Patent Abstract:
A system includes a rechargeable battery backup for a barrier movement operator. A barrier movement operator controls the movement of a moveable barrier. The barrier movement operator has a head unit to command the moveable barrier to perform moveable barrier functions. The head unit is supplied power by a power source. A battery charging station is in electrical communication with at least one rechargeable battery and in electrical communication with the head unit to supply power to the at least one rechargeable battery. Circuitry is electrically connected to the battery charging station to supply power from the at least one rechargeable battery to the head unit. The system also includes electrically powered equipment comprising an apparatus for receiving the at least one rechargeable battery. The electrically powered equipment is adapted to be powered by the at least one rechargeable battery to perform a predetermined function.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This invention relates generally to rechargeable backup batteries, and more particularly to a rechargeable battery backup for use with both a barrier movement operator and electrically powered equipment such as a power tool. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Various remotely controllable access control mechanisms are known, including barrier movement operators for movable barriers including, but not limited to, single and segmented garage doors, pivoting and sliding doors and cross-arms, rolling shutters, and the like. In general, each such system includes a primary barrier control mechanism. The latter couples in an appropriate way to a corresponding barrier and causes the barrier to move (typically between closed and opened positions). 
         [0003]    Barrier movement operators, such as garage door openers, are often powered via an electrical outlet. In the event of a power outage, however, many of the garage door openers are unable to open or close a garage door. Instead, such garage doors must be manually opened and closed. This can be problematic for children or disabled people attempting to manually move these garage doors. 
         [0004]    Some current barrier movement operators can be powered via a backup battery. These barrier movement operators receive power from the backup battery in the event of a power disruption from the electrical outlet and can be operated as long as the backup battery has a sufficient amount of electrical power stored. 
         [0005]    These battery backups are independent items which are typically used only for operating the barrier movement operator. These systems require some method to recharge the batteries either built into the operator or as an additional power supply for battery charging. 
         [0006]    Cordless power tools also require batteries and recharging systems. Cordless power tools include tools such as saws, drills, lights, and garden tools. Usually the battery is a plug-in device which is removed from the tool to charge in a separate cradle. This cradle is typically designed only to recharge the battery. It is often expensive, however, to use separate batteries for electrically powered tools and for the barrier movement operators. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention is directed to a system including a rechargeable battery backup for a barrier movement operator. The barrier movement operator controls the movement of a moveable barrier. The barrier movement operator has a head unit to command the moveable barrier to perform moveable barrier functions. The head unit is supplied power by a power source. A battery charging station is in electrical communication with at least one rechargeable battery and in electrical communication with the head unit to supply power to the at least one rechargeable battery. Circuitry is electrically connected to the battery charging station to supply power from the at least one rechargeable battery to the head unit. The system also includes electrically powered equipment comprising an apparatus for receiving the at least one rechargeable battery. The electrically powered equipment is adapted to be powered by the at least one rechargeable battery to perform a predetermined function. 
         [0008]    The present invention is further directed to a battery charging apparatus. A battery charging station is in electrical communication with a rechargeable battery and in electrical communication with a head unit of a barrier movement operator for supplying power to at least one rechargeable battery. The at least one rechargeable battery is removably connectable to electrically powered equipment to provide power to the electrically powered equipment. Circuitry is electrically connected to the battery charging station to supply power from the at least one rechargeable battery to the head unit. 
         [0009]    The present invention is also directed to a method of power flow between at least one rechargeable battery, electrically powered equipment, and a barrier movement operator. A determination is made regarding whether the at least one rechargeable battery is in electrical communication with a battery charging station. Power is provided from a power source to the at least one rechargeable battery via the battery charging station. Stored power is provided from the at least one rechargeable battery to the head unit via the battery charging station to perform movable barrier functions. Power is also provided from the at least one rechargeable battery to the electrically powered equipment in response to the at least one rechargeable battery being electrically connected to the electrically powered equipment. 
         [0010]    The present invention is further directed to a kit having several items, including a rechargeable battery. A barrier movement operator is provided for controlling movement of a moveable barrier. The barrier movement operator has a head unit to command the moveable barrier to perform moveable barrier functions in response to electrical means and in response to the rechargeable battery. A battery charging station supplies power to at least one rechargeable battery. Electrically powered equipment is adapted to be powered by the at least one rechargeable battery to perform a predetermined function. Circuitry is electrically connected to the battery charging station. A set of instructions is provided for the connecting of the circuitry and the battery charging station. 
