Abstract: The present system is a system for controlling a trolling motor in a fishing boat. The system comprises a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit includes a direction sensor, a selection switch, and a transmitter. The direction sensor automatically senses the direction to which the user desires to steer the fishing boat when the user points the direction sensor in that direction. The user then uses the selection switch, and by “clicking” the switch once the transmitter sends a signal with the direction information to the receiving unit. The receiving unit then receives the signal containing the direction information, and affects the trolling motor in such a way that it steers the fishing boat in the desired direction.

Abstract: In a method of wirelessly controlling a sewing machine, a wireless receiver module receives an initial signal transmitted wirelessly and continuously from a speed control module in response to a treading action thereon, and stores a preset security code portion of the received initial signal therein. Thereafter, the wireless receiver module receives an incoming control signal transmitted wirelessly from the speed control module in response to a treading action thereon, and controls operation of a motor unit in accordance with a speed control code portion of the received incoming control signal upon detecting that an identification code portion of the received incoming control signal matches the security code portion stored therein.

Abstract: A method for operating a radio remote control system having a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, composed of: following the termination of a radio connection between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit, modifying at least one transmitting or receiving parameter of the transmitting unit or the receiving unit with respect to a standard value in such a way that the establishment of a new radio connection is only possible if the distance between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit does not exceed a predetermined value; and following the establishment of a new radio contact with the modified parameter in effect, resetting the respective parameter to the standard value.

Abstract: For enhancing the operational safety of an electric drive unit of a vehicle comprising a generator, which is operated by a combustion machine, and drive motors, which are connected to said generator via a direct-voltage intermediate circuit, the generator and drive motors are each subdivided into partial units, and these partial units have partial power electronics units associated therewith. The mutually corresponding partial units of generator, motors and power electronics units each constitute a drive circuit of their own, with control signals being supplied to components thereof by a specifically assigned system control unit. The system control units that are interconnected via an information exchange channel can undertake compensation measures in their drive circuit or in the other drive circuits in the event of a complete or partial failure of a drive circuit.

Abstract: An electronic equipment control system including an electronic equipment body and a remote control terminal for providing an operation instruction to the electronic equipment body. The electronic equipment body has a receiving part for receiving a remote control signal, a movable operation unit for operating the electronic equipment body, a fixed operation unit, and an arranging part for moving the movable operation unit to bring the fixed operation unit into a visually identifiable state. The remote control terminal has input keys for providing the operation instruction, and a sending part for sending operation information input by the input keys.

Abstract: A detection system for detecting a dangerous condition for an operator using a power tool of the type which has an exposed blade relative to a work surface and a protection system for minimizing, if not eliminating the possibility of a user being injured by contacting the blade. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a proximity detection system is capable of detecting the presence of a user near the blade of a table saw and a protection system that can either retract the blade below the work surface of the table saw or terminate the drive torque to the blade which can result in rapid stopping of the saw blade by a work piece that is being cut.

Abstract: A door actuation system conducts or assists movement of sliding vehicle doors by connecting the door to a bi-directional motor via one or more helical cables that engage with gearing on the bi-directional motor. Rotation of the motor in either direction pushes or pulls the helical cables, causing the door to move toward the open or closed position. The motor can be stopped when the door reaches selected positions other than the open or closed position, holding the door in a partially open position.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the illustrative method defines an engine cycle comprising several state changes that allow for a net gain of energy from an underlying source force field. The potential for a net energy gain via the method results from the discovery that a Casimir force system can be rendered non-conservative. This is done by appropriately altering one or more of a variety of physical factors that affect the Casimir force, or by altering any of a variety of environmental factors that affect such physical factors. In various embodiments, the extracted energy is stored, used to power energy-consuming devices or used to actuate a micromechanical device. In one embodiment, the method is implemented using an energy extraction apparatus that comprises two spaced Casimir force-generating boundaries that are operatively coupled to an energy transformation system. The energy transformation system includes a first device that is operable to alter at least one physical factor of the system.

Abstract: A wireless DC control device including a radio frequency transmitter, receiver, and switching circuit controls the current and polarity of the current that is used to power DC motors used in mobile living quarters. The control device has particular application for controlling the extension and retraction of slide-out rooms in a mobile living quarters.

