Automatic And/or With Time-delay Means (e.g., Automatic Starting And/or Stopping) Patents (Class 318/445)
  • Patent number: 6054824
    Abstract: A drive circuit with signal detection capability for a DC brushless fan motor is disclosed. The drive circuit comprises a Hall effect sensor for detecting the magnetic polarity of the rotor in the fan motor, first and second transistors connected to first and second magnetic coils respectively for alternately generating magnetic fields to continuously rotate the rotor of the fan motor and further comprises a series RC circuit and a field effect transistor for detecting the operation of the fan motor. A signal detection line connected to the source of the field effect transistor is provided for detecting the operation of the fan motor. When the fan motor is running normally, the signal detection line presents a square wave signal with frequency proportional to the rotating speed of the fan motor. When the motor stops running, the signal detection line always presents a high level signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Hsin-Mao Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6051947
    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. The operator is responsive to remote control from a wall panel or other location remote from the operating head to enable setting and adjustment of door travel limits from a remote location, without requiring installation of limit switches separate from the operating head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger William Lhotak, James Joseph Fitzgibbon, Robert John Olmsted, Kenneth J. Dombrowski
  • Patent number: 6051945
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideo Furukawa
  • Patent number: 6046557
    Abstract: The present invention provides a focusing controller for a survey instrument, and the focusing controller comprises a sliding tube for retaining a focusing lens and movable in the direction of an optical axis, a motor for moving the sliding tube in the direction of the optical axis, a motor driving control circuit for driving the motor, a rotating speed control switch which serves as a means for inputting coarse adjustment control to the driving circuit, and a rotating position control switch which serves as a means for inputting fine adjustment control to the motor driving circuit, whereby the focusing lens is moved at a speed proportional to rotating angle of a rotating speed control switch by turning the rotating speed control switch for coarse control, and the focusing lens is moved to a position corresponding to rotating angle of a rotating position control switch by turning the rotating position control switch for fine control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Topcon
    Inventor: Etsuji Godo
  • Patent number: 6029578
    Abstract: A method and a device for starting a machine, in particular, a printing press, using a sensor or sensor field which emits a start signal during the approach of a part of the body of a machine operator. According to the method, the machine is automatically started if the start signal appears twice consecutively and if the following additional conditions, automatically checked by a machine controller, are met: No start signal is present within a first predefined time period following the instant of the first appearance of the start signal in a predefined time interval, and the start signal reappears within a second predefined time period following the first predefined time period. The device includes a proximity- or touch-sensitive operating surface, which has a first partial surface having the function of a machine starter and second partial surface, which blocks the function of the first partial surface for a predefined period of time in response to proximity or contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Stefan Weil, Michael Pritschow, Manfred Gaeng
  • Patent number: 6023107
    Abstract: Suggested is a switching arrangement for actuating a wiper motor (10) for windshield wiper arrangements, which functions to protect the power switching element (13), designed as semiconductor, and the wiper motor (10) against permanent destruction caused by blocking and overload. The switching arrangement comprises a temperature monitoring of the semiconductor end stage (29), which short-circuits the power switching element (13) in case of a motor (10) overload and simultaneous heating up of the power switching element and shuts down the motor (10), as well as a parking position monitoring of the wiper lever, in order to shut down the motor completely if the wiper lever is blocked (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Ansgar Grass
  • Patent number: 6020701
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a motor-driven vehicle driven by a motor brakes the vehicle without giving shock to the vehicle. The control apparatus includes a vehicle maneuvering section for sensing a manual driving force as applied to it. The control apparatus also includes a control circuit which, when a manual driving force for driving the vehicle is applied to the maneuvering section, causes the motor to provide a mechanical driving force for the vehicle in accordance with the sensed manual driving force. The control circuit includes a braking force providing device which gradually increases a braking force for braking the vehicle from zero when manual driving force has been removed from the maneuvering section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Nabco Limited
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Ishida
  • Patent number: 6011369
