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

Abstract: An operating device for an overhead closure which comprises a motor, operatively connected to the closure for opening and closing the closure, and at least one sensor unit mountable either the closure or a support surface bordering the closure. The sensor unit is operable to detect the presence of an obstacle obstructing a travel path of the closure and to generate a signal in response thereto. A control system is in communication with the sensor and with the motor. The control system includes a control unit which receives the signal and provides a sensing feature which stops and/or opens the closure in response to the signal. The control unit deactivates the sensing feature at a selected point prior to an end limit position of the closure. The selected point is determined by the control unit based on a calculated delay characteristic.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved system and method for sensing both hard and soft obstructions for a movable panel such as a sunroof. A dual detection scheme is employing that includes an optical sensing as the primary means and electronic sensing of motor current as a secondary means. The secondary means utilizes system empirical precharacterization, fast processing algorithms, motor parameter monitoring including both current sensing and sensorless electronic motor current commutation pulse sensing, and controller memory, to adaptively modify electronic obstacle detection thresholds in real time without the use of templates and cycle averaging techniques.

Abstract: A vehicle-side device receives a response signal transmitted from an electronic key carried by a user and executes a matching process to check whether the key is an authorized one. When the matching is confirmed and the operation of a sensor/switch disposed on a door is detected, a given door is unlocked. The device determines a door which is to be opened by the user, and the seat state is controlled on the basis the door to be opened. If the door to be opened is for rearmost seats, the rearmost seats are automatically controlled to a seating state or a loading state based on detection of absence or presence of an object on the rearmost seats.

Abstract: A device for finding a home position of a moveable member includes a magnet mounted on the moveable member and two switch-type Hall effect detectors, one on each side of the home position and equally spaced from the home position. The device includes a device for measuring movement of the moveable member and a microprocessor with a memory that receives information from the two Hall effect detectors and the device for measuring movement.

Abstract: The apparatus for closing a closure of a vehicle comprises a closure driver for moving the closure and an electronic control unit electrically coupled to the closure driver. The electronic control unit is configured to determine if predetermined speed criteria is satisfied and to operate the closure driver so as to close the closure at a first closing speed if the predetermined speed criteria is satisfied or at a second closing speed if the predetermined speed criteria is not satisfied. The second closing speed is less than the first closing speed regardless of the position of the closure so that a squeezing force applied by the closure to an obstruction remains less than a predetermined squeezing force. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: An operator system for moving a barrier between limit positions, includes an operator motor assembly mounted to the barrier, wherein the motor assembly is movable between an operating position and a locking position with the motor assembly blocking movement of the barrier. A bias assembly allows the motor assembly to move toward the locking position when either a predetermined force overcomes a biasing force, or when the barrier is moved to a closed position or when forced entry is imposed on the barrier. A modified blocker tab having a plurality of projections, and which is part of the motor assembly, allows the speed/angular position of the rotation of the motor assembly to be monitored with increased resolution.

Abstract: A wireless control system can be used to selectively adjust the position of a liftgate platform with respect to a vehicle cargo hold. The wireless control system includes a transmitter for use in transmitting a wireless control signal, a receiver that receives the wireless control signal transmitted by the transmitter and communicates a corresponding control signal to an actuation device to adjust the platform and, a transmitter detection system that prevents the actuation device from operating unless the transmitter is positioned in a predetermined location.

Abstract: A motor control device has a target speed generating unit for generating a generated target rotational speed, speed detecting units for detecting rotational speeds of each of the plurality of motors, an average speed calculating unit for averaging the detected rotational speeds of each of the plurality of motors to calculate an average rotational speed, a drive command value output unit for outputting a drive command value to each of the plurality of motors based on the generated target rotational speed and the average rotational speed, rotation amount detecting units for detecting the rotation amounts of each of the plurality of motors, an average rotation amount calculating unit for averaging the detected rotation amounts of each of the plurality of motors to calculate an average rotation amount, and drive command value changing units for generating a feedback signal for rotation amount control corresponding to each of the plurality of motors based on the average rotation amount and the detected rotation am

Abstract: A lid assembly for use with a garbage can having a frame that includes a lip at the bottom of lid and a housing. The housing is defined by a lower wall and a sidewall with an opening. A static electricity sensor is positioned in the housing. The lid assembly also includes a displaceable door that moves with the lip to open the garbage can. So that when the static electricity sensor detects the static electricity of a user, the displaceable door slides to open the garbage can and when the static electricity sensor does not detects the static electricity of a user, the displaceable door slides to close the garbage can.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for isolating supply current from control devices, which satisfies higher safety standards while, however, being easy to operate. To this end, the inventive arrangement comprises a device for isolating supply current from control devices that are connected to a first voltage source, which is connected to power mains and which serves to provide an operating potential for a servomotor.

