Abstract: A system for operating a handleless door of an automobile having an outer surface includes a remotely-controlled door latch, a sensor disposed at at least one of: disposed behind a window seal; assembled on the window seal; and overmolded in the window seal, and configured to sense an input from a user to open the door, the window seal being configured to transmit an input force to the sensor, and an antenna configured to receive a radio signal from a key fob in vicinity of the antenna. The system also includes a passive entry passive start (PEPS) system coupled to the antenna to authenticate the key fob as being associated with the automobile and a controller configured to receive a signal from the sensor indicating the user provided input to open the door, receive an authentication signal from the PEPS system to authenticate the key fob, and cause the remotely-controlled door latch to release based on receiving the signal from the sensor and the authentication signal from PEPS system.

Abstract: A system for operating a handleless door of an automobile having an outer surface includes a remotely-controlled door latch, a sensor disposed at least one of flush to and interior to the outer surface of the automobile and configured to sense an input from a user to open the door, and an antenna configured to receive a radio signal from a key fob in vicinity of the antenna. The system also includes a passive entry passive start (PEPS) system coupled to the antenna to authenticate the key fob as being associated with the automobile and a controller configured to receive a signal from the sensor indicating the user provided input to open the door, receive an authentication signal from the PEPS system to authenticate the key fob, and cause the remotely-controlled door latch to release based on receiving the signal from the sensor and the authentication signal from PEPS system.

Abstract: A cable tensioner for a vehicle window regulator includes a screw and nut assembly with an irreversible thread lead angle, a first spring designed to actuate the screw and nut assembly when there is slack in a cable and a second spring designed to block the screw and nut assembly when there is excessive tension in the cable. The cable tensioner ensures that compensation for the elongation of the cable is irreversible.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for detecting the presence of a user to allow and/or prevent access inside a motor vehicle, the vehicle comprising at least a decorative element fixed to the body (2) proximate to an opening (O), the device comprising at least an electrode detecting (1) the presence of a user and a processing circuit (5) connected to the detecting electrode. The invention is characterised in that the decorative element (ED) has at least an electrically conductive part (12) coupled at least partly with the detecting electrode (1) so as to form an active detecting surface.

Abstract: A cable tensioner for a vehicle window regulator includes a screw and nut assembly with an irreversible thread lead angle, a first spring designed to actuate the screw and nut assembly when there is slack in a cable and a second spring designed to block the screw and nut assembly when there is excessive tension in the cable. The cable tensioner ensures that compensation for the elongation of the cable is irreversible.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for detecting the presence of a user to allow and/or prevent access inside a motor vehicle, the vehicle comprising at least a decorative element fixed to the body (2) proximate to an opening (O), the device comprising at least an electrode detecting (1) the presence of a user and a processing circuit (5) connected to the detecting electrode. The invention is characterised in that the decorative element (ED) has at least an electrically conductive part (12) coupled at least partly with the detecting electrode (1) so as to form an active detecting surface.

Abstract: A process for monitoring the rotation of a DC electric motor, wherein the voltage and the intensity of the current supplying the motor are measured in a manner sampled over time and wherein, for each sampling instant tn, an estimate &thgr;n, of the angular position is calculated as a function of a determined or known position for a previous sampling instant and of an estimate of a value of angular speed between these two instants, which is dependent on the voltage and on the intensity of current measured for the sampling instant tn, and/or for one or more previous sampling instants.

Abstract: Process for determination of the position of a door, window or roof of an automobile vehicle, according to which the angular position of the rotor of the electric motor actuating this door, window or roof is determined and the position of the door, window or roof is calculated as a function of the said angular position. The position of the door, window or roof is calculated by correcting a theoretical position that depends on the angular position by a term that takes account of the stiffness of the mechanical transmission between the door, window or roof and the electric motor, this term being a function of the motor power supply current. The device embodying this process is advantageously used in an electric window winder.

Abstract: An object detection system includes a sensor in communication with a controller which identifies contact with the sensor. In a preferred embodiment the sensor is a piezo film which generates a signal when an object applies a predetermined force to the edge of the moveable glass member. This signal is identifiable by the controller in communication with the piezo film. Another embodiment of the sensor provides a pair of substantially parallel segments of conductive material applied along the edge of the window. When an object is in contact with both segments of conductive material an electrical signal is conducted and identified by the controller. When the controller determines an object is in contact with the sensor and therefore the moveable glass member, the controller halts or reverses the movement of the moveable glass member to prevent trapping the object between the closing moveable glass member and the frame.

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.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of an object caught between an automotive window and its respective frame includes a sensor mounted on a drive motor that drives a regulator to move the window upward and downward. The sensor senses a resistive torque applied against the regulator and generates a signal having a value proportional to the amount of resistive torque sensed. The signal is transmitted to a control circuit which then determines whether or not an object is caught between the window and its respective frame.

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.

Abstract: A process for monitoring the rotation of a DC electric motor, wherein the voltage and the intensity of the current supplying said motor are measured in a manner sampled over time and wherein, for each sampling instant tn, an estimate &thgr;n of the angular position is calculated as a function of a determined or known position for a previous sampling instant and of an estimate of a value of angular speed between these two instants, which is dependent on the voltage and on the intensity of current measured for the sampling instant tn and/or for one or more previous sampling instants.

Abstract: Process for determination of the position of a door, window or roof of an automobile vehicle, according to which the angular position of the rotor of the electric motor actuating this door, window or roof is determined and the position of the door, window or roof is calculated as a function of the said angular position. The position of the door, window or roof is calculated by correcting a theoretical position that depends on the angular position by a term that takes account of the stiffness of the mechanical transmission between the door, window or roof and the electric motor, this term being a function of the motor power supply current. The device embodying this process is advantageously used in an electric window winder.

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.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a vehicle window obstruction system incorporates a conductive coating placed on the window. Such coatings are known for use in defrost systems. A voltage source is connected to the conductive coating, such that an electrical charge is placed across the window. Electrical characteristics of the charge are monitored, and compared to expected values. In the event that an obstruction is encountered, the monitored values will differ from expected values, and a control can indicate the presence of an obstruction. Alternatively, the signal could be a high frequency signal such as a sound signal which would be varied when the window contacts a human obstruction.

Abstract: A method and device for determining torque applied to a motor of an automotive power window system includes a motor having a rotor mounted on a rotor shaft wherein the rotor and rotor shaft move linearly along an axial length of the rotor shaft in response to an applied torque. A ring magnet is mounted on the rotor shaft for generating a magnetic field as the rotor shaft rotates. A sensor, in communication with the ring magnet, senses a strength of the magnetic field based on a linear position of the ring magnet in relation to the sensor and generates a proportional voltage signal. A control circuit receives the voltage signal and detects a torque applied to the motor in response thereto.

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.

Abstract: A method and system for directly determining the presence of an object between a window and its respective frame during closing of the window is disclosed. A sensor is provided within the frame to determine a length of the frame being compressed when the window is closed against the frame. This length is compared to a predetermined value. If the compressed length is less than the predetermined value, an object is detected so that the window can be controlled to stop and change direction so as to release the object before injury or damage occurs.

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