Abstract: A awning control circuit and assembly including an ambient thermistor and a heated thermistor for sensing wind speed. A microprocessor determines the present wind speed by referencing values of the thermistors to a stored lookup table. When the wind speed meets or exceeds a threshold value, the microprocessor causes one or more awnings to retract.

Abstract: An edge detector 15 of an ASIC 3 detects a pass timing signal indicating a timing in which slits of a slit plate pass light emitting and receiving elements of a photo interrupter, and the rotation direction of a transfer roller based on phase-A and phase-B signals from an encoder 56. A position counter 16 counts the pass timing signal in accordance with the rotation direction of the transfer roller. When a count comparator 17 detects the agreement of the count value of the position counter 16 with the set value of a stop position setting register 12, a stop position processor 22 counts a delay time, and outputs a stop command signal of an LF motor to a PWM generator 8 in the timing of agreement with the set value of a time setting register 11.

Abstract: A powered panel control apparatus and method is used with an electric motor having a rotatable armature. The control detects and generates time periods between the rotation of the armature over a predetermined constant amount of angular rotation. An average time period is computed over a predetermined number of time periods and compared with a threshold time period to determine if an obstacle is present in the path of movement of the panel. Transient counts are accumulated for increasing average time periods over a number of time period samples to detect an obstacle. Endzone ramp compensation adjusts a threshold for the initial entry of the panel into a seal.

Abstract: A system for driving an electric actuator unit with a polarity-dependent actuation direction contains a driving unit with a voltage input, at least one polarity control input and two voltage outputs whose polarity depends on the polarity control signal at the polarity control input, and a control input. The actuator unit is operated in at least one of the drive directions only if a corresponding polarity control signal is present and the control input is additionally supplied with a predefined control signal.

Abstract: A barrier movement operator is having a position sensor in a telescoping barrier control arm is described. A controller, remote from the arm, senses the barrier position to identify limits of barrier travel and to control rate of travel of the barrier between limits. The operator includes both optical and edge sensor obstruction detectors and is responsive to wireless communication for receiving user initiated command signals.

Abstract: An asymmetrical drive motor and apparatus with the asymmetric drive motor driving a barrier. The asymmetric drive motor drives the barrier at different drive powers according to direction, time of travel, safety requirements or speed. The drive power is controlled by electrically changing the capacitance value for a permanent split capacitor motor.

Abstract: An asymmetrical drive motor and apparatus with the asymmetric drive motor driving a barrier. The asymmetric drive motor drives the barrier at different drive powers according to direction, time of travel, safety requirements or speed. The drive power is controlled by electrically changing the capacitance value for a permanent split capacitor motor.

Abstract: An articulated robot is controlled by dynamically modifying a combination of a hardware dependent middleware layer and a hardware independent application layer. A memory device for storing a plurality of sets of robot hardware dependent software programs and a memory device for storing a plurality of sets of robot hardware independent software programs are prepared. During execution of software programs, a software program compatible with a robot hardware configuration is introduced from the former memory device, and this software program is dynamically combined with the set of hardware independent software programs. The robot is thus appropriately controlled, meeting the needs of users.

Abstract: A power closure system (40) for a vehicle panel (22, 24) includes position initialization techniques that ensure accurate position initialization. According to this invention, any slack in a coupling (62) between the vehicle panel and a motor (42) for moving the vehicle panel is removed prior to obtaining an initialization position reading when the panel (22, 24) is in a closed position. The inventive arrangement also includes determining a desired torque at which to operate the motor (42) during a position initialization procedure.

Abstract: A windowlift control system 10 is provided for controlling movement of a window of a vehicle. The system 10 includes a DC bush motor 12 constructed and arranged to cause movement of the window up and down, and electronics 14 integral with the motor for controlling the motor to selectively move the window up and down. The electronics includes analog obstruction signal inputs 18, 20 for receiving analog obstruction signals from an obstruction sensor 16, associated with the window, that directly senses an obstruction in a travel path of the window. The electronics includes digital obstruction signal inputs 22, 24 for receiving digital obstruction signals from an obstruction sensor 16′, associated with the window, that directly senses an obstruction in a travel path of the window. The electronics also includes switch decoding inputs 23, 25, 27 for signaling a manual or one-touch up mode of operation of the motor to move the window in an upward direction.

