Patent ID: 7481598

Claim:
A moveable barrier operator system comprising: an elongated barrier arm which moves parallel to the ground from a housing which is fixed in relation to the ground, the elongated arm having a longitudinal axis, the elongated barrier arm moving in a telescoping manner along the longitudinal axis only in a direction generally parallel to the ground; a safety sensor coupled to the elongated barrier arm, the safety sensor configured to detect obstructions generally along the direction of horizontal movement of the elongated barrier arm; a motor coupled to the telescoping barrier arm for extending the elongated barrier arm from a retracted position to an extended position and retracting the elongated barrier arm from the extended position to the retracted position; an interface that is configured to receive control signals, the control signals selected from the group consisting of radio frequency (RF) control signals, control signals from a magnetic loop, and control signals received via a hardwired connection; and a controller coupled to the motor, the safety sensor, and the interface for selectively activating the motor to extend and retract the arm, the controller activating the motor according to the control signals received from the interface.