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: A method for restricting the surplus force of an electrically controlled assembly operated by a foreign force, which can be used with particular advantage in connection with window lifters which are fitted with an anti-jam detection device. The method is characterized by a high automatic adaptation to the markedly fluctuating external conditions to which a window lifter is subjected, and by the compensation of system-conditioned fluctuations. The position of the assembly is continuously determined during the displacement process and at least one measured value correlated with the displacement force of the assembly is recorded in the inlet area of the stop position. This measured value is increased through the electronics unit by a predetermined amount and defined as a switch-off criterion so that the drive is switched off when this criterion is exceeded or understepped.

Abstract: A device for controlling a synchronous electric motor with a permanent magnet rotor. The device comprises a stator including a winding disposed around a stack of laminations and with which is associated a permanent magnet rotor. Controlled conductor devices are connected to the stator winding and to an AC source. One or more position sensors determine the application to the control inputs of the said controlled conductor devices of electrical control signals having to states which vary as a function of the angular position of the rotor. The arrangement is such that the current is caused to flow in the stator winding in a direction which depends only on the polarity of the voltage of the source and the instantaneous position of the rotor.

Abstract: A power window apparatus is provided for detecting pinching in accordance with the opened/closed position of the window and a state of rotation of a motor, the apparatus having a position sensor which detects a safety-control suspension region of the window and which is an accurate sensor. A spiral guide groove is formed in the inner surface of a housing opposite to a rotational plate which is rotated by an output shaft of a motor which opens/closes a window. A follower which is guided by the spiral guide groove is able to move along a straight guide groove provided for the rotational plate in the radial direction. Terminals in the form of conductive films are provided for a printed circuit board accommodated in the housing. When the rotational plate has been rotated, the follower is guided by the spiral guide groove so as to be moved in the straight guide groove. Thus, a slide member provided for the follower is brought into contact with the terminals so that the terminals are conducted with each other.

Abstract: A power window apparatus for a vehicle, which can open or close a door window by manual operation of a power window switch for energizing either of window-opening and closing relays for rotating a motor in the forward or reverse direction or by automatic operation of the same switch to cause an auto-latching circuit or a control unit to maintain either of the relays in an energized state until the window becomes fully opened or closed. The apparatus is provided with a switch for deenergizing a coil of the window-closing relay by disconnecting the control circuit for latching the energized window-closing relay, thus enabling the opening of the window by manual switch operation whenever an abnormal operation of the auto-latch control system occurs with simultaneous energization of both the window-opening and closing relays in an accident such as the vehicle sinking into water.

Abstract: The sudden unrolling of an motor driven overhead door is a hazardous occurrence. The invention provides a method of detection and warning of a damaged counterbalance mechanism or other defect in the door lifting assembly. The amperage readings of the drive motor are observed to increase between 5% and 30%, above that of normal operation when the function of the counterbalance assembly or similar drive assembly component is compromised. The method is reduced to practice as a number of alternative electronic circuits which are placed between the line power source and the drive motor. The circuit senses the motor amperage draw and compares the reading with a preset threshold value. Upon the sensed value exceeding the threshold value, a warning is broadcast. This method alerts one of undue strain on a damaged lifting assembly prior to its catastrophic failure.

Abstract: An operator for opening and closing movable barriers such as garage doors comprising a pass point limit system which is a component of an operating head. The operator is responsive to remote control from a wall panel or other location remote from the operating head to enable setting and adjustment of door travel limits from a remote location, without requiring installation of limit switches separate from the operating head.

