Abstract: The present invention is to provide a power regulated window having a window glass to be closed intentionally when some foreign body is pinched by the window glass for security reasons. When a close signal is output to a semiconductor switching element from window regulator switches, the window glass is closed. When some foreign body such as arm or fingers is pinched by the window glass, a load current of a motor becomes abnormal and the motor rotates reversely to open the window glass in order not to damage the foreign body. Besides this protective function, when the foreign body is pinched by the window glass and a prohibit signal to invalidate the reverse rotation is output, a reversing controller is stopped and the window glass is closed continuously by a bypass switching element.

Abstract: A method for recognizing an obstructed situation of a traveling element. The method includes evaluating a variable containing information about the motor's rotational speed as the motor is driving the element. Starting from a current detection time point, the sequence of values of the variable determined at immediately preceding detection time points are observed. Change in behavior of the sequence of observed values of the variable with respect to one another over time are then compared with a value range of the variable that is indicative of the element being obstructed. A sufficient match between the value range of the variable and the sequence of observed values of the variable exists if at least three successive observed values of the variable fall within the variable value range. The element is determined to be obstructed upon the existence of a sufficient match. The variable includes the duration of motor time periods.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for an opening/closing body for a vehicle includes a drive unit including a rotational drive apparatus, a reduction gear mechanism linked with a rotational shaft of the rotational drive apparatus, and an output member linked with the rotational shaft through the reduction gear mechanism and linked with the opening/closing body through a connection member, a first pulse signal generator provided at the drive unit and generating a first pulse signal on the basis of a rotation of the rotational shaft, a second pulse signal generator provided at the drive unit and generating a second pulse signal on the basis of a rotation of either one of the reduction gear mechanism and the output member, and a control means for calculating an opening/closing position of the opening/closing body on the basis of the first pulse signal emitted by the first pulse signal generator utilizing the second pulse signal emitted by the second pulse signal generator as a base point and controlling the rotational drive app

Abstract: A power window driving apparatus includes a motor which drives a window by supplying a supply voltage of a power supply, a control circuit which controls the motor so as to stop or reverse a rotation of the motor when a motor current flowing to the motor is increased, a shunt resistance which detects the motor current as a voltage value, and is provided between the motor and a ground and a diode which is provided between a positive side of the power supply and the control circuit for protecting the control circuit.

Abstract: A wiper control system is provided which comprises a rain droplet detector, a multiplexer, a count register, and a wiper control unit. The rain droplet detector has a plurality of switches that are configured to be electrically connected by rain droplets, and each switch outputs one of two different signals according to an electrical connection thereof. The multiplexer receives signals from each of the plurality of the switches, and it is configured to repeatedly perform a process of selecting one of the received signals and outputting the selected signal. The count register is connected to the multiplexer to receive the signal output from the multiplexer, and it counts a number of the signals corresponding to the electrical connection of the switches of the rain droplet detector and outputs a counted value. The wiper control unit controls a speed of a wiper based on the counted value.

Abstract: The wiper control apparatus comprises a precipitation detector, a surrounding state detector and a wiper controller. The precipitation detector detects a precipitation condition at a position where the vehicle is. The surrounding state detector detects an exit of the vehicle out of a roofed space. The wiper controller controls the wiper to be in an automatic operation mode according to the precipitation condition detected by the precipitation detector, and controlling the precipitation detector to detect the precipitation condition following the exit detected by the surrounding state detector in a response time shorter than the normal response time for the precipitation detector to detect the precipitation not following the exit.

Abstract: A system and method for actuating a moveable barrier operating system. A wireless time signal at a receiver. A time-of-day signal is supplied at the output of the receiver. The receiver is automatically reset using the wireless time signal when the time-of-day signal is different than the time represented by the wireless time signal. A moveable barrier is actuated using the time-of-day signal at the output of the receiver.

Abstract: A controlled torque drive for a motor of a barrier operator including a current sensor coupled to a current conducting path that is in series with the motor. The current sensor is configured to sense the current level in the current conducting path and provide a signal indicative of the current level in the current conducting path to a current controller that restricts the current level to the motor when an obstruction is encountered by the movable barrier. The current controller continues to restrict current to the motor for a period of time while the motor attempts to move the movable barrier through an obstruction. In variations, the current to the motor is limited by an analog current controller, and in other variations, current is limited by a digital current controller.

