Automatic And/or With Time-delay Means Patents (Class 318/283)
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Patent number: 7688013Abstract: A closure system for controlling speed of a closure member, where the closure system includes a controller for transitioning speed of a closure member being operated in response to an obstacle being sensed in the path of the closure member. In one embodiment, a linear speed control algorithm determines the speed transitioning. In response to sensing contact with an obstacle, the controller may use a conventional contact process to stop or reverse the closure member. The closure system provides for a higher closing velocity of the closure member than conventional closure systems.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Flextronics Automotive Inc.Inventors: Thomas P. Frommer, Wasim Tahir
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Patent number: 7683557Abstract: An interlocking device for controlling clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of a motor is connected with a clockwise rotation module and a counterclockwise rotation module at both ends thereof to form a loop by cooperating with a power-supply terminal and an earth terminal. The clockwise rotation module includes a clockwise rotation trigger switch and a clockwise rotation relay. The counterclockwise rotation module includes a counterclockwise rotation trigger switch and a counterclockwise rotation relay. By such arrangements, the loop collision caused by mis-touch can be avoided by a cross connection of the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation relays with the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation trigger switches, thus preventing the man-made careless mistake and maintaining the smoothness of the operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Hiwin Mikrosystem Corp.Inventor: Tai-Hung Lin
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Patent number: 7656109Abstract: A trash can can include a sensor for detecting the presence of an object near a lower portion of the trash can. The detection of the object can be used to signal the trash can to open its lid. The trash can can include an electric drive unit for opening and closing the lid.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2006Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: simplehuman, LLCInventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
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Patent number: 7635960Abstract: An operator system and related methods for automatically controlling access barriers which includes a base controller associated with at least one access barrier and at least one base receiver associated with the base controller. The system also includes at least one mobile transmitter that automatically and periodically generates at least one mobile signal detectable by the base receiver. The base controller selectively generates barrier movement commands upon receipt of the at least one mobile signal in an operate mode. The operator and the mobile transmitter both include transceivers to allow two-way communication therebetween during a learn mode. Such a system allows for hands-free operation of the access barrier. A discrete processing system may also be used to retrofit existing barrier operator systems for use in hands-free operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2007Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Jason L. Mamaloukas
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Patent number: 7633252Abstract: A stall protection circuit is provided for bidirectional motor operation that is controlled by a half bridge switch that has forward, reverse and off positions. A method of protecting a motor is also disclosed. A Hall effect current sensor may be provided in a stall current protection circuit that engages a latching circuit. The latching circuit is operative to interrupt current flowing to the motor by disabling MOSFETs on opposite sides of the motor. Alternatively, FET voltage from drain to source may be used to measure the current supplied to the motor that is used to engage the latching circuit.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2005Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: H. Winston Maue, John F. Nathan, Michael Pajor, Michael Noorman, John R. Ballard, Jerremy Anderson, Paul Kucher
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Publication number: 20090284188Abstract: A movable barrier operator having control circuitry (206) to selectively cause movement of a corresponding movable barrier (203) and a power supply that is operably coupled to a mains (201) and is operably coupled to provide electrical motive power to components of the operator can be configurable to selectively disconnect a portion, but not all, of the power supply from the mains when full power availability for the components is not required. This power supply can comprise a less efficient first power supply (204) and a more efficient second power supply (205). In such a case, these teachings can provide for disconnecting (105) the first power supply from the mains when a higher level of power is not presently required. Meanwhile, the second power supply can continue to provide operating power to, for example, the aforementioned control circuitry to ensure ongoing functionality of the movable barrier operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2008Publication date: November 19, 2009Applicant: THE CHAMBERLAIN GROUP, INC.Inventor: Robert R. Keller, JR.
