Patent Publication Number: US-2016237746-A1

Title: Remotely Controlled Gate System

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     I hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/115,253 filed Feb. 12, 2015. The 62/115,253 application is currently pending. The 62/115,253 application is hereby incorporated by reference into this application. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable to this application. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     Example embodiments in general relate to a remotely controlled gate system which includes a controller in remote communication with an actuator for raising and lowering a gate. 
     2. Related Art 
     Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. 
     Gates have been in use for many years for various purposes, including in connection with home driveways, agricultural uses, and industry uses. One common gate configuration is comprised of a swinging gate door which rotates about a vertical post and swings open and shut. Another common gate configuration utilizes a single bar which is raised and lowered to provide or restrict access to an area. 
     While these gates may be suitable for their purposes, they do suffer from a number of shortcomings. When opened, these gates cannot be driven over, and often include structures which can damage a car if the car comes into contact with the gate or if the gate comes into contact with the car while opening or closing. These types of gates may be preferable for preventing access to cars, but often will present issues with livestock which can be injured by swinging or rotating parts. 
     SUMMARY 
     An example embodiment of the present invention is directed to a remotely controlled gate system. The remotely controlled gate system includes a pivotable first gate arm and a stationary second gate which are interconnected by a plurality of horizontally-extending cables across a point of egress, such as a driveway or path. The first gate arm may be pivotally connected to a frame which is positioned at a first side of the point of egress while the second gate arm may be fixed in a vertical orientation on the second side of the point of egress. An actuator is connected between the frame, the first gate arm, and a locking member which releasably locks the first gate arm in a vertical position. Activation of the actuator, such as via a signal from a remote controller, is operable to both pivotally adjust the first gate arm between vertical and horizontal positions, and to lock or release the first gate arm with the locking member. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the remotely controlled gate system in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the remotely controlled gate system that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the remotely controlled gate system in detail, it is to be understood that the remotely controlled gate system is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The remotely controlled gate system is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference characters, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the example embodiments herein. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a remotely controlled gate system in a raised position in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a remotely controlled gate system in a lowered position in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a remotely controlled gate system in a lowered position with the second gate arm disconnected in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a first perspective view of a frame of a remotely controlled gate system in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a second perspective view of a frame of a remotely controlled gate system in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of a frame of a remotely controlled gate system in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a first side view of a remotely controlled gate system in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a second side view of a remotely controlled gate system in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of a remotely controlled gate system in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom view of a remotely controlled gate system in accordance with an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of a remotely controlled gate system with the first gate arm in a vertical position. 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of a remotely controlled gate system illustrating release of the first gate arm being lowered into the horizontal position. 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of a remotely controlled gate system with the first gate arm in a horizontal position. 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of a remotely controlled gate system with the first gate arm being raised into the vertical position. 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of a remotely controlled gate system with the first gate arm locking into the vertical position. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an exemplary second gate arm. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an exemplary second gate arm being released from a gate arm receiver. 
         FIG. 18  is a frontal view of an exemplary second gate arm secured within a gate arm receiver. 
         FIG. 19  is a rear view of an exemplary second gate arm secured within a gate arm receiver. 
         FIG. 20  is a block diagram of an exemplary control unit. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A. Overview. 
     An example remotely controlled gate system generally comprises a pivotable first gate arm  70  and a stationary second gate  86  which are interconnected by a plurality of horizontally-extending cables  79  across a point of egress, such as a driveway or path. The first gate arm  70  may be pivotally connected to a frame  20  which is positioned at a first side of the point of egress while the second gate arm  86  may be fixed in a vertical orientation on the second side of the point of egress. An actuator  36  is connected between the frame  20 , the first gate arm  70 , and a locking member  60  which releasably locks the first gate arm  70  in a vertical position. Activation of the actuator  36 , such as via a signal from a remote controller  99 , is operable to both pivotally adjust the first gate arm  70  between vertical and horizontal positions, and to lock or release the first gate arm  70  with the locking member  60 . 
     B. Frame. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may comprise a frame  20  which may either be free-standing or connected to another structure, such as a first gate post  12 . The frame  20  will preferably be capable to supporting itself in an upright position at all times during usage, but may be reinforced by connecting to a first gate post  12  if such a structure is available. 
     The shape, configuration, size, and orientation of the frame  20  may vary in different embodiments. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the frame  20  comprises an upper end  21 , a lower end  22 , an outer end  23  which faces away from the second gate post  14 , and an inner end  24  which faces toward the second gate post  14 . The actuator  36 , which is connected to the frame  20 , will generally be adapted to pivotally actuate the first gate arm  70  inwardly from the inner end  22  of the frame  20 . 
