Movement, Position, Or Limit-of-travel Patents (Class 318/466)
  • Publication number: 20110193508
    Abstract: A step motor and a motor control unit are connected to a battery, so that electrical power is continuously supplied to the step motor and the motor control unit. The motor control unit continuously drives the step motor until a rotor of the step motor reaches at a next excitation stable point, in a case that a display position adjusting switch or an ignition switch is turned off when the rotor of the step motor is on a way to the next excitation stable point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuki Oomori
  • Patent number: 7990086
    Abstract: Seat-assembly movement system, for collecting up and deploying rows of seats (1) at the installation site, by means of sliding on guides (2) arranged in the floor, the movement of the rows of seats (1) being managed by means of a control system comprising a master PLC or a computer unit, for governing the installation, in combination with respective slave PLCs arranged on the carriages (3) carrying the rows of seats and in connection with devices for controlling the position of said carriages (3) on the mounting guides (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Figueras International Seating, S.A.
    Inventor: Jose Figueras Mitjans
  • Patent number: 7982422
    Abstract: An improved system for controlling motorized window coverings with light control includes an improved control system including a switch with an up button, a stop button and down button to activate a motor to control the configuration of the covering, including the extension or retraction of the covering, and the transmissivity of the covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Henk Jan Meewis, Michael S. Holford
  • Patent number: 7977902
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pinch protection method and device for a motor-driven closing system. The method comprises the following steps: detecting a reduced motor speed, switching off the motor, analyzing a sensor signal for detecting a pinch situation, deciding whether a pinch situation is present, and controlling the motor depending on the detection of a pinch situation. The device for detecting a pinch situation comprises a motor, a detection unit, a control unit and at least one sensor. The device is adapted to carry out the method according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Fabian Batejat, Holger Pruessel
  • Patent number: 7977903
    Abstract: In an electrically powered door actuating system of a motor vehicle with a slide door, there is employed a control unit for controlling a door actuating device of the slide door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Haruo Kamiya
  • Patent number: 7973506
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method for controlling a power car window lift. The method includes the following steps: detecting an operation state signal of the car window with a detection element; inputting the detection signal of the detection element into the controller; and the controller sending a control signal to an actuator, which controls the operation state of the car window lift. The main control element of the controller is a thyristor or an equivalent functional element. The car window lift's operation state signal includes a car window closed obstacle signal, a car window closed-in-place signal, a car window opened-in-place signal, and a car window opened obstacle signal. The invention further discloses a device for implementing the method for controlling the power car window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Yuanhong Wen
  • Patent number: 7973507
    Abstract: A raindrop detecting device includes a raindrop sensor, and a controller. The raindrop sensor is disposed in a wiping area of a wiper blade on a front windshield, and outputs a detection signal regarding a raindrop amount. The controller activates the wiper blade based on the detection signal, and sets a prohibition period for which the raindrop sensor is prohibited from determining the raindrop amount. The raindrop sensor outputs signals when raindrop collected by the wiper blade passes above the raindrop sensor in a reciprocating wiping operation. The controller calculates the prohibition period of a second reciprocating wiping operation based on the signals of a first reciprocating wiping operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Taketoshi Yoshigoe
  • Patent number: 7960932
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling an electrical door drive by means of which the door drive is switched off if the maximum torque is overshot and/or a defined nominal closing rate of the door is undershot as a result of the door drive being obstructed. In order to reliably prevent injuries and damage to people and objects in the event of a functional failure of the safety control system, and in order to nevertheless reliably block or reverse the door, it is proposed that pulse monitoring be carried out on the door drive, for redundant obstruction identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinz Ludwig, Guido Sonntag, Hans-Wilhelm Wilken
  • Patent number: 7960933
    Abstract: A P-range side delimiting position of a movable range of a range change mechanism is learned by rotating a motor to a corresponding rotational position, which corresponds to the P-range side delimiting position. A climb correction amount is set for a learning value of the P-range side delimiting position to correct the learning value of the P-range side delimiting position in view of presence of a relatively small angle of rotation of the motor beyond the corresponding rotational position, which corresponds to the P-range side delimiting position. The climb correction amount is set according to motor temperature information, which is one of a temperature of the motor and a temperature that relates to the temperature of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Isobe, Shigeru Kamio
