Automatic And/or With Time-delay Means Patents (Class 318/283)
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Patent number: 11970896Abstract: With respect to an opening/closing control device for controlling an opening/closing operation of an opening/closing body driven by a motor, the opening/closing control device includes a current detector, a voltage detector, a processor, and a memory. The processor calculates the speed of the opening/closing body based on a change in the detected position of the opening/closing body, and decreases the pinch threshold value in a case where a state, in which the calculated speed of the opening/closing body is less than or equal to a first predetermined threshold value, and a temporal change in the calculated load is greater than or equal to a second predetermined threshold value and less than or equal to a third predetermined threshold value, continues for a certain period of time or greater.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2021Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.Inventors: Kenji Masuzawa, Shinichi Endo
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Patent number: 11799402Abstract: In a drive device, a first connection circuit, a second connection circuit, and a third connection circuit are connected individually between an input end and an output end. A first motor is connected between a connection node between a first input switch and a first output switch of the first connection circuit and a connection node between a third intermediate switch and a third output switch of the third connection circuit. A second motor is connected between a connection node between a second input switch and a second output switch of the second connection circuit and a connection node between a third input switch and the third intermediate switch of the third connection circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2020Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignees: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Shinnosuke Nakaguchi, Kota Oda, Shunichi Sawano, Masayuki Kato
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Patent number: 11266019Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to modular wiring interface boards for an actuator, the interface boards including a body, electrical terminals configured to receive a signal from a field control device, electrical contacts configured to be placed in electrical communication with a backplane electrically communicating with an actuator, switching mechanisms, and a processor. Each of the switching mechanisms is positionable in a first position and a second position. The processor reconfigures a wiring configuration of the plurality of electrical terminals to accommodate different field control devices based on the positions of the plurality of switching mechanisms. Modular wiring systems for an actuator and methods of operating an actuator are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2019Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Wheeler, Jay T. Niland, Sr.
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Patent number: 10738527Abstract: A vehicle door opening/closing device includes a front door configured to open and close a front left opening of a vehicle body, a rear sliding door configured to open and close a rear left opening of the vehicle body, a vehicle door opening/closing device main body configured to automatically open and close the rear sliding door, a detection unit configured to detect the presence of the left foot of a user, and a control unit (detection ECU, door lock ECU, sliding door driving ECU). If the front door is in an opened state at the time when the detection unit detects the presence of the left foot, the control unit does not put the rear sliding door into a closed state.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: HONDA ACCESS CORP.Inventors: Yasuhiro Tamura, Ryoichi Enoki, Shoji Yokoyama, Jun Sugimoto, Tatsuya Tachibana
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Patent number: 10696477Abstract: An inductive garbage bin lid for being disposed on a barrel includes a main body and an opening system. The opening system is arranged on the main body and includes a lid, a processing unit, a lighting unit, and a driving unit. The lid covers the opening at a normal state. The sensing unit and the lighting unit are electrically connected to the processing unit respectively. The driving unit electrically connects the processing unit and the lid therebetween. When an object is detected by the sensing unit, the sensing unit sends an actuating signal to the processing unit to further actuate the driving unit to drive the lid to open to leave the opening. The processing unit selectively actuates the lighting unit to light at different lighting modes.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2019Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Inventor: Michael Shek
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Patent number: 10477007Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a motorized wheel including a controller configured to control the operation of a motor for driving the motorized wheel, and a handheld device configured to receive inputs associated with the operation of the motor and to transmit instructions corresponding to the received inputs to the controller to control the operation of the motor via a wireless communication medium. The handheld device includes a main portion having a handgrip and a tail portion being biased toward the main portion to form an attachment mechanism by the main portion in cooperation with the tail portion, the attachment mechanism for attaching to a remote surface. The handheld device including a display for displaying information associated with the operation of the motorized wheel.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2018Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: INBOARD TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventor: Paige Doolin
