Abstract: According to one embodiment, an automatic transfer switch (ATS) module for an electronic rack includes a container and four pairs of relays that are disposed within the container, each pair having a first relay connected in series with a second relay. A first two pairs of relays are arranged to connect to a first power source and are arranged to connect to a power supply unit, and a second two pairs of relays are arranged to connect to a second power source and are arranged to connect to the power supply unit. The four pairs of relays are arranged in one of several open-closed configurations, such that in a first open-closed configuration the first source connects to the power supply unit through a first two pairs of relays and in a second open-closed configuration the second source connects to the power supply unit through a second two pairs of relays.

Abstract: A motor-operated drive system for a window covering system including a headrail, a mechanism associated with the headrail to spread and retract the window covering, and a continuous cord loop extending below the headrail for actuating the mechanism to spread and retract the window covering. The drive system includes a motor, a driven wheel that engages and advances the continuous cord loop, and a coupling mechanism for coupling the driven wheel to a rotating output shaft of the motor for rotation of the driven wheel. The drive system includes a channel system for redirecting the continuous cord loop engaged by the driven wheel, or other mechanism for configuring the drive system so that continuous cord loop extends in a substantially vertical orientation. The coupling mechanism includes an engaged configuration in which rotation of the output shaft of the motor causes rotation of the driven wheel, and a disengaged configuration.

Abstract: Various trash can assemblies are disclosed. The trash can assembly can include a body and a lid that is movable between open and closed positions. The trash can assembly can be provided with a resistive load control system that controls the rate of movement of the lid from the open position toward the closed position and/or from the closed position toward the open position. The trash can assembly can be provided with an energy recapture system that translates mechanical energy into electrical energy through an electric generator. The electrical energy can be provided to other components of the trash can assembly, such as an ion generator that discharges ions into an interior of the trash can assembly to provide odor control.

Abstract: A door arrangement for an aircraft interior and an aircraft with such door arrangement, including a frame portion and a door blade hinged to the frame portion and pivotable between a closed position, where the door blade closes a door opening, and an open position, where the door blade allows access. The door arrangement includes a lever arm and an actuator mounted to the frame portion and operable to selectively move the door blade between the open and closed positions via the lever arm engaging the door blade and the actuator. The actuator is movable into a first actuator position and into a second actuator position. The actuator is movable into the second actuator position such that the door blade is able to move from the closed position towards the open position independent of the actuator while the actuator remains in the second actuator position.

Abstract: A power supply control circuit includes: a power supply unit that outputs the DC voltage for the load operation; a first switch of which opening/closing is controlled by applying the DC voltage from the power supply unit; a second switch which is manually operated to switch over the power supply; and a control unit. The second switch achieves a first state when not manually operated, and achieves a second state when manually operated. The control unit closes the first switch, if the second switch is changed to the second state and thereafter changed to the first state, when the second switch is in the first state and the DC voltage output from the power supply unit is not less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A motor control circuit and associated techniques can drive an electric motor in a start-up mode of operation followed by a normal mode of operation. The motor control circuit and techniques can receive a selection signal provided by a user that can select one of a plurality of sets of parameter values that determine characteristics of drive signals applied to the motor during the start-up mode of operation. The motor control circuit and associated techniques can synchronize operation between the start-up mode of operation and the normal mode of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling asymmetrical coasting of an endodontic reciprocating motor includes a controller operatively connected to the endodontic motor. The controller may include a processing unit that is configured to direct the rotation of the endodontic motor in the forward direction for a coast time and configured to direct the rotation of the endodontic motor in the reverse direction for a coast time. The forward coast time is separately calculated from the reverse coast time. A method for asymmetrically coasting a reciprocating endodontic motor includes rotating an endodontic motor in a forward direction and calculating a forward coast time for the forward direction and coasting the endodontic motor in the forward direction for the calculated forward coast time. After coasting the endodontic motor in the forward direction, the endodontic motor is rotated in a reverse direction. The reverse coast time is different than the forward coast time.