  • Patent number: 7952307
    Abstract: A container, adapted to be opened/closed automatically by induction actuated, includes a container body, cover, motor and actuating device, wherein the motor is connected to the driven element of the cover through the actuating device. The dustbin includes a sensing and controlling device of the stroke of the cover, wherein a cover stroke perception and a shut off circuit, the cover stroke perception is connected with the shut off circuit, and the shut off circuit is connected with the motor, the shut off circuit receives the activating signal from the cover stroke perception and then controls the motor to actuate correspondingly, the cover's stroke inducted by the trigger; point of the cover stroke perception is less than the whole stroke during the closing of the cover. The noise of the crash between the cover and the container body is low, and closing of the cover is rapid and spiffy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventors: Xin Wang, Jiangqun Chen
  • Patent number: 7948195
    Abstract: A method of controlling an electromechanical actuator (ACT) comprising a motor (MOT) for maneuvering a mobile appliance (LD) of a building in a first direction (DIR1) and in a second direction (DIR2) by way of a remote-control unit (RCU) and a unit (MCU) for driving the motor that are placed respectively one upstream of the other on an electrical power line energizing the motor with an alternating voltage, a command to maneuver in the first direction comprising a half-wave rectified signal of positive polarity and a command to maneuver in the second direction comprising a half-wave rectified signal of negative polarity, wherein the maneuver commands furthermore comprise an alternating voltage signal following the half-wave rectified signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Somfy SAS
    Inventor: Bernard Grehant
  • Patent number: 7936139
    Abstract: A movable barrier operator having control circuitry (206) to selectively cause movement of a corresponding movable barrier (203) and a power supply that is operably coupled to a mains (201) and is operably coupled to provide electrical motive power to components of the operator can be configurable to selectively disconnect a portion, but not all, of the power supply from the mains when full power availability for the components is not required. This power supply can comprise a less efficient first power supply (204) and a more efficient second power supply (205). In such a case, these teachings can provide for disconnecting (105) the first power supply from the mains when a higher level of power is not presently required. Meanwhile, the second power supply can continue to provide operating power to, for example, the aforementioned control circuitry to ensure ongoing functionality of the movable barrier operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert R. Keller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7932690
    Abstract: A system and associated method for preventing damage to an adjacent wall surface of an electrically operated bed that utilizes a normally closed/momentarily open switch assembly attached to the bed frame at a location such that when the bed fame is maneuvered toward an adjacent wall surface, a head of the switch contacts the wall surface before any other part of the bed frame or a proximity sensor switch is activated when the switch head is in the prescribed range from the wall surface. The push button switch is in electrical communication with the bed frame operational circuitry. When the switch activated from its depression from thw all surface contact or its proximity to the wall surface, the electrical circuitry in the system circuitry is interrupted thereby stopping the operation of the bed frame from being maneuvered and preventing damage to the wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Dion Jones, Roy John Cracknell
  • Patent number: 7928678
    Abstract: A device for controlling a speed of a door includes a detecting unit that detects a position of the door, and a control unit that controls the speed of the door in such a manner that an acceleration of the door becomes substantially zero at a point that is calculated based on the position. Thus, a target maximum speed of the door is adjusted depending on the remaining moving distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Imai, Tsunenori Senbongi
  • Patent number: 7926091
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for secure over-the-air modification of vehicular options by a vehicle user. The system includes a vehicle and a secure server. The vehicle includes receiver circuitry for receiving and demodulating wireless signals and a controller coupled to the receiver. The secure server is accessible by the vehicle user and generates a vehicular option modification package for provision to the vehicle by generating option parameter modification instructions in response to user parameter modification requests from the vehicle owner and generating authentication information in response to unique server authentication information associated with the secure server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ansaf I. Alrabady, Howard J. Carver, Salvatore G. Trupiano
  • Patent number: 7919939