         [0011]    The above summary of the present invention is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. The detailed description and Figures will describe many of the embodiments and aspects of the present invention. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The above needs are at least partially met through provision of the method and apparatus for remote control described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a garage including a barrier movement operator, specifically a garage door operator, having associated with it a passive infrared detector in a wall control unit and embodying the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the relationship between major electrical systems of a portion of the garage door operator shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates a power supply system according to at least one embodiment of the invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  illustrates the circuitry according to at least one embodiment of the invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  illustrates electrically powered equipment according to at least one embodiment of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  illustrates a method of utilizing a removable rechargeable battery according to an embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  illustrates a kit according to at least one embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0020]    Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are typically not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    Generally speaking, pursuant to these various embodiments, a rechargeable battery backup is provided for use with a barrier movement operator. The barrier movement operator normally receives power from a power source such as an electrical outlet. In the event, however, of a power disruption such as a power outage, the rechargeable battery backup may provide power to the barrier movement operator to allow the barrier movement operator to move a movable barrier. For example, the movable barrier may be a garage door. The rechargeable battery backup may be inserted in a battery charging station. In some embodiments, the battery charging station may allow receipt of multiple rechargeable backup batteries. In other embodiments, a single rechargeable battery may be utilized. Circuitry is electrically connected to the battery charging station and may electrically connect the rechargeable backup battery to the barrier movement operator in the event of a power failure. The circuitry may also electrically connect the battery charging station to a power source to charge the rechargeable battery backup in the event that the rechargeable battery backup is not fully charged. The power source may be the same power source that normally supplies power to the barrier movement operator. 
         [0022]    The rechargeable battery backup may be electrically connected to the battery charging station by, for example, manual insertion into a sleeve or other battery receiving portion of the battery charging station. The rechargeable battery backup may also be utilized to power other devices such as electrically powered equipment. The electrically powered equipment may comprise, for example, a tool. The electrically powered equipment may be a saw, drill, light, garden tool, or any other equipment or tool which is capable of being powered by a battery. The rechargeable battery backup may be manually removed from the battery charging station and inserted into the electrically powered equipment. After the electrically powered equipment has been utilized, the rechargeable battery backup may be removed from the electrically powered equipment and reinserted into the battery charging station. 
         [0023]    Referring now to drawings and especially to  FIG. 1 , a barrier movement operator embodying the present invention is shown therein and generally identified by reference numeral  10 . The barrier movement operator, in this embodiment a garage door operator  10 , is positioned within a garage  12 . More specifically, it is mounted to a ceiling  14  of the garage  12  for operation, in this embodiment, of a multipanel garage door  16 . The multipanel garage door  16  includes a plurality of rollers  18  rotatably confined within a pair of tracks  20  positioned adjacent to and on opposite sides of an opening  22  for the garage door  16 . 
         [0024]    The garage door operator  10  also includes a head unit  24  for providing motion to the garage door  16  via a rail assembly  26 . The rail assembly  26  includes a trolley  28  for releasable connection of the head unit  24  to the garage door  16  via an arm  30 . The arm  30  is connected to an upper portion  32  of the garage door  16  for opening and closing it. The trolley  28  is connected to an endless chain to be driven thereby. The chain is driven by a sprocket in the head unit  24 . The sprocket acts as a power takeoff for an electric motor located in the head unit  24 . 
         [0025]    The head unit  24  includes a radio frequency receiver  50 , as may best be seen in  FIG. 2 , having an antenna  52  associated with it for receiving coded radio frequency transmissions from one or more radio transmitters  53  which may include portable or keyfob transmitters or keypad transmitters. The radio receiver  50  is connected via a line  54  to a microcontroller  56  which interprets signals from the radio receiver  50  as code commands to control other portions of the garage door operator  10 . 
