Closure Drive Stopping Or Reversal Patents (Class 49/28)
  • Patent number: 6540090
    Abstract: A bill arranger is provided that includes a loader for loading bills and feeding the bills one by one; a conveyer for conveying the bills fed from the loader; a discriminating device for discriminating the bills conveyed by the conveyer; a plurality of stackers for stacking the bills, which are conveyed by the conveyer, so that the bills can be removed; an operating device for selecting one of sorting process modes which defines a method of sorting the bills loaded in the loader; a controller for delivering the bills, which are fed from the loader, to one of the stackers, by the conveyer, based on the results of the discrimination by the discriminating device, according to the sorting process mode selected by the operating device; and guides, provided in the stackers, which are movable by the weight of the stacked bills delivered into the stackers from the conveyer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Laurel Bank Machines Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Sakai, Yoshiyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 6531840
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takehito Sugawara
  • Patent number: 6525659
    Abstract: An automatic sliding door system suited for use in walk-in freezer or refrigerator units includes exterior and interior sensor units for opening one or more sliding doors. Each sensor unit comprises both a motion sensor and a presence detector. The motion sensor detects motion towards the sliding door(s), and opens the door(s) as they are approached. The motion sensor keeps the door(s) open so long as the motion is present. The presence detector of each sensor unit detects a change in the ambient conditions directly underneath the doorway, and keeps the door(s) open when the ambient conditions change. A brushless DC servo motor is preferably employed to move a pulley and thereby synchronously open and close the door(s). Optical sensors are deployed above the door(s) at selected deceleration and stopping points for the doors. Other features include a push plate or pushbutton, a key lock, and a multi-tier alarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Refrigerator Manufactures, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Jaffe, John Riddle, Richard Becker
  • Patent number: 6525499
    Abstract: A system for controlling a vehicle power sliding door having a motor supplied voltage from a power source mounted on the vehicle for opening or closing the power sliding door and a motor drive circuit for driving the motor with relays for switching direction of rotation of the motor and a FET for regulating the voltage to be supplied to the motor to change a speed of the motor rotation. In the system, a motor-drive-circuit controller is provided for outputting a command value to the motor drive circuit, thereby enabling to control the direction of rotation of a power sliding door drive motor to effect opening and closing of the power sliding door with minimal total heat loss of semiconductor devices and that, by utilizing PWM control for varying motor rotational speed, lowers product cost by decreasing the size, weight and total number of components of the power sliding door unit. In addition, the faulty operation of the controller is also detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventor: Tsukasa Naganuma
  • Patent number: 6502352
    Abstract: A motor vehicle power-operated window lift, comprises a mechanism for driving the window, an electric motor (3), an anti-pinch system which can be triggered when there is an obstacle obstructing the window travel, and an electronic circuit for controlling the motor and the anti-pinch system. The window lift comprises a spring to reduce the pinch force when the window is being raised. In one example, the spring associated with a top sheath has a stiffness of about at least 10N/mm, and is fully compressed only in response to a compression force of about at least 250 Newtons. The spring constitutes a shock absorber in case of a strong impact, transforming it into a relatively mild impact, thereby providing more time for the electronic circuit controlling the anti-pinch system to intervene and reduce the pinch force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems - France
    Inventor: Pascal Bonduel
  • Patent number: 6483054
    Abstract: A pressure-sensitive sensor is provided with a tube member having a hollow portion defined by an inner wall and made of flexible material, a first belt-like electrode disposed on an upper side of the tube member in the tube member and a second belt-like electrode disposed on a lower side of the hollow portion in the tube member so as to oppose the first belt-like electrode. When the pressure-sensitive sensor is pressed, the first belt-like electrode and the second belt-like electrode are capable of contacting each other so as to ensure conductivity. Further the pressure-sensitive sensor has a contact adjusting portion provided on an inner wall of the tube member and for adjusting a contact between the first belt-like electrode and the second belt-like electrode. Additionally, a connector capable of being combined with such a pressure-sensitive sensor is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Suzuki, Kazuyoshi Ogasawara
  • Publication number: 20020157314