Abstract: A method is provided for adapting the side support, as a function of the driving situation and driving styles, of a person sitting in the seat of a vehicle, in which method a lateral acceleration acting on the seat is determined as reference variable for the adaptation. In order to allow greater allowance for the way in which the sitting person senses lateral acceleration, as well as a comfortable sitting sensation with the advantages of a necessary side support which is built up in curves at short notice, the specific instantaneous lateral acceleration is weighted with the instantaneous driving speed of the vehicle. A control variable for the degree of adaptation is derived therefrom. In addition, a supplementary control variable is determined which brings about support of the driver on both sides in the seat as a function of the driving style. A vehicle seat in which this method is applied is specified.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for selective alteration and control of door movement modes utilizing an apparatus that is primarily non-hydraulic and incorporated with a known mechanism which is functional independently from the apparatus in one mode of operation and which includes a piston for controlling door closing characteristics by selected fluid flow within the mechanism. The apparatus includes a motor driven lead screw having a linearly movable shuttle unit mounted thereon, the shuttle unit being positioned relative to the piston of the mechanism to accommodate nonattached contact with the piston to urge the piston, when the shuttle unit is moved, in a direction that will at least provide selective assistance with door opening in another mode of operation. Operation of the apparatus is controlled by programming of a related controller including non-volatile memory.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for lifting up and down of window glass for a vehicle and method thereof that is controlled by a switch called a shuttle switch to move the window glass automatically to a desired position according to the rotation of the shuttle switch without visually checking the movement of the window glass and without taking eyes away from the road by a user. The present invention includes a reversible motor for moving the window glass, a controller for moving and stopping the window glass to the desired position corresponding to the rotation of the shuttle switch, and a motor sensor providing feedback to the controller for stopping the movement of the window glass.

Abstract: A convertible roof actuation mechanism includes a pliable roof cover, a top stack mechanism supporting the roof cover, and at least one roof bow of the top stack mechanism independently movable relative to the remainder of the top stack mechanism for selectively reducing and increasing tension of the roof cover during latching. In another aspect of the present invention, at least one roof bow is retracted closer to a bottom pivot of a rear roof rail when stowed to optimize packaging space within a convertible roof storage compartment.

Abstract: A method of positioning a part includes the steps of reciprocatingly moving a part between two end positions by a drive, generating a control signal for the drive upon reaching the end positions, stopping the drive or changing a drive direction of the drive upon receipt of the control signal; detecting a position of the drive after a first reaching of at least one of the end positions by the part, storing the detected position of the drive, and during further approaches of the end positions by the part, stopping the drive or changing the drive direction before reaching the end positions. After a selectable number of approaches of the part to at least one of the end positions the drive is stopped only when the end position is reached and the position of the drive is detected and stored once again.

Abstract: A movement path of a part which is movable by a drive relative to at least one end position is monitored by monitoring the drive, and turning off or reversing the drive is performed in dependence on the exceeding of at least one predetermined parameter. The movement path of the path is subdivided into regions in which different influences are performed. In particular, the movement path is subdivided into five regions in which a different drive force limiting (closing force limiting) of the drive is performed.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a "one-touch-up" power window system is provided for a motor vehicle. The system includes a controller which controls the power window motor. One function of the controller is to determine whether an obstruction impedes travel of the power window. The controller takes a plurality of samples of the electrical current drawn by the power window motor. If the last sample varies by more than a predetermined amount from any of the past samples taken over a predetermined distance of travel of the window, the controller concludes that an obstruction impedes the travel of the window. The controller then stops or reverses the power window motor to stop or reverse travel of the power window. In this embodiment of the present invention, distance of travel of the window can be inferred from rotations of the power window motor.

Abstract: A neutral apparatus for use on an electric vehicle is disclosed. The neutral apparatus comprises a control state detector and a neutral mechanism control circuit. The control state detector detects whether or not the motor control unit is in a predetermined control state. The neutral mechanism control unit can instruct the neutral mechanism to interrupt the power train according to the output signal from the control state detector. If the motor control unit is not in the predetermined control state, this is detected by the control state detector. In response to the output signal from the control state detector, the neutral mechanism control circuit causes the neutral mechanism to interrupt the power train. Thus, power flow from the motor to the drive wheels is interrupted. The control state detector is comprised of a voltage comparator circuit for comparing the output voltage from the motor driver circuit with a reference voltage and produces an output signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for moving an elevator door utilizes computed travel curves to control a door drive. The actual speed and position of the door are inputs to a travel curve computer in which travel curve algorithms are stored. Constants used in the algorithms are freely selectable and are communicated to the computer through a terminal connected to the computer. The computer generates target values a regulator which controls a power unit connected to the door drive motor for the opening, closing and reversing operations of the door.