         [0026]    A wall control unit  60  communicates over a line  62  with the head unit microcontroller  56  to effect control of a garage door operator motor  70 , and a light  72  via relay logic  74  connected to the microcontroller  56 . The entire head unit  24  is powered from a power supply  76 . In addition, the garage door operator  10  includes an obstacle detector  78  which optically or via an infrared pulsed beam detects when the garage door opening  22  is blocked and signals the microcontroller  56  of the blockage. The microcontroller  56  then causes a reversal or opening of the door  16 . In addition, a position indicator  80  indicates to the head unit microcontroller  56 , through at least part of the travel of the door  16 , the door position so that the microcontroller  56  can control the close position and the open position of the door  16  accurately. A battery charging station  82  is in electrical communication with the power supply  76  via circuitry  84 , as discussed below with respect to  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The battery charging station  82  may be utilized to recharge one removable rechargeable battery, or multiple removable rechargeable batteries, depending on the application. The battery charging station  82  may receive power to charge the removable rechargeable battery directly from the power supply  76 , which may comprise an electrical outlet. Alternatively, the removable rechargeable battery may be charged by the head unit  24 , which itself is powered by the power supply  76 . The removable rechargeable battery may be manually removed and inserted into electrically powered equipment  86 , such as the illustrated chainsaw of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 3  illustrates a power supply system  100  according to at least one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the power supply system  100  includes the circuitry  84 , the power supply  76 , and the battery charging station  82 . The circuitry  84  is also in communication with the head unit  24  of the barrier movement operator  10 . The battery charging station  82  includes a first receptacle  102  for receiving a first removable rechargeable battery  104  and a second receptacle  106  for receiving a second removable rechargeable battery  108 . When the first removable rechargeable battery  104  is located in the first receptacle  102  and the second removable rechargeable battery  108  is located in the second receptacle  106 , the first removable rechargeable battery  104  and the second removable rechargeable battery  108  may be charged with power supplied by the power supply  76 . The circuitry  84  may control the flow of power between the power supply  76  and the battery charging station  82 , and between the battery charging station  82  and the head unit  24  of the barrier movement operator  10 . 
         [0028]    In the event that the power supply  76  is supplying sufficient power to the barrier movement operator  10 , the circuitry  84  allows power from the power supply  76  to flow to the battery charging station  82  where it flows into the first removable rechargeable battery  104  and the second removable rechargeable battery  108 . It should be appreciated that the battery charging station  82  may hold more or fewer than two removable rechargeable batteries, depending on the application. 
         [0029]    In the event of an interruption of the supply of power from the power supply  76 , the circuitry  84  may couple the battery charging station  82  to the head unit  24  of the barrier movement operator  10 , such that the first removable rechargeable battery  104  and the second removable rechargeable battery  108  may provide power to permit the barrier movement operator  10  to function as though there had been no power supply  76  disruption. 
         [0030]      FIG. 4  illustrates the circuitry  84  according to at least one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the circuitry  84  includes a power disruption sensor  120 , a switch  122 , and a charge sensor  124 . The power disruption sensor  120  detects whether the power supply  76  is supplying power to the barrier movement operator  10 . The charge sensor  124  detects whether any removable rechargeable batteries placed in the battery charging station  82 , such as the first removable rechargeable battery  104  and the second removable rechargeable battery  108 , are fully charged. The switch  122  is utilized to control the flow of power to and from the battery charging station  82 . The circuitry  84  may also include a processor  126  to control the switch  122 . Alternatively, the circuitry  84  may include some other logic to control operation of the switch  122 . 
         [0031]    In the event that the power supply  76  is supplying sufficient power and the first removable rechargeable battery  104  and the second removable rechargeable battery  108  are fully charged, the switch  122  may be open such that power from the power supply  76  is not supplied to the fully charged first removable rechargeable battery  104  and second removable rechargeable battery  108 . Alternatively, in the event that the power supply  76  is supplying sufficient power and the first removable rechargeable battery  104  and the second removable rechargeable battery  108  are not fully charged, the switch  122  may be positioned such that power from the power supply  76  is supplied to charge the first removable rechargeable battery  104  and the second removable rechargeable battery  108 . In another example, in the event that there is a disruption of power from the power supply  76  to the barrier movement operator  10 , the switch  122  may positioned such that the stored power from the first removable rechargeable battery  104  and the second removable rechargeable battery  108  is provided to the barrier movement operator  10  to allow the barrier movement operator  10  to function. 
