Abstract: The present invention relates to a trapping protector capable of detecting the presence of an object in a sensing region when connected with a device for creating input signals and evaluating output signals. Said trapping protector comprises a body portion, at least one ground electrode, at least one sensor electrode arranged spaced apart from said ground electrode and embedded in said body portion, and a zone of reduced rigidity between said at least one ground electrode and said at least one sensor electrode. Said zone reduces the force required for triggering said trapping protector.

Abstract: An electric motor for operating a device for wiping a window of a motor vehicle has an electric motor part, and a control device for controlling/regulating a power of the electric motor part, the control device being formed so that it is programmable with a parameter a power limiting by limiting a torque to a nominal torque.

Abstract: A squeeze protection system for movable parts of a vehicle, includes an operating switch for one or several parts to be moved, one or several actuators assigned to the operating switch, a control device for the actuator or the actuators which receives a signal from the operating switch, and a device for determining an irregularity during the movement of the movable part which device is coupled with the control device. In order to ensure a secure closing of the movable part also in the event of an operating disturbance, it is provided that, when the operating switch is activated and an irregularity is detected during the movement of the movable part, the movement is first interrupted and is then continued at a higher switch-off threshold.

Abstract: An improved method of detecting the presence of an obstacle in the path of a motor-driven panel by computing the slope of a measured motor speed signal in a way that cancels the effect of periodic undulation of the speed signal, and comparing the computed slope to a slope threshold that is selected as a function of the average motor speed. A position sensor produces a series of pulses corresponding to panel movement, and a microprocessor-based controller stores an array of speed-related samples corresponding to the time periods between successively produced sensor pulses. The average speed is computed at two different points in the array, and the slope of the stored speed samples is determined according to a difference between the computed average speeds.

Abstract: A motor control system and method for detecting an obstruction for an automatic window of a vehicle include a window frame having an opening defined therebetween and a window pane disposed within the opening of the window frame. The motor control system includes a plurality of transmitters that emit an electromagnetic energy signal and a plurality of sensors which detect the signals in the opening of the window frame. A control module in communication with the plurality of transmitters and sensors processes the detected signals and transmits a signal to a drive motor to stop the upward travel of a window based on the detection of an obstruction between the window frame and the window pane.

Abstract: A wireless operating system (10) utilizing a multi-functional wall station (12) for a motorized door/gate operator includes an operator (50) for controlling the movement of a door/gate (54) between various positions. The system has an operator with a receiver (56) and a wall station transmitter (12) for transmitting a signal (42) to the receiver. The signal initiates separate operator functions in addition to opening and closing of the door/gate. A remote transmitter (70) may send a remote signal (74) received by the receiver, wherein the receiver is capable of distinguishing between the wall station signal (42) and the remote signal (74). The wall station includes a transmitter programming button (24), wherein actuation of the transmitter programming button places the wall station transmitter in a learn mode, and wherein subsequent actuation of the remote transmitter positively identifies the remote transmitter for use with the wall station.

Abstract: A drive device for a part of a vehicle that can be adjusted between terminal positions, in particular the roof panel of a vehicle roof, having an electric motor that is connected to a pinion via a first step-down gear. A switch device that controls the electric motor for stopping the electric motor in at least one predetermined position of the adjustable part, and a second step-down gear that moves a switch body. A magnetic-field-sensitive sensor, controllable by the switch body, for controlling the switch device. A conductor track board inside a housing and extending with an extension over the path of motion of the switch element. The magnetic-field-sensitive sensor is disposed at a radial distance from the circular path of motion of the switch body and bridges the distance between the magnetic-field-sensitive sensor and the path of motion of the switch body by means of magnetic flux guide bodies.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock and a process for controlling a motor vehicle door lock, the motor vehicle door lock having an electric motor drive for reaching a set position based upon at least one operating parameter such as a start-up characteristic acquired when the drive is started up. The electric motor drive is shut off and short circuited prior to the set position in time and in position. In order to achieve high positioning accuracy, deviations from the set positions are acquired to correct the shut-off point for later positioning.

Abstract: An actuating system includes a driving device fixed to a base part and operatively connected to a movable part. A sensor detects the rotational speed of the movable part at a reference measuring location, and a control system forms a differential of the rotational speed with respect to the time. The formed differential is compared in a comparison unit with a stored differential value which corresponds to a measuring point on a route of movement of the movable part. An obstacle is recognized when there is a difference above a threshold value between the formed differential and the associated stored value.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus and a motor control method according to the first embodiment of the invention are configured to instruct deenergization of a motor a predetermined period of time later than arrival of a subject to be driven by the motor at a speed measuring position, the predetermined period of time corresponding to a current speed of the motor upon arrival of the subject to be driven at the speed measuring position, and the speed measuring position being at a predetermined distance before a target stop position of the subject to be driven.

