At Limit-of-travel Of Motor Or Driven Device Patents (Class 318/266)
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Patent number: 10087673Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for controlling a door are generally described herein. A door opener system can include a head unit. The system can include a wall station, a controller, or a wireless transmitter. The wall station can be inside a room, the room including the door and the controller can be outside the room. The wireless transmitter can be portable. The wall station, controller, or wireless transmitter can be used to control the head unit. The head unit can be used to open or close the door.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2018Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: GTO Access Systems, LLCInventors: Steven Rosenmarkle, Mark Lawrence, Matthew Kirkland, Alexandra Rolon
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Patent number: 10055916Abstract: A remote access system is configured for use with a fob configured to lock and unlock a vehicle, the vehicle including a door having a handle, a window, and a window actuator. The system includes a position sensor configured to detect proximity between and relative position of the fob and the door of the vehicle. The remote access system also includes a contact sensor configured to detect contact with the handle. The system further includes a processor configured to communicate with the position sensor and the contact sensor to lower the window a predetermined amount that facilitates opening of the door via the window actuator upon the processor determining: 1) the handle has been contacted, and 2) the fob is disposed at a specified position relative to the door of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2017Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Eric E. Helligrath
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Patent number: 10055726Abstract: Systems and methods for the management of mobile banking resources are disclosed. In one embodiment, a self-propelled, mobile transaction resource may include an unmanned, self-propelled, mobile platform; a user interface for interfacing with a user for conducting a transaction; at least one controller that controls the movement of the mobile platform and the user interface; a communications interface for the at least one controller that communicates with a server; and a plurality of sensors that capture at least one characteristic of the user.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
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Patent number: 10030426Abstract: One embodiment relates to a door operator including an operator body including a rotatable pinion, an arm connected to the pinion, an inductive sensor mounted adjacent the arm, and a controller in communication with the inductive sensor. The inductive sensor includes an inductor comprising a plurality of nested coils, and each of the coils is curved about the pinion. The controller is configured to provide the inductive sensor with a varying power signal, and the inductive sensor is configured to inductively link the inductor to the arm in response to the varying power signal. The inductive sensor has a characteristic which varies in response to the rotational position of the arm when the inductor is inductively linked with the arm. The controller is further configured receive information relating to the characteristic, and to determine the rotational position of the arm based upon the received information.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2016Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLCInventor: Daniel Langenberg
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Patent number: 9970228Abstract: Controlling movable barrier movement with respect to selectively overriding a safety system includes determining whether a safety system is in an operation failure or misalignment state, the safety system being configured to detect obstruction in a path of movement of a movable barrier, receiving a state change request for the movable barrier while the safety system is in the operation failure or misalignment state, determining whether a safety override condition exists, and overriding the safety system and actuating the movable barrier if the safety system is in the operation failure or misalignment state and the safety override condition exists.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2014Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Thomas Jason Jankovsky, Michael Lorch, Larry Strait
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Patent number: 9970229Abstract: A garage door opener system includes a motor, a sensor, a controller, and a network interface. The motor is coupled to the garage door and is configured to selectively raise the garage door and lower the garage door. The sensor is configured to monitor the doorway and distinguish between an object entering and exiting the doorway. The controller is coupled to the motor and is configured to generate signals that cause the motor to lower the garage door into a closed position based on signals received from the sensor and whether the object is entering or exiting the doorway. The network interface is configured to operatively couple the controller to a server via a network. The network interface further provides the server with information obtained from the sensor and receives a table comprising durations that the server customized based upon the received information.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: SEARS BRANDS, L.L.C.Inventors: Angel Favila, Puneet Shivam
