Periodic, Repetitious Or Successive Operations Control Of Motor, Including "jog" And "inch" Control Patents (Class 318/443)
  • Patent number: 6339304
    Abstract: A control (200) for an infant and child swing (40) driven by a direct current motor (160) includes a user interface (312) for selecting from a plurality of swing heights (or amplitudes), a microcontroller (400) having a processor (401), a swing angle indicator (118) having a light interrupter detector (210), and a music system (410). Processor (401) receives an output signal from light interrupter detector (210) for monitoring the current swing amplitude. At the end of each swing cycle processor (401) compares the current swing amplitude with the user selected maximum swing amplitude, and, if not substantially equal, generates a control signal to adjust the power output from motor (160) so that the current swing amplitude substantially equals the user selected maximum swing amplitude. This cycle-by-cycle adjustment produces a swing arc having improved accuracy and consistency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Truman L. Allison, Daniel R. Mitchell, Dennis R. Stauffer
  • Patent number: 6335601
    Abstract: A wiper control device suitable used for controlling the wiper apparatus possible to solve a difference in the wiping range caused by the difference in the operation speed (inertial force) of the wiper blade by using the wiper linkage provided with an eccentric mechanism and changing the rotational direction of a wiper motor according to the operation speed, the wiper control device is provided with a wiper switch, the wiper motor, a position switch, a controller and a motor driving circuit, and the controller executes control to change the rotational direction of the wiper motor at the time when the wiper blade arrives in the upper or lower turning position in response to switching operation of the wiper mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Jidosha Denki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaru Kato, Yasuki Matsumoto, Haruo Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 6329779
    Abstract: An improved method of detecting the presence of an obstacle in the path of a motor-driven panel by computing the slope of a measured motor speed signal in a way that cancels the effect of periodic undulation of the speed signal, and comparing the computed slope to a slope threshold that is selected as a function of the average motor speed. A position sensor produces a series of pulses corresponding to panel movement, and a microprocessor-based controller stores an array of speed-related samples corresponding to the time periods between successively produced sensor pulses. The average speed is computed at two different points in the array, and the slope of the stored speed samples is determined according to a difference between the computed average speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Thomas Pimley, Robert W. Hjelmeland
  • Patent number: 6320340
    Abstract: A drive device for a part of a vehicle that can be adjusted between terminal positions, in particular the roof panel of a vehicle roof, having an electric motor that is connected to a pinion via a first step-down gear. A switch device that controls the electric motor for stopping the electric motor in at least one predetermined position of the adjustable part, and a second step-down gear that moves a switch body. A magnetic-field-sensitive sensor, controllable by the switch body, for controlling the switch device. A conductor track board inside a housing and extending with an extension over the path of motion of the switch element. The magnetic-field-sensitive sensor is disposed at a radial distance from the circular path of motion of the switch body and bridges the distance between the magnetic-field-sensitive sensor and the path of motion of the switch body by means of magnetic flux guide bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Alois Hils, Friedrich-Wilhelm Dreier, Christian Baeuerle
  • Patent number: 6288509
    Abstract: In an opposed wiping type wiper apparatus, left and right wiper blades which perform wiping operations with a predetermined preceding-following relationship maintained are layered vertically at their lower returning positions. A wiper drive control unit controls preceding-following relationships between the left and right wiper blades to prevent locking and stopping of the wiper blades when the relationship has changed by replacing left and right control forms for the blades. When the timer of the wiper blade which is to be in the follower side during normal operation is not reset but overflows among timers which are respectively reset pulse signals generated in accordance with rotations of motors, the output of the motor which drives the wiper blade which is to be in the follower side during normal operations is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Amagasa
  • Patent number: 6281649
    Abstract: A dual motor windshield wiper system and windshield washer system integrated together into a single assembly. The system includes two motors (22, 22′), a control circuit (12), a fluid reservoir (120), a pump (112), and at least one mounting member (108, 108′) that supports said motors. The reservoir can be located between the two motors and can be supported in place by the motors. The motors can be thermally coupled to the reservoir so that fluid within the reservoir acts as a heat sink for the motors. The positions of the wipers can be controlled to follow targeted positions that are determined in accordance with acceleration, velocity, and deceleration values that are calculated using a wiper speed setting selected by the vehicle driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: McCord Winn Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Ouellette, William H. Prendergast, William E. Ziegler
