Abstract: A gimbal drive module comprising an elbow (24) formed of composite material and having two legs. On one leg, elbow (24) includes an azimuth drive module (26). On the other leg, elbow (24) includes an elevation drive module (30). Azimuth drive module (26) and elevation drive module (30) include motors which when energized enable displacement of the respective legs in order to control the azimuth and elevation of elbow (24) to enable pointing of a structure, such as an antenna (18), as may be located on a second elbow outboard end (20).

Abstract: A water drop detection sensor for detecting water drops W adhering to or present upon a windshield by detecting changes in an amount of reflection light and also for detecting the ambient brightness outside of a car or other vehicle, comprising: a windshield 2; a light emitting means 5 for introducing detection light into the windshield 2; and a light receiving means 6 for detecting reflected detection light. The reflected detection light is reflected by total internal reflection within the windshield 2, and the light emitting means 5 and said light receiving means 6 are provided on the windshield 2.

Abstract: An object detection system includes a sensor in communication with a controller to identify an object within a field of view. Pattern recognition algorithms are incorporated into the controller, and particular objects are predefined to minimize false detection and sift predefined objects such as vehicles from background clutter. Upon recognition of the object, an indicator in communication with the controller provides an alert to the operator who can then take corrective action. By defining another field of view the controller halts or reverses the movement of a power window to prevent trapping an object between the closing window and the window frame. Yet another field of view includes a vehicle entry point such as a vehicle door. Movement of the vehicle door will be identified by the controller and will provide an alert such as activation of the vehicle alarm system.

Abstract: An improved garbage container with automatic opening and closing functions, in particular an improvement directed to large-size garbage container, including an electric-controlled sensing device disposed at an upper end of a garbage container body, and a linking-up device provided at the feed slot of the garbage container. The linking-up device controls opening or closing of movable covers of the feed slot. An electronic eye of the electric-controlled sensing device detects whether a person is approaching the garbage container. When the person is within a predetermined distance, the movable covers will automatically open to allow dumping of garbage therein, without the user's touching the movable covers. After the user has left, the movable covers automatically close to prevent exposure of the garbage and breeding of insects such as mosquitoes and flies.

Abstract: A communication apparatus and method provides communication in a controller of an industrial machine which is not affected by disconnection of cables, external electrical noise, nor complicated lead-around cable work. Communication between a numerical control device, as a main control unit, and servo amplifiers, as drive control units servo motors of a machine tool, is performed by way of infrared communication. The communication may take the form of input/output voltage commands, i.e. PWM commands, and feedback signals. By way of the infrared communication, lead-around cable operation, disconnection, and external electrical noises are eliminated, while simplifying machine tool layout design.

Abstract: A motor driving system comprises a plurality of motor driving control units each for controlling a motor and a controller for issuing a control command to a motor driving control unit. The controller and each of the motor driving control units have communication interfaces for infrared communications capable of transreceiving the signals. A loop communication using infrared rays is executed between the controller and one of the motor driving control units and also among the motor driving control units.

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

Abstract: A moisture sensor for detecting moisture on the surface of a transparent material. The moisture sensor includes one or more emitters for producing moisture sensing signals which are influenced by moisture on the transparent material, and one or more detectors for receiving the moisture sensing signals and producing a detector output signal. The moisture sensor further includes a pre-demodulation gain and filtering circuit having high order filtering for removing most of the unwanted ambient light noise and EMI interference from the detector output signal for the accurate detection of moisture in the presence of noise.

Abstract: A water drop detection device for detecting an amount of water drops present upon a surface of a transparent substrate in which a light source with a driver circuit guides light into the substrate so as to cause the light to under go internal reflection within the substrate. The light source has a light emitting element and a receiving light sensing element for detecting the light output from the emitting element. The light outputted from the light emitting element is modulated by a predetermined frequency. A signal corresponding to the modulated component is separated from the output signal of the receiving light sensing element. The output light emission of the light emitting element is controlled as a desired value by feeding the separated signal back to the driver circuit of the light emitting element.