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Patent number: 9923494Abstract: A brushless motor comprises: a stator 21 having armature coils 21a, 21b, and 21c; a rotor 22 which is rotated by a revolving magnetic field; and a switching element 30a, wherein the brushless motor has a rotation number control unit 33 which switches between low-speed and high-speed mode, wherein in the low-speed mode, the rotation number control unit 33 supplies current to the armature coils 21a, 21b, and 21c at predetermined energization timing and controls a duty ratio to control the rotation number of the rotor 22, and in the high-speed mode, the rotation number control unit 33 supplies current to the armature coils 21a, 21b, and 21c at energization timing advanced from the energization timing for the low-speed mode, thereby performing field weakening control of weakening the revolving magnetic field from that of the low-speed mode to control the rotation number of the rotor 22.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2017Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Mitsuba CorporationInventors: Masaaki Kimura, Hiroto Tanaka, Tamotsu Iwazaki, Tomohiko Annaka, Naoki Kojima, Junya Kitazawa
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Patent number: 9911320Abstract: A remote control system includes a control unit configured to send a control signal to a machine to be controlled from a position remote from the machine. A sensor system is operatively linked with the control unit, and is configured for registering a presence of an operator in a predetermined proximity to a predetermined location. Operation of the machine to be controlled is responsive to the sensor system.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2014Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Robert Franz, Matthew Stringer, Thomas Haley, Ty Hartwick
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Patent number: 9899947Abstract: A control apparatus for a DC inverter electric motor comprising a control module and a controlled module is disclosed. The control module includes a phase-cut that continuously cut off a conduction angle of the AC power supply. The controlled module comprises a rectification circuit for rectifying the AC power supply after being cut off, a phase detection circuit for detecting the cut-off conduction angle, and a control unit for controlling the rotational speed or action of the motor according to the conduction angle that is detected by the phase detection circuit. The control apparatus makes use of the size of the conduction angle to act as control command and thus does not has the issue of reduced power factor. No complex or complicated circuits or wires have to be disposed and the functions can be achieved by making use of existing wiring. It is thus easy to install, cost-effective, and easy to maintain.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Jaguar Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Fei-Tyh Chuang
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Patent number: 9896876Abstract: A method for ascertaining a closing state of a house door or of a house window, having the following method steps: acquisition of a rate of rotation of the house door or of the house window using a first acquisition device, and calculation of an opening angle of the house door or of the house window on the basis of the acquired rate of rotation, and ascertaining whether the calculated opening angle falls below a prespecified angular threshold value; acquisition of a rate of vibration of the house door or of the house window using a second acquisition device, and ascertaining whether the acquired rate of vibration exceeds a prespecified rate of vibration threshold value within a prespecified first time span; and ascertaining whether the acquired rate of rotation exceeds a prespecified rate of rotation threshold value within a prespecified second time span since the exceeding of the vibration rate threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2014Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Sergej Scheiermann, Frank Schindler, Julian Batholomeyczik, James Njikam Mofen
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Patent number: 9869117Abstract: A door closer with an electric motor-assisted closing feature, that may generate its own power to assist in closing, and controls the speed of opening and closing of the door during generation is disclosed. Embodiments of the present disclosure are realized by a motorized door closer that electrically creates a latch boost force for a closing door. The door closer includes a motor disposed to operatively connect to a door so that the door will be moved toward closed when the motor moves, and a position sensor to determine a position of the door. A processor is programmed to exert a closing force on the door in the latch boost region or when it otherwise detects that a motor assist is needed.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: YALE SECURITY INC.Inventors: Blue Houser, Dustin E. Lawhon, Peter E. Zasowski
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Patent number: 9832843Abstract: A kit for illuminating a room includes a two-part contact switch mounted on a top edge of an interior surface of the door and a door rail contact mounted on a door track railing where the corresponding top edge rests when the door is completely opened. The door contact switch and the door rail contact switch are electrically connected to the light strip and a power source via a power adapter, respectively. When the door is completely opened, a contact plate of the door rail contact switch receives a plurality of spring-loaded contacts protruding from the door contact switch that completes a circuit, powers the light strip, in turn, illuminating the room.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2017Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Inventor: Ethan Spencer Porter