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Patent number: 10077154Abstract: A waterproof induction container includes a container body and an induction actuated container cover. The container body includes a storage cavity and a container opening. The induction actuated container cover includes a control housing, a cover panel, and an automatic driving arrangement. The control housing has a side concealed compartment and a cover opening. The cover panel is pivotally mounted to the control housing to pivotally move between a closed position and an opened position. The automatic driving arrangement is concealed in the side concealed compartment of the control housing in a waterproof manner to prevent any contamination of the automatic driving arrangement by moisture, corrosive gas, and trash residuals.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2016Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: Nine Stars Group (U.S.A.) Inc.Inventors: Xin Wang, Jiangqun Chen
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Patent number: 10041285Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sunroof control apparatus for preventing malfunctions. The sunroof control apparatus includes a sunroof motor which opens and closes a sunroof and a control portion which outputs a first control signal which drives the sunroof motor in a direction of opening the sunroof and a second control signal which drives the sunroof motor in a direction of closing the sunroof. Here, the control portion estimates angular velocity, torque, and a torque change rate according to a current voltage of the sunroof motor based on an estimator designed in advance. Also, when the estimated torque change rate is a preset threshold or more, the control portion determined that an object is caught in the sunroof while the sunroof is being closed and outputs the first control signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2016Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: HYUNDAI KEFICO CORPORATIONInventors: Dae Woo Kim, Yeong Hak Kim, Hyun Kyu Oh
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Patent number: 9868340Abstract: A control device for a vehicle closure body includes an electronic control unit configured to measure a position of the body, measure a speed of the body, determine an opening or closing direction in which the body is operated by a user, and move the body in the determined opening or closing direction with use of a drive unit when the speed of the body measured at the measured position of the body is equal to or higher than a speed threshold at the measured position of the body.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignees: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takeshi Nishikibe, Ryo Asano, Yoshinori Hitomi
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Patent number: 9698597Abstract: A method performed by a circuit for managing power, the method comprising: receiving a plurality of voltages at a microcontroller, where each voltage is associated with a distinct power supply; determining one or more voltages of the plurality of voltages are being or will be adjusted by the respective power supply; in response to the determining, optimizing, using the microcontroller, one or more parameters of one or more of the power supplies to minimize power loss.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2012Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Atmel CorporationInventors: Girish Ramesh, Karthik Rau
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Patent number: 9394739Abstract: The invention improves detection accuracy of interposition at a vehicle window. An interposition detector determines that a window at a passenger's seat has interposition if motor current for opening and closing the window at the passenger's seat does not decrease to be less than a predetermined threshold but increases to be not less than a second threshold, or if the motor current does not decreases to be less than the predetermined threshold but increases at a predetermined or more increase rate. The interposition detector determines that the window at the passenger's seat does not have interposition if the motor current is less than the predetermine threshold. The invention is applicable to an automatic window system and the like.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2015Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: OMRON AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Daisuke Ogawa, Katsunori Kigoshi, Kenji Sato, Hidekazu Imai, Atsushi Fujita, Akihiro Kakamu, Naoyuki Yokoyama, Yosuke Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9290319Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to provide an improved lid for covering a trash can or other waste receptacle with a removable interior liner. The lid includes a collar which fits concentrically around at least a portion of an exterior surface of a body of the waste receptacle. The collar extends the length or diameter and depth of the lid such that when positioned over the opening of the trash can, the lid conceals at least a portion of the exterior surface of the body of the waste receptacle and at least a portion of the removable interior liner from exterior view. The invention may or may not use ribs within the interior frame of the lid to allow proper positioning of the lid over the opening of the trash can body.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: BARENTHAL NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Hongyuan Han
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Patent number: 9255434Abstract: A vehicle power window apparatus includes: a driver seat unit and a first non-driver seat switch which is a manual switch provided on a non-driver seat to open and close a non-driver seat window. The driver seat unit includes a switching circuit operated based on a predetermined operation of the first non-driver seat switch. When an extended operation of the first non-driver seat switch set by operating the first non-driver seat switch for a certain time period or more is detected, the control unit drives the switching circuit. After the extended operation of the first non-driver seat switch is released, the control unit fully opens or closes the non-driver seat window in an automatic operation mode by energizing the non-driver seat motor via the switching circuit and the first non-driver seat switch by the power supply.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: OMRON AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Koji Ozawa