Abstract: A system for automatic regulation of daylight admitted by a window in the presence of artificial illumination produced by a high-efficiency (e.g., fluorescent-type) electric lamp. A preferred embodiment, adaptive window covering system 10, consists of an illuminance sensor 11, a conventional control apparatus 12, and a conventional shading means 13. System 10 is used in conjunction with a conventional, high-efficiency, electric lamp 14 and a conventional window 18, in a room 19.Sensor 11 produces a signal dependent on power contained in a portion of the daylight spectrum, but substantially insensitive to power contained in the spectrum of artificial illumination produced by lamp 14. In a preferred embodiment, sensor 11 includes a silicon photodiode and optical low-pass filter to provide a spectral response which extends from approximately 800 to 1200 nanometers, which falls outside the spectrum produced by typical fluorescent lamps (e.g, 300 to 750 nanometers).

Abstract: This invention relates to a windshield wiping system and method which utilizes a rain sensor having a housing defining a first mounting area for mounting directly onto a mirror mount which is adhered to a windshield. The rain sensor housing also defines a second mounting area that defines a generally trapezoidally-shaped mount for receiving a mirror bracket in order to support a mirror. The rain sensor housing is an integral one-piece construction that automatically registers at least one sensor in operative relationship with the windshield and in a predetermined position and orientation relative to the windshield when the rain sensor is mounted on the mirror bracket.

Abstract: A mini-blind actuator has a motor and a housing that holds the motor and a dc battery. The rotor of the motor is coupled to the baton of the mini-blind for rotating the baton and thereby opening or closing the slats of the mini-blind. Alternatively, the rotor is coupled to the tilt rod of the blind to rotate the tilt rod and thereby open or close the slats of the mini-blind. A control signal generator generates a control signal for completing the electrical circuit between the battery and the motor. The control signal can be generated in response to a predetermined amount of daylight or in response to a user-generated remote command signal. The actuator can be used to rotate the slats of horizontal or vertical blinds, or the sections of a pleated shade. Or, the actuator can be used to rotate the hollow rotatable tube of a roll-up shade.

Abstract: A wireless battery-operated window covering assembly is disclosed. The window covering has a head rail in which all the components are housed. These include a battery pack, an interface module including an IR receiver and a manual switch, a processor board including control circuitry, motor, drive gear, and a rotatably mounted reel on which lift cords wind and unwind a collapsible shade. The circuitry allows for dual-mode IR receiver operation and a multi-sensor polling scheme, both of which are configured to prolong battery life. Included among these sensors is a lift cord detector which gauges shade status to control the raising and lowering of the shade, and a rotation sensor which, in conjunction with internal registers and counters keeps track of travel limits and shade position.

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.

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.

Abstract: A control device for an optical sensor including an optical transmitter is used to prolong the service life of the optical transmitter, preferably a light-emitting diode, and to adjust the service life of the electronic components and, thus, prolong the service life of the optical sensor. This is achieved in that the transmitter power is able to be switched over between full power and reduced power as a function of a measuring value from the sensor.

Abstract: A power actuated door opener is disclosed with a beam break system for detecting obstructions in a door opening. A transmitter includes a beam emitter and emitter drive circuit for transmitting a train of emitter pulses to a receiver. The receiver includes a pulse detector circuit with a beam detector for producing detector pulses in response to emitter pulses impinging on the detector. The emitter drive circuit and the pulse detector circuit are synchronously coupled with each other and the pulse detector circuit produces a normal output signal only if the detector receives a pulse which is in synchronism with an emitter pulse. The receiver includes an annunciator which produces an audible and a visible warning signal when the pulse detector circuit produces a fault output signal. The audible annunicator is a piezoelectric crystal mounted in the receiver housing with a cover plate operating as a sounding board.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting moisture on the windscreen of a motor vehicle has an illumination source and a light sensor mounted within the motor vehicle. The light sensor detects light rays from the light source reflected off the windscreen via a diffusion surface within the motor vehicle. Based upon the sensed reflected light, an image processor in communication with the light sensor creates an image of a portion of the windscreen that the processor analyzes to determine the moisture condition of the windscreen.A method for controlling the operation of the windscreen wiper system monitors light reflected from a portion of a windscreen and creates an image of the moisture condition of the windscreen based on the reflected light. The image is analyzed to determine the configuration of light intensities in predetermined zones. From the light intensity configuration, the moisture condition of the windscreen is determined.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting moisture on an outside surface of a windshield is disclosed. The sensor includes an emitter circuit for emitting light energy, and a detector circuit for receiving light energy. A processor controls the emitter circuit and processes signals received from the detector circuit. A self test circuit is connected between the processor and the emitter circuit, the self test circuit is operably associated with the emitter circuit for generating a test signal for simulating the presence of moisture on the outside surface of the windshield.