    Abstract: A remote blind actuating system for use in opening and closing blinds with a string incorporates a motor, a pulley, a receiver, and a housing. The motor, the pulley, and the receiver are disposed within the housing. The motor is connected with the pulley and is in communication with the receiver. The pulley is an cylindrical member with a first distal end and a second distal end. The pulley is rotatably affixed to the motor about an axis. The first distal end of the pulley is connected with the motor and the second distal end is connected with the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Rick Mosbrucker
  • Patent number: 7911163
    Abstract: The seat which is provided with at least two elements which can be moved relative to each other and an actuator for maneuvering a movable element, a unit for controlling the actuator for the movement of the movable element comprises: means for measuring a force (Cu) applied manually to the movable element by a user, the control unit comprises: means for calculating the theoretical force (Cth) which must be applied by the actuator to the movable element in the direction of the force (Cu) applied manually to the movable element by the user; and means for controlling the actuator for the movement of the movable element in accordance with the theoretical force (Cth).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Precilec
    Inventor: Laurent Nivet
  • Patent number: 7902782
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for operating a door drive which includes at least one high-speed mode and at least one normal-speed mode, with the following steps: determining a load-dependent operating parameter of the door drive and changing from the high-speed mode into the normal-speed mode in dependence on the load-dependent operating parameter, in order to prevent an overload of the door drive. The invention likewise comprises a corresponding door drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Marantec Antriebs-Und Steuerungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Hormann
  • Publication number: 20110050143
    Abstract: A synchronous fan system is provided which intermittently calibrates the fans by rotating periodically the fans each to a common stop position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Larry R. Gordon
  • Patent number: 7898201
    Abstract: A medical waste receptacle includes a housing shaped to define an interior cavity into which a waste collection bin is disposed. The housing is also shaped to include a slot in communication with the interior cavity, the slot being selectively enclosed by a disposal drawer adapted to pivot between closed and open positions. A movable latch selectively engages the drawer, the position of the latch being regulated by an electronic controller. In use, a barcode scanner in electrical connection with the controller retrieves an access code provided on a refuse container to be dispensed. If the access code is deemed valid, the controller disengages the latch from the drawer, thereby enabling the container to be dispensed into the bin through the slot. In the absence of receiving a valid access code, the controller retains the latch in engagement with the naturally closed disposal drawer, thereby precluding access to the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: Cherie K. Fisher, Karen L. LeBoeuf
  • Patent number: 7888898
    Abstract: Embodiment of the invention relate to a container. In one respect, embodiments of the invention provide a container that is useful in advertising because of its distinctive shape and faux pull ring, and/or because it is configured to output a jingle or other stored audio. Moreover, in embodiments of the invention, the container is configured as a cooler with a thermal insulator. Such a cooler may also include an automatic lid mechanism that allows for hands-free operation by users that seek to retrieve, for instance, a cold beverage from the cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: IPS Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Randal Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 7868578
    Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly comprising at least two electric drive units (4) for respectively driving one of at least two drawers (2) which are movably mounted within a common furniture carcass (3). A measuring instrument (10) is assigned to each drive unit (4) in order to detect a force (F) that a user applies to the respective drawer (2). The inventive assembly further comprises at least one control or regulation device (9) for controlling or regulating the drive units (4). The measuring signals of the measuring instrument (10) can be fed to the control or regulation device (9) while the control or regulation device (9) can trigger the associated drive unit (4) after receiving a predetermined measuring signal from one of the measuring instruments (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Scheffknecht, Edgar Huber
  • Patent number: 7863846
    Abstract: A control device is provided for an assembly of a motor vehicle body, which assembly can be moved between at least two positions, specifically at least between a position retracted to the maximum extent and a position deployed to the maximum extent, in particular a spoiler. The control device contains a first sensor which transmits a signal to an evaluation device, which determines the position of the assembly from the signal of the first sensor, in dependence on the rotational speed of a motor which serves to move the assembly, and a second sensor which monitors a deployed position of the assembly and transmits a corresponding signal to the evaluation device. The evaluation device corrects the signal provided by the first sensor when the assembly is at least temporarily located in the position monitored by the second sensor and the signal provided by the first sensor is outside a tolerance range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Gregor Biskup, Dejan Djordjevic
