With Nonautomatic Control Means (e.g., Manual) Patents (Class 318/446)
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Patent number: 6262553Abstract: The present invention is a control system for a vehicle that utilizes a powered attachment such as a material spreader. Such a device requires the use of a high current drawing motor, which in turn requires the ability to control the flow of high amperage current. The high current switching circuitry is mounted on or near the electric motor to prevent the heat generated by the circuitry from posing any type of hazard. A low current control is placed within the cab of the vehicle and serves to remotely control the switching circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: M. P. Menze Research & Development Inc.Inventor: Peter C. Menze
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Patent number: 6262554Abstract: In an electronic device having a stepping motor which can be driven more quickly than in a normal driving operation without causing a significant increase in power consumption, a detecting coil control circuit is provided which controls a connection circuit serving to open and close a detecting coil that is wound coaxially with a driving coil, in such a manner that the detecting coil is opened during the period in which a quick driving pulse is supplied to the driving coil. After supplying the quick driving pulse, a driving controller controls a driving circuit so as to open the driving coil, while the driving controller closes the detecting coil so that a voltage induced in the detecting coil by an electromotive force is detected by a position detecting circuit thereby determining the position of a rotor. The chance that the driving coil and the detecting coil act as electromagnetic brakes is minimized thereby ensuring that the quick driving operation is performed with low power consumption.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Kojima, Makoto Okeya, Hiroshi Yabe, Noriaki Shimura, Joji Kitahara
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Patent number: 6218798Abstract: A central vacuum cleaner system having a motor driven vacuum source which is selectively turned on or off. The central vacuum cleaner has an interface connector for establishing a connection between the central vacuum and an air exchanger. The interface connector is connected to be activated by the central vacuum when the motor is turned on so as to activate the air exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.Inventors: Tamara Price, Douglas E. Johnson, Mitch Koestner, Vern Cunningham
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Patent number: 6218799Abstract: The invention provides a control apparatus for an engine driving motor having a function of driving a crankshaft of an engine and another function of generating electric power from power from the crankshaft by which an engine can be started up efficiently in a short time.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventor: Toshio Hori
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Patent number: 6198242Abstract: The present powered sliding device comprises a wire drum, a motor for rotating the drum, and a clutch means provided between the drum and the motor. The clutch means has a coupled state for rotating the drum, an uncoupled state, and a brake state. The clutch means is displaced from the coupled state to the brake state when the wire drum is rotated at an over speed. The clutch means in the brake state transmits the over speed rotation of the wire drum to the motor.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1998Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Mitsui Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuhito Yokomori, Tetsuro Mizuki, Hiroshi Ishigaki
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Hand-held, finger or mouth-actuated pneumatic unit for remote proportional control of sewing machine
Patent number: 6118236Abstract: A mouth and/or hand-held finger-actuated remote control unit is disclosed which is operable to permit selective variation of a pneumatic-operated controller (38, 42) having a proportional electrical control output to the electric motor (46) of a sewing machine (48). The unit comprises a hollow, elastic compressible bladder element (10, 110, 210) closed at one end and which is pneumatically connected to the controller. The bladder element is of length, width and height dimensions selected and proportioned to permit insertion of the bladder element in a person's mouth between the upper and lower teeth, or between the last fingers of a person's hand between the innermost knuckles and the person's palm. The bladder element is compressible by closing of a person's teeth thereon or movement of the fingers engaging the bladder toward the individual's palm to force air to the controller, thus controlling operation of the sewing machine.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Bed Handles, Inc.Inventors: Bon F. Shaw, Juliann P. Shaw -
Patent number: 6111373Abstract: A power window apparatus for a vehicle, which can open or close a door window by manual operation of a power window switch for energizing either of window-opening and closing relays for rotating a motor in the forward or reverse direction or by automatic operation of the same switch to cause an auto-latching circuit or a control unit to maintain either of the relays in an energized state until the window becomes fully opened or closed. The apparatus is provided with a switch for deenergizing a coil of the window-closing relay by disconnecting the control circuit for latching the energized window-closing relay, thus enabling the opening of the window by manual switch operation whenever an abnormal operation of the auto-latch control system occurs with simultaneous energization of both the window-opening and closing relays in an accident such as the vehicle sinking into water.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Toyo Denso Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Nobuaki Ohashi
