Abstract: A trash can with a power operated lid can include a sensor assembly and a lifting mechanism. The sensor assembly can include at least one light emitter and at least one light receiver, the viewing area of the at least one light receiver being limited in size. The lifting mechanism can include a controller, a drive motor, and a lifting member. The trash can with power operated lid can further include at least one position sensor for detecting the position of the lid.

Abstract: An operator ratchet mechanism for effecting reciproctable lateral movement if an element of a geared drive train in a door, gate or barrier operator. The operator ratchet mechanism can be utilized to cause disconnection between the geared drive train and an electric motor of the door gate or barrier operator to enable the door gate or barrier to me manually moved, and subsequent reconnection between the geared drive connection and electric motor. An embodiment of a tilt door operator which enables disconnection and reconnection between a geared drive train and an electric motor of the operator by effecting lateral displacement of an element of the geared drive train is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention specifies an anti-trapping device, comprising a motor for driving a pivotable actuating element of a motor vehicle, a sensor for contactlessly identifying an obstacle in the way of the actuating element with an electrode, which has a plurality of segments for producing an external electrical field with respect to a mating electrode and a control unit. The electrode extends in a radial direction with respect to the pivotable actuating element and is split in the radial direction into the plurality of segments, which can each be evaluated separately for the purpose of generating an interference signal. The control unit is designed to drive the motor as a function of an interference signal from one of the segments. Such an anti-trapping device has particularly high flexibility when driving the pivotable actuating element if an obstacle in the way of the pivotable actuating element has been detected.

Abstract: A method of controlling a controllable device related to a building aperture, whereby a climate related characteristic for the aperture is adjusted by the device, and whereby the device is controlled in accordance with a climate and comfort program which is dependent on a control parameter, whereby the device is controlled in accordance with a time schedule provided by the climate and comfort program.

Abstract: In order to transmit reliable and precise information, to as great an extent as possible, on current driving conditions and driving situations, and also achieve disturbance-free behavior of the steering system in the center point range, in a steering device in a vehicle, a target steering torque (torSSW) is determined by determining an actual toothed rack force (forRT), determining at least one first component for the target steering torque (torSSW) as a function of the actual toothed rack force (forRT), and determining at least one additional component for the target steering torque (torSSW) from a calculated toothed rack force (forRS), wherein the calculated toothed rack force (forRS) is determined from a wheel steering angle and a vehicle speed (velV).

Abstract: In a method and device for correcting temperature-dependent changes in the mechanical properties of a closing part of a vehicle, the closing part can be moved by a direct current motor. As part of the production of the vehicle, the mechanical properties of the mobile closing part are ascertained during a closing procedure at a first ambient temperature and stored in a non-volatile manner in the form of a first reference characteristic in a memory of the vehicle. While the vehicle is running at least one more reference characteristic is ascertained and likewise stored in a non-volatile manner in the memory of the vehicle, whereby every additional reference characteristic is associated with a different ambient temperature. The stored reference characteristics are compared to a calculated characteristic while the vehicle is running in order to check whether jamming exists or not.

Abstract: A control method is described, said method being used within an operating system (10) for roller blinds (20) or the like having an output shaft (SH) of a motor (M) which transfers rotational movement to a drum (40) onto which the roller blind is wound, said method comprising the following steps: —(i) detecting directly or indirectly the force acting on the drum, or on a member connected thereto, and/or the relative position of the drum, or of a member connected thereto, with respect to a part which is fixed and/or integral with the operating system; —(ii) obtaining from the detection operation performed in step (i) a zero value (RZ) representing a stable rest condition of the roller blind; —(iii) starting an automatic closing movement of the roller blind should said force and/or said relative position (RR) vary, with respect to the value (RZ) obtained during step (ii), beyond a predefined threshold (T).