    Abstract: Auxiliary sensors 51, 52 are disposed on exterior and interior side surfaces 31, 32 of a transom 3. The sensors 51, 52 have detection areas A1, A2, B1, B2 which extend through the doorway 2 and which cross each other in a space vertically above a track 10. While detection signals are produced by both auxiliary sensors 51, 52, the door is kept open. If detection signals are produced from only one of the auxiliary sensors 51 (52) uninterruptedly for a predetermined time, the door closing action is allowed to start.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Takada, Akihiro Ikeuchi
  • Publication number: 20020157313
    Abstract: A safety device for a power window which can perform an appropriate safety control operation even immediately after a battery change. An opening and closing speeds detecting portion 35 detects the opening and closing speeds of a windowpane based on voltages VA, VB outputted from a potensiosensor 20 provided on a driving motor 9 for operating the windowpane to open and close, and further detects a fully opened position of the windowpane based on the opening and closing speeds so detected. Then, a fully closed position of the windowpane 1 is estimated referring to opening and closing strokes of the windowpane, whereby a safety control area is set based on this fully closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Fusao Fukazawa, Keiichi Tajima, Tsutomu Takiguchi
  • Patent number: 6469499
    Abstract: A very low power quadrature position sensing system that includes a first sensor, which defines a starting point of a first channel. First sensor is coupled to a first square wave generator. A second sensor, in quadrature with first sensor, defining a starting point of a second channel, with second sensor coupled to a second square wave generator. The system further includes a moving member having a magnetized surface with a magnetic distribution disposed on the magnetized surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dany Paul Delaporte
  • Patent number: 6463698
    Abstract: A trapping protector (1) for disposition about an opening in a vehicle body such as a sun roof includes a hollow profile (12) for a power-operated closing device (14) for closing the opening. Terminals (16) are provided at one end of the hollow profile (12) and a function-checking arrangement (28) is provided at the other end of the hollow profile (12). The two ends (23, 24) are brought close together and are axially aligned along a longitudinal centerline and the function-checking arrangement (28) as well as the terminals (16) are arranged laterally offset from the longitudinal centerline (13) of the hollow profile (12) to thus achieve a trapping protector function along substantially the entire periphery of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Metzeler Automotive Profiles GmbH
    Inventor: Knut Hofmann
  • Patent number: 6452353
    Abstract: Method of detecting obstructions encountered by a motorized door. The method includes providing a signal processor with one or more signals indicative of a predetermined door trajectory profile for at least a segment of a stroke of the door, the door trajectory profile providing an ideal speed and/or position versus an elapsed time since a beginning of the segment of the stroke. A door position signal from a position encoder for the door is received into the signal processor. The method includes generating one or more signals indicative of the velocity and/or position of the door from the door position signal and generating a trajectory discrepancy signal based on the velocity and/or position in relation to the ideal speed and/or position. A motor control signal is generated based on the trajectory discrepancy signal and the motor control signal is connected to motor control circuits connected to drive the motor for the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake
    Inventor: Philip J. Calamatas
  • Patent number: 6448729
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of an object caught between an automotive window and its respective frame includes an electric drive motor for opening and closing the automotive window. The electric drive motor receives power from a power supply via a primary brush assembly coupled to a power line. A piezoelectric sensor is mounted on the drive motor for sensing a resistive torque applied to the regulator and generating a signal having a value indicative of the resistive torque. The signal is then transmitted to a control circuit for determining whether or not an object is caught between the window and a frame based on the signal. The signal may be transmitted to the control circuit either by the primary brush assembly via the power line or by a secondary brush assembly coupled directly to the control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Davies, Pascal Bonduel, Francois Breynaert, Charles Hopson, Christos Kyrtsos, Joseph Tyckowski
  • Patent number: 6445152
    Abstract: Method of controlling a motorized door by offloading the burden to a separate motion control processor. The method includes generating, in a central processor for the door, one or more signals indicative of a predetermined door speed profile for a stroke of the door. The predetermined door speed profile provides an ideal velocity versus an elapsed time since a beginning of the stroke. The signals are communicated to a motion control processor and the motion control processor also receives door position signals from a position encoder. The motion control processor generates signals indicative of the velocity of the door based on the door position signals and it generates error signals based on discrepancies between the velocity of the door and the ideal velocity. It generates motor control signals based on the error signals and the motor control signals are communicated to the motor of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Co.