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Patent number: 9816306Abstract: In an opening/closing body control device, catching determination part (15) determines whether or not a catching in an opening/closing body has occurred based on a value of current that flows in a motor; a plurality of sensors (51 to 53) disposed to be shifted by predetermined electrical angles detect positions of magnetic poles of the motor (40); a counterclockwise pattern storage unit (14) stores a counterclockwise pattern which is a pattern corresponding to outputs of the plurality of sensors (51 to 53) and a predetermined shift in the electrical angles; and drive command part (16) controls the drive circuit (30) using a clockwise pattern or the counterclockwise pattern based on the outputs of the plurality of sensors (51 to 53), and in a case where the catching determination part (15) determines that a catching has occurred, controlling the drive circuit (30) in a predetermined pattern for eliminating the catching.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: Mitsuba CorporationInventors: Takayuki Ikeda, Masahiro Fueki
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Patent number: 9816305Abstract: A system and method which allows automatic recognition of any of three common monitored motorized door or gate safety edges or other entrapment protection devices. The invention allows retrofitting existing motorized door operators without enough monitored input ports to allow for more monitored entrapment devices required on laterally moving motorized gates. The system interfaces with obstruction monitoring devices in normally closed, pulsed, or resistive termination operating environments found in entrapment protection systems. Firmware logically analyzes the state of each edge or entrapment protection device to select and direct an appropriate output signal for a motorized gate operator. An operational example is disclosed which provides for up to six different device inputs and two separate outputs for the motorized door operator, which can be configured through dual inline package switches allowing field configuration.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2016Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: Miller Edge, Inc.Inventors: Bearge Miller, Daniel G. Lasley, Timothy Castello, William Kalin
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Patent number: 9797179Abstract: An illustrative assembly includes a panel and a capacitive sensor. The panel is movable between an opened position and a closed position relative to a closure of a vehicle body. The sensor is positioned on the panel such that at least a portion of the sensor is perpendicular to the closure of the vehicle body as the panel moves between the opened and closed positions. The sensor capacitively couples to an electrically conductive object proximal to the closure of the vehicle body such that capacitance of the sensor changes.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: UUSI, LLCInventors: John Washeleski, Todd R. Newman, Andrew E. Blank, David W. Shank, Edward J. Cox, II, Douglas M. Warnke, John M. Taylor
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Patent number: 9790727Abstract: A vehicle opening and closing body control device includes an opening and closing drive device and a controller. When the opening and closing body is being closed, in a case where the position of the opening and closing body when a trapping of a foreign object is detected is outside a specified range between a fully closed position and a specified position, the controller controls the operation of the opening and closing drive device to reverse the opening and closing body to perform the opening operation by a predetermined opening-and-returning distance and then stop the opening and closing body. In a case where the position of trapping is in the specified range, the controller reverses the opening and closing body to perform the opening operation by the predetermined opening-and-returning distance or a greater distance and then stop the opening and closing body outside the specified range.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2014Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignees: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takeshi Nishikibe, Kohei Kobayashi, Yoshinori Hitomi, Takeshi Katsuda, Shunsuke Hayakawa
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Patent number: 9735717Abstract: A brushless motor comprises: a stator 21 having armature coils 21a, 21b, and 21c; a rotor 22 which is rotated by a revolving magnetic field; and a switching element 30a, wherein the brushless motor has a rotation number control unit 33 which switches between low-speed and high-speed mode, wherein in the low-speed mode, the rotation number control unit 33 supplies current to the armature coils 21a, 21b, and 21c at predetermined energization timing and controls a duty ratio to control the rotation number of the rotor 22, and in the high-speed mode, the rotation number control unit 33 supplies current to the armature coils 21a, 21b, and 21c at energization timing advanced from the energization timing for the low-speed mode, thereby performing field weakening control of weakening the revolving magnetic field from that of the low-speed mode to control the rotation number of the rotor 22.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2017Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Mitsuba CorporationInventors: Masaaki Kimura, Hiroto Tanaka, Tamotsu Iwazaki, Tomohiko Annaka, Naoki Kojima, Junya Kitazawa