Abstract: A object sensor system for a swing door includes swing-side and approach-side sensors. Each of the sensors includes light-emitters and light-receivers which are mounted on a swing door. The light-emitters emit light toward a floor, and the light-receivers receive the light as reflected from the floor. The light emitted and received provides an object sensing zone which has a rectangular shape on the floor having a width equal to or larger than the width of the door. The sensing zone includes a main sensing area closer to the door and an auxiliary sensing area extending along the main sensing area. The auxiliary sensing area is disabled when the door moves.

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.

Abstract: The present application discloses a system and associated method for lowering heat dissipation created by running a motor. The system comprises a voltage regulator, the motor, and a controller. The voltage regulator is connected to a supply voltage and has an output voltage with an associated output current dependent upon impedance of the system. The motor, which may be AC or DC, is driven by the output voltage and an output current at a current running speed. The controller controls the supply of the output voltage and associated output current to the motor toward varying the current running speed of the motor while minimizing the power dissipated throughout the system.

Abstract: A trash enclosure includes a bay with a moveable lid and a sensor attached to the inner periphery of the bay. The moveable lid attaches to the enclosure and moves between an open position and a closed position to cover the bay. Upon detection of an object within the bay, the sensor causes the lid to open. Accordingly, the inner periphery shields the sensor to inhibit detection of objects beyond the inner periphery.

Abstract: A remotely controlled blind arrangement comprises a head rail with an operating member for operation the blind arrangement. The blind arrangement can be controlled by means of a remote control device and is powered by a power supply such as for instance a battery. According to the invention the blind arrangement comprises a wake-up circuit for periodically switching the processor unit between an active status and a sleep status. The processor unit periodically calibrates the wake-up unit to maintain a constant period wake-up signal. Hereby the wake-up circuit can be made from relatively cheap components and drifts of the wake-up signal due to the decreasing battery power or temperature influences can be reduced. In an embodiment according to the present invention the processor unit is adapted to disregard the signal of the transmitter when the blind has a fully tilted, fully deployed or fully retracted position for further energy saving.

Abstract: A mini-blind actuator has a motor and a housing that holds the motor and a dc battery. The rotor of the motor is coupled to the baton of the mini-blind for rotating the baton and thereby opening or closing the slats of the mini-blind. Alternatively, the rotor is coupled to the tilt rod of the blind to rotate the tilt rod and thereby open or close the slats of the mini-blind. A control signal generator generates a control signal for completing the electrical circuit between the battery and the motor. The control signal can be generated in response to a predetermined amount of daylight or in response to a user-generated remote command signal. The actuator can be used to rotate the slats of horizontal or vertical blinds, or the sections of a pleated shade. Or, the actuator can be used to rotate the hollow rotatable tube of a roll-up shade.

Abstract: A brushless direct current (DC) electric motor includes a rotor and a stator. The rotor has at least one disc mounted to a central shaft. The disc has an outer portion consisting of permanent magnets. The magnets are mounted with their direction of magnetization transversing through the disc. The stator includes C-shaped electromagnets which straddle the disc and are mounted with their magnetic poles aligned in coupling proximity to the poles of the permanent magnets in the disc. Position circuitry senses a position of the permanent magnets with respect to the electromagnets and then provides a signal based on the position to the electromagnets to cause the rotor to rotate.

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.

Abstract: A mini-blind actuator has a motor and a housing that holds the motor and a dc battery. The rotor of the motor is coupled to the baton of the mini-blind for rotating the baton and thereby opening or closing the slats of the mini-blind. Alternatively, the rotor is coupled to the tilt rod of the blind to rotate the tilt rod and thereby open or close the slats of the mini-blind. A control signal generator generates a control signal for completing the electrical circuit between the battery and the motor in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated in the claim, but rather "one or more". The control signal can be generated in response to a predetermined amount of daylight or in response to a user-generated remote command signal. The actuator can be used to rotate the slats of horizontal or vertical blinds, or the sections of a pleated shade. Or, the actuator can be used to rotate the hollow rotatable tube of a roll-up shade.