Abstract: A method for detecting a state of an electric motor includes: energizing the motor with electrical power such that an associated current applied to the electric motor rises over time toward a reference level; determining an amount of time that elapses between when the motor is energized and the reference level is reached; and, evaluating a state of the motor based upon the determined amount of time.

Abstract: In operating to open or close a door (step S1), when an outside switch indicating whether a door knob portion is grabbed or not grabbed by the hand of an operator is brought into an ON state (grip state), or when a distance of moving the door is less than a predetermined angle after bringing the outside switch into an OFF state from the ON state (non-grip state) (step S6), a current threshold higher than a normal current threshold is set (step S3, step S7), a motor current and the current threshold is compared (step S4) and pinching of an obstacle of the door is detected (step S5).

Abstract: A power window apparatus includes an operation switch for causing a window glass to move when operated. The operation switch generates an input signal having a ground level when operated. A microcomputer drives a motor in response to an input signal. A down terminal and an up terminal are used to connect the operation switch and the microcomputer to each other. A ground terminal is used to connect the operation switch and ground to each other. A battery terminal is used to connect the operation switch and a power supply to each other. When operated, the operation switch connects the down terminal or the up terminal to the ground terminal and generates an input signal having the ground level in the down terminal or the up terminal. When not operated, the operation switch connects the down terminal and the up terminal to the power supply terminal.

Abstract: A fan motor assembly with integrated redundant availability is recited. The fan motor assembly can include a fan motor subassembly with a first fan motor and a second fan motor, and a fan motor selector mechanism coupled to the fan motor subassembly, so that the fan motor selector mechanism selectively couples the first fan motor or second fan motor to a fan. The fan motor assembly can also include a control unit coupled to the fan motor selector mechanism, wherein the control unit is configured to control the fan motor selector mechanism such that either of the first fan motor and second fan motor is selectively engaged to the fan.

Abstract: In a foreign material detector for a sliding door, a pressure sensor is disposed being offset toward a vehicle interior side and a substantial vehicle front side of a hem and being offset toward a substantial vehicle exterior side with respect to a position supported by a bracket as well, in order for the foreign material to be detected, even though a direction of a reaction force effected from a foreign material is tilted and intersected with respect to a moving direction of the sliding door.

Abstract: A power window driving apparatus includes a reference current generator which generates a reference current corresponding to a motor current. The power window driving apparatus further includes a comparator which compares the reference voltage with a comparison signal; a stopping or reversing circuit which stops or reverses the driving motor based on a comparison result by the comparator; a first timer and a second timer which measure two predetermined times from the start of activation of the driving motor; a voltage difference holder which hold a difference between the comparison signal and the reference voltage so as to be equal to or greater than a first predetermined value while the first timer is in operation; and a voltage difference reducer which reduces monotonously the difference until the difference becomes a second predetermined value while the second timer is in operation after the first timer is completed the measuring of time.

Abstract: An entrapment detecting device for an opening/closing member includes a controller which memorizes a driving condition of a driving unit corresponding to load applied to the opening/closing member as a reference load data when a predetermined condition is satisfied during the movement of the opening/closing member for closing. The controller further calculates a driving data representing the driving condition during the movement of the opening/closing member for closing after memorizing the reference load data, and an abnormality detecting data generated by eliminating the load during the predetermined condition being satisfied from the driving data based upon the driving data and the reference load data, and the controller judges an entrapment based upon the abnormality detecting data.

Abstract: An excitation circuit for a flux switching motor. The circuit includes a low-value film capacitor across the DC side of a bridge rectifier. A plurality of electronic switches are arranged in an H-bridge configuration for switching current flow through an armature winding of the motor in accordance with a PWM control scheme and single-pulse control scheme controlled by a microcontroller. A start-up diode is placed across the field winding of the motor and is electronically switched out of the circuit after a startup phase of the motor has completed. The circuit implements armature energy recirculation through the field winding during startup to promote more uniform and quicker startup of the motor. The use of a film capacitor improves the power factor of the circuit, helps to eliminate the introduction of harmonics into the AC voltage source, and helps in mitigating EMI. Reverse commutation is used to bring the motor to a quick stop when it is powered off.