     The frame  20  may, in some embodiments such as the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, comprise a first vertical support  25  and a second vertical support  26  which extend in parallel with respect to each other. The first and second vertical supports  25 ,  26  extend between the upper and lower ends  21 ,  22  of the frame  20  such as shown in  FIG. 5 . The vertical supports  25 ,  26  provide a mounting point for the locking member  60 , such as through use of an upper receiver  29  which extends between the first vertical support  25  and the second vertical support  26  at the upper end  21  of the frame  20  as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The frame  20  may also comprise a first horizontal support  27  and a second horizontal support  28  which extend horizontally from the lower end  22  of the frame  20  as best shown in  FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, the first horizontal support  27  may extend at a right angle from the first vertical support  25  at the lower end  22  of the frame  20  and the second horizontal support  28  may extend at a right angle from the second vertical support  26  at the lower end  22  of the frame  20 . This configuration allows the frame  20  to be free-standing. The first gate arm  70  will generally be positioned between the first and second horizontal supports  27 ,  28  when in its lowered position, such as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     The frame  20  may also include a pivot mount  30  to which a pivot connector  40  is pivotally connected as best shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The pivot connector  40  is connected between the frame  20  and the actuator  36  and serves the primary function of transferring motion of the actuator  36  to the locking member  60  via the linkage  50  as described herein. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 6 , the pivot mount  30  will generally be connected to the outer end  23  of the frame  20  at a position near the lower end  22  of the frame  20 . The pivot mount  30  may comprise various configurations, including the bracket configuration shown in the figures which comprises a first mount  31  having a first opening  32  at its distal end and a second mount  33  having a second opening  34  at its distal end. The first and second mounts  31 ,  33  extend in parallel from the outer end  23  of the frame  20  such that the pivot connector  40  may be connected between the first and second mounts  31 ,  33  as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     The pivot connector  40  is adapted to pivot in a first direction with respect to the frame  20  when the actuator  36  extends and to pivot in a second direction with respect to the frame  20  when the actuator  36  retracts. More specifically, in embodiments in which the pivot connector  40  is pivotally connected within the pivot mount  30 , the pivot connector  40  will pivot within and with respect to the pivot mount  30 . The pivoting motion of the pivot connector  40  will force the linkage  50  upward or downward, resulting in raising or lowering of the locking member  60  between its lock position and its release position as described herein. 
     The pivot connector  40  may comprise various configurations and should not be construed as limited by the exemplary configuration shown in the figures. In a preferred embodiment as shown in  FIG. 6 , the pivot connector  40  comprises a shoulder connector configuration having an upper end  41  and a lower end  43 . The pivot connector  40  may comprise an L-shaped configuration as shown or may comprise different shapes. 
     The upper end  41  of the pivot connector  40  will generally include an upper receiver  42  to which the lower end  52  of the linkage  50  may be connected. The lower end  43  of the pivot connector  40  may include one or more lower openings  44  which are utilized to pivotally connect the lower end  43  of the pivot connector  40  with the actuator  36 , such as via a fastener  17  and nut  18  as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     A pivot receiver  45  extending through a central portion of the pivot connector  40  is adapted to receive a pivot pin  47  which pivotally connected the pivot connector  40  within the pivot mount  30  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . In some embodiments, a discrete pivot receiver  45 , comprised of a tube as shown in the figures, may be omitted. The pivot receiver  45  is preferable, however, to prevent side-to-side movement of the pivot connector  40  within the pivot mount  30 . 
     The pivot connector  40  may be prevented from pivoting too far in a direction by an anchor  49  as best shown in  FIG. 11 . The anchor  49  may comprise a plate or other type of member which extends between the upper ends of two bolts  48 . The bolts  48  are positioned on either side of the pivot connector  40  so that, when the pivot connector  40  is pivoted too far in an upward position, its upper end  41  is stopped by the anchor  49 . As shown in the figures, the bolts  48  may be connected to the pivot mount  30 , with the first bolt  48  extending from the first mount  31  and the second bolt  48  extending from the second mount  32 . The anchor cross between the two bolts  48  to block upward motion of the pivot connector  40  past a certain distance. 
     C. Actuator. 
     As shown throughout the figures, an actuator  36  is utilized to pivotally adjust the first gate arm  70  between a horizontal position and a vertical position. The actuator  36  also provides the added functionality of adjusting the locking member  60  between its lowered, lock position and it&#39;s raised, release position. Various types of actuators  36  may be utilized, including electrical, hydraulic, gasoline-powered, and the like. 