         [0032]      FIG. 5  illustrates electrically power equipment  140  according to at least one embodiment of the invention. The electrically powered equipment  140  may comprise a saw, drill, light, garden tool, or any other equipment or tool which is capable of being powered by a battery, as discussed above. As illustrated, the electrically power equipment  140  includes a battery receptacle  142  for receiving a removable rechargeable battery  144 , such as the first removable rechargeable battery  104  or the second removable rechargeable battery  108  discussed above with respect to  FIG. 3 . The electrically powered equipment  140  may also optionally include a power cord for plugging into an electrical outlet. In the event that a user decides to utilize the electrically powered equipment  140 , the user may remove a removable rechargeable battery  144  from the battery charging station  82  and insert it into the battery receptacle  142 . After the user is finished with the electrically powered equipment  140 , the user may remove the removable rechargeable battery  144  from the battery receptacle  142  and place it back in the battery charging station  82  to be recharged. 
         [0033]      FIG. 6  illustrates a method of utilizing the removable rechargeable battery  144  according to an embodiment of the invention. First, at operation  160 , a determination is made as to whether the removable rechargeable battery  144  is in electrical communication with the battery charging station  82 . If “yes,” processing proceeds to operation  162 , where power is provided to the removable rechargeable battery  144  via the battery charging station  82 . If “no” at operation  160 , processing proceeds to operation  168 . At operation  164 , a determination is made regarding whether there is an interruption of power from a power supply to the barrier movement operator  10 . If “yes,” processing proceeds to operation  166  where power from the removable rechargeable battery  144  is provided to the barrier movement operator  10 . Processing subsequently proceeds to operation  164 . If “no” at operation  164 , on the other hand, processing returns to operation  160 . 
         [0034]    At operation  168 , a determination is made as to whether the removable rechargeable battery  144  is in electrical communication with the electrically powered equipment  140 . If “yes,” processing proceeds to operation  170  where stored power from the removable rechargeable battery  144  is provided to the electrically powered equipment  140 , and then processing returns to operation  168 . If “no” at operation  168 , processing returns to operation  160 . The method illustrated in  FIG. 6  may be implemented by logic or the processor within the circuitry  84 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 7  illustrates a kit  180  according to at least one embodiment of the invention. The kit  180  may be sold to a user in, for example, a hardware or department store. The kit  180  includes a removable rechargeable battery  182 . Alternatively, the kit  180  may include multiple removable rechargeable batteries  182 . The kit also includes a barrier movement operator  184 , a battery charging station  186 , electrically powered equipment  188 , circuitry  190 , and a set of instructions  192 . The set of instructions  192  may include assembly instructions regarding how to connect the barrier movement operator  184 , the battery charging station  186 , and the circuitry  190 . The set of instructions  192  may also include instructions regarding how to insert the removable rechargeable battery  182  into both the battery charging station  186  and the electrically powered equipment  188 . 
         [0036]    The various embodiments described above provide a rechargeable battery backup for use with a barrier movement operator. The barrier movement operator normally receives power from a power source such as an electrical outlet. In the event, however, of a power disruption such as a power outage, the rechargeable battery backup may provide power to the barrier movement operator to allow the barrier movement operator to move a movable barrier. The rechargeable battery backup may be inserted in a battery charging station. In some embodiments, the battery charging station may allow receipt of multiple rechargeable backup batteries. In other embodiments, a single rechargeable battery may be utilized. Circuitry is electrically connected to the battery charging station and may electrically connect the rechargeable backup battery to the barrier movement operator in the event of a power failure. The circuitry may also electrically connect the battery charging station to a power source to charge the rechargeable backup battery in the event that the rechargeable battery backup is not fully charged. The power source may be the same power source that normally supplies power to the barrier movement operator. 
         [0037]    The rechargeable battery backup may be electrically connected to the battery charging station by, for example, manual insertion into a sleeve or other battery receiving portion of the battery charging station. The rechargeable battery backup may also be utilized to power other devices such as electrically powered equipment. The electrically powered equipment may comprise, for example, a saw, drill, light, garden tool, or any other equipment or tool which is capable of being powered by a battery. The rechargeable battery backup may be manually removed from the battery charging station and inserted into the electrically powered equipment. After the electrically powered equipment has been utilized, the rechargeable battery backup may be removed from the electrically powered equipment and reinserted into the battery charging station. 
         [0038]    By providing a rechargeable battery backup that can be used with both a barrier movement operator and an electrically powered equipment, instead of having to have separate batteries for both of these, a user can minimize the number of batteries needed to keep on hand. Also, a single battery charging station can be used for charging the rechargeable battery backup, instead of two separate battery charging stations or cradles as is required according to current system. Therefore, the user can conserve available space by simply using a single battery charging station. 
         [0039]    Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8