Supplied Or Controlled By Space-transmitted Electromagnetic Or Electrostatic Energy (e.g., By Radio) Patents (Class 318/16)
  • Publication number: 20140246994
    Abstract: An electric motor with onboard inverter, comprising a motor body which is associated with at least one output shaft and supports an inverter for adjusting the speed of the output shaft; the electric motor comprises a remote control unit of the wireless type for the inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: MOTIVE S.R.L.
    Inventors: Guiseppe Corsini, Giorgio Bosio
  • Patent number: 8779699
    Abstract: A servo device 30 includes: a control portion 31 for driving and controlling a drive mechanism 32 by receiving a control signal from a transmitter 10, and by transforming the control signal into a drive signal corresponding to characteristic data previously stored in a memory portion 35. The control portion 31 includes: a signal processing portion 33 for discriminating whether the control signal is a maneuver signal or a characteristic data signal; and the memory portion for updating and storing the characteristic data based on the received characteristic data signal when the control signal is discriminated as the characteristic data signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignees: Futaba Corporation, Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tsuchiya, Shinya Fuji
  • Patent number: 8723454
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an architectural window covering having a programmable electric motor. The programmable electric motor is housed within a roller for raising and lowering the window covering, and includes dual stacked motors and light-transmitting control actuation buttons In one embodiment an architectural window covering, composing a shade, a roller defining a bore coupled to the shade, and at least two motors axially aligned and electrically coupled in parallel and positioned at least partially in said bore and rotatably coupled to the roller is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Skinner, Richard Langille, Philip Chermak
  • Patent number: 8688346
    Abstract: An electric motor includes one or more separate coil sets arranged to produce a magnetic field of the motor. The electric motor also includes a plurality of control devices coupled to respective sub-sets of coils for current control. A similar arrangement is proposed for a generator. A coil mounting system for an electric motor or generator includes one or more coil teeth for windably receiving a coil for the motor and a back portion for attachably receiving a plurality of the coil teeth. A traction control system and method for a vehicle having a plurality of wheels independently powered by a respective motor. A suspension control system and method for a vehicle having a plurality of wheels, each wheel being mounted on a suspension arm of the vehicle and being independently powered by a respective motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Protean Electric Limited
    Inventor: Martin Boughtwood
  • Patent number: 8659255
    Abstract: A robot confinement system includes a portable housing and a mobile robot. The portable housing includes a first detector operable to detect a presence of the mobile robot in a field of detection, and an emitter operable to emit a first signal when the first detector detects the presence of the mobile robot in the field of detection. The mobile robot is operable to move on a surface to clean the surface and includes a controller operable to control a movement path of the mobile robot on the surface. The mobile robot further includes a second detector operable to detect the first signal emitted by the portable housing. The controller of the mobile robot is operable to change the movement path of the mobile robot in response to detection of the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Jones, Philip R. Mass
  • Patent number: 8659256
    Abstract: A robot confinement system includes a portable housing and a mobile robot. The portable housing includes an emitter operable to emit a first signal when a presence of the robot is detected in a field of detection. The robot includes a controller operable to control a movement path of the robot on a surface and a cleaner operable to clean the surface as the robot moves on the surface. The robot further includes a detector operable to detect the first signal emitted by the portable housing. The controller is operable to change the movement path of the robot in response to detection of the first signal. One of the portable housing and the robot is operable to detect a second signal generated by the other of the portable housing and the robot to detect the presence of the robot in the field of detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Jones, Philip R. Mass
  • Patent number: 8624530
    Abstract: Systems and methods in which output power that would conventionally be provided by surface equipment to drive downhole equipment, is transformed to increase the voltage before transmitting the power over a power cable to downhole equipment. The downhole equipment includes a step-down transformer that receives power from the power cable at a voltage which is too high to drive the motor or other downhole equipment and reduces the voltage to a level that is suitable for use by the downhole equipment. The step-down transformer may utilize toroidal transformers that are positioned around other components of the system, such as the shaft that couples a motor to an electric submersible pump. The step-down transformer may be configured as a modular unit that can be inserted between components (e.g. motor and seal) that are manufactured using conventional designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Cameron K. Chung, Andrew K. Ball, Matthew D. Wisnewski