Abstract: A drive circuit for a speed adjustable fan comprises a computing IC, a Hall IC, an input terminal for external signals, and a current control circuit. The drive circuit is arranged inside the fan to control the speed of the fan without the need of an external circuit. The computing IC is connected to a Hall IC and controls two transistors connecting therewith in a state of connecting and in a state of disconnecting sequentially such that two coils of the fan are alternately magnetized so as to rotate the fan. The input terminal for external signals detects the current of the external signal source and the current is regulated by the current control circuit in the process of passing through the coils to adjust the speed of the fan.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving an automatic door to reciprocate includes an elongated horizontal mounting member, and a sliding block disposed slidably on the mounting member. A left cable has a first end fastened to one of a left end of the mounting member and a left side of the block, and a second end fastened to a left side of the door. A right cable has a first end fastened to one of a right end of the mounting member and a right side of the block, and a second end fastened to a right side of the door. Each of the left and right cables has an intermediate portion, which is guided to extend along a snakelike path and which includes a plurality of parallel horizontal cable portions that are arranged one above another and that extend in a longitudinal direction of the mounting member. As such, the distance traveled by the door can be several times that of the sliding block.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of manually and electrically driving an optical unit comprising a manual operation unit for manually driving the optical unit, an electric drive unit for electrically driving the optical unit, a discrimination unit for discriminating whether the optical unit is electrically or manually driven on the basis of a drive command signal for driving the electric drive unit and a state changeover unit for switching the optical unit to an electrically driven state or a manually driven state on the basis of a discrimination result obtained with the discrimination unit.

Abstract: A wiper driving apparatus for vehicles capable of preventing the temporary standstill and overrun phenomenon of wiper blades.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically closing a moveable panel, such as a vehicle window. A power drive mechanism is controlled by a controller. The controller determines if the user has issued an “express up” command. Only if the panel is beyond a predetermined proximity of its fully closed position when the “express up” command is issued, is the panel is powered to the fully closed position under its normal circumstances. If the panel is within the predetermined proximity, however, exception processing occurs.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus for a motor having a plurality of operation modes includes a rotary wheel rotatable with the motor, a rotary switch for turning on or off according to rotation of motor rotary wheel, a first circuit including the rotary switch for supplying electric power to the motor via the rotary switch, a second circuit for supplying electric power separately, an operator switch for operating one of motor first and second circuits, and means for reducing electric potential thereof when operator switch operates motor second circuit. The first circuit and the second circuit are connected to the motor separately from each other, and the means is connected to the rotary switch.

Abstract: A motor control method and a motor control apparatus according to the invention supply a DC motor for a predetermined time period upon starting said DC motor with a d.c. current as an initial value current, which is smaller than a threshold value current required for a first gear coupled to a rotor shaft of said DC motor to drive and rotate a second gear in engagement with said first gear.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle, wherein during operations of automatic start-up/stop control of the engine, at restarting of the engine when a start-up condition is satisfied, the control means controls to said electric motor so as to start up engine by the electric motor only, during operation of automatic start-up/stop control of the engine, at restarting of the engine when a start-up condition is not satisfied, a controller controls to drive a starter motor and an electric motor by outputting an engine activation signal so that the starter motor is always assisted by the electric motor during engine start. The electric motor is started by voltage supplied by the main battery. By such system, the engine and motor are not collectively controlled, and simplification of the system is achieved. Further, synchronism of the engine and motor is obtained and quietness at restart of the engine also results.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a motor vehicle door lock such as a side door lock, a rear door lock, a rear hatch lock, or a hood lock and a process for controlling such a motor vehicle door lock, wherein the lock includes an electric motor drive for reaching a set position depending upon at least one start-up characteristic acquired when the electric motor drive is actuated and is at least one of shut off and short circuited prior to a set position in time and space.

Abstract: In a power window device, a DOWN switch has first and second switches in a power window circuit located in a door for a window of a passenger's seat. A normally-closed contact of the first switch and a remote UP terminal of the power window circuit to which an UP signal is applied from a power window circuit provided near the driver's seat are connected. A normally-closed contact of the second switch and a remote DOWN terminal of the power window circuit to which a DOWN signal is applied from the power window circuit are connected. When the DOWN switch is manually operated, a signal supply line to which the UP signal and the DOWN signal are applied and a power supply line to which a power source is connected are electrically disconnected. As a result, the power window device is operable even when the signal supply line is grounded due to submerging in water.

