Automatic And/or With Time-delay Means Patents (Class 318/283)
  • Patent number: 5892343
    Abstract: A windshield wiping arrangement with at least one wiper arm (11) is disclosed, which is operated by an electromotor (10) with reversible rotational direction. A time determination device (19) is provided, which determines the time (T.sub.n ; T.sub.n+1 ; T.sub.n+2 ; T.sub.n+3 ; T.sub.n+4) following the triggering of a wiping operation. Furthermore, a time presetting device (22) is provided, which presets a maximum allowable time (T.sub.max ; T.sub.max,n+1 ; T.sub.max,n+2 ; T.sub.max,n+3) for the duration of half of a wiping cycle. A comparator (21) detects a possibly existing time overrun and, with a time overrun signal (27), triggers a wiping operation in the opposite direction relative to the preceding wiping operation by reversing the electromotor (10). The windshield wiping arrangement according to the invention makes it possible to maintain a limited wiping operation when a blocking occurs (B1, B2, B3), as can be caused, for example, by a snow load on a windshield to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Mack, Stefan Koch
  • Patent number: 5874815
    Abstract: The control arrangement for functional states of a lock for vehicles has a driving motor for a control element which is variably adjustable corresponding to the functional states. The control element interacts with two levers or cams which are connected with the inside and outside door handle. The control element carries out a uniform circular or linear movement. The control element is adjustable in a number of positions which are equal to the functional states. In these positions, the control element blocks or releases the movements of the levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Robert Griessbach
  • Patent number: 5872436
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling the opening and closing of an electrically driven device, such as a window or a sliding roof of an automobile, contains various mechanical components and is equipped with an electrical servo motor which can be controlled by operating elements and a sensor device which are connected to an electronic control unit that processes signals under safety aspects and to which a power semiconductor is connected. To minimize the forces exercised on any trapped object, the rating of the servo motor is controlled by the power semiconductor so that the regulating speed of a servotransmission of the device can be adjusted during its adjustment range in dependence on specified positions of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Eduard Bergmann, Norbert Horst, Volker Pretzlaff
  • Patent number: 5841259
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is selectively operable in one of three modes, namely: an automatic self-directing mode, a remotely controlled mode, or a manual mode. The vacuum carries ultrasonic object detectors for detecting walls of a room being cleaned, as well as obstacles in the room. When in a self-directing mode, the vacuum selects a path of travel based upon a detected wall of the room as a reference, and steers itself to avoid obstacles in its path. An electric cord is automatically payed-out and retracted as the vacuum travels. A constant tension is imposed on the cord as it is payed-out or retracted by an appropriate manipulation of a spiral spring connected to the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji-Hyun Kim, Suk-Jin Han, Jae-Bong Lee
  • Patent number: 5838127
    Abstract: A motor system having a stationary assembly including a winding and a rotatable assembly in magnetic coupling relation to the stationary assembly. A power supply link having upper and lower rails supplied by a power supply provides power to the motor winding. The power supply link has power switches responsive to a motor control signal for selectively connecting the rails to the winding to energize the winding with a motor current whereby an electromagnetic field is produced for rotating the rotatable assembly. The power switches include a set of upper power switches and a set of lower power switches. Each of the power switches has a conducting state and a nonconducting state. The system includes a disable circuit for selectively generating a disable signal and a control circuit for generating the motor control signal to control the power switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Glen C. Young, Brian L. Beifus, Robert K. Hollenbeck, Austars R. Schnore, Charles M. Stephens, Paul M. Szczesny, Thomas M. Jahns, Eric R. Benedict
  • Patent number: 5821644
    Abstract: A safety device for a passage closure, such as a garage door, having a drive, a maximum permissible load value which can be set, and a control device by which the drive can be switched off, switch-off occurring when the maximum permissible load value has been reached and a signal S.sub.2 is sent to the control device at a time T.sub.2. A sensor is disposed in the area of the leading edge of the closure. When the sensor encounters an obstacle, it emits a signal S.sub.1 to the control device at a time T.sub.1. Upon reaching the maximum permissible load, the control device determines a .DELTA.T based on T.sub.2 -T.sub.1, compares it to a preset value and if the preset value is exceeded, changes the direction of movement of the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Frank-Uwe Sommer