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Publication number: 20150054429Abstract: An electromotive drive for furniture, includes a power supply device, a manual control, and a control device. The power supply device has an disconnecting unit that can be controlled by means of a control line, the electrical control signal of said control line being able to be modified by a switching contact of the manual control such that, when the manual control has not been actuated, the power supply device can be switched into the “disconnection” operating state, said disconnecting unit being connected to a signal feedback arrangement of a control circuit of the power supply device and being integrated in a path of said signal feedback arrangement, or said disconnecting unit being set in, or placed on, an input path or an output path of the control device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2012Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventors: Armin Hille, Christian Müller
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Publication number: 20150048764Abstract: A system and method for operating a window of an automotive vehicle having a convertible top includes at least one powered window selectively driven by a motor. A controller is operatively connected to the motor and sends a signal for positioning the powered window to one of a raised or lowered position in response to lowering of the convertible top. An input or selector is operatively associated with the controller that allows a user to select one of the raised and lowered positions of the at least one powered window in response to lowering the convertible top. Further, a temperature sensor provides a signal indicative of the external temperature and/or a vehicle speed sensor provides a signal indicative of the vehicle speed so that positioning of the window can be temperature dependent and/or vehicle speed dependent.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2013Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Michael T. Binfet, Jason S. Borland, David G. Peterson
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Patent number: 8952811Abstract: The present invention includes, a failure sensing part to sense the failure created in the encoder mode and sensorless mode to control the door; a main control part to convert the main operation part and backup control part mutually when a failure is sensed by the primary operation mode by the failure sensing part after deciding either of the encoder mode or sensorless mode as a primary operation mode and another one is decided as a backup operation mode; and a location/speed conversion part to perform the door control by calculating the door moving distance according to the corresponding mode when the operation mode is converted by the main control part.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2010Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: The Korea Development BankInventor: Jun Hyung No
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Patent number: 8947033Abstract: A delay circuit for a fan includes a signal generation circuit, a first switch, a delay microchip, and a second switch. The signal generation circuit receives a driving signal and generates a control signal according to the driving signal. The first switch is electronically connected to the signal generation circuit to receive the control signal. The second switch is electronically connected between the delay microchip and the fan. When the signal generation circuit is electronically connected to the fan via the first switch, the control signal is transmitted to the fan to activate the fan. When the signal generation circuit is electronically connected to the delay microchip, the delay microchip receives the control signal and outputs a delayed control signal after a predetermined delay time, and the delayed control signal is transmitted to the fan via the second switch to activate the fan.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShanZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Lei Liu, Guo-Yi Chen
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Patent number: 8941343Abstract: A control circuit (1) for an electronically commutated, direct current motor (M) without a collector with a semiconductor end stage (2) which is controlled by an electronic commutation control (4) via a driver stage (6) for the time-offset control of the stator coils (U,V,W) of the motor (M) for the purpose of producing a magnetic rotating field for a rotor depending on the rotor rotation position. Two redundant stall protection units (10, 12) monitor the motor (M) during operation for rotation of the rotor, whereby in the case of a determined stall situation, the first stall protection unit (10) deactivates the driver stage (6) and the second stall protection unit (12) shuts off the supply voltage (UVCC) for the driver stage (6).Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: EBM-Papst Mulfingen GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Helmut Lipp, Martin Bürkert, Christian Kranz, Daniel König