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Patent number: 6097170Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 19, 1997Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Inventor: Eric K. Larson
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Patent number: 6087795Abstract: The wiper control method is capable of preventing damages on a wiper due to erroneous operation of the wiper when a vehicle is subjected to a car washer with its wiper operation kept in an "AUTO" mode, and the wiper automatically operates without troubles while driving. The wiper control method is used for an automatic wiper system which automatically controls wiper operation of a vehicle by sensing the climate condition by a rain drop sensor 7, and the state of a door mirror of the vehicle is detected by a mirror folding detection switch 5. When the door mirror is folded, wiper operation control performed by the automatic wiper system is stopped so that the wiper is not operated even if the rain drop sensor 7 detects a rain drop.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Mitsuba CorporationInventors: Toshiyuki Amagasa, Takashi Hoshino
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Patent number: 6087794Abstract: An automatic open-and-close system for a vehicle slide door includes a slide door being moved for its opening/closing along a guide track provided on a vehicle body by a slide door moving mechanism, a clutch device for intermittently transmitting a power from a drive source to a slide door moving mechanism, a controller for intermittently controlling the clutch device, and a select circuit for forcibly operating the clutch device when a vehicle engine stops by applying a power source voltage to the clutch device.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Ohi Seisakusho Co., Ltd.Inventor: Osamu Kawanobe
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Patent number: 6072290Abstract: When a window lowering switch is operated, a car voltage is supplied to a window lowering relay to drive the window lowering relay, and the window lowering relay is inhibited from being driven by supplying an inverse voltage to a window elevating relay. Thus, there is provided a waterproof power window device in which a window may be opened by operating the window lowering switch (3) even when a car falls in the water and is laid under water.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1998Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Isao Takagi, Akira Sasaki
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Patent number: 6069460Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an electro-hydraulic power assist steering system including a variable-speed electric motor for pumping hydraulic fluid in the system. The method includes monitoring vehicle speed, vehicle steering wheel angle, and vehicle steering wheel turning rate. A parking mode or a driving mode is selected based upon the monitored vehicle speed. The speed of the variable speed electric motor is controlled based upon the monitored vehicle steering wheel turning rate if the parking mode is selected. If the driving mode is selected, the speed of the variable speed electric motor is controlled based upon the monitored vehicle speed, vehicle steering wheel angle and vehicle steering wheel angle turning rate. Accordingly, a wide range of vehicle driving conditions are accommodated and vehicle fuel efficiency is improved.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1998Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John Robert Grabowski, Ross Maxwell Stuntz, Bernard Dale Baughn, Theodore Joseph Filippi
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Patent number: 6066932Abstract: A motor reversal protection system to protect driven equipment from the inadvertent or accidental reversal of direction of a three-phase electric motor should there be a reversal of phase in the transmission power lines by transposing any pair of the three power lines. The system detects the phase sequence of the applied power and automatically provides the driven equipment with the correct phase sequence within milliseconds of depressing the motor start push button. The need for a system reset is obviated in using this novel system design. The same principles of operation also apply for use with two-phase or DC power systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Inventor: Fred Fetzer
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Patent number: 6051948Abstract: A positioning actuator for positioning at least a part of a movable load at selected positions in a range of available positions in response to corresponding provisions of electrical energy of selected polarities between a pair of power terminals connected through limit switches to an electrical motor which switches limit that range. Energy storage is used to force the motor to further separate the contacts in those switches after they have been initially opened.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1998Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventor: Tamas A. Vepy
