Abstract: Soiled and/or contaminated objects often have to be collected before they are specifically disposed of. According to the invention, in order to prevent blockages in toilets and sewers, a contactlessly operating container (1) is used which has a lid (2) which opens when a hand or an object approaches a proximity detector (50). The container (1) is suspendable from a supporting housing (12) accommodating the entire control means, the drive and the power supply. A preferred use of the device is the disposal of sanitary towels (14) which are immersed in a gel (15). The container (1) is periodically replaced by a clean container so that satisfactory hygiene conditions can also be maintained in frequently used toilet areas.

Abstract: A method for restricting the surplus force of an electrically controlled assembly operated by a foreign force, which can be used with particular advantage in connection with window lifters which are fitted with an anti-jam detection device. The method is characterized by a high automatic adaptation to the markedly fluctuating external conditions to which a window lifter is subjected, and by the compensation of system-conditioned fluctuations. The position of the assembly is continuously determined during the displacement process and at least one measured value correlated with the displacement force of the assembly is recorded in the inlet area of the stop position. This measured value is increased through the electronics unit by a predetermined amount and defined as a switch-off criterion so that the drive is switched off when this criterion is exceeded or understepped.

Abstract: A monitoring system for use in detecting the presence of an obstacle in or proximate to an aperture. Materials are applied to one or more reflecting surfaces adjacent the aperture, enabling the improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio in the system without requiring tuning the system for the particular environment. The choice of specific material depends upon the type of radiation used for aperture monitoring and whether an obstacle is detected as an increase or decrease in reflected radiation. A calibration LED within the monitoring system enables predictable performance over a range of temperatures. The monitoring system is also provided with the capacity to adjust to variations in the background-reflected radiation, either automatically by monitoring trends in system performance or by external command. The latter case includes the use of a further element for communicating to the monitoring system directly or indirectly.

Abstract: A power window apparatus is provided for detecting pinching in accordance with the opened/closed position of the window and a state of rotation of a motor, the apparatus having a position sensor which detects a safety-control suspension region of the window and which is an accurate sensor. A spiral guide groove is formed in the inner surface of a housing opposite to a rotational plate which is rotated by an output shaft of a motor which opens/closes a window. A follower which is guided by the spiral guide groove is able to move along a straight guide groove provided for the rotational plate in the radial direction. Terminals in the form of conductive films are provided for a printed circuit board accommodated in the housing. When the rotational plate has been rotated, the follower is guided by the spiral guide groove so as to be moved in the straight guide groove. Thus, a slide member provided for the follower is brought into contact with the terminals so that the terminals are conducted with each other.

Abstract: In a method of starting a two-pulse electronically commutated dc motor, which is designed for operation in a preferred direction, for purposes of startup in a desired direction, the following steps are carried out: after start-up, the rotor of the motor is driven, according to a start routine (S118), by supplying current alternately in a first and a second direction, into forced oscillation about a rest position; during the start routine, monitoring (as to whether the rotor has started up) is performed; whenever it is determined that the rotor has started up, the start routine is exited. Further, a method is provided, by means of which the rotational position of the rotor, at which the current of a winding phase is switched on, is optimized as a function of rotation speed and rotation direction.

Abstract: An anti-pinch safety system includes an electric motor operatively coupled to a vehicle opening device to move the vehicle opening device between an open position and a closed position, and a sensor operatively coupled to the electric motor for sensing velocity of movement of the vehicle opening device. A processor is coupled to each of the sensor and the electric motor, along with a memory containing stored instructions to be executed by the processor. The stored instructions include: a) calculating a pinching force of the vehicle opening device in accordance with changes in velocity sensed by the sensor; b) detecting a pinched condition by comparing the pinching force to a predetermined force value; and c) stopping closing movement of the vehicle opening device when the pinched condition is detected.