Abstract: A non-contact obstacle detection system utilizing ultra sensitive capacitive techniques. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a sensing element disposed in proximity to a moveable panel and a proximity detection circuit in communication with the sensing element. The proximity detection circuit generates a differential output signal reflective of whether a foreign object is in proximity to the sensing element. In addition, a central control module is in communication with the sensing element. The central control module determines whether the differential output signal is reflective of a foreign object in proximity to the sensing element. If the central control module determines that the differential output signal is reflective of a foreign object in proximity to the sensing element, and the moveable panel is moving toward a closed position, then the central control module generates a control output signal to stop the moveable panel from moving toward the closed position.

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 control system for controlling the operation of an electric motor driven door or gate operator unit having a speed reducing gear drive mechanism and a brake unit for positive braking of the motor output shaft. A programmable microcontroller is operably connected to a motor drive circuit with interlock relays to energize the drive motor for rotation in opposite directions. The motor drive circuit is interconnected with a motor watchdog circuit to effect motor shutdown if the microcontroller malfunctions and a brake release circuit to prevent motor operation unless the brake is energized. The microcontroller is operable to store door mid-stop time delay values, braking rates, a door position limit overrun signal, a door cycle count, door reversals upon receiving an obstruction detector signal and error codes associated with door operator and control system malfunctions. The brake may be controlled on a variable duty cycle to provide smooth braking action in both directions of movement of the door.

Abstract: A power closure system (40) for a vehicle panel (22, 24) includes position initialization techniques that ensure accurate position initialization. According to this invention, any slack in a coupling (62) between the vehicle panel and a motor (42) for moving the vehicle panel is removed prior to obtaining an initialization position reading when the panel (22, 24) is in a closed position. The inventive arrangement also includes determining a desired torque at which to operate the motor (42) during a position initialization procedure.

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 manual inputting device which includes a sun gear, three planet gears, a motor having an output shaft thereof fixed to the sun gear, a ring gear casing integrally forming a ring gear on an inner peripheral surface thereof, a carrier rotated along with revolution of the planet gears, a carrier shaft mounted on the carrier, a restricting member facing the carrier in an opposed manner while sandwiching the planet gears therebetween, a knob fixed to the carrier shaft, a code plate integrally formed with the sun gear, a light emitting section, a light receiving section, a connector for outputting detection signals generated from the light receiving section, a board connecting these components thereto, a body casing, a bracket served for fixing the motor to the body casing, and a control unit for controlling the motor in response to detection signals from the light receiving section.

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 movable barrier operator (11) receives movement sensing signals from a sensor (13) and calculates corresponding speed of movement of a movable barrier. Such speed measurements lead to development of a median speed value over a monitoring window. The median speed value is used in a subsequent monitoring window to facilitate determining when speed of movement for the movable barrier has slowed in a way that likely corresponds to the movable barrier having encountered an obstacle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a numerical controlling unit that includes: a instructing part that provides a command acceleration for a servomotor, a parameter storing part that stores a threshold parameter about a load of the servomotor, and a load measuring part that measures the load of the servomotor. The load measured by the load measuring part and the threshold parameter are compared by a load comparing part, and an acceleration adjusting part changes the command acceleration for the servomotor based on a result compared by the load comparing part. A controlling part controls the servomotor based on the changed command acceleration. According to the invention, the command acceleration for the servomotor is suitably changed based on the result of comparing the load measured by the load measuring part and the threshold parameter. Thus, it can be prevented that the servomotor is subjected to an overload while using the maximum performance in feeding a work piece.

