Abstract: A legged mobile robot gives up a normal walking motion and starts a tumbling motion when an excessively high external force or external moment is applied thereto and a behavior plan of a foot part thereof is disabled. At this time, the variation amount ?S/?t of the area S of a support polygon of the body per time t is minimized and the support polygon when the body drops onto a floor is maximized to distribute an impact which acts upon the body from the floor when the body drops onto the floor to the whole body to suppress the damage to the body to the minimum. Further, the legged mobile robot autonomously restores a standing up posture from an on-floor posture thereof such as a supine posture or a prone posture.

Abstract: A wiper control system and method is disclosed. When an ignition-on switch is turned off while the wiper is being operated, a wiper motor is controlled to return to its home position. When a predetermined switch is operated for more than a predetermined period while the ignition-on switch is turned off, the wiper motor is operated until the operation of the predetermined switch is stopped. When a door lock signal is produced by a remote door controller after an ignition-on switch is turned off while a wiper is being operated, the wiper motor is controlled to return to its home position. When a door unlock signal is produced by a remote door controller while the ignition-on switch is turned off, the wiper motor is controlled to operate for a predetermined period and then to return to its home position.

Abstract: An inter-device communication system for a wiper control apparatus that includes a rain detection device and a wiper driving device includes communication circuits having a transmission line for unidirectionally sending a rain detection signal to the wiper driving device, a transmission circuit arranged in the wiper driving device for short-circuiting a potential of the signal unidirectionally sent through the transmission line, and a recognition circuit arranged in the rain detection device for recognizing transmitting information sent in an opposite direction to a direction of the unidirectional transmission, i.e., from the wiper driving device to the rain detection device based on the short-circuited signal.

Abstract: A window washer control system and method administers fluid intermittently to a window based on an intermittent setting. A washer switch includes a plurality of frequency settings for varying a time interval between fluid administering events. The fluid level in a washer fluid reservoir is monitored to ensure a predetermined level. If the fluid level is below a predetermined level, control prevents intermittent washer administration and allows only manual activation.

Abstract: An intermittent windshield wiper control device for use with antique or historical cars. The control device includes a user actuator mechanism, microprocessor circuitry, a potentiometer system, and a relay system. User movement of the actuator mechanism is translated to the potentiometer system to vary an output therefrom. The microprocessor circuitry acts in response to the potentiometer system output in controlling operation of a vehicle's wiper motor via the relay system.

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 vehicular windshield wiping apparatus has a temperature sensor for sensing temperatures outside of the vehicle, a humidity sensor for sensing humidity outside of the vehicle, windshield wipers moved by a motor, an HVAC control module, and a wiper control module. The wiper control module activates the windshield wipers when the moisture level is at or above a threshold value and the temperature sensor senses a temperature at or below a threshold value. The wiper motor has a first wiper park position and a second wiper park position. The first wiper park position is approximately horizontal and the second wiper park position is at an angle to the first wiper park position, in a heated windshield zone. The second wiper park position allows the wipers to remain free of ice and snow when the outside temperature and moisture levels are beyond specific thresholds or a wiper stalk switch is activated.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sequential safety system associated with a moving closing panel driven so as to slide by an electric motor (6), this safety system including means (20) exploiting the signal originating from an optical fiber to stop and reverse the direction of movement of said moving panel in the event of a change in the signal, as well as additional safety means allowing the end-of-travel positions of the moving panel to be determined without ambiguity via the joint exploitation of the results derived from measuring the frequency of the pulses caused by the rotation of the electric motor (6) driving said moving panel, as well as data originating from the optical fiber.

Abstract: A reversing wiper motor system has a first detector including a detectant which rotates in synchronism with the wiper. The detector physically identifies a plurality of distinct angular zones across the entire range of motion of the wiper, including a wiper park zone, a wiping zone, and a wiper out-of-bound zone. A second detector detects incremental movement of the wiper within any given zone. Control circuitry controls the direction of the motor based on the detected zone and the incremental motion of the wiper therein. The system enables the wiper to be located upon power-up.

Abstract: The invention relates to a direct current motor control circuit. The invention also relates to the use thereof in a windscreen wiper system for vehicles. An MOS FET transistor with an anti-parallel diode (M3) is serially mounted on the braking system (M2) of the control circuit.