Abstract: An electronic lock assembly mounts to the opposite sides of a door to provide an electronically operable level of security. An electronic reader generates a signal which is employed to control the operation of a conventional latch installation. A card reader, key pad or contact activatable data port generates a signal to actuate a motor to disengage a locking dog to thereby allow rotation of the latch handle. The motor shaft is connected to a drive screw by a coil spring to permit proper operation if a jamming condition is present. A privacy switch may be operated by an occupant of the room to block actuation of the motor, thereby denying entry to the room. A permanent magnet mounted in the door frame activates a reed switch on opening of the door, disabling the privacy switch and preventing inadvertent disablement of the electronic lock when the room is not occupied.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely operating an ignition switch mounted on the steering column of an automobile includes a motor mounted on the floor or other surface of the automobile away from the steering column, such that the steering column does not bear the weight of the motor. A drive cable is connected to the motor, and the drive cable is also connected to a coupling which is mounted on the steering column and which is connected to the ignition switch. The coupling translates rotational motion of the drive cable 90.degree., so that the coupling and drive cable do not unduly project straight out from the steering column and hence do not interfere with other components, e.g., shift levers, that are mounted on the steering column. A position sensor generates a signal representative of the position of the ignition switch, and the signal is received by a controller. In turn, the controller activates the motor as necessary to establish and/or maintain a desired position of the ignition switch.

Abstract: A power window system equipped with a "one-touch-down" feature for a motor vehicle includes provisions for programming the system to enable and/or disable the one-touch-down feature. The programming is done via a sequence of commands provided to the controller of the one-touch-down feature from various switches on the motor vehicle. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, all such commands are issued from devices already on the vehicle to perform functions other than programming of the "one-touch-down" feature.

Abstract: An electronic lock assembly mounts to the opposite sides of a door to provide an electronically operable level of security. An electronic reader generates a signal which is employed to control the operation of a conventional latch installation. A card reader, key pad or contact activatable data port generates a signal to actuate a motor to disengage a locking dog to thereby allow rotation of the latch handle. The motor shaft is connected to a drive screw by a coil spring to permit proper operation if a jamming condition is present.

Abstract: A power window system employs a computer based control that receives signals from a window position sensor. As the window moves, the position sensor produces periodic signals as an output. The computer cyclically looks for a change in the frequency of the signals as an indication that the window is obstructed and decelerating. Based on the instantaneous deceleration, the computer recalls a stored value for motor force. The recalled forces are accumulated in synchronism with the position sensor output during the deceleration, manifesting the force applied to the obstruction as the window presses on it. The window is reversed when the accumulated force exceeds a stored value. The uppermost window position is a stored value for the position sensor output obtained when the window is closed for the first time. Each time the window is closed thereafter, an offset is added to that value, the sum defining the point at which the window engages the window seal.

Abstract: A safety device for a power window which, if one's hand or neck is caught between the window glass and the sash, detects such state instantaneously and accurately to perform a safety control operation. Respective detectors detect the absolute and relative speeds of a power window opening or closing operation to determine whether or not a foreign object is caught in the window. When at least one of the detectors detects a foreign object being caught in the window, a safety control operation is carried out, for instance, stopping the movement of the window glass. Since the absolute speed and the relative speed are utilized in combination, a dangerous state can be detected instantaneously and accurately. Also, backlash in the drive mechanism for the window can be detected, and the safety control operation inhibited during such times to prevent erroneously effecting a safety control operation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning a drape covering for a window comprise an electric stepper motor and an automated control for actuating the electric stepper motor to move the drape to any selected position at any selected time and in any selected sequence of drape movements.

Abstract: A motorized golf cart circuit and apparatus capable of transporting various golf related items including a golf bag carrying golf clubs around a golf course under manual or automatic control is provided. The cart operator is provided with the option of operating the cart either manually by applying pressure to a switch located on the hand grip of the cart apparatus, or automatically in either a timer or a distance travel mode. The timer mode allows the cart operator to send the cart ahead automatically along a straight or curved path set by the operator for a predetermined period of time before the cart circuit automatically turns off. The distance mode of travel allows the cart operator to automatically send the cart ahead, following either a straight or curved path set by the operator for a distance of between 10 and 50 yards. Both the speed and the path of the cart may be varied by the cart operator by turning a balance control knob located on the control panel interface of the golf club cart.