Abstract: A motorized shade control system includes electronic drive units (EDUs) having programmable control units directing a motor to move an associated shade in response to command signals directed to the control units from wall-mounted keypad controllers or from alternate devices or control systems connected to a contact closure interface (CCI). Each of the EDUs, keypad controllers and CCIs of the system is connected to a common communication bus. The system provides for initiation of soft addressing of the system components from any keypad controller, CCI or EDU. The system also provides for setting of EDU limit positions and assignment of EDUs to keypad controllers from the keypad controllers or CCIs. The system may also include infrared receivers for receiving infrared command signals from an infrared transmitter.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the position-dependent control of a mobile element in a motor vehicle, wherein the element is movable in a drive movement by an electrically powered positioning device, wherein the positioning device has several different operational modes, and characteristics of a drive signal of the positing device, in particular a waviness of a drive current, are used for the determination of the position of the element. According to the invention, a characteristic variable, which influences the drive movement of the positioning device, and/or a specific value, which characterizes the positioning device, are evaluated for the determination of an error value of the determined position of the mobile element, and that the operating modes of the positioning device are controlled in dependence of the determined error value.

Abstract: A rotating electrical machine has a housing with a shaft mounted rotatably in it. A rotor is fixed to the shaft and has a plurality of magnetic poles. A stator is positioned about the rotor and has a winding. A switch is mounted within the housing and has a first position for allowing current in one direction through the winding and a second position for allowing current in an opposite direction through the winding. A mechanical activator is movable with or by the shaft and acts on the switch to move it between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for positioning a positioning element is disclosed that includes an electric servo motor for driving the positioning element, a potentiometer for presetting a setpoint, an actual value sensor disposed at the servo motor, and a motor driver with an integrated evaluation and control unit comparing the setpoint and actual value, whereby a pulse-shaped signal is superposed on the setpoint and the pulse-shaped signal exceeds the motor driver hysteresis in the evaluation and control unit.

Abstract: In a movable barrier operator, data that corresponds to force requirements to effect desired movement of a movable barrier is compressed and stored for later retrieval. Multiple compression schemes and/or compression rates can be made available. Selection of a given scheme or rate can be determined on a user-directed or an automatic basis. Automatic selection in turn can be based on various criteria including, for example, presently available memory resources.

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 auxiliary vehicular window recessing system for providing a secondary means of recessing the electrically-controlled windows of a vehicle in the event of submergence in a body of water. The auxiliary vehicular window recessing system includes a secondary motor for moving the window of the vehicle. A secondary gear member driven by the secondary motor is engaged with the main drive gear such that rotary motion of the secondary gear member biases the primary window drive system thereby recessing the window when the secondary motor is activated. An auxiliary, waterproof battery provides power, while a sealed fuse electrically protects the secondary motor. Optionally or in conjunction, a manual crank apparatus engages the primary window drive system for manually recessing the window.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for detecting a window open condition comprises a first photoelectric cell (60) mountable to the window (20) for providing a reference output signal (61) independent of the window open condition. The apparatus (10) also comprises a second photoelectric cell (62) mountable to the window and providing a signal (63) having a first characteristic if the window (20) is open and a second characteristic if the window is not open. The apparatus (10) further comprises comparison means (82) for comparing the reference output signal (61) with the signal from the second photoelectric cell (63). The comparison is indicative of the open condition of the window. The apparatus (10) comprises means (88) responsive to the comparison means (82) for indicating if the vehicle window (20) is in the open condition.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 for controllably moving a vehicle window, which is deployed upon a vehicle 12 of the type having a cab 14 including a rear or “backlight” window 16. Apparatus 10 includes a conventional controller 22 having a memory unit 24, a conventional window actuating motor 26, which is operatively coupled to window 16 and to controller 22, and a user operated switch 28, which is coupled to controller 22. Controller 22 receives signals from switch 28 and utilizes the received signals, in combination with data describing the current state/position of the ignition switch 36 and of motor 26, to selectively provide commands to motor 26, thereby selectively and controllably moving and/or positioning window 16.

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: Soiled and/or contaminated objects often have to be collected before they are specifically disposed of. According to the invention, in order to prevent blockages in toilets and sewers, a contactlessly operating container (1) is used which has a lid (2) which opens when a hand or an object approaches a proximity detector (50). The container (1) is suspendable from a supporting housing (12) accommodating the entire control means, the drive and the power supply. A preferred use of the device is the disposal of sanitary towels (14) which are immersed in a gel (15). The container (1) is periodically replaced by a clean container so that satisfactory hygiene conditions can also be maintained in frequently used toilet areas.