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Patent number: 7619381Abstract: The present invention provides an open/close member control apparatus capable of blocking entry of a ruffian even if forced closing operation is cancelled during closing operation of an open/close member by the forced closing operation and suppressing damage on an object which is erroneously caught. In the open/close member control apparatus for switching closing operation of a window to opening operation in the case where pinch of a foreign matter is detected and the forced closing operation of the switch is not maintained and continuing the closing operation of the window in the case where pinch of a foreign matter is detected and the forced closing operation of the switch is maintained, in the case where pinch is detected and the forced closing operation of the switch is maintained, when the maintenance of the forced closing operation is cancelled during closing operation of the window, the window opening operation is performed so that an open amount of the window becomes smaller than that in normal times.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2007Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignees: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Omiron CorporationInventors: Nobuyuki Kawai, Yutaka Fujiwara, Yoichi Sakuma, Noboru Ujigawa
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Patent number: 7586275Abstract: A wiper device includes a sensor magnet fitted to an output shaft so that when wiper arms are positioned at upper reversal positions B relative to an origin position O, both hall ICs are opposed to an S-pole and when the wiper arms are positioned at lower reversal positions A relative to the origin point O, at least one of the hall ICs is opposed to an N-pole. When the wiper arms are abnormally stopped, the sensor magnet determines at the time of re-starting whether the wiper arms are positioned at the lower reversal positions A or at the upper reversal positions B relative to the origin position O and always starts the wiper arms toward the origin position O, whereby the positions of the wiper arms can be accurately detected by two hall ICs. After re-setting position data by re-starting the wiper arms toward the origin position O, the sensor magnet performs a normal control.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2003Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Mitsuba CorporationInventor: Toshiyuki Amagasa
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Patent number: 7573221Abstract: A wireless control system can be used to selectively adjust the position of a liftgate platform with respect to a vehicle cargo hold. The wireless control system includes a transmitter for use in transmitting a wireless control signal, a receiver that receives the wireless control signal transmitted by the transmitter and communicates a corresponding control signal to an actuation device to adjust the platform and, a transmitter detection system that prevents the actuation device from operating unless the transmitter is positioned in a predetermined location.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Waltco Truck Equipment CompanyInventor: Kenneth Rock
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Publication number: 20090152890Abstract: A seat sliding device for vehicles may include a door switch unit turned on or off in response to opening or closing of a vehicle door, a seat drive unit for causing a vehicle seat to slide rearwards when the vehicle door is opened and thus the door switch unit is turned on, a seat movement switch unit for providing a forward or rear drive signal to the seat drive unit so that the seat slides forwards or rearwards, and a control relay unit for preventing the forward drive signal from being transmitted from the seat movement switch unit to the seat drive unit by interrupting transmission of the forward drive signal when the vehicle door is in an open state.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Hyun KO
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Patent number: 7538503Abstract: A hand-held power tool has an electric drive motor having a drive shaft and a tool connected to the drive shaft and rotatably driven by the drive shaft. The drive motor has a control device that has correlated therewith at least a first operating curve and a second operating curve. The control device operates the electric drive motor in idle according to the first operating curve and operates the electric drive motor under load according to the second operating curve. The first operating curve covers the low power range at low speed and the second operating curve covers a large power range at high speed.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2007Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KGInventors: Kai-Ulrich Machens, Heinrich Leufen, Markus Herzog
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Patent number: 7538506Abstract: A powered lift gate for an automotive vehicle includes a lift gate door hinged to a vehicle body. A motor system which opens and closes the door is operated by a controller coupled to a primary obstacle detection system which senses operation of the motor itself, and by a secondary detection system which directly senses an object interposed between a margin of the door and the door opening panel. A pinch protection member interposed between a marginal zone of the door and the door opening panel includes a resilient element having sufficient strength to support an object positioned between the door and the door opening panel such that the primary obstacle detection system will be triggered when the door and motor develop a predetermined compressive force upon the object. The predetermined compressive force is selected to allow normal operation of the lift gate, without subjecting an obstructing object to excessive crushing force.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2007Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gregory B. Zinn, J. Michael McKeon, Barton Heldke