    Inventor: Philip J. Calamatas
  • Patent number: 6437528
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for standardizing the pane position of an external force actuated vehicle window lifter wherein the window pane is moved by means of the drive of the window lifter into a closed position provided with a seal and this closed position is used to standardize the pane position. According to the invention, in order to check whether the window pane has reached its closed position, the change is evaluated in a value (T) correlated with the dynamics of the window pane as the window pane enters into the seal area associated with the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Klaus Wagner, Michael Giersch
  • Patent number: 6426604
    Abstract: A power window controlling device, which detects an obstruction-caught state without misunderstanding even if the electric potential at the power source drops abruptly, which comprises switches, an electric motor, a drive system, a drive controller, a rotation sensor, a motor speed calculating device, a source voltage detecting circuit, a data signal generating device and a motor torque calculator. The motor torque calculator calculates correcting data of motor torque on basis of a correcting data signal given from the data signal generating device and a rotational speed signal of the motor given from the motor speed calculator, and compares the correcting data of the motor torque with the predetermined criterion value in a case where the electric potential of the power source changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Jidosha Denki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Ito, Masaru Kato
  • Patent number: 6414454
    Abstract: An operator for opening and closing movable barriers such as garage doors comprising a pass point limit system which is a component of an operating head. The operator is responsive to remote control from a wall panel or other location remote from the operating head to enable setting and adjustment of door travel limits from a remote location, without requiring installation of limit switches separate from the operating head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger William Lhotak, James Joseph Fitzgibbon, Robert John Olmsted, Kenneth J. Dombrowski
  • Patent number: 6392374
    Abstract: The control device includes a switch (12) controlling the power supply to the motor and an actuator which actuates this switch by rotatably reacting against the moving object being restrained so as to cause said switch to be opened and to cut off the power supply to the motor. This actuator consists of a bistable mechanical device (11) capable of taking up a first state in which the switch (12) is closed and a second state in which the switch is open. The actuating device also includes a cable (17) for putting the actuating device into its first state, this device being brought into its second state by reacting against the moving object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Somfy
    Inventors: Didier Menetrier, Norbert Dupielet
  • Patent number: 6389752
    Abstract: A trapping protector for a power operated closing device includes a profile strip of elastomer material formed as an extruded member including a touch sensitive profile having a conductive surface portion extending substantially along the length of the profile in the area facing a leading edge of a movable panel in conjunction with which the trapping protector is used, and a touch sensitive detector coupled to the conductive surface for generating a triggering signal when the conductive surface portion is touched, without requiring any significant displacement of the surface portion. Preferably, but not necessarily, the profile strip also includes a sealing profile connected to the touch sensitive profile for sealing the closing device. The sealing profile can be a separately extruded strip if desired. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the conductive surface portion comprises a layer of conductive elastomer and an electrical conductor in ohmic contact with the elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Schlegel Corporation
    Inventor: Keith W. Rosenau
  • Patent number: 6373005
    Abstract: A device for detection of trapping in a power-operated closing element with a switching element, which is arranged along a first closing edge within an elastic hollow section. The hollow section includes a central area extending longitudinally, in which an active area of the switching element is arranged, and at least one side area extending longitudinally, in which a non-active edge area of the switching element is arranged. The side area has a higher deformability on the side of the hollow section facing the first closing edge than on the central area. The device has a force transmitter extending longitudinally, which transmits a trapping force from the side facing away from the first closing edge to the side area of the hollow section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignees: I.E.E. International Electronics & Engineering, S.A.R.L., Daimler-Benz AG
    Inventors: Peter Griesbach, Hans Gamerdinger, Volker Petri, Reinhold Mickeler, Michel Witte, Roland Lorig, Stefan Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6373214
