Abstract: An electrical circuit arrangement for controlling a unit, such as an adjustment system for windows or a sliding sunroof, that is driven by a motor and is situated in a motor vehicle. The arrangement guarantees that, in the case of a short-circuit of circuit components, especially a control device operation of a motor is still possible, especially in a preferred direction of motor rotation, whereby the direction of rotation results in an opening of the unit and the short-circuit is caused by salt water for instance. Two circuit-breaker elements that operate the motor in either direction can be directly activated by an allocated circuit device which bypasses a failed control device. The remaining circuit-breaker element is blocked at least when the first circuit-breaker element is activated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for monitoring and controlling an electric motor, in particular one that is present on a movable object on a motor vehicle, such as a window or sunroof. The invention resolves the technical problem of reliably recognizing the pinching of a foreign body in the window or sunroof, such that the window or sunroof can be stopped or reversed in time, without the time-consuming calculation of energy balances, closing forces etc and/or the observation of the force development during the time window comprising a complete pinching process. This aim is achieved in that the criterium for stopping or reversing is obtained by comparing the currently measured value of the motor current I(t0) with a reference value Iref, formed from a stored value of motor current I(t−N) taken after a defined amount of motor rotation has occurred, with the introduction of further parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a motor that opens and closes the window of vehicle, for example, is so adapted that when the vehicle becomes submersed in the sea, a lake or a river, etc., the window is prevented from being closed owing to malfunctioning of a relay caused when a leakage current flows into an operating switch for opening and closing the window. When submersion is sensed and it is sensed that the motor is being rotated by a malfunction in a direction that closes the window, a relay for rotating the motor in the forward direction is actuated. This prevents the occurrence of a situation in which the motor is caused to rotate (especially in the direction that closes the window) regardless of the fact that the operating switch has not been operated.

Abstract: An electric motor for driving a component, such as a vehicle window lifter or a machine tool, functions as a generator, when the motor drive voltage is switched off and the motor is short circuited. The motor keeps running due to inertia or other influences. During this period after switch-off a generator voltage and respective generator current are produced. The generator current is measured for various purposes, preferably in combination with a measured r.p.m. signal. The generator current signal alone, or in combination with the r.p.m. signal, is evaluated to provide information regarding the motion of the driven component including information regarding the motion direction and position of the component.

Abstract: A power window control apparatus for controlling vehicle power windows (12-18) includes window control switches (52-58) for controlling power window control motors (20-26). When two window control switches (52-58) are simultaneously and momentarily actuated downward, a controller (40) controls the motors (20-26) to lower the windows (12-18) to a predetermined position from an initially closed position. In the event that one or more windows are initially open, the controller (40) lowers the windows for the time interval that the two window control switches are actuated downward. When the two window control switches (52-58) are moved in the upward direction, the controller (40) simultaneously controls all the motors (20-26) to raise all open windows (12-18) to a fully closed position.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator includes a wall control switch module having a learn switch thereon. The switch module is connectable to a control unit positioned in a head of a garage movable barrier operator. The head unit also contains an electric motor which is connected to a transmission for opening and closing a movable barrier such as a garage door. The switch module includes a plurality of switches coupled to capacitors which, when closed, have varying charge and discharge times to enable which switch has been closed. The control unit includes an automatic force incrementing system for adjusting the maximal opening and closing force to be placed upon the movable barrier during a learn operation. Likewise, end of travel limits can also be set during a learn operation upon installation of the unit.

Abstract: A auxiliary vehicular window recessing system for providing a secondary means of recessing the electrically-controlled windows of a vehicle in the event of submergence in a body of water. The auxiliary vehicular window recessing system includes a secondary motor for moving the window of the vehicle. A secondary gear member driven by the secondary motor is engaged with the main drive gear such that rotary motion of the secondary gear member biases the primary window drive system thereby recessing the window when the secondary motor is activated. An auxiliary, waterproof battery provides power, while a sealed fuse electrically protects the secondary motor. Optionally or in conjunction, a manual crank apparatus engages the primary window drive system for manually recessing the window.

Abstract: In a roller conveyor system for carrying out zone control, a conveyed article can be stopped in an approximately constant position without varying the position where the article is stopped in a desired control zone even if the weight of the article varies. In order to syop the article in a predetermined control zone, such stop control is carried out that a motor is decelerated and stopped in a plurality of braking systems depending on the change in the pulse width of a rotational pulse signal to stop the article with high precision in a predetermined stop position.