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Patent number: 7526371Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the position-dependent control of a mobile element in a motor vehicle, wherein the element is movable in a drive movement by an electrically powered positioning device, wherein the positioning device has several different operational modes, and characteristics of a drive signal of the positing device, in particular a waviness of a drive current, are used for the determination of the position of the element. According to the invention, a characteristic variable, which influences the drive movement of the positioning device, and/or a specific value, which characterizes the positioning device, are evaluated for the determination of an error value of the determined position of the mobile element, and that the operating modes of the positioning device are controlled in dependence of the determined error value.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2005Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignees: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co., Kommanditgesellschaft, HallstadtInventors: Jürgen Seeberger, Carsten Abert
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Patent number: 7525272Abstract: A control method of a sliding door of a vehicle. A first step engages a clutch of the sliding door if an obstacle is detected during manipulation of the sliding door, and waits for a sliding door manipulation signal to be input. A second step determines whether a fuel door is open. A third step determines whether the signal is input again if the fuel door is open at the second step. A fourth step disengages the clutch if the signal is input again at the third step.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Jong-Hwan Oh
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Patent number: 7525277Abstract: The command-transmitting device comprises control buttons (11, 12) and a movable control element (2b) movable in two directions along a theoretical axis of operation (D1), these control buttons and this movable control element being arranged on a first face (24) of the transmitting device, in which device the buttons (11, 12) are positioned outside of an exclusion zone (A) defined by two straight lines (C1, C2) intersecting in the center of the movable element and forming an angle (?) of 60°, the bisector of which is parallel to the theoretical axis of operation, and by a circle (21) whose center is on the center of the movable element and whose circumference is separated from the latter by a distance (d) of 20 mm, and the buttons (11, 12) controlling the movements of the slats in opposite directions are arranged on either side of the movable element (2b).Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Somfy SASInventors: Alain Bejean, Norbert Dupielet, Olivier Poulet
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Patent number: 7492112Abstract: An apparatus is used for controlling a rotating direction of a fan. The apparatus comprises a power source, a signaling unit, a switching unit, and an activating module. The power source is used for supplying power for the apparatus. The signaling unit is used for generating direction-control signals. The switching unit is connected to the power source and the signaling unit, and used for controlling the switching unit to work. The activating module is connected to the switching unit and the fan, and used for driving the fan to selectively rotate in one of two opposite directions based on the direction-control signals. A method for driving the fan in the two directions is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignees: Fu Zhun Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hai-Rong Huang, Tung-Min Cho, Dao-Yuan Song
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Patent number: 7489095Abstract: An anti-pinch control utilizes certain vehicle information to adjust anti-pinch parameters used to control movement of a powered closure member. The anti-pinch control determines whether a vehicle is stationary, and identifies if an engine is “on” or “off.” A low pinch force parameter is applied when the vehicle is stationary and when the engine is “off.” A high pinch force parameter is applied when the engine is “on.” When the low pinch force parameter is being applied, other safety features could also be incorporated into the control, such as preventing release of a parking brake or preventing movement of a gear selector out of park, for example.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2006Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Inventor: Thierry Pebre
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Publication number: 20090026993Abstract: A load drive control circuit includes a drive circuit for driving a load. A control circuit, connected to the drive circuit by diagnostic lines, provides the drive circuit with a control command that specifies an operation state. The drive circuit drives the load in the operation state specified by the control command, generates a diagnostic output including diagnostic notification signals each having an H level or an L level, and provides the diagnostic notification signals of the diagnostic output to the control circuit. A signal output unit outputs first and second diagnostic outputs respectively in response to the first and second control command from the control circuit. A diagnostic line failure determination unit checks whether the first and second diagnostic outputs are both normal to determine whether the diagnostic lines includes a failure or not.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHOInventors: Yasushi Nishibe, Satoki Uruno, Takashi Nagao, Satoshi Chikazawa