Abstract: An automatic door system includes a door which id driven to open and close by a motor. A sensor senses an object which approaches or leaves the door. A control section controls the motor in accordance with a signal supplied from the sensor. The control section includes a CPU which examines the motor, the sensor and the control section for failure or malfunction, and also an EEPROM which stores the result of examination made by the CPU. The result of examination stored in the EEPROM is outputted to a Handy Terminal or a personal computer.

Abstract: A noncontacting power transfer apparatus, a noncontacting signal transfer apparatus, to be referred to below as a power coupler and a signal coupler, respectively, and a separate machine apparatus that uses these couplers are disclosed. The power coupler is composed of a primary side and a secondary side that are fixed to a static unit and rotatable unit of the machine apparatus, respectively, such that its output does not vary with arbitrary rotation by the rotatable unit. The signal coupler is composed of receiving side portion having a electric-to-light conversion device that converts an electric signal to an optical signal of rotational symmetry relative to the axis of rotation of the rotatable unit and a photoelectric conversion device that converts an optical signal to an electric signal. Accordingly, the rotatable unit can be supplied with power from the static unit even while rotating, and moreover, can communicate with the static unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for selective measurement of liquid and solid particles deposited on plate surfaces. The method is based on the transmission of radiation, which originates from total reflection from the interface between liquid droplets at the surface of the plate and surrounding gas, e.g., air. This radiation is transferred inside the plate as radiation undergoing total internal reflection between the surfaces of the plate. Such measuring radiation reaches a detector protected from background radiation, whereby intensity increase can be measured and used for the control, e.g., windshield wipers and washer equipment.

Abstract: A movable barrier or garage door operator has a barrier drive for moving the movable barrier or garage door between open and closed positions. Motion of the barrier is detected by a tachometer connected to the barrier drive or by upper and lower barrier travel limit switches. A test is made to determine if the barrier has been commanded to be in a closed state and to determine if a preselected time interval has elapsed following closure of the barrier. When both of those conditions are present and the door is moved upward without authorization an alarm signal is generated and can signal the barrier drive to apply a closing force. The timer prevents the barrier from being closed on a person or obstacle during normal operation and prevents injury. An obstacle detector also prevents unwanted closure on an obstacle.

Abstract: A frontmost vehicle and a plurality of following vehicles are driven together in a line as a group. A virtual cell is set for each vehicle, allowing a predetermined distance in front of and behind the vehicle, and a virtual cell front end position of the frontmost vehicle is indicated from outside. A value obtained by adding the length of the virtual cell to the virtual cell front end position is transmitted to the following vehicle as the virtual cell front end position of the following vehicle. A relative position in the virtual cell of each vehicle is detected, and by controlling this relative position to a preset target position, the inter-vehicle distance is reduced and the generation of dilatational waves between the vehicles is prevented.

Abstract: A receptacle comprising a body including an opening having a door hingedly mounted therein for movement between a normal and substantially vertical orientation and a substantially horizontal orientation, a drive assembly having a hub for taking up and letting out the cord for moving the door between the substantially vertical orientation and the substantially horizontal orientation, and an actuator device for actuating the drive assembly, the hub being spaced apart from said hinge proximate an optimum position for minimizing the amount of force necessary for the drive assembly to move the door.

Abstract: A system for automatic operation of venetian blinds and similar window coverings. A preferred embodiment, system 30, can be retrofitted to any conventional venetian blind without tools, removal of the blind, or installation of wiring (FIG. 10A). System 30 is attached to a blind 15 by a bracket 80, which engages a headrail 16 of blind 15, and is secured by a thumbscrew 84 (FIG. 4C). System 30 includes a gearmotor 85 which drives a coupling tube 91; coupling tube 91 is attached to a tilt-adjustment shaft 18 of blind 15 (FIG. 3A). The mechanical coupling between gearmotor 85 and coupling tube 91 includes a flexible coupling and an extensible coupling, which enable gearmotor 85 to rotate shaft 18 over a wide range of sizes and configurations of blind 15 (FIGS. 5A and 5B). System 30 also includes a photovoltaic source 31 mounted on a flexible member 99. Member 99 provides electrical connections to source 31, and supports it in an advantageous position to receive solar radiation (FIGS.