  • Patent number: 6281653
    Abstract: The method for detecting after-running of electrical servomotors with incremental position detection, particularly for servomotors in motor vehicles, includes detecting position signals of position indicators and storing the detected states of the position signals or the states of the position indicators after switching off the motor in a nonvolatile memory. The evaluation electronics can be intermittently disconnected from the supply voltage. They are provided with a buffer that is large enough for position detection and storage after disconnection of the evaluation electronics from the supply voltage. The nonvolatile memory can be an EEPROM in the microcontroller of the evaluation electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Heib, Patric Kahles
  • Patent number: 6262407
    Abstract: An automatic intensity control unit for use in a moisture sensor which senses moisture on the surface of a transparent material. The moisture sensor includes one or more emitters for producing an emitter signal which is influenced by moisture on the transparent material, and one or more detectors for receiving the emitter signals. The automatic intensity control unit adjusts the intensity of the emitter signals to accommodate transparent materials having different transmittances. The automatic intensity control unit includes a comparator for comparing the intensity the emitter signals received by the detectors with a predetermined reference signal and a counter communicating with the comparator for producing a counter output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Libbey-Owens-Ford Co.
    Inventor: Rein S. Teder
  • Patent number: 6249098
    Abstract: A wiper blade wipes over a predetermined range of a front windshield in response to rotation of a wiper motor in a forward and reverse directions. The wiper blade operates in a wiping range between a predetermined upper reversing position and a predetermined lower reversing position. An upper pre-reversing position is defined inside of the upper reversing position, and a lower pre-reversing position is defined inside of the lower reversing position. A rotation sensor produces pulse signals in response to the rotation of the wiper motor. A CPU counts the pulse signals produced from the rotation sensor when a position detection sensor detects an arrival of the wiper blade at the pre-reversing position. The CPU produces a control signal to a drive circuit and reverses the direction of the drive current of the wiper motor to reverse the rotation of the wiper motor, when the pulse count value reaches a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naomi Miyazaki, Masashi Nakata, Yasuaki Uchida, Akio Oshiro
  • Patent number: 6191544
    Abstract: A device for compensation of voltage drop at light sources of a vehicle has light sources having a resistance R0 and connected to a vehicle battery. An auxiliary charging device with electric motor is provided. The electric motor has an on/off switch and is connected to the vehicle battery. The electric motor is connected parallel to the light sources. A resistor is serially connected upstream of the light sources and is selected, based on the resistance R0, such that a nominal current I flowing through the light sources causes a voltage drop &Dgr;E=I×R in the resistor that matches a voltage drop occurring when the electric motor is switched on. A first switch is connected parallel to the resistor for short-circuiting the resistor when the electric motor is switched on by the on/off switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG
    Inventor: Nu{overscore (n)}zio D'Alfonso
  • Patent number: 6184642
    Abstract: A system and a method for controlling the operation of a vehicle window wiper device as a function of the quantity of liquid present on the window are described. The wiper device comprises an electric drive motor connected to at least one wiper blade arm provided with a wiper blade. The control system comprises: a first sensor adapted to provide a first output signal corresponding to a first quantity dependent on the instantaneous friction between the wiper blade and the vehicle window; a second sensor adapted to provide a second output signal corresponding to a second quantity correlated to the aerodynamic load acting on the wiper blade; and a processing and control unit coupled to both sensors to receive at its input the first and the second signal).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Denjo Manufacturing Italia S.P.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Paolo Ausiello
  • Patent number: 6177775
    Abstract: A system and method for use in synchronizing a vehicle wiper to an onboard audio signal. The method typically includes detecting a tempo of the audio signal and moving the wiper based on the detected tempo of the audio signal. Typically, the wiper motion is controlled by a wiper control configured to adjust the speed and/or delay of the wiper, such that the wiper is synchronized with the detected tempo of the audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventors: Mary C. Bruington, Mark D. Alleman