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Patent number: 7482773Abstract: A closing and opening system of a vehicle comprises a control device of an anti-pinch protection arrangement, where the control device is coupled with a drive of the closing and opening system. The control device has an input for at least one signal based on a variable, vehicle-sensitive data value. The control device is configured such that the control device determines a situation-specific anti-pinch protection parameter depending on the signal and addresses the drive in a situation-specific manner on the basis of the situation-specific anti-pinch protection parameter.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2007Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: ArvinMeritor GmbHInventor: Detlef Heyn
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Publication number: 20080309263Abstract: The invention discloses a method for controlling a power car window lift. The method includes the following steps: detecting an operation state signal of the car window with a detection element; inputting the detection signal of the detection element into the controller; and the controller sending a control signal to an actuator, which controls the operation state of the car window lift. The main control element of the controller is a thyristor or an equivalent functional element. The car window lift's operation state signal includes a car window closed obstacle signal, a car window closed-in-place signal, a car window opened-in-place signal, and a car window opened obstacle signal. The invention further discloses a device for implementing the method for controlling the power car window. By application of the invention, the car window will be provided with both an anti-pinch protection function and an overload protection function, and the manufacturing cost very low.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventor: Yuanhong WEN
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Patent number: 7466090Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, computer readable mediums and propagated signals are provided for controlling the position, orientation, movement, configuration and/or operation of one or more window coverings, doors, vanes, filters or other apparatus. In one embodiment, a system is provided for controlling at least one of the position and orientation of a blind. The system includes a controller for operating a blind, at least one detector operably connected to the controller for simultaneously detecting position and orientation of at least one element of the blind, and at least one output device operably connected to the controller for controlling at least one of the orientation and position of the blind. The embodiments may also include or utilize at least one of a receiver program module, a device controller module, a timer program module and a system controller module which are utilized by a controller to control the operation of the blind.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2005Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Henk Jan Meewis, James L. Miller
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Patent number: 7449855Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic controlling device with a computer unit installed to control a regulating device especially a window lifter of a motor vehicle. The computer unit stops or initiates the stop of a regulating motion of the window lifter drive if a signal correlating to the rotary moment of the window lifter drive exceeds a response level. In the setting range of a starting motion from standstill of the window lifter drive, the response level is a setting range dependant and/or time-related dependant preset function with at least one parameter determining the course of this function. The parameter value is modified in dependence from the starting motion of the window lifter drive.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2005Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, CoburgInventors: Roland Kalb, Jochen Held
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Publication number: 20080247880Abstract: Systems and methods for using variable speed drives to restart downhole submersible pump motors. In one embodiment, a downhole pump is controlled using a variable speed drive that includes a control system configured to detect interruptions in the operation of the pump system. After an interruption that requires the restart of the pump motor, the control system determines the reverse rotational speed of the pump motor and restarts the motor when this speed is sufficiently low. The control system may be configured to reduce the output voltage of the variable speed drive and sweep through a range of output frequencies to determine the frequency at which the current drawn by the motor is lowest. This is the frequency at which the drive's output matches the speed of the motor and the apparent impedance of the motor is highest. When the speed is low enough, the motor is restarted.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2008Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventors: John M. Leuthen, Sheldon Plitt, Jerald R. Rider, Tom G. Yohanan
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Patent number: 7423399Abstract: Apparatus, and associated method, for controlling intermittent operation of a windshield wiper assembly. A user interface, formed of a pair of momentary contact switches, is used to set the repetition rate of intermittent operation of a wiper blade and, subsequently, when desired, to terminate the intermittent operation. A first of the switches is actuated two times, with the time period separating the actuations defining the repetition rate of the wiper blade when in the intermittent mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Electronic Data Systems CorporationInventors: John A. Pawlicki, Jason A. Sattler
