Abstract: The hatch cover manager product monitors hatch cover conditions and can move the cover to a closed position when the cover is left open and the hatch opening is not in use. The product minimizes the probability that the person using the walking surface will accidentally step into the uncovered hatch opening and fall to the surface below.

Abstract: A linear portable actuator including a direct current electric motor (2) rotationally driving a screw with the aid of a reduction element, wherein the motor (2) is controlled by an electronic module (5) comprising means (12) for the acquisition of instantaneous intensity of a supply current for the motor. Further, the electronic module (5) also comprises means (13) for calculating the differential coefficient in relation to supply-current intensity time, which are connected to means (14) for comparing the differential coefficient to a first predetermined value, and a comparing means controlling means (15) for switching off the supply current it the differential coefficient is greater than the first predetermined value.

Abstract: A wiper unit controller for performing wiping at an accurate intermittent wipe cycle. The controller stores a maximum resistance value of a variable resistor having a resistance value that varies in accordance with the intermittent wipe cycle. When a reference time elapses after calculating a resistance value that exceeds the stored maximum resistance value, a computer renews the maximum resistance value with a new maximum resistance value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for actuating a wiper system. The device comprises a drive unit (2) for driving at least one wiper arm (4), and a control unit (6), wherein the control unit (6) is designed to set a wiping frequency of the wiper arm (4) as a function of a load variable which is dependent on the torque which is to be applied by the drive unit (2) during a wiping operation.

Abstract: A method and a device for recognizing visual obstructions in image sensor systems are provided. A signal is produced, based on the analysis of the recorded image from the image sensor, which indicates the presence and, optionally, the type, of the visual obstruction on a windshield, for example.

Abstract: A wiper device includes a sensor magnet fitted to an output shaft so that when wiper arms are positioned at upper reversal positions B relative to an origin position O, both hall ICs are opposed to an S-pole and when the wiper arms are positioned at lower reversal positions A relative to the origin point O, at least one of the hall ICs is opposed to an N-pole. When the wiper arms are abnormally stopped, the sensor magnet determines at the time of re-starting whether the wiper arms are positioned at the lower reversal positions A or at the upper reversal positions B relative to the origin position O and always starts the wiper arms toward the origin position O, whereby the positions of the wiper arms can be accurately detected by two hall ICs. After re-setting position data by re-starting the wiper arms toward the origin position O, the sensor magnet performs a normal control.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for controlling the operation of a component according to the position of an actuated part of an actuator. In one illustrative embodiment, a position sensor is used to sense the current position of the actuated part. The position sensor may provide a position signal to a controller, wherein the controller may use the position signal to control the on/off position of one or more electrical switches that can control the operation of the component.

Abstract: A windshield wiper system for use on a hybrid electric vehicle is capable of adjusting the delay between consecutive cycles based on engine state and vehicle speed. The system includes a windshield wiper and a motor coupled to the windshield wiper. A sensor generates an engine speed signal and another sensor generates a vehicle speed signal. A processor in communication with the sensors and wiper motor provides a drive signal to the wiper motor which is based on the engine and vehicle speed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an intelligent wiper control system for a vehicle. A rain sensor unit controls the speed of wipers based on the amount of rain. An electronic control unit analyzes the input signal of the input unit. An output unit controls the output integrated circuits, and adjusts and controls the driving of the wiper motor. The input unit includes a remote key for inputting a signal for controlling the driving of a wiper system and wirelessly transmitting the signal. An output unit causes an emergency light to blink when the drive power of the wiper motor is set to firm power and the driver turns off an ignition key and then gets out of the vehicle while wipers are turned on.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a wiper unit including a wiper and an intermittent wipe cycle setting device for setting an intermittent wipe cycle of the wiper. The cycle setting device is set at a plurality of positions respectively corresponding to different intermittent wipe cycles. Further, the cycle setting device has a resistance value, which changes in accordance with each of the positions, and generates an output signal, which is in accordance with the change in the resistance value. The controller computes position information of the intermittent wipe cycle setting device from the output signal by using a learned value. The computer adjusts the learned value in accordance with the computation result of the position information to correct the position information. Accordingly, resistance value variances of the intermittent wipe cycle setting device are automatically corrected.

Abstract: A wiper apparatus includes: a wiper switch; an operation state detection device; a control device having an output section and an input section; a wiper motor; and a power supply. The wiper motor and the control device are connected by a single signal line; the operation state detection device and the input section are connected to the signal line; and the control device performs input of the wiper operating signal from the signal line when a predetermined period of time has elapsed from a point in time when an output of a wiper driving signal from the output section has stopped.