  • Patent number: 6175202
    Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit for controlling an electrically activated motor vehicle door lock or the like, with a lock latch (1) and a detent pawl (2) which keeps the lock latch (1) in the closed position and with an electric motorized auxiliary closing drive (4) which is turned on after the lock latch (1) has reached a preclosing position and then moves the lock latch (1) by motor into the main closing position, there being a switch (16) which recognizes the preclosing position, especially a lock latch switch which scans the position of the lock latch (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Weyerstall, Bernhard Kordowski, Piotr Szablewski
  • Patent number: 6157154
    Abstract: In a wiper apparatus for carrying out wiping motion with use of rotational drive of a motor, reverse rotation due to the application of external force on the wiper blade is positively detected. In response to the detection result, the motion of the motor and the wiper blade is controlled. The detection of the reverse rotation is carried our such that two kinds of periodic signals are generated depending on the rotation direction of the drive shaft, and the phase relationship between the periodic signals are arranged to differ depending on the rotation direction, and then the rotation direction is detected from the phase relationship. The wiper apparatus may be an opposing type wiper apparatus having a pair of wiper blades, and control operation of the wiper blades may be arranged such that the position taken by the wiper blade is detected by counting a number of pulses which are generated in association with the rotation of the drive shaft of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Amagasa
  • Patent number: 6150783
    Abstract: A regulated windshield wiper device (10), in particular for motor vehicles, is proposed, which predetermines a corrected guidance variable (F) by determining a correction variable (K) so that the regulating deviation of the control circuit becomes approximately zero. In order to regulate the position (X) of at least one wiper (16) that oscillates between two end positions (18.1, 18.2, 18.3), the windshield wiper device (10) includes an electronically reversible drive motor (14) and a regulating unit (12), which compares a regulation variable (R) to a guidance variable (F) and regulates the motor (14) by means of a control variable (S), wherein the deviation between the guidance variable (F) and the regulation variable (R) and/or other parameters, e.g. the control variable (S) or variables derived from the regulation variable (R), is used to calculate a correction variable (K) with which the guidance variable (F) can be corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Gebhard Michenfelder, Michael May
  • Patent number: 6147466
    Abstract: A synchronization system according to the present invention includes a signal generator that provides a "RUN" signal simultaneously to two or more windshield wiper motors in response to simultaneous receipt of position signals generated by the motors. Each motor generates a position signal when the windshield wiper controlled by the motor is at a predetermined position. A gate circuit monitors the output of each motor to determine whether the motor is in the predetermined position. The gate circuit provides a trigger signal to the signal generator of the present invention only when each motor outputs a position signal. The trigger signal causes the signal generator to produce a subsequent "RUN" signal initiating another wipe cycle. Accordingly, the motors begin each cycle in synchronization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Commercial Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Stronczek
  • Patent number: 6123384
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle tailgate of the type in which the tailgate carries a series of accessories, characterized in that a least some of the accessories are pre-mounted on a mounting plate which is attached to the tailgate on the inside of an external cladding panel of the tailgate and which carries a local managing circuit for connecting the accessories to electric circuits of the vehicle for supplying power to, controlling and monitoring the accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignees: Valeo Systemes d'Essuyage, Valeo Systemes De Fermeture
    Inventors: Jean Pierre Eustache, Eric Detais, Alexandre Goullieux, Joel Girard
  • Patent number: 6121738
    Abstract: Proposed is a control device (50) for a windshield wiper that serves in actuating a further window wiper. The control device (50), having an inventive embodiment, includes a control (18), whose signal output (20) provides first control signals (42) for actuating the windshield wiper, preferably a front windshield wiper (26) of a motor vehicle, and whose further signal output (22) provides further control signals (42) for actuating a further windshield wiper, preferably a rear window wiper (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Meier, Guenther Riehl, Henry Blitzke, Manfred Burkart
  • Patent number: 6111378