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Patent number: 7388339Abstract: An adjustment device as well as a corresponding method for operation of the final control element in a motor vehicle are specified. In this case, a motor is provided for operation of the final control element, a sensor element is provided for detection of a parameter that characterizes the motor and a control unit, which is connected to the sensor element and to the motor, is provided for control of the motor. The control unit is designed to record the profile of a parameter that characterizes the motor, or of a signal that is derived from it, over the actuating movement, to compare the recorded profile with a switching-off threshold that is dependent on the actuating movement, to stop and/or to reverse the drive if the switching-off threshold is exceeded, and to change the switching-off threshold as a function of the time for which the final control element is switched off. This allows reliable jamming protection, in which the probability of spurious detection of jamming is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, CoburgInventor: Jochen Held
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Publication number: 20080100241Abstract: A control device for an opening/closing member includes a movement instruction outputting unit that outputs a movement instruction of the opening/closing member according to an operation of an operation switch, a driving unit that drives a motor and moves the opening/closing member based on the movement instruction, an entrapment judging unit that judges whether or not entrapment of foreign object by the opening/closing member has occurred when the opening/closing member is being moved by the motor with a sensitivity set at a relevant point as a reference, a drive limiting unit that instructs the driving unit to stop the drive of the motor or drive in reverse rotation of the motor if judged that entrapment of the foreign object by the opening/closing member has occurred by the entrapment judging unit, and a sensitivity changing unit that raises the sensitivity for judging that entrapment of the foreign object by the opening/closing member has occurred by the judging unit when the operation switch is repeatedlType: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2007Publication date: May 1, 2008Applicant: OMRON CorporationInventor: Tomohiro Takahashi
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Patent number: 7362068Abstract: A controller reduces an output of the drive motor when a window glass reaches a speed shift position, which is between a fully open position and a fully closed position of the window glass, in a closing operation of the window glass. The controller increases the output of the drive motor based on a position signal, which indicates that the position of the closing member in the closing operation is in a preclosed position located on a fully closed position side of the speed shift position. The preclosed position is located in a pinch-monitoring disabled zone, in which the monitoring of the pinching of the object through the controller is disabled.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2004Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Motoya Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7355360Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a wiper system, especially an opposed wiper system or a butterfly wiper system, and to a wiper system comprising at least two motor units which are coupled to wiper blades and can be independently driven, a control appliance for controlling the motor units, and sensor units which are coupled to the control appliance and are used to determine the angular position of the wiper blades. The invention is characterised in that the wiping angle of the wiper blades is divided into areas, the area containing the respective wiper blade being determined along with the angle of the wiper blade inside the respective area.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2003Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Valeo Wischersysteme GmbHInventor: Jean Assan
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Patent number: 7327108Abstract: An operator system and related methods for automatically controlling access barriers which includes a base controller associated with at least one access barrier and at least one base receiver associated with the base controller. The system also includes at least one mobile transmitter that automatically and periodically generates at least one mobile signal detectable by the base receiver. The base controller selectively generates barrier movement commands upon receipt of the at least one mobile signal in an operate mode. The operator and the mobile transmitter both include transceivers to allow two-way communication therebetween during a learn mode. Such a system allows for hands-free operation of the access barrier. A discrete processing system may also be used to retrofit existing barrier operator systems for use in hands-free operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2005Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Jason L. Mamaloukas
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Patent number: 7327107Abstract: An operator system and related methods for automatically controlling access barriers which includes a base controller associated with at least one access barrier and at least one base receiver associated with the base controller. The system also includes at least one mobile transmitter that automatically and periodically generates at least one mobile signal detectable by the base receiver. The base controller selectively generates barrier movement commands upon receipt of the at least one mobile signal. Timers may be used to block receipt of any mobile signals for a period of time to prevent any further door movement. Such a system allows for hands-free operation of the access barrier. A discrete processing system may also be used to retrofit existing barrier operator systems for use in hands-free operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2005Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Jason L. Mamaloukas, James S. Murray