    Abstract: Windshield wiper mechanism and method for precisely placing a wiper in each reversing position during wiper operation. The local wetness conditions on the windshield after deactivating the motor are taken into account from braking until reaching the reversing positions. The mechanism also includes a pulse generator for generating pulses as a function of the wiper movement, with these pulses being supplied to a controller via a signal input in order to control the motor. The pulses characterizing deceleration of the wiper from the time the motor is deactivated prior to a reversing position until it comes to a standstill are counted by a counter. The controller emits a switching signal for deactivating the motor and/or for reversing its direction of rotation prior to reaching the next reversing position or parking position as a function of the counted deceleration pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Ansgar Grass
  • Patent number: 6005361
    Abstract: In a method of controlling a direct-current drive, in particular a directrrent door drive, two state variables of the direct-current drive are determined and, on the basis of these state variables, a load or resistance moment applied to the direct-current drive is determined and compared with a predetermined load or resistance moment. Subsequently, it is established that an abnormal situation exists when the load or resistance moment determined exceeds the predetermined load or resistance moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Viktor Grinewitschus, Dirk Raffel
  • Patent number: 5955854
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Prospects Corporation
    Inventors: Jianjun Zhang, Cliff Chuang, John Z. W. Zhang, Peter J. Pan, James S. Li, Michael Yuan Lu, Ziqiang Chen, Chong Tian Wang, Yong Bo Shao
  • Patent number: 5932931
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Tanaka, Noboru Tsuge, Hidenori Ishihara, Tsutomu Saito
  • Patent number: 5920159
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the preferred embodiment of a multi-functional apparatus employing a flexible drive element for selectively actuating multiple output includes an electromagnetic device and a flexible drive element with a plurality of members thereon. In another aspect of the present invention, a flexible closed loop drive element in response to selective energization of an electric motor, and at least one rotatable member is coupled to one accessory such as a window wiper. The member attached to the drive element are arranged in a loop motion or discontinuous manner and selectively engage the rotatable member and thus actuate the attached accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Mihekun Miller, Daniel D Kilker, Monte L. Falcoff
  • Patent number: 5920158
    Abstract: A multi-functional automotive vehicle apparatus comprising: a rotatable member; an electromagnetic device operable to selectively rotate said rotatable member; a first motion transmitting member selectively moved in response to rotation of said rotatable member; and a second motion transmitting member selectively moved in response to rotation of said rotatable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventors: Robin Mihekun Miller, Daniel D. Kilker, Monte L. Falcoff, H. Winston Maue, Eric J. Krupp, William C. Zimmer, James W. Gibson
  • Patent number: 5905345
    Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus employs an intermittent motion mechanism. An electromagnetic device selectively causes movement of the intermittent motion mechanism thereby moving a mechanical device coupled thereto. In another aspect of the present invention, a single electric motor selectively actuates two or three intermittent rotary motion mechanisms thereby causing separate mechanical devices coupled thereto to operate within an automotive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: William Carl Zimmer, James Wayne Gibson
  • Patent number: 5889377
    Abstract: A drapery actuator to open and close draperies and the like, comprising a housing and a drive pulley supported by the housing to engage a drapery cord. A motor is supported by the housing for reversibility rotating the drive pulley to move the drapery cord between a first extreme position and a second extreme position. A first electrical switch is operatively connected to the motor and a second electrical switch is also operatively connected to the motor. Switch actuator cooperate with the drive pulley such that the first electrical switch is actuated when said drive pulley moves the drapery cord to the first extreme position and the second electrical switch is actuated when the drive pulley is reversibly rotated by the motor to move the drapery cord to the second extreme position whereby when the drapery cord is in the first extreme position and the second extreme position the motor is deactivated and the drapery cord ceases moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Kai Ming Mao
  • Patent number: 5883481
    Abstract: A control system for an electric vehicle includes an accelerator opening detecting device for detecting a position of an accelerator, and an output command value calculating device connected to the accelerator opening detecting device for calculating an output command value of a drive motor of the electric vehicle based upon the detected accelerator opening. A motor control device is connected to the output command value calculating device, and controls the output of the motor based upon the output command value. An accelerator opening learning device learns actual accelerator opening positions, and includes at least one of a full-closure learning apparatus for generating a full-closure determined value of the accelerator based upon an output of the accelerator opening detecting device, and a full-open learning apparatus for generating a full-open determined value based upon the detected accelerator opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hisahiro Ito, Tomoyuki Itoh, Shinji Yoshikawa, Yuji Saito