  • Patent number: 7860257
    Abstract: In order to define current states of a mixer, a set of first-type data (scene data) that define processing to be performed on a signal second-type data and a set of second-type data (snapshot data) comprising a group of parameters that define functions or displaying styles of operators or displays are stored in a current area. Storage area or memory is provided for preserving the second-type data, so that the second-type data can be written from the current area into the storage area or recalled from the storage area into the current area in accordance with a user instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuhiko Ota, Masaru Aiso
  • Patent number: 7855525
    Abstract: An actuator includes a motor operated by a controller through a pulse width modulation drive signal applied to a drive circuit that drives the motor. The actuator has an output shaft connected to a coupling structure for manipulating a device such as a variable geometry turbine (VGT) or an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve. The device has a range of motion limited by first and second mechanical stops located at opposing low and high ends of the range. The controller learns the location of the mechanical stops during calibration. An external control unit transmits a desired position to the actuator. A protocol allows the external control unit to implicitly request a positioning mode by virtue of what value range the desired position falls into. The controller is configured to limit the drive signal to a non-harmful level when one of the positioning modes calls for pushing the device against one of the stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Sanders, Joyce D. Carsey, Lawrence D. Hazelton, Jos Lang, Frederic Jacquot, Thomas W. Newman
  • Patent number: 7843153
    Abstract: A control system for controlling an adjustment device which is operated by electric motor in a motor vehicle includes an indirect anti-trapping system for detecting a trapping situation between an adjustment element, which is moved by the adjustment device in an adjustment movement along an adjustment path, and a vehicle element. The anti-trapping system stops or reverses the adjustment movement of the adjustment element if a defined threshold value for a mechanical running parameter—which results from the adjustment movement is exceeded. The anti-trapping system operates with an analysis unit for analyzing the adjustment movement of the adjustment element, wherein the control system is configured and embodied in such a way that by means of the analysis unit, in an analysis mode, the running parameters of the adjustment device can be checked for mechanical functional faults of the adjustment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co KG, Coburg
    Inventors: Jochen Held, Roland Kalb, Markus Schlesiger, Rene Zellmer, Jürgen Buhlheller
  • Patent number: 7841764
    Abstract: A blender base that may be used with a food processor container, a blender container, and a single use beverage container. The blender container includes a novel blade unit having a food processor-style blade and blender type blades. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Douglas Wulf, Gerald J Lozinski, Matthew Craig Denton, Jerry Lee McColgin, Michael Morton, Daniel S. Soultanian
  • Publication number: 20100294750
    Abstract: An automotive electrical body system includes a plurality of electrical assemblies coupled to at least one automotive body component. Each of the assemblies includes a heating element for heating the at least one component, a motor for actuating the at least one component, or a switch configured to toggle the at least one component on and off. Each of the assemblies also includes a wireless communication module for receiving wireless signals, and, in response to the wireless signals, controlling operation of the heating element or motor. An electrical conductor interconnects each of the electrical assemblies and carries electrical power to each of the electrical assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Hogenmueller, Vivek Jain
  • Patent number: 7839109
    Abstract: A method of controlling a motorized window treatment provides for continued operation of the motorized window treatment during an overload or low-line condition. The motorized window treatment is driven by an electronic drive unit having a motor, a motor drive circuit, and a controller. The controller controls the motor drive circuit to drive the motor with a pulse-width modulated signal generated from a bus voltage. The controller is operable to monitor the magnitude of the bus voltage. If the bus voltage drops below a first voltage threshold, the controller stops the motor or reduces the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulated signal to allow the bus voltage to increase to an acceptable magnitude. When the bus voltage rises above a second voltage threshold, the controller begins driving the motor normally once again. During an overload or low-line condition, the controller is prevented from resetting, while driving the motor with minimal interruption to the movement of the motorized window treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence R. Carmen, Jr., Thomas Warren Brenner, Stephen Lundy