  • Patent number: 8604740
    Abstract: A power supply and control unit for submersed electric motors includes an enclosure which is jointly connected to the motor of a submersed electric pump and forms a hermetic chamber that contains an electronic power supply that can be connected to the motor. The unit includes a heat exchange means in the liquid state that completely fills the empty space within the hermetic chamber in order to transfer to the enclosure the heat generated by the electronic power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Sebastiano D'Amico, Andrea Fongaro
  • Patent number: 8587228
    Abstract: A remote and receiver system that allows user control over current output to a direct current motor. The control of current output grants users the ability to control the speed of rotation of a direct current motor. A speed controlled direct current motor can be utilized to control motor speeds within system such as a salt spreader. This can give users control over the flow rate and the spreading area of the salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Gregory Paul Anderson
  • Patent number: 8552668
    Abstract: An automotive electrical body system includes a plurality of electrical assemblies coupled to at least one automotive body component. Each of the assemblies includes a heating element for heating the at least one component, a motor for actuating the at least one component, or a switch configured to toggle the at least one component on and off. Each of the assemblies also includes a wireless communication module for receiving wireless signals, and, in response to the wireless signals, controlling operation of the heating element or motor. An electrical conductor interconnects each of the electrical assemblies and carries electrical power to each of the electrical assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Alfons Hogenmueller, Vivek Jain
  • Patent number: 8544523
    Abstract: An automatic barrier operator system for operating a gate or upward acting garage door, for example, includes a controller for operating a reversible motor, a base radio frequency transmitter and a base radio frequency receiver. One or more remote control units include a radio frequency remote receiver and remote transmitter. The controller is operable to automatically close or open the barrier in response to a query signal sent from the base transmitter to the remote receiver and when the remote receiver is within range, returning a signal to effect operation of the barrier. The system is operable to effect operation or maintain the status quo of the barrier depending on the state of the barrier and a particular signal or lack of signal received by the controller from an authorized remote control unit or units. The system provides essentially hands-free automatic operation of opening and closing a garage door and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventor: Wesley M. Mays
  • Patent number: 8502491
    Abstract: A rotation direction control method of a cooling fan is disclosed. The rotation direction control method includes a detection step, a determination step and a driving step. The detection step receives a temperature control signal from a temperature detection unit by a rotation direction control unit when a predetermined dust-expelling time period begins. The determination step determines whether a detected temperature is higher than a predetermined value based on the temperature control signal by the rotation direction control unit. The driving step controls the rotation direction control unit to keep outputting a cooling signal so as to drive a motor of the cooling fan for a cooling operation when the determination of the determination step is positive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Sunonwealth Electric Machine Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Alex Horng, Ching-Sheng Hung
  • Patent number: 8498747
    Abstract: A drapery assembly extends and retracts a drape with a powered carrier. The carrier receives both a power signal and a command signal from a controller via an electrically powered surface of a drapery rod. The carrier supports a portion of the drape and moves linearly along the length of the drapery rod in response to the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Crestron Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: George Feldstein
  • Patent number: 8461784
    Abstract: An architectural window covering having a programmable electric motor is disclosed. The architectural window covering includes a head rail comprising at least one cavity, a shade coupled to the head rail, a bottom rail coupled to the shade, and at least two tandem stacked motors coupled to the shade via a drive rail such that the at least two motors fit within the at least one cavity of the head rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Skinner, Richard Langille, Philip Chermak
  • Patent number: 8432113
    Abstract: A brushless fan motor control circuit assembly consists of a high-frequency filter circuit, a rectifier circuit, a power factor enhancing circuit, a current-limit and voltage regulation circuit and a brushless fan motor driving circuit. By means of the high-frequency filter circuit to suppress high frequency noises, the power factor enhancing circuit to enhance the power factor and to save power consumption, the current-limit and voltage regulation circuit to limit the current and to achieve overload protection, the brushless fan motor control circuit assembly controls the operation of a motor of an electric accurately and safely, avoiding fan vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Hsien-Meng Lee