Abstract: Hydraulically actuated aerial lift trucks typically have a primary hydraulic pump system driven by the vehicle's engine and a backup pump system driven by a direct current motor. Due to infrequent use of such motors, they are vulnerable to failure due to corrosion of the brush/commutator interface or seizing of the motor bearings. A remote power unit is provided to periodically run the back up motor for brief periods to maintain the motor in running condition. Voltage levels across the motor terminals are monitored for correspondence to failure indicating levels.

Abstract: A garbage container includes a base section for collecting garbage and a lid section attachable to the base section. The lid section includes an access door pivotally operable therewith. The garbage container further includes a sensor connected to the top surface of the lid section and for determining when an object has reached a predetermined distance therefrom. The garbage container further includes a housing and a motor disposed therein and connected to the sensor. A plurality of arm members each have a first end portion passing through a corresponding one of a plurality of slots and are operable by the motor. The plurality of arm members each further has a second opposed end portion connected to the access door respectively. The plurality of arm members are preferably selectively pivotable about the first end portions and in a generally arcuate path to thereby move the access door between open and closed positions based upon signals transmitted by the sensor.

Abstract: A mini-blind actuator has a motor and a housing that holds the motor and a dc battery. The rotor of the motor is coupled to the baton of the mini-blind for rotating the baton and thereby opening or closing the slats of the mini-blind. Alternatively, the rotor is coupled to the tilt rod of the blind to rotate the tilt rod and thereby open or close the slats of the mini-blind. A control signal generator generates a control signal for completing the electrical circuit between the battery and the motor. The control signal can be generated in response to a predetermined amount of daylight or in response to a user-generated remote command signal. The actuator can be used to rotate the slats of horizontal or vertical blinds, or the sections of a pleated shade. Or, the actuator can be used to rotate the hollow rotatable tube of a roll-up shade.

Abstract: A garage door power module is provided with the capability of operating over a number of different operating frequencies by configuring a power module chassis with a receptacle for receiving radio receivers where each of the receivers is adapted to receive one of radio signals. The receptacle located near one edge of the chassis and is configured with a planer surface and support members that permit the receivers to be slidably inserted and removed from the receptacle. In addition the radio receiver is equipped with a plug connector and the receptacle is equipped with a socket for receiving the plug connector in order to transmit radio control signals from the receiver to logic control circuits in the power module.

Abstract: A wireless system uses a direct UHF radio frequency (RF) signal to control electric trains and train accessories. A controller, such as a handheld unit used by the toy train operator, accepts control commands and transmits encoded control data over a high frequency radio link directly to a receiver, on the toy train or train accessory, which decodes the commands and controls the toy train or toy train accessory functions with either unidirectional or bi-directional communication between the controller and the model train or train accessory. One controller has the ability to control many trains and other model train layout components such as signals and track switches even while other train operators are operating their trains on the same electric train track layout.

Abstract: A detection system for detecting a dangerous condition for an operator using a power tool of the type which has an exposed blade relative to a work surface and a protection system for minimizing, if not eliminating the possibility of a user being injured by contacting the blade. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a proximity detection system is capable of detecting the presence of a user near the blade of a table saw and a protection system that can either retract the blade below the work surface of the table saw or terminate the drive torque to the blade which can result in rapid stopping of the saw blade by a work piece that is being cut.

Abstract: A modular motor controller family comprises a housing. Solid state switches are selected from one of plural switch sizes for controlling a desired voltage and current range. The switches are mounted in the housing for connection between an AC line and motor terminals for controlling application of AC power to the motor. A logic circuit board is mounted in the housing including logic circuitry for commanding operation of the solid state switches independent of the selected switch size. An interface circuit board selected from one of plural configurations is mounted in the housing and includes interface circuitry connected between the logic circuitry and the solid state switches. The interface circuitry is selected to interface with the selected switch size according to the desired voltage and current range.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator having an electrical motor responsive to control signals for moving the barrier, a controller to control the barrier movements, and two command apparatuses for generating command inputs, which command apparatuses are located remotely from each other. The first command apparatus is mounted in a location remote from the controller and easily accessible by the users, and the second command apparatus is located close proximity to the controller to be easily accessible by an installer at the time of service.

