Apparatus and method for opening and closing a gate

摘要

A gate opening and closing apparatus for moving a gate between a gate closed position which covers an access opening and a gate opened position. The apparatus comprises an electric motor for driving the gate between the open position and the closed position. A connecting arrangement connects the electric motor to the gate in order to enable powered movement of the gate between the gate opened and gate closed positions. A control unit in the form of a microprocessor control unit is operatively connected to the electric motor for control of the same and hence control of the movement of the gate. The gate normally remains unlocked at the closed position and is only locked when a force is applied to the gate tending to move same to the open position. In one embodiment, a positive locking mechanism, such as a solenoid lock may be provided and which is automatically locked when an opening force is applied to the gate. In another embodiment, the gate is not positively locked and the electric motor applies a closing force to the gate to overcome any effort of an opening movement. The gate opening and closing mechanism is uniquely constructed in that there is no gear box which would otherwise preclude a manual opening of the gate in the event of emergency.