Abstract: Method of operating an actuator (1) for maneuvering a movable element (52), comprising a motor of asynchronous type or of brushless type or comprising a motor associated with a differential brake, and comprising a partially irreversible reduction gear, which comprises a step of establishing a measurement of an operating parameter of the actuator and a step of using this measurement to determine whether the actuator is driving the movable element or whether the actuator is being driven by the movable element, and then a step of implementing first logic for determining an end of travel or an obstacle, or a step of implementing second logic for determining an end of travel or an obstacle, depending on whether the actuator drives the movable element or the actuator is driven by the movable element.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a lead angle control circuit is configured to control a lead angle of a motor drive signal driving a motor. The lead angle control circuit includes a control signal generating section, an upper limit voltage limit section and a lead angle data generating section. The lead angle data generating section is configured to generate a relationship line between lead angle data representing the lead angle and a lead angle control signal, and configured to generate the lead angle data based on the relationship line and the lead angle control signal. The relationship line reaches an upper limit point from a lower limit point through a changing point. In the changing point, the lead angle control signal is a changing point voltage, and the lead angle data represents the lead angle corresponding to a lead angle setting voltage.

Abstract: A drive system, such as for a fluid jet cutting system, includes a brushless synchronous motor configured to drive movement through a loosely coupled transmission, a sensor configured to sense movement, and a control system configured to drive the brushless synchronous motor responsive to previously measured drive coupling.

Abstract: Automated shade systems comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, ASHRAE clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis.

Abstract: Time-of-flight (TOF) three-dimensional sensing systems are deployed on or in a motor vehicle to image contact zones associated with potential contact between an avoidable object and the vehicle or vehicle frame and/or remotely controllable motorized moving door or liftgate. An algorithm processes depth data acquired by each TOF system to determine whether an avoidable object is in the associated contact zone. If present, a control signal issues to halt or reverse the mechanism moving the door. A stored database preferably includes a depth image of the contact zone absent any object, an image of the door, and volume of the door. Database images are compared to newly acquired depth images to identify pixel sensors whose depth values are statistically unlikely to represent background or the door. Pixels within the contact zone so identified are an object, and the control signal is issued.

Abstract: In summary it is described a column for a piece of furniture as well as a piece of furniture with at least one movable member (1, 2, 31), wherein said part is adapted to be moved relative to the rest of the furniture in a non-manual way. Further, there is provided a device for detecting collisions of the automatically movable member with obstacles, an automatic drive mechanism (5, 6) which is adapted to move the movable member, a control device adapted to control the automatic drive mechanism (5, 6), and at least one sensor (4) adapted to detect a collision during the motion of the movable member (1, 2, 31) with an obstacle and to transmit this incident to the control device wherein the at least one sensor (4) comprises a force-sensitive sensor (41).

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a motorized roller shade that includes a shade tube, a motor/controller unit and a power supply unit. The motor/controller unit is disposed within the shade tube, and includes a bearing, rotatably coupled to a support shaft, and a DC gear motor. The output shaft of the DC gear motor is coupled to the support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A trash can include a sensor for detecting the presence of an object near a portion of the trash can. The detection of the object can be used to signal the trash can to open its lid. The trash can include an electronic drive unit for opening and closing the lid.

Abstract: A self-adjusting door closer is disclosed. The door closer is self powered and includes a control unit to intelligently control a valve within the door closer to vary the operating characteristics of the door closer as needed. The controller includes a position sensor to determine a position of the door, and at least one input switch to enable user selection of at least one door closer parameter for an installed door closer. The control circuitry is operable to set the valve in response to the user selection of the door closer parameters, and the position of the door, in order to control force exerted by the door closer on the door. A generator can be provided to provide electricity to power the controller and store power to operate the controller.