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 sensing edge for controlling movement of a door by actuation of a device upon an external force being applied to the sensing edge includes an elongated generally flexible tubular sheath secured to the leading edge of the door. The sheath has a longitudinal axis generally parallel to a leading edge of the door and includes an elongated hollow cavity extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, a first open end and a second open end. The sensor system includes a transmitter near the first end of the sheath for transmitting a signal through the cavity toward the second end of the sheath. The sensor system also includes a receiver near the second end of the sheath in alignment with the transmitter for detecting a signal at the second end and for generating an output signal upon detection of an absence of the signal when the passage of the signal through the cavity is blocked.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an input parameter of an adjustable bolster (12) on a seat (10) of a vehicle (22). The preferred method includes (a) establishing a relationship between the input parameter and a feedback force on the adjustable bolster (12) and (b) adjusting the input parameter based on the relationship.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat movable along a path a motor for driving the seat on the path, a sensor generating a signal indicating movement of the seat on the path, and a controller operating the motor to move said seat along the path. The sensor is preferably a Hall-effect device or a potentiometer. The controller is in communication with the sensor to receive the signal and form a feed-back control loop. The controller accelerates the seat at a controlled rate of acceleration to a controlled constant speed and decelerates the seat from the constant speed at a controlled rate of deceleration. The controller controls the rate of acceleration of the seat at a stored predetermined rate of acceleration by adjusting operation of the motor to maintain the predetermined rate of acceleration.

Abstract: A control system for a door or gate which is movable between an open position and a closed position by an automated operator, comprising a door travel organizer which divides the door travel into a plurality of segments and each segment into a plurality of sectors; a sensor to sense at each sector, the resistance of the door or gate against opening and closing whilst moving between the open position and the closed position over a predetermined number of open close cycles, and to generate at least one signal representative of that resistance in each segment over the open close cycle, a recorder connected to the sensor to receive each representative signal and to store such a signal; a comparator to compare each signal with a resistance trip point set for each segment and generate a resistance profile for the door or gate over an open close cycle of the door or gate; a calculator to calculate the resistance trip point for the door or gate for each segment based upon the highest resistance encountered in any sec

Abstract: A method of operation for a motor-driven worm gear actuator coupled to a load device energizes the motor in a series of pulses during an initial period of motor operation when reversal of the motor is commanded. The pulsed energization produces a slow initial axial movement of the motor armature without moving the load device, minimizing the contact force between the armature shaft and a mechanical end stop of the motor. Rotation of the motor is determined by identifying and counting motor current pulses due to commutation, and the pulse count is adjusted at each reversal of motor rotation to compensate for motor current pulses due to the pulsed energization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving a gate a distance in a predetermined period of time. In one embodiment the current load for an electric motor to move a gate is first measured to determine whether the gate's motion is being hindered or helped. A microprocessor then controls voltage supplied to the motor to enhance or retard the evolved power of the motor according to the load and the predetermined time.

Abstract: The process contains the following steps:

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: 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: The method of electronically monitoring and controlling a process for moving and/or positioning at least one window and/or sunroof of a motor vehicle to provide protection from pinching includes supplying an input variable, for example drive voltage, and an output variable, for example window position, to a detection device; storing a model in the form of a differential equation describing the process for moving and/or positioning the window and/or sunroof in terms of process parameters in the detection device; optimizing the process parameters of the model according to the input and output variables and storing values of the optimized process parameters in the detection device for the purpose of monitoring; continually evaluating current values of the process parameters obtained by the optimizing by comparing the current values with the stored values; calculating a process correcting quantity in the detection device for adjusting the window and/or sunroof according to the comparing and influencing the proces

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: An antipinch circuit prevents the motor driven closure of an automotive window if a soft obstacle is compressed between the window and the top of the door frame, and the window is opened in response to the sensing of the obstacle. The circuit measures the motor torque (by measuring motor current) and the motor shaft speed (by measuring motor back EMF). The torque and motor speed are compared to “signatures” of these values in the case of the window closing normally against the top of the door frame, or against an obstacle, and either stopping or reversing the motor rotation accordingly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for adjusting a motor vehicle part between at least two positions and a drive device for executing this process. The motor vehicle part is driven by an electric motor, and a pulse signal is generated according to the rotary motion of the electric motor which is supplied to a control unit for controlling the electric motor, in which at certain instants the value for the current force acting on the motor vehicle part is determined from the pulse signal. This value of the force is used as the criteria in the decision whether the electric motor is to be turned off or reversed [or not]. Before connection of the electric motor to the motor vehicle part measurements are taken on the electric motor for determining the individual motor characteristics, the measured values determined in this way are used in the determination of the value of the action of force.