     Preferably, a linear actuator  36  as shown in the figures will be utilized which comprises a base  37  and a shaft  38  movably extending into and out of the base  37 . In the embodiment shown in the figures, the actuator  36  is connected between the frame  20  and the first gate arm  70 . Although the figures illustrate that the base  37  of the actuator  36  is connected to the frame  20  and the shaft  38  of the actuator  36  is connected to the first gate arm  70 , it should be appreciated that the reverse configuration could be utilized in some embodiments. 
     In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , the actuator  36  is connected between the pivot connector  40  and the first gate arm  70  such that the actuator  36  provides pivoting motion to both the pivot connector  40  and the first gate arm  70  simultaneously. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the base  37  of the actuator  36  is connected to the pivot connector  40 , allowing the actuator  36  to pivot the pivot connector  40  with respect to the frame  20  or pivot mount  30 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 6 , the base  37  of the actuator  36  is pivotally connected to the lower end  43  of the pivot connector  40 . Using this configuration in combination with the pivotal connection of the pivot connector  40  within the pivot mount  30  allows for the upper end  41  of the pivot connector  40  to lower when the actuator  36  is extended as shown in  FIG. 12  and to raise when the actuator  36  is retracted as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     As shown throughout the figures, the shaft  38  of the actuator  36  is connected to the first gate arm  70 , such as via the first gate bracket  75  as best shown in  FIG. 13 . The actuator  36  is adapted to adjust the first gate arm  70  between a horizontal position and a vertical position. As shown throughout the figures, extension of the actuator  36  is operable to pivotally lower the first gate arm  70  into a horizontal position and retraction of the actuator  36  is operable to pivotally raise the first gate arm  70  into a vertical position. The reverse configuration could be utilized in some embodiments, however, and the specific motion of the actuator  36  shown in the exemplary figures should not be construed as limiting. 
     D. Locking Member. 
     As shown throughout the figures, the present invention may utilize a locking member  60  which is adapted to lock the first gate arm  70  in its vertical position and to release the first gate arm  70  prior to its adjustment into the horizontal position. The locking member  60  may be connected to an upper end  21  of the frame  20 , or various other locations along the frame  20 . 
     The locking member  60  is adjustable between a lock position for removably securing the first gate arm  70  in a vertical position and a release position for releasing the first gate arm  70  to be adjusted into its horizontal position. Extension of the actuator  36  is operable to lift the locking member  60  into the release position and retraction of the actuator  36  is operable to lower the locking member into the lock position, or vice versa depending on the embodiment. The locking member  60  is shown in its lock position, in which the first gate arm  70  is locked with the locking member  60 , in  FIGS. 11 and 15 . The locking member  60  is shown in its release position, in which the first gate arm  70  is released and free to pivot, in  FIGS. 12-14 . 
     The shape, structure, and configuration of the locking member  60  may vary in different embodiments.  FIGS. 4-6  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the locking member  60  which comprises a plate-like configuration having a lower flange  61  extending downwardly from its lower end. The lower flange  61  comprises a first end  62  positioned near a first side of the locking member  60  and a second end  63  positioned near or extending from a second side of the locking member  60 . The lower flange  61  is utilized to pivotally secure the locking member  60  to the frame  20 , such as via the upper receiver  29  as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the lower flange  61  will generally comprise a first flange opening  64  near the mid-point of the lower flange  61  and a second flange opening  65  near the second end of the lower flange  61 . The first flange opening  64  is adapted to be receive a fastener  17  to pivotally connect the lower flange  61  to the frame  20 . The second flange opening  65  is adapted to receive a fastener  17  to pivotally connect the lower flange  61  to the upper end  61  of the linkage  50 . Thus, the motion of the linkage  50  will cause the locking member  60  to pivot about the first flange opening  64 . 
     The first end  62  of the lower flange  61  includes a notch  67  which is adapted to lockably and releasably engage with the first gate arm  70 . The lower flange  61  may include a sloped portion  68  at its first end  62  which leads to the notch  67  so that the first gate arm  70  follows the sloped portion  68  prior to being locked within the notch  67 . The shape, size, placement, and configuration of the notch  67  may vary in different embodiments. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , a linkage  50  is connected between the pivot connector  40  and the locking member  60 . The linkage  50  translates movement of the actuator  36  into movement of the locking member  60 . The linkage  50  generally comprises an elongated rod or the like comprising an upper end  51  pivotally connected to the locking member  60  and a lower end  52  connected to the pivot connector  40 , such as via its upper receiver  42 . 
