Abstract: A control apparatus for a closure device includes pinch detector for detecting a foreign body being pinched by an opening/closing member when the variation degree of a movement of the opening/closing member reaches a predetermined threshold value. When this control apparatus for a closure device determines that a vehicle is running, the threshold value is set at a second threshold value, which is reduced in a detection sensitivity of pinch as compared with a first threshold value set when the vehicle is stationary. When the apparatus detects that a load not smaller than a predetermined value is applied by disturbance to the opening/closing member in a closing direction, the threshold value is set at a third threshold value, which is reduced in the detection sensitivity of pinch as compared with the second threshold value.

Abstract: A first area (16) for detecting an object is formed by a radio wave or an ultrasonic wave, and a second area (18) for detecting an object by means of light is formed near the first area (16). When an object is detected in the first area (16) approaching the second area (18), the second area (18) is enabled. When an object is detected in the first area (16) moving in the direction away from the second area (18), the second area (18) is disabled.

Abstract: A motorized barrier operator system is disclosed that is adaptable to different safety configurations. The system is provided with a default configuration that may be changed upon detection of an optional safety configuration by the operator system. The changeover may be accomplished by actuation of a program button upon system power-up or in conjunction with program button actuation and the presence or absence of a jumper associated with a controller of the operator system.

Abstract: A motorized barrier operator that moves a barrier between limit positions, includes a motor for moving the barrier between set limit positions. When the barrier is in a stopped, partially open position the operator implements at least a hybrid control sequence that employs either a four-phase logic or an open-only logic depending upon the status of a mode indicator. In the preferred embodiment the mode indicator is a time light that is activated upon receipt of a user command.

Abstract: An opening and closing member control apparatus includes: an open-command receiving portion for receiving a first open command of a first open and close command inputting member and a second open command of a second open and close command inputting member, which performs a second open command input and a second close command input by a unique operation thereof, a close-command receiving portion for receiving a first close command of the first open and close command inputting member and a second close command of the second open and close command inputting member, and a controlling portion for performing an opening operation and a closing operation of an opening and closing member based on a condition of the opening and closing member, in response to the unique operation of the second open and close command inputting member.

Abstract: A radiation transmitting or sensing element is placed in a generally elongated holder of resilient material so that, if it is distorted by an accidental impact or otherwise, it will automatically re-orient itself when the intruding force is released. The invention is especially useful in safety accessories for automatic overhead doors, garages, and the like.

Abstract: A sensor system for protecting a door of a vehicle from damage includes an electronic sensor operable to detect when an object external to the vehicle is within close proximity to the door of the vehicle. The sensor system provides a signal indicative of the proximity of the external object. The sensor system also includes a blocking hinge mechanism coupled with the signal. The hinge mechanism blocks the opening of the door beyond a distance wherein the vehicle door would strike the object.

Abstract: A motorized barrier operator system that moves a barrier between limit positions includes a barrier, a motor coupled to the barrier and adapted to move the barrier between a full open limit position, a danger zone position, and a full close position. The system further includes a position sensor coupled to one of the barrier and the motor to detect the positions, and a force sensor coupled to one of the barrier and the motor to detect an actual force value during movement of the barrier. A controller is connected to the sensors which determines a first threshold response value between the full open limit position and the danger zone position, and a second threshold response value between the danger zone position and the full close limit position. The second threshold response value is less than the first threshold response value, and the controller commands the motor to at least stop movement of the barrier if the actual force value is greater than either of the threshold response values.

Abstract: A power closure system with anti-pinch having a closure, a motor operatively connected to the closure, a sensor operatively producing signals indicative of motor speed, an anti-pinch activator coupled to the sensor and the motor, the anti-pinch activator including a predetermined trigger value; a measured value; a stored value; a comparator for comparing the measured value with the stored value and initiating a pinch response when the difference between the measured value and the stored value is greater than the trigger value; and a predetermined modifying calculation for changing the stored value when the measured value indicates a motor speed less than the motor speed indicated by the stored value.