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive system for closing elements, preferably for doors, roller blinds or windows, with a motor, with a position pick-up to detect certain positions of the closing element, with an operating unit which allows authorized persons to open or close the closing element, and with a control unit with the control unit being actively linked to the motor, the position pick-up and the operating unit. To solve the object of preventing any arbitrary opening in such a drive system without using additional locking elements and without any self-locking effect of the drive system, the motor can be driven by the control unit at times where no command to open exists from the operating unit in such a way that a closing force can be exerted on the closing element which closing force depends on the position and/or change in position of the closing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Marantec Antriebs-und Steuerungstechnik GmbH & Co. Produktions KG
    Inventor: Michael Hörmann
  • Patent number: 6366042
    Abstract: A method (100) for closing a motor-driven window comprises the steps of determining (102) a window gap, and raising (104) the window at a speed dependent upon the window gap. The speed is selected based on the window gap and is reduced as the window gap approaches a pinch region such that the pinch-force is limited to a safe value. A vehicle power-window system (400) comprises a window assembly (410), a battery (420), an electric motor (430), a mechanical assembly (440), and a control circuit (450). Control circuit (450) monitors the window gap and supplies drive voltage to the electric motor in dependence on the window gap, so as to control the speed of the window in accordance with the disclosed method (100). Preferably, control circuit (450) includes a regulator circuit (460) and a processor (470), and the drive voltage is substantially unaffected by at least some changes in the battery voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Gerbetz
  • Patent number: 6347482
    Abstract: A safety device for accurately preventing the catching of a hand or neck of a passenger of a vehicle between a windowpane and a window sash uses a potentiosensor 20 for detecting the rotational angular position of an output shaft adapted to rotate at a slower speed by reducing the speed of a rotating shaft of a driving motor 9 for opening and closing a windowpane of a vehicle with a speed reducing mechanism 10. This potentiosensor 20 comprises a resistance track plate 21 on which circular resistance track 25a and conductor tracks 25b, 25c are formed, and a rotating plate 23 having conductive brushes 24a, 24b adapted to slide over the resistance track plate 21. The windowpane position is detected based on a resistance value outputted when the conductive brushes 24a, 24b are rotationally moved on the resistance track 25a in response to the rotating position of the rotating plate 23.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Takiguchi, Fusao Fukazawa, Keiichi Tajima
  • Patent number: 6328166
    Abstract: A bill arranger is provided that includes a loader for loading bills and feeding the bills one by one; a conveyer for conveying the bills fed from the loader; a discriminating device for discriminating the bills conveyed by the conveyer; a plurality of stackers for stacking the bills, which are conveyed by the conveyer, so that the bills can be removed; an operating device for selecting one of sorting process modes which defines a method of sorting the bills loaded in the loader; and a controller for delivering the bills, which are fed from the loader, to one of the stackers, by the conveyer, based on the results of the discrimination by the discriminating device, according to the sorting process mode selected by the operating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Laurel Bank Machines Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiji Sakai
  • Patent number: 6315355
    Abstract: Proposed are a method and an apparatus for controlling a sliding and lifting sunroof device, which has a protection against wedging during closing of the cover (12) of the sliding and lifting sunroof from its raised position to its closed position, and which detects a situation of wedging of an object (20) wedged between the cover (12) and the opening of the sliding and lifting sunroof with the help of a sensor (34). Furthermore, for detecting a situation of wedging, provision is made for a water duct (18), which is movably arranged on the roof (14) of the motor vehicle within the opening of the sliding and lifting sunroof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Lamm, Guenter Haderer
  • Patent number: 6308461
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of an object caught between an automotive window and its respective frame is provided. The window opens and closes via a regulator driven by an electric drive motor. A force is sensed at an interface between the window and the regulator proportional to a force exerted on the window. This force is compared with a predetermined value, and if the sensed force exceeds the predetermined value, an object caught between the window and its respective door frame is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Hopson, Timothy Davies, Christos Kyrtsos, Joseph Tyckowski, Pascal Bonduel, Francois Breynaert
  • Patent number: 6310451