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Patent number: 6037727Abstract: A vehicular slide door open-close control apparatus for opening a slide door installed at a side of vehicle body by means of the drive source such as a motor and the like. The purpose of the apparatus is to reduce a burden applied to the slide door moving from its full-open position along its close direction, downsize, lighten and lower the cost. Also, reducing an operational force when the door is manually closed. The control apparatus has a drive source 54 such as motor and the like, a slide door 3 open-close-moved by a slide door open-close mechanism, a clutch means 56 transmitting intermittently a drive force of the drive source 54 to the slide door open-close mechanism, a slope judgement means 76 detecting a vehicle posture and a slide door control means 7 controlling the drive source and clutch means in order to adjust a drive force to be transferred to the slide door open-close mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1997Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: OHI Seisakusho Co., Ltd.Inventors: Osamu Kawanobe, Ryoji Shimura
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Patent number: 6008607Abstract: Suggested are a device and a method for electronically monitoring an adjustment drive arranged in a vehicle, for which a second adjustment drive (17) is actuated by an electronic control unit (12) in dependence on a first adjustment drive (15) in order to ventilate the vehicle inside space. This reduces the risk of a faulty actuation of the closing force limitation as a result of pressure changes.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Guenter Haderer
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Patent number: 6002228Abstract: An apparatus for electronically monitoring an adjusting drive controlling a moving part in a vehicle is proposed wherein a position-dependent anti-jam system is realized. The signals of a switching strip and of an incremental sensor are considered in different manners, depending on the position of the moving part.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Norbert Knab
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Patent number: 5982124Abstract: An adaptive vehicle power window control apparatus (20) includes an electric motor (28) for moving a member (34) between a first position and a second position. The space between the first position and the second position is divided into a plurality of trap zones and each zone has an associated sensitivity value. A controller 24 determines (40) a value functionally related to the present motor speed and determines (44) a value functionally related to a reference motor speed. The sensitivity value is adjusted as a function of the two determined values. A window zone determining function (62) determines which of the plurality zones the member (34) is located. The value functionally related to present motor speed is adjusted (52) as a function of the sensitivity value for the zone that the member is located. A comparing function (48) compares the adjusted value with the value functionally related to reference motor speed. The motor direction and movement is controlled as a function of the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventor: John Y. Wang
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Patent number: 5969919Abstract: A drive unit for driving an electric motor includes two motor drive circuits disposed in parallel and each consisting of a bridge circuit of switching devices each incorporating a reverse blocking diode, a power switch provided between a power supply and each of the bridge circuits, and a function switch provided between the electric motor and each of the bridge circuits. In case of failure of one bridge circuit, the other bridge circuit is used to replace the failed bridge circuit, thereby continuing controlled operation of the electric motor. While these switches which are associated with one of the bridge circuits are closed, the switches associated with the other bridge circuit are kept open. This arrangement prevents the current from flowing from the power supply into the failed bridge circuit. The failed bridge circuit does not allow the electric motor to act as a generator even when any of the switching devices causes an ON fault.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akio Kobayashi, Osamu Tsurumiya, Takao Kurosawa, Nobuo Sugitani
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Patent number: 5955852Abstract: A slide rail with a guide groove and a contact side for a device for a door equipped with a slide rail door drive mechanism. A slide which is effectively connected to the door drive mechanism is mounted so that it can move axially in the guide groove. The door area has at least one sensor which is effectively connected to the door device and scans the danger zone of the range of motion of the door. The slide rail has a space adjacent to the guide groove which holds the slide. The space has at least one sensor which is used to monitor the danger zone of the door. The space can be located below, in front of or behind the guide groove.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1998Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KGInventor: Dietrich Jentsch
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Patent number: 5949207Abstract: A control system and method for operating an automobile window to provide anti-trap protection in an AUTO UP mode, wherein a switch assembly communicates switch signals representative of operator commands by disposition in distinct positions. A sensor that detects when an object is trapped between the window and the frame, and transmits an anti-trap signal representative thereof. A logic circuit receives the switch signals and the anti-trap signal and controls the drive assembly for the window in response thereto. The switch assembly includes a switch to override the anti-trap sensor for closing the window even when an obstruction is sensed during the closing operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Charles J. Luebke, Bernd E. Rehm, Dale L. Gass
