Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator (9) comprising a rotary electric motor (12) a screw Old) driven in rotation by the motor, a mechanical member (15) driven in translation by the screw, a first position sensor (40) sensitive to a position of the electric motor and/or of the screw, a second position sensor (41) sensitive to a position of the mechanical member, and a servo-control circuit (11) connected to both of the position sensors and to the motor, this circuit delivering a power supply signal to the motor that varies as a function of a position setpoint signal (23) and as a function of signals delivered by the two position sensors; the second position sensor presents a resolution that is at least equivalent to the resolution of the first position sensor, and the servo-control circuit includes redundant modules (19, 22) for calculating the position of the mechanical member as a function of the signals/data delivered by the two sensors, together with at least two modules (17, 18) for mutual surveillance of

Abstract: A control apparatus of a press machine in which a motor performance torque is fluctuated in accordance with a rotational angle of the rotating body in the case of rotating the motor at a fixed instruction speed. The control apparatus includes an angle detecting apparatus detecting a rotational angle of the rotating body, a torque determining apparatus determining a necessary motor torque in correspondence to a characteristic of the press machine on the basis of a value of the rotational angle input from the angle detecting apparatus, and a speed adjusting apparatus increasing the rotational instruction speed of the motor to a value more than the fixed instruction speed, at the rotational angle of the rotating body in which the necessary motor torque becomes smaller than a predetermined motor torque reference value.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a base, a display screen part supported on the base turnably, a driving part for turning the display screen part in accordance with an inputted control signal, a turning prevention mechanism for preventing turning of the display screen part, a judgment part for judging on the basis of the inputted control signal whether the display apparatus is operated or not, and a controller for producing a signal for operating the turning prevention mechanism to prevent turning of the display screen part when it is judged that there is no operation to the display screen part and producing a signal for releasing operation of the turning prevention mechanism when it is judged that there is operation to the display screen part.

Abstract: A method of accurately maintaining, in position registers of memory modules, a net count of rotor signals received from a motor equipped with a rotor position sensor. A vehicle apparatus includes the memory modules and motor, as well as a driven component and processors that: (a) adjust the net count while the motor is driven; (b) monitor for, and terminate power upon encounter of, a mechanical stop; and (c) correct the net count for rotor signals received thereafter. Storage media and memory modules are encoded with processor instructions and processor-readable code that, when executed by processors, cause them to perform the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the angular position [STP_POS] of a stopless rotatably movable member [1] of a stepper motor, the said movable member [1] being designed to interact with at least one fixed member [2] whose state is capable of being modified during the rotation of the movable member [1] according to parameters [CAM_POS] previously defined according to the angular position [STP_POS] of the movable member [1]. The method comprises a step of testing the correspondence [18] of the state of the fixed member [2] with the parameters [CAM_POS] of the predefined modifications, in a mode in which the position of the motor [STP_POS] is considered to be defined.

Abstract: A control system for a first window lifter adjusts a first window pane of a motor vehicle having a first drive, and for a second window lifter for adjusting a second window pane of the motor vehicle having a second drive, having a control device. The control device may be electrically connected both to the first drive and to the second drive for the purpose of energization. The control device may have a first sensor for determining a first adjustment position of the first window lifter, and a second sensor for determining a second adjustment position of the second window lifter, the first sensor and the second sensor being based on different physical operational principles.