Abstract: A door closer with a self-powered control unit is disclosed. The control unit for the door closer includes a drive gear configured to rotate in response to movement of a door, and a chain arranged to cooperate with the drive gear to produce linear motion in response to rotation of the drive gear. At least one gear creates rotational motion from the linear motion of the chain to turn a generator and generate electricity to power the control unit. In some embodiments, a set of clutch gears is disposed between the chain and the gear creating the rotational motion from the chain so that only one direction of the rotational motion is transferred to the generator in response to movement of the door in any direction. The control unit can additionally include a power management circuit to store energy from the generator.

Abstract: A lift gate system is provided which in one implementation has a lift gate assembly including an actuator for actuating a lift gate, a main controller configured for controlling the actuator, and a wireless transceiver for receiving an operation command. The system further has a wireless controller including an authorization controller configured for checking that an operator is authorized to operate the lift gate, the wireless controller configured such that upon authorization of the operator by the authorization controller, the wireless controller may wirelessly transmit an operator command to the main controller for controlling operation of the lift gate accordingly.

Abstract: A driving device for a hatch in a vehicle, with a housing tube connected to a base part or to a movable structural component part, a protective tube connected to the movable structural component part or to the base part, a spindle drive having a threaded spindle and a spindle nut arranged on the threaded spindle by which the housing tube and the protective tube are movable axially relative to one another. A rotary drive drives the spindle drive in rotation includes at least one electric motor. The driving device has a safety circuit that causes a braking effect on the rotary drive when the rotary drive is deactivated and when extraneous forces are introduced into the driving device from the outside.

Abstract: A refrigerator and a method for controlling the same are provided. With the refrigerator and the method for controlling the refrigerator, a receiving box may be automatically drawn in and out together with a door when a user operates an input device that inputs door drawing in and out instructions, thereby increasing use convenience of children and older people.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door drive comprising electrically operated components which are supplied with electrical energy via a mains connection. In accordance with the invention, a control and an electrical energy store are provided, with the control separating the door drive from the mains and the electrical energy store providing the electrical energy in a first operating mode and with the control connecting the door drive to the mains in a second operating mode.

Abstract: A refrigerator and a method for controlling the same are provided. In this refrigerator and control method, a receiving box may be automatically drawn in and out together with a door based on a movement command received at an input unit, thus enhancing user convenience and satisfaction.

Abstract: A method for moving a movable element into a block position includes providing a supply voltage to an electric motor associated with the movable element for the motor to generate a motor current and drive the element with motor power dependent on the motor current in order to move the element along a path. Upon the element being moved into a block position of the path, the supply voltage provided to the motor is controlled such that the motor current generated by the motor is continuously reduced over a time period to zero. For instance, the supply voltage is pulse-width modulated at a decreasing pulse duty ratio over the time period such that the motor current generated by the motor is continuously reduced over the time period to zero.

Abstract: A motor control device, which includes a main control portion configured to actuate a motor, which displaces a driven object between a first position and a second position in an acceleration control mode in which a rotation speed of the motor gradually increases, in a deceleration control mode in which the rotation speed of the motor gradually decreases, and in a constant speed control mode in which the rotation speed of the motor is maintained at a constant level, and a displacement interference detection portion detecting that the displacement of the driven object is interfered using an actual rotation speed, which is the actual rotation speed of the motor, and an ideal rotation speed of the motor, on which a control result by the main control portion including a feedback control is reflected.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing a motor vehicle side door from coming into contact with an obstacle are provided. One system includes an outside rear view mirror, a camera coupled to the outside rear view mirror, and a controller coupled to the camera. The camera is configured to detect the obstacle and determine the distance between the side door and the obstacle, and the controller is configured to disable the side door if the obstacle is within a threshold distance of the side door. Another system replaces the camera with an ultrasonic sensor to detect the obstacle and determine the distance between the side door and the obstacle. A method includes determining the distance between a plurality of motor vehicle side doors and the obstacle, and automatically disabling each motor vehicle side door that is within a threshold distance of the obstacle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door drive, in particular a garage door drive, with a door control and with a programming unit for programming the door control during operation and/or maintenance of the door drive. In accordance with the invention, the programming unit is configured as an external device, wherein for operation and/or maintenance of the door drive a data transmission connection can be established between the programming unit and the door control.

