Abstract: An electrical system for controlling at least one gate or door or similar element of the type moved by means of at least one corresponding electric motor includes an electric network (NTWRK) consisting of two electric wires adapted to allow the distribution of direct-current power supply and digital information, a central control unit (UC) having two terminals (T1,T2) adapted to be connected respectively but indifferently to the two wires of the network (NTWRK) in order to transmit direct-current power supply and to transmit and receive digital information, a certain number of peripheral units (UP), each having two terminals (T1,T2) adapted to be connected respectively but indifferently to the two wires of the network (NTWRK) in order to receive direct-current power supply and to receive and/or transmit digital information.

Abstract: A logic chip that controls the motor of a motorized window covering or other object includes a clock. A frequency stabilizer circuit is provided to receive input voltage and to output to the clock a current that is a function of the voltage and temperature over a range of input voltage values and over a range of ambient temperature values so that the frequency output by the oscillator is constant.

Abstract: An operator and related method for adjusting an internal force setting for a motorized garage door operator is disclosed. The operator checks for the presence of a secondary entrapment safety feature and automatically increases a force threshold setting from a first value to a second value if the secondary entrapment safety feature is detected. If the safety feature is not detected or it is later disconnected, then the operator automatically sets the force threshold to a more sensitive value.

Abstract: An automotive power pivot door is powered by an electric motor through an electromagnetic clutch. A control device of the door has a control unit configured to carry out a routine which comprises de-energizing an electric motor and disengaging the clutch when the door is lifted up to a full-open position; detecting a moved distance by which the door moves down from the full-open position within a first predetermined time (t1) from the time on which the clutch is disengaged; engaging the clutch when the detected moved distance is equal to or greater than a first predetermined distance (L1); disengaging the clutch again when a second predetermined time (t2) passes from the time on which the clutch is engaged; repeating the process for engaging and disengaging the clutch while following the routine; and judging that the holder fails to operate when the frequency of the engaged condition of the clutch indicates a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: In an automotive power window system, a controller detects positions of a window glass that moves through driving operation of a motor during the closing operation of a window. The controller reduces a rotation speed of the motor when the window glass reaches a speed altering position. It calculates the amount of reduction in the rotation speed produced by the rotation speed reducing operation. Then, it corrects a rotation speed obtained during the closing operation by compensating for the amount of reduction. It determines whether an obstruction for the closing operation is present based on the corrected rotation speed. If the obstruction is detected, it controls the motor for releasing the obstruction.

Abstract: A trapping detection device of an opening/closing member includes a motor, a motor speed detection device, a control device, a voltage detection device for detecting a drive voltage applied to the motor, an actual speed decision device for deciding the actual speed of a rotation of the motor, an estimated speed calculation device for calculating the estimated speed of the rotation of the motor based on the drive voltage, an estimated speed storage device for storing the estimated speed for a predetermined time, an estimated speed correction device for correcting the estimated speed based on a difference between the actual speed and the estimated speed obtained before the predetermined time, a trapping determination device for determining the trapping based on a change state of a difference between the estimated speed being corrected and the actual speed.

Abstract: An anti-pinch power window system is comprised of a hub, a motor, a threaded rod, a base, a spring, a frame, a bracket, a threaded drive nut, a reversing switch and an electronic circuit. The motor rotates the hub. The rod is slidably attached to the hub. The base is attached to the rod. The spring surrounds the rod and is positioned such that it is compressed by movement of the base toward the hub. The bracket is attached to the frame and holds the drive nut. The rod is threaded into the drive nut. The reversing switch senses downward movement of the base and in response to such downward movement signals the electronic circuit to reverse the polarity of the motor input voltage, thereby reversing the direction of the travel of the frame. A closing window within the frame will reverse direction when it encounters an obstruction.

Abstract: A barrier movement operator is having a position sensor in a telescoping barrier control arm is described. A controller, remote from the arm, senses the barrier position to identify limits of barrier travel and to control rate of travel of the barrier between limits. The operator includes both optical and edge sensor obstruction detectors and is responsive to wireless communication for receiving user initiated command signals.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator having a motor controller (10) and motor (11) that control selective movement of a movable barrier (12) also has an obstacle detector (14) that utilizes an automatically determined excess force threshold value to permit reliable detection of an obstacle under a wide variety of operational circumstances, including changing physical circumstances, aging components, temperature variations, and motor runtime. In a preferred embodiment, a characteristic force value for the system is frequently updated as a function of actual measured force requirements (and further compensated, pursuant to various embodiments, with respect to other conditions such as temperature and motor runtime). This characteristic force value is then utilized to determine the excess force threshold value.