Abstract: The inventive method makes it possible to feed an alternating current electric motor used for operating a rolling shutter in a building by means of a gear whose performance substantially varies when a movable element drives or is driven by the rolling shutter. The electric motor is supplied, in certain phases, at a reduced tension, wherein the motor slipping measuring a relative speed deviation with respect to a zero running torque speed remains less the motor slipping when the rotor thereof ruts at a nominal speed at least if the rolling shutter does not meet obstacles. The drive for the rolling shutter for carrying out said method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a control system for a garage door. The control system can include a motor, a pulley, a synchronous drive member, a carriage, and an operator. The pulley can be coupled to and driven by the motor. The synchronous drive member can be coupled to the pulley and driven by the pulley. The carriage can be coupled to the synchronous drive member and to a bottom edge of a garage door. The operator can be coupled to the motor and can control the motor. The operator can be mounted vertically adjacent to the garage door when the garage door is in a closed position.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring an automatic door system. In one embodiment, an automatic door system may include a door system controller coupled to one or more input devices. The door system controller may be configured to receive data representative of an operational parameter of the automatic door system. At least one monitor display may be operably coupled to the door system controller and configured to display information regarding the operational parameter of the input devices. A remote display device interface may be configured to operably couple at least one remote display device to the door system controller. The at least one monitor display may be configured to automatically change from a master configuration to a slave configuration when the at least one remote display device is operably coupled to the door system controller.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention are directed towards an aftermarket automobile accessory that interfaces with vehicle Electronic Control Units (ECU's) and local networks such as Controller Area Network busses (CAN-busses) in order that a user may add performance, convenience, and safety systems to the vehicle using factory controls and displays. Various embodiments of the invention allow wireless control of cabriolet tops, automatic control of cabriolet tops, and the control of further vehicle systems.

Abstract: A method of controlling a motorized window treatment provides for continued operation of the motorized window treatment during an overload condition, a low-line condition, or an electrostatic discharge (ESD) event. The motorized window treatment is driven by an electronic drive unit having a motor, a motor drive circuit, a rotational position sensor, a controller, and a memory for storing the command. The controller stores the present position of the motorized window treatment in the memory each time the rotational position of the motor changes by a predetermined angle, such that a plurality of positions are stored in the memory. When the controller is reset due to an overload condition or ESD event, the controller recalls the desired position from the memory, determines the present position, and continues to drive the motor drive circuit in response to the command and the present position.

Abstract: This method for controlling a motorized awning installation comprises: during the deployment of a cloth, a step of supervising the tension of the cloth, and a step of rolling up the cloth on a tube initiated automatically in response to a drop in the supervised tension, and stopped automatically before a perceptible folding of the arms for guidance of the cloth.

Abstract: A roller shade structure controlled by radio-frequency (RF) wireless communication from a control device comprises a roller tube and a conductive enclosure. The conductive enclosure is mounted inside the roller tube for enclosing a motor drive system having a motor operable to controllably rotate the roller tube in a direction at a speed when a voltage is applied to the motor. A capacitive coupling is provided between the enclosure and the roller tube, the capacitive coupling providing an increased signal strength of RF signals received by the RF receiver.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an overhead stowage bin compartment in a mobile platform, such as a commercial aircraft. A motor is operatively coupled to the compartment for moving the compartment between open and closed positions. A remotely located control system is in communication with the motor and supplies a current signal to the motor to drive the motor. The control system monitors operation of the motor and senses when the compartment is obstructed by sensing the current being supplied to the motor. The control system also senses a position of the compartment and, along with the computed required current, uses this information to determine if the weight of the compartment exceeds a predetermined maximum threshold.

Abstract: An electronic line shaft comprising a motor drive comprising a velocity noise filter coupled to receive a feedback position signal and operable to filter the feedback position signal to generate a feedback velocity signal where the noise filter has at least one controllable filter parameter that affects filter operating characteristics and a processing unit operable to execute a wizard for configuring the motor drive, the wizard being operable to receive mechanical characteristic data associated with the motor drive that is provided as input by a wizard user via a user interface and to determine a noise parameter based on the mechanical characteristic data, wherein the at least one controllable filter parameter is adjusted as a function of the noise parameter.

Abstract: An electrical control system comprising a controllably conductive device, an input receiving circuit and a timer circuit. The controllably conductive device selectively applies power to an electrically operated servo. The input receiving circuit receives an input signal from an input switch for selection of the motion of the control surface operated by the electrically operated servo. The input signal receiving circuit is coupled to the controllably conductive device to cause it to be conductive in response to the input signal. The timer circuit is responsive to a signal from the input receiving circuit for causing the controllably conductive device to be non-conductive if the input signal is present for greater than a selectable time period.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling any number of devices, such as one or more window shades, using a control system that can be connected to a wall switch by using only two wires. The various embodiments of the present invention enable a user to control a shade while using a motor that is controlled by use of two power lines.

