Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a controller, an object sensor, and a motor. The motor receives power from a power source upon receiving a panel control signal. The motor moves a movable panel of the vehicle along a path between opened and closed positions when the motor receives power from the power source. The object sensor is operable for detecting objects in the path of the panel without monitoring the motor. The object sensor generates an object signal indicative of an object being detected in the panel path. The controller is operable for transmitting a panel control signal to the motor to move the panel. When the panel is moving in a closing direction the controller transmits a panel control signal to the motor to reverse movement of the panel to an opening direction upon receiving the object signal to prevent the panel from entrapping an object.

Abstract: A powered panel moving system includes a motor, electronic drive circuitry, a mechanism, a coupler, and electronic function circuitry. The drive circuitry drives a rotor of the motor. The coupler couples rotational output of the rotor to the mechanism to drive the mechanism in order to move the panel. The function circuitry is integrated with the drive circuitry for providing additional functionality beyond driving the motor for panel movement. The drive circuitry includes a current sensor for determining rotor position based on motor current, a back emf sensor for determining rotor position based on back emf of the motor, and an impedance sensor for determining rotor position based on motor impedance. The function circuitry may include an analyzer to determine presence of an obstruction to the motion of the panel based on at least one of the rotor position, the motor current, and the back emf of the motor.

Abstract: An anti-entrapment system for preventing objects from being entrapped by a translating device includes a capacitance sensor positioned adjacent to the translating device and a controller. The sensor has first and second conductors separated by a separation distance and a compressible dielectric element interposed between the conductors. The conductors have a capacitance dependent upon the separation distance. The capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a geometry of the sensor changing as a result of either conductor or the dielectric element deforming in response to a first object touching the sensor. The capacitance of the conductors changes in response to a second conductive object coming into proximity with either conductor. The controller receives a signal from the sensor indicative of the capacitance of the conductors, and controls the translating device as a function of the capacitance of the conductors to prevent the translating device from entrapping either object.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A compressible variable capacitance sensor for determining the presence, size, position, and type of an object such as a human body part includes two flexible conductor elements separated by a non-conductive compressible element. The capacitance of the capacitance sensor changes as a function of force applied by an object on the capacitance sensor. A controller senses the capacitance of the capacitance sensor and controls a device accordingly. The device may be a movable closed opening such as a window in which the controller controls the window as a function of the monitored capacitance to prevent pinching of the object. The device may also be a seat in which the controller determines the characteristics of the seat occupant based on the monitored capacitance.

Abstract: A compressible variable capacitance sensor for determining the presence, size, position, and type of an object such as a human body part includes two flexible conductor elements separated by a non-conductive compressible element. The capacitance of the capacitance sensor changes as a function of force applied by an object on the capacitance sensor. A controller senses the capacitance of the capacitance sensor and controls a device accordingly. The device may be a movable closed opening such as a window in which the controller controls the window as a function of the monitored capacitance to prevent pinching of the object. The device may also be a seat in which the controller determines the characteristics of the seat occupant based on the monitored capacitance.

Abstract: An electronic position sensor for determining position as a function of magnetic flux density. The position sensor includes a magnetic flux sensor and a movable magnet, the sensed magnetic flux density by the magnetic sensor being a function of the relative air gap, magnet thickness, and magnetic field direction between the magnet and the magnet sensor element. The relationship between the magnetic flux density sensed by the magnetic sensing element and the positional disposition of the moved magnet component of the sensor is geometrically defined and optionally linear between two defined points of the range of articulation or motion of the sensor. The magnetic flux sensing element is a Hall-effect integrated circuit, magnetoresistor, magnetodiode, magnetotransistor, or similar sensing element with associated electronic circuitry having adjustable or programmable features including ratiometry, gain, offset voltage, temperature coefficient, and output signal range limiting.

Abstract: An end cap assembly is configured as an electronic conducted noise filter and/or radiated field shield for incorporation as the end cap of a motor housing case as original equipment. The assembly includes a conductive panel having conductive members which interconnect discrete electrical components of a filter network array. Alternatively, various types of printed circuit boards, wireframe assemblies, wirewrap assemblies, and lead frame assemblies may be used. These assemblies include the conductive members which are held in position within an electrically insulative component member or housing of the end cap assembly by such means as insertion of tabs into captivating slots, insert overmolding, encapsulation, heat staking, mechanical., fasteners, and/or adhesives.

Abstract: An interchangeable, plug-in, in-line module for attenuating electrical noise wherein a plurality of plug-in terminals are electrically coupled to an attenuating circuit in the form of a filter network array including a plurality of discrete components electrically interconnected by conductive traces or printed circuits formed on an insulating board to facilitate a plug-in connection to an electrical system. The attenuating circuit is electrically connected to a conductive retainer which is adapted to receive and retain a plastic motor end cover therein and to make electrical contact with a conductive frame member of the motor. The attenuating circuit includes four ferrite choke beads each having axial through holes or bores through which through-connectors of the terminals pass. The choke beads are supported by an insulating carrier so that the through-connectors can be electrically coupled to the conductive traces.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a piston with fluid power is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid filled cylinder having an inner and an outer wall and defining a longitudinal axis. A piston is slidably positioned in the cylinder to move along a path of travel parallel to the longitudinal axis. A magnet is coupled to the piston for movement with the piston, The apparatus further includes a pump in fluid communication with the cylinder and being selectively actuated to intermittently pump pressurized fluid into the cylinder to apply force to and move the piston in a first direction along the path of travel. A fluid releasing apparatus is provided to release fluid from the cylinder to move the piston in a direction opposite the first direction. The apparatus also includes a Hall effect sensor situated at a location along the outer wall of the cylinder for sensing a position of the piston by sensing a magnetic field associated with the magnet at the location of the sensor.

Abstract: A fuel sensing and monitoring apparatus and method is disclosed. The apparatus includes two spaced conductive coils constituting a primary and secondary winding of a transformer. A short coupling member is mounted to a movable member to which a float is attached, the float being located in the fuel tank of a vehicle. The float and movable member move in response to a change in fuel level in the tank. When the fuel level changes, the short coupling member moves relative to the primary and secondary windings. This movement adjusts or alters the transformer coupling between the primary and secondary and produces a variable output signal which can be correlated, through the use of appropriate circuitry, to a representation of the level or fuel in the tank as indicated by the position of the movable member to which the float is attached.