Abstract: There is provided a control device for driving a movable member such as a power window of a vehicle under control, in which the action of the movable member (including the manual operation) at an action velocity corresponding to the intention of the user is achieved by operating only a operating knob for issuing a command relating to the action of the movable member. The control device includes a detecting unit which can generate an output value varying in accordance with the action of the operating knob, and a control unit for determining the operating velocity of the operating knob based on the output value, deciding the action velocity according to the determined operating velocity, and driving the motor under control so that the movable member moves at the decided action velocity.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for adaptively tracking the position of an entry portal, such as an automatic garage door. In accordance with the present invention a transmitter assembly senses and transmits the sensed position of the door position in a periodic manner at a predetermined transmit interval. A receiver assembly including a receiver module receives the transmitted door position signals and synchronizes the activation of the receiver module with the transmit interval such that the receiver receives the door position signals transmitted at the predetermined transmit interval. A receiver output indicator is then updated in accordance with the entry portal position determined by the received door position signal.

Abstract: A door system includes an antenna-based proximity sensor with a releasable electrical connector that enables the sensor to function with a breakaway feature of the door. The sensor includes a signal generator and a door-mounted antenna for sensing a body or an obstruction near the door. The signal generator (or oscillator) can be installed at various locations between a power source and the antenna. In some cases, the wiring between the antenna and the power source includes a rotatable feature to accommodate the rotation of a drum that carries a wrap-up, pliable door panel. The rotatable feature may be a rotatable electrical connector, or it may be a wire having sufficient length and flexibility to twist about itself within the hollow interior of the drum.

Abstract: An entrapment detection device of an opening-closing member which opens and closes an opening portion of a vehicle body includes a driving power source for moving the opening-closing member, a motivity transmission member provided between the opening-closing member and the driving power source, a deformation member configured to be deformed via the motivity transmission member in accordance with the load applied to the opening-closing member during an opening-closing operation of the opening-closing member, a strain gauge assembled to the deformation member and configured to convert a strain according to the deformation of the deformation member to an electric signal and a control mechanism for detecting an entrapment of an external object based on the electric signal from the strain gauge.

Abstract: A barrier movement operator moves a barrier between open and closed positions. The operator receives a first request to move the barrier. The actual force required to move the barrier is measured. An obstruction to barrier movement is determined by comparing the measured actual force to a first predetermined force threshold. Responsive to the detection of an obstruction, the direction of travel of the barrier is reversed. The operation of the barrier movement operator is modified, by permitting the use of a higher force threshold in future measurements. A second request to move the barrier is received. The actual force required to move the barrier is measured a second time. An obstruction to barrier movement is detected by comparing the measured actual force with the new, higher force threshold.

Abstract: A control apparatus rotates a drive motor reversely to reverse the moving direction of a roof glass when movement of the roof glass is obstructed by a foreign matter caught between the roof glass and a frame while the roof glass is moving toward the closing position, sets a home position of the roof glass by setting the count number to a predetermined value with the roof glass placed in a predetermined position. The control apparatus performs setting of the home position again when a reverse action of the roof glass has been carried out, because of catching of the foreign matter in the roof glass, a number of times equal to or greater than a specified number. An abnormality detecting device detects an abnormality in which the reverse action of the roof glass is not carried out within a specified time period. When the abnormality is detected, the control apparatus avoids setting the home position again.

Abstract: A barrier mount system is disclosed which opens and closes a barrier such as a gate or garage door in response to user generated commands. Obstruction detection apparatus is provided for safety of operator. When an obstruction is sensed, the barrier movement system is inhibited from responding to user generated commands until a predetermined event occurs. The event may be passage of a predetermined amount of time or barrier movement of a particular amount.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring and controlling reversing actions in electrically actuatable units, wherein an actuating drive unit can exert an actuating force in order to move an electrically actuatable unit, and a safety circuit automatically switches off the actuating drive unit after a jamming switch-off time that is predetermined for a movement if no movement occurs despite the triggering of the actuating drive unit. According to the invention, a triggered reversing action results in a temporary extension of the predetermined jamming switch-off time from a short jamming switch-off time t1 that is predetermined for normal operation to a longer jamming switch-off time t2 (2).