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Patent number: 9679735Abstract: A vehicle system including a housing, an extendable/retractable member coupled to the housing, an electrically controlled actuator and a lockout system. The electrically controlled actuator is connected to the extendable/retractable member, and is configured to extend and retract the extendable/retractable member relative to the housing. The lockout system includes a detection sensor and a controller. The detection sensor generates a signal upon a detection of a motion of the vehicle system or an anticipated movement of the vehicle system. The controller is in commanding communication with the electrically controlled actuator, and the controller locks the electrically controlled actuator from functioning upon receipt of the signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: ASA Electronics, LLCInventors: Vince Smith, Gerald J. Maffetone
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Patent number: 9660559Abstract: A brushless motor comprises: a stator 21 having armature coils 21a, 21b, and 21c; a rotor 22 which is rotated by a revolving magnetic field; and a switching element 30a, wherein the brushless motor has a rotation number control unit 33 which switches between low-speed and high-speed mode, wherein in the low-speed mode, the rotation number control unit 33 supplies current to the armature coils 21a, 21b, and 21c at predetermined energization timing and controls a duty ratio to control the rotation number of the rotor 22, and in the high-speed mode, the rotation number control unit 33 supplies current to the armature coils 21a, 21b, and 21c at energization timing advanced from the energization timing for the low-speed mode, thereby performing field weakening control of weakening the revolving magnetic field from that of the low-speed mode to control the rotation number of the rotor 22.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2013Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Mitsuba CorporationInventors: Masaaki Kimura, Hiroto Tanaka, Tamotsu Iwazaki, Tomohiko Annaka, Naoki Kojima, Junya Kitazawa
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Patent number: 9632510Abstract: In order to be able to precisely approach a target position of a movable vehicle part by way of a motorized actuator using simple features, an actuating motor of the actuator is stopped by a predetermined advancing lead before the target position is reached. The advancing lead is varied here depending on the rotational speed of the motor or an actuating speed measurement variable correlated therewith and depending on a temperature measurement variable characteristic of the ambient temperature of the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2013Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, BambergInventor: Marcus Scholz
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Patent number: 9616774Abstract: A vehicle seat controller includes a feedback controller, a speed instruction value setting unit, and an entrapment determination unit. The feedback controller performs speed feedback control so that a rotation speed of the motor follows a speed instruction value based on a difference of the speed instruction value and an actual speed of the rotation speed of the motor. The speed instruction value setting unit sets the speed instruction value in accordance with a position of the vehicle seat. The entrapment determination unit determines entrapment of a foreign object entrapped by the vehicle seat when the vehicle seat is motor-driven. When the entrapment determination unit makes a foreign object entrapment determination, the speed instruction value setting unit changes the speed instruction value for an entrapment position of the vehicle seat to a low speed value that is smaller than a predetermined initial value.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: ASMO CO., LTD.Inventor: Hirotaka Itou
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Patent number: 9587975Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a position of a deployable system. An apparatus comprises a sensor device. The sensor device comprises a sensor configured to detect at least one of first vibrations from a deployable system in a first position or second vibrations from the deployable system in a second position in which the first vibrations are different from the second vibrations. The sensor is further configured to generate information from detecting at least one of the first vibrations or the second vibrations.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2014Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Cary D. Munger, Steven F. Griffin, Remy Dubreus, David Edmund Ellis
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Patent number: 9548682Abstract: An actuator (1M, 1S) with a motor (12) and a motor controller (11) is configurable to operate as a master or a slave to another actuator which is coupled mechanically for driving a common load. For the case where the actuator (1M) is set as the master, the motor controller (11) receives on an input terminal (Y3) an external position control signal (pC), generates a motor control signal (sC) for controlling the motor (12) based on the position control signal (pC), and supplies the motor control signal (sC) to an output terminal (U5) for controlling a slave. For the case where the actuator (1S) is set as the slave, the motor controller (11) controls the motor (12) by supplying to the motor (12) the motor control signal (sC) received from the master. Controlling the actuators with a master improves workload balancing and reduces damages to transmission mechanics of the actuators.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2011Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: BELIMO HOLDING AGInventors: Paul F. Guyer, Atilla Beker, Beat Weber