Abstract: A wiper control method and a wiper control device are provided which can smoothly respond to rapid change of a rainfall situation at passage of a rainfall shutoff environment such as a tunnel. A wiping state control part 42 determines entry of a vehicle into the rainfall shutoff environment, sets a wiping level low for the low level of rainfall less than a predetermined rainfall level in response to this determination or sets the wiping level high for the high level rainfall at the predetermined rainfall level or more. A rainfall level generation part 32 detects adhesion of raindrops and determines the rainfall level. A wiper driving signal generation part 48 determines wiper operation based on the rainfall level determined by the rainfall level generation part 32 and the wiping level set by the wiping state control part 42.

Abstract: A pump assembly for pumping a liquid and a method of controlling the pump assembly. The pump assembly includes a motor coupled to a pump, and an electronic switch assembly electrically connected to the motor to control the current through the motor. The electronic switch assembly includes an electronic switch, a generator that provides a substantially periodic pulsing signal, a circuit control configured to provide a second signal, and decision logic connected to the generator, the circuit control, and the electronic switch. The decision logic receives the periodic pulsing and second signals and generates a control signal that selectively controls the electronic switch based on the periodic pulsing and second signals.

Abstract: A wiper control method and a wiper control device which can stabilize wiping rhythm of a wiper while ensuring required wiping and smoothly respond to change of a rainfall situation are provided. An adhesion cycle of a raindrop adhering on a detection surface is detected, a current adhesion cycle to be the basis when determining an intermittence time of a wiper is determined based on the detected raindrop adhesion cycle, the wiper intermittence time is determined based on the current adhesion cycle, a raindrop adhesion cycle shorter than the current adhesion cycle is detected, and when the raindrop adhesion cycle shorter than the current adhesion cycle is detected a predetermined number of times, the current adhesion cycle is changed to a shorter adhesion cycle and the wiper intermittence time is determined based on the changed current adhesion cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive arrangement of a wiper device for windows of motor vehicles with at least two swivel-mounted wiper arms (18, 20) that are connected to one another via a crank mechanism, wherein one of the wiper arms (18) is directly coupled with a driven shaft (16) of an electromotive drive (10).

Abstract: A tandem windshield wiper system including a first windshield wiper assembly having a first lever arm that is adapted to operatively move in a repeated wiping motion across the surface of a windshield. A second windshield wiper assembly having a second lever arm is spaced apart from the first windshield wiper assembly and is rotatable about a second wiper longitudinal axis and adapted to operative move in a repeated wiping motion across the surface of the windshield. A brushless DC motor that includes a planetary gear set having an output shaft is disposed between the first and the second wiper assemblies. The gear set is operable to reduce the speed of the rotational output of the motor through the output shaft of said gear set. A bellcrank having a central attachment point and a first and a second end is also included. The central attachment point is fixedly mounted to the output shaft of the motor.

Abstract: A tandem windshield wiper system that includes at least one brushless DC motor to provide drive torque through an output that is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the motor. A first windshield wiper assembly having a first lever arm is driven by the motor about the longitudinal axis in a repeated wiping motion across the surface of a windshield. A second windshield wiper assembly spaced apart from the first windshield wiper assembly has a second lever arm and is rotatable about a second longitudinal axis to operative move in a repeated wiping motion across the surface of the windshield. A connecting arm is also included that is operatively disposed between the first and the second lever arms that is adapted to translate the drive torque provided to the first windshield wiper assembly to the second windshield wiper assembly. The motor includes a planetary gear set having an output shaft.

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: A wiping system for use on a vehicle window comprises a window wiper assembly positioned proximate the window, a first sensor for detecting the presence of moisture on the window and a second sensor for detecting if the vehicle has been remotely started. A controller is coupled to the wiper assembly and to the first and second sensors and enables the wiper assembly when the vehicle has been remotely started and moisture is present on the window. The wiping system also comprises a third sensor for detecting the presence of moisture on the window, a fourth sensor for detecting vehicle shut-down, and a fifth sensor for sensing the temperature of the window. The controller is coupled to each of the third, fourth, and fifth sensors and enables the wiper assembly when the vehicle has been shut-down for less than a predetermined period of time, the temperature of the window exceeds a temperature threshold, and moisture is detected on the window.

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: 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: An integrated motor monitoring system includes a housing and a motor disposed within the housing, the motor being configured to provide a power output. The integrated motor monitoring system also includes at least one monitoring device communicatively coupled to the motor and configured to monitor an operational aspect of the motor and generate a data signal associated with the operational aspect. The integrated motor monitoring system further includes a controller, disposed within the housing and in communication with the at least one monitoring device, and configured to energize a plurality of field conductors of the motor and receive the data signal from the at least one monitoring device over at least one of the plurality of field conductors.