Abstract: A safety garage door apparatus includes a garage door, two tracks, a controller, a linking device and a detecting device. Two tracks are installed on two sides of the garage door, respectively. The controller includes a motor, a driving device connected to the motor, and a microprocessor. The linking device includes a rail, a rack slidably mounted in the rail, and a linkage with one end connected to the rack and the other end connected to the garage door. The rack is connected with the driving device. The detecting device is mounted in the controller to continually detect a location of the rack so that a moving speed of the rack is determined by the microprocessor to compare with a predetermined rate to determined whether an operation of opening or closing the garage door needs to be stopped or reversed, or a maintenance of the garage door apparatus is needed.

Abstract: An automatic door opening system utilizing wireless links to communicate from hazard or obstruction sensors to a controller to react to such conditions. The present invention allows the use of hazard, fault or obstruction switching devices which themselves utilize internal continuity monitoring in a wireless environment. Compressible hazard switch sensors which utilize internal, continuous conducting elements are continually monitored for breaks in such elements through continuity checks. A signal is generated from the wireless transmitter during door operation to indicate to the system that the link between the wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver is fully functioning at all times. The system can determine if an actual obstruction hazard is detected or if there is a loss of communications between the wireless transmitter and receiver link in the disclosed system while also allowing for wireless continuity checking between sensor switches utilized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trapping protector (1) including a hollow profile (12) for a power-operated closing device, more particularly for a motor vehicle sunroof. The hollow profile (12) is provided at at least one of its ends (14) with an appendage (21) of less thickness than the hollow profile (12). Due to the ends (14); 15) of the hollow profile (12) overlapping a trapping protector on all sides is achieved.

Abstract: A method for controlling a motorized barrier operator after detecting an obstruction includes the steps of providing a motorized barrier operator that moves a barrier between limit positions and providing at least one control switch that upon actuation moves the barrier in a direction toward one of the limit positions. Actuation of the at least one control switch during movement of the barriers at least causes the barrier to stop. If an obstruction is detected by the motorized barrier operator during movement of the barrier, the operator allows only uni-directional movement of the barrier, regardless of actuation of the at least one control switch, after the detecting step.

Abstract: A sliding door apparatus includes a sliding door having a window and slidably disposed with respect to a body of a vehicle, a foreign object detecting unit that detects whether a foreign object exists in the open area, and a slide stopping unit that stops, upon the foreign object detecting unit detecting existence of the foreign object, sliding of the sliding door in the opening direction before the sliding door reaches a full-open position.

Abstract: An elevator door control device includes an obstruction sensor adapted to detect an obstruction in the vicinity of any one of the vertical frames of the doorway frame and to output an obstruction detection signal, and a door control unit for controlling door opening operation and door closing operation of a car door and a landing door in response to the obstruction detection signal. The obstruction sensor has light emitters provided on the vertical frames of the doorway frame and light receivers provided on the upper frame of the doorway frame. The light emitters are provided in the vicinity of the lower ends of the vertical frames and emit detection lights substantially along the vertical frames. The light receivers are provided on the lower surface of the upper frame and receive the detection lights.

Abstract: A device for automatically controlling a slide door for a vehicle, wherein the slide door is adapted to open and close along a guide track installed in a vehicle body, the device having a door drive device, a motor load detection device, a door position detection device adapted to detect a position of the slide door guided by the guide track within a range from a position where the slide door is fully opened to a position where the slide door is fully closed, a door speed detection device, a memory device adapted to store the motor load at each position of the slide door of the vehicle standing at a horizontal level, and a motor control device adapted to automatically control power supplied to the motor for moving the slide door based on a difference between a detected motor load and a stored motor load at a corresponding position

Abstract: A navigation apparatus has a movable face that is allowed to move bidirectionally between a retracted state and an extended state. A range of movement of the movable face is divided at a predetermined position, so that the movement of the movable face has an initial extending stage or initial retracting stage, and a stage subsequent to the initial extending stage or initial retracting stage. A controlling system for driving and controlling the movable face moves the movable face at a lower speed in the subsequent stage than in the initial extending stage or initial retracting stage. Furthermore, a hazard detecting time for the subsequent stage is chosen to be shorter than a hazard detecting time for the initial extending stage or initial retracting stage. Accordingly, the movable face is moved quickly and smoothly in the initial stage while improving safety in the subsequent stage.