Abstract: A process cartridge drive mechanism for driving a process cartridge which is mountable to a main body of an image forming apparatus. The process cartridge drive mechanism includes a drive motor which is forwardly and reversely rotatable; a drive force transmitting device, having a range of play therein, for transmitting a drive force of the drive motor to the process cartridge; and a control device for controlling a rotation of the drive motor such that the drive motor is rotated reversely within the range of play of the drive force transmitting device before the drive motor is stopped.

Abstract: A cover unit for a flat panel video display, for deploying a flexible cover over the display. The cover unit can be separate from the display, both of which can be mounted on or in a wall or the cover unit and flat panel display can be in this same housing which can be mounted on or within a wall.

Abstract: A control circuit for use in an electrically powered tool, such as a screw driver, includes a double-pole double-throw (DPDT) relay switch having two wiper contacts movable between ON and OFF positions. A motor is connected to a power supply through the DPDT relay switch. To stop the rotations of the motor, the two wiper contacts trip from ON positions to OFF positions in ganged fashion. With the use of DPDT relay switch, even if one of the two wiper contacts undergoes chattering actions at its OFF position, the remaining wiper contact allows a large braking current to flow in a closed loop, whereby contacts of the DPDT relay switch are prevented from being melted caused by the braking current.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling a headrest, as well as a headrest drive mechanism, wherein the headrest is to be controlled so as to cause the same to automatically return to the use position if it disposed and stopped between an intermediate position and use position.

Abstract: A system for lowering and raising an automotive convertible top includes a motor for moving the convertible top, a potentiometer for sensing the position of the convertible top throughout its range of movement, and a controller for actuating the motor in response to the sensed position of the potentiometer.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating the roof panel (1) of a sliding roof or a sliding/tilting roof comprises a motor (2) for moving the roof panel, a control unit (8) for energizing the motor and a setting means (11) for setting a desired position of the roof panel. At putting the apparatus into operation the control unit (8) energizes the motor (2) for moving the roof panel (1) to a (each) extreme open position. A corresponding end position of the roof panel is stored in a memory (12). During operation the control unit restricts the movement of the roof panel as controlled by the setting means (11) by means of the end position(s) stored in the memory.

Abstract: A sweeping apparatus such as a control system for windshield wipers includes a regulating means which generates a electrical control signal for three separate wiper control means or "paths". Each path includes a differential stage followed by a motor control strage, for controlling a motor having a driven shaft on which a digital coder is mounted. The magnitude of the output signal of the latter is processed in a feedback loop by a processing circuit and passed to the input differential stage. The outputs of the various differential stages are applied to respective comparators. The latter transmit a blocking signal via a NO or OR gate, to the regulating means when the input signal to the comparator exceeds a predetermined threshold value.The invention is especially applicable to automotive windshield wiper systems.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for electrically indexing a rotary component. It includes a housing, a resilient, electrically conductive band contained within the housing and connected to the rotary component, at least two indexing electrical contacts located on the housing internal periphery and in slidable contact with the band, and a bridging electrical contact in connection with the band. The band exerts a biasing force on the housing, thereby maintaining band contact with the housing internal periphery, while also causing a point of separation of the band from the housing. Electrical circuitry is also provided so that once an indexing contact has been selected, the band and the rotary component can be rotated until the band disengages from the selected indexing contact, thus halting further movement of the band and the rotary component.

Abstract: A compact disc program display mechanism in which album covers are displayed on pages similar to a book presentation; each album having a selection indicia visually associated therewith for selection by the customer. The several pages are turned in response to energization of an electrical drive motor and gear train, controlled manually by customer accessible push button switches or automatically by a programmed microprocessor. Each energization of the motor serves to pivotally turn a pair of pages in one direction with the indexing movements of the pages being controlled by an opto-switch and the microprocessor for deenergizing the drive motor at predetermined page movement. Reverse movement of the pages is also conditioned by the opto-switch which signals the micro-processor to reverse the rotational direction of the drive motor. Each page displays album covers on both its front and back sides for customer viewing.