Abstract: A drapery opening and closing system for opening and closing a single drape or two drapes, and a method of opening and closing a drape. A reversible electric motor, to which a winch member is rotatably coupled, is affixed to a wall proximate a window at an approximate mid-vertical height of such window. An elongate cord having a first end fixed to the wall and another coupled to such winch member, encircles the drape. Upon actuate of the motor, adjustable timing means permits operation of the motor for a predetermined interval of time to allow the elongate cord to be wound onto such winch member, thereby causing the cord encircling the drape to constrict and thereby bunching the drape together thereby drawing it from the window. Reversal of the direction of the winch allows unwinding of the cord to thereby allow the drape to fall back into position thereby covering the window.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.

Abstract: A system for controlling a vehicle power sliding door having a motor supplied voltage from a power source mounted on the vehicle for opening or closing the power sliding door and a motor drive circuit for driving the motor with relays for switching direction of rotation of the motor and a FET for regulating the voltage to be supplied to the motor to change a speed of the motor rotation. In the system, a motor-drive-circuit controller is provided for outputting a command value to the motor drive circuit, thereby enabling to control the direction of rotation of a power sliding door drive motor to effect opening and closing of the power sliding door with minimal total heat loss of semiconductor devices and that, by utilizing PWM control for varying motor rotational speed, lowers product cost by decreasing the size, weight and total number of components of the power sliding door unit. In addition, the faulty operation of the controller is also detected.

Abstract: A method of bridging partial tightnesses of movable members which are received in guides and are driven by electric drive motors includes controlling of drive motors with a monitoring function, performing an automatic monitoring function automatically, and varying a releasing force inside a tightness region in at least one step.

Abstract: A temperature controlled radiating fan comprises a temperature detector, a control circuit, a power control circuit, a regulator, a loading circuit, and a driving circuit. The temperature detector is connected to the control circuit. The output of the control circuit is connected to the power control circuit. The output of the power control circuit is connected to the loading circuit. The output of the loading circuit is connected to the driving circuit. The power control circuit is connected to the regulator. Thereby, the rotary speed of the fan motor is varied according to a voltage variation, so that the characteristic of the rotary speed of the fan motor is linearly changed.

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: In an electronic device having a stepping motor which can be driven more quickly than in a normal driving operation without causing a significant increase in power consumption, a detecting coil control circuit is provided which controls a connection circuit serving to open and close a detecting coil that is wound coaxially with a driving coil, in such a manner that the detecting coil is opened during the period in which a quick driving pulse is supplied to the driving coil. After supplying the quick driving pulse, a driving controller controls a driving circuit so as to open the driving coil, while the driving controller closes the detecting coil so that a voltage induced in the detecting coil by an electromotive force is detected by a position detecting circuit thereby determining the position of a rotor. The chance that the driving coil and the detecting coil act as electromagnetic brakes is minimized thereby ensuring that the quick driving operation is performed with low power consumption.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pivot-hung door drive system with an electro-mechanical device that supplies the closing moment required for the opening and closing of the door, comprising a transmission which varies its translation ratio over the angle of rotation of the door, a guide that is connected with an output shaft and a driver roller that can execute a translation movement relative to the guide and in the guide, which driver roller is connected with a pinion that is engaged with a toothed rack that is connected with the spring system, whereby the axis of rotation of the output shaft is at a defined distance from the axis of rotation of the pinion, and the axis of rotation of the driver roller is at a defined distance from the axis of rotation of the pinion, such that when the output shaft and pinion are rotated, the translation ratio changes as a result of the changing axial distance between the output shaft and the driver roller.

Abstract: A power-assisted wheelchair (1) having an electric motor (32), a potentiometer (27) as means for detecting human power applied to wheels (2), and a controller (31) as means for controlling the electric motor (32) according to the detected human power so as to set the time-attenuation rate of the assist power to be greater as the human power is smaller, and to be smaller as the human power is greater. Therefore, the coasting amount of the wheelchair (1) for small indoor movements for example is restricted to a small value. As a result, small indoor movements with a small turning radius are made possible, a sufficient coasting amount is secured for an outdoor running. Therefore, along with the possibility of a comfortable running on a level road, a steep uphill running is made easy, and the physical effort of the rider is alleviated.