Abstract: Method of controlling a motorized door by offloading the burden to a separate motion control processor. The method includes generating, in a central processor for the door, one or more signals indicative of a predetermined door speed profile for a stroke of the door. The predetermined door speed profile provides an ideal velocity versus an elapsed time since a beginning of the stroke. The signals are communicated to a motion control processor and the motion control processor also receives door position signals from a position encoder. The motion control processor generates signals indicative of the velocity of the door based on the door position signals and it generates error signals based on discrepancies between the velocity of the door and the ideal velocity. It generates motor control signals based on the error signals and the motor control signals are communicated to the motor of the door.

Abstract: An adjunct device for a garage door opener and closer system containing a microprocessor which automatically closes the garage door after a 45 second delay, and includes three LED's to indicate the door closure, motion detection, and a manual override of the system. The adjunct device has a push button switch which programs the adjunct device to the same infrared frequency as the conventional garage door opener device. The adjunct device also contains a manual override element, an oscillator circuit, a reset circuit, a surge protector circuit, and a voltage regulator circuit.

Abstract: A power window control apparatus for controlling vehicle power windows (12-18) includes window control switches (52-58) for controlling power window control motors (20-26). When two window control switches (52-58) are simultaneously and momentarily actuated downward, a controller (40) controls the motors (20-26) to lower the windows (12-18) to a predetermined position from an initially closed position. In the event that one or more windows are initially open, the controller (40) lowers the windows for the time interval that the two window control switches are actuated downward. When the two window control switches (52-58) are moved in the upward direction, the controller (40) simultaneously controls all the motors (20-26) to raise all open windows (12-18) to a fully closed position.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator includes a wall control switch module having a learn switch thereon. The switch module is connectable to a control unit positioned in a head of a garage movable barrier operator. The head unit also contains an electric motor which is connected to a transmission for opening and closing a movable barrier such as a garage door. The switch module includes a plurality of switches coupled to capacitors which, when closed, have varying charge and discharge times to enable which switch has been closed. The control unit includes an automatic force incrementing system for adjusting the maximal opening and closing force to be placed upon the movable barrier during a learn operation. Likewise, end of travel limits can also be set during a learn operation upon installation of the unit.

Abstract: A powered liftgate actuation system for a vehicle in which opening and/or closing of the liftgate is inhibited if the vehicle is positioned too close to an obstruction for unobstructed movement of the liftgate. Non-contact ranging sensors are mounted to the vehicle and directed rearward to detect a clearance distance between the vehicle and an obstruction, and a control circuit for the motor inhibits actuation of the motor by a remote control unit if the ranging sensors indicates the clearance distance is less than the distance by which the liftgate extends beyond the rear of the vehicle. The control circuit has an override feature allowing the remote control unit to be used to actuate the motor and open the liftgate in spite of the ranging sensor indicating the clearance distance is too small. The ranging sensors may also serve as a component of a backup aid warning system used to detect obstructions located behind the vehicle while the vehicle transmission is in a reverse gear position.

Abstract: A waterproof power window apparatus comprises: a driver-seat switch unit; an other-seat switch unit; and a bus line allowing communication to be established between the driver-seat switch unit and the other-seat switch unit. The driver-seat switch unit has: a first controller; a first driving unit for opening and closing a window at the driver seat in a window-sliding operation; an other-seat-window-opening and closing switch; a first submergence-detecting unit; and a first power-supply unit connected to the bus line and provided with a control terminal connected to the first control unit and the first submergence-detecting unit. The other-seat switch unit has: a second control unit; a second driving unit for opening and closing an other-seat window in a window-sliding operation; a second submergence-detecting unit; and a second power-supply unit connected to the bus line and provided with a control terminal connected to the second control unit and the second submergence-detecting unit.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus is arranged to drive and control a motor for transmitting the rotating force of the motor through a gear train. In reversing the rotation of the motor, the motor is caused to rotate at a speed higher than a normal rotation speed for a period of time which is about the same as a period of time required for absorbing a clearance or play existing between the gears. In this instance, since the motor is under no load, the motor is rotated at the higher speed with a small current and a small torque. The arrangement effectively lessens a noise generated in reversing the rotation of the motor due to the clearance or play existing in the motor driving force transmitting part.