Abstract: A device for automatically expanding and contracting an antenna having a rotary member for moving a flexible rodlike member that is coupled to the antenna for expanding and contracting the antenna. A worm is driven by a motor to rotate about a motor axis and an intermediate gear unit having a worm wheel is formed unitarily with a small diameter gear, the worm wheel being engaged with the worm and the small diameter gear being engaged with the rotary member for rotatably driving the rotary member. A gear unit support frame is provided for supporting the intermediate gear unit and a support shaft is fixed to a casing member and coupled to the intermediate gear unit, the intermediate gear unit and the gear unit support frame being axially movable along the support shaft in a direction substantially perpendicular to the motor axis.

Abstract: A memory mirror system having a mirror 19 mounted within concave-shaped mirror movement boundaries, two constant speed motors 16, 18 each controlling an axis of mirror movement, position feedback signals 26,28 from each motor, push button inputs 12 and an electronic controller 10, is provided with automatic mirror repositioning that drives the mirror from a start position to a memory position in minimum time without colliding with any mirror movement boundaries by driving the mirror position toward the target along the axis farthest from the target and driving the mirror toward the origin along the other axis until the mirror position is within a predetermined safe region along that axis or the current position is 45 degrees from the target, then driving the mirror in the direction of the target along an axis for which the distance to the target is not less than the distance to the target along the other axis or in which the direction toward the target is also toward the origin.

Abstract: Method and device for controlling a side support in a powered seat, in which the side support device is controlled in its opening/closing motion in order that it is not moved repeatedly sensitive to each of acceleration being applied to the seat during driving on a curved road, by virtue of a standard checking process for determining an excessive acceleration, and then a short and long hold time system for holding the side support device in unmoved state against repeated or plural intermittent occurrences of accelerations being applied to the seat.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a computer work station to individual needs including a frame having a keyboard support attached thereto. A vertical adjustment mechanism operatively attached to the frame permits the keyboard support to be adjusted vertically up or down. Also, a pivotal adjustment mechanism is operably attached to the frame and to the keyboard support for permitting the keyboard support to be adjustably pivoted about a substantially horizontal axis. A monitor support is provided and has a horizontal adjustment mechanism operably attached to the frame for selectively moving a monitor support toward or away from the keyboard support and the monitor support also can be adjusted vertically by a separate vertical adjustment mechanism. The adjusting mechanisms for the keyboard support and the monitor support are electrically controlled by the computer user. An adjustable wrist support and an adjustable foot support are also provided.

Abstract: A self-leveling dispenser provides a rack supporting a stack of trays within a frame. A reversible motor drivably connected to spiral shafts mounted at the corners of the frame rotates the shafts to provide upward or downward movement of the rack, which is supported on the spiral shafts by threaded sleeves. An upper sensor mounted to the frame is operably connected to the motor to move the rack downward upon detecting a tray at an upper horizontal level above a desired height. A lower sensor mounted to the frame is operably connected to the motor to raise the rack upon sensing the absence of a tray at a lower horizontal level below the desired height. The sensors cooperate to automatically and continuously reposition an uppermost portion of a top tray in the stack at the desired height with respect to the frame, thereby to facilitate dispensing of dishes or food products.

Abstract: Motor control apparatus comprised of a drive circuit for supplying drive current to a motor, an overload detector coupled to the motor for detecting the magnitude of the motor current to produce an output signal if that current exceeds a predetermined threshold level caused by motor overload, and a control circuit coupled to the drive circuit and responsive to the output signal for controlling the drive current supplied to the motor, thereby controlling motor operation.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled automatic door opener including means for detecting the velocity and direction of travel of the door. The microcontroller evaluates detected changes in either the velocity or direction of travel to determine the cause, and either reverses door travel direction or ignores the detection.