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: An electronic control system is an in-line module for addition to or partial replacement of automotive vehicle seat control systems for providing massage and improved features of functional control, especially human lumbar massage and diagnostics. The module provides the following improved functions and features: an enhanced driver for automatic lumbar massage, or user taught lumbar massage cycle, and a transparency simulator for low power standby operation, motor stall protection, open motor circuit detection, short motor circuit protection, motor low current protection, motor over current protection, seat position sensor malfunction detection, electrical motor noise attenuation, electrical noise filtering, and also other options. These improvements do not require alternative wiring harness changes and do not affect existing operations of a memory or non-memory seat control mechanism.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling a lumbar support device, wherein a motor is controlled its drive under a repeated reversal drive operation to provide a fore-and-aft reciprocation of a lumbar plate within a predetermined operation time in a periodic way, so as to provide a massage effect to the lumbar part of an occupant on the seat. A manual control mode for giving a static lumbar support and in addition thereto, an automatic control mode for giving a dynamic lumbar support to the occupant's lumbar part.

Abstract: A device for controlling a motor unit which displaces a screening unit which includes a power supply with at least one controlled electronic switch designed to feed a regulated electrical output to the motor unit and a control loop with a circuit which detects the difference between the value of the electrical output produced by the power supply and a reference value, and wherein the reference value is selected for the electrical output as a function of input signals received by the device.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling bi-directional operation of a vehicle window lift motor having a toroidal coil sensing counter-emf perturbations in the motor current line. An EXPRESS mode switch, upon momentary actuation, latches an electronic switch to operate a relay to provide continuous motor rotation for lowering the window. Subsequent momentary switch actuation unlatches the electronic switch to cut interrupt window motor current. Window lift motor stall is detected by a toroidal coil which senses loss of motor line perturbations and unlatches the electronic switch to open circuit the motor relay.

Abstract: A postage meter having a rotable print drum also has a control arrangement ensuring that power is fed to the motor which drives the print drum via at least two parallel paths. One of these paths is operative to cause the motor to be driven until an envelope trip switch signifies that the envelope is fully discharged from the meter, irrespective of whether the other path is electrically conductive or not.

Abstract: A window regulator device for automatically elevating or lowering a window glass of an automobile is equipped with a safety device that operates when a human arm, for example, is sandwiched between the glass and its window frame. The regulator device consists of a motor for moving the glass up or down, a detector circuit for sensing whether the motor is locked, a reversing circuit connected to the detector circuit for reversing the motor, a latching circuit for maintaining the motor energized, and an operated switch for permitting the motor to move the glass up or down.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an AC powered elevator and for improving the safety of the operation of the elevator includes: a three-phase AC power source; a drive device connected to the three-phase AC power source for converting an AC signal into an AC power having a variable frequency, thereby enabling the controlling of an induction motor; a winding induction motor connected to and controlled by the drive device for driving the cage of the elevator; a door induction motor connected to and controlled by the drive device for opening or closing the cage door provided at the cage of the elevator; and a motor control command device having an operation command generator which generates a command for starting or stopping the cage of the elevator so as to control the drive device and a door command generator which generates a command for opening or closing the cage door so as to control the drive device for independently controlling the winding induction motor and the door induction motor.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for door operation remote control. A radio transmitter transmits a door operation command signal for a predetermined time when the operator operates a switch, irrespective of a turn-on time of the switch. Upon receipt of the door operation command signal from the radio transmitter, a door operation control signal is generated to effect the operation of a door.

Abstract: An improvement in door activating control apparatus including a short delay between the time the door is stopped during its closing direction of travel and starts moving in the opening direction when any one of any switch or button for opening the door is activated, prevents the stress incurred when the door is required to instantly reverse its direction of travel while closing, demonstrates a distinct advantage especially when controlling large heavy doors, or for door openings that require a high volume of traffic and in emergency situations, includes a means to by-pass the delayed reversing when the door is in the closed position. Features a novel means of using a single pole double throw switch which will serve to defeat a safety edge device and by-pass the delayed reversing, embodied in a single enclosure along with the door closing limit switch, all actuated by a single mechanical actuating device at the door closed position, demonstrates distinct advantages in door operator design.