  • Patent number: 5841249
    Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus employs an intermittent motion mechanism. An electromagnetic device selectively causes movement of the intermittent motion mechanism thereby moving a mechanical device coupled thereto. In another aspect of the present invention, a single electric motor selectively actuates two or three intermittent rotary motion mechanisms thereby causing separate mechanical devices coupled thereto to operate within an automotive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: William Carl Zimmer, James Wayne Gibson
  • Patent number: 5828196
    Abstract: A bypass circuit conducts electrical current around a motor starter to a current limiting switch assembly upon initiation of a flow of excessive electrical current to an electric motor to protect the motor starter against excessive current flow. Upon initiation of excessive current flow to the electric motor, the current limiting switch assembly opens a main circuit to interrupt current flow through the motor starter. The current limiting switch assembly includes a conductor or contact carrier which is movable from an initial position to an actuated position under the combined influence of current flow through a coil and opposition between magnetic fields from portions of an electrical circuit through which current flows in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Engelbert Hetzmannseder
  • Patent number: 5825144
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive control apparatus for a rotating machine having a movable part which is rotatably driven by a motor.The apparatus has a fail-safe construction which gives an output of logic value "1" when the movable part is stopped, wherein, to enable supply of motor current to start a motor (2) at the motor start-up time under a condition of the movable part stopped, motor drive permission is granted by a logical product output which is obtained by a logical product operation of a start signal generated by switching a start switch on, and a logical sum output obtained by a logical sum operation of an output of a current sensor (3) generating an output of logic value "1" when the motor current does not flow and an output of a rotation sensor (4) generating an output of logic value "1" when the movable part is rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignees: Kao Corporation, The Nippon Signal Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Suzuki, Koichi Futsuhara, Masayoshi Sakai
  • Patent number: 5764010
    Abstract: A control system for an automotive vehicle multi-functional apparatus employs an electronic control unit operably controlling a rear window wiper assembly. In another aspect of the present invention, an electronic control unit is operable as a multiplexed rear node for controlling a variety of liftgate devices and functions. In a further aspect of the present invention, an electronic control unit controls a single multi-functional electromagnetic device. The multi-functional electromagnetic device uses intermittent motion mechanisms to selectively operate differing devices driven therefrom. A method of operating the electronic control unit of the present invention is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Wilson Maue, Shawn P. Slusser, Jeffrey L. Kulczycki, Ronald Zaleski
  • Patent number: 5712542
    Abstract: A postage meter has a print rotor rotated by a motor and the motor is capable of being started and stopped under processor control. State variables are established within a nonvolatile memory. The rotor begins in its home position. When a mail piece such as a letter is detected by a letter sensor, the processor sets a state variable. At some point (either before loss of power, or after restoration of power) the postage value to be printed is booked into the accounting register. The rotor motor is started. At some point (either before loss of power, or after restoration of power) the rotor reaches its home position again. A state variable is cleared. In this way, it is possible, even after the loss and restoration of power, to distinguish between a rotor that is in its home position because it has not yet printed postage (but needs to do so) and a rotor that is in its home position because the printing of postage has been completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Ascom Hasler Mailing Systems AG
    Inventors: Peter Stutz, Martin Muller, Andre Fluckiger
  • Patent number: 5703732
    Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly comprising a housing assembly, a mirror unit, a support assembly to support the housing assembly, a power operated pivot assembly between the support assembly and the housing assembly to enable the housing assembly to be pivoted with respect to the support assembly about a generally upright axis (1) between an operative position and a folded position in response to the power operation of the pivot assembly and (2) from the operative position thereof in either direction in response to an unwanted impact blow applied in either direction thereto. A spring biased pivotal control system is disposed between a movable tubular member of the pivot assembly and the support assembly to provide a control resistance to pivotal movement of the movable tubular member and hence the housing assembly connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Lowell Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Boddy, Matthew D. Potts, Keith D. Foote, James Ruse
  • Patent number: 5694011