  • Patent number: 8417388
    Abstract: A load control system for a building having a heating and cooling system and a window located in a space of the building is operable to control a motorized window treatment in response to a demand response command in order to attempt to reduce the power consumption of the heating and cooling system. When the window may be receiving direct sunlight, the motorized window treatment closes a fabric covering the window when the heating and cooling system is cooling the building, and opens the fabric when the heating and cooling system is heating the building. In addition, when the space is unoccupied and the heating and cooling system is heating the building, the motorized window treatment may open the fabric if the window may be receiving direct sunlight, and may close the fabric if the window may not be receiving direct sunlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Altonen, William Bryce Fricke, Elliot G. Jacoby, Michael W. Pessina, Walter S. Zaharchuk, Joel S. Spira
  • Patent number: 8362718
    Abstract: A device for operating a closing part, driven by a drive, on a device of transportation contains a control apparatus which is assigned to the drive and is configured to actuate the drive in order to initiate a measure which is opposed to the movement of the closing part. The drive is embodied as an electric or electromechanical drive. The drive can be actuated by the control apparatus in such a way that the drive becomes active in a braking fashion with respect to the movement of the closing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Hubmann, Thomas Ohl
  • Publication number: 20130020969
    Abstract: A method and control system for setting travel limit positions of a movable closure, such as a roller or sectional-panel door. The closure is movable between open and closed positions by a drive unit and associated electronic controller in response to command signals received from a remote transmitter. During an installation phase, the closure is moved in a first travel direction towards a desired first limit position in response to a user pressing and holding a command push button on the remote transmitter. The closure is then stopped when the user releases the command push button. If no command push button is pressed for a predetermined time period (e.g. 5 seconds), data representative of the closure's stopped position is stored in a memory. This data thereby defines the first travel limit position. A similar procedure may be used to store data representative of a second limit position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Jack LEIVENZON
  • Publication number: 20120313557
    Abstract: Variable autonomy level control systems are provided. A control system illustratively include an analog communications support component, a digital communications support component, a processing component, and a motor controller. The processing component synthesizes inputs received from the analog and the digital communications support components to generate an output. The motor controller utilizes the output from the processing component to generate a control signal for a motor. In certain embodiments, the input from the digital communications support component includes an indication of an autonomy level, and the processing component synthesizes the inputs by applying the autonomy level to the input received from the analog communications support component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Robotzone, LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Pettey, Christopher L. Holt
  • Publication number: 20120242258
    Abstract: A brushless fan motor control circuit assembly consists of a high-frequency filter circuit, a rectifier circuit, a power factor enhancing circuit, a current-limit and voltage regulation circuit and a brushless fan motor driving circuit. By means of the high-frequency filter circuit to suppress high frequency noises, the power factor enhancing circuit to enhance the power factor and to save power consumption, the current-limit and voltage regulation circuit to limit the current and to achieve overload protection, the brushless fan motor control circuit assembly controls the operation of a motor of an electric accurately and safely, avoiding fan vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: HSIEN-MENG LEE
  • Patent number: 8253354
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for transferring signal data from a sender to one or more receivers. The invention includes receiving a quantity as a function of time, arranging the quantity into a first polynomial to obtain values for polynomial coefficients of a first continuous signal, and transferring the values of the polynomial coefficients of the first continuous signal via a first data transfer link to one or more receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: ABB Oy
    Inventor: Mika Niemi
  • Patent number: 8253363
