a sensor 160. The ring 152 includes a notch 154, guide surface 156, and tab 158.

The sensor 160 includes a wheel 162 and housing 164. With brief reference to l, the housing 112 includes a detent 114 disposed to engage the tab 158 of the ring 152. The manual drive system 120 and g system 150 e additional ents illustrated in the figures such as washers, bearings, sleeves, and fasteners which are commonly known and thus will not be discussed in firrther detail.

A drive shaft 110 is inserted through center bores ofthe chain wheel 122, drive wheel 124, clutch 130, and slip ring 152, thus axially ng these components. The drive wheel 124 includes a keyed center bore 126, which accepts a protrusion in the drive shaft 1 10 to rotatably couple these components. Accordingly, the drive shafi’s 110 rotation drives the drive wheel 124, and reciprocally, the drive wheel’s 124 on drives the drive shaft 110.

At least a portion ofthe drive wheel 124 is contained within an g ofthe chain wheel 122. The drive wheel 124 is configured such that when the motor 106 is lling movement ofbarrier 102 by rotating the drive shaft 110 and drive wheel 124, the drive shaft 110 and drive wheel 124 rotate independently fiom the chain wheel 122. As discussed below, the chain wheel 122, however, operatively couples to the drive wheel 124 when the manual drive 120 is used.

The clutch 130 includes a lower bore 136, which is configured to accept a drive pawl 138 via a sleeve bearing 140 inserted into the lower bore 136. The drive pawl 138 is also rotatably coupled to the chain wheel 122, and the pawl cam 142 extends into an opening defined by the chain wheel 122 and the drive wheel 124. The spring 134 is positioned within a cavity defined by the chain wheel 122. The clutch 130 also includes tabs 132, which are also inserted into the cavity defined by the chain wheel 122. These tabs 132 are positioned at opposing ends of the spring 134.

When a user s the manual drive 120, the chain wheel 122 begins to , and the ledges 123 ofthe chain wheel 122 contact a side ofthe drive pawl 138 causing it to rotate about the rotatable connection between the two. The pawl cam 142 then rotates into a drive pocket 128 on drive wheel 124, rotatably coupling the chain wheel 122 and drive wheel 124.

Accordingly, e the drive wheel 124 and drive shaft 110 are rotatably coupled to each other, the drive shaft 1 10 rotates and effectuates movement ofthe movable barrier 102.

Because the tabs 132 ofthe clutch 130 and spring 134 are inserted into the cavity defined by the chain wheel 122, rotation ofthe chain wheel 122 causes an edge ofthe cavity defined by the chain Wheel 122 to contact one ofthe tabs 132, which in turn rotates the clutch 130 with the drive wheel 122. Rotation ofthe chain Wheel 122 additionally causes the spring 134 to be biased against one ofthe tabs 132. Upon releasing the hand chain 101, the spring 134 resses and exerts a force on the tabs 132 to move the clutch 130 to a relaxed position. This movement causes the drive pawl 138 in lower bore 136 to rotate to an upright position that disengages the drive s 128. Accordingly, upon releasing the pull chain 101, the drive mechanism 120 disengages from the drive shaft 110 such that the motor 106 may subsequently operate the movable barrier 102 without also actuating the manual drive system 120.

The sensing system 150 includes the slip ring 152 and the sensor 160. We refer to a "slip ring" in this description because ofthe described ring’s y to readily slip over and engage a portion ofthe drive system Without significant ation ofthe system’s ent.

A "ring" is understood as any addition to or modification ofthe drive system component to facilitate sensing of the drive shafi’s 110 rotation and or direction of rotation. For example, a drive system ent could be modified to have a guide surface that triggers a sensor similarly to the example illustrated in the figures.

The illustrated slip ring 152 includes notches 154, a spring 155 (see FIGS. 13-16), a guide surface 156, and tabs 158. The example sensor 160 includes a Wheel 162 and housing 164. Other sensor types can be employed. {0046] In one example illustrated in FIGS. 13—16, the slip ring 152 is constructed of an elastic ring that terminates at two ends connected by a spring 155 that engages the s 154.

The guide surface 156 includes a lowered midpoint portion 157 connected to ramped portions 159 that terminate at the tabs 158.

The slip ring 152 has an internal diameter that engages a ble portion ofthe manual drive 120, here surface 125 on the chain Wheel 122 (as seen in FIGS. 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12).

As seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, the slip ring 152 is expanded and placed over the chain wheel 122.

Then, the spring 155 biases the slip ring 152 to engage the chain wheel 122 with sufficient frictional force such that the slip ring 152 rotates with the chain wheel 122 but is also slidable over the chain wheel 122 in se to tabs’ 158 engaging a stop or detent 114 ofthe housing 112 (see ).

The sensor 160 senses rotation ofthe slip ring 152, which rotation corresponds to rotation ofthe manual drive 120. The wheel 162 is partially supported by and protrudes from the housing 164, which includes a biasing member to bias the wheel 162 in its protruding configuration to engage the slip ring 152. The wheel 162 es an axle extending therefiom that is inserted into a channel in the housing 164, which serves to guide the wheel 162 during movement. A trigger (not shown) is contained within the housing 164 to sense when wheel 162 is ced into housing 164.

As seen in the example illustrated in , in its relaxed, non—displaced state, the wheel 162 rests in the lowed midpoint portion 157. Upon ng the chain wheel 122 counter-clockwise (see FIGS. 19 and 20) or clockwise (see FIGS. 21 and 22), the wheel 162 traverses the ramped portion 159 ofthe slip ring 152 and is partially displaced into the housing 164. The r then senses and registers this displacement, which indicates rotation of the chain wheel 122. The sensor 160 communicates this signal to the computing device 108.

Accordingly, the movable barrier operator system 100, specifically the computing device 108, determines subsequent operation ofthe motor 106.

With reference to FIGS. 11 and 18-22, additional examples of r operation of the sensing system 150 are described. A marker 161 is provided on the chain wheel 122 to better illustrate relative movement ofthe chain wheel 122 and slip ring 152. In , upon rotating the chain wheel 122 counter-clockwise, both the slip ring 152 and the chain wheel 122 rotate in the counterclockwise ion. As seen in , a tab 158 ofthe slip ring 152 comes in contact with a detent 114, which limits further rotation. At this point, the chain wheel 122 continues to rotate in the counter-clockwise direction while sliding along the stationary slip ring 152, thus marker 161 is illustrated in a further counter—clockwise position. Accordingly, a user may ue to actuate the chain 101 supported by the chain wheel 122, thus operating the manual drive 120, while the slip ring 152 remains stationary after ng a short distance. This small amount ofdisplacement allows the slip ring 152 to quickly signal the computing device 108 and limit the possibility of the motor 106 engaging during manual operation. In some examples and as seen in 1, the detent 114 is an integral part ofhousing 112. In other examples and as seen in FIGS. 18—22, the detent 114 is an integral part ofmanual drive 120 or any other suitable component.

When the user is no longer engaging the manual drive 120, the spring 134 applies a force against the tabs 132 ofthe clutch 130, which causes the clutch 130 to rotate to a relaxed on. This rotation causes the chain wheel 122 to also move to a relaxed position, which in turn causes the slip ring 152 to rotate to a position where the wheel 162 rests in the lowered midpoint portion 157. Accordingly, the slip ring 152 s to a position in which the trigger does not sense on ofthe slip ring 152 when the manual drive 120 is not engaged to move the barrier 102.

As seen in FIGS. 21 and 22, rotation ofthe chain wheel 122 in the clockwise direction similarly causes a tab 158 ofthe slip ring 152 to engage a detent 114 on the manual drive 120, which limits further on of the slip ring 152, but allows the chain wheel 122 to continue to rotate in the clockwise direction. {0053] In some aspects, the e barrier operator system 100 may have additional sensing capabilities. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3-11, movable barrier operator system 100 may include a sensor configured to sense direction of rotation of the slip ring 152, which rotation corresponds to a direction of rotation of manual drive 120. For example, the sensor 160 may sense which ofthe two tabs 15 8 approaches the sensor 160, where each tab 158 corresponds to a ular rotational direction. In response to sensing the direction of the rotation ofthe slip ring 152, the sensor then icates the signal ing an indication of direction ofthe rotation ofthe slip ring 152 to computing device 108. In response to receiving this indication ofdirection ofrotation of slip ring 152, the computing device 108 may then determine a first direction of operation ofmotor 106 after operation ofmanual drive 120.