Abstract: A door opener error-start prevention device, the output shaft of the door opener is formed as a hollow accommodation portion, a pair of axial sliding slots are formed on the periphery, and a sliding pin radially inserted; a pair of elastic elements, abutting against the sliding pin from both ends, the outer end of each elastic element fixed by a bolt; a sprocket assembly is rotationally invaginated on the output shaft, one end having a sprocket , the other end formed with a pair of V-shaped slots corresponding to the sliding slots on the output shaft, both ends of the pin engage in the V-shaped slot to drive the sprocket. When an error start of the door occurs, the door returns to the original position by actuation of an obstacle sensing device actuated by the sliding pin, the sensitivity of which is adjusted by a bolt at the outside of the output shaft.

Abstract: A position sensing apparatus and method, motion control system, and integrated circuit are provided that include a plurality of sensors and a tracking processor. The plurality of sensors includes a linear array of sensors that sense a plurality of features of an object. A spacing between two of the plurality of sensors is substantially smaller than a spacing between two of the plurality of features. The tracking processor samples signals from the sensors, compares the samples to previous samples and calculates a position of the object. The plurality of sensors may include a second linear array of sensors. Centers of the sensors of the second linear array may be offset from centers of the sensors of the first linear array along a longitudinal axis of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A system for the detection of at least an open state of an opening of a motor vehicle and two other states of a lock of said opening, called a first state and a second state, includes two switching devices associated with the opening and the lock. One of the two switching devices includes a first contact breaker with a normally open or normally closed position detecting at least the open state of the opening. The two switching devices are connected to a ground cable. The first contact breaker detects the first state and is connected to a first information cable. The other of the two switching devices includes a second contact breaker with a position normally open or normally closed detecting two states and is connected to a second information cable. Of the two states, one is common with the state detected by the first contact breaker. The first and second information cables are connected to analytical means.

Abstract: A mechanical-electronic position sensor in which the wiper voltage of a potentiometer actuated by a plunger is measured, processed by a microcontroller, and is available as an analog output signal via an output stage. In the event that watchdog signals fail to appear because of a malfunction of the microcontroller, two monitoring stages deactivate the output stage. The monitoring stages themselves are tested by regularly interrupting the watchdog signals for a short time while the output stage is maintained active.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved system and method for sensing both hard and soft obstructions for a movable panel such as a sunroof. A dual detection scheme is employing that includes an optical sensing as the primary means and electronic sensing of motor current as a secondary means. The secondary means utilizes system empirical precharacterization, fast processing algorithms, motor parameter monitoring including both current sensing and sensorless electronic motor current commutation pulse sensing, and controller memory, to adaptively modify electronic obstacle detection thresholds in real time without the use of templates and cycle averaging techniques.

Abstract: A power window device that suppresses heating in a motor used to lower and raise a window glass. For each door of a vehicle, the power window device includes an ECU that controls a motor in accordance with the operation of a switch to raise the window glass. A pulse sensor is arranged in the vicinity of the motor to detect the rotation speed of the motor and generate a detection signal. Based on the pulse signal of the pulse sensor, the ECU determines whether the window glass has reached a fully open or fully closed position. When it is determined that the motor has become locked or that the window glass has reached the fully open or fully closed position, the ECU deactivates the motor until predetermined activation conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: A system for controlling a displacement drive of a motor vehicle includes a manually operable actuator movable over a fixed stroke between a first end position and a second end position. The actuator is biased to a neutral position centrally located between the first and second end positions and provides a signal representative of position of the actuator. A controller receives the signal from the actuator and produces commands for a reversible DC electric motor of the displacement drive device. The commands vary speed of the drive motor based on the position of the actuator such that the speed of the drive motor is zero at the neutral position, increases in one direction as the actuator moves toward the first end position, and increases in the other direction as the actuator moves toward the second end position.

Abstract: An operator system for moving a barrier between limit positions, includes an operator motor assembly mounted to the barrier, wherein the motor assembly is movable between an operating position and a locking position with the motor assembly blocking movement of the barrier. A bias assembly allows the motor assembly to move toward the locking position when either a predetermined force overcomes a biasing force, or when the barrier is moved to a closed position or when forced entry is imposed on the barrier. A modified blocker tab having a plurality of projections, and which is part of the motor assembly, allows the speed/angular position of the rotation of the motor assembly to be monitored with increased resolution.

Abstract: A method for controlling a seat which is equipped with: at least one controllable actuator (20) for moving two portions (16, 18) of the seat relative to each other; a controllable lock (26) for positive mechanical locking of the movement of the two portions of the seat, the lock (26) being able to be displaced between an engaged position opposite a complementary stop (30) and a disengaged position remote from the stop (30), which method comprises, in the event of an order for modification of a command for the actuator (20), steps for: verifying whether the two portions (16, 18) are in a critical range (I) of relative positioning, and as long as the two portions (16, 18) are in the critical range (I), applying to the actuator (20) a command which is different from the modified command.