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Patent number: 8912808Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining characterizing attributes of an actuator is provided. An actuator may be moved to a maximum capacitance position. At the maximum capacitance position, an initial measurement of the actuator capacitance is made. The actuator is moved a predetermined increment toward a first extreme position, and the actuator capacitance is again measured. If the capacitance changed by a threshold amount, the signal preceding the signal that caused the actuator to move is recorded as an approximate response curve end point, or the first extreme position. The actuator is again moved a predetermined increment toward a second extreme position. After each move, the capacitance is measured. If it is determined the capacitance did change by a threshold amount from the previously measured capacitance, the signal related to the previously measured capacitance is recorded as an approximate response curve end point, or the second extreme position.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: Eduardo M. Martinez, Christian Jimenez, Jose Ibanez Climent, Colm Donovan
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Patent number: 8901864Abstract: Proposed is a driver having dead-time compensation function. The driver having dead-time compensation function generates an output voltage according to a voltage command and a frequency command. The driver includes an inverter, an output current detector and a control unit. The inverter receives a DC voltage and operates with a pulse width modulation mode so that the driver outputs the output voltage and an output current. The output current detector detects the current value of the output current to generate a output current detecting signal. The control unit outputs a switching control signal to inverter according to the voltage command and the frequency command. The control unit corrects a reference command according to dead-time and the output current detecting signal related to the output current so that amplitude and waveform smoothness of the output voltage and the output current are compensated.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Chien-Yu Chi, Chien-Ping Huang
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Patent number: 8755975Abstract: A controller and control method for an automatic vehicle door movement control system which includes a plurality of signaling devices and at least one door actuator for opening and closing at least one vehicle door in accordance with an instruction signal from the signaling devices is configured to selectively mask a redundant instruction signal. The redundant instruction signal is an instruction signal received after the receipt of a primary instruction signal and prior to the completion of an automatic door movement operation. The redundant instruction signal is masked when it is determined to be against an ascertained user intent or when the primary instruction signal is determined to be more indicative of the ascertained user intent.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2011Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Michael Oakley
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Patent number: 8710773Abstract: The driver seat unit and the other-seat unit are connected by the single signal line. A direction of a current passed through a motor is switched using contacts of a window opening switch and a window closing switch in the other-seat unit. When a window closing manipulation is performed by the driver seat unit, the current is passed through a coil of a relay via the contacts of the window closing switch, and a contact of the relay is switched to pass a forward current through the motor. When a window opening manipulation is performed by the driver seat unit, the current is passed through a coil of a relay via the contacts of the window opening switch, and a contact of the relay is switched to pass a reverse current through the motor.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Omron Automotive Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsunori Kigoshi, Takashi Katoh, Yoichi Atsumi
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Patent number: 8686676Abstract: A trash can with a power operated lid can include a sensor assembly and a lifting mechanism. The sensor assembly can include at least one light emitter and at least one light receiver, the viewing area of the at least one light receiver being limited in size. The lifting mechanism can include a controller, a drive motor, and a lifting member. The trash can with power operated lid can further include at least one position sensor for detecting the position of the lid.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: simplehuman, LLCInventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor, Orlando Cardenas
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Publication number: 20140070737Abstract: A handheld work apparatus having an electric motor and a drive circuit for the electric motor. The rotation movement of the motor is converted into an oscillating movement of the work tool via a gear mechanism. The motor is situated in a circuit including at least the motor and a switch for operating the motor. To reduce wear of the gear mechanism, a control unit for operating the motor in one of two directions of rotation is provided. The control unit independently determines a selected direction of rotation for a next operating cycle as a function of a control variable. When the motor is started, the motor is started by the control unit in the direction of rotation which is associated with a value of the control variable. The control variable changes before the motor is restarted for a following operating cycle. The value of the control variable is independently determined again for the following operating cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KGInventors: Jens Kloeker, Jochen Luz