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Patent number: 7323840Abstract: A magnetic-pole detecting system for synchronous AC motors and a magnetic-pole detecting method therefor are provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2002Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazutaka Takahashi, Yasunobu Harada
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Patent number: 7315145Abstract: A system of controlling a sliding member for a vehicle includes a motor, a pulse generating device, a counting device and a control device. The system has a range for movement of the sliding member between a position short of a first lock position and a position short of a second lock position. Also, the system has an error range within the range for movement of the sliding member and memorizes in advance a range of pulse count representative of the error range. If a pulse count counted by the counting device falls within the range of pulse count when the sliding member discontinues movement due to detection of an overload of the motor, the system resets a pulse count counted by the counting device at one of the first and second lock positions.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2005Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Yachiyo Kogyo Kabushiki KaisyaInventors: Tatsuaki Uehara, Yuki Honjo, Yoshiki Noro
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Patent number: 7312591Abstract: A powered panel moving system includes a motor, electronic drive circuitry, a mechanism, a coupler, and electronic function circuitry. The drive circuitry drives a rotor of the motor. The coupler couples rotational output of the rotor to the mechanism to drive the mechanism in order to move the panel. The function circuitry is integrated with the drive circuitry for providing additional functionality beyond driving the motor for panel movement. The drive circuitry includes a current sensor for determining rotor position based on motor current, a back emf sensor for determining rotor position based on back emf of the motor, and an impedance sensor for determining rotor position based on motor impedance. The function circuitry may include an analyzer to determine presence of an obstruction to the motion of the panel based on at least one of the rotor position, the motor current, and the back emf of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: NPC CorporationInventors: John M. Washeleski, Stephen R. W. Cooper, Peter H. Strom, Todd R. Newman
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Patent number: 7309971Abstract: An opening and closing body control device includes an actuation device for actuating an opening and closing body which operates relative to a body, a speed detection device for detecting moving speed of the opening and closing body, and a control device for driving the actuation device based on detected results from the speed detection device. The control device conducts anti-pinch transaction when an object is pinched between the opening and closing body and the body. The control device includes a speed difference calculation device for calculating speed difference between latest speed and speed at predetermined time earlier, a speed difference memory device for memorizing predetermined number of the speed differences, an accumulation device for calculating accumulation value by accumulating predetermined number of speed differences, and a pinch detection device for conducting anti-pinch transaction by comparing the accumulation value and reference value for occurrence of pinch.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Chiaki Honma, Shintaro Suzuki, Tomoaki Imaizumi, Eiji Itami
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Patent number: 7282879Abstract: A bi-directional sensing edge includes a mounting member for securing the sensing edge to a leading member of a gate. An elongate outer sheath has at least first and second portions each respectively corresponding to first and second sides of the leading member. An interior surface of the sheath is spaced from an outer surface of the mounting member to thereby define a second area. A first switch is complementarily positioned within the second area and corresponds to the first portion of the sheath for actuation of the first switch upon application of pressure on an exterior surface of the sheath substantially anywhere along the first portion. A second switch is complementarily positioned within the second area and corresponds to the second portion of the sheath for actuation of the second switch upon application of pressure on the exterior surface of the sheath substantially anywhere along the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2006Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Miller Edge, Inc.Inventor: Bearge D. Miller
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Patent number: 7282880Abstract: A method and apparatus to automatically reverse the motor of a power tool, such as a dispensing gun or similar tool. In some constructions, a controller automatically reverses the direction of plunger movement and removes the plunger from contact with the back wall of a cartridge. The controller has a trigger switch that is coupled to a power source, such as a battery, and includes a main power on/off switch and a potentiometer. A protection or secondary switch is coupled in parallel to the main power on/off switch. A power supply circuit and a commutator are each coupled to the main and secondary switches. An overload sensor is coupled to the commutator. The controller includes a programmable device that is coupled to the power supply circuit, the potentiometer, the commutator, and the overload sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2006Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Kevin L. Glasgow, Robert M. Crisp