Abstract: An MCU monitors changes in motor rotating speed from the motor start so as to detect a peak of the motor rotating speed, and when the peak of the motor rotating speed is detected, it measures a period of time Ta from the motor start to the time, at which the decreasing rate of the motor rotating speed becomes maximal, so as to establish the activation/cancellation time period by adding a time Tb that is a predetermined numerical-fold door vibration period to the time Ta. When a second peak with more than a predetermined amount of the motor rotating speed is detected after the first peak detection, the activation/cancellation time period is established by adding a time Tb1 that is a predetermined numerical-fold door vibration period to the activation/cancellation time period obtained before.

Abstract: A wiper system using two wipers and two wiper motors, which drive the wipers and of which at least one first wiper motor forms a sub-assembly with an electronic control unit. The second wiper motor is a rotary motor having only one sensory system for detecting the absolute and relative rotational position of its driven shaft, which generates corresponding signals for the control unit of the first wiper motor, and the first wiper motor, in the rotational speed and the rotational position of its driven shaft, is regulated by the control unit as a function of the rotational position and the rotational speed of the driven shaft of the second wiper motor.

Abstract: A wiper controller includes: a sensor for detecting a waterdrop on a windshield; a wiper for wiping the windshield; and control means for controlling operation of the wiper. The control means monitors a waterdrop reflection when the sensor detects the waterdrop. The waterdrop reflection is a diffuse reflection of light. The control means operates the wiper with an intermittent wiping operation having a time interval in such a manner that the time interval in a case where the control means decides nonexistence of the waterdrop reflection is set to be longer than the time interval in a case where the control means decides existence of the waterdrop reflection.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a closure device includes pinch detector for detecting a foreign body being pinched by an opening/closing member when the variation degree of a movement of the opening/closing member reaches a predetermined threshold value. When this control apparatus for a closure device determines that a vehicle is running, the threshold value is set at a second threshold value, which is reduced in a detection sensitivity of pinch as compared with a first threshold value set when the vehicle is stationary. When the apparatus detects that a load not smaller than a predetermined value is applied by disturbance to the opening/closing member in a closing direction, the threshold value is set at a third threshold value, which is reduced in the detection sensitivity of pinch as compared with the second threshold value.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for control object manipulation from an initial position to a final position. A jerk control profile describes a near time-optimal jerk trajectory for the control object and includes a sequence of first, second and third sinusoidal pulses of respectively alternating polarity and common absolute magnitude. The area of the second pulse is nominally equal to the combined area of the first and third pulses, and the pulses are preferably symmetric about the respective maximum pulse values. Associated control profiles (control voltage, current, velocity, displacement, etc.) are derived from the jerk control profile. For longer seeks, constant, non-zero jerk segments are inserted into the profile between the pulses, during which control voltage is maintained near saturation. The control object preferably comprises a transducer in a data storage device and the jerk control profile is stored in a memory location of the device.

Abstract: A motorized barrier operator that moves a barrier between limit positions, includes a motor for moving the barrier between set limit positions. When the barrier is in a stopped, partially open position the operator implements at least a hybrid control sequence that employs either a four-phase logic or an open-only logic depending upon the status of a mode indicator. In the preferred embodiment the mode indicator is a time light that is activated upon receipt of a user command.

Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly including at least one motor having an output shaft and a windshield wiper operatively connected to the output shaft. The motor includes a stator adapted to provide an electromagnetic flux and a rotor assembly supported for rotation about the stator. The rotor assembly includes a back iron and an annular magnet mounted to the back iron so as to be disposed in radially spaced relationship about the stator. The rotor assembly is operatively connected to the output shaft and responsive to electromagnetic flux generated by the stator so as to provide a rotational force to the output shaft to drive the windshield wiper in repeated wiping motion across the windshield.

Abstract: A circuit system that includes a sensor circuit for a sensor that detects the state of a motor is provided in an inverter unit for driving the motor. A 0V of the circuit system is connected with a shield braid of a shielded cable that connects the sensor circuit and the sensor. Further, the shield braid of the shielded cable is connected to an earth plate.