Abstract: A self-leveling dispenser provides a rack supporting a stack of trays within a frame. A reversible motor drivably connected to spiral shafts mounted at the corners of the frame rotates the shafts to provide upward or downward movement of the rack, which is supported on the spiral shafts by threaded sleeves. An upper sensor mounted to the frame is operably connected to the motor to move the rack downward upon detecting a tray at an upper horizontal level above a desired height. A lower sensor mounted to the frame is operably connected to the motor to raise the rack upon sensing the absence of a tray at a lower horizontal level below the desired height. The sensors cooperate to automatically and continuously reposition an uppermost portion of a top tray in the stack at the desired height with respect to the frame, thereby to facilitate dispensing of dishes or food products.

Abstract: A levelling system for a camera crane employs a tachometer directly coupled to a horizontal pivot of the crane. The output of this tachometer is used to control a motor which by means of a worm and worm gear controls the level of a camera remote head. A second tachometer is associated with the worm in order to provide a feedback signal to the servo-amplifier so as to maintain the motions of the boom about the pivot and the worm gear in synchronism.

Abstract: A device for driving a roof-hatch includes a forwardly and reversely rotatable motor, an operation switch, a reduction mechanism having a friction clutch, and an auto-stopping device. The device makes it possible to facilitate the operation for opening or closing the roof-hatch and to prevent trouble in the running of the vehicle.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a device for lifting up and down window glass for a vehicle including a reversible motor for lifting up and down window glass of a vehicle, a drive circuit connected to an input side of the reversible motor, a comparison circuit and/or a control circuit connected to an input side of the drive circuit, a window glass opening degree determination mechanism connected to an input side of the control circuit so as to produce either reference voltage or comparison voltage, a window glass opening degree detector connected to a comparison input of the comparison circuit so as to produce either reference voltage or comparison voltage in accordance with window glass opening degree.

Abstract: A device for controlling a motorized video projection screen, which allows for remote to the screen adjustability for repeatable positioning of the viewing surface, with the ability to interface, via digital logic, with any device capable of sinking enough current at 5 volts to hold the logic lines in the low state; most notably by computer interface cards.

Abstract: The present invention is a safety feature in an automatic garage door operator. In the prior art a single momentary contact push button, either directly connected to the automatic garage door operator or connected via a radio transmitter, is used to control door operation. In accordance with the present invention, closing the garage door requires continuous actuation of the momentary contact push button from the time the operation is begun until the door is fully closed. Any interruption in this continuous operation causes the automatic garage door operator to reverse and fully open the door. Thus continuous attention of the operator is required, thus enhancing safety because of the attention of the operator.

Abstract: A power window device is adapted to drive a motor which automatically closes a windowpane of a car in response to door locking of the car, and cut the drive power for the motor after a predetermined time.

Abstract: A brake apparatus for automatic doors including a speed pulse signal output device for providing speed pulse signals at a time interval inversely proportional to the door speed of an automatic door, a brake for slowing the door speed, a braking position detector for detecting braking position when the brake starts braking, a brake effect measurer for measuring the effect of the brake and a braking power controller for adjusting the braking power of the brake in accordance with the measured braking effect whereby the motion of the door is kept constant irrespective of the door weight and other conditions.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled garage door operator which eliminates lower and upper limit switches on the garage door in that the upper and lower limits are set in a program mode of the microprocessor with up and down control switches by the operator. The settings of the door are stored in the memory of the microprocessor. The microprocessor also sets the force limits by establishing them slightly above the actual force required to move the door up and down and this prevents the forces to be set greater than required which could result in a dangerous condition. An external security switch is also connected to the microprocessor of the garage door operator to allow the door to be opened by those knowing the code. In program mode, the user enters in the 4 digit code and the 4 numbers are stored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of leading a moving body, such as a print head carrier of a printer of the like, which is driven by a direct current brushless motor, to a starting position. The direct current brushless motor, which forms part of the present invention, includes a stator including a plurality of armature coils secured on a stator yoke through a substrate, a disk-like magnet having N and S poles arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, the magnet being arranged to confront the armature coils, and a rotatable rotor provided with a speed-detecting slit arranged outside the magnet. Rotating power is obtained by applying an electric current corresponding to the magnetic pole of the magnet to each armature coil.