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 control method of a sliding door of a vehicle. A first step engages a clutch of the sliding door if an obstacle is detected during manipulation of the sliding door, and waits for a sliding door manipulation signal to be input. A second step determines whether a fuel door is open. A third step determines whether the signal is input again if the fuel door is open at the second step. A fourth step disengages the clutch if the signal is input again at the third step.

Abstract: An operator for a barrier, such as an upward acting door, includes a control unit having two optical limit switches providing output signals to a controller to effect shut-off of the operator motor when the door reaches open and closed limit positions. The limit switches preferably include LED emitter and phototransistor sensor elements and are preferably mounted on a circuit board in close proximity to a screw member which rotates in timed relation to the position of the door. Linearly movable nut members are mounted on the screw member and include or engage optical shield members which move into positions to provide respective output signals from the optical switches. The door closed optical limit switch may incorporate a pre-limit switch function to override a signal from a door bottom edge obstruction sensor.

Abstract: A backward pedaling detection circuit has a charging/discharging circuit for charging and discharging the external capacitor to meet the threshold voltage required by the hysteresis comparator, based on the input from the hall sensor. An internal pull-down circuit, based on the pedal speed, keeps the circuit from false triggering. A comparator with hysteresis (Schmitt trigger) sets the upper and lower threshold voltage and eliminates the effect of noise. AND gates act like switches to allow the selected signal to pass through.

Abstract: A constant speed barrier operator comprises a controller, a memory unit, a potentiometer, a pulse counter, and a motor control. The potentiometer and pulse counter monitor the position and speed of an access barrier. As the access barrier is moved between open and closed positions the controller samples the position and speed of the access barrier. These samples are used to analyze whether the speed at a given point deviates from a predetermined speed selected for the access barrier. If a variation exists, the controller takes corrective action by changing power settings for the motor for a given access barrier position.

Abstract: A controller for an automatic transfer switch mechanism in an electrical distribution panel, which automatically determines motor phase by monitoring the back EMF voltage of the motor when no power is applied to the motor as defined by a pulse width modulation circuit. Phase comparisons of the voltage on the line and load sides of the transfer switch mechanism determine the position of the transfer switch mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for an anti-pinch powered window system includes a window and a mechanical drive mechanism for raising and lowering the window. An electric motor drives the mechanical drive mechanism responsive to a command. A microcontroller unit generates the command responsive to a measured load current of the electric motor. A command to change direction of the window is generated responsive to a determination that the measured load current has exceeded a variable threshold level indicating that the window has stopped due to an obstruction. The variable threshold level is determined by the load current data stored within a memory.

Abstract: To obtain an improved possibility of establishing the causes of failure in linear drive devices with an electric drive, operational data logging means shall be provided for logging data in connection with operational loads and/or an operating state of the electric drive, which occur over a certain period of time, wherein the operational data logging means can be connected to the power connection means for data logging. Means for storing data, which are based on a plurality of measurements of the same measured variable, which measurements are performed one after another, make it possible to log and evaluate data over a long period of time, preferably during the entire service life of the linear drive device. The measurements are carried out during the use of the linear drive device (14) during which it is in a loaded state.

Abstract: In an in-vehicle mount type AV system for implementing proper acoustic effect control, a swing angle of a rear monitor is detected by a right and left angle sensor, and respective acoustic effects of four speakers (for example, the volume levels of reproduced sounds) are adjusted. The angle detected by the right and left angle sensor corresponds to the angle of the display face of the rear monitor, and the correlation between the display face and the head position of an occupant (automobile passenger) can be estimated. That is, the probability that the head portion of the occupant exists in a direction to which the display face of the rear monitor is oriented is high, and thus the acoustic effect is controlled so that proper volume balance is established at the occupant position thus estimated.

Abstract: A method of configuring a control unit (CPU) of an actuator (ACT) including a motor (MOT) for operating a movable element (COV) of a home automation equipment item (INST) of closure, privacy, sun protection or screening, which comprises: a phase for supplying the motor during which at least one characteristic quantity (MV1, MV2, MZ1, MZ2) of the movement of the movable element is obtained with the aid of a measurement procedure comprising at least one step of integrating a physical quantity supplied by an accelerometer (ACC), at least one quantity (ROT, ROT1, ROT2) internal to the actuator being measured during this supply phase, and a phase for determining a relation (REL) between the characteristic quantity and the internal quantity.