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: 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 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 system is disclosed for automatically detecting moisture on the windshield of a vehicle. The automatic moisture detecting system includes an optical system for imaging a portion of the windshield onto an image array sensor, such as a CMOS active pixel sensor. The voltage of each of the pixels which represents the illumination level is converted to a corresponding gray scale value by an analog digital converter. The spatial frequency composition of the gray scale values are analyzed to determine the amount of rain present in order to provide a control signal to control the operation of the windshield wipers of the vehicle as a function of the amount of moisture present. The system is also adapted to detect the level of fog both on the interior of the windshield as well as the exterior of the windshield.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electric motor for an automobile wiper system includes a calibration curve in which data is converted into the angular value of the position of an output shaft and a correction is made depending upon a direction and magnitude of deviations. The electric motor has a stator with a lid with permanent magnets and the output shaft has a worm wheel with pole extensions of permanent magnets and a sensor of the angular position of the output shaft.

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 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 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: The system of the present invention is configured to detect moisture on a surface and includes a sensor that may be divided into a plurality of subwindows. At least one of the subwindows has a sensitivity that is independently variable. The system may further include an optical system operative to direct light rays from at least a portion of the surface onto the sensor, and a processing system in communication with the sensor and operative to independently adjust the sensitivity of the at least one subwindow and to analyze data from the sensor to detect moisture. The processing system may control the windshield wipers based upon a number of subwindows in which moisture is detected.

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: 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: A control system is disclosed for automatically detecting moisture on the windshield of a vehicle. The automatic moisture detecting system includes an optical system for imaging a portion of the windshield onto an image array sensor, such as a CMOS active pixel sensor. The voltage of each of the pixels which represents the illumination level is converted to a corresponding gray scale value by an analog digital converter. The spatial frequency composition of the gray scale values are analyzed to determine the amount of rain present in order to provide a control signal to control the operation of the windshield wipers of the vehicle as a function of the amount of moisture present. The system is also adapted to detect the level of fog both on the interior of the windshield as well as the exterior of the windshield.

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: 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: 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: The system of the present invention is configured to detect moisture on a surface and includes a sensor that may be divided into a plurality of subwindows. At least one of the subwindows has a sensitivity that is independently variable. The system may further include an optical system operative to direct light rays from at least a portion of the surface onto the sensor, and a processing system in communication with the sensor and operative to independently adjust the sensitivity of the at least one subwindow and to analyze data from the sensor to detect moisture. The processing system may control the windshield wipers based upon a number of subwindows in which moisture is detected.

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.

Abstract: A contact-disk system is described having a rotatable contact disk and a plurality of contact elements, the contact disk having a plurality of paths and each contact element being assigned to one path. Two selected contact elements of the plurality of contact elements are always at the same electrical potential and glide on the same path. A windshield-wiper motor and a method for controlling a windshield-wiper motor are also described.

Abstract: The control device for a wiper device of a window wiper apparatus, especially of a motor vehicle, adapts set values of the wiping angle of the wiper arm to an actually measured operating point of the wiper arm during each wiper cycle. Because of that adaptation both over-wiping and also too little wiping of a wiped area by the wiper device is at least reduced so that the wiper accuracy particularly at the turning points of the wiper arm is improved. Furthermore a method for adjusting of a set value of the wiping angle of a wiper arm of a wiper device to actually existing operating conditions or to an actual operating point is provided.

Abstract: An intermittent driving mechanism is disclosed that includes a driving member having a slot formed in a channel. A driven member of the intermittent driving mechanism is rotatably coupled to the driving member and includes a pin that engages the slot after the driving member, when rotated, causes the pin of the driven member to enter the channel of the driving member.

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: 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: Operation of a windshield wiper system for cleaning a windshield of a motor vehicle includes driving at least one wiper by an electric drive motor so that the at least one wiper shifted between two terminal positions, processing by a control unit as the input variable the output signals of a rain quantity and the switching signals of a manually controllable switch mechanism, and processing as the output variable a supply voltage of the electric drive motor so as to control the wiper speed, operating the at least one wiper (8) with variable intermittent interval times and at variable wiper speeds, as a function of a rain quantity detected by the rain sensor (12), so that the precisely one wiper speed and precisely one intermittent interval time are associated with each measured rain quantity, and moving the at least one wiper (8) in an intermittent mode with a lower speed than in a continuous mode.