Abstract: An automotive power pivot door is powered by an electric motor through an electromagnetic clutch. A control device of the door has a control unit configured to carry out a routine which comprises de-energizing an electric motor and disengaging the clutch when the door is lifted up to a full-open position; detecting a moved distance by which the door moves down from the full-open position within a first predetermined time (t1) from the time on which the clutch is disengaged; engaging the clutch when the detected moved distance is equal to or greater than a first predetermined distance (L1); disengaging the clutch again when a second predetermined time (t2) passes from the time on which the clutch is engaged; repeating the process for engaging and disengaging the clutch while following the routine; and judging that the holder fails to operate when the frequency of the engaged condition of the clutch indicates a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: In an automotive power window system, a controller detects positions of a window glass that moves through driving operation of a motor during the closing operation of a window. The controller reduces a rotation speed of the motor when the window glass reaches a speed altering position. It calculates the amount of reduction in the rotation speed produced by the rotation speed reducing operation. Then, it corrects a rotation speed obtained during the closing operation by compensating for the amount of reduction. It determines whether an obstruction for the closing operation is present based on the corrected rotation speed. If the obstruction is detected, it controls the motor for releasing the obstruction.

Abstract: A motor assembly for driving a foldable screen includes an inner tube, a motor device mounted in the inner tube and including a DC motor, an outer tube mounted around the inner tube, a control device, and a connecting device mounted to an end of the inner tube. A screen is mounted to the outer tube. The control device includes a power circuit connected to an external AC power source via a plug. The control device reduces a voltage from the external AC power source and rectifies current from the external AC power source. The control device generates a first DC power source for a circuit system and a second DC power source for driving the motor.

Abstract: An opening/closing apparatus including a trapping detection structure which reliably implements detection of trapping of foreign objects, even at a structure at which an outer peripheral edge of a moving body or an inner peripheral edge of an opening includes corner portions with small radii of curvature. A pressure sensor which detects external forces from directions intersecting a length direction thereof is provided at an outer periphery portion of a back door. However, at a corner portion, at a lower end portion of a door side portion or the like, the pressure sensor is provided with a large curvature such that the pressure sensor keeps distant from the corner portion. In place thereof, another pressure sensor, with a facing pair of electrode sheets, is provided along the corner portion. When one or more of these pressure sensors detects an external force, the back door is moved for opening.

Abstract: The described safety mechanism is embodied for elevator systems with an elevator car, which can be displaced in an elevator shaft. The entrances to the elevator shaft and to the elevator car each have at least one sliding door, which is automatically operable by a drive mechanism, preferably arranged on the elevator car. At least one detector device is provided at each sliding door, which is placed in the area of a pinching edge between a sliding door and a door jamb, and/or between two adjoining sliding door panels. Depending on the detected state of the monitored areas, the detector device generates a door release signal, or provides the interruption of the drive mechanism for opening the sliding door. The signals from the detector devices at the sliding doors of the elevator shaft can be received as a function of the position of the elevator car.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the speed of an A.C. induction motor are disclosed and shown in operation for controlling the movement of a barrier. Included are voltage configuration circuits which selectively gate portions of the half-cycles of AC mains voltage to the induction motor. When the motor is started increasing amounts of mains AC voltage is applied to the motor and decreasing portions of the mains AC are applied to the motor during a stopping routine. The motor can also be energized with less than full mains AC to permit differences in barrier movement speed dependent on operating parameters.

Abstract: An operating system which utilizes a multi-functional wall station for a motorized barrier includes an operator for controlling movement of a barrier between various positions. The operator may receive signals from a wireless or wired wall station transmitter, a wireless keyless entry device and/or a portable remote transmitter device. The multi-function wall station also provides for an operational selection wherein the door may be closed in a normal manner; by an auto-close/delay-open feature, wherein the door closes after a predetermined period of time; or a RF block mode, wherein the station prevents transmission of any remote radio frequency signals to the operating system. The delay-open feature is initiated by actuating a delay switch when the barrier is in a closed position. After a predetermined period of time the operator moves the barrier to an open position. The predetermined period of time is user adjustable.