    Abstract: A windshield wiper control detects a stall condition of the windshield wiper motor such as may be caused by a freezing of wiper blades to the windshield by monitoring the commutating switch normally used to park the windshield wiper blades when the wipers are turned off. Failure of the signal from the switch to change indicates the motor has stalled and causes a timer holding a value greater than a wiper cycle to time out and de-energize the wiper motor. The wiper motor is re-energized by turning off then on again the wiper control. A method of setting the interval between intermittent operation of the wiper with a single switch, times from previous wiper cycles to the switch activation to set a longer or shorter wiper cycle interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence G. Corey, Helmut Guehr
  • Patent number: 5677608
    Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a door comprising a first microprocessor and a second microprocessor each having a plurality of inputs for sensing the status of a vehicle. The plurality of inputs include a no motion trainline input, an open trainline input, an unlock trainline input and a close trainline input. The first microprocessor also has a close grant input for receiving a close grant signal from the second microprocessor while the second microprocessor also has a close request input for receiving a close request signal from the first microprocessor. The system also includes a motor for opening and closing the door and a motor relay circuit device, controlled by the microprocessors, for controlling the direction of power flow through the motor. When the motor relay circuit device activates, the motor is enabled to open the door and when it deactivates the motor is enabled to close the door. The system further includes a motor chopper control for controlling the delivery of power to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventors: David A. Greer, John H. Corvin
  • Patent number: 5656898
    Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a horizontally sliding door includes a chain driven assembly, a reversible motor for moving the chain and a sliding door driver which converts the chain motion to door movement. A remote control device can also be used to operate the sliding door remotely, especially if users are elderly or handicapped individuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Edward T. Kalina
  • Patent number: 5559410
    Abstract: The invention proposes a process and a device for powering an electric motor (M) intended particularly to drive a windshield wiper arm of a motor vehicle, of the type comprising a control unit (2) connected to control elements (3) under user control and to position sensors (5, 6, 7) of the windshield wiper arm, and comprising means (9) of control of the supply to the motor controlled by the control unit, characterized in that it comprises means (2a) for switching off the supply to the motor at the end of a first determined time (TETA.sub.1), whose inhibition is provided by the position sensors (5, 6, 7) so as to switch off the supply to the motor (M) during a second determined time (TETA.sub.2) if these switching off means have not been inhibited by activation of a position sensor by the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes D'Essuyage
    Inventors: Samuel Papazian, Eric Douville
  • Patent number: 5554913
    Abstract: For enabling discrimination of whether or not a blower motor is in a locked state to be conducted promptly and reliably irrespective of the motor speed, a blower system comprises a discrimination circuit for discriminating whether or not the blower motor is in a locked state based on change in the position of the rotor of the motor, and the discriminating time period between motor locking and output of a discrimination signal is determined to be shorter for a higher set rotational speed of the motor in response to the speed setting operation of a motor speed setting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Zexel Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ohsawa
  • Patent number: 5525879
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for finely adjusting the dwell period for an intermittent windshield wiper. A multi-position switch establishes a maximum delay and a delay request. A processor reads the switch setting and senses the timing of a positioning movement relative to the timing of the next preceding wiper blade stroke. When the elapsed time between those events is intermediate the maximum delay and the delay request, the dwell period is set equal to the elapsed time. Otherwise the dwell period is set equal to the maximum delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Wainwright
  • Patent number: 5465033
    Abstract: A safety system comprises a light beam transmitter and receiver and means connected through a standard AC power plug to the main power supply of an automatic garage door opener for controlling the power thereto. The transmitter transmits a beam of light across the opening of a garage door. The receiver is positioned to receive the light beam if there is nothing obstructing the beam. The receiver generates a signal indicating when the beam is being received. The means disconnects the power to the garage door opener when a signal is generated indicating that the light beam is not being received. The garage door is thus prevented from making contact with and hurting or damaging a person or object in its path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Texas Optoelectronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Mohammed Fassih-Nia
  • Patent number: 5428279