  • Patent number: 5801501
    Abstract: An actuator is provided to protect against pinching an object when closing powered automatic windows or sun roofs in motor vehicles in compliance with safety requirements. The displacement speed of the actuator is reduced as a function of the path location of the window or sun roof so that the total force including the stored kinetic energy of the entire drive system in the approach of the window or sun roof panel to an obstacle does not exceed the maximum allowed closing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Harald Redelberger
  • Patent number: 5783918
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of controlling an automatic door opening/closing apparatus for a washing machine that includes the steps of determining whether or not there is an error in an automatic door opening or closing operation carried out in response to a command to open or close the washing machine's door; determining if the erroneous operation has been repeated more than a predetermined number of times according to consecutive incoming commands to open or close the door; and when erroneous operation has repeated more than the predetermined number of times, ignoring a subsequent command to open or close the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ssi Chol Choi
  • Patent number: 5773947
    Abstract: In a position detector, a ring gear rotates with a motor output shaft and a specified rotation position is detected by a move contact and fixed contacts. When the output shaft rotates thereafter, holding a carrier by a wave washer is released and the transmission of rotation of the output shaft to the ring gear is dropped. Therefore, by rotating the output shaft sufficiently at the time of assembling, an initial state, in which a protrusion section abuts a protrusion and the move contact contacts the fixed contact, is set automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignees: ASMO Co., Ltd., Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Torii, Kengo Yamamura, Masafumi Yamaura, Makihiro Ishikawa, Yoshihisa Sato
  • Patent number: 5729103
    Abstract: A mini-blind actuator has a motor and a housing that holds the motor and a dc battery. The rotor of the motor is coupled to the baton of the mini-blind for rotating the baton and thereby opening or closing the slats of the mini-blind. Alternatively, the rotor is coupled to the tilt rod of the blind to rotate the tilt rod and thereby open or close the slats of the mini-blind. A control signal generator generates a control signal for completing the electrical circuit between the battery and the motor. The control signal can be generated in response to a predetermined amount of daylight or in response to a user-generated remote command signal. The actuator can be used to rotate the slats of horizontal or vertical blinds, or the sections of a pleated shade. Or, the actuator can be used to rotate the hollow rotatable tube of a roll-up shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Harmonic Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas R. Domel, Winston G. Walker
  • Patent number: 5663620
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling driving of a power window system having a motor drive current detection device for detecting a current flowing through the motor when the door glass is raised by the motor, a current variation calculation device for calculating a variation amount of the current detected by the motor drive current detection device, and a drive control device for stopping or reversing the motor when the variation-amount of the current exceeds a predetermined value and the gradient of the variation amount of the current is positive when the variation of the current starts. The apparatus can quickly and accurately judge whether an abnormal current is caused by noises or the squeeze of an alien substance, thereby eliminating unnecessary operations of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Tokai-Rika-Denki Seishkusho Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Mizuno, Shuichi Kawase, Yukio Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 5656899
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a door lock device having a superlock mechanism comprising a state detecting member, a brush fixed thereto, first to third terminals opposing the brush, and a power supply circuit for supplying power to a motor which drives the lock device, the state detecting member moving among three positions corresponding to unlocked, locked, and superlocked states, the circuit supplying the power via the terminals and the brush on performing the shift from the unlocked or superlocked state to the locked state, and the terminals and the brush stopping the power supply to complete the shift, and the stop of the power supply being detected on the basis of the current flow through the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuya Kuroda