Abstract: An apparatus, which engages wiper blades in operation by interlocking with an operation of a washer switch, drives the wiper blades at a high speed if the vehicle speed during the wiper blade operation is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. As a result, the washer fluid sprayed onto the windshield can be wiped away immediately when the vehicle is traveling at a high speed.

Abstract: A device for sensing an obstacle in the opening range of a movable closure element of a motor vehicle, more particularly an electrically powered window pane or sunroof is defined. The device is provided with at least one sensor electrode generating an electrical field in the opening range of the closure element. It is furthermore provided with a control unit for detecting a change in the capacitance of the electrical field caused by the presence of an obstacle in the opening range of the closure element, the control unit providing a control signal for a drive powering the closure element. The sensor electrode is connected to the control unit either directly or via a shielded conductor. The control unit is arranged on an electronic controller of the drive and compensates the influence of the shielded conductor on the electrical field.

Abstract: A window position detection and anti-pinch system and method for detecting the presence of an obstruction between a window and window frame of a door assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes at least one sensing device disposed adjacent the window detecting the position of the window in the window frame and generating an output representative of the detected position of the window. A controller responsive to the output generated by the at least one sensing device compares the window position signal output against predetermined values to determine window position and whether an obstruction exists between the window and window frame.

Abstract: A sensing device includes a piezoelectric vibration sensor mounted to a surface for producing an analog signal proportional to raindrops striking the surface, an amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter, and a processor for calculating the rain rate based on an exponential probability density function of a first order point process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a centrifugal pump wherein voltage and current data are detected from voltage and current sensors in the motor controller of a pump motor. A power signal is then generated from the voltage and current data and spectrally analyzed to determine the presence of unwanted harmonics which are indicative of mechanical disturbances in the pump. As such, anomalies resulting from mechanical interference may be detected and a warning flag provided without additional transducers and other instruments on the motor or pump.

Abstract: A control for an electric motor in a vehicle. The control ascertains whether an obstacle is interfering with rotation of the motor. The control establishes a baseline speed, representing normal free running speed of the motor. This baseline speed will be different, in different operating environments. Then the control determines whether measured motor speed drops below the baseline speed by a predetermined amount. If so, then the motor is shut down, or reversed.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus for controlling the opening of a cover over a barbecue grill includes a motor for opening and closing the cover over the barbecue grill, with the motor connected to the cover by a coupling rod. The cooking apparatus includes, in one embodiment, a counterweight attached at the rear of the barbecue cover. The cooking apparatus also comes with a remote control for transmitting control signals to the motor. The remote control transmits start and stop signals to the motor, or alternatively, the motor operates only during the transmission of control signals to the motor. The remote control may also transmit signals to control flow of a combustible gas. The barbecue cover opener is removable from the barbecue grill. Control of the motor allows movement of the cover to stop at any point within the full range of the cover being opened or closed.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for the removal of a needle assembly A having a needle hub H which is screw-threadedly engaged with a syringe S, said apparatus (10) comprising a housing (11) having an opening (16) for insertion of the needle assembly A and adjacent portion of the syringe, a socket (19) mounted within the housing (11) in alignment with the opening (16) with a cavity (22) shaped to receive the hub H and a coaxial through-bore (23) to accommodate the needle. The socket (19) holds the hub rotationally fast allowing the syringe S and needle assembly A to be unscrewed, and an ejector means (51) located in the housing ejects the unscrewed needle assembly A from the socket (19) into a collection container (42) located within the housing (11).

