Robert A Keller

US Patent:

20050285553, Dec 29, 2005

Filed:

Jun 24, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/876325

Inventors:

Eric Gregori - Lindenhurst IL, US
Robert Study - Arlington Heights IL, US
Colin Willmott - Buffalo Grove IL, US
Robert Keller - Chicago IL, US

International Classification:

H02P001/00
H02P003/00

US Classification:

318280000, 318466000

Abstract:

A barrier movement operator moves a barrier between open and closed positions. The operator receives a first request to move the barrier. The actual force required to move the barrier is measured. An obstruction to barrier movement is determined by comparing the measured actual force to a first predetermined force threshold. Responsive to the detection of an obstruction, the direction of travel of the barrier is reversed. The operation of the barrier movement operator is modified, by permitting the use of a higher force threshold in future measurements. A second request to move the barrier is received. The actual force required to move the barrier is measured a second time. An obstruction to barrier movement is detected by comparing the measured actual force with the new, higher force threshold.

US Patent:

20080180050, Jul 31, 2008

Filed:

Feb 29, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/040574

Inventors:

Eric M. Gregori - Lindenhurst IL, US
James J. Fitzgibbon - Batavia IL, US
Carlos Jurado - Aurora IL, US
Robert R. Keller - Chicago IL, US
Matthew C. Stephan - Glen Ellyn IL, US
Colin Willmott - Buffalo Grove IL, US

Assignee:

THE CHAMBERLAIN GROUP, INC. - Elmhurst IL

International Classification:

H02P 3/00

US Classification:

318434, 318471

Abstract:

A movable barrier operator having a motor controller () and motor () that control selective movement of a movable barrier () also has an obstacle detector () that utilizes an automatically determined excess force threshold value to permit reliable detection of an obstacle under a wide variety of operational circumstances, including changing physical circumstances, aging components, temperature variations, and motor runtime. In a preferred embodiment, a characteristic force value for the system is frequently updated as a function of actual measured force requirements (and further compensated, pursuant to various embodiments, with respect to other conditions such as temperature and motor runtime). This characteristic force value is then utilized to determine the excess force threshold value.

US Patent:

52509214, Oct 5, 1993

Filed:

Oct 19, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/600199

Inventors:

Kalvin G. Van Laningham - Beloit WI
Mark E. Blakeman - South Beloit IL
Dwight E. Booth - Janesville WI
John C. Carlson - Beloit WI
Douglas J. Clemens - Garrett IN
Stewart B. Dobson - Janesville WI
Robert D. Keller - Roscoe IL

Assignee:

Dana Corporation - Toledo OH

International Classification:

H01F 300

US Classification:

335296

Abstract:

The preferred field assembly includes a field shell of generally T-shaped radial cross-section and molded of powdered metal, a plastic bobbin for supporting a multiple turn winding, and a plastic bobbin ring which covers part of the field shell and which helps hold the bobbin in assembled relation with the field shell. The bobbin is formed with a terminal block for supporting electrical leads which extend along grooves in the outboard face of one flange of the bobbin and which, together with the end portions of the winding, extend into potting cavities in the outboard face of the bobbin flange. The bobbin ring includes a cap which interfits with the terminal block to retain the leads. Various embodiments of field shells, bobbins and bobbin rings are disclosed.