  • Patent number: 5644201
    Abstract: The invention is a motor-driven adjustable height podium having motor control circuitry with up and down relays for directing current through the electric motor to raise or lower the podium. The relay circuitry is specially configured to avoid a short circuit condition should a situation occur in which both the up and down relays are shut at the same time. Up and down limit switches limit the maximum vertical travel of the podium. A protective circuit breaker and isolation switch are also provided. The unit is designed to be powered from a standard 110 volt wall socket, for powering the motor, and a 24 volt power supply, for powering the relays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Neil A. Arnold
    Inventors: Thomas Laurann Jepsen, Rural W. Gifford, Neil A. Arnold
  • Patent number: 5627411
    Abstract: An electrical circuit for a switch having a lockout feature is described. The circuit permits both a primary operator and an auxiliary operator to operate a bi-directional motor by activating separate low-current switches. The circuitry enables the primary operator to disable the auxiliary operator's ability to operate the motor by activating a lockout switch. With the lockout switch activated, the primary operator can operate the motor without interference from the auxiliary operator. High-current power switches, activated via logic circuitry rather than by the operators, are used to complete a power circuit for energizing the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Atoma International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Bochenek
  • Patent number: 5625266
    Abstract: An electromechanically operated door having a control and regulation system for the door, the door for being driven by an electric motor, the movement of the door being controlled by sensors. The control and regulation system is equipped with a microprocessor control. In addition to the normal path of data to the microprocessor control, a dual redundancy is achieved, in that there is a safety monitoring system which receives the same safety-related information as the microprocessor control. This safety monitoring system, for its part, is capable of detecting a fault, i.e. if the microprocessor control system has not shut off the door, the door is shut off by the safety monitoring system, which for its part reports any faults which occur in the system to a fault detection unit, and here again, by means of a redundant shutdown unit, brings the connected motor and thus the door to an immediate stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: DORMA GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jurgen Stark
  • Patent number: 5612600
    Abstract: A position encoding system is provided for controlling movement of a movable panel between predetermined positions. The panel is moved by a pair of cables coupled thereto. The system includes a housing assembly and a motor mounted with respect to the housing assembly. The motor has an output shaft rotatable in a forward direction and a reverse direction. Drive gear structure rotates in response to rotation of the output shaft. The drive gear structure cooperates with the pair of cables such that rotation of the drive gear structure moves the cables linearly and thus moves the panel. An encoder gear rotates continuously through multiple revolutions of the output shaft. The encoder gear includes a plurality of electrically conductive contacts on a surface thereof. An idler gear is coupled between the drive gear structure and the encoder gear so as to transfer motion of the drive gear structure to the encoder gear. A printed circuit board is mounted within the housing assembly and has a circuit thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Webasto Sunroofs Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Bratkowski, Lloyd G. Racine, Pam Storey
  • Patent number: 5568027
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic windshield wiper control system which responds to sensed moisture in a manner which is responsive to changes in conditions, yet subjectively smooth. Moisture and noise sensitive signals from a sensor are digitized, and a functional block detects the reversals of the moisture sensing signal towards a quiescent level. These reversals are considered rain events and a method is disclosed for producing an ongoing measure of the frequency of these events. The resulting signal is representative of the flow rate of the raindrops impinging upon the moisture sensor. Another functional block with a logarithmic characteristic converts this quantity into an intensity value, in a manner which mimics human perception. A multiple time-constant averaging means maintains a value representative of the long-range prevailing conditions under which the device is operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Libbey-Owens-Ford Co.