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Patent number: 8587328Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining characterizing attributes of an actuator is provided. An actuator may be moved to a maximum capacitance position. At the maximum capacitance position, an initial measurement of the actuator capacitance is made. The actuator is moved a predetermined increment toward a first extreme position, and the actuator capacitance is again measured. If the capacitance changed by a threshold amount, the signal preceding the signal that caused the actuator to move is recorded as an approximate response curve end point, or the first extreme position. The actuator is again moved a predetermined increment toward a second extreme position. After each move, the capacitance is measured. If it is determined the capacitance did change by a threshold amount from the previously measured capacitance, the signal related to the previously measured capacitance is recorded as an approximate response curve end point, or the second extreme position.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: Eduardo Martinez, Christian Jimenez, Jose Ibanez-Climent, Colm Donovan
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Publication number: 20130207576Abstract: A DC electric motor control device has a motor driving circuit that is constructed by a plurality of switching elements, a controller that operates the motor driving circuit to control a normal rotation or a reverse rotation of a DC electric motor, and an abnormality determination part that determines whether an abnormality is generated while the controller controls the DC electric motor. The controller previously performs reverse rotation control of the DC electric motor for a predetermined time using the motor driving circuit when performing normal rotation control of the DC electric motor, and the controller performs the normal rotation control only when the abnormality determination part determines that the abnormality is not generated during the reverse rotation control.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Inventors: Takayuki Fukuoka, Yoshiki Yamagishi, Satoshi Kido, Yasutaka Shirota
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Publication number: 20130139975Abstract: A motor control circuit for controlling rotation directions of a motor includes a primary power supply, a voltage monitor unit, a motor driving chip, a controller and a backup power supply. The backup power supply is constantly charged by the primary power supply when the primary power supply is in service. The voltage monitor unit is electronically connected to the primary power supply, and is configured for determining whether the primary power supply is in or out of service. The controller controls the motor driving chip to drive the motor to rotate in a first direction when the primary power supply is in service, and alternatively controlling the motor driving chip to drive the motor to rotate in a second direction reverse to the first direction when the primary power supply is out of service.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTDInventors: SONG-LIN TONG, QI-YAN LUO, HAI-QING ZHOU
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Patent number: 8384320Abstract: A method of protecting a reversible electric motor that includes an armature capable of rotating axially about itself between two angular end positions, the axial rotation of the armature undergoing a deceleration phase as each angular end position approaches, where the method involves determining a characteristic value of the deceleration phase, comparing this characteristic value to a predetermined threshold value, and applying a degraded operating mode when the characteristic value is far from the threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2007Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Valeo Systèmes d'EssuyageInventor: Michel Soleilhac
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Patent number: 8217611Abstract: An automated refrigerator opener is described. The automated refrigerator opener includes a door seal separator (e.g., solenoid) for breaking a door seal between a refrigerator door and a refrigerator door casing. Also included is a powered door opener (e.g., linear actuator) for attaching with a refrigerator door and automatically opening the refrigerator door after the door seal is broken. A control device is communicatively connected with both the door seal separator and the powered door opener. The control device is operable for receiving an actuation command from a user and, thereafter, activates the door seal separator to break the door seal and cause the powered door opener to open the refrigerator door. Alternatively, if the door is already open, the control device is operable for causing the powered door opener to pull the door closed.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2010Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Inventor: G. Thomas Ennis
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Patent number: 8198849Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for protection against jamming in a motor-driven locking system and a device for the execution of the method.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Hubert Lamm
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Patent number: 8134312Abstract: A motor control circuit includes a manipulation unit, a control unit that drives a motor in a normal rotation direction or a reverse rotation direction, a catch detecting unit that detects a foreign substance caught in the opening and closing body, a first relay circuit that connects one of terminals of the motor to a power supply when the motor is driven in the normal rotation direction, a second relay circuit that connects the other terminal of the motor to the power supply when the motor is driven in the reverse rotation direction, a switch element that cuts off connection to the power supply when the normal rotation command is fed into the control unit from the manipulation unit, a detection circuit, and a feed circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2009Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: OMRON CorporationInventor: Katsunori Kigoshi