Abstract: An opening and closing control apparatus for a roof panel for a vehicle includes an opening and closing device for driving the roof panel to open and close, an operation command device for outputting an operation command for opening and closing the roof panel by means of an operation switch, a vehicle speed detecting device, and a controlling device for controlling an operation of the opening and closing device, the controlling device performing an open and close control for operating the opening and closing device to cause the roof panel to move to a predetermined position where the roof panel is opened to a predetermined degree which is specified beforehand on the basis of a vehicle speed when the operation command for opening the roof panel is output by the operation command device.

Abstract: A wiper is pivotably supported and is swung by a drive force of an electric motor. When a command, which commands execution of one of high and low speed modes, is entered through a wiper switch in the middle of operation of the wiper in another one of the high and low speed modes, a control unit controls an electric motor such that a moving speed of the wiper, which is preset for the another one of the high and low speed modes, is changed to the moving speed of the wiper, which is preset for the one of the high and low speed modes, during a time period of executing a predetermined number of swings of the wiper between an upper return position and a lower return position upon entering of the command through the wiper switch means.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a drawer having a door and a receiving box attached thereto. The drawer may be automatically moved in forward and backward directions. A supply of standby voltage may be intercepted by a drawer driving mechanism when the door is closed so as to reduce power consumption and improve response time to drawer opening and closing commands.

Abstract: In a method and a device for determining a reference position of a locking part moved by an electric motor, the locking part is moved in the direction of the closed state thereof, until the same reaches a stop position. At that location the meter reading of a position meter describing the stop position is detected and buffered. Subsequently a movement of the locking part is carried out in the direction of the opened state thereof. The locking part is then moved again in the direction of the closed state thereof, until it again reaches a stop position. At that location a meter reading describing the stop position is detected, and compared to the buffered meter reading. If both meter readings agree, the first stop position is determined as the reference position. The method and device can be utilized, for example, for power window lifts and sunroofs of motor vehicles.

Abstract: A wiper is continuously reciprocally swung between an upper return position and a lower return position by controlling an electric motor when an operational command for executing a continuous operational mode is entered by a user through a wiper switch. The wiper is reciprocally swung after stopping of the wiper for a predetermined time period at a predetermined position, which is located on an outer side of the lower return position that is opposite from the upper return position in a swing direction of the wiper and at which an influence of a wind pressure applied to the wiper is smaller in comparison to the lower return position, by controlling the electric motor when an operational command for executing an intermittent operational mode is entered through the entering means.

Abstract: An apparatus including a DC motor includes a driven member configured to be driven by the DC motor, and a drive control unit configured to define a plurality of predetermined phases of the DC motor as target stop phases and to cause the DC motor to make at least one rotation to perform preliminary driving that rotates the DC motor to each target stop phase by driving and stopping the DC motor, configured to acquire a difference value between the target stop phase and an actual stop phase for each target stop phase, and configured to drive the DC motor so that the driven member is repeatedly moved and stopped in the operation of the driven member and to perform control so that, based on the difference value acquired by the acquisition unit, electric power is supplied to the DC motor in a phase corresponding to a stop position of the driven member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise a multi-input range box driven by multiple electric drives. Range shifting involves momentarily increasing the current through all but a given motor, to a level that will carry the entire load, comprising specified constant power. Simultaneously, torque of the given motor is reduced to zero. The given motor is then disconnected from supplying power, is synchronized to the input speed of the new speed range, and is then engaged for the new range. The above sequence is then repeated for each remaining motors, in turn. The motor current is re-equalized for all of the motors, after all the motors have been connected to provide power at the new range. Thus, there is no interruption in power flow during a range shift, and the motors are always used to deliver power, rather than to serve as a brake.