Abstract: A controller for a shutter moved between an opened position and a closed position. A plurality of location ranges is defined between the opened position and the closed position. The controller detects the current moving speed of the shutter in each range, compares the moving speed with a predetermined reference speed, and generates a stop signal based on the comparison result to stop the movement of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: The invention provides a control apparatus for an engine driving motor having a function of driving a crankshaft of an engine and another function of generating electric power from power from the crankshaft by which an engine can be started up efficiently in a short time.

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaner system having a motor driven vacuum source which is selectively turned on or off. The central vacuum cleaner has an interface connector for establishing a connection between the central vacuum and an air exchanger. The interface connector is connected to be activated by the central vacuum when the motor is turned on so as to activate the air exchanger.

Abstract: An improved motor starter assembly is provided on a frame and having an external profile which matches that or is within that of a prior motor starter is disclosed. The improved motor starter assembly provides a soft start circuit within the profile. Retrofitting of prior art motor starters is accomplished by moving the power fuses and related hardware of an existing medium voltage (2.4 Kv to 7.2 Kv) and installing the new soft start circuit on the frame of the existing motor starter. The retrofitted arrangement mounts the motor fuses horizontally and the vacuum contactors vertically in an arrangement to provide enough space within the external profile to mount the soft start circuit arrangement.

Abstract: A switching device and process for external force-actuated driving devices in a motor vehicle, especially windows and sliding roofs. Depending on the dynamics and/or degree of displacement of an actuating component, control signals are generated which code the displacement speed and travel, the position, the displacement duration and/or direction of the item to be displaced. The actuating component is preferably an unrestrictedly rotatable component which, during its rotation, generates control signals for an electronic control unit. The device and process give a user the greatest possible control over the displacement of the component.

Abstract: The present powered sliding device comprises a wire drum, a motor for rotating the drum, and a clutch means provided between the drum and the motor. The clutch means has a coupled state for rotating the drum, an uncoupled state, and a brake state. The clutch means is displaced from the coupled state to the brake state when the wire drum is rotated at an over speed. The clutch means in the brake state transmits the over speed rotation of the wire drum to the motor.

Abstract: A speed control device for a cooling fan and a method of control thereof are disclosed, in which temperature and noise among other factors are taken into consideration, whereby changes to the voltage/current of power supply provided to the cooling fan are used to adjust the speed of the cooling fan. The speed is reduced as much as possible within the permissible range of system temperature to minimize the noise generated from the cooling fan. When the temperature exceeds the permissible range, the speed of the cooling fan is accelerated to reduce system temperature.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a motor and other functions in a commercial door or barrier operator is described. The controller includes a unique motor start circuit for starting an AC motor which employs two dual-pole-dual-throw (DPDT) relays for activating the start coil in combination with a single triac for activating the main coil of the motor, eliminating dv/dt sensitivity. A motor start control for a door or barrier operator includes a speed governor integrated onto the controller for detecting when to shut off AC power to the start coil in a single phase motor. The integrated speed governor uses an RPM sensor for detecting the speed of the operator's limit shaft coupled to software run by the processor. Switches for operating open, close, stop and learn functions are located on the controller to facilitate installation, maintenance and programming by a service provider at the door operator.

Abstract: An automatic door operator with a motor connectable to a door through gear units and linkages and for moving the door between an open and a closed position. An absolute position transducer measures the absolute position of the door independently of previous positions of the door and substantially continuously. A control senses an external signal indicating one of a desired open state and closed state of the door. The control compares the absolute position of the door with the external signal and generates the drive signal to drive the motor to cause the absolute position to be substantially identical to the external signal. The motor is a regenerative drive operatable in all directional combinations of electrical driving torque and motor rotation. The control electrically drives the regenerative drive in a direction opposite a rotation of the regenerative drive to brake a load applied to the motor. The control also limits the current to the motor, to limit the force the motor applies to the door.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit for controlling an electrically activated motor vehicle door lock or the like, with a lock latch (1) and a detent pawl (2) which keeps the lock latch (1) in the closed position and with an electric motorized auxiliary closing drive (4) which is turned on after the lock latch (1) has reached a preclosing position and then moves the lock latch (1) by motor into the main closing position, there being a switch (16) which recognizes the preclosing position, especially a lock latch switch which scans the position of the lock latch (1).

Abstract: A dueling or racing roller coaster ride has tracks which approach or cross over each other at near miss locations. A controller system controls the timing of launch of a roller coaster vehicle on each track to better achieve consistent simultaneous arrival of the roller coaster vehicles at the near miss locations, to provide increased thrills and excitement to the riders. The control system determines the loaded vehicle weight via current draw on the track side vehicle motors. The control system generates a vehicle performance parameter, based on past vehicle speed over the track, to compensate for roller resistance and aerodynamic factors. The vehicle weight information and performance parameters are used to determine which vehicle to launch first, and the amount of delay between launching the vehicle on the first track and launching the vehicle on the second track, to better achieve simultaneous arrival at one or more locations.