Abstract: A seat adjusting system having a motor assembly with an integrated sensor and control electronics assembly for adjusting a vehicle seat. The integrated electronics assembly performs electronic memory seat module functions. The integrated electronics assembly includes a multiplex link for communicating data between the integrated sensor and control electronics assembly and an external switch. The integrated electronics assembly further includes motor control relays positioned between the motors of the motor assembly for controlling the motors to adjust the seat. The integrated electronics assembly also includes seat position sensors for monitoring the position of the seat. In contrast to typical seat adjusting systems having an external electronic memory seat module, the seat adjusting system needs only a minimal set of wires connecting the seat adjusting system to an external switch as the integrated electronics assembly performs electronic memory seat module functions.

Abstract: A control unit stores a count value, which is used to detect an operational position of a roof glass, in a RAM. The control unit determines whether the count value is properly stored in the RAM when a voltage of a power supply falls below a predetermined voltage and thereafter returns to the predetermined voltage. Even in a case where the control unit determines that the count value is properly stored in the RAM, the control unit determines there is a possibility of having a deviation between an actual operational position of the roof glass and the count value. Thereafter, the control unit resets a reference point of the roof glass.

Abstract: A door speed is detected at every predetermined detecting time, and a door position is calculated at a timing detected the door speed. A target speed according to the door position is obtained by a map. A microcomputer calculates a speed difference &Dgr;VD between the target speed and the actual or present speed, and an acceleration/deceleration value &Dgr;VC such as the speed difference between the door speed at the last detecting time and the present detecting time. A duty increasing value and the decreasing value of a PWM duty command value for adjusting a torque of the motor are set based on the speed difference &Dgr;VD and the acceleration/deceleration value &Dgr;VC, the motor is driven by the PWM duty command value based on the duty increasing value and the decreasing value.

Abstract: An automated garage door closing device for a remote controlled overhead garage door wherein the device is mounted on one of a pair of parallel tracks receiving rollers suitably mounted on the outer edges of the door panels, the device including a switch housing containing a switch for the leading edge of the door, and a circuit located in a second housing adjacent the garage floor and including an interval timer acting to close the door after a predetermined period of time, an audible alarm which is activated upon the garage door reaching the fully open position, a switch deactivating the entire unit when the garage door is deliberately to be left in the fully open position, and a flexible switch arm extending through the switch housing to a position to engage the upper edge of the garage door panel and acts to activate the automated closing device.

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

Abstract: A method for determining the position of a movable element to be driven by a direct current motor between first and second positions includes counting ripples contained in a motor current signal as the motor rotates to drive the element. The position of the element is determined based on the counted ripples. The motor actuates, until the current signal is void of ripples, to move the element into the first position when the element is to be moved out of the first position towards the second position. The counted ripples is reset to a reset value after the motor has been actuated to move the element into the first position such that the reset value corresponds to the position of the element being in the first position. The motor actuates to move the element towards the second position after the counted ripples has been reset.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulating an electric-motor-driven adjusting device, in particular for vehicles, having a safety circuit (5) for reversing or stopping a drive motor, and to an apparatus for performing this method. To enable fast, safe detection in the event of something becoming caught or pinched, it is provided that an actual value is regulated via a closed-loop control circuit to a set-point value, the actual value or set-point value is a signal having a frequency proportional to the rpm or load on the drive motor, and the phase difference detected with a comparison member of the control circuit is utilized to activate the safety circuit.