    Inventor: Rein S. Teder
  • Patent number: 5563483
    Abstract: A lift type tailgate on a passenger van type vehicle body is operated by an electric motor powered actuator with an electronic control circuit utilizing a microprocessor operating under program control to respond to user-initiated opening and closing signals to move the tailgate in the selected direction. In the control circuit, feedback information to the microprocessor indicative of tailgate position is provided by a potentiometer coupled with the actuator motor and the microprocessor is programmed to operate with this information to stop the tailgate at a wide open position, a partially closed position and a fully closed position. Obstruction detection is performed by the microprocessor using an obstruction detection circuit and additionally by monitoring the position signal input from the potentiometer to stop the tailgate on encountering an obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Kowall, Delbert D. DeRees, Thomas S. Moore, David R. Bernier
  • Patent number: 5552683
    Abstract: A reversible electric device M is connected in an H bridge with a first side formed by first top and bottom switches and a second side formed by second top and bottom switches. The current Im flowing in the device from the first side to the second side is determined cyclically with a given constant switching frequency. The difference .DELTA. is determined between Im and an instantaneous set point current. Each cycle is divided with a ratio R into a first part and a second part. R is determined and for each part a set point setting for the switches (diagonal mode or freewheel mode) is chosen according to the sign .DELTA., the sign of the set point current (or of Im) and the value of a preselected correlation law relating to .DELTA. the mean value of the voltage that can be applied to the device during each cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventor: Thierry Dargent
  • Patent number: 5545956
    Abstract: A motor drive system for imparting oscillating motion to a window wiper is disclosed which slows the wiper as it approaches respective right and left positions and holds the wiper at the right and left positions for a selectable delay interval in order to avoid deleterious effects of instantaneous motor direction reversal. The system includes a motor drive chip for generating the drive signal to the window wiper motor, a programmable logic array for sequencing the operation of the motor drive chip, and a delay chip for timing the selected delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Paul R. Salvio, David M. Masarik, Kevin J. Wasserstein
  • Patent number: 5543693
    Abstract: A method for the electronic monitoring and control of the opening and closing processes of an electrically driven device with an anti-jam facility for use in motor vehicles. The device includes an electric motor connected to a vehicle electrical system and an electric motor being operable in two directions assigned to the device. The device is capable of influence directly by means of electric operating elements or indirectly by means of a sensor apparatus which determines the parameters associated with the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Reiner Janca, Reinhold Spieker
  • Patent number: 5537013
    Abstract: This invention prevents a power window from trapping a hand or the like during manual opening and closing of the window as well as during automatic opening and closing of the window. A current-flowing unit 56 flows a current in a closing direction in a power window motor 58 by turning on a sub-switch 57 for a passenger's seat window. While a catching detector 61 generates a detecting signal when an obstacle is present, a breaker 63 breaks a current flowing in a closing direction in the motor 58 through the unit 56 by turning off a master switch 39 for the passenger's seat. A reversing unit 65 rotates the motor 58 in a reverse direction by flowing a current in an opening direction in the motor 58. Even if an obstacle is present during an operation of closing the manual sub-switch 57, it is possible to release window, thereby freeing the obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Morihiko Toyozumi, Naohiro Nakatsuji
  • Patent number: 5512807
    Abstract: A drive motor for a motor vehicle screen wiping apparatus operates with repeated reversals of its direction of rotation, and is controlled by a control circuit which is connected to a transistor arranged in the power supply path for the motor, in series with it. The transistor is put into conduction at a time, and in a manner, such as to reduce the audible noise caused by the repeated reversals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Valeo Electronique
    Inventors: Dany Desrus, Jean-Luc Robino-Rizet, Herve Couetoux
  • Patent number: 5459380
    Abstract: A moisture-responsive system for closing the windows or sunroof of a vehicle having one or more openings each closed by a power driven closure; the system having a moisture sensor for providing a moisture signal in response to the sensing of moisture; a circuit coupled to the closure and the moisture sensor for providing a signal to actuate the closure in response to the receipt of a moisture signal, the circuit including disabling features for safety purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Walter P. Augustinowicz
  • Patent number: 5410227
