Current profile method and apparatus for controlling gate operation
AssigneeElite Access Systems, Inc.
InventorsWayne C. Hom, Daniel Perez
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for moving a gate a distance in a predetermined period of time. In one embodiment the current load for an electric motor to move a gate is first measured to determine whether the gate's motion is being hindered or helped. A microprocessor then controls voltage supplied to the motor to enhance or retard the evolved power of the motor according to the load and the predetermined time.
Claims18
A method for moving a powered gate through an opening or closing cycle in a predetermined desired time period comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a gate that is mechanically connected to be moved by a power unit, wherein power to the power unit is regulated by a microprocessor,
- b) providing power to the power unit and measuring the power required of the power unit to move the gate,
- c) executing a program with the microprocessor to determine the effective inertia or mass of the gate based on the power drawn by the power unit,
- d) further executing the program with the microprocessor to determine an acceleration profile calculated to move the gate from a start position to a predetermined end position in a predetermined desired time, and,
- e) executing the program to attenuate the power provided the power unit to cause the gate to move from the start position to the predetermined end position in the desired period of time.
An apparatus for moving a powered gate through an opening or closing cycle in a predetermined period of time, comprising:
- a gate that is mechanically connected to be moved by a power unit, wherein power to the power unit is regulated by a microprocessor,
- the power required to cause the power unit to move the gate is first measured to determine a value proportional to the effective inertia or mass of the gate and the microprocessor determines an acceleration profile based on the determined effective inertia or mass of the gate to move the gate from a start position through the acceleration profile to stop the gate at a predetermined end position in a predetermined period of time, and
- the microprocessor can regulate the power to the power unit so that the gate is moved from a start position through the acceleration profile to stop the gate at a predetermined end position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.