    Abstract: A movable barrier operator includes a wall control switch module having a learn switch thereon. The switch module is connectable to a control unit positioned in a head of a garage movable barrier operator. The head unit also contains an electric motor which is connected to a transmission for opening and closing a movable barrier such as a garage door. The switch module includes a plurality of switches coupled to capacitors which, when closed, have varying charge and discharge times to enable which switch has been closed. The control unit includes an automatic force incrementing system for adjusting the maximal opening and closing force to be placed upon the movable barrier during a learn operation. Likewise, end of travel limits pan also be set during a learn operation upon installation of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, John V. Moravec, Bradley Farris
  • Patent number: 6297605
    Abstract: A pinch sensing arrangement for a motor vehicle power liftgate mounted to the body of the motor vehicle and driven by a drive mechanism between an open position and a closed position. The pinch sensing arrangement includes a mounting track, a sensor and a control module. The mounting track is attached to the liftgate. The sensor is attached to the mounting track and elongated along at least one of the lateral sides of the liftgate. The sensor is operative for generating an electrical signal when compressed. The control module is in electrical communication with the sensor and is adapted to control the drive mechanism to articulate the liftgate to the open position upon receiving the electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Atoma International Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick C Butler, Peter L Oxley
  • Patent number: 6291957
    Abstract: A vehicle window obstruction detection system looks for lateral forces on the window. A lateral force is indicative of an obstruction in the path of the window, and is particularly indicative of a living obstruction. The presence of the lateral force is utilized to identify an obstruction, and stop further movement of the movable closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Hopson, Timothy Davies, Joseph Tyckowski, Christos Kyrtsos, Francois Breynaert, Pascal Bonduel
  • Patent number: 6274947
    Abstract: A controller for a power window detects a pinching situation where an obstacle is pinched or sandwiched between a frame of a window and a window glass sliding upward. External disturbances such as changes of motor terminal voltage are also detected, and effects thereof on detecting the pinching situation are eliminated. The motor rotational speed variation rates (R) are calculated based on the motor speed (V) in each measuring section divided out from a closing stroke of the power window. The variation rates (R) memorized in a previous closing stroke are used to adjust a threshold value (TH) for finding the pinching situation in a following closing stroke. The motor speed variation rate (R) is compared with the adjusted threshold value (TH′), and the pinching situation is found out when the speed variation rate (R) in a deceleration direction exceeds the adjusted threshold value (TH′).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Noriaki Terashima
  • Patent number: 6246195
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for lowering a power window for vehicles is provided. In order to provide a method for lowering a power window which is improved with respect to the lowering movement of the window, system slacks are first determined in an operating device of the window and, when an unlocking of the vehicle is detected, for example, by the operation of a door lock or by the radio operation of a central locking system, the system slacks are eliminated in the lowering direction of the window by the corresponding control of the operating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Elmar Kloesters
  • Patent number: 6243006
    Abstract: A safety device for externally driven systems for protecting the movement of a system component against undesired collision with an object lying in the movement path of the system component is described, the system component to be monitored being capable of being moved in a guided fashion along a predetermined path (door plane ET). The movement path of a leading edge of a system component is preferably monitored by an optical beam protection, preferably on the basis of infrared beams, which protection has at least two, preferably at least three or a plurality of preferably parallel beams which are arranged staggered in the direction of movement of the system component and which are emitted on one side of the system component and received or reflected on the other side. The safety device has a safety circuit with which the movement of the system component is stopped or reversed if an obstacle is sensed in the movement path of the system component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: EFAFLEX Tor und Sicherheitssysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gabrijel Rejc, Karl Eichstetter
  • Patent number: 6243022