  • Patent number: 7834570
    Abstract: A method for operating an actuating element (30) comprises the following method steps: controlling the rotational frequency of an electric motor (1) to a constant value, calculating an estimate (FE) for the actuating force (F) acting on the actuating element, comparing the estimate (FE) with a predetermined limiting value, and detecting a current position of the actuating element (30) for the predetermined limiting value and assigning the detected position to a final position stored in a travel model. An actuating drive under the control of force and operating according to this method is low in noise and energy-efficient and can therefore be used, in particular, even to operate a battery-fed radiator valve driven in a wireless fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Schweiz AG
    Inventor: Dominic Lendi
  • Patent number: 7825617
    Abstract: A drive for a movable furniture part includes a motor to power the movable furniture part and a control or regulation unit to control or regulate the motor. The control or regulation unit is designed such that it has a threshold value which, if surpassed, causes the actuation of the movable furniture part by the motor. A measurement device is provided to capture the position of the movable furniture part, and the control or regulation unit is designed in such a way that the threshold value varies for at least two different positions of the movable furniture part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventor: Edgar Huber
  • Patent number: 7825618
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted display device comprises a display mounted to a shaft, and operable to revolve with the rotation of the shaft; a transmission mechanism for coupling an output shaft of a motor with the shaft; a control module for controlling the motor; a baffle plate located at any position that enables it to rotate in synchronism with the rotation of the display, and a detection module for detecting the baffle plate. During the rotation of the display, when the detecting module does not detect the baffle plate in a predetermined period of time, the control module causes the motor to stop running or to turn in a reverse direction. This vehicle-mounted display device not only is reliably operable and electronically controllable, but also has anti-clamping and self-protection functions and has a simple structure and low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventors: Wang Limin, Philip Jin, Vicky Chen
  • Patent number: 7816879
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for high torque operation of a movable barrier utilizing a compact hub motor device, which may be directly coupled to a movable barrier without the use of additional gearing systems. The flat geometry provides high dynamic acceleration with short electrical and mechanical time constants, and its planetary gearing system implemented within the device allows for compact, more efficient access systems. Eliminating a gear system in accordance with the present invention lowers maintenance requirements, increases efficiency, and streamlines operation of movable barriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Viking Access Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Hassan Taheri, Jonathan Becerra
  • Patent number: 7816878
    Abstract: A system and method for coordinating movement of a powered sliding door module and an access ramp for a vehicle. A system control board communicates with a current detector that can detect current on the power wires for the sliding door's motor. The current detector signals the system control board when it detects current and the system control board determines whether the ramp is stowed or deployed. If the ramp is deployed, the system control board stops and reverses the door so that the door remains open. The system control board then stows the ramp and closes the door. If the ramp is stowed, the system control board waits for the current in the door motor to return to zero and then determines if the door is completely open. If the door is not completely open the system control board does nothing. If the door is completely open, the system control board deploys the ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: The Braun Corporation
    Inventors: Keith D. Heigl, Ronald W. Goodrich
  • Patent number: 7816880
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling the movement of a moveable furniture part which can be moved, in a driven manner, relative to a stationary furniture part by means of a drive unit via a monitoring unit for monitoring the movement of the moveable furniture part. According to the invention, the monitoring unit can be operated in an operating mode and in a configuration mode, with the monitoring unit being designed to use additional means to enter a configuration mode in which the device can be configured. In addition, the invention relates to a piece of furniture having a device such as this.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignees: Grass GmbH, Kuester Automotive Door Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Wenzel, Helmut Wetschko, Carmelo Gutierrez, Steffen Medebach, Frank Oberpichler, Jürgen Zipp
  • Patent number: 7814704