    Abstract: This invention aims to prevent an obstacle from being trapped between a vehicle window and a window frame. A supersonic wave f is emitted into a vehicle window W. A reflection wave i of the supersonic wave is received to decide whether the reflection wave i is one reflected from peripheral faces of a target to be detected or not. If the received reflection wave i is one reflected from the peripheral faces from the target, a driving motor M for the vehicle window W is stopped. Thus, when an obstacle contacts with the peripheral faces of the vehicle window, it is possible to previously prevent the obstacle from being caught by the window since a driving source for the vehicle window is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignees: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Morihiko Toyozumi, Shinichiro Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5296788
    Abstract: A motor driven switch for use in operation between high current electrical systems and low current electrical systems. The motor driven switch includes a control circuit for operating the switch, which includes at least one switch contact movable between electrically open and closed positions. The switch is operated by a reversible direct current motor having a shaft rotatable in opposite rotary directions, upon control of the switch circuitry. The switch contact is operable to conduct high currents, and the direct current motor and associated control circuitry are operative to be controlled by low current systems. In a preferred embodiment, the motor driven switch controls distribution of current within an automotive electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Baton Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold L. Betton, Edgar A. Hirzel
  • Patent number: 5028853
    Abstract: A motor and manual actuated switch includes a motor control circuit for controlling the motor to rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to actuate a mechanical switch between the open circuit and short circuit states. The control circuit includes a capacitor coupled in series with the motor winding to form a series circuit and a control switch for connecting a source of d.c. power across said serial circuit when in a first position and a short circuit across said series circuit when in a second position. When the control switch is moved to the first position, the capacitor charges, causing a current to flow through the motor winding during the charge time, thereby causing rotation in one direction. When the control switch is moved to the second position, the capacitor discharges through the winding, thereby causing opposite current flow and shaft rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Brown, Jr., Bahattin Erturk
  • Patent number: 4996467
    Abstract: A garbage container is disclosed, which will open automatically when a user is present in front of the container and will close after a predetermined time of the departure of the user. This garbage container comprises an infrared ray transmitter and an infrared ray receiver to detect the presence of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Inventor: Jong-Yih Day
  • Patent number: 4994724
    Abstract: An automatic door includes a control program microprocessed in commensuration with the requirements of a servo-controlled control network of an automatic door and recorded in a read only memory (ROM), whereby upon an initiation by an electric current, a central processing unit (CPU) will give series of instructions to automatically sense the location of the automatic door and will calculate the errors after finishing each operating cycle of the moving door for re-setting the positioning point for each operation mode of a next door movement, and will always monitor the running speed of a motor for driving the door to be compared with a pre-determined value memoried in the ROM so as to exert a warning alarm and to temporarily stop or finally stop a door for safety purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: Chun-Pu Hsu
  • Patent number: 4940903
    Abstract: A motor and manual actuated switch includes a motor control circuit for controlling the motor to rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to actuate a mechanical switch between the open circuit and short circuit states. The control circuit includes a capacitor coupled in series with the motor winding to form a series circuit and a control switch for connecting a source of d.c. power across said serial circuit when in a first position and a short circuit across said series circuit when in a second position. When the control switch is moved to the first position, the capacitor charges, causing a current to flow through the motor winding during the charge time, thereby causing rotation in one direction. When the control switch is moved to the second position, the capacitor discharges through the winding, thereby causing opposite current flow and shaft rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Brown, Jr., Bahattin Erturk
  • Patent number: 4933610
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a power roof which can either rotate between a first open position and a closed position or translate between a second open position and the closed position. An electric motor for opening and closing the roof operates from a battery of the vehicle and is connected to the battery by a circuit which can be closed by either of two switches. When the roof is closed, activation of one switch causes the roof to open by rotation while activation of the other switch causes the the roof to open by translation. When the the roof is in an open position, activation of the switch other than that which caused the roof to assume such position effects closing of the roof. The vehicle is equipped with a security system which also operates from the battery and, upon activation, sends a signal to the circuit connecting the motor to the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Delta Elettronica S.p.A.