Abstract: A trapping detection device of an opening/closing member includes a motor, a motor speed detection device, a control device, a voltage detection device for detecting a drive voltage applied to the motor, an actual speed decision device for deciding the actual speed of a rotation of the motor, an estimated speed calculation device for calculating the estimated speed of the rotation of the motor based on the drive voltage, an estimated speed storage device for storing the estimated speed for a predetermined time, an estimated speed correction device for correcting the estimated speed based on a difference between the actual speed and the estimated speed obtained before the predetermined time, a trapping determination device for determining the trapping based on a change state of a difference between the estimated speed being corrected and the actual speed.

Abstract: A door system includes an antenna-based proximity sensor with a releasable electrical connector that enables the sensor to function with a breakaway feature of the door. The sensor includes a signal generator and a door-mounted antenna for sensing a body or an obstruction near the door. The signal generator (or oscillator) can be installed at various locations between a power source and the antenna. In some cases, the wiring between the antenna and the power source includes a rotatable feature to accommodate the rotation of a drum that carries a wrap-up, pliable door panel. The rotatable feature may be a rotatable electrical connector, or it may be a wire having sufficient length and flexibility to twist about itself within the hollow interior of the drum.

Abstract: An anti-pinch power window system is comprised of a hub, a motor, a threaded rod, a base, a spring, a frame, a bracket, a threaded drive nut, a reversing switch and an electronic circuit. The motor rotates the hub. The rod is slidably attached to the hub. The base is attached to the rod. The spring surrounds the rod and is positioned such that it is compressed by movement of the base toward the hub. The bracket is attached to the frame and holds the drive nut. The rod is threaded into the drive nut. The reversing switch senses downward movement of the base and in response to such downward movement signals the electronic circuit to reverse the polarity of the motor input voltage, thereby reversing the direction of the travel of the frame. A closing window within the frame will reverse direction when it encounters an obstruction.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator having a motor controller (10) and motor (11) that control selective movement of a movable barrier (12) also has an obstacle detector (14) that utilizes an automatically determined excess force threshold value to permit reliable detection of an obstacle under a wide variety of operational circumstances, including changing physical circumstances, aging components, temperature variations, and motor runtime. In a preferred embodiment, a characteristic force value for the system is frequently updated as a function of actual measured force requirements (and further compensated, pursuant to various embodiments, with respect to other conditions such as temperature and motor runtime). This characteristic force value is then utilized to determine the excess force threshold value.

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 current sensing circuit includes; a shunt resistor, on which a motor current is flown; a reference resistor which has a resistance value that is n times the shunt resistor; and a current following circuit. The current following circuit includes: a following current control circuit, which controls the following current and generates a first reference voltage; and a capacitor which generates a second reference voltage indicating an average value of the first reference voltage. A first comparator compares a third reference voltage higher than the first reference voltage with the second reference voltage, and outputs the current limitation control signal. A motor current sensing range expanding circuit expands a motor current sensing range by increasing a ratio of the current sensing circuit having the shunt resistor and the reference resistor.

Abstract: A pinched object detection apparatus includes a couple of pressure sensors arranged at lateral end portions of a backdoor of a vehicle and another couple of pressure sensors arranged at lateral end portions of a rear opening of the vehicle. An object pinched between the lateral end portions of the rear gate and the backdoor can be detected with the corresponding pressure sensor arranged at the backdoor or pressure sensor arranged at the rear opening. Furthermore, an object pinched between the lateral end of the rear opening and an opposing gas damper can be detected with the corresponding pressure sensor arranged at the rear opening.

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: An impact sensing system for a powered roll-up door combines an electrical switch and a breakaway coupling. To avoid damage or injury resulting from the door's roll-up curtain accidentally closing upon an obstacle or something striking the curtain, the breakaway coupling responds to such a collision by breaking away, which releases a lower portion of the curtain from between its two vertical guide tracks. Each breakaway coupling includes a set of electrical contacts that make or break in response to the coupling breaking away. When the curtain's lower portion becomes effectively derailed from its guide track, the electrical contacts disable continued operation of the door to prevent the door's drive motor from jamming the curtain. In some embodiments, the breakaway coupling is releasably held together by way of magnetic attraction between two coupling segments, with one electrical contact on each segment to comprise one set of functional contacts.