    Abstract: A two-way vehicle communication system includes a remote unit adapted to provide output signals to command opening and closing of a vehicle window, and a controller disposed in a vehicle and responsive to the output signals from the remote unit to operate the vehicle windows. The controller includes a vehicle opening device condition detector adapted to detect a condition of the vehicle window and provide a signal indicative of the detected condition. Thereafter, the controller transmits the detected condition signal to the remote unit. The remote unit further includes an indicating unit responsive to the detected condition signal for indicating to a user the vehicle window condition. The controller in the vehicle further includes an anti-pinching device adapted to sense presence of an object caught in the window as it is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideo Furukawa
  • Patent number: 6225768
    Abstract: An automatic door diagnostic system for operating a door and a door motor which detects and reacts to various hazard conditions. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a sensor is used to detect hazard conditions and communicates with a controller which operates a motor for opening and/or closing the door. The controller then operates according to various protocols to open, close, stop and/or reverse the direction of the door. Additionally, according to various alternative aspects of the present invention, the automatic door diagnostic system can be configured to perform diagnostic checks to ensure proper operation of the components of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: The Cookson Company
    Inventors: James H. Cookson, Bryon Hibbetts
  • Patent number: 6223467
    Abstract: A motor vehicle sensor arrangement which is used to detect jamming, i.e, an obstruction, at a movable vehicle part which can be moved into an end position, such as an electric window, a sliding and tilting roof, a convertible top, or a servo-actuated door. A cavity defined by opposing resilient walls is located proximate, but outside, the path of movement of the movable vehicle part and at a selected distance from the end position. A distance sensor, for example a pressure transducer, is arranged in the cavity between the resilient walls. When an object obstructs the path of movement of the movable vehicle part toward the end position, the resilient walls are moved toward each other. When the distance sensor contacts a portion of the opposing resilient wall, the distance sensor actuates a response signal indicating a jam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Josef Mahalek, Bogdan Serban, Michel Witte
  • Patent number: 6218797
    Abstract: A crossing guard maintenance system is disclosed for use with a disabled crossing guard control system. The crossing guard control system has a motor mechanically coupled to a crossing guard arm and a counterweight arm. The motor is used for moving the crossing guard arm between up and down positions. The maintenance system includes a function switch for alternating between normal and maintenance modes of the system. In maintenance mode, a diode is electrically connected to the motor to form a motor/diode circuit that provides a path for current when the polarity of the motor is reversed and it operates as a generator. The maintenance system also includes an electrical power source connected to a momentary switch for providing power to the motor. A method for using the maintenance system is also disclosed for use in repairing a disabled crossing guard mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Union Switch & Signal, Inc.
    Inventors: N. Rodger Williamson, Charles R. Drafts
  • Patent number: 6215201
    Abstract: Disclosed is a power window switch device capable of informing the driver of the occurrence of a malfunction in the opening and closing of power windows. A power window switch device includes a plurality of pairs of power window switches individually connected to a plurality of power window motors, a detecting section for detecting a malfunction in the opening and closing of the power windows and outputting a malfunction signal, a control section for detecting the malfunction signal output from the detecting section and outputting an actuator drive signal, and a vibrating device driven by the drive signal output from the control section. The vibration of the vibrating device is transmitted to the finger operating the power window switches to thereby inform the driver of the occurrence of a malfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Alps Electrics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetaka Numata, Mikio Onodera, Katsuya Mitsuzuka, Ken Mizuta
  • Patent number: 6209262
    Abstract: A sensing system for a gate to protect persons and equipment from impact damage by actuating a gate operating system when the end of the gate comes in contact with an obstruction. The force required to actuate the device varies between 3 and 5 pounds. Once the force is applied to the edge of the gate, the gate opening or closing operation will either stop or reverse depending on the specific safety requirements of the gate installation. The force can be applied to any available direction and the system will be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Calvin F. Mathis
  • Patent number: 6186586