Abstract: In an electronic system, motor braking is accomplished by applying direct current (DC) voltage, developed across a capacitive element during a run mode operation, across terminals of an alternating current (AC) or an induction motor. While the motor is ON, i.e. during the run mode operation, a diode rectifies an AC input voltage applied across a capacitor for charging thereof. Resistive elements in series with the capacitor control a charging rate thereof. When a relay or switch flips over to a STOP or OFF mode, i.e. a braking mode operation, all of the stored DC voltage, which was charged across the capacitor during the run mode operation, is dropped across a coil of the motor. This DC voltage creates an electric force applied to stop quickly and efficiently the motor shaft rotation. In preferred embodiments of the invention, it was found that the higher the capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor, the faster and more efficient the stopping action will be for the motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mirror device motor control circuit that can reliably stop a mirror at predetermined positions with a simple configuration. In the control circuit of the invention, part of a lock current flowing to the motor flows to a base terminal of a transistor. Thus, as long as a voltage corresponding to the lock current is equal to or greater than a specific value, this voltage is applied to the base terminal of the transistor, whereby between a collector terminal and an emitter terminal becomes conductive, and the current flowing to a gate of a MOSFET is grounded via the collector terminal and the emitter terminal of the transistor. For this reason, when the lock current flows, conduction between a drain terminal and a base terminal of the MOSFET is released and a drive current of the motor is cut off.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus, consistent with principles of the present invention, allow an unmodified device, for example, a dc starter motor, that normally operates at a first voltage to function in an electrical system providing a second voltage, which is different from the first voltage, and received from the power source. A device actuator, such as a solenoid, is controlled using the second voltage. The first voltage is produced and supplied to the device in response to a first action of the actuator, for example, upon solenoid depression. This voltage is then inhibited from being provided to the device in response to a second action of the actuator, for example, upon solenoid retraction after engine cranking.

Abstract: An operational check of the safety unit or the safety circuit takes place within the delay time of the relay, assigned to each motor, caused by the pick-up delay or the release delay. Also, the control unit can be equipped such with at least one safety component and/or safety circuit for controlling the control unit that an operational check of the control unit takes place between the operation of an operating element of the hand switch and the starting of the motor or motors. The operating time and the release time of the relay may be delayed by a suitable component so that sufficient time is available for the operational check.

Abstract: Vehicle window panes for a convertible including a door window pane and a rear window pane which adjoin one another at a joint pane boundary line. When the door window pane is closed, the rear window pane may be in the open or closed end position and, when the door window pane is partially or completely lowered, the rear window pane is in an open position in every case.

Abstract: A rain sensor, in particular for a motor vehicle including a window-wiper device (windshield-wiper device), including a measuring element, which has a sensitivity that is predefinable by a control device, a signal, characterizing the speed of the motor vehicle, being able to be transmitted to the control device, and the control device increasing the sensitivity of the measuring element at lower speed. Furthermore, a method for controlling a windshield-wiper device, in particular for a motor vehicle. A measuring element is connected to a control device, its sensitivity being predefined by the control device. A signal characterizing a speed of the motor vehicle is transmitted to the control device and the sensitivity of the measuring element increased at lower speed.

Abstract: A power window driving device includes a reference-current generator, generating a reference current having a level which corresponds to the size of a motor current flowing into a drive motor for driving a power window, a first current generator, generating a first current having a level which corresponds to a variable mount value of the motor current, a second current generator, generating a second current equalized to the reference current by adding to the first current, a comparison signal generator, generating a comparison signal by converting the first current into voltage, a comparator, comparing the comparison signal with a reference voltage signal generated on the basis of the comparison signal, and a reverser, stopping or reversing the drive motor based on a result of the comparator which determine that a steep current increase is occurred in the motor current.

Abstract: Wiper system, in particular for a motor vehicle, having at least one wiper (12) supported in a fashion that allows it to swing between two end positions, that can be driven by a—particularly electronically—reversible electric motor (20) so that the swing angle (16) enclosed by the two end positions of the wiper (12) is determined by reversing positions (38, 40) of the electric motor, wherein at least one reversing position (38, 40) of the electric motor (20) can be controlled as a function of vehicle speed.

Abstract: A first current supplier supplies a first current to a first phase coil of a motor. A second current supplier supplies a second current to a second phase coil of the motor. A current selector selects a value of the first current and a value of the second current, so as to make constant at least one of a magnitude of a synthetic vector obtained by the selected value of the first current and the selected value of the second current at every microstep driving step of the motor, and an angular interval between synthetic vectors corresponding to adjacent microstep driving steps of the motor.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the commutation position in a DC machine using a single-bit rotor sensor and the back EMF signal from a stator winding by calculating a delay value, which is equal to the time elapsed between detection of the position signal and the back EMF signal, and establishing commutation after a period of time equal to the delay value has elapsed from when the position signal is detected.