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Patent number: 8129930Abstract: A method of controlling an operation of an induction actuated container cover includes the steps of (a) normally retaining a cover panel of the container cover in a closed position; (b) detecting a target movement of a user by a sensor; (c) generating a first actuating signal to an actuation unit when the sensor detects the target movement of the user; (d) generating an actuation output from the actuation unit to the cover panel of the container cover, wherein the actuation output contains a decelerating and torque enhancing force which moves the cover panel of the container cover at an opened position; (e) pivotally actuating the cover panel of the container cover at the opened position via the actuation output to expose a storage cavity, and (f) generating a second actuating signal to pivotally actuate the cover panel of the container cover back to the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventors: Xin Wang, Jiangqun Chen, ShiPing Wang
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Patent number: 8093849Abstract: In a closure panel control apparatus, an ECU controls a rotational speed of an electric motor, which provides a drive force to drive a closure panel in an opening movement and a closing movement thereof. The ECU obtains a vehicle speed measured with a vehicle speed sensor and receives a command signal from a switch, which is operable by an occupant of a vehicle to command the opening movement or the closing movement of the closure panel. The ECU controls the rotational speed of the electric motor based on the measured vehicle speed that is obtained at the time of receiving the command signal from the switch.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuyuki Shibata
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Patent number: 8080963Abstract: A motor driving circuit includes a detecting unit, a signal control unit, a comparing unit and a driving unit. The detecting unit detects a rotation speed of a motor and thus outputs a detecting signal. The signal control unit generates a reference signal. The comparing unit electrically connected with the detecting unit and the signal control unit, and receives the detecting signal and the reference signal and thus outputs a comparing signal. The driving unit electrically connected with the comparing unit, and receives the comparing signal and thus outputs a driving signal to drive the motor.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Yen-Hung Wu, Tsung-Jung Hsieh, Yueh-Lung Huang
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Patent number: 8080961Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention includes a vehicle window apparatus. The vehicle window apparatus comprises a position feature, a detector, a feature switch, and a motor. The position feature corresponds to a position of a vehicle window. The detector is coupled to use the position feature and is coupled to provide at least one signal corresponding to a movement of the vehicle window to a predetermined position. The feature switch is coupled to the detector. The motor is coupled to provide the movement of the vehicle window according to the signals provided by the detector. The movement results from the switching of the feature switch. The predetermined position is a position between a fully closed position and a fully open position.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Inventor: Timothy S. Miller
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Patent number: 8063591Abstract: The motor driving device includes a first function of supplying power to a motor so that the motor generates a driving force to drive a driven member, a second function of detecting a current flowing through the motor, a third function of performing a power supply control in order that a value of the current detected by the second function is maintained within a target range, a fourth function of performing a power supply operation in which the motor is supplied with power for a predetermined time period which is short enough to avoid the driven member from being driven by the motor, before the third function performs the power supply control, and a fifth function of making a judgment on a state of each of the first to third functions on the basis of the value of the current detected by the second function during the predetermined time period.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2009Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Tokushi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7977902Abstract: The invention relates to a pinch protection method and device for a motor-driven closing system. The method comprises the following steps: detecting a reduced motor speed, switching off the motor, analyzing a sensor signal for detecting a pinch situation, deciding whether a pinch situation is present, and controlling the motor depending on the detection of a pinch situation. The device for detecting a pinch situation comprises a motor, a detection unit, a control unit and at least one sensor. The device is adapted to carry out the method according to the invention.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Fabian Batejat, Holger Pruessel
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Patent number: 7906921Abstract: A container includes a container body and a container cover. The container cover includes a cover seat, a door panel and an induction actuation arrangement. The cover seat has an accessing window communicating with a container cavity. The door panel is pivotally coupling with the cover seat to move between a closed position and an opened position. The induction actuation arrangement includes an induction unit supported by the cover seat for detecting a presence of an object approaching the cover seat within a detection area of the induction unit, and an actuation unit driving the door panel between the closed position and the opened position.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2008Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Inventors: Xin Wang, Jiang Qun Chen