    Abstract: A window wiper motor system for an automotive vehicle includes an incremental wiper position detection device. A window wiper feedback pattern is disposed on a stationary circuit board mounted within a gear enclosure with its electronic components facing inwardly toward a main gear. A low profile, flip chip integrated circuit attachment to the printed circuit board is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip LeMay, H. Winston Maue
  • Patent number: 6107766
    Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling an opposed wiping type wiper apparatus having a pair of wiper blades driven by a pair of motors, respectively. The wiper apparatus includes detecting means for detecting the angular position of the each wiper blade, calculating means for calculating the angular distance of one wiper blade relative to the other wiper blade, memory means for memorizing therein a reference table of target angular distances in advance for the wiper blades, and control means for controlling the pair of wiper blades so that the angular distance of each of the wiper blades is brought close to the corresponding target angular distance.The wiper apparatus also may control the wiper blade velocity. In this case, the wiper apparatus further includes a reference table of target velocities and the wiper blades are controlled based on the target angular distance and target velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Amagasa
  • Patent number: 6100657
    Abstract: An electric motor drive for an automotive operating element for moving between at least two end positions. A range about at least one selected position of the operating element is established. The drive automatically moves the operating element into the selected position when the automotive operating element has reached the established range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Lamm, Guenter Haderer
  • Patent number: 6097170
    Abstract: A signaling machine for a computer controlled appliance includes a pointer movable by a handle to any of several positions and a switch generating and sending to the computer an output signal when actuated. The pointer and can be moved by an operator to any of its several positions. The pointer is coupled to a motor and to a potentiometer. The motor receives signals from the computer and moves the pointer in accordance with such signals. The potentiometer generates and sends to the computer signals indicating the pointer's position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Eric K. Larson
  • Patent number: 6069461
    Abstract: The use of a Gray code ganged wiper switch and an electronic circuit controlling the washer-pump motor and wiper motor allow the use of a minimal number of wires in the overall interval wiper system than found in conventional systems. Circuit redundancy and Gray coding method provides several added reliability features at a low manufacturing cost. The system further provides a resistorless control of the several power output functions of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Joseph Jaworski, Mark Christian Aaron, Michael J. Buchanan, Kenneth George Slotkowski
  • Patent number: 6066933
    Abstract: This invention relates to a windshield wiping system and method which utilizes a rain sensor having a housing defining a first mounting area for mounting directly onto a mirror mount which is adhered to a windshield. The rain sensor housing also defines a second mounting area that defines a generally trapezoidally-shaped mount for receiving a mirror bracket in order to support a mirror. The rain sensor housing is an integral one-piece construction that automatically registers at least one sensor in operative relationship with the windshield and in a predetermined position and orientation relative to the windshield when the rain sensor is mounted on the mirror bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Richard L. Ponziana
  • Patent number: 6046557
    Abstract: The present invention provides a focusing controller for a survey instrument, and the focusing controller comprises a sliding tube for retaining a focusing lens and movable in the direction of an optical axis, a motor for moving the sliding tube in the direction of the optical axis, a motor driving control circuit for driving the motor, a rotating speed control switch which serves as a means for inputting coarse adjustment control to the driving circuit, and a rotating position control switch which serves as a means for inputting fine adjustment control to the motor driving circuit, whereby the focusing lens is moved at a speed proportional to rotating angle of a rotating speed control switch by turning the rotating speed control switch for coarse control, and the focusing lens is moved to a position corresponding to rotating angle of a rotating position control switch by turning the rotating position control switch for fine control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Topcon
    Inventor: Etsuji Godo
  • Patent number: 6040667
    Abstract: A wiper system and method for use in a wiper system on a vehicle, such as an automobile, a truck, an agricultural vehicle, and the like is shown having a wiper motor having a drive shaft which is driven at a substantially linear rate. A first gear is cooperatively coupled to the output shaft and driven thereby at the linear rate. A second gear is coupled to the first gear and it is driven in response to the movement of the drive shaft. The second gear is operatively coupled to a third gear which drives a crank which is coupled to a plurality of wiper blades via suitable linkage. The system and method are have at least one gear which is non-symmetrical about its axis which enables or cause the crank to be driven at a non-linear rate relative to the rate of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Valeo Elecrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John Christopher Watts