Abstract: A power window apparatus and a method for controlling the same is provided in which the whole travel region of a window is divided into a plurality of blocks, a reference value of a motor torque value, a tolerance value for tolerating a fluctuation in the motor torque value, and a determination value obtained by adding the reference value and the tolerance value for determining pinching are set and stored for each block and, when the torque value detected is larger than the reference value, a correction value in proportion to the difference is added to the determination value so as to perform the next determination.

Abstract: An articulated robot is controlled by dynamically modifying a combination of a hardware dependent middleware layer and a hardware independent application layer. A memory device for storing a plurality of sets of robot hardware dependent software programs and a memory device for storing a plurality of sets of robot hardware independent software programs are prepared. During execution of software programs, a software program compatible with a robot hardware configuration is introduced from the former memory device, and this software program is dynamically combined with the set of hardware independent software programs. The robot is thus appropriately controlled, meeting the needs of users.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock including a diode for operating an electric motor drive in one direction of drive rotation. To minimize the electric motor turning back against the direction of drive rotation in the off state, the diode is connected in parallel to the electric motor drive which provides essentially for short circuiting of the electric motor drive when it turns back. In this way, rebound of the electric motor drive is prevented or reduced.

Abstract: A control device for an appliance which can assume a level selected from a range of levels includes a keypad representative of the range of levels to enable a user to select a level, an “off” key for switching off the appliance, and a processor unit connected to the keypad and to the “off” key. If the appliance is off and the keypad is operated to select a target level, the processor unit causes the appliance to assume the selected target level. If the appliance is off and the “off” key is operated, the processor unit leaves the appliance off. If the appliance is on and the keypad is operated to select a target level, the processor unit causes the appliance to assume the selected target level if that level is different from its current level. If the appliance is on and the “off” key is operated, the processor unit switches off the appliance.

Abstract: A method for limiting the closing force of movable components (16), in particular windows and sliding roofs in vehicles is provided. The windows and roofs are powered by an electric motor driven servo drive.

Abstract: A method of bridging partial tightnesses of moveable members received in guides and driven by electric drive motors provides an automatic monitoring function. Within a tightness region, a releasing force is varied in one or several steps. An automatic bridging function is utilized, which corresponds to the rotary speed course, and an automatically operating control operates so that the releasing force is increased only in a limited region of the identified bridging location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for driving door installations as a function of the presence of person wherein the region of the door installation is continuously observed by at least one videocamera. According to the invention through the videocamera and/or suitable sensors, object motions within the space to be monitored are acquired with an analysis being carried out in conjunction with the video image of whether or not the moving object is a person. If this is the case, its location and/or direction of movement is determined and the door installation is driven as a function thereof. The videocamera is preferably disposed approximately diametrically opposite the door installation with its angle of view being directed as steeply as possible onto the region to be monitored. The videocamera is connected to an electronic image processing device.

Abstract: A powered movable chair controllable by a user. The chair includes a frame, a powered apparatus mounted to the frame to power the movable chair, and a controller including a control circuit coupled to the powered apparatus. The control circuit includes at least two switches for selectively controlling a change of the status of the powered apparatus between a locked state and an unlocked state. The control circuit is operable to generate an output signal allowing control of the powered apparatus in the unlocked state and preventing control of the powered apparatus in the locked state. The control circuit is further operable to change from the unlocked state to the locked state when a user operates only a first switch of the at least two switches, and to change from the locked state to the unlocked state when a user operates two switches of the at least two switches.

Abstract: A lift type tailgate on a passenger van type vehicle body is operated by an electric motor powered actuator with an electronic control circuit utilizing a microprocessor operating under program control to respond to user-initiated opening and closing signals to move the tailgate in the selected direction. In the control circuit, feedback information to the microprocessor indicative of tailgate position is provided by a potentiometer coupled with the actuator motor and the microprocessor is programmed to operate with this information to stop the tailgate at a wide open position, a partially closed position and a fully closed position. Obstruction detection is performed by the microprocessor using an obstruction detection circuit and additionally by monitoring the position signal input from the potentiometer to stop the tailgate on encountering an obstacle.