Abstract: A remote control system uses a state signal that indicates whether a door or lock is opening, open, closing or closed. The state signal that indicates whether a door or lock is opening, open, closing or closed is transmitted. The remote control device receives the state signal, while the remote control device is proximate to the door or lock. The received state signal is stored in the remote control device. An alarm signal is generated, if the state signal is not received by the remote control device, and the stored state signal indicates that the door or lock is opening or open. The system may be used to monitor and control an automatic garage door opener, a power door locking system in an automobile, a trunk locking system in an automobile, or door or window locking systems in a building.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus for a reversible motor of a railway switch machine includes a conditional power source having an output voltage. A motor control circuit includes inputs for inputting the voltage from the power source, inputs for inputting a normal signal and a reverse signal, two output terminals for electrical connection to two input terminals of the reversible motor, and a relay logic circuit including a pair of double pole, double throw relays. The contacts of these relays: (a) output the voltage to the two output terminals in response to the normal signal, (b) output an inverted polarity of the voltage to the two output terminals in response to the reverse signal, and (c) short the two output terminals in response to absence of both of the normal and reverse signals.

Abstract: An engine shut off system for a hybrid electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, and a controller. The internal combustion engine is located in the hybrid electric vehicle and is coupled to the electric motor. The vehicle system controller is coupled to the internal combustion engine and may automatically shut off or start the internal combustion engine. When the hybrid electric vehicle is completely stopped the controller shuts the internal combustion engine off after a configurable period of time.

Abstract: A drive system for a partition wall system composed of several individual components which are horizontally movable via rollers or appropriate media at or in a guide rail mounted to a ceiling in a way or technique in which the individual components present separate drive media which convey the corresponding component(s) independently from and/or simultaneously with the other components along the guide rail. A central control unit combined with a microprocessor and several memories is provided and the control unit's output signal transmits data and addresses to all drive media via at least a two-wire connection (databus) simultaneously to activate the individual component's drive media, which allows the individual control and regulation of the individual components and the additional miscellaneous functions for the individual components respectively inside the individual components. Changing of data and addresses is operated by a control terminal.

Abstract: An pinching detecting method for use in a power window apparatus, capable of preventing a malfunction even if a normal pulse edge interval is unobtainable, and of preventing a force exceeding a reference value from acting on an object pinched into a window. The power window apparatus is made up of a window opening and closing motor, a motor driving section, a pulse generator, a micro control unit and a switch device, and a timer is incorporated into the micro control unit. The micro control unit obtains a corresponding pinching decision time from a reference value at that time whenever a pulse edge of pulses outputted from the pulse generator arrives at the micro control unit and updates a set time of the timer. If one pulse edge arrives but the next pulse edge does not arrive after the elapse of the pinching decision time, the micro control unit ceases a decision on the occurrence/no occurrence of the pinching in the window and stops the drive of the motor or drives the motor in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A submergence detection power-window apparatus is provided with driving motors for moving electric-power driven opening units to opened and closed states, manual switches for manually opening/closing the electric-power driven opening units, control units for driving the motors into rotation in accordance with operations carried out on the manual switches, a submergence detector for detecting submergence of a car body and generating a submergence detection signal and a fastened/loosened seat-belt detector for detecting fastened/loosened states of a seat belt and generating a loosened-seat-belt detection signal in a loosened state of the seat belt wherein the control units drive the motors into rotation in directions to open the electric-power driven opening units when the manual switches are operated to open the electric-power driven opening units provided that a submergence detection signal is received from the submergence detector and a loosened-seat-belt detection signal is received from the fastened/loosen

Abstract: The power window apparatus has a driver's seat side window operating unit and passenger seat side window operating units that have window open/close motors. Each of the window operating units has a window open switch, a window close switch, motor drive means, and motor drive control means for controlling the motor drive means. At least one of the window operating units has submersion detecting means for outputting a submersion detection signal when the submersion of the automobile is detected. The window operating units have signal transmission terminals that transmit and/or receive the submersion detection signal generated by the submersion detecting means.