    Abstract: An automatic opening-and-closing lid for a garbage bin includes a base member including an opening for a user throwing trash into the bin therefrom and first and second annular flanges. A lid is installed to the opening of the base member and is able to pivot with respect to the base member. A control is installed to the base member and includes a power source for power supply, a control panel, a driving member electrically connected to the control panel, a driven member and first and second sensor wires electrically connected to the power source. The first and second sensor wires are respectively disposed in the first and second annular flanges. A sensing region is formed proximal to the first and second sensor wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: THN Shong Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsung-Hwan Shih
  • Patent number: 8237383
    Abstract: A door system includes a support connected to a structure, and a door mounted on the support and movable relative to the support between an opened position and a closed position. The door includes a detection device and a remote module coupled to the detection device. The remote module includes a battery and an RF module for supporting two-way communication and sending signals indicative of the status of the detection device and the battery. The door system also includes a motor to drive the door, and a controller to control the motor. The controller includes a user interface and a memory. The door system also includes a base module coupled to the controller for receiving signals from the remote module. The received signals are indicative of the status of the detection device and the battery. The base module also sends signals related to successful transmission acknowledgements to the remote module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Assa Abloy Entrance Systems AB
    Inventors: William W Shier, Lee H Theusch, Allan B Czubin, Robert J Miller
  • Patent number: 8217762
    Abstract: There is described method for using a mobile control device that serves for controlling a machine within an assigned effective range which is only partially delimited by one or more RFID transponders and has protective measures. Control commands of the control device are also executed when it does not receive any valid transponder data, but the controller has received a corresponding signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gerhard Griessnig
  • Patent number: 8193742
    Abstract: An architectural window covering having a programmable electric motor is disclosed. The architectural window covering includes a head rail comprising at least one cavity, a shade coupled to the head rail, a bottom rail coupled to the shade, and at least two tandem stacked motors coupled to the shade via a drive rail such that the at least two motors fit within the at least one cavity of the head rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Skinner, Richard Langille, Philip Chermak
  • Patent number: 8179061
    Abstract: The present invention features a battery system for saving power. In some embodiments, the battery system comprises a main control unit for processing commands. The main control unit may comprise a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving wireless commands, and a timer for waking a microcontroller from a low power state to check a status of the received signal. In some embodiments, the microcontroller configured to receive a signal from the wireless transceiver; and to generate a signal to the wireless transceiver. In some embodiments, the battery system further comprises a remote module for sending commands to the main control unit. The remote module may comprises a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving wireless commands, and a microcontroller for processing user inputs and sending the commands. In some embodiments, the microcontroller is configured to receive a signal from the wireless transceiver; and to generate a signal to the wireless transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Zhiwei Liao
  • Publication number: 20120091926
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronic speed controller apparatus with a signal dividing port device and a control method thereof. An electronic speed controller apparatus comprises an electronic speed controller, a radio receiver, and a signal dividing port device. The radio receiver is electronically connected with the electronic speed controller. The signal dividing port device is electronically connected with the electronic speed controller. The signal dividing port device has at least one port. In the present invention, the radio receiver receives signals from a signal emitting station and transmits the signals to the electronic speed controller, the signal dividing port device integrates power button, light emitting module and at least one port to further electrically connection with a programming adapter or a terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Chih-Yuan SHEN
  • Patent number: 8112176
    Abstract: A system of self-organizing mobile robotic agents (MRAs) in a multi-robotic system (MRS) is disclosed. The MRAs use simulations to organize the behaviors of groups of robots in the MRS. The MRAs use software agents to model the MRS and the environment. By developing simulations of environmental change, the system provides methods for the MRS to interact with its environment to produce collective epigenetic behaviors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Neal Solomon
  • Patent number: 8089225