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Patent number: 7268506Abstract: The power window system moves a window glass in opening and closing directions in response to operation of an opening and closing instruction switch. The power window system includes a measurement device for obtaining an open degree of the window glass and a control device for controlling movement of the window glass in response to operation of the switch. The control device moves the window glass in the closing direction when an open degree obtained by the measurement device is not less than a predetermined degree and in the opening direction when the open degree is less than the predetermined degree.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Satoshi Nakagawa, Yoshimitsu Maejima, Yasuyuki Mochizuki, Katsuyuki Iwasaki, Susumu Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7265508Abstract: A barrier movement operator controls the movement of a moveable barrier. The barrier movement operator includes a movable utility light. A head unit is communication with the movable utility light to command the moveable barrier to perform moveable barrier functions. The head unit provides power to the movable utility light in response to performance of the moveable barrier functions and also in response to movement of the movable utility light from a first position disposed at the head unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: Mark Karasek, Robert Roy Keller, Jr., David Mack
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Patent number: 7248007Abstract: A control system for an electromechanical drive in a vehicle has a motor (29) whose connections (24, 25) are connected to the assigned control elements (2, 3) of a bridge circuit, a control circuit (21) with signal connections (12, 13) at which control signals are provided for controlling the control elements, a return circuit (6) through which information about the operating state of the motor (29) is returned to the control circuit (21) in order to monitor the functioning of the motor, wherein the signal connections (12, 13) can be switched as output or as input, the information about the operating state is returned through the return circuit (6) to these signal connections that can be switched as input or as output, and the control circuit has a monitoring program (21) that records and evaluates the returned information about the operating state during a monitoring phase in which the signal connections (12, 13) are switched as input.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2006Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Gregor Svobodnik
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Patent number: 7208907Abstract: A system and method of restarting a switched reluctance motor after a cycling of power provided to the motor is provided that includes receiving at the motor a power-off signal followed by a power-on signal, determining a rotational speed of a rotor, and energizing a stator only when the rotational speed of the rotor is determined to be less than a threshold speed.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Shop Vac CorporationInventors: Neil N. Norell, James M. Robitaille, Mark E. Baer
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Patent number: 7183732Abstract: A motorized barrier operator that moves a barrier between limit positions, includes a motor for moving the barrier between set limit positions. When the barrier is in a stopped, partially open position the operator implements at least a hybrid control sequence that employs either a four-phase logic or an open-only logic depending upon the status of a mode indicator. In the preferred embodiment the mode indicator is a time light that is activated upon receipt of a user command.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2004Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventor: James S. Murray
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Patent number: 7183733Abstract: An opening and closing member control apparatus includes: an open-command receiving portion for receiving a first open command of a first open and close command inputting member and a second open command of a second open and close command inputting member, which performs a second open command input and a second close command input by a unique operation thereof, a close-command receiving portion for receiving a first close command of the first open and close command inputting member and a second close command of the second open and close command inputting member, and a controlling portion for performing an opening operation and a closing operation of an opening and closing member based on a condition of the opening and closing member, in response to the unique operation of the second open and close command inputting member.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2006Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shintaro Suzuki, Tomoaki Imaizumi, Eiji Itami, Masahiko Ito, Masayuki Nomura
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Patent number: 7173389Abstract: A motorized barrier operator system that moves a barrier between limit positions includes a barrier, a motor coupled to the barrier and adapted to move the barrier between a full open limit position, a danger zone position, and a full close position. The system further includes a position sensor coupled to one of the barrier and the motor to detect the positions, and a force sensor coupled to one of the barrier and the motor to detect an actual force value during movement of the barrier. A controller is connected to the sensors which determines a first threshold response value between the full open limit position and the danger zone position, and a second threshold response value between the danger zone position and the full close limit position. The second threshold response value is less than the first threshold response value, and the controller commands the motor to at least stop movement of the barrier if the actual force value is greater than either of the threshold response values.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventor: Richard E Gagnon