    Abstract: A motor vehicle roof including a roof panel with a roof opening, at least partially transparent cover which covers the roof opening and being selectively movable to at least partially clear the roof opening, a headliner positioned underneath the roof opening and being selectively movable to at least partially clear the roof opening, a sealing element mounted to the roof panel in a manner that the sealing element adjoins the cover from underneath the cover to seal the motor vehicle roof when the cover is in a closed position, and a sensor provided in the sealing element for sensing application of force in excess of a threshold value which is indicative of an object being pinched between a front edge of the roof opening and at least one of the cover and/or the headliner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Webasto Karosseriesysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Lindinger
  • Patent number: 6183040
    Abstract: A device for preventing a pinched or sandwiched condition includes a first member having therein an opening area; a second member opening and closing the opening area of the first member; and an electronic control device detecting a sandwich condition between the first member and the second member which is in movement at a speed for closing the opening area of the first member when a deceleration side condition of the speed of the second member exceeds a threshold value which is obtained based on an acceleration side condition of the speed of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomoaki Imaizumi, Eiji Itami, Ryoichi Fukumoto, Katsuhisa Yamada, Masao Ohhashi, Shintaro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6181094
    Abstract: A power operator for opening and closing a trunk lid of a motor vehicle has a spring engaged between the vehicle and the lid for urging the lid from a closed position into an open position, a rod having an outer end connected to the door and an inner end, and a clutch rotatable about a clutch axis and having an output member connected to the rod inner end and an input member. A drive motor connected to the input member is energizable for rotating the clutch elements and thereby displacing the rod and door. Another spring in the clutch rotationally decouples the clutch elements from each other only when a torque applied to the input element exceeds a predetermined limit. A controller energizes the motor for a predetermined amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventor: Johannes-Theodor Menke
  • Patent number: 6179517
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the flow of traffic through one or more traffic lanes includes a member that attaches to a traffic barrier such as a bar, a gate, or door. Under the control of an actuating element such as a control card, code entry, or manual switch, the member is rotated by an electric motor that drives a reduction gear connected through an adjustable slip clutch to a drive shaft connected to the member. The motor provides variable speed of rotation to the member so that the member will move more slowly at the beginning and end of its movement between open and closed positions of the barrier for safety of operation. The motor function is controlled by a microprocessor or microcontroller. The motor speed control may be by use of a DC motor powered by a current of DC pulses with variable pulse width. Alternatively, motor speed control may be by use of an AC motor with variable AC frequency power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Kim L. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6181095
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: KDS Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Juhan Telmet
  • Patent number: 6163080
    Abstract: A system which takes direct action to reverse the rotation of the window driving motor includes an optical fiber conductor arranged inside a substantially prismatic profile forming loops at the points where said conductor enters and exits from a series of incisions formed at regular intervals in the lateral areas of said profile. The profile is fitted inside a covering in the frame of a door. The incisions comprise a mouth for insertion of the conductor through a passageway which ends in the cavity wherein the conductor is retained by an adhesive or the like. The optical fiber conductor may be arranged continuously over the entire length of the perimeter of the frame or over parts thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Melchor Daumal Castellon
  • Patent number: 6158170
    Abstract: A movable-window safety device for arresting upward movement of a power-driven window glass in a motor vehicle body in the event of obstruction in the window opening comprises a resilient channel for receiving the window glass and which is mounted in a rigid window frame. The base of the resilient channel comprises an electrical detecting member housed in a hollow chamber. The side walls of the resilient channel extend proud of the sides of the rigid window frame and carry curved-over outer lips and inner lips. An obstruction in the window opening is carried upwardly by the window glass and applies a force to one or other of the side walls of the resilient channel, according to whether the obstruction extends inwardly or outwardly of the window opening. The resultant force is applied to the detecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Draftex Industries Limited
    Inventor: Thomas Brodowsky
  • Patent number: 6118243