Abstract: A digital super-regenerative receiver is provided having an analog RF detector and a regenerative oscillator. The output of the RF detector is used to generate a digital signal from which the oscillator bias is adjusted, in order to maintain the oscillator start-up time at a fixed level. The circuit senses if the start-up time is earlier or later than the predetermined start-up time and produces an output when the majority of the start times are ahead of the expected start time.

Abstract: An obstruction detection apparatus is provided for use in closing a power driven vent, such as a window, that is located in an opening. When the vent includes a first closing edge that moves as the vent is closed and the opening includes a second closing edge that is contacted by the first closing edge when the vent is in a fully closed position, the apparatus includes a detector configured to detect an obstruction at points all along the second closing edge without requiring contact between the obstruction and the vent and to deliver a detection signal when an obstruction is detected. A controller is connected to the detector for receiving the detection signal and delivering a corresponding alarm signal.

Abstract: When a closing end of a vehicle windowpane is located at the upper side of a preset point P1 while the windowpane is closing, an obstacle pinched between a window frame and the windowpane is detected by a window frame sensor. When the closing end of the vehicle window is located at the lower side of a preset point P2, the pinched obstacle is detected by the window frame sensor and a motor rotation speed sensor, which indicates changes in motor driving load. This prevents a vehicle window control system from operating erroneously when an obstacle is pinched at a slope portion of the window frame.

Abstract: A system for actuating electrical equipment, in particular a high-voltage section switch or a high-voltage grounding section switch includes, in a control box, a rotary drive unit for driving the contacts of the equipment. A control circuit includes "end-of-stroke" contacts associated with the contacts of the equipment. The system includes a portable electric motor having a self-contained power supply. The motor is equipped with a mechanical coupling for mechanically coupling the motor to the rotary drive unit, and is provided with an electrical connector for connecting the motor to the control circuit.

Abstract: An actuator for automotive HVAC control is coupled to a remote controller by two wires. The controller applies power to the actuator in a high current or a low current mode. A variable resistance driven by the actuator generates a voltage proportional to position in the low current mode. Zener diodes in the actuator circuit prevent motor operation in the low current mode and permit motor operation in the high current mode. A microprocessor in the controller selects the mode and reads the voltage in low mode to determine position. It controls the motor for a duration required to reach a desired position and then checks the new position to verify that the target has been reached. If not, another iteration is employed to reach the target.

Abstract: A surgical system, adapted to operate with at least one surgical device, has a handpiece containing a motor which is adapted to receive the surgical device. The surgical device is driven through a continuum of positions by the motor output shaft. A controller microprocessor controls the operation of the system. The motor has sensors for generating electrical position signals and the controller is responsive to input signals for defining both a stop position and a reversal position for the surgical device. As a result, the controller initiates operation of the surgical device at the so called stop position and stops operation of the surgical device so that it comes to rest substantially at the stop position. In an oscillatory mode of operation, the controller also forces reversals to occur at a reversal position dictated by the system, under the control of the user, unless a stall condition is sensed, in which case the reversal takes place as soon as possible.

Abstract: An actuator for a locking mechanism which locks a shiftable lever in a locked position or a released position. The actuator includes a lock member which is shiftable between a locking position and an unlocking position for causing the lever to be locked in position or to be released from said locking position. A drive mechanism continuously forces the lock member toward said locking position. A drive mechanism causes a rotatable cam to rotate a predetermined distance in a preselected direction. The rotatable cam positions the lock member in the locking position or the unlocking position. The cam is specially designed to permit the lock member in the lock position, to be shifted to the unlocking position against the action of the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a motor for rotating the cam in a predetermined direction, and a control circuit for controlling the power supply to a motor, in order to control the rotational phase angle of the cam.

Abstract: A system for controlling power windows of vehicles includes a module mounted on a console between the driver and passenger seats of a vehicle having front and rear sets of power windows with a separate switch module for operating each rear window proximate that window. The console includes a pair of operating switches for the front windows and a rotary selector switch movable between first and second positions. When the rotary selector switch is in the first position, the front operating switches raise and lower the front windows and the rear operating switches raise and lower the rear windows. When the selector switch is in the second position, the rear operating switches are disabled as are the motors for the front windows, while the front operating switches are connected through to the motors to operate the rear windows.