    Inventor: Serafino Memmola
  • Patent number: 4900994
    Abstract: An automatic window glass elevating apparatus for moving a motor normally or reversely by drive control by a switch actuation to move a window glass in a closing or opening direction which has a resistor connected in series with the motor, first detector for detecting the locking time point of the motor from a point for crossing a first waveform signal representing a variation in a potential generated across the resistor by the driving current of the motor and a second waveform signal delayed from the first waveform signal for a first time and added with a first level thereto by obtaining the first waveform signal and the second waveform signal, and second detector for detecting a point for crossing a third waveform signal delayed for a second time from the first waveform signal and subtracted by a second level thereform and the first waveform signal by obtaining the third waveform signal to enable an automatic operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ken Mizuta
  • Patent number: 4736144
    Abstract: An automatic door, driven with a motor and a speed sensor, is controlled with a servo device. Upon the door being opened or closed and being stopped by an obstacle or being out of order, the motor to drive the door will be stopped; in case of the door being retarded by a wind force or other factors, the driving power of the motor will automatically be adjusted to such an extent that the door can still be closed together so as to fully use the driving power of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Inventor: Hsu Chun-Pu
  • Patent number: 4733142
    Abstract: Control apparatus for controlling a windscreen wiper in accordance with the mean moisture level on the windscreen includes a microprocessor 9 arranged to detect via input 22 the time a wiper motor 1 takes to sweep the windscreen. The microprocessor calculates an appropriate delay in dependence on the detected sweep time and then causes a subsequent sweep via transistor 4. The delay is varied automatically by the microprocessor so as to rapidly clear the windscreen and then stop the wiper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Cogent Limited
    Inventor: John Bicknell
  • Patent number: 4689533
    Abstract: A reversible electric motor is operatively arranged to drive an air circulating fan. Circuitry is provided to reverse the direction of rotation of electric motor periodically to provide alternating direction of air movement. Timing and reversal is provided by either a timing clock, a microprocessor, a thermal relay or a rotating disc which carries a pair of touch stops therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 4680513
    Abstract: A control device for a reversible D.C. electric motor to protect it against damage upon reversal has a input switch circuit for reversing the flow of current through the motor's armature for reversing the direction of rotation of the motor, a first control circuit for preventing flow of current via the input switch circuit to the armature initially upon current reversing and a second control circuit for periodically interrupting the flow of current while the motor gains rotational speed after being reversed in relation to the magnitude of the flow of current through the armature. The first control circuit includes a detector circuit for determining the voltage drop existing across the armature and an automatic switch unit for (1) blocking flow of current from the input switch means to the armature until the voltage drop is determined by the detector circuit to be in a predetermined range and (2) allowing flow of the current while the voltage drop is determined to be within the range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory C. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 4678975
    Abstract: A control circuit for a reversible D.C. window drive motor that allows for one touch operations of the motor to automatically lower the associated window to its full down position following a relatively short actuation of the control switch in the "DOWN" position. Subsequent actuation and release of the control switch will cause interruption and inhibit the automatic lowering of the window. Longer actuations of the control switch allows for direct movement control of the window in the downward direction. Stall current sensing and excessive time sensing provide protection to the motor and the drive circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Vrabel, Jeffery L. Vajgart, Lawrence E. Staszel, Henry J. Ewald, Norman M. Haygood, Jr., Leon M. Misewicz
  • Patent number: 4672278
    Abstract: An antenna motor drive system for raising and lowering an antenna. Response to a user input for raising or lowering a vehicle antenna is delayed to avoid rapid reversals of the antenna drive motor. This avoids the large surge currents associated with the prior art. The circuit monitors drive circuit response and de-energizes the motor if an inappropriate response is sensed after a certain period. Use of switching transistors rather than a relay facilitates implementation of the invention in integrated circuit form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: Nartron Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald D. Ingraham, Darrel A. Dolph
  • Patent number: 4629950