Abstract: A method for controlling a wiper motor of a wiper device for a motor vehicle windshield. A control unit implements the inventive method and a wiper device for a motor vehicle windshield. The control unit controls an electric motor which powers a wiper blade on a windshield sweeping between two end-of-travel zones. In each end-of-travel zone, there is a software end-of-travel stop which is moved by a predetermined value after each passage on the software stop, the latter always remaining in its test zone, thereby providing self-adaptation of the sweeping limits in time. The invention also enables the detection of the presence of obstacles on the wiper blade path.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a clutch assembly having a housing, rotational arm and torque spring, in combination with a position sensor, such that excessive movement or obstruction within the path of the display assembly during deployment, as predefined by the system designer, results in stowage of a deployed on-board entertainment system display assembly.

Abstract: In operating to open or close a door (step S1), when an outside switch indicating whether a door knob portion is grabbed or not grabbed by the hand of an operator is brought into an ON state (grip state), or when a distance of moving the door is less than a predetermined angle after bringing the outside switch into an OFF state from the ON state (non-grip state) (step S6), a current threshold higher than a normal current threshold is set (step S3, step S7), a motor current and the current threshold is compared (step S4) and pinching of an obstacle of the door is detected (step S5).

Abstract: A power window apparatus includes an operation switch for causing a window glass to move when operated. The operation switch generates an input signal having a ground level when operated. A microcomputer drives a motor in response to an input signal. A down terminal and an up terminal are used to connect the operation switch and the microcomputer to each other. A ground terminal is used to connect the operation switch and ground to each other. A battery terminal is used to connect the operation switch and a power supply to each other. When operated, the operation switch connects the down terminal or the up terminal to the ground terminal and generates an input signal having the ground level in the down terminal or the up terminal. When not operated, the operation switch connects the down terminal and the up terminal to the power supply terminal.

Abstract: In the method of controlling a process for moving a part (20) by an electric motor (12) against an end stop, pinching events are detected by monitoring a motor operating variable, such as a motor rpm, and if pinching is detected the motor (12) is stopped and/or reversed. The electric power triggering the motor (12) at the start of and during a startup phase while system slack is taken up is controlled so that it is constant and lower than the power triggering the motor in an ensuing operating phase (54) in which the part (20) moves. Preferably power during the startup phase is reduced to power values that are just barely enough to move the motor while system slack is taken up. In a preferred embodiment the applied motor voltage is reduced and controlled by a power end stage that includes a bipolar transistor or a field effect transistor.

Abstract: An entrapment detecting device for an opening/closing member includes a controller which memorizes a driving condition of a driving unit corresponding to load applied to the opening/closing member as a reference load data when a predetermined condition is satisfied during the movement of the opening/closing member for closing. The controller further calculates a driving data representing the driving condition during the movement of the opening/closing member for closing after memorizing the reference load data, and an abnormality detecting data generated by eliminating the load during the predetermined condition being satisfied from the driving data based upon the driving data and the reference load data, and the controller judges an entrapment based upon the abnormality detecting data.

Abstract: An electric drive motor drives a door to move in an open/close direction. A pulse encoder outputs a series of pulses. Each pulse has a pulse duration sized to correspond to a rotation speed of the motor. The number of the pulses corresponds to the number of revolution of the motor. A door jamming detecting device for detecting a jamming of the door is configured to carry out calculating a total duration time (Tn) of a given number (n) of the series pulses outputted from the pulse encoder; detecting a given condition wherein the total duration time (Tn) is greater than a threshold value (Ts); and making a judgment of the door jamming when the given condition is kept for a given time (Tm).

Abstract: A movable barrier operator can use (11) a first technique to prevent an excess application of force during controlled movement of a movable barrier (43) and at least a second technique (12) to similarly prevent an excess application of force during such movement. Both techniques can then be utilized to determine (13) when an application of excess force may nevertheless occur and not be reasonably avoided. In one embodiment, two techniques (21 and 22) can be used to detect force as applied during movement of the movable barrier and such information can be used to determine (23) whether applied force is being reliably indicated. In another embodiment, travel limit information (51), travel information (52) and travel history information (53) are utilized to assess whether normal operation of the movable barrier operator should be over-ridden (54) due to a possibly expression of undue force.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock with an electromechanical central locking system drive (1) and a mechanical central locking system element (2) driven by it, the central locking system drive (1) having an electric drive motor (3) and a motor control (5) with a motor state sensor (6). The central locking system element (2) can be moved by the central locking system drive (1) at least into a locked position and the motor control (5) is designed such that it triggers the electric drive motor (3) for driving the central locking system element (2) into the locked position after receiving an actuation signal from an actuation unit, such as a closing cylinder, a locking button, a remote control receiving unit or a handle (inside door handle, outside door handle).