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Patent number: 5857061Abstract: A system for enabling a vehicle operator to control the speed or rate of raising and lowering of a powered lift window. The actuator or switch includes a pressure responsive variable impedance device comprising a variable resistance in one embodiment and a variable capacitance in another embodiment. Increasing force directly on the variable impedance device by the user's finger or an actuator decreases the impedance which is sensed by a voltage divider which outputs a voltage which increases with increasing force. This latter voltage is compared with the output of a triangle wave oscillator and the output of the comparator is a pulse width modulated signal with pulse-width proportional to applied force. The pulses are applied to a power device (Mosfet) which modulates the duty cycle (%) of the current to the window lift mechanism drive motor to give variable motor speed.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1997Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Albert Y. Chang, Michael G. Taranowski, Brian T. Pier, James E. Hansen, Ruth E. Hubbell, Lewis J. Gohde, Edward J. Hummelt, Richard A. Baumann, Peter J. McGinnis, Arlene M. Klumb
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Patent number: 5838125Abstract: A control method is disclosed that is applicable to a washing machine having an apparatus for automatically opening/closing a washer door using a motor. The control method comprises the steps of operating the motor in a direction to transition the door between open and closed states. When a command to transition the door is entered, door motor operation is stopped if the door is successfully transitioned between states within a predetermined time interval (t1) that is started at the time of the beginning of the operation of the door motor. The door is returned to an original position (e.g., closed) if the door does not transition to a position opposite (e.g., open) the original position by the time interval (t1) elapses.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1996Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ssi Chol Choi
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Patent number: 5808427Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an electric vehicle drive control system is provided. The system of the present invention controls the supply of actuating power to an electric motor for driving the vehicle. One preferred embodiment of the system permits a user to temporarily override a previously selected maximum power usage level for the motor so as to permit the amount of power supplied to the motor to be increased to a higher maximum power usage level.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1996Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: Solectria CorporationInventors: James D. Worden, Ricardo Espinosa, Roderick T. Hinman, Gill A. Pratt
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Patent number: 5767650Abstract: A display device for sequentially displaying multiple sets of image pixels formed on a transparent mosaic through an aperture pattern formed in a substantially opaque mask. An DC gear motor and drive assembly is employed to move the mosaic through a predetermined travel path relative to the mask to sequentially register the image sets with the aperture pattern. A control system is employed to temporarily deactivate the gear motor at predetermined precise positions to display the various images through the aperture pattern.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Admotion CorporationInventors: Hans J. Dehli, Jaspal Sethi Attrey, Francis Frederick Dyer
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Patent number: 5764010Abstract: A control system for an automotive vehicle multi-functional apparatus employs an electronic control unit operably controlling a rear window wiper assembly. In another aspect of the present invention, an electronic control unit is operable as a multiplexed rear node for controlling a variety of liftgate devices and functions. In a further aspect of the present invention, an electronic control unit controls a single multi-functional electromagnetic device. The multi-functional electromagnetic device uses intermittent motion mechanisms to selectively operate differing devices driven therefrom. A method of operating the electronic control unit of the present invention is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1995Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.Inventors: H. Wilson Maue, Shawn P. Slusser, Jeffrey L. Kulczycki, Ronald Zaleski
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Patent number: 5729104Abstract: Attention is given to that, when a catch-in state occurs while a vehicle window glass is moved upward, a current flowing in a motor serving as a drive means for moving the vehicle window glass increases. In an apparatus for comparing a predetermined current threshold value with a current detected by a motor current monitor unit to recognize a catch-in state, the predetermined current value is made variable, and the catch-in state can be correctly recognized without an erroneous operation even when the external environment changes, or when the window glass is moved upward for the first time. In particular, a current value obtained at the start of the motor and changed by a circumference temperature of the motor is set as a current threshold value, and the current threshold value is set each time the motor is started. A current value in an upward moving operation is estimated each time the window glass is moved downward to set the current value as a current threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1995Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Kamishima, Toshimasa Miwa