    Abstract: A method for controlling a power slide door having an operable window for a vehicle for preventing an entrapment between the power slide door and a vehicle body by limiting a slidable range of the power slide door by portion of a stopper, which the stopper functions in a condition where the window is opened more than or equal to a certain range, the method comprising steps of judging if the entrapment is generated within a predetermined range in which the power slide door can be stopped by portion of the stopper in a condition where the entrapment with a foreign object is generated during an opening operation of the power slide door, performing a reverse operation of the power slide door in a closing direction by a certain distance in a condition where the entrapment is generated within the predetermined range, and stopping the power slide door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shintaro Suzuki, Eiji Itami, Masahiko Ito, Masayuki Nomura
  • Patent number: 7812561
    Abstract: A device for controlling the movement of furniture parts which can be moved with respect to one another, using a drive unit by means of which a first furniture part can be moved in a driven manner relative to a second furniture part via a monitoring unit for monitoring the movement of the first furniture part, in which case the monitoring unit is designed such that, after starting up, the monitoring unit operates in accordance with a monitoring program for monitoring the movement of the first furniture part, with selection means being provided by means of which an alternative selection program can be activated, instead of the monitoring program, in order to monitor the movement of the first furniture part. The invention also relates to a piece of furniture including the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignees: Grass GmbH, Kuester Automotive Door Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Hagen, Thomas Nussbaumer, Holger Wenzel, Carmelo Gutierrez, Steffen Medebach, Jürgen Zipp
  • Patent number: 7808196
    Abstract: In the case of an electromotive auxiliary drive for vehicles, particularly for windscreen wiper drives or adjustment drives for vehicle elements with a secondary transmission for the electromotor, with at least one magnetic sensor, which acts in conjunction with a signal transmitter or permanent magnet arrangement formed of at least one permanent magnet and rotating with a drive shaft or a gear wheel in order to record the angle position and/or modification of the angle position of the rotation of the shaft or the gear wheel, the permanent magnet arrangement is arranged on the front side on a shaft end bedded in a bearing arrangement or on a drive element bedded in the bearing arrangement and arranged on the shaft. The at least one magnetic sensor is arranged opposite the permanent magnet arrangement in the direction of the shaft axis within the bearing arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes d'Essuyage
    Inventors: Werner Hartmann, Miguel A. Sebastian Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7808197
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an opening/closing member of vehicle includes a driving member for moving an opening/closing member for a vehicle, speed detecting means for detecting a drive speed of the driving member and control means for calculating a current speed difference between the drive speed of the driving member and a target drive speed, for calculating a current change amount between the calculated current speed difference and a previous speed difference calculated a predetermined time before, for calculating a current deviation by integrating the current change amount and for detecting an entrapment of an object by comparing the calculated deviation to a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shogo Kimura, Hiroyuki Mizutani, Yoshinori Iwase, Koichi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7804265
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensor unit for the position determination of a powered door having a position sensor and a transmission stage for the connection of the position sensor to the drive shaft of the door, with the sensor unit having its own housing so that it can be installed independently of the drive unit of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Marantec Antriebs- und Steuerungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Hoermann
  • Patent number: 7800332
    Abstract: A powered apparatus includes a driven component that is movable along a path and a drive motor that moves the driven component along the path. A motor speed detector monitors an instantaneous speed of the drive motor at each position along the path. An electronic control unit operates the drive motor and includes load profile data representing a number of motor loads associated with respective positions of the driven component along the path. A calculating component determines a calculated final rest position of the driven component by adding a current position of the driven component along the path and an adjustment coefficient representing an additional distance of travel along the path based on the instantaneous speed of the drive motor and a respective motor load associated with the additional distance of travel. A non-volatile memory component stores the calculated final rest position of the driven component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joseph Whinnery
  • Patent number: 7797785
    Abstract: A windshield washer control system comprising a wiper device; a motor connected to the wiper device, the motor being in operative connection with a controller, the controller including a timer; a pump selectively operated by the controller; and a sprayer for dispensing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Harold B. Thibodeau, James M. Burcar, David K. Novack
  • Patent number: 7795831