Abstract: A raindrop sensor outputs a measurement signal, which corresponds to a quantity of raindrops in a predetermined sensing range in a wiping range on a windshield. A prohibited time period setting arrangement sets a time period, during which a wiper blade is predicted to pass through the predetermined sensing range, as a raindrop quantity sensing prohibited time period based on an elapsed time from a time point of supplying a drive command signal to a wiper motor, which drives the wiper blade. The determining arrangement determines the quantity of raindrops on the windshield based on the measurement signal outputted from the raindrop sensor in a raindrop quantity sensing execution time period, which is outside of the raindrop quantity sensing prohibited time period.

Abstract: Circuits and methods to read out capacitive sensors for distance measurement used by a position control system having a high accuracy and low noise have been disclosed. The ratio or difference of the capacitances of two sensor capacitors is used to determine the distance of an object from a target position. A sense amplifier is using auto-zero methods to achieve a long term stability. A sample-and-hold circuit using double correlated sampling methods minimizes noise. Low cost capacitors can be used with the sample-and-hold circuit because not the absolute value of capacitances but only the ratio of capacitances are relevant. A high resolution is ensured also by significant over-sampling of the control loop.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating method for a roller shutter comprising an actuator which is used to move the shutter and which consists of: a motor, an electronic control unit for powering the motor, and a control box which is connected to the electronic unit and which is equipped with at least one control key. The inventive operating method comprises at least one configuration mode, during which values that are associated with specific positions can be recorded. The invention is designed such that a roller shutter movement command only occurs after a key has been pressed during a period of time greater than a first period t1 if the device is not at least partially configured, but the pressing of a control key can be immediately interpreted as a command to move the mobile element if the device is at least partially configured.

Abstract: A motor controller for fully closing and opening a window glass for a vehicle door. The motor controller controls a motor that drives the window glass and includes a relay circuit connected to the motor and switching contact states in accordance with movement of the window glass. An FET is connected to the relay circuit. A sensor detects rotation speed of the motor and generates a detection signal. A CPU, which is connected to the FET and sensor, generates a duty signal having a duty ratio that is in accordance with a waveform of the detection signal generated by the sensor, provides the FET with the duty signal, and drives the motor in accordance with the waveform of the detection signal.

Abstract: A diaper pail has a body with an interior container space and an access opening into the interior container space. A diaper receptacle is also in the body and has a diaper receiving opening into the receptacle. An obstruction is provided that can be moved between a receiving orientation and a dumping orientation. In one aspect, an input device I configured to signal a part of the diaper pail to automatically operate the obstruction between the dumping orientation and the receiving orientation to receive a soiled diaper into the diaper receptacle and to dump the soiled diaper from the diaper receptacle into the interior container space. In another aspect, an activated charcoal filter is in communication with at least the interior storage space and is designed to chemically eliminate odors that emanate from the soiled diapers in the interior storage space.

Abstract: An electromotive furniture drive for adjusting at least one movable component of a piece of furniture, has at least one electric motor for adjusting the movable component, at least one operating device with switching elements for actuating the electric motor, at least one control unit for controlling the at least one electric motor as a function of the operating device, and at least one power supply unit. At least one analyzing device has at least one actuating element for checking the function of the at least one electric motor, the at least one control unit, the at least one operating device and of the at least one power supply unit, and has at least one signaling element.