Abstract: A method for the open-loop control of a wiper system (10), and a wiper system (10), in particular for a motor vehicle includes at least one drive device (16), at least one gear (14), which switches the motion of the drive device (16) to at least one wiper shaft (34) and has a gear ratio that depends on the position of the gear (14), and at least one open-loop control unit (24), which controls the torque that can be output by the drive device (16) by means of a driven shaft (26). The control unit (24) determines the torque that can be output by the drive device (16) at every instant, taking the gear ratio into account.

Abstract: There are provided a wiper control method and a wiper control device in which unnecessary wiping operation is not performed. When a fixed amount of water passing through a detection area 4, the water being carried by the wiping operation of a wiper 5b, is detected, the presence of impact of a raindrop on the detection area 4 is judged. When there is no impact of a raindrop on the detection area 4, it is judged that water that is carried by the wiper 5b and passes through the detection area 4 is caused by a factor other than rainfall, and control is carried out to decrease the frequency of wiping operation of the wiper.

Abstract: A non-contact detection system and method for detecting obstructions in relation to a powered door on a vehicle such that contact with the door may be prevented. The detection system includes an object detection sensor located on the powered door for sensing an object within an adjustable sensing zone. A door position sensor senses position of the door relative to at least one of an open and closed door position. A controller adjusts the sensing zone of the object detection sensor as a function of the sensed door position.

Abstract: A method and system for setting a downward force adjustment exerted by a barrier is disclosed. As is known, the barrier operator initiates corrective action if a detected obstruction force is deemed excessive. The inventive method and system comprises pre-setting a force threshold value used by the barrier operator. While in a programming mode, the barrier is moved from one limit position to another limit position. A recorded value is determined during the moving of the barrier and the threshold value is adjusted until equal the recorded value. A feedback device such as a light or a speaker is used to indicate when the threshold value is at least equal the recorded value.

Abstract: A control for an electric motor in a vehicle. The control ascertains whether an obstacle is interfering with rotation of the motor. The control establishes a baseline speed, representing normal free running speed of the motor. This baseline speed will be different, in different operating environments. Then the control determines whether measured motor speed drops below the baseline speed by a predetermined amount. If so, then the motor is shut down, or reversed.

Abstract: A method is described for regulating the average electromagnetic torque of a polyphase rotating electrical machine, supplied with a polyphase voltage and a polyphase current that are generated by an inverter. The method comprises a step of controlling the machine, using an exact response control process to do this, a step of determining the value of the harmonics of the voltage and/or the current which are generated by the inverter, and a step of calculating the instantaneous torque set point as a function of the value of the harmonics and an average torque set point, so as to produce an instantaneous torque set point suitable for limiting the difference between the average of the instantaneous electromagnetic torque, between two successive regulation times, and said average torque set point.

Abstract: A rain detection system generates an operation signal for operating a wiper system on a window based on a detected window condition. The rain detection system includes a detection mechanism for intermittently detecting an amount of liquid on the window, a calculation mechanism for calculating an increase rate of the amount of the liquid detected in a detection operation by the detection mechanism and a determination mechanism for determining the window condition based on the increase rate calculated by the calculation mechanism. The determination mechanism distinguishes difference between condensation on the window and rain based on the detected liquid on the window.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle wiper system including a wiper, a speed sensor which measures vehicle speed, a rainfall measuring device which measures amount of rainfall during predetermined intervals, a calculating device which calculates a wiping action frequency of the wiper as first data, depending on the amount of rainfall measured by the rainfall measuring device, a memory device which stores the first data calculated by the calculating device as second data when the vehicle speed measured by the speed sensor decreases to equal to or less than a predetermined value, and a wiping action frequency determining device which determines the wiping action frequency of the wiper by comparing the first data and the second data when the vehicle speed measured by the speed sensor becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value after it has been confirmed that the vehicle has stopped.

Abstract: A voltage detection section and current detection section detect a voltage and current supplied to a motor, and the detected voltage and current are supplied to a position detection section. An angular speed output from the position detection section is supplied to a differentiator to output an angular acceleration. A fundamental wave component extraction section extracts a fundamental wave component of the angular acceleration, and the extracted fundamental wave component is supplied to an amplitude adjustment section. The output of the amplitude adjustment section is subtracted from the average current command by a subtraction section. This subtraction result, current detection value, and the rotor position from the position detection section are supplied to a current control section to carry out the current control operation so as to obtain a current command.