    Abstract: Provided is a wiper control device. The device includes a first output IC, a direct driving switch, a second output IC, and an MCU. The first output IC supplies a power source for a wiper operation control in IG2 OFF state. The direct driving switch directly drives wipers. The second output IC intermits the power source to a wiper motor. The MCU controls the second output IC to drive the wipers depending on the direct driving switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Autonet Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mun-Soon Kwon, Hwa-sik Shim, Ju-ho Ahn, Jae-hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 7781995
    Abstract: A trash can can include a sensor for detecting the presence of an object near a lower 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 can include an electric drive unit for opening and closing the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: simplehuman, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
  • Patent number: 7777637
    Abstract: A method for setting a safety threshold that triggers the sending, by an acceleration or movement sensor device (20), of a safety signal that causes a safety movement of a motorized screen (11) used as a closure or as a sunshade or for privacy, said method comprising the following steps: manual shaking of the screen, recording of a signal produced by a sensor means (33) during the manual shaking step, and determination of the safety threshold from this recording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Somfy SAS
    Inventor: Bernard Grehant
  • Patent number: 7770327
    Abstract: If a supply voltage for a motor drops below a predetermined level during movement of a windowpane, a controller of a power window system outputs a stop signal instructing the motor to stop rotating, and stores in a memory a first position and a motion direction of the windowpane derived from a first signal generated by a transducer (signal generator). The controller compares a second position of the windowpane derived from a second signal generated by the transducer when the supply voltage for the motor is restored to the predetermined level or higher with the first position of the windowpane stored in the memory. If the second position is different from the first position, the first position stored in the memory is corrected toward the motion direction by an amount corresponding to a difference between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiki Noro, Kenji Shioiri
  • Patent number: 7772512
    Abstract: A push plate assembly sends a signal to a receiver. The push plate includes a housing, a push plate, a signal generator, a biasing member, a first latch element, a second latch element, and a button. The push plate is movably mounted to the housing. The signal generator includes a switch. The switch is in electrical communication with circuitry through which a signal is transmitted. The biasing member is disposed between the push plate and the signal generator. The biasing member biases the push plate away from the signal generator. The first latch element is connected to the push plate. The second latch element is disposed in the housing. The first latch element and the second latch element engage with one another to limit the movement of the push plate away from the signal generator as the biasing member acts on the push plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: T.K.M. Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas K. Milo
  • Patent number: 7768223
    Abstract: Kinematic control of an electronic positioner and its associated actuator is effected through a control algorithm that delivers energy to the actuator based on observed motion produced by a previous delivery of energy. The algorithm achieves control based on a desired or user-specified resolution. Electronic braking between energy delivery intervals improves the speed at which the desired position is achieved. Temperature of the force producing mechanism is determined, as by monitoring energy consumed, and used to control how power is delivered to the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Peaktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter W. Mueller, Jack M. Leason
  • Patent number: 7764036
    Abstract: A controller for controlling a sliding roof sets, as an operating area, a predetermined range in the sunroof slidable range and controls a motor driving the sliding roof such that the sliding roof slides in the operating area. When the sliding roof stops near a sliding lock end, the stop position is stored on an assumption that the positional deviation would occur. The sliding roof slides again from the stop position. Based on whether a traveling distance from the stop position to the sliding roof comes into contact with the tilt lock end is longer than the sunroof slidable range, the positional deviation is determined. It is possible to accurately determine whether the sliding member is locked and stopped by positional deviation or the intrusion of foreign object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Hirai
  • Patent number: RE41674
    Abstract: A first area (16) for detecting an object is formed by a radio wave or an ultrasonic wave, and a second area (18) for detecting an object by means of light is formed near the first area (16). When an object is detected in the first area (16) approaching the second area (18), the second area (18) is enabled. When an object is detected in the first area (16) moving in the direction away from the second area (18), the second area (18) is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Nabtesco Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeaki Sasaki, Kenji Nishigaki, Yasutaka Kanda