    Abstract: A door operator system for an upward acting sectional or one piece (California-type) garage door includes a DC variable speed motor directly connected to a drive mechanism for moving the door between open and closed positions. A motor control circuit includes circuit components for reversing the direction of rotation of the motor and for delivering a pulse width modulated voltage signal to the motor to control motor speed. A current sensor including a split core transformer and a Hall effect sensor detects motor current and provides a signal to a microcontroller for stopping the motor or stopping and reversing the motor if the motor current reaches a preset limit which is user settable by potentiometers connected to the microcontroller. Magnetic position limit switches and an obstruction detector are operably connected to the microcontroller to provide input signals indicating the state of the door and the control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventors: Brett A. Reed, Gregory E. Williams, Robert C. Kass, Dennis W. Waggamon
  • Patent number: 6116320
    Abstract: An automatic window shade system is disclosed which can react to end points and obstructions through a torque sensing arrangement. This torque sensing can be accomplished through use of an electromagnetic interference device so that a change in torque is immediately detected and a modulation in operation of the shade can be effected. Rotating pitched disks elastically connected to each other can be used to act as the torque sensor for this an other applications. Multiple elastic elements can permit multiple location sensing as well as non-zero torque sensing and reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Barker Holding Company, LLC
    Inventor: James E. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6112583
    Abstract: A position detector for a motor includes a pulse plate, having a fitting hole, for generating pulse signal, a connection shaft having protrusion portions and a washer having a connection hole. Each protrusion portion of the connection shaft is inserted into the fitting hole of the pulse plate and further inserted into the connection hole of the washer, and top ends of each protrusion portions are fastened to the washer. Thus, even if a rotational torque transmitted from the connection shaft to the pulse plate becomes large, the rotational force of the connection shaft can be accurately transmitted to prevent only the connection shaft from idling without releasing the connection between the connection shaft and the pulse plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kengo Yamamura
  • Patent number: 6114820
    Abstract: A power window apparatus is provided for detecting pinching in accordance with the opened/closed position of the window and a state of rotation of a motor, the apparatus having a position sensor which detects a safety-control suspension region of the window and which is an accurate sensor. A spiral guide groove is formed in the inner surface of a housing opposite to a rotational plate which is rotated by an output shaft of a motor which opens/closes a window. A follower which is guided by the spiral guide groove is able to move along a straight guide groove provided for the rotational plate in the radial direction. Terminals in the form of conductive films are provided for a printed circuit board accommodated in the housing. When the rotational plate has been rotated, the follower is guided by the spiral guide groove so as to be moved in the straight guide groove. Thus, a slide member provided for the follower is brought into contact with the terminals so that the terminals are conducted with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Nishigaya
  • Patent number: 6111374
    Abstract: A movable barrier operator includes a wall control switch module having a learn switch thereon. The switch module is connectable to a control unit positioned in a head of a garage movable barrier operator. The head unit also contains an electric motor which is connected to a transmission for opening and closing a movable barrier such as a garage door. The switch module includes a plurality of switches coupled to capacitors which, when closed, have varying charge and discharge times to enable which switch has been closed. The control unit includes an automatic force incrementing system for adjusting the maximal opening and closing force to be placed upon the movable barrier during a learn operation. Likewise, end of travel limits can also be set during a learn operation upon installation of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, John V. Moravec, Bradford Farris
  • Patent number: 6107765
    Abstract: A movable barrier operator includes a wall control switch module having a learn switch thereon. The switch module is connectable to a control unit positioned in a head of a garage movable barrier operator. The head unit also contains an electric motor which is connected to a transmission for opening and closing a movable barrier such as a garage door. The switch module includes a plurality of switches coupled to capacitors which, when closed, have varying charge and discharge times to enable which switch has been closed. The control unit includes an automatic force incrementing system for adjusting the maximal opening and closing force to be placed upon the movable barrier during a learn operation. Likewise, end of travel limits can also be set during a learn operation upon installation of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, John V. Moravec, Bradley Farris