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Patent number: 5717300Abstract: The invention relates to a system for longitudinal positioning of a vehicle seat, including an electrical automatic device for displacing the seat part of the seat forwards when the backrest of the seat is folded down, and backwards as far as a previously set position when the backrest is brought upright again. The automatic device includes a slider which can move longitudinally, a sensor for detecting a position known as the locking position of the slider relative to the seat part, a lock for securing the slider and the seat part in this position, a circuit-breaker for stopping the action of the automatic device in the event where the latter is displacing the seat part backwards and where the locking position is detected, the lock and the circuit-breaker being neutralized when the backrest is folded down.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1995Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Assignee: Bertrand Faure FranceInventors: Fran.cedilla.ois Baloche, Marc Taylor
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Patent number: 5675227Abstract: A safety system including two command buttons (7, 8) spaced apart from one another geographically, and obliging an operator to use both his hands to control a radiology appliance, or one hand and a foot, is completed by a protocol including, on a single button (7), a short pulse followed by a long pulse during which the maneuver is carried out.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1996Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: GE Medical SystemsInventors: Hartog Roos, Jose Garrote
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Patent number: 5585704Abstract: An improvement is provided to upgrade preexisting commercial washing machines by incorporating microprocessor based controls. Elimination of unwieldy harnesses between manual operation controls and the washing machine controls provided as are improvements in control of the system by using memory cards. Further, the system includes means to detect, early on, power failure and to store and restore the commercial washing machine operation at the point at which it stopped.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1994Date of Patent: December 17, 1996Inventor: Adel H. Elzind
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Patent number: 5583407Abstract: A manipulating foot pedal device used with a video game machine or the like is operable to provide a three-dimensional operation. The device includes a base member movable in a forward/backward direction relative. A rotatable member is mounted on a top of the base member and rotatable about a first axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the forward/backward direction; a pivotal member mounted on a top of the rotatable member and pivotable about a second axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the first axis. The device further includes first, second, and third detectors operable to detect a moved amount of the base member, a rotated amount of the rotatable member, and a pivoted amount of the pivotal member.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1994Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Assignee: Konami Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiromitsu Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 5510686Abstract: A security timer, add-on device, for an automated, electrically-powered, garage door causes the door to close after it has been opened for predetermined time, e.g., four and a half minutes. The security timer consists of a relay, two micro switches, bell wire, and electrical wire. The relay, in parallel with the electric light, which is controlled by the automatic electric garage door opener, is thus energized, i.e., the points are opened, when the light is energized. Thus, the normally closed (N/C) relay opens and remains open while the light is lit. The first micro switch (M/S), normally opened (N/O), is in series with the relay, and is attached to one of the points of the relay, the other end, of the M/S, is attached to a push-button wall switch, which can also be used to control the garage door openings or closings. This M/S has a whisker which comes in contact with the door when it is fully open; thereby closing the M/S.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1994Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Assignee: Courtney E. CollierInventor: James A. Collier
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Patent number: 5497058Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to offer a headlamp cleaning device which is always capable of attaining a constant cleaning capacity by keeping the ejected quantity of the cleaning fluid constant for a single cleaning operation without any regard to the fluctuations in the voltage of the electric power in the power source.The headlamp cleaning device according to the present invention is provided with an electric power source voltage monitoring means which monitors the power source voltage as applied to a cleaning device motor. This device furnishes the power source voltage to the electric power supply time setting means. When a cleaning device switch 9 is turned ON, the electric power supply time setting means 10-2 sets the driving time T to a longer time period when the value of the electric power source voltage is low, but sets the driving time T to a shorter period when the value of the electric power source voltage is high.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1994Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Taketoshi Fujigaya
