Method and device for increasing the allowed motor power of a motorized garage door operator

A door operator for moving a door, comprising:

• a motor for moving the door between opened and closed positions;
• an operator for controlling the operation of said motor so that said motor applies a normal range of torque values;
• an external safety device coupled to said operator;
• and
• a switch for enabling said operator to control operation of said motor, wherein if said external safety device is enabled and the door is closing, said motor applies a broader-than-normal range of torque values.

A method for overcoming hindrances encountered by an operator-controlled motor coupled to a garage door, comprising:

• actuating and releasing a switch to initiate operation of the operator-controlled motor for the purpose of opening/closing the garage door;
• determining that the garage door is not completing the opening/closing cycle because of a hindrance;
• and
• re-actuating and holding the switch to re-initiate operation of the operator-controlled motor to overcome the hindrance and complete the opening/closing cycle.

A method for overcoming hindrances encountered by an operator-controlled motor coupled to a garage door, comprising:

• actuating and releasing a switch to initiate operation of the operator-controlled motor for the purpose of opening/closing the garage door;
• ascertaining whether or not an external safety system is enabled and operational;
• applying a normal torque value to the motor if said external safety system is not operational;
• and
• applying a broader-than-normal torque value if said external safety system is operational.

A method for preventing door entrapment powered by a motor-controlled operator, comprising:

• actuating and releasing a switch to initiate operation of the operator-controlled motor for the purpose of closing the garage door;
• measuring a door speed;
• comparing said door speed to a predetermined door speed;
• and
• reducing power delivered to the operator-controlled motor to reduce said door speed if the door speed is deemed excessive.