  • Patent number: 6028408
    Abstract: A control device associated with a wiper motor for motor vehicles, in particular a rear window wiper motor the control device permitting a rapid final test of the motor with virtually no delay. For this purpose, a certain test signal is fed to a control unit via a signal input in response to which test signal the control unit electrically charges the motor for a test mode over an extended period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Ansgar Grass
  • Patent number: 6028407
    Abstract: A wiper control device is provided with a wiper motor rotatable in the forward and reverse directions and a motor control circuit comprising a first and a second relay connected with the wiper motor, a first drive circuit connected to the first relay and a first position detecting circuit in series, a second drive circuit connected to the second relay and a second position detecting circuit in series, a first turning time delaying circuit connected with the second drive circuit in series, and a second turning time delaying circuit connected with the first drive circuit in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Jidosha Denki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuo Yoshioka, Junichi Takao, Yasuki Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6023107
    Abstract: Suggested is a switching arrangement for actuating a wiper motor (10) for windshield wiper arrangements, which functions to protect the power switching element (13), designed as semiconductor, and the wiper motor (10) against permanent destruction caused by blocking and overload. The switching arrangement comprises a temperature monitoring of the semiconductor end stage (29), which short-circuits the power switching element (13) in case of a motor (10) overload and simultaneous heating up of the power switching element and shuts down the motor (10), as well as a parking position monitoring of the wiper lever, in order to shut down the motor completely if the wiper lever is blocked (FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Ansgar Grass
  • Patent number: 6020704
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting moisture on the windscreen of a motor vehicle has an illumination source and a light sensor mounted within the motor vehicle. The light sensor detects light rays from the light source reflected off the windscreen via a diffusion surface within the motor vehicle. Based upon the sensed reflected light, an image processor in communication with the light sensor creates an image of a portion of the windscreen that the processor analyzes to determine the moisture condition of the windscreen.A method for controlling the operation of the windscreen wiper system monitors light reflected from a portion of a windscreen and creates an image of the moisture condition of the windscreen based on the reflected light. The image is analyzed to determine the configuration of light intensities in predetermined zones. From the light intensity configuration, the moisture condition of the windscreen is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Buschur
  • Patent number: 6011369
    Abstract: Windshield wiper mechanism and method for precisely placing a wiper in each reversing position during wiper operation. The local wetness conditions on the windshield after deactivating the motor are taken into account from braking until reaching the reversing positions. The mechanism also includes a pulse generator for generating pulses as a function of the wiper movement, with these pulses being supplied to a controller via a signal input in order to control the motor. The pulses characterizing deceleration of the wiper from the time the motor is deactivated prior to a reversing position until it comes to a standstill are counted by a counter. The controller emits a switching signal for deactivating the motor and/or for reversing its direction of rotation prior to reaching the next reversing position or parking position as a function of the counted deceleration pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Ansgar Grass
  • Patent number: 6002229
    Abstract: A device for operating a windshield wiper with an automatic wiper control. The wiping operation is optimally adapted to the wetting conditions of a windshield as soon as the automatic wiper control is turned on. This is achieved by a control stage which, during the switching on, triggers at least one initial wiping action when responding to an activation signal emitted by an input stage. Following the initial wiping action, the wiping operation takes place on the basis of the wetting conditions detected by the sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Pientka, Henry Blitzke, Joerg Buerkle
  • Patent number: 5998949