Abstract: A voltage switching arrangement for an electrical power control system including a plurality of switches for connecting and disconnecting voltage from the input to a power transfer network which provides power for a load. A time delay circuit prevents the voltage connected to the input to the power transfer network from being disconnected for a predetermined time period after the control system has been turned off. The power transfer network switches from an on-mode to the off-mode during said time delay period. The voltage connecting switches include an electromechanical DC relay, and the time delay circuit includes a capacitor cooperating with the relay to maintain the relay energized for the time delay period after the control system has been turned off. Safeguards are provided to prevent simultaneous connection of voltage in the forward and reverse directions to the input of the power transfer network.

Abstract: A power window system for a four window vehicle has a console module positioned proximate the front seats of the vehicle, which console module has operating switches for the front windows and a mode selection switch thereon. The rear windows are normally operated by a pair of rear window operating switches disposed proximate the rear windows. When the mode selection switch is in the first position, front operating switches operate the front windows and the rear operating switches operate the rear windows. When the mode selection switch is in the second position, the rear operating switches are disabled and the front operating switches operate only the front windows. When the mode selection switch is in the third position, the front operating switches operate only the rear windows. An array of indicator lights is provided on the module to indicate which switches are active and what function they perform.

Abstract: An electrically operated driving shaft control device includes a casing having a driving shaft vertically journalled therein and a driving means for rotating it. A movable plate member has a first end with an upward projecting plate and a bearing seat with two first oval-shaped openings on both sides. A second plate provided on the movable plate has a first end distal from the projecting plate and a second end fixed in the casing. The second plate has a second oval-shaped opening and two threaded hole on both sides of the oval-shaped opening. The driving shaft has one end connected to the driving means and another end passing through the bearing seat of the movable plate member and the second oval-shaped opening of the second plate. A guiding roller is fixed to the driving shaft on the second plate. A rope encircles the guiding roller and connects to a blind. A means for breaking an electric circuit when a predetermined tension of the rope is reached during rotation of the driving shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for protecting against a person being caught in a closing automatic door provides constant force values up to the few last millimeters of a door closing movement. A regulating error or difference signal representing the difference between the desired door motor speed and the actual motor speed is generated during the door closing travel and is continuously compared with a maximum predetermined tolerance signal produced by a target value generator and a door stop with subsequent reversing is initated if the tolerance value is exceeded. A learning travel computer, during periodic learning travels, determines values for mass compensation and for friction compensation and adds these values to generate a compensation signal which is added to the difference signal as an input to a regulator for controlling the door motor through an electronic switching system.

Abstract: In a device for controlling a windshield wiper, in particular on a motor vehicle, the windshield wiper is switched on when a sensor indicates wetness above a preset threshold value. The windshield wiper can furthermore be turned on by a manually actuatable switch. The threshold value is reduced upon actuation of the switch.

Abstract: A method for controlling a windshield wiper, particularly on a motor vehicle, in which a rain sensor is located on the windshield to be wiped in the region of the windshield wiper and gives off a sensor signal as a function of the amount of wetness. The rate of change of the sensor signal after the windshield wiper has passed the sensor is determined and used in order to control the frequency of wiping.

Abstract: Operation of eight motors to control two power seats of a vehicle is effected by four rocker switches and a seat select switch. Each seat can be moved in eight different directions.

Abstract: A method and a system for controlling a windshield wiper, particularly on a motor vehicle, provides that the windshield wiper is automatically activated as a function of the intensity of rain. A frequency-limited variation of the signal of a sensor serves as a measure of the intensity of the rain.

Abstract: An automobile wiper device includes a variable-driving unit capable of adjustably changing at least one of the arm pressure and the wiping area of the wiper device.