Abstract: A closure system for controlling speed of a closure member, where the closure system includes a controller for transitioning speed of a closure member being operated in response to an obstacle being sensed in the path of the closure member. In one embodiment, a linear speed control algorithm determines the speed transitioning. In response to sensing contact with an obstacle, the controller may use a conventional contact process to stop or reverse the closure member. The closure system provides for a higher closing velocity of the closure member than conventional closure systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piece of furniture and to a device for moving a first furniture part relative to a second furniture part using a drive unit by means of which the first furniture part can be moved, in the driven manner, relative to the second furniture part via a monitoring unit for movement monitoring of the first furniture part. In order to adopt a position better between the furniture parts, the monitoring unit is designed to preset a movement of the first furniture part through a predefined movement distance away from a mechanical stop after a movement of the first furniture part to a position which is defined by the mechanical stop, with the first furniture part being locked in the position that is reached, as a final position.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention comprise an automatic reel capable assisting a user when attempting to unspool a linear material, such as a water hose. The automatic reel includes a control system having a motor controller capable of sensing a pulling of, or increased tension of, the linear material and capable of causing a motor to rotate to unspool the linear material. In certain embodiments, the motor controller tracks the length of the unspooled portion of the linear material and/or reduces the spooling speed of the motor when retracting a terminal portion of the linear material.

Abstract: A communication protocol is employed between a movable barrier operator and an associated wall button using the traditional signaling wires connecting them. Implementing the communication protocol using the existing signaling wires also allows backward compatibility with the traditional push wall buttons that have a physical contact switch. In one embodiment, the communication protocol allows bi-directional communication between the moveable barrier operator and the wall button. The bi-directional embodiment of the protocol allows further communications, such as handshaking, signal confirmation and more advanced control between the wall unit and the barrier operator.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator having a motor controller (10) and motor (11) that control selective movement of a movable barrier (12) also has an obstacle detector (14) that utilizes an automatically determined excess force threshold value to permit reliable detection of an obstacle under a wide variety of operational circumstances, including changing physical circumstances, aging components, temperature variations, and motor runtime. In a preferred embodiment, a characteristic force value for the system is frequently updated as a function of actual measured force requirements (and further compensated, pursuant to various embodiments, with respect to other conditions such as temperature and motor runtime). This characteristic force value is then utilized to determine the excess force threshold value.

Abstract: An intermittent windshield wiper control device for use with antique or historical cars. The control device includes a user actuator mechanism, microprocessor circuitry, a potentiometer system, and a relay system. User movement of the actuator mechanism is translated to the potentiometer system to vary an output therefrom. The microprocessor circuitry acts in response to the potentiometer system output in controlling operation of a vehicle's wiper motor via the relay system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor driving system. The motor driving system includes a motor, a transmission member, a follower member, a position-detecting light emitter, a position-detecting light receiver, and a positioning-status sensing element. The positioning-status sensing element includes a plurality of notches or openings. The positioning-status sensing element is moved between the position-detecting light emitter and the position-detecting light receiver such that a light beam emitted from the position-detecting light emitter is successively penetrated through the notches or openings to be received by the position-detecting light receiver. According to the light-receiving status of the position-detecting light receiver, the speed of the motor is reduced.

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.

Abstract: A driving device for a driving motor includes: a driving motor, driving a driven member; a control command value generating unit, generating a control command value that becomes a larger value as a control deviation becomes larger, as a control command value to the driving motor; an abutting member on which the driven member abuts; and a stop instructing unit, completing generation of the control command value by the control command value generating unit to stop the driven member when the control command value generated by the control command value generating unit becomes more than a predetermined judgment threshold value.

Abstract: An actuator (10) includes sensors (12) which are used to detect variables representing the operating state of the actuator (10) and are connected to an evaluation unit (16) associated with the actuator (10). The evaluation unit (16) is connected to sensors (12) and/or control actuating elements (13) by means of a first data bus (15). The sensors (12) are used to detect measurable variables representing the operating state of the actuator (10), and to transmit the same to the evaluation unit (16).

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the movement of a barrier is provided. The apparatus includes a governor with a preload member. The preload member provides a preload force that releasably and magnetically couples the preload member to the governor. The preload member is configured and arranged to provide a sufficient holding force to the governor in order to hold the barrier in place. The governor is configured and arranged to, upon the preload force being selectively decoupled from the preload member, allow for the downward movement of the barrier while also forming and applying an intentional braking force to the barrier to slow the downward movement of the barrier.