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Patent number: 9466164Abstract: A monitoring and control device for a door unit includes a sensor control device comprising an output side and an input side. At least one sensor assembly is arranged in a region of the door unit. The at least one sensor assembly is connected to and controlled by the sensor control device, and is configured to measure at least one of a 3D signal and a distance signal A drive device comprises a drive control unit connected with the output side and with the input side of the sensor control device. The drive device is configured to move the door unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2013Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: FRABA N.V.Inventor: Bernd Kagerer
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Patent number: 9461566Abstract: The invention relates to a drive arrangement for the motorized adjustment of an adjustment element of a vehicle, wherein at least one drive comprising an electric drive motor and a drive control means and is connected to a supply, wherein the drive is designed in a non-self-locking manner, the drive motor operates as a generator and generates a generator voltage, wherein the drive control means has a driver unit for supplying electrical power to the at least one drive. The invention proposes that the drive control means has a switching device and has a detection device for detecting a non-motorized adjustment of the adjustment element, and that the drive control means, when a predetermined, non-motorized adjustment of the adjustment element is detected, connects the supply voltage to the supply connections of the driver unit by means of the switching device in one switching operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, HallstadtInventor: Toni Nagler
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Patent number: 9303442Abstract: Passive verification of operator presence in handling requests for vehicle includes initiating activation of a power-operated vehicle component that is subject to a supervised control mechanism. The activation is initiated in response to a request from an operator-controlled device. The passive verification also includes verifying a presence of the operator-controlled device indicative of a presence of an operator of a vehicle, transmitting intermittent signals to the operator-controlled device, monitoring response signals received in response to the intermittent signals, and continuing activation of the power-operated vehicle component until the activation is complete so long as the response signals are received responsive to the monitoring.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2012Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: David T. Proefke, Charles J. Bongiorno, Ron Y. Asmar, Aaron P. Creguer
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Patent number: 9284775Abstract: The invention provides a closure system comprising an obstacle detection system for detecting objects in or near the path of a moving closure. The system comprises a remote module, a remote module timer, and a communication unit. The system further comprises a motor to drive the closure between open and closed positions, a controller for controlling operation of the motor, and a base station coupled to the controller for communication with the remote module and to transmit synchronization signals at first prescribed intervals. The remote module is arranged to have at least three modes of power usage: an operation mode, a standby mode, and a sleep mode. The system is further arranged such that, when in sleep mode, the remote module is configured to switch for a preset duration to said standby mode at or substantially at said first prescribed intervals to detect said synchronization signals so as to monitor the communications link between the base station and the remote module.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: AUTOMATIC TECHNOLOGY (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTDInventor: Serguei Pimenov
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Patent number: 9211041Abstract: Embodiments of methods of controlling a motor for driving a load are disclosed herein. Exemplary methods include providing energy to a motor, sensing a parameter indicative of current. Determining the end of an inrush current and a start point that is after the inrush current and that is at about the beginning of a main current draw. Determining an end point at about the end of the main current draw. Continuing to provide energy to the motor for a time period that is a function of the time from the start point to the end point and de-energizing the motor.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.Inventors: Chip W. Curtis, Jackson W. Wegelin, Shelby J. Buell
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Patent number: 9030144Abstract: Disclosed is an improved system and method for sensing both hard and soft obstructions for a movable panel such as a sunroof. A dual detection scheme is employing that includes an optical sensing as the primary means and electronic sensing of motor current as a secondary means. The secondary means utilizes system empirical precharacterization, fast processing algorithms, motor parameter monitoring including both current sensing and sensorless electronic motor current commutation pulse sensing, and controller memory, to adaptively modify electronic obstacle detection thresholds in real time without the use of templates and cycle averaging techniques.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2012Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: UUSI, LLCInventors: Mario Boisvert, Randall Perrin, John Washeleski
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Patent number: 9031390Abstract: A wiper device that includes: a wiper motor that swings a wiper blade that is coupled to the wiper motor through a wiper arm to-and-fro over a window pane between an upper return position and a lower return position; and a drive component that gradually increases power supplied to the wiper motor until the rotation speed of the wiper motor reaches a specific speed when the wiper motor has been restarted from a stationary state of the wiper blade between the upper return position and the lower return position.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Natsume