Abstract: A power window apparatus that inhibits leakage current when submerged in water. The power window apparatus includes an operation switch. A microcomputer controls a motor. A connector has a down terminal and an up terminal connecting the operation switch and the microcomputer, and a ground terminal used to connect the operation switch and the ground. When operated, the operation switch connects the down terminal or the up terminal to the ground terminal and generates a low-level input signal in the down terminal or in the up terminal. The microcomputer drives the motor in response to the low-level input signal. An inhibition mechanism arranged in the connector inhibits, when water enters into the connector, a leakage current from flowing between a connecting terminal and a ground terminal.

Abstract: In an electric motor-driven power steering apparatus which comprises a bridge circuit for connecting a power source between input terminals and also connecting an electric motor between output terminals and energizes the electric motor by this bridge circuit and operates electric motor power to a steering system, the bridge circuit includes a predetermined number of arms constructed by connecting circuits for connecting switching elements in parallel with diodes in series so that the diodes mutually become reverse polarity.

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

Abstract: An electronic triggering device for a two-motor wiper system with two electric motors is proposed, in which the triggering device includes a parallel circuit of three half bridges; one of the three half bridges intended for triggering both electric motors in common. A method for triggering such a triggering device is also proposed.

Abstract: A device for controlling motor operation for adjusting a car seat using at least two switches wherein one switch is a multi-function switch and the other switch is a selector switch. The multi-function switch controls horizontal, vertical, and incline adjustments and the selector switch selects the portion of the seat to which the adjustment of the multi-function switch will be directed.

Abstract: An operator controller 10 controls a motor 12 via a motor controller (11). The motor (12), in turn, selectively controls movement of an object (such as a movable barrier) along a substantially predetermined path. An incremental movement sensor (13) monitors movement of the object by monitoring, in one embodiment, movement associated with operation of the motor (12). At the same time, a passpoint event generator (15) generates at least some passpoint events that are uniquely identifiable. When a given predetermined passpoint event is detected, the incremental movement sensor activity is potentially recalibrated.

Abstract: A power closure system (40) for a vehicle panel (22, 24) includes position initialization techniques that ensure accurate position initialization. According to this invention, any slack in a coupling (62) between the vehicle panel and a motor (42) for moving the vehicle panel is removed prior to obtaining an initialization position reading when the panel (22, 24) is in a closed position. The inventive arrangement also includes determining a desired torque at which to operate the motor (42) during a position initialization procedure.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator having a motor controller (10) and motor (11) that control selective movement of a movable barrier (12) also has an obstacle detector (14) that utilizes an automatically determined excess force threshold value to permit reliable detection of an obstacle under a wide variety of operational circumstances, including changing physical circumstances, aging components, temperature variations, and motor runtime. In a preferred embodiment, a characteristic force value for the system is frequently updated as a function of actual measured force requirements (and further compensated, pursuant to various embodiments, with respect to other conditions such as temperature and motor runtime). This characteristic force value is then utilized to determine the excess force threshold value.

Abstract: A rain sensor, in particular for a motor vehicle including a window-wiper device (windshield-wiper device), including a measuring element, which has a sensitivity that is predefinable by a control device, a signal, characterizing the speed of the motor vehicle, being able to be transmitted to the control device, and the control device increasing the sensitivity of the measuring element at lower speed. Furthermore, a method for controlling a windshield-wiper device, in particular for a motor vehicle. A measuring element is connected to a control device, its sensitivity being predefined by the control device. A signal characterizing a speed of the motor vehicle is transmitted to the control device and the sensitivity of the measuring element increased at lower speed.

Abstract: A fly-fishing reel has a reel body with a reversible pawl and an arbor. A spindle shaft with a gear rotates on the arbor, the gear and pawl limiting the direction of rotation. A spool and lockably engaged drive plate rotate on the spindle shaft and are secured thereon by a drag capsule which attaches to the spindle shaft. Tightening the drag capsule on the spindle shaft forcibly engages friction surfaces on the spindle shaft, the spool, the drive plate, and the drag capsule to provide an adjustable dual disk drag mechanism, as well as securing the drive plate and spool together. The spool can be readily replaced with a different spool and the spools are preferably reversible on the spindle shaft. A winding handle is attached to the drive plate to provide direct-drive action, or is attached to the drag capsule to provide a non-return action.