     A guide plate  53  may be provided through which the linkage  50  extends to provide additional stability as shown in  FIG. 6 . An upper connector  54  at the upper end  51  of the linkage  50  may effectuate the pivotal connection between the linkage  50  and the lower flange  61  of the locking member  60 . 
     As the pivot connector  40  is pivoted within the pivot mount  30  by the actuator  36 , the linkage  50  will be lifted or lowered. Lifting the linkage  50  will release the first gate arm  70  from the notch  67  of the locking member  60  and allow the first gate arm  70  to pivot downwardly into its horizontal position. Lowering the linkage  50  will place the locking member  60  in its lock position, in which the first gate arm  70  will slide into the notch  67  to be locked therein if forced back into contact with the locking member  60 , such as by being pivoted upwardly. 
     E. Gate Arms. 
     As show throughout the figures, a first gate arm  70  and a second gate arm  86  are provided with one or more cables  79  extending therebetween to form the gate structure. The first gate arm  70  is pivotally connected to the frame  20 . The second gate arm  86  will generally be fixed in a stationary, vertical position, such as by being secured against a second gate post  14  as shown in the figures. 
     The first and second gate arms  70 ,  86  are connected by at least one cable  79 . Preferably, a plurality of cables  79  are utilized. The cables  79  may comprise various elongated members which extend between the gate arms  70 ,  86  to block passage therebetween. The cable  79  extends horizontally between the first and second gate arms  70 ,  86  when the first gate arm  70  is in a vertical position; thus forming a gate structure to block passage. The cable  79  lays upon a ground surface where it may be easily walked or driven over when the first gate arm  70  is in a horizontal position. A cable retainer  77  may be provided to maintain the cables  79  in parallel orientation at equal spacing when the cables  79  are horizontally extended between the two upright gate arms  70 ,  86  and to ensure that the cables  79  lay flat when they are resting on the ground surface. 
     a. Actuated Gate Arm 
     As shown throughout the figures, the first gate arm  70  is pivotally connected to the frame  20  such that the first gate arm  70  may be adjusted between a vertical position and a horizontal position. The first gate arm  70  generally comprises an elongated member such as a rod, shaft, or the like which includes an upper end  71  and a lower end  72 . The upper end  71  of the first gate arm  70  may include an upper fin  73  for releasably engaging with the notch  67  of the locking member  60 . 
     The lower end  72  of the first gate arm  70  may include lower openings  74  as shown in  FIG. 6  which are utilized to pivotally connect the lower end  72  of the first gate arm  70  with the frame  20 , such as via a frame bracket  76  positioned between the first and second horizontal supports  27 ,  28  of the frame  20 . 
     A first gate bracket  76  is positioned slightly above the lower end  72  of the first gate arm  70 . The shaft  38  of the actuator  36  is attached to the first gate bracket  76  as shown in the figures such that extension or retraction of the actuator  36  will pivot the first gate arm  70  about its lower end  72  with respect to the frame  20 . The first gate arm  70  may include a plurality of first receiver loops  78  along its length to which the cables  79  may be attached. 
     b. Stationary Gate Arm. 
     As shown throughout the figures, a second gate arm  86  is provided which is adapted to remain stationary and fixed in a vertical orientation as a fixed gate arm opposite the pivotally-adjustable first gate arm  70 . The second gate arm  86  may be free-standing (i.e., secured within the ground), or may be connected against a second gate post  14  as shown in the figures. The second gate arm  86  comprises an upper end  81  and a lower end  82 , with a plurality of second receiver loops  89  to which the cables  79  may be attached. 
     In embodiments utilizing a second gate post  14 , a gate arm receiver  80  may be utilized to connect the second gate arm  86  with the second gate post  14 . The gate arm receiver  80  may comprise an elongated member as shown in  FIGS. 16-19  which is secured against the second gate post  14 , such as via fasteners  17 . The gate arm receiver  80  comprises an upper end  81  and a lower end  82 , wherein the upper end  81  includes an upper receiver bracket  83  and clip  84  for locking the second gate arm  86  within the gate arm receiver  80 . The lower end  82  may include a gate arm mount  85  onto which the second gate arm  86  may be secured. 
     Thus, the second gate arm  86  is preferably removably secured against the second gate post  14 . This configuration allows for the gate to be taken down in the event of failure of the actuator  36  or other components.  FIG. 3  illustrates the embodiment in which the second gate arm  86  has been manually released to allow lowering of the cables  79  when the actuator  36  or other components have failed or locked up. 