    Abstract: A direct drive type rear wiper in which normal and reverse rotation of a motor causes reciprocating wiping operation of a wiper blade of a vehicle such as an automobile, comprising a motor 1 which rotates in normal and reverse directions, a worm wheel 2 which rotates being interlocked with the motor 1, a relay plate 3 which rotates being interlocked with the worm wheel 2, four contacts S1-S4 provided facing the relay plate 3, and a control circuit 4 for switching direction of electric current for the motor 1. In particular, when the motor 1 is to be stopped at a turning position in reciprocating wiping operation of the wiper blade, electric braking is made to act directly on the motor 1 according to contacting condition between the relay plate 3 and the first and second contacts S1, S2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Amagasa
  • Patent number: 5990647
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting moisture on an outside surface of a windshield is disclosed. The sensor includes an emitter circuit for emitting light energy, and a detector circuit for receiving light energy. A processor controls the emitter circuit and processes signals received from the detector circuit. A self test circuit is connected between the processor and the emitter circuit, the self test circuit is operably associated with the emitter circuit for generating a test signal for simulating the presence of moisture on the outside surface of the windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Co.
    Inventor: Gerard J. Zettler
  • Patent number: 5988411
    Abstract: Tele-operated machine including a moveable structure and a control device functionally connected to the moveable structure for operation by a human operator. An input processor apparatus responsive to the control device generates signals to move the moveable structure in a reduced vibration fashion. In a preferred embodiment, the tele-operated machine is a crane. The operator can cause fixed length incremental movements of a load supported by the crane to be accomplished with reduced levels of vibration after the move is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Convolve, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil C. Singer, Bert Whitney Rappole, III
  • Patent number: 5982123
    Abstract: An automatic, self-adaptive controller for varying the interval between wipes of a windshield wiper arrangement for a vehicle measures current drawn by the windshield wiper arrangement during a forward and return portions of the windshield wiper wipe cycle and calculates an integration of the current over each portion of the windshield wiper wipe cycle to establish forward portion and return portion integration. The magnitude of the portions, which graphically appear as current lobes over time, are indicative of wiper-to-windscreen friction, and hence, wetness. The difference between the forward and return integration is representative of vehicle air speed. The windshield is characterized as wet when the first and second summation values are small, and in that case, a short interval between wipes is established. When the first and second integration values are large, the windshield is deemed to be dry, and a long interval is established between wipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Sidler, Inc.
    Inventors: Siegfried Hornung, Dieter Dorsch, Jurgen Dorsch
  • Patent number: 5929588
    Abstract: An electric motor control system for a motor vehicle rear wiper assembly that provides OEM custom wiper features such as programmable wiper angle, speed and parking capabilities. The system includes a single Hall effect sensor, in combination with a gear mechanism that is magnetized in a geometrically sequenced pattern, to provide high resolution and rotational direction and/or speed information to the encoder for motor control purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyi-Shin Shiah
  • Patent number: 5923137
    Abstract: In a wiper system using a reversible motor for reciprocating angular movement of a wiper arm, a separate relay and a separate position detecting segment are used for selectively defining a path for regenerative braking. Because the third relay and the third position detecting segment are provided separately from those used for controlling the power supply of the electric motor, and are therefore relatively free from any large time constant, it is possible to start the regenerative braking action at a prescribed angular location without involving any substantial time lag so that the wiper arm can be stopped at a prescribed angular position at each terminal point at high precision at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Amagasa, Ryoji Shagawa
  • Patent number: 5917298
    Abstract: An electric motor control system for a motor vehicle rear wiper assembly. The system includes an electric motor including a motor housing. A gear mechanism is coupled to the electric motor to selectively connect the motor to a motor application. A plurality of resistive contacts are located either on the motor housing or on the gear mechanism and are arranged in a predetermined resistance pattern to indicate motor operational data. A controller is connected to the motor and is programmed to control operation of the motor. A contact mechanism is connected opposite the resistive contacts either on the gear mechanism or the motor housing to selectively contact one of the plurality of resistive contacts dependent upon a selected motor application. A resistance measuring device is connected between the wiper and the controller to generate a sensed resistance signal and communicate the sensed resistance signal to the controller for motor control purposes. Exact output location can be determined at any time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventor: Robin Mihekun Miller