Abstract: The device comprises for each window an electric driving motor and a selector which is adapted to ensure the selective supply of current to the motor, in one direction or the other, through a control circuit acting on a supply source. The supply source is of the type capable of delivering at least two distinct energy levels. The control circuit comprises means for applying to an input of the supply source an energy level control signal which produces, as a function of the position of the selector, the application of a torque to the motor when raising the window which is higher than the torque applied when descending the window.

Abstract: A garage door opener includes a radio receiver and a push button each operable to initiate a pulse for effecting a switching device which in turn energizes a latching relay. Operation of the latching relay completes an energizing circuit to the appropriate winding of a reversible motor which moves the door toward an open or closed position. A sensing circuit is operable for effecting the reversal of the latching relay to change the direction of motor operation in the event the door engages an object in its path. A foot switch may also be provided for positively sensing an obstacle and reversing the drive motor. A transmitter may be provided with an impulse circuit to limit the duration of the system actuating signal regardless of how long the transmitter push button is depressed.

Abstract: A control device is disclosed for controlling the drive means and consequently the oscillation range of a periodically oscillating member particularly when it is necessary to maintain the speed of the periodic oscillation movement such that it corresponds to the average speed of another drive unit. Two movably mounted sensors are located near opposite ends of a predetermined oscillation range of the oscillating member. When either of the sensors senses the presence of the oscillating member beyond the predetermined oscillation range, a signal is generated by the sensor which is transmitted to control means adapted to adjust the speed of the drive means operating the oscillating member.

Abstract: A control system for a power driven operator for garage doors and the like comprising an operator control circuit having a DC voltage source operating as the power supply for an electronic flip-flop device responsive to successively applied input signals to alternatively establish circuits of opposite direction through a reversible electric motor; i.e. one actuation causes the motor to run in one direction and the next actuation causes it to run in the opposite direction. The operator is subject to actuation by both a hard wired push button or an auxiliary device such as a radio receiver which is responsive to signals from a remote transmitter. The operator control circuit includes a feature which electronically prevents the simultaneous energization of the reversible electric motor in both directions.

Abstract: An offset compensated electronic current sensor and controller for automatically controlling the extension and retraction of a power antenna with the energization and de-energization of an automobile electronic search tune radio receiver.

Abstract: Improved door activating motor control apparatus employs a self latching safety edge relay which is selectively energized by any of "open", one-button universal or obstruction-sensing safety edge contacts. A motor controlling contactor switch has its "open" direction coil and contact portion operated by safety edge relay contacts, and its "close" relay portion operated under control of a "close" or the one-button switch.The composite control apparatus of the instant invention exhibits significant operational advantages over prior art structures including, inter alia, frequency exercise of safety edge relay contacts, responsiveness to the "open" switch in an emergency situation, and retention of an obstruction sensing signal to cause door opening.

Abstract: A one-touch action type power window having a retaining circuit which continuously actuates a motor for raising or lowering window glass in response to a one-touch operation on a switch. A pick-up coil is located in the vicinity of a wire through which the motor operating current flows to generate a voltage varying in proportion to the rotational speed of the motor thereby to control the retaining circuit.

Abstract: By actuating a momentary contact switch, an energizing circuit applies an AC voltage directly to one of the two field windings of a two-phase reversible AC induction motor to drive that motor in one of its two directions. As the motor begins to rotate, the shifted phase voltage appearing at the other field winding has a relatively high magnitude and this is employed to energize a neon photo coupler which then completes a holding or latching circuit for maintaining the motor energized so that it continues to rotate. If the motor stalls or if its rotation is purposely stopped, which may be caused by a limit-of-travel switch actuated by apparatus driven by the motor, the magnitude of the shifted phase voltage decreases and the neon photo coupler de-energizes, thereby disabling the holding circuit. By actuating another momentary contact switch, motor rotation in the opposite direction occurs and another holding circuit effects continued motor rotation until the motor stalls or is purposely stopped.

Abstract: Two electric motors are coupled to each other and to a device which is to be bi-directionally actuated. An associated electrical control circuit comprises switches and delay timers, for energizing the first motor to drive the device in one direction and concurrently drive the second unenergized motor, and then to energize the second motor to drive the device in another direction and concurrently drive the first unenergized motor.