Abstract: A power window apparatus capable of opening a window or windows of a submerged automobile by manually operating a driver seat window open switch or a passenger seat window open switch both located on a driver seat window operation unit. The driver seat window operation unit and passenger seat window operation units have each a window close switch, a window open switch, a window open/close motor, and a motor drive controller. The driver seat window operation unit has a submersion detector for generating a submersion detection signal, a motor drive controller incorporating a control driver for opening windows when the driver manually operates corresponding window open switches, and connection lines for connecting normally close contacts of passenger seat window open switches located on the driver seat window operation unit with the normally close contacts of the window open switches located on the passenger seat window operation units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic circuit that interrupts the application of electrical power to a motor after a predetermined period of time. The electronic circuit is disposed between a motor which drives a device from an initial position to a final position and a switch movable from a first position to a second position. A battery which supplies the electrical power for the motor is engaged with the switch. The control circuit includes at least two energy storage devices. Depending on the position of the switch, one of the energy storage devices will be fully charged by the battery source. Altering the position of the switch will cause the fully charged energy storage device to begin its discharge and the alternate energy storage device will be “instantly” charged. During the time that both energy storage devices have a significant charge on them, a control signal is generated.

Abstract: A wiper blade wipes over a predetermined range of a front windshield in response to rotation of a wiper motor in a forward and reverse directions. The wiper blade operates in a wiping range between a predetermined upper reversing position and a predetermined lower reversing position. An upper pre-reversing position is defined inside of the upper reversing position, and a lower pre-reversing position is defined inside of the lower reversing position. A rotation sensor produces pulse signals in response to the rotation of the wiper motor. A CPU counts the pulse signals produced from the rotation sensor when a position detection sensor detects an arrival of the wiper blade at the pre-reversing position. The CPU produces a control signal to a drive circuit and reverses the direction of the drive current of the wiper motor to reverse the rotation of the wiper motor, when the pulse count value reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method and system for directly determining the presence of an object between a window and its respective frame during closing of the window is disclosed. A sensor is provided within the frame to determine a length of the frame being compressed when the window is closed against the frame. This length is compared to a predetermined value. If the compressed length is less than the predetermined value, an object is detected so that the window can be controlled to stop and change direction so as to release the object before injury or damage occurs.

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

Abstract: A power window apparatus for a vehicle capable of switching an operation mode of a window to a submersion mode when a submersion of the vehicle is detected, includes a circuit board for controlling the window, a sensor having a pair of electrodes for detecting a continuity between the electrodes when the electrodes are submerged, a housing for accommodating the circuit board and the sensor, a first chamber provided in the housing and enclosed by walls for accommodating the circuit board, a second chamber provided in the housing and enclosed by walls for accommodating the sensor, and an opening provided at the walls of the second chamber for allowing to introduce water into the second chamber so as to merge the sensor in water before the circuit board is submerged.

Abstract: In a displacement drive that provides an obstruction prevention function for movable parts, in particular such as windows and sunroofs in motor vehicles, a decrease in the rotation speed or velocity of the drive is provided in order to achieve a predefined spring rate in specific displacement ranges so as to lower the kinetic energy. Within the predefined range before the closed position is reached, the rotation speed and/or the output of the drive is reduced linearly. The reduction to a minimum rotation speed or minimum output takes place within a specific position range. The minimum rotation speed or minimum output is reached at a specific position before the closed position and is substantially constant. Corresponding to different supply output levels, a linear reduction, for example, is performed along lines of different slopes, the length of the specific position range in which the reduction is performed being constant.

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

Abstract: A pair of capacitors are provided at a window sash or a window glass edge. Each capacitor is connected to two variable phase delay generators in parallel. Selectors are inserted between the capacitors and variable phase delay generators. Each selector alternates the connection between the capacitor and two variable phase delay generators. Upon insertion of human bodies, two variable phase delay generators reverse relative phase delays of the output signal from the two variable phase delay generators. If one of the relative phase delays is reversed, the human bodies are detected to be inserted into the window opening.

Abstract: A method of controlling an operating configuration for moving parts on motor vehicles, especially for trunk lids, convertible tops or similar devices, in which configuration the part to be moved is hinge connected to the motor vehicle by at least one connecting element and is provided with a controllable driving means, where the speed of the moving part (8) is monitored, and the driving means (17, 18) is turned off independently of any end position signals when the speed of these parts drops to a very low level or to zero; the motion of the automatically moving part on the motor vehicle can be stopped automatically or an emergency shut-down function is provided for the opening and closing movement when an obstacle is encountered. For this purpose, the speed of the moving part (8) is monitored indirectly by determining the speed of at least one connecting element (2, 3; 10-12, 16) or driving means (17, 18) which is connected to this part (8).