    Abstract: Systems and methods for inertially controlling a hovering unmanned aerial vehicle (HUAV) are provided. One inertial controller includes a frame and a sensor for detecting a change in an orientation and/or motion of the frame with respect to a predetermined neutral position. The inertial controller also includes a processor for generating commands to the HUAV to modify its current orientation and/or motion in accordance with the change. A system includes the above inertial controller and a sensor for determining a second change for an orientation and/or motion for the HUAV based on the change, and a processor for generating a signal commanding an HUAV control system to orient and/or move the HUAV in accordance with the second change. One method includes detecting a change in an orientation and/or motion of an inertial controller frame and commanding the HUAV to modify its current orientation and/or motion in accordance with the change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Emray R. Goossen
  • Patent number: 8081475
    Abstract: To prevent water intrusion, trolling motor heads cannot utilize ventilation methods of removing heat from power electronics. The assembly and method of the present application utilizes the existing metal column of a trolling motor to remove heat from the power electronics by utilizing a metal adapter that has flat outside surfaces for the power electronics and a round inside surface for the metal column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Steven E. Holley
  • Patent number: 8063592
    Abstract: A door system includes a support connected to a structure, and a door mounted on the support and movable relative to the support between an opened position and a closed position. The door includes a detection device and a remote module coupled to the detection device. The remote module includes a battery and an RF module for supporting two-way communication and sending signals indicative of the status of the detection device and the battery. The door system also includes a motor to drive the door, and a controller to control the motor. The controller includes a user interface and a memory. The door system also includes a base module coupled to the controller for receiving signals from the remote module. The received signals are indicative of the status of the detection device and the battery. The base module also sends signals related to successful transmission acknowledgements to the remote module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Albany International Corp
    Inventors: William W. Shier, Lee H. Theusch, Allan B. Czubin, Robert J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8049600
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for controlling a RC device via a secure radio link. In one embodiment of the invention, spread spectrum modulation may be employed which may provide a digital radio frequency (RF) link between a controller and a RC device. A controller may be coupled with a transmitter module and a radio controlled device may be coupled with a receiver module in accordance with the present invention to provide an add-on upgrade capability. The method and system for controlling a RC device may also include error detection and correction, interpolation of lost packets, failsafe technology and force-feedback telemetric technology to further enhance the user experience with radio controlled devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Horizon Hobby, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Beard, John Adams, Mathew Lee, Eric Meyers
  • Patent number: 8018206
    Abstract: With an aim of minimizing excitation losses in electric machines having electrically excited and displaceable secondary parts, bi-directional inductive transmission of energy is carried out by a rotating inductive transmission device. An associated electronic system for the bi-directional transmission of power and/or energy, is provided. Advantageously, super-conductive inductance is present wherein the flow is introduced. It is possible to excite by supplying energy to the stator and to also de-excite by removing energy without converting the power into heat on the rotor by applying a bipolar tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jan Weigel
  • Patent number: 7990096
    Abstract: There is described a method to operate a mobile operating device and a mobile operating device, with which machines within of effective ranges which are spanned by RFID transponders can be operated wirelessly. A safety module is provided in the operating device, with which both measured values assigned to the RFID transponders and also reference values of two reference transponders simulated in the operating device are checked in order to ensure the correct measurement and further processing in this way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gerhard Griessnig
  • Patent number: 7936138
    Abstract: Provided is a motor controller for controlling a motor installed at an object such as an electric car operated using a transmitter. A manipulation of a manipulation tool of the transmitter is allocated for brake and reverse modes. A specific value of brake power contained in a signal demodulated by a receiver is stored in a memory unit as a changeover reference value, and a changeover determining unit compares the changeover reference value with the brake power. If the brake power is greater than the changeover reference value, the changeover determining unit transmits a changeover signal to a control unit, and if the manipulation tool is manipulated to a neutral point after the control unit receives the changeover signal, the control unit changes the state of the manipulation tool from brake mode to reverse mode. The changeover reference value can be changed by an operator using an external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: FUTABA Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Katsuyama, Hideo Kitazawa, Takatoshi Morita