     F. Remote Control of the Actuator. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 6 and 20 , a control unit  93  may be provided to communicative with a remote controller  99 . The control unit  93  may comprise a receiver, switch, and/or other circuitry which is adapted to communicate with the remote controller  99 , such as via an antenna  96  connected to the frame  20  by a support post  95  as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The controller  99  may comprise various remote devices adapted to send signals to the control unit  93 , such as a key fob or a mobile phone. The controller  99  will generally send a signal to the control unit  93 , such as via the antenna  96 . The control unit  93  is preferably connected to the actuator  36  such that the control unit  93  may extend or retract the actuator  36  in response to signals from the remote controller  99 . 
     A battery  92  may also be provided for use with the actuator  36  in embodiments which utilize an electric actuator  36 . In such embodiments, a solar panel  97  may be provided to charge the battery  92 . The solar panel  97  may be connected to the frame  20 , such as on the support post  95  with the antenna  96  as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     A housing  90  may be provided as shown in  FIGS. 1-5  to protect the battery  92  and/or control unit  93 . The housing  90  may be positioned at various locations along the frame  20 . Preferably, the housing  90  will be positioned near the outer end  23  of the frame  20  so as to be out of the way of the pivoting first gate arm  70 , pivot connector  40 , and actuator  36 . As shown in the figures, the housing  90  may in some embodiments be secured on the pivot mount  30 . 
     G. Operation of Preferred Embodiment. 
     In use, the frame  20  is first positioned on a first side of a point of egress, such as a driveway or a pathway crossing a fence. If an existing first gate post  12  is present, such as at the termination point of a fence or pre-existing from a prior gate installation, the frame  20  may be secured against or connected to the first gate post  12 . If no such gate post  12  exists, the frame  20  may freely stand. 
     The second gate arm  86  is secured in a fixed, vertical orientation on the second side of the point of egress. If an existing second gate post  14  is present, the second gate arm  86  may be secured against or connected to the second gate post  14 . For example, a gate arm receiver  80  may be connected against the second gate post  14  to which the second gate arm  86  may be removably connected. The use of such a gate arm receiver  80  allows the second gate arm  86  to be quickly and easily removed in the event of failure of other components such as the actuator  36 . If no existing second gate post  14  is present, the second gate arm  86  could be secured within the ground surface with various methods known in the art for anchoring an elongated member into the ground. 
     With the frame  20  and second gate arm  80  properly installed, the first gate arm  70  is raised into its vertical position so that the upper end  71  of the gate arm  70  is engaged with the locking member  60 . If not already installed, the cables  79  may be connected between the first and second gate arms  70 ,  86 . The cable retainers  77  may be installed to create a uniform spacing between the parallel extending cables  79  between the first and second gate arms  70 ,  86 . 
     When desired, the first gate arm  70  may be pivotally lowered into a horizontal position between the first and second horizontal supports  27 ,  28  of the frame  20 . To do so, the controller  99  is activated to send a signal which is received by the antenna  96 . The control unit  93  processes the signal and activates the actuator  36  to extend. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , extension of the actuator  36  pivots the pivot connector  40  to pull the linkage  50  downwardly. The downward motion of the linkage  50  pivots the locking member  50  into a release position such that the first gate arm  70  is released from the notch  67 . Extension of the actuator  36  also pushes the first gate arm  70  to pivotally lower itself after being freed of the locking member  60  as shown in  FIG. 13 . With the first gate arm  70  lowered into a horizontal position, the cables  79  are lowered to rest along the ground surface and a vehicle or the like may freely pass thereover. In the event of actuator  36  failure, the second gate arm  86  may be removed from the second gate post  14  to lower the cables  79  from the side of the second gate arm  86  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     To close the gate and prevent passage, the controller  99  may be activated again to transmit another signal to the control unit  93  via the antenna  96 . The control unit  93  directs the actuator  36  to retract as shown in  FIG. 14 . The retraction of the actuator  36  pushes the linkage  50  upwardly; causing the locking member  60  to pivot back into the lock position. At the same time, the retraction of the actuator  36  pulls the first gate arm  70  pivotally upward into its vertical position, where the locking member  60  engages with the first gate arm  70  to retain the first gate arm  80  in vertical position as shown in  FIG. 15 . With the first gate arm  70  so oriented, the cables  79  extend horizontally between the first and second gate arms  70 ,  86  to prevent passage across the point of egress. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the remotely controlled gate system, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The remotely controlled gate system may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.