    Abstract: This invention is a variable automatic forward/reverse control device for an unattended baby cart which is particularly designed for the housewife who is too busy at home to take care of her baby in the cart. Placing the baby in this cart equipped with this control device and taking advantage of the device may make this cart automatically advance a preset distance and then automatically back a preset distance, without worrying about this cart ramming against a room wall or some stationary objects indoors. Thus, the baby will feel quite safe and not cry. In addition, this cart may be provided with music to let the housewife use her spare time to do some handicraft or other chores. Furthermore, the timing equipment or rang-finding computer in the control device may be adjusted to close to zero time so that this cart can slightly vibrate to-and-from in situ so that in such circumstances, the baby will not cry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Inventor: Huang C. Ching
  • Patent number: 4563625
    Abstract: An automatic control system for controlling the operation of a sliding door system employs an electric motor for driving the sliding door system. An encoder is mounted to the shaft of the motor for generating signals which are decoded to detect the operational position of the sliding door system. A clock paced sequential logic circuit produces speed and directions signals in accordance with the detected operational position to control the speed and direction of the electric motor. Means are provided for recording the last stop position and slowing the sliding door system prior to reaching the last stop position. Safety means are provided to de-energize the motor in the event of malfunction of the motor speed control. The system also includes a reduced opening stop feature and a means for automatically establishing a sliding door reference position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1986
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: Henning N. Kornbrekke, Leon Boiucaner
  • Patent number: 4476416
    Abstract: Power window control apparatus for a motor vehicle window includes a motor actuatable to drive the window toward a predetermined position, an operator controlled actuator effective only during actuation to actuate the motor, a further actuator effective upon actuation of the operator controlled actuator for a time intermediate first and second predetermined time periods to maintain actuation of the motor after deactivation of the operator controlled actuator and an automatic deactivator effective to stop the motor and deactivate the further actuator when the window reaches the predetermined position. The window thus moves under operator control for very short or long movements but can be set to move under automatic control by actuation of the single operator control for a specified intermediate time duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1984
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph P. Licata, Richard N. Lehnhoff, Frank J. Terkoski
  • Patent number: 4463292
    Abstract: A security timer for a powered overhead garage door causes the garage door to close after it has been opened for a selected time interval. The security timer includes an oscillator that provides pulses. A counter counts the pulses and provides a binary output. A timer switch is engaged by the door when the door is fully open. Engagement of the timer switch signals the oscillator and counter to begin. When the desired number of pulses has been counted, a relay switch is closed for signaling the operator unit of the door to close the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1984
    Inventor: Robert J. Engelmann
  • Patent number: 4455517
    Abstract: An improvement in door activating control apparatus including a short delay between the time the door is stopped during its closing direction of travel and starts moving in the opening direction when any one of any switch or button for opening the door is activated, prevents the stress incurred when the door is required to instantly reverse its direction of travel while closing, demonstrates a distinct advantage especially when controlling large heavy doors, or for door openings that require a high volume of traffic and in emergency situations, includes a means to by-pass the delayed reversing when the door is in the closed position. Features a novel means of using a single pole double throw switch which will serve to defeat a safety edge device and by-pass the delayed reversing, embodied in a single enclosure along with the door closing limit switch, all actuated by a single mechanical actuating device at the door closed position, demonstrates distinct advantages in door operator design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1984
    Inventor: Donald A. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 4445075
    Abstract: A valve actuator comprises a variable speed motor, a speed control circuit for controlling the motor speed including speed selector means by means of which the desired motor speed can be set to different values by adjustment means. A torque limit control circuit is arranged to stop said motor when a pre-set torque limit has been exceeded. The torque limit control includes a torque sensor arranged to provide a measure of torque from one or more torque-related electrical parameters of the motor for example a torque related current flowing in the motor, and adjustment means for setting torque limit control circuit to different torque limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: Rotork Controls Limited
    Inventor: Jeremy J. Fry