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

Abstract: A method for determining the position of an element drivable by a motor within a travel segment between first and second positions. The method includes energizing a motor to drive the element along the travel segment. Current ripples contained in an armature current signal of the motor are counted as the motor drives the element. The position of the element along the travel segment is determined as a function of the counted current ripples. The motor is de-energized once the position of the element is within a certain distance of the first position if the element is to be driven into the first position. The motor is then re-energized to drive the element into the first position. The counted current ripples is set to a reset value after the element has been driven into the first position such that the reset value corresponds to the first position.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator includes an automatic force incrementing system for adjusting the maximal opening and closing force to be placed upon the movable barrier during a learn operation. The movable barrier operator also includes a control unit with an ambient temperature detector which controls the motor to move at a specified force and is used to inhibit motor operation depending on the motor temperature derived from the temperatur detected by the temperature detector.

Abstract: A control apparatus and method for a panel movable between at least two positions by an electric motor having a rotatable armature. The control generates time periods for the rotation of the armature over a constant angular distance. An average time period is computed over a predetermined number of time periods and compared with a threshold time period to determine if an obstacle is present in the path of movement of the closure. Transient counts are accumulated for increasing average time periods over a number of time period samples to detect an obstacle. A compensation factor is used to adjust a threshold upon detecting a start-up transient during an initial movement of the motor armature coupled to the panel to delay activation of obstacle detection until the start-up transient diminishes.

Abstract: A wiper device for a window, in particular in a motor vehicle, including a wiper blade, a mechanical system that drives the wiper blade, and a control device that compensates for the clearances of the mechanical system as a function of load changes and/or as a function of service life and a method for operating such a wiper device.

Abstract: An asymmetrical drive motor and apparatus with the asymmetric drive motor driving a barrier. The asymmetric drive motor drives the barrier at different drive powers according to direction, time of travel, safety requirements or speed. The drive power is controlled by electrically changing the capacitance value for a permanent split capacitor motor.

Abstract: An asymmetrical drive motor and apparatus with the asymmetric drive motor driving a barrier. The asymmetric drive motor drives the barrier at different drive powers according to direction, time of travel, safety requirements or speed. The drive power is controlled by electrically changing the capacitance value for a permanent split capacitor motor.

Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle having an electronic speed controller adapted to regulate at least one of the timing and rate of application of a selected rotational input. The vehicle includes a body with a seat, a steering mechanism positioned for operation by a child to steer at least one of the vehicle's wheels, and a drive assembly with an actuator positioned for actuation by a child sitting on the seat to cause the driven rotation of at least one of the vehicle's wheels by a battery-powered motor assembly. In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes one or more user input devices that enable a child sitting on the seat to select at least one of the relative speed and direction of the vehicle. The drive assembly also includes an electronic speed controller that controls electronically the transmission of a selected rotational input to the vehicle's driven wheel assembly.

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

Abstract: A motor control apparatus and a motor control method that instruct deenergization of a motor a predetermined period of time after an arrival of a subject to be driven by the motor at a speed measuring position. The predetermined period of time corresponds to a current speed of the motor upon arrival of the subject to be driven at the speed measuring position, and the speed measuring position is at a predetermined distance before a target stop position of the subject to be driven.

Abstract: A windowlift control system 10 is provided for controlling movement of a window of a vehicle. The system 10 includes a DC bush motor 12 constructed and arranged to cause movement of the window up and down, and electronics 14 integral with the motor for controlling the motor to selectively move the window up and down. The electronics includes analog obstruction signal inputs 18, 20 for receiving analog obstruction signals from an obstruction sensor 16, associated with the window, that directly senses an obstruction in a travel path of the window. The electronics includes digital obstruction signal inputs 22, 24 for receiving digital obstruction signals from an obstruction sensor 16′, associated with the window, that directly senses an obstruction in a travel path of the window. The electronics also includes switch decoding inputs 23, 25, 27 for signaling a manual or one-touch up mode of operation of the motor to move the window in an upward direction.

Abstract: In a control system (10) having a learning mode (20) such that performance limits can be automatically determined for subsequent use during normal operating modes (40), one or more user manipulable controls (18) are provided to allow a user to selectively adjust the previously automatically determined performance limits. In one embodiment the range of adjustment can be limited. The user control (18) can be located in various positions with respect to the control unit (15). In an exemplary embodiment, the control system (10) comprises a movable barrier operating system such as a garage door opener.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the operation of an electric motor driven door or gate operator unit having a speed reducing gear drive mechanism and a brake unit for positive braking of the motor output shaft. A programmable microcontroller is operably connected to a motor drive circuit with interlock relays to energize the drive motor for rotation in opposite directions. The motor drive circuit is interconnected with a motor watchdog circuit to effect motor shutdown if the microcontroller malfunctions and a brake release circuit to prevent motor operation unless the brake is energized. The microcontroller is operable to store door mid-stop time delay values, braking rates, a door position limit overrun signal, a door cycle count, door reversals upon receiving an obstruction detector signal and error codes associated with door operator and control system malfunctions. The brake may be controlled on a variable duty cycle to provide smooth braking action in both directions of movement of the door.