Abstract: The rotating speed of an output shaft of a door opening and closing motor actuating a sliding door is monitored, and whether a fluctuation value of the rotating speed is equal to or more than a first determination threshold value is determined (step S310). A second determination threshold value having a pinching detecting sensitivity that is higher than the first determination threshold value is set. When it is determined that the shift lever of the transmission is in a P position, or a foot brake is operating, or a parking brake is operating, whether the fluctuation value of the rotating speed is equal to or more than the second determination threshold value is determined (step S360). If the fluctuation value of the rotating speed is equal to or more than each of the determination threshold values, the sliding door is actuated in an opening direction (step S320).

Abstract: Current through a motor is sensed to create a voltage which is amplified. The amplifier is followed by a high pass filter and a low pass filter. This recovers commutator pulses from the motor current, rejecting mains ripple and higher frequency noise. Commutator pulses are counted. Other arrangements could be used for injecting pulses into the motor supply, for counting at a remote position. Various techniques are described for controlling the motor in accordance with the result of counting.

Abstract: A powered dispenser is provided for cosmetic sticks. The dispenser includes a case and a cosmetic cup that is disposed within the case and that is dimensioned for holding a cosmetic stick. A powered control mechanism is provided for moving the cup upwardly and downwardly within the case so that a cosmetic stick, such as lipstick, is selectively movable between an extended position wherein it can be applied by the user and a retracted, storage position within the case.

Abstract: In an adjustable bed, a bending angle of a lift arm is precisely adjusted according to generated signals corresponding to a wheel rotated by a motor of the adjustable bed or according to a current state related to the wheel. The signals are generated according to whether light is obstructed by gratings, according to whether a magnetic force is detected, or according to a change of a magnetic field. The current state is current resistance of a variable resistor disposed near the wheel.

Abstract: A control system for a first window lifter adjusts a first window pane of a motor vehicle having a first drive, and for a second window lifter for adjusting a second window pane of the motor vehicle having a second drive, having a control device. The control device may be electrically connected both to the first drive and to the second drive for the purpose of energization. The control device may have a first sensor for determining a first adjustment position of the first window lifter, and a second sensor for determining a second adjustment position of the second window lifter, the first sensor and the second sensor being based on different physical operational principles.

Abstract: A device and method for operating an optoelectronic safety sensitive edge (100) for the safeguarded motor-driven movement of a gate having a closing edge (141). The device has a deformable, hollow, elastic profile (110), a light transmitter device with a light transmitter (121a), and a transmitter control system (121b), by means of which at least one operating parameter of the light transmitter (121a) can be adjusted, a light receiver device (122) with a light receiver, the light transmitter device and the light receiver device (122) being coupled optically and electrically by the transfer of dynamic signals, an optical, dynamic coupling signal (K2, K2?, K2?) within the hollow profile (110); and an evaluating device (130) with means for detecting an electric, dynamic coupling signal (K2, K2?, K2?), the evaluating device (130), generating a release signal in response to the detected, dynamic, electric coupling signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention describes a gate closure system having a barrier or gate operator for moving a gate between a gate fully opened position and a gate fully closed position. The gate closure system preferably further includes, among other things, a master control board with input and output points to receive and transmit data associated with movement of the gate, including a panic control override mode circuit input to the master control board that negates all gate movement parameters during any portion of the gate's travel path to open or close the gate at a substantially greater rate of speed than typically used to open or close the gate during normal operation, regardless of the gate's speed, torque, direction of travel (forward or backward), or whether the gate is stationary.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for identifying pinching situations in a motor-driven displacing device. During a displacing process along an actuating direction, values (W(n) to (W(n?m)) of a quantity (1), which characterizes the currently occurring displacing force, or a quantity derived therefrom are determined and stored, and a quantity (8) that characterizes the pinching force of the displacing device is determined on the basis of at least two stored values (W(n) to (W(n?m)).