  • Patent number: 7919939
    Abstract: A remote blind actuating system for use in opening and closing blinds with a string incorporates a motor, a pulley, a receiver, and a housing. The motor, the pulley, and the receiver are disposed within the housing. The motor is connected with the pulley and is in communication with the receiver. The pulley is an cylindrical member with a first distal end and a second distal end. The pulley is rotatably affixed to the motor about an axis. The first distal end of the pulley is connected with the motor and the second distal end is connected with the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Rick Mosbrucker
  • Patent number: 7915841
    Abstract: There is described a method for using a mobile control device, with which a machine can be operated within an assigned effective range. To this end an effective range list is configured, which is checked on the basis of transponder data from RFID transponders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gerhard Griessnig
  • Patent number: 7911169
    Abstract: An induction actuated container cover includes a control housing having a cover opening, a cover panel pivotally mounted to the control housing to pivotally move between a closed position that the cover panel covers at the cover opening and an opened position that the cover panel exposes the cover opening, and an automatic driving arrangement including a sensor mounted at the control housing for detecting a target movement of a user and an actuation unit supported in the control housing to operatively link with the sensor, wherein the actuation unit is actuated to generate a decelerating and torque enhancing force to move the cover panel between the opened and closed position in a hydraulic manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventors: Xin Wang, Jiangqun Chen, ShiPing Wang
  • Patent number: 7893634
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wireless manual pulse generator that includes a central processing unit, a magnification selector, a pulse generator, an axis selector, and a wireless transmission module. The magnification selector is electronically connected to the central processing unit. The pulse generator is electronically connected to the magnification selector. The axis selector is electronically connected to the central processing unit. The wireless transmission module is electronically connected to the central processing unit. The central processing unit is configured to process a signal generated from the magnification selector or the axis selector. The wireless transmission module is configured to deliver the signal processed by the central processing unit to a CNC machine via wireless communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Foxnum Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fei-Hsu Chen, Jhy-Hau Chiu
  • Patent number: 7880414
    Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arrangement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Lionel L.L.C.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Denen, Neil P. Young, Gary L. Moreau, Martin Pierson, Robert Grubba
  • Patent number: 7880663
    Abstract: A hand-held manipulator is an independent device and has a motor actuated circuit functioned to supply a 12-volt DC power and a motor speed adjustable actuated circuit provided with voltage adjustable function to regulate the motor actuated circuit to supply a regulated voltage smaller or greater than 12-volt DC power, and then the hand-held manipulator is particularly adapted to connect with a 12-volt DC power source for wireless or manual remotely controlling a remote-controlled spotlight by way of constant speed, slower speed or faster speed to adjust its lighting direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Shih-Yung Chiu
  • Patent number: 7880413
    Abstract: Control over velocity of a model train may be determined based upon the speed of rotation of a control knob. A processor receives electronic pulses indicating rotation of the knob beyond a predetermined increment of angular distance. The processor calculates the amount of power ultimately conveyed to the model train based not only upon the number of pulses received, but also upon the elapsed time between these pulses. The shorter the elapsed time between pulses, the greater the change in power communicated to the train. Initially, a user can rapidly rotate the knob to attain coarse control over a wide range of velocities, and then rotate the knob more slowly to achieve fine-grained control over the coarse velocity. Utilizing the control scheme in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, in a compact and uninterrupted physical motion, a user can rapidly exercise both coarse and fine control over velocity of a model train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Liontech Trains LLC
    Inventors: Louis G Kovach, II, Neil P. Young
  • Patent number: 7847496
    Abstract: Dynamic calibration of a secondary velocity signal is provided in a tape drive. In one example, a reel motor is operated to drive a reel carrying a tape in a tape drive. The motion of the tape is measured to provide a measured primary velocity signal of the tape, and in addition, the operation of the reel motor is measured to provide an estimated secondary velocity signal of the tape as a function of motor parameters and the motor operation measurements. The estimated secondary velocity signal of the tape may be calibrated as the tape is driven, as a function of the tape motion measurements and the motor operation measurements. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nhan Xuan Bui, Reed Alan Hancock, Wayne Isami Imaino, Haiyu Zhao