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: An intelligent wiper system and method for wiping a windshield is disclosed having a microprocessor which controls the operation of a motor and which is capable of setting a baseline delay time using one or more wipe times, with the baseline delay time generally corresponding to a time interval between consecutive wipes of at least one wiper blade. The system and method automatically adjusts the baseline delay time in response to the second wipe time if the second wipe time is not substantially the same as a function of the first wipe time, wherein the function includes a predetermined constant which is at least one hundred percent of a first wipe time. An upper baseline wipe time threshold and a lower baseline wipe time threshold may be established such that the delay time is not adjusted if a current wipe time falls between such thresholds.

Abstract: An operator for opening and closing movable barriers such as garage doors comprising a pass-point limit system which is a component of an operating head. An operator for a rolling shutter or gate can be installed on either side of the opening. A dual pass-point system provides a unique pass-point regardless of direction of mounting the operator, regardless of the direction of travel for opening the barrier, and regardless of installation configuration, eliminating the need for the installer to know which direction the motor is rotating or the barrier is travelling. The operator automatically learns both the open and close limits, regardless of direction of travel and without having to press a learn switch to set the open and close limits.

Abstract: Proposed is a control device (50) for a windshield wiper that serves in actuating a further window wiper. The control device (50), having an inventive embodiment, includes a control (18), whose signal output (20) provides first control signals (42) for actuating the windshield wiper, preferably a front windshield wiper (26) of a motor vehicle, and whose further signal output (22) provides further control signals (42) for actuating a further windshield wiper, preferably a rear window wiper (30).

Abstract: The apparatus for controlling an electrical starter motor for cranking a cranking mechanism of an internal combustion engine to start the engine includes a circuit for making an electrical connection between a voltage source and the starter motor by which the starter motor is coupled with a cranking gear of the engine by means of a shiftable transmission when the circuit is energized and an electronic control unit for controlling at least one of a voltage, a current and an on-time of the electrical starter motor in a stepwise manner in a two-stage control process including a first stage in which the starter motor is coupled with the cranking gear and operated at a reduced rotation speed to reduce wear. The electronic control unit is electrically connected between the voltage source and the starter motor and is an electronic relay that includes a central processing unit and at least two electronic power switches for switching the voltage of the starter motor.

Abstract: An electric motor drive for an automotive operating element for moving between at least two end positions. A range about at least one selected position of the operating element is established. The drive automatically moves the operating element into the selected position when the automotive operating element has reached the established range.

Abstract: In an opening/closing member driving method in which the rotation of a motor rotatable in two directions is transmitted through a transmission member to an opening/closing member to thereby drive a baffle 4 in an opening direction A and in a closing direction B, when driving the transmission member from an intermediate position to an original position which is set at a position where the transmission member is moved to the full in one direction or in the other direction, the transmission member is once driven in the opposite direction to the original position and is stopped at such opposite position or in the neighborhood of the opposite position and, after then, the transmission member is driven in the original position direction by an amount equivalent to the normal movement thereof and is thereby returned to the original position.

Abstract: A motor controller unit includes an operating program that controllably responds to manual motor start and stop commands for protection of the semiconductor switches connected with each phase of a multi-phase electric motor. Upon receipt of a start command, a determination is made as to whether the measured time lapse between a previous stop command is less than a predetermnined time delay period.

Abstract: A motor reversal protection system to protect driven equipment from the inadvertent or accidental reversal of direction of a three-phase electric motor should there be a reversal of phase in the transmission power lines by transposing any pair of the three power lines. The system detects the phase sequence of the applied power and automatically provides the driven equipment with the correct phase sequence within milliseconds of depressing the motor start push button. The need for a system reset is obviated in using this novel system design. The same principles of operation also apply for use with two-phase or DC power systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric motor starter for starting motors rotating at synchronous speed. The starter comprises a programmable logic circuit having input ports for receiving control commands intended for the electric motor and supervisory signals reporting the operating state of the motor, and output ports for drive signals intended for the electric motor and information signals reporting the operating state of the motor. The logic circuit comprises stored therein various logical motor starter connections for various electric motors. Further the starter comprises means for selecting for use one of the various motor starter connections stored in the logic circuit; and connection means for connecting a control according to the drive signals to the electric motor.