Abstract: Operation of eight motors to control two power seats of a vehicle is effected by three rocker arm type switches, one "joy stick" type switch and a seat select switch. Each seat can be moved in ten different directions.

Abstract: An opening and closing mechanism for a gate which utilizes an electric motor operating through a electromagnetic clutch. The clutch is to be operated at a significantly increased voltage during the initial period of starting movement of the gate. When the gate is rolling, the voltage through the clutch is significantly decreased to a substantially lower level. During this lower level of movement even a minor amount of resistance applied to the gate will cause the gate to stop thereby avoiding injury to animals (including people) and damage to devices such as automobiles. The gate opening and closing mechanism also includes a separate direct drive mechanism which by-passes the clutch when the gate is in the completely open or the completely closed position. This separate direct drive mechanism functions as a positive lock maintaining the gate in its established completely open or completely closed position when the gate is in either of these positions.

Abstract: A drive controlling apparatus for controlling movement of a movable member having a mechanically limited range of movement, comprises a drive device for driving the movable member, a feedback pulse generator for detecting the movement of the movable member and for outputting a number of pulse signals corresponding to an amount of the movement of the movable member, a main timer for measuring the period of the pulse signals, and for outputting a signal when a measured time period coincides with one of a plurality of comparison values, a sub timer for measuring one or more time periods from the start of the drive device to the steady state of the drive device and for changing the plurality of comparison values successively, and a control circuit for stopping the drive device in response to the signal outputted from the main timer.

Abstract: An automatic door, driven with a motor and a speed sensor, is controlled with a servo device. Upon the door being opened or closed and being stopped by an obstacle or being out of order, the motor to drive the door will be stopped; in case of the door being retarded by a wind force or other factors, the driving power of the motor will automatically be adjusted to such an extent that the door can still be closed together so as to fully use the driving power of the motor.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled garage door operator which eliminates lower and upper limit switches on the garage door in that the upper and lower limits are set in a program mode of the microprocessor with up and down control switches by the operator. The settings of the door are stored in the memory of the microprocessor. The microprocessor also sets the force limits by establishing them slightly above the actual force required to move the door up and down and this prevents the forces to be set greater than required which could result in a dangerous condition. An external security switch is also connected to the microprocessor of the garage door operator to allow the door to be opened by those knowing the code. In program mode, the user enters in the 4 digit code and the 4 numbers are stored.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a turntable of a disc player system including a first drive voltage source for supplying a first driving voltage driving a spindle motor in a normal direction, a second drive voltage source for generating a second drive voltage for driving the spindle motor in a reverse direction, a voltage supply control circuit means for selectively supplying one of first and second drive voltages in accordance with a play command signal and a stop command signal, and a detection means for detecting the rotation of a rotor of the spindle motor in the reverse direction. When the stop command signal is supplied, the second drive voltage is supplied to the spindle motor for applying a driving torque of reverse direction to the rotor of the spindle motor and the supply of the second drive voltage is stopped immediately when the reverse direction rotation of the rotor is detected by the detection means. Thus, a very quick and accurate control of the stoppage of the spindle motor is realized.

Abstract: A window regulator device for automatically elevating or lowering a window glass of an automobile is equipped with a safety device that operates when a human arm, for example, is sandwiched between the glass and its window frame. The regulator device consists of a motor for moving the glass up or down, a detector circuit for sensing whether the motor is locked, a reversing circuit connected to the detector circuit for reversing the motor, a latching circuit for maintaining the motor energized, and an operated switch for permitting the motor to move the glass up or down.

Abstract: A control unit for operating the motor of a motor driven headlamp carrier mechanism includes oscillator circuitry for generating a series of pulses for energizing the motor, voltage responsive means for sensing a motor counter-EMF related voltage as an indication of motor rotation, output circuitry for interrupting motor energization when the voltage responsive circuitry senses motor stall, and start circuitry for energizing the motor independent of the oscillator circuitry for a period of time sufficient to produce motor counter-EMF. Such control permits sensing of the engagement of the headlamp carrier with fixed mechanical stops without the use of position or torque limit switches.