  • Publication number: 20100295486
    Abstract: An actuator of the present invention includes a moving part, and a driving electrode which is comprised of electrode parts electrically isolated from each other and drives the moving part. A drive voltage is applied selectively to some of the electrode parts to control an electrostatic force which acts on the moving part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Tamio IKEHASHI
  • Publication number: 20100244590
    Abstract: An electromechanical propulsion system is disclosed. The propulsion system uses magnetic propulsion and magnetic bearings to move a vehicle. The propulsion system is well suited for use on land, air, space, above water and underwater vehicles. The propulsion system includes a plurality of electromagnets that repel each other with strong and weak magnets to move the propulsion motor in linear motion. Multiple side propulsion motors can be incorporated to alter the direction of travel of the electromechanical propulsion system. The propulsion system is manufacturable in a self contained configuration where it is controllable from a remote location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: JAMES O. ESSEX
  • Patent number: 7800326
    Abstract: A brushless D.C. motor has a rotor with a plurality of magnets secured to a mounting surface. Each magnet has an RFID tag secured to a magnet surface, with each RFID tag having stored therein a unique identification character serving to identify the magnet. A stator has a plurality of pole teeth separated by slots, each pole tooth having a power coil wound thereabout. A plurality of RFID interrogation antennae are mounted adjacent the pole teeth. An RFID reader generates r.f. interrogation signals broadcast by the antennae to the RFID tags. The RFID tags respond by broadcasting the unique identification character whenever an interrogation signal is sensed as the tag enters the region of a pole tooth. This position and magnet identification information is received by the RFID reader, which processes the information and sends it to a motor controller and driver unit, which supplies operating power to the individual power coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Silicon Valley Micro MCorp.
    Inventors: Shengbo Zhu, Su Shiong Huang
  • Publication number: 20100181943
    Abstract: The invention provides means to control model movement in a short distance or thousand miles away. Sensor source such as night sensor, pressure sensor, tilt sensor, sound sensor stimulates sensor activated unit to activate electric current flowing to electro motors and electromagnets to act on parts of model to control model activities and create live view and higher potential movements of action-model such as smiling, laughing, crying with tear, jumping, dancing, walking, talking or singing, eye glance or twinkling, eyelid opening or closing, ear raising or drooping and many physiological activities of living thing or mechanical movements of model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: Charlie D. Phan
  • Patent number: 7750591
    Abstract: A method of controlling an operation of an induction actuated container cover includes the steps of (a) normally retaining a cover panel of the container cover in a closed position; (b) detecting a target movement of a user by a sensor; (c) generating a first actuating signal to an actuation unit when the sensor detects the target movement of the user; (d) generating an actuation output from the actuation unit to the cover panel of the container cover, wherein the actuation output contains a decelerating and torque enhancing force which moves the cover panel of the container cover at an opened position; (e) pivotally actuating the cover panel of the container cover at the opened position via the actuation output to expose a storage cavity, and (f) generating a second actuating signal to pivotally actuate the cover panel of the container cover back to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventors: Xin Wang, Jiangqun Chen, ShiPing Wang
  • Publication number: 20100127644
    Abstract: A solid state relay has independent charge pumps isolating each gate of a full bridge to achieve faster and proper gate turn on. The low side MOSFETs of the bridge are the current sensing device reducing loss and allowing a device controlled by the relay to achieve peak performance. Dynamic braking is achieved by the two low side MOSFETs being fully conducted and applying a load across the DC motor. Addition of a microprocessor to the device provides undervoltage sensing, current vs time readings, motor stall sensing, and motor temperature sensing. Motor temperature is detected by checking impedance of the motor at microsecond pulses to see if the motor is getting hot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Gilbert Fregoso
  • Patent number: 7723939
    Abstract: A roller shade structure controlled by radio-frequency (RF) wireless communication from a control device comprises a roller tube and a conductive enclosure. The conductive enclosure is mounted inside the roller tube for enclosing a motor drive system having a motor operable to controllably rotate the roller tube in a direction at a speed when a voltage is applied to the motor. A capacitive coupling is provided between the enclosure and the roller tube, the capacitive coupling providing an increased signal strength of RF signals received by the RF receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence R. Carmen, Jr.