  • Patent number: 4433274
    Abstract: A home security and garage door operator system includes a gas sensor for detecting the level of toxic gas in the garage. When the gas level exceeds a predetermined threshold the garage door is automatically opened. Lock out circuitry is provided for preventing the door from being accidentally closed as long as the gas sensor detects an excessive level of toxic gas in the garage. A two button transmitter is used to sequentially close the garage door and set a security alarm subsystem. Warning devices are activated if the security alarm is attempted to be set without the garage door and windows in the home being closed. Once the security alarm has been set, the lock out circuitry also disables the garage door motor control circuitry until the security alarm is first deactivated. The transmitter generates a digital pulse train according to a preselected code, with the operation of the dual buttons changing the state of a particular control bit in the pulse train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1984
    Inventor: Dean C. Duhame
  • Patent number: 4338556
    Abstract: An electronically controlled thread-cutting machine comprising a pulse controlled stepping motor for driving the thread-cutting tool, sensor means for scanning an adjustable thread depth and the torque on the thread-cutting tool, said scanning means comprising a counter for determining the steps of the motor and the number of revolutions of the thread-cutting tool respectively therefrom for determining the depth of the thread, and the current consumption of the motor being used for determining the torque transmitted to the thread-cutting tool, the motor being controlled in accordance with the torque and depth of the thread by micro-processor means for reversing the motor when the torque exceeds an upper limit torque and when the desired and preselected thread depth has been attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Inventor: Max Hetzel
  • Patent number: 4259625
    Abstract: A direction indicator for use in apparatus which includes a rotary member whose direction of rotation is determined by a command signal, the direction indicator providing an indication of the commanded direction just as, or momentarily prior to, the rotary member commences rotation in the commanded direction. A frequency generator generates a signal whose frequency is representative of the actual speed of the rotary member. A speed detector coupled to the frequency generator produces a pulse signal when the speed of the rotary member is less than a predetermined speed. A circuit is responsive to the direction command signal and is actuated by the pulse signal to provide an indicating signal corresponding to the direction of rotation determined by the command signal. The resultant indicating signal corresponds substantially to the actual direction of rotation of the rotary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1981
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Hatakeyama, Atsuo Matsuyama, Yutaka Moritake
  • Patent number: 4142137
    Abstract: A control system for a power driven operator for garage doors and the like comprising an operator control circuit having a DC voltage source operating as the power supply for an electronic flip-flop device responsive to successively applied input signals to alternatively establish circuits of opposite direction through a reversible electric motor; i.e. one actuation causes the motor to run in one direction and the next actuation causes it to run in the opposite direction. The operator is subject to actuation by both a hard wired push button or an auxiliary device such as a radio receiver which is responsive to signals from a remote transmitter. The operator control circuit includes a feature which electronically prevents the simultaneous energization of the reversible electric motor in both directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1979
    Assignee: Multi-Elmac Company
    Inventors: Kenneth F. Umpleby, Maurice R. Brackney
  • Patent number: 4117383
    Abstract: An electrical control circuit for a single phase induction motor which uses relay operated reversing contacts to ensure that the motor reverses its direction of rotation upon each energization thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1978
    Assignee: The Haigh Engineering Company Limited
    Inventors: Dennis Malcolm Hussey, William Martin John Coleman
  • Patent number: 4065707
    Abstract: A machine for applying twine to a package, tying and severing the twine embodies a continuously operating electric drive motor and a mechanical clutch which is intermittently engaged by a machine operator utilizing a foot treadle. The mechanical clutch disengages following an operational cycle of the tying machine. Should the clutch be engaged when the machine is idle and should the motor subsequently be turned on, the tying mechanism is instantly activated creating a dangerous condition for the machine operator. The invention renders the machine safe under all conditions through the provision of a simplified electrical motor control device which assures a short duration reversal of the electric drive motor and associated mechanism sufficient to release the mechanical clutch and eliminate the safety hazard before the motor begins its normal continuous forward drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1975
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1977
    Inventor: Phillip R. Becker