Abstract: A windshield wiper arrangement which includes a windshield having a wiping area and a sensor-active surface on its wiping area. A wiper sweeps over the wiping area during a wiper operation. A wiper control system includes: a drive motor for driving the wiper; and a sensor system including a sensor disposed in the wiping area such that the wiper passes over the sensor n times during each wiper operation, n being equal to at least one, the sensor system further being configured for generating a sensor signal in response to an element coming into contact with the sensor-active surface on the windshield. The wiper control system further includes a signal processing device for generating the motor signal in response to the sensor signal which includes a counter arrangement having a counter for counting sensor signals generated by the sensor system thereby resulting in a counter state of the counter, the counter state of the counter further being equal to a predetermined starting value before each wiper operation.

Abstract: A labyrinth formed between a pulley and a housing of a rotary machine such as an alternator is arranged to have a plurality of differently-shaped air gaps. When the size of a first air gap between a belt guide of the pulley is .delta.1, the size of a second air gap formed between a cylindrical base portion of the pulley and a bearing box of the housing is .delta.2, a third air gap formed between a front wall and a flange portion of the bearing box is .delta.3 and a fourth air gap formed between a boss portion and a bearing seal member is .delta.4, the air gap is arranged to satisfy the following inequality: .delta.1<.delta.2, .delta.2>.delta.3, .delta.3>.delta.4.

Abstract: A power drive control device of an automatic door, including a gear box having a shell; and a motor drive, the motor drive having a front cover integrally made with the shell of the gear box together, and a back cover covered on the front cover to hold a motor shaft, a stator coil around the motor shaft, a light chopper, and a photoelectric pick-up device, the front cover having a receiving chamber, two recessed holes and one screw hole formed in the receiving chamber and adapted for securing the photoelectric pick-up device in place, the light chopper being mounted around a bearing around the motor shaft to act with the photoelectric pick-up device, enabling the photoelectric pick-up device to monitor the operation of the motor shaft.

Abstract: A mini-blind actuator has a motor and a housing that holds the motor and a dc battery. The rotor of the motor is coupled to the baton of the mini-blind for rotating the baton and thereby opening or closing the slats of the mini-blind. Alternatively, the rotor is coupled to the tilt rod of the blind to rotate the tilt rod and thereby open or close the slats of the mini-blind. A control signal generator generates a control signal for completing the electrical circuit between the battery and the motor. The control signal can be generated in response to a predetermined amount of daylight or in response to a user-generated remote command signal. The actuator can be used to rotate the slats of horizontal or vertical blinds, or the sections of a pleated shade. Or, the actuator can be used to rotate the hollow rotatable tube of a roll-up shade.

Abstract: Harsh full voltage conductive switching action is removed from a commutator-type rotary switch integral with a motor assembly and is placed in relay contacts external to the motor assembly by controlling reduced current through the rotary switch to the relay to maintain the relay energized after a control voltage is removed from the relay, and initiating a fixed time one-shot pulse generator in response to the rotary switch opening the reduced current to de-energize the relay and switch the load into a dynamic braking circuit at a particularly timed moment.

Abstract: A system for the automatic regulation of daylight admitted into a room, specifically intended for daylighting applications. A preferred embodiment, system 10, consisting of a conventional control unit 11, a conventional exterior brightness sensor 12, and a conventional electronically controlled window covering 13, operates to block direct solar radiation while admitting substantial diffuse illumination. Control unit 11, brightness sensor 12, and window covering 13 are interconnected in a known manner to enable control unit 11 to register the brightness of the external illumination, and to actuate window covering 13. Control unit 11 consists of a conventional microcontroller 14, a conventional real-time clock/calendar 15, and a conventional Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) 16. Microcontroller 14, clock/calendar 15, and NVM 16 are interconnected in a known manner to enable microcontroller 14 to register the output of clock/calendar 15, and to exchange data with NVM 16.