Abstract: A drive arrangement for articulating a liftgate of a motor vehicle between an open position and a closed position under a source of power. The liftgate is mounted to a body of the motor vehicle for articulation about a horizontally extending pivot axis. The drive arrangement includes a mounting member for attachment to the body of the motor vehicle. A drive motor is attached to the mounting member. A first gear is ultimately driven by the drive motor. A crank arm is pivotally interconnected to the mounting member. The crank arm includes a second gear in meshing relationship with the first gear. The second gear is preferably a sector gear having a plurality of teeth formed on a concavely curved surface thereof. A linkage has a first end attached to the crank arm and a second end for attachment to the liftgate.

Abstract: An automatic gate operator includes an electric drive motor coupled by a drive train to a movable gate, and includes provisions for sensing an actual or impending obstruction or blockage of the movement of the gate by a human, object, or animal, for example. In response to such an actual or impending blocking of the gate's movement, the drive motor is shut off and the gate is braked to a stop. Then the gate is reversed to move a short distance away from the actual or impending blockage or obstruction, and is braked again to a stop. Next, the gate is freed from its connection with the drive motor, allowing manual movement of the gate to allow clearance of the actual or impending blockage or obstruction from the path of the gate. This stop-reverse-stop-release sequence of movements for the gate may release any entrapped person or object which may have been contacted by the moving gate. Also, after the gate is released for free movement it can be moved manually.

Abstract: A method for operating a door system having a stationary structure and at least two motor-driven door elements movable independently from each other, where the movements of these elements are controlled and coordinated by at least one higher-ranking processor or at least one higher-ranking program module such that preselected criteria (entrance capacity, heat loss, security, etc.) are optimally satisfied with regard to the traffic situation detected by sensors (density, space required, direction of movement, speed, identification of users) and/or ambient conditions (temperature, wind, pressure differences, air turnover required).

Abstract: A power window apparatus for a vehicle, which has an emergency switch being capable of cutting off a power-window-closing control switch element conjointly with the operation of a switch for opening the power window and has a contactor sliding between normally closed contacts and normally open contacts provided in the form of electrode patterns on a printed circuit board, whereon electrodes extend over the contactor sliding area and a entire surface of the board except the contactor sliding area is covered with a coating of waterproof resin. The emergency switch can eliminate an abnormal simultaneous energization of both the window-opening and closing relays in an accident (such as the vehicle sinking into water) by maintaining the conducting state of the normally open contact even if the exposed portions of the electrode patterns are partly damaged by electrolysis of material.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a positioning drive is proposed, in which a distance between two predefined positions is ascertained in the course of a reference run, and is used as the basis for a data set selection.

Abstract: When a window lowering switch is operated, a car voltage is supplied to a window lowering relay to drive the window lowering relay, and the window lowering relay is inhibited from being driven by supplying an inverse voltage to a window elevating relay. Thus, there is provided a waterproof power window device in which a window may be opened by operating the window lowering switch (3) even when a car falls in the water and is laid under water.

Abstract: A convertible-top system for a motor vehicle has a signal-processing arrangement for detecting actuating commands and for controlling drive mechanisms for the convertible-top system in open and/or closed loop as a function of the actuating commands. The signal-processing arrangement emits signals, which are a function of the state of the convertible-top system, to at least one operating device of at least one external component not belonging to the convertible-top system. The external components are influenced by way of the control signals.

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

Abstract: Latching components of a padlock are driven by a motor between latched and released positions. An encoder element with associated optical elements provides position information to a control circuit. The control circuit correlates the position information with the signal directing power to the motor so that the motor is precisely controlled for moving the latching elements between release and latch. If the motor jams (sensed by overcurrent), it is operated briefly in alternating directions to try and dislodge the grit or ice causing the jam. The padlock shackle is latched into place by balls which are driven into recesses in the shackle legs. The use of plural balls on at least one side helps isolate the drive motor and gears from grit that may enter through the padlock's top shackle holes.