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Patent number: 7170248Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for operating a barrier. In one embodiment, a door operator can be opened or closed by triggering either an internal device (e.g., wall button) or an external device. In one embodiment, if an obstacle is detected when the door is opening or closing, the door will either stop or swing in the reverse direction. In yet a further embodiment, the door operator is implemented using an alternating current (AC) synchronous motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventors: Gallen Ka Leung Tsui, Philip Y. W. Tsui
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Patent number: 7161320Abstract: There is provided a control device for driving a movable member such as a power window of a vehicle under control, in which the action of the movable member (including the manual operation) at an action velocity corresponding to the intention of the user is achieved by operating only a operating knob for issuing a command relating to the action of the movable member. The control device includes a detecting unit which can generate an output value varying in accordance with the action of the operating knob, and a control unit for determining the operating velocity of the operating knob based on the output value, deciding the action velocity according to the determined operating velocity, and driving the motor under control so that the movable member moves at the decided action velocity.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Omron CorporationInventors: Keiichi Shimizu, Yasuhide Tanaka, Hideyo Kakuno
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Patent number: 7134241Abstract: An entrapment detection device of an opening-closing member which opens and closes an opening portion of a vehicle body includes a driving power source for moving the opening-closing member, a motivity transmission member provided between the opening-closing member and the driving power source, a deformation member configured to be deformed via the motivity transmission member in accordance with the load applied to the opening-closing member during an opening-closing operation of the opening-closing member, a strain gauge assembled to the deformation member and configured to convert a strain according to the deformation of the deformation member to an electric signal and a control mechanism for detecting an entrapment of an external object based on the electric signal from the strain gauge.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shintaro Suzuki
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Patent number: 7122981Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring and controlling reversing actions in electrically actuatable units, wherein an actuating drive unit can exert an actuating force in order to move an electrically actuatable unit, and a safety circuit automatically switches off the actuating drive unit after a jamming switch-off time that is predetermined for a movement if no movement occurs despite the triggering of the actuating drive unit. According to the invention, a triggered reversing action results in a temporary extension of the predetermined jamming switch-off time from a short jamming switch-off time t1 that is predetermined for normal operation to a longer jamming switch-off time t2 (2).Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2002Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Norbert Knab, Patric Kahles
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Patent number: 7116072Abstract: A method and system for setting a downward force adjustment exerted by a barrier is disclosed. As is known, the barrier operator initiates corrective action if a detected obstruction force is deemed excessive. The inventive method and system comprises pre-setting a force threshold value used by the barrier operator. While in a programming mode, the barrier is moved from one limit position to another limit position. A recorded value is determined during the moving of the barrier and the threshold value is adjusted until equal the recorded value. A feedback device such as a light or a speaker is used to indicate when the threshold value is at least equal the recorded value.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: James S Murray, Richard E Gagnon
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Patent number: 7106014Abstract: A lectern incorporating a support member having a recess that can receive a control panel or laptop or notebook computer, for use with the by a speaker or other presenter. The support member defines an interior, and includes a keyboard tray slidably received within the interior and connectable to the monitor or computer positioned within the recess such that an individual can enter information directly from the keyboard into the device positioned within the recess. The lectern also includes a pair of sliding panels that can be used to cover or expose the device positioned within the recess. The lectern further includes a vertical adjustment mechanism for raising or lowering the height of the lectern as necessary.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Mastalir, Lon D. Seidl
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Patent number: 7102311Abstract: A drive controller (10?) of the present invention comprises control means (28, 29, 32 to 38) configured to perform control to cause a driven element to move by a driver (M) and a collision detecting means (20?) configured to detect a collision of the driven element. The collision detecting means detects the collision of the driven element based on an estimated speed deviation which is an estimated deviation from an actual speed of the driven element or an estimated acceleration deviation which is an estimated deviation from an actual acceleration of the driven element.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2003Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tetsuhiko Nishimura, Masatoshi Sano, Yoshinori Kegasa