Abstract: In an automatic transmission position control by a motor, it is determined whether the present instant belongs to a starting period, that is, the present instant is immediately after resetting of a control unit or application of power to it. If it is the starting period, an actual shift position that is detected from an output of an output shaft sensor for detecting a rotation position of a motor is set as an instructed shift position. With this measure, even if the control unit is reset for a certain reason while the vehicle is running, the instructed shift position is not changed in association with the resetting. This prevents trouble that the shift position is switched contrary to the intention of the driver, whereby the reliability of a position switching control can be increased.

Abstract: The open/close body drive device is capable of restarting a brushless motor, without using magnetic pole sensors, so as to securely drive an open/close body in an arbitrary direction when any of the magnetic pole sensors has failed. When a CPU (1) detects an abnormal logic as a detection pattern of the magnetic pole sensors (9), the CPU (1) determines that the sensor has failed and temporarily stops drive of a DC brushless motor (5), and a motor drive unit (4) generates a phase switching signal to prolong one of electric connection patterns for performing sensorless drive when restarting the DC brushless motor (5).

Abstract: A system for safely opening/closing a power window of a vehicle includes a main opening/closing device provided adjacent to a driver seat so as to open and close a window of a passenger seat. A sub opening/closing device is provided adjacent to a passenger seat so as to open and close a window of a passenger seat. A plurality of main electrodes of the main opening/closing device includes at least one main ground electrode for generating a signal. A main center electrode is electrically connected to a sub opening/closing device and to at least one main ground electrode by a main switch, and is disposed on a portion of a main plate to be prevented from being electrically connected to a main ground electrode when a main switch moves.

Abstract: Calibration of a motorized roller shade is accomplished by calculating a radius of a roller tube and thickness of a shade fabric rotatably supported by the roller tube. First, a lower edge of the shade fabric is moved to a first position at a first linear distance from a predetermined position. Second, a first number of revolutions of the roller tube between the first position and the predetermined position is determined. Next, the lower edge of the shade fabric is moved to a second position at a second linear distance from the predetermined position and a second number of revolutions between the second position and the predetermined position is determined. Finally, the tube radius and the fabric thickness are calculated from the first and second linear distances and the first and second numbers of revolutions. The tube radius and the fabric thickness are used to control the linear speed of the lower edge of the shade fabric.

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.

Abstract: A control module for controlling a rotational closure system of a vehicle. The control module may include a printed circuit board having an electronic circuit disposed thereon. The electronic circuit may be used to control a rotational closure system of the vehicle. A header may be connected to the printed circuit board. The header may include a top side and a bottom side having a relative, non-zero degree angle formed therebetween. Pins may extend from the bottom of the header to form an electrical connection with the electronic circuit on the printed circuit board. An angle sensor may be positioned on the top side of the header and be electrically connected to the pins of the header to communicate with the electronic circuit. The angle sensor may generate an angle signal for the electronic circuit to use in positioning the rotational closure system.

Abstract: A barrier operating system having a diagnostic performance feature includes a motorized barrier movable between limit positions and a counterbalance system coupled to the barrier. A disconnect mechanism may be interposed between the motor and the counterbalance system so that the barrier can be moved manually without assistance from the motor. A position detection device is coupled to either the barrier or the counterbalance system and generates a barrier position signal. One of the motor and the position detection device generates operational parameter values for the barrier moving in either direction. A controller receives the operational parameter values and the barrier position signal, and as the barrier is manually moved, the controller compares operational parameter values for each direction of movement at a given position and generates a diagnostic signal based upon the comparison.

Abstract: A control module for controlling a rotational closure system of a vehicle. The control module may include a printed circuit board having an electronic circuit disposed thereon. The electronic circuit may be used to control a rotational closure system of the vehicle. A header may be connected to the printed circuit board. The header may include a top side and a bottom side having a relative, non-zero degree angle formed therebetween. Pins may extend from the bottom of the header to form an electrical connection with the electronic circuit on the printed circuit board. An angle sensor may be positioned on the top side of the header and be electrically connected to the pins of the header to communicate with the electronic circuit. The angle sensor may generate an angle signal for the electronic circuit to use in positioning the rotational closure system.