Abstract: An electronic camera is provided with an image pickup unit in a casing at a position opposite to an opening of the casing. The image pickup unit includes an image pickup device and an optical system. The electronic camera is further provided with a rotating mechanism for rotating the image pickup unit, a changer for changing over a photographing possible state and a photographing impossible state, and a controller for controlling the rotating mechanism to rotate the image pickup unit into a target position in response to the changer.

Abstract: A power-window control device is provided which is capable of inexpensively avoiding the occurrence of a failure, not to overlook in safety, due to a short-circuit (including current leak) at between adjacent ones of switch terminals. The switch terminals are arranged in a combination that the terminals having a possibility to cause a failure due to short-circuit are not in an adjacent relationship. Specifically, in the case of a configuration of FIG. 1, arrangement is made such that there is no adjacent relationship between the MU and the COMA, the MD and the COMA, the NC and the COMA, the NC and the NO, the NC and the COMS, the NO and the COMA, the NO and the COMS, and the COMA and the COMS, e.g. in an order of the COMS, MD, NO, AD, COMA, AU, NC and MU.

Abstract: A manual inputting device which includes a sun gear, three planet gears, a motor having an output shaft thereof fixed to the sun gear, a ring gear casing integrally forming a ring gear on an inner peripheral surface thereof, a carrier rotated along with revolution of the planet gears, a carrier shaft mounted on the carrier, a restricting member facing the carrier in an opposed manner while sandwiching the planet gears therebetween, a knob fixed to the carrier shaft, a code plate integrally formed with the sun gear, a light emitting section, a light receiving section, a connector for outputting detection signals generated from the light receiving section, a board connecting these components thereto, a body casing, a bracket served for fixing the motor to the body casing, and a control unit for controlling the motor in response to detection signals from the light receiving section.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling a motor vehicle wiper motor comprising steps which consist in: determining at least a range related to an operating parameter of the motor and capable of having several non null values; comparing said range with a predetermined threshold (high LS, low; HS, high INT, low LS, low INT); and controlling the motor on the basis of the result of the comparison. The range is determined when the rotor of the motor occupies a determining position corresponding to a predetermined point on a trajectory of a blade driven by the motor.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator (11) receives movement sensing signals from a sensor (13) and calculates corresponding speed of movement of a movable barrier. Such speed measurements lead to development of a median speed value over a monitoring window. The median speed value is used in a subsequent monitoring window to facilitate determining when speed of movement for the movable barrier has slowed in a way that likely corresponds to the movable barrier having encountered an obstacle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling electrical devices such as electric trains using a computer is disclosed. The invention utilizes standard ports that appear on most computers, and works with standard well-known widely commercially available train sets. The invention has customized software and circuitry for managing the speed and direction of one or more motors, and also for controlling the configuration of track turnouts. The invention can also be configured and updated by the user to fit the characteristics of a user's specific layout.

Abstract: A windscreen wiper device and a method for wiping windscreens, including at least one motor whose direction of rotation can be altered, at least one wiper which is coupled to the motor and which moves back and forth between two reversing positions, a control device which switches the motor by means of switching signals and operating signals which are conveyed to the control device. The control device determines the switching signals from the operating signals to determine the reversing positions of the wiper. The degree of wetness of the windscreen surface is conveyed to the control mechanism and used as an operating signal.

Abstract: A method of operation for a motor-driven worm gear actuator coupled to a load device energizes the motor in a series of pulses during an initial period of motor operation when reversal of the motor is commanded. The pulsed energization produces a slow initial axial movement of the motor armature without moving the load device, minimizing the contact force between the armature shaft and a mechanical end stop of the motor. Rotation of the motor is determined by identifying and counting motor current pulses due to commutation, and the pulse count is adjusted at each reversal of motor rotation to compensate for motor current pulses due to the pulsed energization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving a gate a distance in a predetermined period of time. In one embodiment the current load for an electric motor to move a gate is first measured to determine whether the gate's motion is being hindered or helped. A microprocessor then controls voltage supplied to the motor to enhance or retard the evolved power of the motor according to the load and the predetermined time.