Abstract: A control and motor arrangement for use in a model train includes a control arrangement integrally constructed with a motor. The control arrangement receives rotational speed and positional information from the motor and uses this information to determine how much power to supply to the motor, thus controlling the rotational speed of the motor. In this way, the control arrangement maintains a constant motor speed, if desired. In addition, the speed and positional information is optionally provided to a sound control arrangement for use in selecting appropriate sound effects.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method, the apparatus comprising a controlled element (10), such as a robotic manipulator, and a dynamically updatable control system (11). The control system (11) uses a control system equation (eq. (1)) to determine control signals (dq/dt) for controlling the controlled element (1) given any required inputs (q, V) to the control system equation (eq. (1)). The control system (11) is dynamically updatable in that in response to a script file indicating a code structure (11d) preferably having linked nodes (12a 13a-c) and representing at least some components (W,F,&agr;,&bgr;) of the control system equation (eq. (1)), the control system (11) creates the code structure (11d), at run-time, and does so such that the nodes (12a 13a-c) can be queried (i.e. are executable logic) to provide values for at least some components (W,F,&agr;,&bgr;) of the control system equation (eq. (1)).

Abstract: A mechanical bug includes a housing; a gear mechanism within the housing; and at least six legs extending from the housing, each leg having a first end operationally associated with the gear mechanism such that movement of the gear mechanism also moves the leg. The at least three legs move backward in a flat plane while at least three other legs arch upward and forward before returning again in the flat plane, causing the mechanical bug to remain level and steady as the mechanical bug walks forward.

Abstract: A motor for turning the rod of an object such as a window covering is attached to an elongated ferromagnetic bar. Magnets are closely spaced from the bar, and as the bar rotates to cut the magnetic field lines, pickup coils generate signals that can be used to determine the direction and speed of rotation and also the position of the motor (and, hence, the position of the object being moved). The magnets brake the motor from turning under the weight of the object when the motor is deenergized.

Abstract: This invention relates to a retractable and extendable awning and control system for automatically extending and retracting the awning. A front of an awning fabric is attached to a front bar, movably mounted on a wall of a building by retractable arms. A rear of the fabric is unrolled from a roll when the arms move the front bar away from the wall. The awning also features a weather sensor unit on its front bar in wireless communication with an indoor control unit. The weather sensor unit can detect excessive wind, mechanical shocks, sunlight, and rain. In addition, each support bracket on the awning has a screw spindle for adjusting an angle of extension of the awning from the wall with a resilient inner bushing that cushions mechanical shocks to the awning. Adhesive can also be introduced into arm ends after assembly of the arms.

Abstract: A self-propelled irrigation machine including an elongated main boom pivoted at one end to a center pivot and supported on a plurality of self-propelled, non-steerable drive units. An extension boom is pivotally secured to the other end of the main boom for irrigating corner areas of the field. A steerable drive tower supports the extension boom and includes a pair of steerable drive wheels. The guidance and control for the extension boom includes a UWB receiver and a computer positioned on the steerable drive tower for receiving and processing UWB information as to the location of the steerable drive tower and for determining the optimal steer angle for the steerable drive wheels relative to the movement of the main boom. At least one UWB transmitters are located within receiving range of the UWB receiver. Signals transmitted by the UWB transmitters are received by the UWB receiver on the steerable drive unit and are used to determine current location and optimal steer angles relative to the main boom.

Abstract: A configurable motor controller includes solid state switches for connection between an AC line and motor terminals for controlling application of AC power to the motor. A control circuit controls operation of the solid state switches. The control circuit comprises a programmed processor for commanding operation of the solid state switches. A memory is connected to the programmed processor storing configuration information relating to operation of the solid state switches. A user configuration device selects the values for the stored configuration information. The configuration information comprises adjustable values within a range. The configuration device is adapted to select any adjustable value within the range.

Abstract: A gas pipe explorer formed of a plurality of connecting elements, and an articulation element between the connected elements. The connected elements include drive capabilities, and the articulation element allows the connected elements to traverse gas pipes of arbitrary shapes and sizes. A sensor may sends the characteristics of the gas pipe, and the communication element may send back those sends characteristics. The communication can be wired, over a tether connecting the device to a remote end. Alternatively, the connection can be wireless, driven by either a generator or a battery.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the firmness of an inflatable air mattress wherein an air blower supplies pressurized air to the inflatable chamber(s) of the mattress through a port containing a valve in response to a target fullness selected by the user, the blower operation being controlled by a processor having an array of blower speeds included in a computer readable medium blower so that the speeds are selected in response to the target value.

Abstract: A remote-control portable utility equipment mounting apparatus system especially for illumination system. It provides the user the ability to control the direction of the utility equipment such as utility light from a distance away. The remote-control portable utility equipment mounting apparatus provides polar rotational movement both horizontally and vertically. The rotational movement is controlled by remote controlling device as the input instructional device by the user. This remote controller can be wireless remote controller or non-wireless remote controller. After the portable utility equipment mounting apparatus receives the signals, it generates electrical functions to drive the designated motors to move the equipment mounting stage subassembly direction to the preferred direction. Power saving, fine-tuning and variable speed control are some of the basic features of this utility equipment mounting stage.