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Patent number: 5467002Abstract: An adjustable chair including a control system based around a microprocessor and operated by way of switches preferably located on each side of the seat back. The switches are low voltage flat membrane switches by which the operator moves the chair to a desired position. The switches present a low voltage and sterile environment for both the operator and the patient. The switches can also be easily programmed by the operator to act either in a "momentary" fashion to cause movement of the chair only as long as they are depressed or in a "maintaining" fashion whereby a single depression of a switch causes selected movement of the chair until such movement is stopped by, for example, a limit switch. In addition, one of the switches can also easily be programmed by the operator to alternatively act as either a recline switch or an "auto up" switch. The auto up switch causes the chair to assume a raised and reclined position suitable for performing a specific medical procedure.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1993Date of Patent: November 14, 1995Assignee: Reliance Medical Products, Inc.Inventor: David M. Brooks
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Patent number: 5428278Abstract: A door closure delay system produces a first signal when a person approaches a doorway housing the door. The first signal is applied to a timing system and a voltage comparator so that a second signal is produced to limit closure of an open door. The second signal is maintained for a predetermined and adjustable time period after the first signal has been removed. More patricularly, a voltage regulator provides a base or reference voltage to the comparator. A sensor, monitoring the doorway or portal, provides a signal voltage to the comparator when a physical presence is in, or in proximity to the doorway. The comparator passes on an output voltage which is stretched (i.e., has its time line extended) to circuitry coupled to a door closer, to delay the closure of the door by the closer.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1994Date of Patent: June 27, 1995Assignee: Schlage Lock CompanyInventors: Dan E. Bollengier, Kurt R. Freeberg
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Patent number: 5422552Abstract: An automated actuator is fabricated in kit form and adapted to be assembled and disassembled for use with sliding doors, windows or other similar panels. The actuator includes a support column which is adjustable to be braced at the existing door jamb at either side of the door frame to move the panel. Mounting of the actuator does not require the surrounding frame or wall structure to be structurally altered. Circuitry for the actuator ceases the sliding movement of the door when the door meets resistance, such as by a child or animal in the path of the door, and re-tests for the resistance to determine whether the door should continue along the intended path.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1994Date of Patent: June 6, 1995Inventor: Gary Parisi
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Patent number: 5350982Abstract: A motorized golf cart circuit and apparatus capable of transporting various golf related items including a golf bag carrying golf clubs around a golf course under manual or automatic control is provided. The cart operator is provided with the option of operating the cart either manually by applying pressure to a switch located on the hand grip of the cart apparatus, or automatically in either a timer or a distance travel mode. The timer mode allows the cart operator to send the cart ahead automatically along a straight or curved path set by the operator for a predetermined period of time before the cart circuit automatically turns off. The distance mode of travel allows the cart operator to automatically send the cart ahead, following either a straight or curved path set by the operator for a distance of between 10 and 50 yards. Both the speed and the path of the cart may be varied by the cart operator by turning a balance control knob located on the control panel interface of the golf club cart.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1992Date of Patent: September 27, 1994Inventor: James N. Seib
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Patent number: 5329213Abstract: A method of turning off the receiver of a radio controlled model includes the step of providing a speed controller with control circuitry for receiving setpoint information from a receiver that represents manipulation of a throttle trigger on an R/C transmitter unit and for automatically turning the receiver off upon the occurrence of a predefined pattern of setpoint information. The method proceeds by monitoring the throttle trigger setpoint information with the control circuitry, detecting with the control circuitry the occurrence of the predefined pattern of the throttle trigger setpoint information, and turning off the receiver with the control circuitry upon the occurrence of the predefined pattern of throttle trigger setpoint information.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1993Date of Patent: July 12, 1994Inventors: Kevin R. Orton, Noel W. Lovisa
