Abstract: The device (1) comprises a frame (42) comprising a static magnetic pole (48), a movable member (44) relatively to the frame (42), the movable member (44) comprising a moving magnetic pole (46), the static magnetic pole (48) and the moving magnetic pole (46) being magnetically coupled in some position of the movable member (44), a piezosensitive element (50) so that the force due to the magnetic coupling between the moving magnetic pole (46) and the static magnetic pole (48) reacts on the piezosensitive element (50), and means (52, 54, 56, 58) for outputting an electric signal from the piezosensitive element (50), the signal being useful in determining the position and/or the speed and/or the direction of the movable member (44).

Abstract: A logic chip that controls the motor of a motorized window covering or other object includes a clock. A frequency stabilizer circuit is provided to receive input voltage and to output to the clock a current that is a function of the voltage and temperature over a range of input voltage values and over a range of ambient temperature values so that the frequency output by the oscillator is constant.

Abstract: A braking magnet is attached to the housing of a motor of a motorized component such as a window covering. With this structure the motor is braked from turning under the weight of the window covering when deenergized.

Abstract: A low power rf control system includes a controller that operates at a low clock speed when an associated rf receiver is deenergized and a high clock speed when the controller energizes the receiver. The receiver can be on for a short period, off for a short period if no preamble pulses from a remote control device are received, on for a short period, and then off for a longer period until the next cycle. The receiver remains on to process a command signal when a preamble signal is detected. A DC-DC down converter can be used as a power supply for the receiver, and a SAW resonant circuit can be used as an IF oscillator for the receiver. An LC filter can be associated with the receiver for filtering the IF signal.

Abstract: The position and speed and, in some embodiments, direction of rotation of a motor for turning the rod of an object such as a window covering is determined by placing a braking magnet next to the motor and a piezoelectric element between the braking magnet and motor. As the motor rotates, the piezoelectric element generates a signal that can be used to determine the speed of rotation and also the position of the motor (and, hence, the position of the object being moved). The magnet brakes the motor from turning under the weight of the object when the motor is deenergized.

Abstract: Two braking magnets are attached to the housing of a motor of a motorized component such as a window covering, with one magnet north face down and the other magnet south face down. With this structure the motor is braked from turning under the weight of the window covering when deenergized, while during operation the average null value of the braking field results in minimal drag on the motor.