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Patent number: 7906927Abstract: It is intended to realize a signal input method which makes it possible to add another method to an existing method later in a simple manner as well as an opening/closing controller which employs two methods and can be constructed by adding another method to an existing method in a simple manner. A signal processing circuit (5) is inserted in an auto signal path of a control circuit (1) which performs opening/closing control with a pinch preventing function on the basis of an auto signal (AUTO), a close signal (UP), and an open signal (DOWN) which are input via respective signal paths. The auto signal and a detection signal of an additional pinch sensor are input to the control circuit via the signal processing circuit in the form of serial signals.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2006Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignees: Shiroki Kogyo Co., Ltd., Tachibana Eletech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masayuki Kato, Kazushi Hirose, Yoshihiro Fujimura, Minoru Tanaka, Takao Koba, Hiroki Nishida
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Patent number: 7861460Abstract: An emergency window opening system includes a vehicle, a vehicle door attached to the vehicle and a window mounted in the vehicle door. A primary window motor is mechanically coupled to a lift gear mechanically coupled to the window to allow selective raising or lowering of the window. A housing is mounted within the vehicle door. A secondary motor is mounted within the housing. A drive shaft of the secondary motor is mechanically coupled to the lift gear. The secondary motor lowers the window when turned on. An actuator is mounted on the vehicle door and is electrically coupled by a wire to the secondary motor. The secondary motor is turned on when the actuator is actuated. A power supply line extends between and directly electrically couples a battery to the secondary motor. The power supply line extends into the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Inventors: Anthony Costello, Bella Costello
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Patent number: 7855525Abstract: An actuator includes a motor operated by a controller through a pulse width modulation drive signal applied to a drive circuit that drives the motor. The actuator has an output shaft connected to a coupling structure for manipulating a device such as a variable geometry turbine (VGT) or an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve. The device has a range of motion limited by first and second mechanical stops located at opposing low and high ends of the range. The controller learns the location of the mechanical stops during calibration. An external control unit transmits a desired position to the actuator. A protocol allows the external control unit to implicitly request a positioning mode by virtue of what value range the desired position falls into. The controller is configured to limit the drive signal to a non-harmful level when one of the positioning modes calls for pushing the device against one of the stops.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Stephen P. Sanders, Joyce D. Carsey, Lawrence D. Hazelton, Jos Lang, Frederic Jacquot, Thomas W. Newman
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Patent number: 7816879Abstract: The present invention is a system for high torque operation of a movable barrier utilizing a compact hub motor device, which may be directly coupled to a movable barrier without the use of additional gearing systems. The flat geometry provides high dynamic acceleration with short electrical and mechanical time constants, and its planetary gearing system implemented within the device allows for compact, more efficient access systems. Eliminating a gear system in accordance with the present invention lowers maintenance requirements, increases efficiency, and streamlines operation of movable barriers.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2008Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Viking Access Systems, LLCInventors: Hassan Taheri, Jonathan Becerra
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Patent number: 7808197Abstract: A control apparatus for an opening/closing member of vehicle includes a driving member for moving an opening/closing member for a vehicle, speed detecting means for detecting a drive speed of the driving member and control means for calculating a current speed difference between the drive speed of the driving member and a target drive speed, for calculating a current change amount between the calculated current speed difference and a previous speed difference calculated a predetermined time before, for calculating a current deviation by integrating the current change amount and for detecting an entrapment of an object by comparing the calculated deviation to a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shogo Kimura, Hiroyuki Mizutani, Yoshinori Iwase, Koichi Takahashi
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Patent number: 7804262Abstract: An electronic apparatus externally detects open protector contacts inside of a compressor. The compressor includes a compressor motor having a run winding and a start winding. The compressor motor also includes internal protector contacts that open the electrical circuit to the “C” terminal in a protection condition. A compressor running indicator circuit is electrically connected between the “S” and the “R” terminals to indicate a compressor running condition. Also, a protection indicator circuit is electrically connected between the “C” and the “S” terminals to indicate a voltage present across the “C” and the “S” terminals. The protection indicator circuit is also coupled to the compressor running indicator circuit such that the protection indicator circuit is disabled when the compressor is running normally and the protection indicator is enabled and indicates when protector contacts open inside of the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2006Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Don A. Schuster, Zane Prince