Abstract: An improved window covering and lighting system for a window in a room includes a plurality of cornices, each cornice including a window covering supported by the cornice and movable between an open position and a closed position, an actuator supported by the cornice for moving the window covering between the open position and the closed position, a lighting system mounted to the cornice, and a programmable logic unit for operating at least one of the actuator and the lighting system independently from one another upon demand. The system also includes a remote control unit providing a signal selectively to the programmable logic unit to operate at least one of the plurality of cornices. Each of the plurality of cornices further includes a light sensor for sensing ambient light conditions in the room, and a motion detector for detecting occupance of the room. The programmable logic control unit is responsive to the sensed ambient light conditions and the detected occupance.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the illustrative method defines an engine cycle comprising several state changes that allow for a net gain of energy from an underlying source force field. The potential for a net energy gain via the method results from the discovery that a Casimir force system can be rendered non-conservative. This is done by appropriately altering one or more of a variety of physical factors that affect the Casimir force, or by altering any of a variety of environmental factors that affect such physical factors. In various embodiments, the extracted energy is stored, used to power energy-consuming devices or used to actuate a micromechanical device. In one embodiment, the method is implemented using an energy extraction apparatus that comprises two spaced Casimir force-generating boundaries that are operatively coupled to an energy transformation system. The energy transformation system includes a first device that is operable to alter at least one physical factor of the system.

Abstract: An improved garage door opener is disclosed. The garage door opener has a motor drive unit for opening and closing a garage door. The motor drive unit has a microcontroller. Connected to the motor drive unit is a wall console that resides inside the garage. The wall console also has a microcontroller. The microcontroller of the motor drive unit is connected to the microcontroller of the wall console by means of a digital data bus.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively controlling an electrical component is claimed. The system contains an audio detector, such as a microphone, that receives sound energy and converts the sound energy into a corresponding electrical signal. The content of the sound energy is irrelevant. Rather, it is the volume of the sound energy that is to be represented by the electrical signal. To produce an electrical signal that corresponds to noise volume, the amplitude of the electrical signal is amplified. The amplified signal is then rectified and filtered, thereby producing a D/C electrical signal that is representative of the volume of the sound energy detected. The D/C electrical signal is used to selectively regulate a current flow controller. The current flow controller controls the flow of current to the electronic component.

Abstract: This invention relates to a retractable and extendable awning and a control system for automatically extending and retracting the awning. In a retractable fabric awning a front of the awning fabric is attached to a movable front bar, movably mounted at the wall of a building by retractable arms. The rear of the fabric is unrolled from a roll of the fabric on the building wall when the arms move the front bar away from the building. The awning features a weather sensor unit on its front bar. The weather sensor unit can detect excessive wind and mechanical shocks and also sunlight and rain. The sensor is in wireless (via radio frequency) communication with an indoor control unit which can automatically retract the front bar during windy, rainy and/or low sunlight conditions and extend the front bar during calm and sunny conditions.

Abstract: A method is designed to adjust automatically the dynamic balance of the main shaft of a processing machine. The method involves the use of a micro-electromechanical technique for a precision measurement of the imbalance quantity of the dynamic balance of the main shaft. The data are transmitted by the radio transmission technique to an automatic adjustment mechanism for adjusting the dynamic balance in conjunction with the phase difference of the rotary rings and a step-by-step motor.

Abstract: An automatic control system for controlling the firmness of a fluid supported mattress of a bed assembly. The control system includes a motorized fluid pump, a control unit for operating the pump to adjust the firmness of the air mattress, a hand held remote control unit for actuating the control unit, and a transceiver system for transmitting information signals between the hand held unit and the control unit. The air control system provides for independent control of both bladders in a two bladder air mattress from a single unit, and allows a user to consistently set the firmness of each mattress air bladder to a desired value. The air control system includes an air pump specially designed to minimize transmission of motor noise into the environment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a retractable and extendable awning and a control system for automatically extending and retracting the awning. In a retractable fabric awning a front of the awning fabric is attached to a movable front bar, movably mounted at the wall of a building by retractable arms. The rear of the fabric is unrolled from a roll of the fabric on the building wall when the arms move the front bar away from the building. The awning features a weather sensor unit on its front bar. The weather sensor unit can detect excessive wind and mechanical shocks and also sunlight and rain. The sensor is in wireless (via radio frequency) communication with an indoor control unit which can automatically retract the front bar during windy, rainy and/or low sunlight conditions and extend the front bar during calm and sunny conditions.