    Abstract: A safety apparatus wherein a sensor (10.sub.n through 15.sub.n, 16) for transmitting object (M) detection information as a reduction in the output signal energy, is used as a human detection sensor, while a sensor (21-26) for transmitting object (M) detection information as an increase in the output signal energy is used as a work piece detection sensor, and drive of a mechanical moving portion is permitted only when the logical OR output of both sensors has a logical value of "1" corresponding to the high energy condition, thereby reliably ensuring excellent operator safety in a fail-safe manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignees: Noboru Sugimoto, L. Engineering Co. Ltd., The Nippon Signal Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Sugimoto, Kazumi Narita, Koichi Futsuhara
  • Patent number: 5422550
    Abstract: A control system and method for a plurality of motors utilize one, and only one, motor drive unit that provides power to drive any one of the motors. The system and method also utilize a controller that controls which of the motors to energize. Power from the motor drive unit can be communicated to one of the motors selected by the controller, or power from a primary power source can be communicated to one or more of the motors selected by the controller. Sequencing of the motors to and from the motor drive unit and the primary power source, and between the two, is automatically controlled, such as based on how long each of the motors has been used. Accordingly, a method of controlling a plurality of motors comprises: defining a motor utilization criterion; sensing a parameter affected by the number of the motors that are operating; and sequentially starting and cumulatively operating ones of the motors selected in response to the motor utilization criterion and the sensed parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Southwest Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael L. McClanahan, Charles E. Ogden
  • Patent number: 5414863
    Abstract: A power control circuit for a device such as a personal computer, including a laptop or notebook computer, which can conserve battery use, prevent power surges to promote longer battery charges and longer battery life, and can assure that circuitry is correctly biased. The power control circuitry of the present invention achieves these objectives by appropriately staggering the powering on of circuit components of the computer. A circuit for achieving these objectives may feature at least one memory for storing power control state data and a multiplexer for receiving the power control state data stored in the at least one memory. Further, a plurality of serially connected power control output circuits connected to the multiplexer output power control signals based on the power control state data stored in the at least one memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. J. Lee, John D. Kenny
  • Patent number: 5391971
    Abstract: A circuit for starting a single-phase AC induction motor 11 having a main winding 12 and an auxiliary winding 13, which is so constructed that a PTC element 16 and a triac 17 are connected in series with the auxiliary winding 13 and a gate voltage of the triac 17 is reduced to turn a portion between main terminals of the triac 17 off after a predetermined time period has elapsed since the motor 11 was started, and can effectively lower the power consumption without degrading starting characteristics and can shorten return time required until the motor 11 is restarted and lengthen the life of the PTC element 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Yamada, Shigehiro Ichida, Yuichi Takaoka
  • Patent number: 5245259
    Abstract: A wiper apparatus for wiping the windshield of a vehicle with a plurality of wiper blades operated by a plurality of wiper motors which comprises an intermittent switch, autostop switches disposed to the respective wiper motors, relays for operating the respective wiper motors in response to ON-states of the respective autostop switches, a relay driving circuit for driving the relays, a first timer circuit responsive to OFF-states of both the autostop switches for generating a first timer signal, a second timer circuit responsive to an intermittent signal from the intermittent switch and the ending edge of the first timer signal for generating a second timer signal, a third timer circuit responsive to an ON-state of either autostop switch for generating a third timer signal and holding the relay driving circuit to drive the relays, and a prohibiting circuit for forbidding and permitting the operation of the relay driving circuit according to the first timer signal and the second timer signal, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Jidosha Denki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toyokazu Nakamura, Masaru Kato
  • Patent number: 5105133
    Abstract: An automatic perfumer capable of operating in one of a plurality of modes to suite varying room conditions, the modes including an intermittent mode for perfuming at predetermined intervals, and a light-activated intermittent mode for operating as described above and only upon the application of light, thereby avoiding needless nighttime operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 5105134
    Abstract: A wiper apparatus comprises a wiper switch, a washer motor, a washer switch for actuating the washer motor by its on-operation, a wiper motor actuated independently by on-operation of the wiper switch and interlockingly with the washer motor by the on-operation of the washer switch, and a controller for maintaining the wiper motor to rotate until the load applied on the wiper motor reaches predetermined value. According to this invention, the wiper blade never stops before the cleaning liquid is removed from the wiping surface by detecting frictional resistance between the wiper blade and the wiping surface as the motor load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Jidosa Denki Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Shimizu, Sadayoshi Sugiyama, Hitoshi Sakuma, Fumio Nakajima