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Patent number: 8981681Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling blind systems and other systems with moving parts are disclosed. Certain systems and methods couple to a blind system, and include one or more transceiving, processing, sensor, motion delivery, power delivery, and various other components for collectively or individually controlling a blind system to open or close its blinds. Certain systems and methods utilize preprogrammed control instructions stored locally, or user-initiated control signals received from remote devices to control the blind system.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Inventor: Gholamali Malekpour
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Patent number: 8975850Abstract: There is provided a driving control device of an opening and closing body, which drives the opening and closing body in a closed state by a motor through an idling section thereof. The device includes a calculation section for calculating a rotation speed difference between a rotation speed of the motor in the idling section and a current rotation speed of the motor; and an insertion detection section for detecting insertion of a foreign member based on the calculated rotation speed difference and a predetermined threshold value. The threshold value monotonously decreases according to an increase in the rotation amount of the motor to coincide with a fully-closed state threshold value at a predetermined rotation amount of the motor within an error range of the rotation amount corresponding to the fully-closed state, and to maintain the fully-closed state threshold value to a maximum rotation amount in the error range.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2012Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toytota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koichi Hirota, Nobuyasu Bessho, Masato Yamada, Shinichiro Noda, Tomomasa Inoue, Yoshiki Ishikawa, Tomoharu Tamaya
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Patent number: 8912808Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining characterizing attributes of an actuator is provided. An actuator may be moved to a maximum capacitance position. At the maximum capacitance position, an initial measurement of the actuator capacitance is made. The actuator is moved a predetermined increment toward a first extreme position, and the actuator capacitance is again measured. If the capacitance changed by a threshold amount, the signal preceding the signal that caused the actuator to move is recorded as an approximate response curve end point, or the first extreme position. The actuator is again moved a predetermined increment toward a second extreme position. After each move, the capacitance is measured. If it is determined the capacitance did change by a threshold amount from the previously measured capacitance, the signal related to the previously measured capacitance is recorded as an approximate response curve end point, or the second extreme position.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: Eduardo M. Martinez, Christian Jimenez, Jose Ibanez Climent, Colm Donovan
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Patent number: 8907598Abstract: Method for operating an actuator for maneuvering a windable mobile element of a home automation appliance, the mobile element being able to be displaced between two extreme positions, the method comprising a first step for definition of a first angular speed setpoint of the actuator in a first docking area and a second step for definition of a second angular speed setpoint of the actuator in a second docking area, the first and second angular speed setpoints being different.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Somfy SASInventors: Jean-François Bocquet, Anne-Sophie Cleguer, Florian Germain, David Mugnier
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Patent number: 8884558Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some multisensory implementations, a patient-lifting-device is controlled by voice recognition, keyboard text input, synaptic control and/or tongue tactile input commands.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2013Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Altorr CorporationInventor: Bradford A. Clough
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Patent number: 8827155Abstract: An access control gate with a mechanical guide forms one or more access lanes for patrons. A contactless access reader which is connected to a software controlled verification system identifies access right of patrons shortly before the person approaches a gate threshold formed by two motor driven flaps which when closed protrude into the access lane from left and right of the lateral lane boundaries. A verification system activates the flaps when an access right has been granted. Two or more photoelectric barriers define a detection zone behind the gate threshold and detect the passage of patrons through the gate threshold and the exit of the detection zone. The flaps are closed with highest possible speed after the patron has left the detection zone regularly, and are moved with low speed if an irregular passage is detected.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Axess AGInventors: Wolfram Kocznar, Josef Fischer