Abstract: An actuator for a release device of a motor vehicle has a control acting on the release device and at least one actuator element sending a signal wireless to the control for triggering a release action of the release device. The actuator element is a momentary-contact pushbutton and is part of a passive receiver. The passive receiver has a passive antenna arranged in a resonance circuit that is closed by actuating the actuator element.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the illustrative method defines an engine cycle comprising several state changes that allow for a net gain of energy from an underlying source force field. The potential for a net energy gain via the method results from the discovery that a Casimir force system can be rendered non-conservative. This is done by appropriately altering one or more of a variety of physical factors that affect the Casimir force, or by altering any of a variety of environmental factors that affect such physical factors. In various embodiments, the extracted energy is stored, used to power energy-consuming devices or used to actuate a micromechanical device. In one embodiment, the method is implemented using an energy extraction apparatus that comprises two spaced Casimir force-generating boundaries that are operatively coupled to an energy transformation system. The energy transformation system includes a first device that is operable to alter at least one physical factor of the system.

Abstract: A wireless terminal including a custom integrated circuit for adjusting and applying the voltage of a particular pulse and a power supply for supplying power to operate an internal vibration embodying circuit, the terminal includes: a switching circuit unit for controlling the motor action in the vibration embodying circuit: a current amplification unit for supplying a great current necessary for the driving of the motor; a driving motor unit for performing vibration by driving the vibration embodying circuit; an overcurrent protecting unit for maintaining a stable voltage in the motor when overvoltage is applied to an input and protecting the motor by interrupting said driving motor unit; and a battery pack, connected externally to the power supply, for supplying charges to the power supply unit by mounting the vibration embodying circuit therein.

Abstract: In a drive device which is especially suitable for moving and turning the slats of a blind in a runner and in which the rotational movement of a drive wheel (2) can be alternately transmitted to a turning drive means effecting the rotational movement of the slats and to a transport drive means effecting the movement of the salts in the runner, the drive wheel (2) is driven by electric motor and, in addition, the shift of the change gear from its one shifting position into the other shifting position is effected by an electrical signal. For this purpose, a toothed sleeve (3) driving the transport drive means and a toothed sleeve (4) driving the turning drive means is alternately coupled to a drive tube (1), which can be driven via the drive wheel (2), in dependence on the relative rotational position of a reversing shaft (10) in the drive tube (1) via locking members (7, 8) arranged on its periphery.

Abstract: An improved window covering and lighting system is disclosed for a window in a room. The system includes a plurality of cornices, each cornice including a window covering supported by the cornice and movable between an open position and a closed position, an actuator supported by the cornice for moving the window covering between the open position and the closed position, a lighting system mounted to the cornice, and means for operating at least one of the actuator and the lighting system independently from one another upon demand. The system also includes a remote control unit providing a signal selectively to at least one of the operating means of at least one of the plurality of cornices, with the operating means being responsive to the signal. Each of the plurality of cornices further comprises a light sensor for sensing ambient light conditions in the room, and a motion detector for detecting occupancy of the room.

Abstract: A radio control device is provided that has the D/R function wherein the rate can be switched by a simple operation without impairing the operability of a stick. The adjustment value (rate) determining a relationship between stick operation amount and servo motor operation amount is switched at the changeover point arbitrarily set within a range of stick operation amounts. The rate 1 is 100% while the rate 2 is 60%. The point 1 is set to the position corresponding to about 65% of the maximum value of the stick operation amount in the right direction (or down direction). The point 2 is set to the position corresponding to about 85% of the maximum value of the stick operation amount in the left direction (or up direction). In the rate 2, the rudder does not effectively work over the range where the operation amount of the stick is relatively small. When the adjustment value exceeds the point, the mode enters the rate 1, so that the rudder works effectively.

Abstract: An independent, self contained apparatus for operation within a vacuum chamber. A sealed enclosure is located in the chamber. The enclosure contains its own atmosphere independent of the vacuum in the chamber. A motor, power unit, and controls are located entirely within the enclosure. They do not have a direct structural connection outside of the enclosure in any way that would effect the atmosphere within the enclosure. The motor, power unit, and controls drive a spinner plate located outside the enclosure but within the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A hand-held controller is used to control an apparatus that supports a person. The hand-held controller includes a display that displays graphical images pertaining to functions of the apparatus. An illustrative apparatus comprises a frame and a mattress supported by the frame.