  • Patent number: 4998097
    Abstract: A motor control having mechanical switching and pressure reponsive components for connecting and intercepting a circuit between an A.C. source and an A.C. motor in response to pressure changes in a pressure system. The control includes a microcomputer chip and components that detect a voltage across the motor and a current through the motor and provide signals indicative of the level of the motor voltage and current. The control in response to the signals determines the power factor of the current and in response to the detected signals protects the motor from operating malfunctions when the voltage is too high or low, the current is too high or too low, the time of operation of the motor is too long or too short and in response to the character of the malfunction provides a visual coded lamp indication of the cause of the malfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Myron A. Noth, Bruce E. Kierstead
  • Patent number: 4973146
    Abstract: An electrically driving system for the rearview mirrors, wherein the incorporated motors are rotated normally or reversibly in response to the operation of a operational switch, thereby erecting or folding the mirror bodies. The system comprises a momentary operational switch, a relay circuit, a group of limit switches for cutting off the relay circuit and motor circuit respectively by detecting erected and folded positions of the mirror bodies, and a circuit for judging a folded state. When the operational switch is pushed, any folded mirror is detected within delay time of the circuit for judging a folded state. And only when both of the left and right mirror bodies are in the fold positions, the erecting relay is actuated to rotate the motors in the erecting direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Murakami Kameido Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Nakayama
  • Patent number: 4904910
    Abstract: An automatic delay-controlling device for pre-setting a delay of the switching-on or switching-off of loads such as general motors, lighting apparatuses, etc., having a controller, a central processing unit, a read only memory, an address multiplexer, a programmable peripheral interface, an ouput driver and an alternating-current power supply connected to the output driver via a load. The controller is connected to the central processing unit and has three buttons serving as inputs to the central processing unit for inputting the duration of the delay. The central processing unit, read only memory, address multiplexer and programmable peripheral interface are intercommunicated to co-process signals from the controller in order to control the operation of the output driver. Therefore, the output driver is controlled to carry or not carry the load with the aid of the alternating-current power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Inventor: Yan-Wen Hsu
  • Patent number: 4864287
    Abstract: A monitor for an electric motor, the monitor capable of connection to a supply of electrical energy for the motor, has a microcomputer for measuring the power factor of a voltage applied to the motor and a current flowing to the motor, for storing a desired value of power factor, for comparing a measured value of power factor with the desired value of power factor, and for disconnecting the motor from the supply of electrical energy if the measured value of the power factor differs from the desired value of power factor by an amount that exceeds a predetermined amount. Further, the monitor has means for operating the motor while driving a desired load; means for commanding the microcomputer to measure a power factor of the voltage applied to the motor and the current flowing to the motor while the motor is driving the desired load; and, means for storing the measured value of the power factor, measured while the motor is driving the desired load, as the desired power factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: Bruce E. Kierstead
  • Patent number: 4808894
    Abstract: A power window device is adapted to drive a motor which automatically closes a windowpane of a car in response to door locking of the car, and cut the drive power for the motor after a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ken Mizuta
  • Patent number: 4767974
    Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic universal head for operating a motor on the basis of set information and automatically controlling the controlled mode of the universal head to a state conforming to the set information. In this invention, when the universal head control based on the set information is not executed for some reason or other, the power supply to the motor is automatically inhibited in a predetermined time after the universal head control is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tsuneaki Kadosawa
  • Patent number: 4743816
    Abstract: Motor protection relay is taught in which a microprocessor is utilized in conjunction with a reduced voltage motor starter and the electrical motor system which it operates upon to cause the motor to start in stages. The microprocessor-based system infers a start by the presence of a minimal amount of electrical current flowing in the three-phase system which supplies power to the motor starter and thence to the motor. After the start has been inferred, the microprocessor controlled protection device will issue a transition command for the second stage of the start operation where higher voltage is placed across the motor terminals when the in-rush current has fallen to a predetermined programmable value which approximates full load current, for example. An "incomplete sequence" feedback line is provided which is supplied from the auxiliary contacts of the low voltage starter to the microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Edward C. Prather