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Patent number: 8810166Abstract: An opening and closing device includes a cover gear, a driving source, a cover, a biasing element, and a control portion. The cover gear is rotatably supported in both forward and backward directions. The driving source selectively provides rotation to the cover gear in both the forward and backward directions. The cover is rotatably supported to allow motion in both the forward and backward directions between first and second positions. The biasing element transmits the rotation of the cover gear to the cover while biasing the cover in a predetermined direction from the first position to the second position. The control portion stops the rotation of the driving source, in a case in which the driving source is rotated to move the cover in the predetermined direction, when the cover gear rotates in the predetermined direction by a predetermined angle after the cover has reached the second position.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroyuki Nagao, Kazuhisa Yoneda, Shinichiroh Hiraoka, Yasushi Nakamura, Hidenobu Mandai
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Patent number: 8791661Abstract: A linear actuator comprising a spindle, a spindle nut, a transmission, an electrical motor, and an actuation element, is arranged to linearly move the actuation element by means of an interaction of the spindle and the spindle nut, which interaction is being driven by the electrical motor through the transmission. A position of the actuation element, the relative position between spindle and spindle nut, is determined by means of an absolute rotary position sensor and a counter. The counter keeps track of the number of under-flows and over-flows the absolute rotary position sensor generates during movement of the actuation element. A combination of a value from the absolute rotary position sensor and a count from the counter determines the position.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKFInventors: Johannes Andrianus Maria Duits, Mario Rossi
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Patent number: 8779713Abstract: A door closer with dynamically adjustable latch region parameters is disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention include a door closer with a control unit to intelligently control a valve to vary the operating characteristics of the door closer as needed. The control unit can repeatedly determine whether a door has reached jamb upon closing. A setting or settings for the latch region of the door can be adjusted when the door does not reach jamb. These adjustments are such that the likelihood of the door reaching jamb upon closing is increased. Jamb successes can also be monitored, so that once there have been enough successful closes, settings can be adjusted to decrease the force on the door so that the latch region parameters are constantly adjusted for changing conditions to achieve closing success with the minimum closing force necessary.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2010Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Yale Security Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Burris, Robert L. Tadlock, Jr., John White, Jason Scott Gurley, Steven Michael Faes, Joseph McGinty, Wade Patterson
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Patent number: 8779714Abstract: A movable unit driving apparatus which drives a movable unit by a motor, the movable unit driving apparatus includes a first detection unit configured to detect that the movable unit passes a first position; a second detection unit configured to detect that the movable unit passes a second position after the first detection unit detects that the movable unit has passed the first position; a first measurement unit configured to measure time from when the first detection unit detects that the movable unit passes the first position to when the second detection unit detects that the movable unit passes the second position; and a setting unit configured to set time from when the movable unit is detected to have passed the second position to when a brake is applied to the motor based on the time measured by the first measurement unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2010Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshimasa Hyodo, Ken-ichi Ichimura
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Patent number: 8766582Abstract: A trash can with a power operated lid can include a sensor assembly and a lifting mechanism. The sensor assembly can include at least one light emitter and at least one light receiver, the viewing area of the at least one light receiver being limited in size. The lifting mechanism can include a controller, a drive motor, and a lifting member. The trash can with power operated lid can further include at least one position sensor for detecting the position of the lid.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: simplehuman, LLCInventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor, Orlando Cardenas
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Patent number: 8716960Abstract: A linear actuator comprising a spindle, a spindle nut, a transmission, an electrical motor, and an actuation element, is arranged to linearly move the actuation element by means of an interaction of the spindle and the spindle nut, which interaction is being driven by the electrical motor through the transmission. A position of the actuation element, the relative position between spindle and spindle nut, is determined by means of an absolute rotary position sensor and a counter. The counter keeps track of the number of under-flows and over-flows the absolute rotary position sensor generates during movement of the actuation element. A combination of a value from the absolute rotary position sensor and a count from the counter determines the position.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2013Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKFInventors: Johannes Andrianus Maria Duits, Mario Rossi