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Patent number: 7764036Abstract: A controller for controlling a sliding roof sets, as an operating area, a predetermined range in the sunroof slidable range and controls a motor driving the sliding roof such that the sliding roof slides in the operating area. When the sliding roof stops near a sliding lock end, the stop position is stored on an assumption that the positional deviation would occur. The sliding roof slides again from the stop position. Based on whether a traveling distance from the stop position to the sliding roof comes into contact with the tilt lock end is longer than the sunroof slidable range, the positional deviation is determined. It is possible to accurately determine whether the sliding member is locked and stopped by positional deviation or the intrusion of foreign object.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuyuki Hirai
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Patent number: 7741801Abstract: The invention provides a device for automatically opening and closing a lid of a trash bin in noncontact fashion disposed in a lavatory unit of an aircraft. On the upper portion of a trash bin 100 disposed in a lavatory unit of an aircraft is attached a lid 50 that pivots via a shaft 250. The reflective infrared radiation sensor 200 attached to a lid frame 60 irradiates infrared radiation IR and detects an object. When the object is detected, a control means drives the DC motor 220 to pivot the shaft 250 via a rotating lever 240 and link arms 242 and 244 to open the lid 50 downward. The fully closed state and the fully opened state of the lid 50 can be detected by position detecting sensors 260 and 262.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2004Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Jamco CorporationInventor: Masahito Fukuizumi
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Patent number: 7737653Abstract: A method of controlling a motorized window treatment provides for continued operation of the motorized window treatment during an overload condition, a low-line condition, or an electrostatic discharge (ESD) event. The motorized window treatment is driven by an electronic drive unit having a motor, a motor drive circuit, a rotational position sensor, a controller, and a memory for storing the command. The controller stores the present position of the motorized window treatment in the memory each time the rotational position of the motor changes by a predetermined angle, such that a plurality of positions are stored in the memory. When the controller is reset due to an overload condition or ESD event, the controller recalls the desired position from the memory, determines the present position, and continues to drive the motor drive circuit in response to the command and the present position.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Lawrence R. Carmen, Jr., Robert Thomas Nachtrieb, Thomas Warren Brenner, Stephen Lundy, Jonathan H. Ference, Justin Mierta
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Patent number: 7714527Abstract: The garbage container, having a simple structure, a reliable performance, and being easy to install and cost effective, includes a container body, an infrared induction device, a movable cover automatically opened through infrared induction device, an infrared induction device, an automatic cover-opening device connected with the control unit, an output shaft of the driving motor connected with a cable-collecting wheel via a first set of reduction gears. One end of the cable is fixed to the cable-collecting wheel while the other end of the cable is connected with the cover. An output shaft of the cable-collecting wheel is connected with a cam via a second set of reduction gears. The protruding part of the cam is rotated to contact a cover-opening stroke switch and a cover-closing stroke switch respectively. The cover-opening stroke switch and the cover-closing stroke switch are connected respectively with the control unit through a data line.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2005Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Inventors: Xin Wang, Shenwei Wang, Jiangqun Cheng
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Patent number: 7710057Abstract: A raindrop sensor outputs a measurement signal, which corresponds to a quantity of raindrops in a predetermined sensing range in a wiping range on a windshield. A prohibited time period setting arrangement sets a time period, during which a wiper blade is predicted to pass through the predetermined sensing range, as a raindrop quantity sensing prohibited time period based on an elapsed time from a time point of supplying a drive command signal to a wiper motor, which drives the wiper blade. The determining arrangement determines the quantity of raindrops on the windshield based on the measurement signal outputted from the raindrop sensor in a raindrop quantity sensing execution time period, which is outside of the raindrop quantity sensing prohibited time period.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2007Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Taketoshi Yoshigoe, Taiji Morishita
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Patent number: 7688015Abstract: The invention relates to a piece of furniture and to a device for moving a first furniture part relative to a second furniture part using a drive unit by means of which the first furniture part can be moved, in the driven manner, relative to the second furniture part via a monitoring unit for movement monitoring of the first furniture part. In order to adopt a position better between the furniture parts, the monitoring unit is designed to preset a movement of the first furniture part through a predefined movement distance away from a mechanical stop after a movement of the first furniture part to a position which is defined by the mechanical stop, with the first furniture part being locked in the position that is reached, as a final position.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2008Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignees: Grass GmbH, Kuester Automotive Door Systems GmbHInventors: Holger Wenzel, Jürgen Zipp, Steffen Medebach, Frank Oberpichler