  • Patent number: 4722018
    Abstract: Refrigeration system control systems and methods for protecting a refrigerant motor/compressor, for example in an air conditioner, against conditions of excessive loading. The systems and methods of the invention recognize and distinguish between conditions of high operating load and insufficient condenser airflow, and take appropriate action for each. High operating load conditions are responded to by providing a motor/compressor cool-down interval, followed by a restart, so that an air conditioner remains operating at its maximum capacity, consistent with the field conditions. Insufficient condenser airflow conditions are responded to by eventually terminating operation of the motor/compressor until, for example, a service technician is called. Operation is based on a recognition that excessive loading conditions are manifested much sooner when the cause is insufficient condenser airflow than when the cause is a high operating load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Walter J. Pohl
  • Patent number: 4722019
    Abstract: Calibrated methods and systems for protecting refrigerant motor/compressors against overload and loss of refrigerant conditions, independent of compressor and system size, while avoiding the need for a plurality of sensors. The disclosed methods and systems are generic in the sense that they may be employed in a variety of different air conditioner or heat pump models of different sizes and capacities, without being specifically tailored for a particular model, although a factory calibration adjustment is required. The disclosed methods and systems sense loading on the compressor motor, and make control decisions based thereon. A permanent compressor motor reference loading is established when the refrigeration system has a known correct refrigerant charge and the motor/compressor has a known load. This is typically accomplished in the factory after a predetermined stabilization interval has elapsed following initial start up of the motor/compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Walter J. Pohl
  • 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: 4607200
    Abstract: A coffee grinder has a control circuit for its electric grinder motor which includes a three-position control switch having a resident "Off" position, a resident "On" position, and a non-resident or momentary "On plus Start" position. In the "Off" position power is interrupted to all circuits of the grinder. The "On" position is a resting position which is resumed after the start of each grind cycle in readiness for the start of another grind cycle. The "On plus Start" position is momentary and in which a relay is energized so as to complete a circuit that energizes the grinder motor. In one type of coffee grinder the electrical control circuit includes a timer which can be set to determine the length of the grinding cycle. In another type of coffee grinder the length of the grinding cycle is determined by the presence of a ground coffee receiving bag or other container. In both types of grinders the normal grinding cycle can be terminated by placing control switch in its "Off" position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1986
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: John D. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 4599546
    Abstract: A wiper device has a reversible electric motor having an output shaft operatively connected to a reciprocally movable wiper blade. The electric circuit including motor armature is constructed such that, when a wiper switch is on, the motor shaft is reciprocally rotated in alternate directions within a predetermined angular range less than 360.degree. to reciprocally drive the wiper blade and that, when the wiper switch is turned off, the motor shaft is rotated beyond the predetermined angular range to move the wiper blade to a rest position out of its wiping range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiichi Uemura
  • Patent number: 4575663
    Abstract: A two speed motor control comprises push buttons that can be activated to start, stop, select a high start of speed or select a low start of speed for the motor. The high and low selector buttons can be used to transfer between high and low speed operation for the motor. Units in the form of AND gates for example can be provided with inputs to establish permissive conditions for a motor start up or speed change operation. These automatically avoid overheating the motor or starting the motor during an inappropriate condition of equipment connected to the motor. Start up and speed selection is achieved without the operator having to verify the existance of appropriate conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Gregory J. Papson, Adolph L. Trolli
  • Patent number: 4517501
    Abstract: A rotation control system including speed control feedback automatic speed control apparatus for controlling the rotation speed of a rotator to a predetermined speed, feedback automatic phase control apparatus for controlling the rotation phase of the rotator to a predetermined phase, and changeover apparatus for changing over at least one of the loop gain of the speed control apparatus and a loop gain of the phase control apparatus in a changeover period, and changeover control apparatus for controlling the changeover apparatus in association with the rotation of the rotator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Takimoto