Abstract: An electromotor can be selectively actuated for operation in both rotational directions. In the condition of the electromotor not energized with current, respectively one rotational direction of the electromotor is blocked and one rotational direction remains movable in a free-running manner. The circuit includes first and second diodes forward-connected from ground to first and second motor terminals, a respective change-over switch connecting each motor terminal selectively to power or ground, and a free-run blocking switch interposed preferably between one of the motor terminals and its associated change-over switch.

Abstract: A motor driving circuit includes a window opening switch, a window closing switch, an auto switch, a motor which opens and closes a window by driving rotating operation, a charging circuit which charges one capacitance element by a first CR time constant upon operating the window opening switch, and a discharging circuit which sharply charges another capacitance element upon operating the auto switch and which discharges a discharging voltage charged to the other capacitance element by a second CR time constant upon stopping operation of the auto switch. Driving operation of the motor stops when a voltage of the one capacitance element in the charging circuit is higher than a first reference voltage or a voltage of the other capacitance element in the discharging circuit is lower than a second reference voltage during driving the motor.

Abstract: A starting system and method for a gas turbine engine includes a controlled starter system and a controlled fuel system. The controlled starter motor is accelerated along an acceleration profile to a dwelling point. Concurrently with the starter motor spinning up the gas turbine engine rotor, the fuel system controller commands the pump motor to drive the fuel pump at a speed which fills the fuel line volumes and establishes adequate pressure for fuel atomization at light off. As the fuel pump motor and starter motor are independently controlled and coordinated the starter motor maintains the gas turbine engine at the predetermined dwelling point until ignition occurs. The starter motor also provides a controlled amount of assisting torque during acceleration of the gas turbine to minimize thermal transients which thereby increased the gas turbine engine operational life.

Abstract: A security gate operating system and method are disclosed, which may comprise a security gate capable of motion between a closed position and an open position; a drive mechanism attached to the security gate and adapted to provide a driving force to the security gate to move the security gate between the closed position and the open position; and electrical drive motor having a drive shaft connected directly to the drive mechanism without a reduction gear between the drive motor and the drive mechanism. The method and system may also comprise the drive motor being a reluctance motor including a switched reluctance motor, and including also a three phase switched reluctance motor. The method and system may also comprise a drive chain operatively connected to the security gate; and a drive sprocket attached directly to the shaft of the drive motor, with the drive sprocket in operative connection to the drive chain.

Abstract: An opening and closing control device of opening and closing member for a vehicle includes a motor for actuating the opening and closing member, and a control unit for driving the motor so as to become a predetermined target speed and for driving the motor in reverse direction as a detection of entrapped obstacles when the actual speed of the motor reaches to an entrapment judgment speed which is set lower than the target speed. The control unit sets a threshold speed which is higher than the target speed and outputs an output duty to the motor for achieving the target speed by feedback control. The control unit switches the output duty after the actual speed of the motor becomes higher than the threshold speed to an output by feedforward control based on the target speed.

Abstract: An automatic garage door closing system to be used in combination with a garage door opener. The automatic garage door closing system includes a control box, a power source and a door sensor switch. The control box includes a timer. The timer has a first predetermined time period which is set by a user and activates the garage door opener to close a garage door. The timer has a second predetermined time period which is fixed and which shuts down and resets the automatic garage door closing system. The power source is connected to the control box to activate and power the control box, including the timer of the control box. The door sensor switch senses opening of the garage door and activates the power source to activate the control box.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contact-disk system including a control unit, a rotatable contact disk and a plurality of contact elements, the contact disk having a plurality of paths and each contact element being associated with one path. The paths have electrically conductive segments and electrically insulating segments, logical states being encoded by the electrically conductive segments and the electrically insulating segments. The contact disk has n paths with n≧2, and N logic states are encoded by the n paths and by the sequence of the electrically conductive segments and the electrically insulating segments, with N>2n. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling a windshield-wiper motor and a windshield-wiper motor having a contact-disk system according to the present invention.

Abstract: An induction actuated container includes a container body, a container cover, a drive and an induction element. The drive includes a driven operating member and a driving member. The induction elements includes a sensor and an actuating controller for the driving member. One end of the driven operating member is transmissively connected with the container cover, the other end is transmissively connected with the driving member, and the sensor is electrically connected with the actuating controller for the driving member, and the actuating controller for the driving member is connected with a controlling end of the driving member. A signal caused by the approaching of a human or object is received by the sensor and is converted into an electrical signal. Then, the actuating controller for the driving member controls the driving member to perform a corresponding mechanical action.