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 power window system includes: an open/close switch that is provided to each of a plurality of vehicle seats for issuing an open/close instruction to the corresponding seat windows; a control device for controlling the open/close operation of the seat windows based on the operation of the open/close switch, and is configured by as many control sections as the vehicle seats with a one-to-one relationship therebetween, i.e., a master controller and a plurality of sub controllers; and a communications unit for carrying out communications between the control section at a driver seat and the control sections at the remaining seats. The sub controllers at the seats other than the driver seat are each provided with an operation command section, operating when normal communications is not available with the master controller at the driver seat, even if a close signal is issued from the open/close switches.

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: A vehicle door driving system includes a driving power source for generating a driving force, a clutch mechanism adjusted to be engaged and disengaged, and controlling means for controlling the clutch mechanism to be engaged and disengaged, the controlling means controlling the driving power source to generate the driving force. The controlling means judges whether the vehicle is at a vehicle driving recognition state, and the controlling means controls the clutch mechanism to be engaged when the controlling means identifies the vehicle driving recognition state.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for an opening/closing body for a vehicle includes a drive unit including a rotational drive apparatus, a reduction gear mechanism linked with a rotational shaft of the rotational drive apparatus, and an output member linked with the rotational shaft through the reduction gear mechanism and linked with the opening/closing body through a connection member, a first pulse signal generator provided at the drive unit and generating a first pulse signal on the basis of a rotation of the rotational shaft, a second pulse signal generator provided at the drive unit and generating a second pulse signal on the basis of a rotation of either one of the reduction gear mechanism and the output member, and a control means for calculating an opening/closing position of the opening/closing body on the basis of the first pulse signal emitted by the first pulse signal generator utilizing the second pulse signal emitted by the second pulse signal generator as a base point and controlling the rotational drive app

Abstract: The wiper control apparatus comprises a precipitation detector, a surrounding state detector and a wiper controller. The precipitation detector detects a precipitation condition at a position where the vehicle is. The surrounding state detector detects an exit of the vehicle out of a roofed space. The wiper controller controls the wiper to be in an automatic operation mode according to the precipitation condition detected by the precipitation detector, and controlling the precipitation detector to detect the precipitation condition following the exit detected by the surrounding state detector in a response time shorter than the normal response time for the precipitation detector to detect the precipitation not following the exit.

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: A windshield wiper system activated by sensing rainwater via a rain sensor placed inside the wiping pattern when a multifunction switch lever is in automatic mode. A rain sensor module activates a relay for low speeds and/or a relay for high speeds depending on the detected amount of rainwater. A first voltage detecting means detects battery voltage, a second voltage detecting means detects voltage of an automatic signal, and a microcomputer adjusts the sensitivity of the rain sensor based on a voltage ratio of the automatic signal voltage and the battery voltage. A reformed wiring structure connects the multifunction switch and the rain sensor module, which contributes to a reduction of the weight and cost of the wiring harness. The sensitivity of the rain sensor is not affected by a voltage change.

Abstract: A direct drive windshield wiper assembly including at least one brushless DC motor providing a drive torque through an output that is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the motor and a windshield wiper that is driven by the motor about the longitudinal axis in a repeated wiping motion across the surface of a windshield. The motor including a planetary gear set having an output shaft, the gear set being coaxially disposed relative to the rotational output and the longitudinal axis of the motor and operatively interconnecting the drive torque and the windshield wiper, the gear set further operable to reduce the speed of the rotational output of the motor to the windshield wiper through the output shaft of the gear set.

Abstract: The invention relates to a windshield wiper system with two wipers (1, 2) that travel in opposite directions and can each be driven by a separate motor (MFS, MBS), wherein a regulating unit (7) is provided for triggering the motors (MFS, MBS) separately from each other by means of control signals, wherein the regulating unit (7) triggers the motors (MFS, MBS) of the wipers (1, 2) in order to preset a time-dependent angular position of the wipers according to a trigonometric function ?(t).