Abstract: A garage door operator has an electric motor controlled by a control unit. A transmission is connected to the motor to be driven thereby to open and close a garage door. An infrared obstacle detector is connected to the control unit and includes a unitary infrared pulse emitter and an infrared detector. A missing pulse detector is coupled to the infrared detector to generate a door opening signal if the door is closing when the pulses are absent due to the infrared being interrupted by an obstacle or not having been generated. The control unit receives the door opening signal and causes the electric motor to open the garage door.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved method and system for controlling a self-propelled floor cleaning vehicle characterized by the fact that the vehicle has excellent cleaning performance. This method is applied to a floor cleaning vehicle that follows a guidance line located on the floor. It detects the level of dirt or scratching present on the floor and it controls the running speed of the floor cleaning vehicle corresponding to the amount of the dirt or scratching detected. It is thus able to modify the cleaning and polishing/buffing operation in response to the amount of dirt or scratching on the floor.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an object adjacent an elevator door includes a housing (47) mounted at an upper edge of a car door opening (38) and in which are mounted a plurality of short range detector pairs (50) and a plurality of long range detector pairs (53). Each short range detector pair includes a transmitter (14,25,40) for generating a relatively short range infrared beam (18,27,42) toward a path of travel (16) of an elevator door (17) across the door opening and a short range receiver (15,26,41) for detecting a reflection (31) of the beam from a facing surface (17b) of the door and generating a short range beam detection signal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a photosensitive automatic controller for use with window coverings in particular for use with venetian blinds. The controller includes a reversible motor, a drive circuit, a photosensitive sensor, a user input, a control signal processor, a command circuit and a feedback sensor. The reversible motor is operably connected to the opening and closing device and it has a predetermined range from open to closed which corresponds to the window covering being fully opened and fully closed. The drive circuit is operably connected to the motor for generating a drive signal which drives the motor in a predetermined range from opened to closed. The photosensitive sensor generates a sensor signal. The user input generates an input signal. The control signal processor is operably connected to the photosensitive sensor and the user input and the sensor signal is combined with the input signal to produce a control signal.

Abstract: A ceiling fan and light assembly control method and circuit that uses a single-throw switch or clapping of hands to control the fan speed or light intensity of a ceiling fan and light assembly. The control circuit obtains a 60 Hz square wave with a cycle of 16.67 ms from alternating current city power supply so that when the single-throw switch is switched off and then switched on immediately, a triggering signal is produced to drive a microprocessor, causing it to regulate the fan speed or light intensity of the ceiling fan and light assembly. Alternatively, when two or three continuous claps are received by a microphone, the microprocessor will be triggered to regulate the fan speed or light intensity of the ceiling fan and light assembly.

Abstract: A self-starting, brushless direct current motor including a rotor assembly, a stator assembly, the stator assembly including a circular ring member and a plurality of electromagnets positioned circumferentially around the circular ring member, and a triggering mechanism for energizing and deenergizing each of the electromagnets in a predetermined sequence to produce a rotary motion of the rotor assembly.

Abstract: Circuit arrangement for supplying power to a fan and/or battery from solar energy generator in a motor vehicle. A DC voltage converter using impedance matching between the solar energy generator and the fan or the battery includes a switch that is alternately opened and closed by a pulse-width-modulated operating signal, and is part of the circuit arrangement. To generate the operating signal, a microprocessor, a frequency generator and a pulse width modulator, which is acted on by the output signal of the frequency generator and a control signal of the microprocessor, are provided. These components also are used as components of an actuating device to displace a movable part of a sun roof, a changeover signal switching between use for charging a battery and/or powering a fan and use operating the sun roof. Thus, the circuit arrangement is able to fulfill multiple functions.

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.

Abstract: A rain detector in which the level of a sensor signal (15) which is emitted by a sensor (14) or the level of a sensor signal (17) which is processed by a signal processing unit (16) is set at a predetermined resting level (44) by a control unit (19, 30). This use of a predetermined reference level makes possible an automatic calibration of the rain detector which takes into consideration all tolerances for electrical and optical components, their age-related drift, and tolerances during the installation of the rain detector.