Abstract: Presented is a system for controlling a roller shade. The system includes a flexible shade material having a lower end, a roller tube windingly receiving the flexible shade material, and a reversible motor for rotating the roller tube to move the lower end of the shade material between a first and second position. The system further includes an optical sensor for capturing an image frame of the shade material at a plurality of linear positions as the lower end of the flexible shade material moves from the first position to the second position. The system further includes a motor controller for controlling the reversible motor to move the lower end of the shade material from the first position to the second position using a variable linear velocity profile in response to position information obtained from the plurality of captured image frames.

Abstract: A motion-based push activation power assist system for manual wheelchairs. The system uses motion-based measurements to determine when the user applies a push to the wheelchair handrims and brakes with the handrims. The push recognition activates a drive system that provides an assistive driving force-pulse to the wheelchair to reduce the demand on the user during propulsion. The brake recognition deactivates the power assist. The provided power assist is proportional to the sensed push and can be modulated to different proportional settings.

Abstract: Presented is a method for controlling a roller shade having a roller tube windingly receiving a flexible shade material. The method includes providing a motor that rotates the roller tube to move the flexible shade material between a first position and a second position. The method further includes capturing, with an optical sensor, an image frame at a plurality of linear positions along the flexible shade material as the flexible shade material moves from the first position to the second position. The method further includes controlling the reversible motor to move the flexible shade material from the first position to the second position in response to position information obtained from the captured image frames using a variable linear velocity profile so that the flexible shade material moves from the first position to the second position at a variable linear velocity.

Abstract: Presented is a method for synchronizing movement of a plurality of roller shades each disposed at a first position to a common second position. The method includes obtaining information related to the position of each of the plurality of roller shades with a respective one of a plurality of optical assemblies, and moving each of the plurality of roller shades from the first position to the common second position in response to the respective obtained position information so that each of the plurality of roller shades arrives at the common second position at the same time.

Abstract: Presented is a system for synchronizing movement of roller shades each from a first position to a common second position. The system includes a master controller, a plurality of optical assemblies each configured to obtain information related to the position of one of the roller shades, and a plurality of motor assemblies. Each of the motor assemblies is configured for receiving the position information from one of the plurality of optical assemblies, receiving a master shade movement time from the master controller, and moving one of the of roller shades from the first position to the common second position in response to the received position information so that the roller shade arrives at the common second position simultaneously with the other roller shades in a time equal to the master shade movement time.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of controlling a motor in an image reading apparatus. It may be possible to optimize the drive current of the motor for driving the movement of the scanning module by using information associated with, for example, the time it takes for the scanning module to return to a home or rest position after the scanning module is moved from the home position to a predetermined position. Such optimized drive current can result in improvements in the reading performance of an image by the image reading apparatus and reduction of power consumption.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device for pushing out a furniture part which is accommodated in a movable manner on a fixed furniture part, having a pushing-out element which is driven via a drive unit and is present on one of the furniture parts in order to push the movable furniture part out of a closure position, the intention being for contact between the pushing-out element and the other furniture part to be eliminated during a pushing-out operation, and having a control unit for controlling the drive unit, the control unit taking as a basis a definable closure position of the movable furniture part for controlling the drive unit. The invention provides means by which, following a closing operation of the movable furniture part, a standstill position achieved in the process can be defined as a new closure position and replaces the closure position previously taken as a basis.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting a lock error in a sensorless motor are disclosed, where the apparatus includes a multiplexer, a negative booster, a comparator and a timer. The multiplexer can receive a coil voltage from the sensorless motor. The negative booster can receive a neutralizing voltage from the sensorless motor and drop the neutralizing voltage. The comparator can compare the coil voltage with the dropped neutralizing voltage for outputting a zero-crossing signal. The timer can count time duration during the zero-crossing signal maintained at the a logic level and determine the lock error in the sensorless motor when the time duration exceeds a predetermined period.