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Patent number: 5293102Abstract: A moving fader system, primarily for the processing and combining of audio signals, includes a dedicated preprocessor to implement the execution of repetitious input instructions. Other features contributing to the operation of the system include (1) "Look-up Tables" included in the preprocessor for conversion purposes, (2) a fiberoptic link for transmission of digital signals between the preprocessor and the servo circuits associated with each fader assembly, and (3) circuitry for combining the outputs of a position digital-to-analog (D/A) converter, an offset correction D/A converter and a gain correction D/A converter, to provide accurate analog servo signals to each fader assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1992Date of Patent: March 8, 1994Assignee: Martinsound Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Martinson, Dale Manquen
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Patent number: 5254917Abstract: A direct current motor driving device for driving a direct current motor having a plus terminal and a minus terminal, which comprises a direct current source having a plus terminal and a minus terminal, the plus terminal being connected to the plus terminal of the direct current motor, pulse generating device for generating a pulse signal when an input signal to an input terminal of the pulse generating device exceeds a set threshold value, driving device for driving the direct current motor in response to the pulse signal outputted by the pulse generating means, and a first resistance type voltage dividing circuit inserted between the minus terminal of the direct current source and a minus terminal of the direct current motor for providing as the input signal to the pulse generating device a voltage signal produced by resistance-dividing a voltage between these terminals in a first ratio, whereby a counter electromotive force generated by the direct current motor by the rotation of the direct current motor bType: GrantFiled: April 22, 1992Date of Patent: October 19, 1993Inventor: Nobuo Oda
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Patent number: 5245260Abstract: An appliance provided with an electric motor and a circuit for driving the electric motor. The drive circuit includes a first pulse switch (S1) for generating a first pulse and a first switching device (.mu.C, T) having a holding capability and which performs a first switching function in response to the first pulse. A second pulse switch (S2) generates a second pulse. A second switching device (Th, R) having a holding capability performs a second switching function in response to the second pulse. A main switching device switches the electric motor. The first switching function in combination with the second switching fucntion are adapted to control the main switching device. Optionally, the circuit may include a control device (Tr) for controlling the electric motor and a third pulse switch (S3) for resetting the first switching function.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1992Date of Patent: September 14, 1993Assignee: U.S. Philips CorporationInventor: Hendricus J. Duipmans
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Patent number: 5237302Abstract: A free-wheeling safety switch is intended for controlling a power supply for a motor and includes a linked single-throw conductor and a double-throw conductor. A fusible link is located between the poles of the conductors. A connection between the double-throw conductor and the single-throw conductor switches the conductors sequentially such that the double-throw conductor switches between its normally closed position and its switched position prior to the single-throw conductor shifting from its normally-off position to its on position. The single-throw conductor is switched from its on position to its off position before the double throw conductor switches to its normally closed position. The power supply is electrically connected to the motor only when the double-throw conductor is in its switched position and the single-throw conductor is in its on position.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 1992Date of Patent: August 17, 1993Assignee: KranscoInventor: Timothy S. Harris
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Patent number: 5157312Abstract: In a device for controlling a windshield wiper, in particular on a motor vehicle, the windshield wiper is switched on when a sensor indicates wetness above a preset threshold value. The windshield wiper can furthermore be turned on by a manually actuatable switch. The threshold value is reduced upon actuation of the switch.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1990Date of Patent: October 20, 1992Assignee: VDO Adolf Schindling AGInventor: Werner Wallrafen
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Patent number: 5153488Abstract: A method and apparatus for manually controlling a windscreen wiper drive motor in a motor vehicle in several speed steps, by which the drive motor can also be automatically switched from a manually switched-on speed step into a lower speed step when the speed passes through a predetermined threshold value of the motor vehicle travelling speed from a higher travelling speed. The apparatus and method provide automatic switching of the drive motor from each manually switched-on speed step into a lower speed step when the speed passes through the threshold value, cancellation of the current automatic switching until the speed again passes through the threshold value from a higher travelling speed when the control switch has been operated below the threshold value of the travelling speed and after the drive motor has been automatically switched into a lower speed step, and switching-on of each speed step of the drive motor selected by this operation of the control switch.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1990Date of Patent: October 6, 1992Assignee: Daimler-Benz AktiengesellschaftInventors: Harald Ruoff, Raimund Leistenschneider