Abstract: A sliding door system has a pair of horizontally opposed vertical surfaces defining therebetween an opening, an upper horizontal surface connecting uppermost ends of the vertical surfaces, a lower horizontal surface connecting lowermost ends of the vertical surfaces, and a door moving horizontally to open and close the opening. The sliding door system also includes a first optical device having a light emitter for emitting light, a second optical device having a light detector for detecting the light, and a light reflector for reflecting the light emitted from the light emitter to the light receiver. The light reflector is positioned in at least one of the horizontally opposed vertical surfaces. The first and second optical devices are positioned in the upper horizontal surface.

Abstract: In the method of controlling a process for moving a part (20) by an electric motor (12) against an end stop, pinching events are detected by monitoring a motor operating variable, such as a motor rpm, and if pinching is detected the motor (12) is stopped and/or reversed. The electric power triggering the motor (12) at the start of and during a startup phase while system slack is taken up is controlled so that it is constant and lower than the power triggering the motor in an ensuing operating phase (54) in which the part (20) moves. Preferably power during the startup phase is reduced to power values that are just barely enough to move the motor while system slack is taken up. In a preferred embodiment the applied motor voltage is reduced and controlled by a power end stage that includes a bipolar transistor or a field effect transistor.

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 electric drive motor drives a door to move in an open/close direction. A pulse encoder outputs a series of pulses. Each pulse has a pulse duration sized to correspond to a rotation speed of the motor. The number of the pulses corresponds to the number of revolution of the motor. A door jamming detecting device for detecting a jamming of the door is configured to carry out calculating a total duration time (Tn) of a given number (n) of the series pulses outputted from the pulse encoder; detecting a given condition wherein the total duration time (Tn) is greater than a threshold value (Ts); and making a judgment of the door jamming when the given condition is kept for a given time (Tm).

Abstract: This invention discloses an electronic control system for an Industrial Motor Operator that uses standard steady state logic to improve reliability in rough service wet and dirty environments. It includes means of providing electronic snow limit to close limit sensing removing the need for two switches and radically improving its accuracy. A low voltage switch reverses the high voltage motor wires and at the same time reverses the open limit, close limit, and snow limit sensors mechanical positions. It discloses a system using lamps to indicate that the power wiring is connecting to three-phase motors in the correct sequence or that single-phase motors have their windings correctly phased.

Abstract: A power-window jamming preventing apparatus, includes a current sensing circuit, which senses a motor current flowing through a motor; a current limiting circuit, which increases and decreases the motor current based on a current-limitation control signal outputted from the current sensing circuit when an amount of increase of the motor current exceeds a predetermined vale; and a jamming determining circuit, which determines a jamming of a foreign matter in the window glass, and a potential difference generating circuit, which monitors a power source voltage supplied to the current sensing circuit and the power window motor, and which clamps a third reference voltage so as to drop a constant voltage from the third reference when the power source is low such that a potential difference between the second reference voltage and the third reference voltage is kept greater than a predetermined voltage.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator can use (11) a first technique to prevent an excess application of force during controlled movement of a movable barrier (43) and at least a second technique (12) to similarly prevent an excess application of force during such movement. Both techniques can then be utilized to determine (13) when an application of excess force may nevertheless occur and not be reasonably avoided. In one embodiment, two techniques (21 and 22) can be used to detect force as applied during movement of the movable barrier and such information can be used to determine (23) whether applied force is being reliably indicated. In another embodiment, travel limit information (51), travel information (52) and travel history information (53) are utilized to assess whether normal operation of the movable barrier operator should be over-ridden (54) due to a possibly expression of undue force.

Abstract: A power-window jamming preventing apparatus, includes a current sensing circuit, which senses a motor current flowing through a motor for driving a window glass; a current limiting circuit, which increases and decreases the motor current based on a current-limitation control signal outputted from the current sensing circuit when an amount of increase of the motor current exceeds a predetermined vale; a jamming determining circuit, which determines a jamming of a foreign matter in the window glass based on increase of the motor current to reverse a rotation of the motor; and a charge/discharge controlling circuit which monitors a voltage level of a charge/discharge controlling signal, and controls a charging/discharging circuit to keep a third reference voltage constant when the charge/discharge controlling signal having one of voltage levels is continuously outputted for a predetermined time.