Abstract: An apparatus, which engages wiper blades in operation by interlocking with an operation of a washer switch, drives the wiper blades at a high speed if the vehicle speed during the wiper blade operation is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. As a result, the washer fluid sprayed onto the windshield can be wiped away immediately when the vehicle is traveling at a high speed.

Abstract: A sensing device includes a piezoelectric vibration sensor mounted to a surface for producing an analog signal proportional to raindrops striking the surface, an amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter, and a processor for calculating the rain rate based on an exponential probability density function of a first order point process.

Abstract: A control for an electric motor in a vehicle. The control ascertains whether an obstacle is interfering with rotation of the motor. The control establishes a baseline speed, representing normal free running speed of the motor. This baseline speed will be different, in different operating environments. Then the control determines whether measured motor speed drops below the baseline speed by a predetermined amount. If so, then the motor is shut down, or reversed.

Abstract: The wiper driving apparatus module includes: a motor 12 for driving a wiper unit; a wiper ECU 11 for driving the motor 12; a deceleration mechanism (including gears). The two brush DC motor is employed and driven by a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal, in place of the conventional three brush motor wherein brushes are changed in accordance with a wiper operation speed. Therefore, the number of windings is only a number required for a high speed operation of the wiper unit. The high speed operation is implemented by 100% duty PWM signal, while the low speed operation is implemented by reducing the duty. The PWM signal duty is changed in response to a rainfall, windshield surface state and wind pressure which cause the wiping speed fluctuation.

Abstract: A power control device for positioning at a low voltage side of a load for controlling the electrical power available to the load, from a main power supply, the power control device including a current switch for switching current on and off under the control of a pulse width modulating device thus to control the power available to the load, the pulse width modulating device being operated by power derived from the main power supply.

Abstract: A detector, that prevents erroneous detection of a foreign object caught in a window glass when the engine of a vehicle is being operated and when the engine is stopped using a relatively simple control method. The detector includes a pulse sensor for detecting rotational speed of a motor. A microcomputer calculates a cycle difference sum based on the rotational speed of the motor. The microcomputer compares the cycle difference sum with a obstruction determination threshold to determine whether a foreign object has been caught. The microcomputer detects whether the engine is stopped. When detecting that the engine is stopped, the microcomputer changes the obstruction determination threshold so that the probability of the microcomputer determining that a foreign object has been caught is lower than that when the engine is being operated.

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: In a wiper system for vehicles, in particular for automobile windshields, including a first wiper arm, a primary drive motor (12) associated with the wiper arm for generating a defined wiping motion of the first wiper arm, at least one second wiper arm, and a secondary drive motor (13) associated with the second wiper arm for generating a defined wiping motion of the second wiper arm, the secondary drive motor (13) being controlled as a function of the position of the primary drive motor (12), a motor position code element (23) is provided, which is coupled to the primary drive motor (12) and is provided with control codes (24) that are directly representative of the associated position of the secondary drive motor (13). For scanning the control codes (24) of the motor position code element (23), a scanner unit (25) is used, which via a signal connection (22) is connected to a controller (27) of the secondary drive motor (13).

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: This invention relates to windshield wiper system which utilizes a flexible drive arm for withstanding bending loads applied to a wiper. The drive arm may be made of a pull-molded composite material having a relatively low modulus of elasticity and a relatively high elongation factor. The flexible arm twists in the presence a bending load and undergoes rapidly progressing elastic buckling when the bending load exceeds a predetermined amount.

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 moisture detection system includes an electrical conductor disposed on a surface of a substrate. The electrical conductor has a resonant frequency that varies as a function of an amount of moisture present adjacent the electrical conductor. An oscillator outputs an oscillator signal at a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined frequency. A resonator circuit is coupled to the electrical conductor and is responsive to the oscillator signal and the resonant frequency of the electrical conductor for outputting a resonator signal having an amplitude related to the resonant frequency of the electrical conductor. A filter circuit rectifies and filters the resonator signal and provides it to an analog-to-digital converter which outputs a digital signal related to the rectified and filtered resonator signal. A controller is responsive to the digital signal for causing a system associated with the substrate to operate in accordance with the digital signal.