Alternatively, a separate sensing system can detect direction ofrotation ofthe drive shaft 1 10. In one such approach illustrated in FIGS. 3—1 1, the e barrier operator system 100 includes a worm 170, sensor shaft 172, speed sensing system 176, position sensing system 180, and direction sensing system 184. The sensor shaft 172 may further include a sensor shafi gear 173 and a sensor shafi drive gear 174. The speed sensing system 176 may include speed sensing system teeth 177 and speed tooth sensor 178. The position sensing system 180 may include position sensing system teeth 181 and position tooth sensor 182. The direction sensing system 184 may include a direction system tooth 185 and a direction tooth sensor 186. {0055] The worm 170 is coupled to rotate with the drive shaft 110 and to engage and drive the sensor shafi gear 173 that is connected to the sensor shaft 172. The sensor shaft drive gear 174 is coupled to an opposing end ofthe sensor shaft 172 and engages gear teeth on the speed sensing system 176. The position sensing system 180 s the speed sensing system 176 with a second set ofgear teeth. The direction g system 184 is axially d with and d to the position sensing system 180.

The speed tooth sensor 178, position tooth sensor 182, and direction tooth sensor 186 each may be any type ofsensor capable of sensing the respective teeth associated with the sensors. In one example, the speed tooth sensor 178, the position tooth sensor 182, and the direction tooth sensor 186 are optical sensors triggered when an object passes through the g defined by sensors’ respective prongs. In other examples, other types of sensors are used.

In operation, upon rotation ofthe drive shaft 1 10, the worm 170 rotates therewith causing the sensor shaft gear 173 to rotate. The sensor shaft gear’s 173 rotation turn causes the sensor shaft 172 and the sensor shaft drive gear 174 to rotate. Thus, the speed sensing system gear rotates, and the speed sensing system teeth 177 pass through the speed tooth sensor 178, which generates signals corresponding to the speed in which the speed sensing system teeth 177 travel through a space defined by the speed tooth sensor 178. Speed sensing system 176 then communicates this information to computing device 108, which can analyze the information to determine a speed ofthe movable r 102.

In firrther ion, rotation of the speed sensing system 176 causes rotation of the position sensing system 180 and the direction sensing system 184. The on sensing system teeth 181 are dimensioned with varying lengths and intermediate spaces such that position tooth sensor 182 senses different lengths of signals depending on how far the drive shaft 1 10 has rotated in a given direction. Accordingly, the position sensor 182 communicates information indicating imate movable barrier 102 position.

In yet further operation, the direction sensing system tooth 185 rotates in response to rotation of the drive shaft l 10. The direction sensing tooth 185 is dimensioned such that it is either located in the space defined by the direction tooth sensor 186 or outside ofthis space. In one example, when the direction g tooth 185 is located in the space defined by the direction tooth sensor 186, the movable barrier 102 has most recently moved toward the closed position. Conversely, when the ion sensing tooth 185 is not located in the space defined by the direction tooth sensor 186, the movable barrier 102 has most ly moved toward the open position. Accordingly, the direction tooth sensor 186 communicates information indicating the direction in which the movable barrier 102 most recently moved based on the sensed information.

It will be appreciated that the opposite configuration of the ion sensing system tooth 185 relative to the direction tooth sensor 186 may also be utilized, meaning an open movement ofthe movable barrier 102 would be ented by the direction sensing tooth being d in the space defined by the direction tooth sensor 186.

The use ofthese additional sensors thus allow the movable r operator system 100 to determine the traveling speed and/or the approximate on ofthe movable barrier 102, and/or the movable barrier’s 102 most recent direction ment. For example, if a user engages the manual drive system 120 to open movable barrier 102 (i.e., moving from a closed to an open position), the computing device 108 determines that the movable barrier 102 most recently moved toward the open on. In the event the motor 106 is subsequently used to effectuate movement of the movable barrier 102, the ing device 108 correctly instructs the motor 106 to move the movable banier 102 to the closed position.

Referring now to , a method 2300 for controlling motor drive states of a movable barrier operator during and after operation of a manual drive mechanism is provided in further detail. First, at step 2302, a slip ring 152 engages a rotatable portion of a manual drive mechanism 120. At step 2304, a sensing system 150 senses rotation ofthe slip ring 152. Next, at step 2306, the sensing system 150 communicates a signal to a computing device 108. Finally, at step 2308, the computing device 108 prevents, in response to receiving the signal, operation of the motor 106 to move the movable barrier 102.