Abstract: A method for determining the position of an element drivable by a motor within a travel segment between first and second positions. The method includes energizing a motor to drive the element along the travel segment. Current ripples contained in an armature current signal of the motor are counted as the motor drives the element. The position of the element along the travel segment is determined as a function of the counted current ripples. The motor is de-energized once the position of the element is within a certain distance of the first position if the element is to be driven into the first position. The motor is then re-energized to drive the element into the first position. The counted current ripples is set to a reset value after the element has been driven into the first position such that the reset value corresponds to the first position.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical actuator including a brushless DC motor for driving an output of the actuator; and a motor controller. The controller is configured to interrupt operation of the motor in response to at least one feedback signal representative of a motor parameter that varies with variation in a load on the output. The actuator output may be coupled to a window lift mechanism for moving a vehicle window between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A vehicle power window and power door lock system includes a vehicle pillar adapted for use between openable and closable vehicle doors and a single lock actuation assembly in the pillar adapted for engagement with a front door lock latch assembly on a front door and a rear door lock latch assembly on a rear door for locking and unlocking the doors. The vehicle power window and power door lock system further includes a single reversible electric motor in the pillar adapted for selective engagement with a front window on an adjacent front door and a rear window on an adjacent rear door for driving the windows up and down. A vehicle side door assembly includes a door lock latch assembly, a latch rod operatively connected to the latch assembly, a window, and a driven gear operatively connected to the window. The latch rod is operably connectable to a lock actuation assembly located in a body pillar adjacent to the door when the door is positioned against the body pillar.

Abstract: The invention is based on a wiper system (10) for motor vehicles, in which at least one wiper arm (36) with a wiper blade (38) of a windshield wiper (12, 14) is placed in a parked position (26) parallel to a lateral boundary (40, 46) of a vehicle window (16). It is provided that the wiper arm (36) with the wiper blade (38) in the parked position (26) is disposed between the vehicle window (16) and a cover trim (34, 48) extending at a spacing distance (56) from the window.

Abstract: Movement of a movable barrier (10) such as, for example, a vertically-dropping fire door, can be controlled in an informed manner and with greater flexibility regarding the manner of movement via, in one embodiment, use of a motor (20) as a generator to resist the downward movement of the barrier. One or more dummy electrical loads (22) can be used in combination with the generator mode of operation to influence the degree of braking proffered by the motor. In various embodiments, one or more sensors (25, 26, 27) can be used to detect local and remote conditions of interest to thereby at least partially inform the barrier movement decision process. A display (90) (or displays) can serve to provide various kinds of information to authorized personnel and an operator control (120) can serve, at least under some operating circumstances, to permit a person to locally cause a closed barrier to move to at least a partially opened position.

Abstract: An intermittent driving mechanism is disclosed that includes a driving member having a slot formed in a channel. A driven member of the intermittent driving mechanism is rotatably coupled to the driving member and includes a pin that engages the slot after the driving member, when rotated, causes the pin of the driven member to enter the channel of the driving member.

Abstract: A period adjustment circuit of disconnection and restart IC comprises a second capacitor, which is connected to a resistor and a transistor connected in parallel. One end of the resistor is connected between the disconnection and restart IC and the first capacitor. When lockup of a fan motor occurs, in addition that an IC current source charges the first capacitor, the second capacitor also charges the first capacitor via the resistor until the voltage of the first capacitor reaches a disconnection voltage. The IC then enters into the disconnection state, and the voltages of the two capacitors are equal so that the second capacitor no longer charges the first capacitor. Next, the IC current source simultaneously charges the first and second capacitors until the voltage of the first capacitor reaches a system reset voltage. The first capacitor is then discharged to a restart voltage by the IC.

Abstract: An anti-entrapment system for preventing an object from being entrapped by a translating device includes a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to the translating device. The sensor has first and second flexible conductors separated by a separation distance. The conductors have a capacitance dependent on the separation distance. The sensor has a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors. The capacitance of the conductors changes in response to the separation distance changing as a result of the dielectric element compressing in response to a first object touching the sensor. The capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with at least one conductors. A controller controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors to prevent the translating device from entrapping either of the first object or the second conductive object.