  • Patent number: 5896018
    Abstract: A device for operating a windshield wiper with an automatic wiper control. A fast reaction to a suddenly occurring heavy wetting event is assured without adversely affecting the sequence of intermittent wiper operation. This is achieved by an evaluation unit which has a surge detection stage that makes it possible to detect, during intermittent operation when a sensor signal falls short of a surge threshold and by triggering a control signal for at least one wiping action when the signal falls short of the surge threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Pientka, Henry Blitzke, Joerg Buerkle
  • Patent number: 5892343
    Abstract: A windshield wiping arrangement with at least one wiper arm (11) is disclosed, which is operated by an electromotor (10) with reversible rotational direction. A time determination device (19) is provided, which determines the time (T.sub.n ; T.sub.n+1 ; T.sub.n+2 ; T.sub.n+3 ; T.sub.n+4) following the triggering of a wiping operation. Furthermore, a time presetting device (22) is provided, which presets a maximum allowable time (T.sub.max ; T.sub.max,n+1 ; T.sub.max,n+2 ; T.sub.max,n+3) for the duration of half of a wiping cycle. A comparator (21) detects a possibly existing time overrun and, with a time overrun signal (27), triggers a wiping operation in the opposite direction relative to the preceding wiping operation by reversing the electromotor (10). The windshield wiping arrangement according to the invention makes it possible to maintain a limited wiping operation when a blocking occurs (B1, B2, B3), as can be caused, for example, by a snow load on a windshield to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Mack, Stefan Koch
  • Patent number: 5887302
    Abstract: A compact, lightweight, power lifting unit assists the operator of a mobile patient transporter in raising or lowering the patient bed to the desired height required in transporting or transferring a patient. The power lifting unit may also be used to "collapse" the transporter to its lowest height. The power lifting unit is adaptable and may be installed on virtually any existing "X" frame transporter. Electronic controls allow a single operator to raise or lower the patient bed or allow the patient bed to coast gently to a rest position. In particular, in one embodiment the power lifting unit includes a jog pulse circuit that prevents operators from jamming the transporter. In another embodiment, the power lifting unit includes a jog-off high limit circuit that prevents operators from attempting to raise the transporter beyond its maximum height. In yet another embodiment, a power lifting unit includes a low battery detection circuit that provides both an audible and a physical indication (i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventors: Vito A. DiMucci, Michael V. DiMucci
  • Patent number: 5861723
    Abstract: A windscreen wiper device includes at least one wiper arm (10) that is driven by an electric motor (11), whose rotary direction is variable at least in the respective extreme position. Upon the change of rotary direction, the electrical power made available to the electric motor (11) is reduced. The rated power is not made available until either a specified time has elapsed or a specified position of the wiper arm (10) has been reached. For specifying a reduced electrical power, a reduction in the current flowing through the electric motor (11) is especially well-suited. The windscreen wiper device according to the invention makes for a slight thermal load on both the electric motor (11) and the drive stage (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Koch
  • Patent number: 5860185
    Abstract: A windshield wiper system and method comprising a controller which cooperates with a single sensor positioned in fixed relationship to a target situated on an armature of a drive motor which is driven in response to the controller. The wiper motor is a reversing wiper motor and changes direction in response to a change of polarity of drive signal generated by controller. An interrupt is situated on a drive train driven by the armature of the wiper motor and moves in correlation to the movement of a wiper blade. The sensor generates a pulse train associated with the movement of the wiper blade, and this pulse train gets interrupted by the interrupt when the wiper blade reaches a reversing position, such as an inwipe or an outwipe position. The interruption thereby gives controller an indication of when to reverse the polarity of the drive signal used to drive the wiper motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Louis Ponziani
  • Patent number: 5826295
    Abstract: A straight line wiper of the kind where a belt or chain drive (1) on two pulleys or gear wheels (2, 3) and driven by a motor (10), drives a wiper (4, 5) along a straight line path driven by movement of the upper flight of the belt (1) in one direction and by the lower flight in the reverse direction between two ends of stroke potions (6, 7). The apparatus includes a motor speed profile arrangement which reduces the speed of the motor (10) as the wiper (4, 5) approaches each end of stroke position (6, 7) and increases the motor speed as the wiper (4, 5) moves away from each end stroke position (6, 7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Wynn Marine Ltd.