In an alternative e, the step of sensing 2304 rotation ofthe slip ring 152 r includes sensing 2310 the direction of rotation of the manual drive and communicating 2312 the signal indicating direction of rotation. The step ofcommunicating 2306 a signal to a computing device 108 may also e determining 2318 a first direction of operation ofthe motor 106 after ion ofthe manual drive system 120. Additionally, the method 2300 may include the steps ofbiasing 2314 the slip ring 152 with a spring 155 to close the slip ring 152 around a portion of the manual drive mechanism 120, and engaging 2316 a detent 114 to stop rotation of the slip ring 152. After the step ofpreventing operation of a motor ofthe drive mechanism 2308, the method 2300 may further include the steps of ing 2320 the manual drive system 120 and returning 2322 the slip ring 152 to a position that does not trigger a sensing of rotation ofthe slip ring 152.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety ofmodifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described ments without departing from the scope ofthe invention, and that such modifications, tions, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit ofthe inventive concept. _13-

Claims (23)

What is claimed is:

1. A movable barrier operator comprising: a motor coupled to a movable barrier to effectuate movement of the movable barrier; a computing device configured to control movement of the motor; a manual drive operably coupled to the movable barrier to effectuate movement of the movable barrier; a slip ring operably coupled to move with the manual drive along a portion of a rotation of the manual drive in a first direction until the slip ring engages a detent and to not move with the manual drive during further rotation of the manual drive in the first ion; at least one sensor configured to sense rotation of the ring and, in response to g the rotation of the ring, to communicate a signal to the computing device, wherein in response to ing the signal, the computing device is configured to prevent operation of the motor to effectuate movement of the movable barrier.

2. The movable r operator of claim 1, wherein the slip ring comprises an elastic ring terminating at two ends that are connected by a spring, the elastic ring having a diameter configured to engage a ble portion of the drive mechanism, and the spring configured to bias the elastic ring to engage the rotatable portion of the drive ism with sufficient force to onally engage the rotatable portion such that the slip ring rotates with the rotatable portion but is slidable over the rotatable portion in response to the slip ring’s ng the detent.

3. The movable barrier operator of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is ured to sense direction of rotation of the manual drive, and, in response to sensing the direction of the rotation, to communicate a signal including an indication of direction of the rotation of the manual drive to the computing device.

4. The movable barrier operator of claim 3, n the computing device is configured to determine, in response to receiving the indication of direction of rotation, a first direction of ion of the motor after operation of the manual drive.

5. The movable barrier operator of claim 4, wherein the manual drive is configured to rotate after manual operation such that the slip ring returns to a position that does not trigger the at least one sensor to sense rotation of the slip ring when the manual drive is not engaged to move the movable barrier.

6. The movable r operator of claim 1, n the at least one detent is configured to engage a portion of the slip ring to stop rotation of the slip ring after the at least one sensor senses the rotation of the slip ring such that the slip ring slides over the rotatable portion of the drive mechanism while the rotatable n continues to rotate in response to operation of the manual drive.

7. An apparatus for controlling motor drive states of a movable barrier operator during and after operation of a manual drive mechanism, the apparatus comprising: a slip ring configured to engage a rotatable portion of a drive mechanism that rotates along a portion of a rotation of a manual drive portion of the drive ism used to move a movable barrier until the slip ring engages a detent and to not move with the manual drive during r rotation of the manual drive; and at least one sensor configured to sense rotation of the slip ring and in se to g the rotation of the ring, to communicate a signal to a computing device, wherein the computing device is configured to prevent operation of a motor of the drive mechanism to move the e barrier in se to receiving the signal.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the ring ses a slip ring comprising an elastic ring terminating at two ends that are connected by a spring, the elastic ring having a diameter configured to engage the rotatable portion of the drive mechanism, and the spring biasing the elastic ring to engage the rotatable portion of the drive mechanism with sufficient force to frictionally engage the rotatable portion such that the slip ring rotates with the rotatable portion but is slidable over the rotatable portion in response to the slip ring’s engaging the detent.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to sense direction of rotation of the manual drive, and, in response to g the direction of the rotation to communicate a signal including an indication of ion of the rotation to the computing device.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the computing device is configured to, in response to receiving the indication of direction of rotation of the slip ring, determine a first ion of operation of the motor after operation of the manual drive.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the manual drive is ured to rotate after manual operation such that the slip ring returns to a position that does not r the at least one sensor to sense rotation of the slip ring when the manual drive is not engaged to move the movable barrier.