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Patent number: 8716969Abstract: A trash can with a power operated lid can include a sensor assembly and a lifting mechanism. The sensor assembly can include at least one light emitter and at least one light receiver, the viewing area of the at least one light receiver being limited in size. The lifting mechanism can include a controller, a drive motor, and a lifting member. The trash can with power operated lid can further include at least one position sensor for detecting the position of the lid.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: simplehuman, LLCInventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor, Orlando Cardenas
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Patent number: 8704476Abstract: To detect an entrapment situation when a driven component is adjusted using a mechanical adjustment system which has an electric motor (2), a value (Fakt) relating to the force acting upon the driven component is compared with a threshold value (FTh) relating to a reference value (FRef). The reference value (FRef), and thus the threshold value (FTh), are continuously matched, for the purpose of force tracking, with the force value which changes during the movement of adjustment depending on the mechanical system.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Andreas Egger, Stefan Holzinger, Roman Morawek
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Patent number: 8698441Abstract: A disclosed servo control device includes a servo control unit configured to control a driving unit for driving a driven body with servo control, and a changing unit configured to change a timing of ending the servo control in response to stop position accuracy for a target stop position of the driven body when the driven body is driven to move, wherein the servo control unit detects an error between the target stop position and an actual stop position of the driven body, and corrects the timing of ending the servo control using the detected error.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Yoshimitsu Ogura
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Patent number: 8692497Abstract: Electromotive furniture-flap drive, characterized by an identification device for automatically identifying the type of furniture flap in the installed state of the furniture flap drive.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Julius Blum GmbHInventors: Thomas Vogel, Christian Theimer
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Patent number: 8692498Abstract: Presented is a roller shade system that includes a flexible shade material having a lower end, a rotatably supported roller tube that windingly receives the shade material, a stepper motor that operably engages the roller tube to rotate the roller tube to move the lower end of the shade material between a first position and a second position, an optical sensor configured for capturing an image frame of the shade material at linear positions along the shade material as the lower end of the flexible shade material moves from the first position to the second position, and a stepper motor controller configured for controlling the frequency of input pulses to the stepper motor to move the lower end of the flexible shade material from the first position to the second position at a substantially constant linear velocity in response to position information obtained from the plurality of captured image frames.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Crestron Electronics Inc.Inventors: George Feldstein, Mark LaBosco, Russikesh Kumar
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Patent number: 8665596Abstract: Power switching circuitry has a heat absorbing structure, and a heat conductive substrate having power switching components on a first surface and a second surface adjacent to the heat absorbing structure. Electrically conductive members, comprising first and second members, are on the first surface and extend along a first axis orthogonal to the heat conductive substrate. The second portion is more remote from the heat conductive substrate, and has a smaller cross-sectional area than, the first portion to define a shoulder region orthogonal to the first axis. A circuit board is located on the shoulder regions, with the second portions extending through the circuit board. An urging mechanism urges the circuit board against the shoulder regions, whereby the electrically conductive members provide a current path between the heat conductive substrate and the circuit board, and urge the heat conductive substrate into thermal contact with the heat absorbing structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: PG Drives Technology LimitedInventor: Richard Peter Brereton
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Patent number: 8593086Abstract: A drive system, such as for a fluid jet cutting system, includes a brushless synchronous motor configured to drive movement through a loosely coupled transmission, a sensor configured to sense movement, and a control system configured to drive the brushless synchronous motor responsive to previously measured drive coupling.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: OMAX CorporationInventors: Kevin Hay, Brian Guglielmetti
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Patent number: RE44816Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling a barrier movement operator having a timer-to-close feature are disclosed. The methods and apparatus include arrangements for conveniently inhibiting and re-activating the timer-to-close feature and for providing a mid-stop position during movement toward the closed position. Additionally, the embodiments include methods and apparatus for reversing barrier operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventors: William Gioia, Eric J. Robb, David Stafford, Robert S. Study, III