Abstract: An improved window covering and lighting system for a window in a room includes a plurality of cornices, each cornice including a window covering supported by the cornice and movable between an open position and a closed position, an actuator supported by the cornice for moving the window covering between the open position and the closed position, a lighting system mounted to the cornice, and a programmable logic unit for operating at least one of the actuator and the lighting system independently from one another upon demand. The system also includes a remote control unit providing a signal selectively to the programmable logic unit to operate at least one of the plurality of cornices. Each of the plurality of cornices further includes a light sensor for sensing ambient light conditions in the room, and a motion detector for detecting occupance of the room. The programmable logic control unit is responsive to the sensed ambient light conditions and the detected occupance.

Abstract: A variable firmness mattress structure includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart, transversely extending air bladders and an air supply for filling each bladder to a respective desired air pressure to support a user at a desired mattress firmness. A control system for the variable firmness mattress structure includes at air controller cooperating with the air supply for filling the air bladders to desired air pressures and a hand-held controller in communication with the air controller. The hand-held controller is configured to receive a first input from the user indicating that a first desired mattress firmness currently exists and to transmit to the air controller a first signal corresponding to the first input. The first desired mattress firmness corresponds to a first set of respective desired air pressures in the bladders.

Abstract: A wireless battery-operated window covering assembly is disclosed. The window covering has a head rail in which all the components are housed. These include a battery pack, an interface module including an IR receiver and a manual switch, a processor board including control circuitry, motor, drive gear, and a rotatably mounted reel on which lift cords wind and unwind a collapsible shade. The circuitry allows for dual-mode IR receiver operation and a multi-sensor polling scheme, both of which are configured to prolong battery life. Included among these sensors is a lift cord detector which gauges shade status to control the raising and lowering of the shade, and a rotation sensor which, in conjunction with internal registers and counters keeps track of travel limits and shade position.

Abstract: A power seating system includes a selector, a transmitter, a receiver, a controller and a seat function circuit. The selector has a plurality of user-actuated switches configured to generate one or more command signals for adjusting a position of a vehicle seat throughout its range of motion. The selector is disposed in a passenger compartment of the vehicle away from a seat assembly having the receiver, controller, and seat function circuit. The transmitter has an input for receiving the command signals and an output for transmitting electromagnetic radiation signals corresponding to the command signals. The receiver receives the generated electromagnetic radiation signals and reproduces the command signals. The controller generates control signals according to the reproduced command signals. The seat function circuit includes an adjusting circuit arranged to adjust the position of the seat according to the control signals.

Abstract: An electronic control system for motors for the operation of winding devices, such as roller shades, roller gates, rolling shutters and similar, comprises a radio receiver included in the motor being controlled and a portable radio transmitter available to the user. The radio transmitter comprises at least two push-buttons for the control of the lifting and lowering movement of the winding device and a first micro-controller provided with a first code memory that, at each pressure on at least one of said control push-buttons, sends a codified signal having a respective identification code of the push-button being pressed.

Abstract: A wireless battery-operated window covering assembly is disclosed. The window covering has a head rail in which all the components are housed. These include a battery pack, an interface module including an IR receiver and a manual switch, a processor board including control circuitry, motor, drive gear, and a rotatably mounted reel on which lift cords wind and unwind a collapsible shade. The circuitry allows for dual-mode IR receiver operation and a multi-sensor polling scheme, both of which are configured to prolong battery life. Included among these sensors is a lift cord detector which gauges shade status to control the raising and lowering of the shade, and a rotation sensor which, in conjunction with internal registers and counters keeps track of travel limits and shade position.

Abstract: A movable barrier or garage door operator has a barrier drive for moving the movable barrier or garage door between open and closed positions. Motion of the barrier is detected by a tachometer connected to the barrier drive or by upper and lower barrier travel limit switches. A test is made to determine if the barrier has been commanded to be in a closed state and to determine if a preselected time interval has elapsed following closure of the barrier. When both of those conditions are present and the door is moved upward without authorization an alarm signal is generated and can signal the barrier drive to apply a closing force. The timer prevents the barrier from being closed on a person or obstacle during normal operation and prevents injury. An obstacle detector also prevents unwanted closure on an obstacle.