Abstract: An automatic power window system (10) includes a motor module (12) and a controller (14) physically remotely located from the motor module. The motor module and the controller are coupled by a first signal link (16) and a second signal link (18). The first signal link is arranged to carry a limited number of high priority communication data at high speed, while the second signal link is arranged to carry virtually any number of low priority communication data at low speed. The high priority communication data may represent an operating condition of the motor during automatic operation. The operating condition is preferably simply and reliably indicated by the presence, absence or transition of a signal on the first signal link. The low speed communication data represents a plurality of operating data each of which are indicated by a plurality of time-multiplexed signals.

Abstract: An obstruction detecting method for use with a power window device comprising a motor activated to open and close a window by means of a window drive mechanism, a motor drive unit for driving the motor, a pulse generator for generating pulses corresponding to revolutions of the motor, a micro-control unit for providing overall drive control, and an operation switch operated manually to instruct the opening and closing of the window. The method comprises the steps of causing the micro-control unit to detect parameter values representing loads applied onto the window when the window is opened or closed; to compare the detected parameter values with a predetermined reference median; to detect an obstruction to the window movement when any detected parameter value is judged to have deviated by at least a predetermined amount from the reference median; and to stop or reverse the motor by means of the motor drive unit on detecting the obstruction.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for determining whether a foreign object or the like is caught in an open-and-closure mechanism such as a power window of an automotive vehicle. An external disturbance torque T imposed on a the open-and-closure mechanism motor as its load is calculated on the basis of at least two of three parameters of a terminal voltage Em across the motor, a current flowing through the motor Im, and a motor angular velocity .omega.. Furthermore, the calculated external disturbance torque is differentiated to derive a change rate at which the external disturbance torque T is changed with time as dT/dt (T'). Since dT/dt (T')=dTs'/dt (Ts')+dTd'/dt (Td') and dTd/dt (Td')=0 (Td: a dynamic friction resistance force and dTd/dt: the change rate of the dynamic friction resistance force per time), dT/dt=dTs'/dt (Ts: an external disturbance force imposed on the motor by the caught foreign object and dTs/dt (Ts'): the differentiation value of the external disturbance force).

Abstract: Disclosed are automatic vertical moving systems and control methods therefor for regularly lowering an object with predetermined depth and time intervals to a desired maximum depth in water and then raising it to the surface of water to analyze vertical changes of water quality in lakes and reservoirs continuously, comprising a barge for floating on the surface of the water so as to be retained at a desired position thereon, a winch mounted on the barge, rotatable in opposite directions to lower and raise the object and provided with a wire rope wound and rewound around the winch according to the rotational directions, the wire rope being connected at its free end to the object, an electric motor connected to the winch for rotating in opposite directions, and a motor controller for controlling the motor to be regularly activated and deactivated and to be changed in rotational directions thereof.

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

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

Abstract: A drive circuit system includes an opening control circuit Eo adapted to close an opening relay to drive a motor in a window opening direction by operation of a control switch to an opening position, and a closing control circuit Es adapted to close a closing relay to drive the motor in a window closing direction by operation of the control switch to a closing position. The opening control circuit Eo and the closing control circuit Es include final output stage transistors To and Ts, respectively, each of which comprises a PNP-type transistor. When the drive circuit system becomes wet due to the entry or condensation of water or liquid, a leak current I is permitted to flow simultaneously between bases of the final output stage transistors To and Ts and ground 2. Both of the transistors To and Ts are simultaneously turned on to close the opening relay and the closing relay.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for controlling the operation of a d.c. motor. The circuit includes a controller having a reference potential input and a control input. The control input is used for controlling the speed of the motor. A plurality of switches allows the circuit arrangement to enable the controller to control the motor when the motor is to operate in one direction. The plurality of switches further causes the controller to be unable to control the motor when the motor is to be operated in a second direction. This arrangement improves speed control accuracy.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine includes a housing in which a wash tub is disposed. The housing includes a top cover in which an opening is disposed to enable clothes to be inserted into, or removed from the wash tub. The opening is closed by an openable door. The door is openable in response to the depressing of a foot pedal by a user. The foot pedal can be operably connected to the door by a wire arrangement such that the force for opening the door is provided by the user's foot. Alternatively, the foot pedal or a button could be connected to a motor which is connected to the door for opening the door when the foot pedal (or button) is depressed.