Abstract: A motor driving a garage door is controlled by a controller, and the rotation of the motor in the normal and reverse directions is normally controlled in response to an actuating signal applied to the controller from a main push button switch. In a specific-mode in which an actuating signal is applied to the controller from an emergency push button switch, a mat switch or a fire sensor, the latter signal has priority over the former signal, and the motor is driven to move the garage door to its full-open position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotation signal detection device for use with a circuit for driving a DC motor with brushes, the device comprises a differential amplifier for detecting a pulse signal component of a waveform of the current supplied to the motor, a circuit for shaping an output of the differential amplifier, thereby actuating a logic circuit for controlling rotation of the motor by a DC level signal obtained from said shaped waveform.

Abstract: A solid-state device of simple construction for preventing an erroneous start of a battery-powered vehicle, whereby an acceleration and deceleration controller is not actuated if a DC power supply is connected to a reversible motor by turning on a power supply key switch and a vehicle forward or rearward moving direction switch in an incorrect sequence, so that the vehicle can move neither forward nor rearward.

Abstract: An automatic door operator system is provided with a first potentiometer having its wiper arm coupled to a pivoting member whose angular position varies in accordance with the magnitude and direction of an obstructive load applied to the door. A second potentiometer is provided having its wiper arm coupled to a movable member whose position corresponds to the position of the door. The potentiometers are connected as voltage dividers and the voltages provided at their wiper arms are utilized for controlling the movement of the door.

Abstract: An electric pulse-controlled unit for a window raiser designed especially for use on an automobile, including a motor to raise and lower the window, a power circuit to activate this motor, a motor control capable of being moved from a cutoff position into first and second active positions in which the motor is activated respectively to raise and lower the window, and a mechanical control switch enabling selection of one of the active positions in order to operate the motor in the desired direction. Between each active position of the mechanical control switch and the power circuit for controlling the motor for raising and lowering the window, there is provided two circuits in parallel, each having a control flip-flop with a respective reset input connected in parallel by means of an OR logic circuit to a set of circuits comprising in particular: a delay circuit, a double control detection circuit, and a voltage loading detection circuit.

Abstract: An assembly which is to be used for generating adjustment movements on automobile ventilation devices driven by electric motors. The assembly is especially designed for use on roof openings or sunroofs closeable by a lid. The assembly is characterized in that a generator is coupled to a component of the automobile which revolves during traveling and the rotational speed of which is directly proportional to the speed of travel. A control signal directly proportional to the speed of travel is obtained from the generator by means of which the adjustment drive for the ventilation device can be switched on according to the speed of travel. The adjustment drive can be switched on in the direction of closing the ventilation device at a higher speed and in the direction of opening at a lower speed.

Abstract: A one-touch action type power window having a retaining circuit which continuously actuates a motor for raising or lowering window glass in response to a one-touch operation on a switch. A pick-up coil is located in the vicinity of a wire through which the motor operating current flows to generate a voltage varying in proportion to the rotational speed of the motor thereby to control the retaining circuit.

Abstract: An arrangement for generating and causing a pressing member to exert a pressing force includes an electric drive motor and a parallelogram transmission connected to the pressing member for transmitting pressing force thereto. The parallelogram transmission is coupled to and driven by the electric drive motor through a displacing member having the form of a screw spindle. An adjustable-setting switching device terminates operation of the motor when the output torque of the motor reaches a value corresponding to the setting of the switching device. The parallelogram transmission has a transmission ratio which in an undesirable manner is a function of the extent of displacement of the parallelogram transmission. Compensation of the functional dependence of the transmission ratio upon the extent of displacement of the parallelogram transmission is effected by automatically adjusting the displacement of the switching device in dependence upon the extent of the displacement of the parallelogram transmission.