    Inventors: John Elmhirst, Denis J. Kirkby
  • Patent number: 5825148
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement, in particular for a wiper arrangement for motor vehicle windshields, having an electric wiper motor and a step-switching unit for the wiper motor that can be actuated via a control device, and wherein at least one output of the control device that is assigned to a specific wiper speed is connected to at least one input of the step-switching unit that determines this wiper speed.A switching means (18) is parallel-connected to the outputs (20, 24) of the control device (12), by way of which a voltage source (U.sub.bat) can be connected with the inputs (22, 26) of the step-switching unit (14), which are assigned to the outputs (20, 24) of the control device (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Hog, Rainer Pientka, Hans Meier, Guenther Riehl, Henry Blitzke
  • Patent number: 5818187
    Abstract: The invention concerns an improved system for windshield wipers in vehicles. An induction motor is used, in which speed is accurately controlled by controlling frequency of power supplied to the motor. The induction motor may be of the consequent-pole type, which ordinarily does not produce sufficient torque. Addition of (a) auxiliary tooth slotting and (b) skew has raised the torque produced to acceptable levels.The invention includes a control system, which senses excess load on the motor, which occurs as the windshield dries, and reduces motor speed, subject to a minimum, in response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Windfield Savage, John Riden Suriano
  • Patent number: 5809609
    Abstract: A speed-responsive wiper for a car which includes a plurality of push switches respectively disposed at different stage portions of an indicator of the car at which a gear-shifting lever is disposed, and a plurality of resistors respectively having different resistance values. Each resistor is connected between each corresponding push switch and a wiper motor. By this construction, the drive speed of the wiper is automatically adjusted in accordance with a varied position of the gear-shifting lever depending on the running speed of the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Yong Soo Shin
  • Patent number: 5789889
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for the automatic operation of a windshield wiper, having a sensor device for detecting the degree of moisture on a windshield, an evaluation device, and an actuation unit for the windshield wiper which is actuated by the evaluation device. The degree of moisture on the windshield can be analyzed better in that the evaluation device in has a recognition stage for recognizing drying moisture that is present on the windshield. By means of this recognition stage, whether the level of the measured values is rising as a result of the drying process can be determined from a time sequence of measured values derived from the sensor signal. In this manner, unnecessary wiping actions can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Pientka, Henry Blitzke, Joerg Buerkle
  • Patent number: RE37360
    Abstract: A control apparatus and method for an electric motor having sensing devices which sense the frequency and polarity of EMFs in the rotor windings down to a condition where the rotor is in condition for reversing, and causing reversing of the motor when the frequency is such as to allow reversing and the polarits polarity of a selected winding is at or near a zero crossing between positive and negative polarities. Cyclical reversal is effected by measuring the time the rotor takes to coast from a “power off” condition to the condition for reversing and with an electronically commutated motor reversing can usually be effected in one commutation period. The motor is used in a clothes washing machine or similar application where rapid reversal is required or timing of the time from one reversal to the next is required to be constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel
    Inventor: Gerald D. Duncan