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Patent number: 5151636Abstract: An improved rotary die cutter apparatus where an anvil roller is powered separately from the die roller. The anvil roller and one embodiment of the present invention is completely unpowered or freewheeling as soon as cardboard is fed through the rotary die cutting apparatus, and in another embodiment is driven at a compensating speed either slightly slower at the same speed as or faster than the die cutting roller to eliminate noise pollution and tolerance problems.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1990Date of Patent: September 29, 1992Inventor: Kennith N. Winebarger
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Patent number: 5105134Abstract: A wiper apparatus comprises a wiper switch, a washer motor, a washer switch for actuating the washer motor by its on-operation, a wiper motor actuated independently by on-operation of the wiper switch and interlockingly with the washer motor by the on-operation of the washer switch, and a controller for maintaining the wiper motor to rotate until the load applied on the wiper motor reaches predetermined value. According to this invention, the wiper blade never stops before the cleaning liquid is removed from the wiping surface by detecting frictional resistance between the wiper blade and the wiping surface as the motor load.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1991Date of Patent: April 14, 1992Assignee: Jidosa Denki Kogyo K.K.Inventors: Hiroyuki Shimizu, Sadayoshi Sugiyama, Hitoshi Sakuma, Fumio Nakajima
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Patent number: 5023530Abstract: A windshield wiper motor is provided with an auto-stopping switch having a first contact plate, a second contact plate, a third contact plate and a contact shoe for contacting with said third contact plate at all times and for contacting selectively with said first or second contact plate by sliding reciprocatively on a straight line in accordance with rotation of the final gear of reduction gear. It is possible to prevent the auto-stopping switch from chattering caused by snow gathered in the vicinity of a stopping position of a wiper blade in snowfall.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1990Date of Patent: June 11, 1991Assignee: Jidosha Denki Kogyo K.K.Inventors: Yasuo Ohashi, Masao Irie
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Patent number: 5004966Abstract: A machine is designed to be used as an educational tool. The machine is connected to a 120 volt alternating current source of electrical power and to a personal computer. The computer is programmed to put questions on a monitor and to send a signal to the machine, after a certain number of correct responses to the questions have been entered into said computer. The signal causes the source of electrical power to move one of a plurality of compartments, 75, to an opening, 58, in the machine so that a person may retrieve the object the compartment was holding, as a reward for having answered the questions correctly.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1989Date of Patent: April 2, 1991Inventor: Gary N. Eakin
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Patent number: 4976552Abstract: A sewing machine having a wireless controller is disclosed, wherein the sewing machine substantially comprising a drive motor for driving the sewing machine, a separate controller adjustably operated to produce a variable set voltage for controlling the rotation speed of the drive motor, a converter for converting the set voltage to a corresponding digital value and producing a series of data on the basis of the digital value, a device for producing carrier waves, modulator for modulating the series of data by way of the carrier waves and producing modulated waves, transmitter means responsive to the modulated waves to produce a corresponding light signal, means for receiving the light signal, demodulator for demodulating the received light signal, and a device responsive to the demodulated light to control the rotation speed of said drive motor.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1989Date of Patent: December 11, 1990Assignee: Janome Sewing Machine Company LimitedInventors: Satoru Ishikawa, Toshitaka Toyomi
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Patent number: 4940903Abstract: A motor and manual actuated switch includes a motor control circuit for controlling the motor to rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to actuate a mechanical switch between the open circuit and short circuit states. The control circuit includes a capacitor coupled in series with the motor winding to form a series circuit and a control switch for connecting a source of d.c. power across said serial circuit when in a first position and a short circuit across said series circuit when in a second position. When the control switch is moved to the first position, the capacitor charges, causing a current to flow through the motor winding during the charge time, thereby causing rotation in one direction. When the control switch is moved to the second position, the capacitor discharges through the winding, thereby causing opposite current flow and shaft rotation.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1989Date of Patent: July 10, 1990Assignee: Square D CompanyInventors: Robert J. Brown, Jr., Bahattin Erturk