Abstract: A system and method for driving a drawer of a refrigerator is provided. This system and method allows a drawer to be withdrawn from or inserted into a main body of a refrigerator at a preset speed regardless of the weight of items stored within the drawer, thus increasing reliability of the driving system and enhancing utility of the drawer.

Abstract: A telescoping mast with a cabling system configured to cover and store cable within the structure of the mast and able to efficiently extend and retract multiple telescoping sections without jar and minimal energy. The telescoping mast has a hollow mast housing. A telescoping section is nested within the interior of the mast housing. A set of upper pulleys affixed to the upper end of the mast housing, while a set of lower pulleys affixed to the lower end of the telescoping section. A cable is threaded through the first upper pulleys and first lower pulleys such that a first end of the cable is attached to the mast housing and the cable remains taut when the telescoping section is raised or lowered.

Abstract: A load control system provides for automatically controlling a position of a motorized window treatment to control the amount of sunlight entering a space of a building through a window located in a façade of the building in order to control a sunlight penetration distance within the space and minimize occupant distractions. The load control system automatically generates a timeclock schedule having a number of timeclock events for controlling the position of the motorized window treatment during the present day. A user is able to select a desired maximum sunlight penetration distance for the space and a minimum time period that may occur between any two consecutive timeclock events. In addition, a maximum number of movements that may occur during the timeclock schedule may also be entered. The load control system uses these inputs to determine event times and corresponding positions of the motorized window treatment for each timeclock event of the timeclock schedule.

Abstract: A telescoping mast able to efficiently extend and retract multiple telescoping sections without jar and minimal energy. The telescoping mast has multiple telescoping sections, a position feedback sensor, a motor, a spring motor, and a computation unit. The position feedback sensor is coupled to at least one telescoping section and configured to identify a position of the telescoping sections. The motor is also coupled to the telescoping sections, and raises and lowers the telescoping sections. The computation unit controls the motor based on the position of the telescoping sections.

Abstract: A system and method for driving a drawer of a refrigerator and a refrigerator employing this system is provided. This system and method allows the drawer to substantially immediately and automatically stop when the drawer encounters an obstacle. This type of automatic control of the drawer may enhance the safe operation of the drawer, prevent injuries to users, and prevent overload and subsequent malfunction of a drive motor used to move the drawer.

Abstract: A braking circuit is adapted to supply generatively produced energy of the motor as load resistance to a bipolar transistor. The braking circuit has a voltage regulator, which controls a voltage, applied to the base terminal of the bipolar transistor to achieve an associated controlled voltage based on a reference voltage. A first power supply connector of the electrical motor, in the generator mode of operation of the electrical motor, is coupled to a collector terminal of the bipolar transistor and to the voltage input of a voltage regulator. A second power supply connector of the electrical motor is coupled to an emitter terminal of the bipolar transistor and is coupled to a reference input of the voltage regulator via a resistive branch including at least one electrical resistor.

Abstract: Automated shade systems comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, ASHRAE clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis.

Abstract: A control device for an electrically driven door is provided that can enhance the sensitivity of detection of a door pinch state and that can prevent a passenger from being pressed when the door pinch state occurs. The control device includes a driving force instruction value producing unit that outputs a driving force instruction value of the electrically driven door, a state observing unit that estimates a mechanical resistant force to a door driving system, a reference model that determines a dynamic characteristic of the electrically driven door to the mechanical resistant force estimated by the state observing unit, a gain compensator that computes a control compensation value that makes an output of the reference model coincide with an actual speed of the electrically driven door; and an adder that adds the control compensation value computed by the gain compensator to the driving force instruction value outputted by the driving force instruction value producing unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling a barrier movement operator having a timer-to-close feature are disclosed. The methods and apparatus include arrangements for conveniently inhibiting and re-activating the timer-to-close feature and for providing a mid-stop position during movement toward the closed position. Additionally, the embodiments include methods and apparatus for reversing barrier operation.