12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the detent is configured to engage a n of the slip ring to stop rotation of the slip ring after the at least one sensor senses the rotation of the slip ring such that the slip ring slides over the rotatable portion of the drive ism while the rotatable portion continues to rotate in response to operation of the manual drive.

13. A method for controlling motor drive states of a movable barrier operator during and after operation of a manual drive mechanism, the method comprising: a slip ring engaging a rotatable portion of a drive mechanism that rotates in response to rotation of a manual drive portion of the drive mechanism used to move a movable barrier; a detent engaging the slip ring to prevent the slip ring from rotating in response to rotation of the manual drive portion of the drive mechanism beyond a portion of a rotation of the manual drive in a first direction while permitting the manual drive portion of the drive mechanism to continue rotating; at least one sensor sensing rotation of the slip ring; the at least one sensor, in response to sensing the rotation of the slip ring, icating a signal to a computing device; and the computing device preventing, in se to receiving the signal, operation of a motor of the drive mechanism to move the movable barrier; wherein the slip ring engaging the rotatable portion ses biasing the slip ring with a spring to close the slip ring around the rotatable portion of the drive mechanism with sufficient force to frictionally engage the rotatable portion such that the slip ring rotates with the rotatable n but is slidable over the rotatable portion in response to the slip ring’s engaging the detent.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the slip ring's ng the detent to stop rotation of the slip ring after the at least one sensor senses the rotation of the slip ring such that the slip ring slides over the rotatable portion of the drive ism while the rotatable portion continues to rotate in response to operation of the manual drive.

15. A method for controlling motor drive states of a movable barrier operator during and after operation of a manual drive mechanism, the method comprising: a slip ring engaging a rotatable portion of a drive mechanism that s in response to rotation of a manual drive portion of the drive ism used to move a movable barrier; a detent engaging the slip ring to prevent the slip ring from rotating in response to rotation of the manual drive portion of the drive mechanism beyond a portion of a rotation of the manual drive in a first direction while permitting the manual drive portion of the drive mechanism to continue ng; at least one sensor sensing rotation of the slip ring; the at least one sensor, in response to g the rotation of the slip ring, communicating a signal to a computing device; and the computing device preventing, in response to receiving the signal, operation of a motor of the drive mechanism to move the movable barrier; the at least one sensor sensing a direction of on of the manual drive; and in response to g the direction of rotation, communicating a signal including an indication of direction of rotation to the computing device.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the computing device, in response to receiving the tion of direction of rotation, determining a first direction of operation of the motor after operation of the manual drive.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the manual drive is configured to rotate after manual operation such that the slip ring returns to a position that does not trigger the at least one sensor to sense rotation of the slip ring when the manual drive is not engaged to move the movable barrier.

18. A method for operating a movable barrier, the method comprising: rotating with a manual drive a rotatable portion of a manual drive mechanism; rotating a slip ring with the rotatable portion; sensing the rotation of the slip ring with at least one sensor; preventing ion of a motor in se to sensing the rotation of the slip ring; and stopping the on of the slip ring while continuing to rotate the rotatable portion; the at least one sensor sensing a direction of rotation of the slip ring; and in response to sensing the ion of rotation, communicating a signal including an indication of the direction.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein rotating the slip ring with the manual drive mechanism comprises biasing the slip ring to close the slip ring around the rotatable portion of the drive mechanism with sufficient force to onally engage the rotatable n such that the slip ring rotates with the rotatable portion but is slidable over the rotatable portion.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising the computing device, in response to receiving the indication of the direction, determining a first ion of operation of the motor after operation of the manual drive.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein stopping rotation of the slip ring comprises the slip ring's ng a detent to stop rotation of the slip ring after the at least one sensor senses the rotation of the slip ring such that the slip ring slides over the rotatable portion of the drive mechanism while the rotatable n continues to rotate in response to operation of the manual drive.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising rotating the slip ring after the operation of the manual drive such that the slip ring is no longer sensed by the at least one sensing device.

23. The movable barrier or of claim 1, substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the