Abstract: The invention concerns a switching device system including at least one switching device, signal means and control means. Each switching device includes at least one mobile contact part, an electric motor and, coupling means. The coupling means is arranged to transfer motion from the electric motor to the mobile contact part. The control means is arranged to control the switching device. According to the invention the control means is at least partly remotely located from the switching device. The signal means transmit signals from the switching device to the remotely located control means and vice/versa. The signals represent real-time data and/or off-line data. The invention concerns also a switching device, control means and methods related to the invented system as well as computer program products for such system and electric power system being provided with such system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seat control electronic system for controlling a drive of a motor vehicle seat which is configured for detecting a characteristic variable of the drive during several short actuations of the drive) and to evaluate variables respectively associated with several short actuations, and to determine a blocking function according to the evaluations.

Abstract: A pinching detection device for detecting that an object has been pinched in an opening/closing apparatus. The device includes a sensor having temperature dependence and detecting that an object has been pinched, based on a frequency element and a magnitude of an output signal; a filter portion for extracting a signal in a predetermined frequency band, from an output of the sensor; and an amplification portion for amplifying the extracted signal. In this device, the frequency band and an amplification factor of the amplification portion is determined in response to an ambient temperature.

Abstract: An anti-pinch control utilizes certain vehicle information to adjust anti-pinch parameters used to control movement of a powered closure member. The anti-pinch control determines whether a vehicle is stationary, and identifies if an engine is “on” or “off.” A low pinch force parameter is applied when the vehicle is stationary and when the engine is “off.” A high pinch force parameter is applied when the engine is “on.” When the low pinch force parameter is being applied, other safety features could also be incorporated into the control, such as preventing release of a parking brake or preventing movement of a gear selector out of park, for example.

Abstract: A position determination circuit uses the commutation sensor of a brushless DC motor to determine the position of an actuator and/or actuated component 125. The commutation sensor supplies a rotational position signal representative of the rotational position of the motor to a pulse generator. The pulse generator generates a pulse each time the rotational position signal represents a complete revolution of the brushless DC motor. The generated pulses are supplied to an integrator circuit, which selectively supplies a position signal having a voltage magnitude representative of the position of the actuator and/or component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the angular position (theta) of a rotor (2) pertaining to an electric motor (1) and comprising a number of pairs of poles. Said method consists of the following steps: a pulse pattern (PM1,PM2,PM3) with a pulse duration (T) flows through at least one stator coil (7) of the electric motor (1), such that the rotor (2) does not rotate by more than 90 DEG, divided between the number of pairs of poles, during the pulse duration (T); the angular acceleration (alpha) of the rotor (2), caused by the pulse pattern flowing through the at least one stator coil, (7) is detected; and the angular position (theta) of the rotor (2) is determined by means of the correlation between the flow through the stator coil (7) and the angular acceleration (alpha) of the rotor (2).

Abstract: In a movable object system (10) that makes use of both a maintained count (31) that corresponds to movement of a given object and passpoint events (32) as generated by a corresponding passpoint signal generator (15), count zones (34, 37, 36A, 36B) can be defined for at least one of the passpoint events. Such count zones can be used to aid in determining when significant recalibration of the passpoint event/count value relationships should be undertaken. In a preferred embodiment, such count zones include no more than a single passpoint event.

Abstract: A closing and opening system of a vehicle comprises a control device of an anti-pinch protection arrangement, where the control device is coupled with a drive of the closing and opening system. The control device has an input for at least one signal based on a variable, vehicle-sensitive data value. The control device is configured such that the control device determines a situation-specific anti-pinch protection parameter depending on the signal and addresses the drive in a situation-specific manner on the basis of the situation-specific anti-pinch protection parameter.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to automated shade systems. An automated shade system comprises one or more motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use one or more 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; 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 motor vehicle that is equipped with a movable convertible top comprising control equipment for controlling the convertible top motion and a detection device for recognition of an intervention into the range of motion of a convertible top mechanism, which is equipped with a sensor system with sensors operating with different measurement principles, wherein, when recognizing a malfunction of the detection device or when recognizing an obstruction situation, the convertible top motion is controlled in a safety mode during which the convertible top motion continues with reduced speed and power or is stopped or reversed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, computer readable mediums and propagated signals are provided for controlling the position, orientation, movement, configuration and/or operation of one or more window coverings, doors, vanes, filters or other apparatus. In one embodiment, a system is provided for controlling at least one of the position and orientation of a blind. The system includes a controller for operating a blind, at least one detector operably connected to the controller for simultaneously detecting position and orientation of at least one element of the blind, and at least one output device operably connected to the controller for controlling at least one of the orientation and position of the blind. The embodiments may also include or utilize at least one of a receiver program module, a device controller module, a timer program module and a system controller module which are utilized by a controller to control the operation of the blind.

Abstract: A collector ring for use with a center pivot irrigation system which permits the mounting of a communication device above the span structure. The collector ring also includes a monitoring device which senses the angle or rotation of the span structure with respect to the fixed center pivot structure.

Abstract: A method and device for adapting a stop of an electrically triggered actuator are provided, which may be implemented in a precise and simple manner and allow for a continuous adaptation. For this purpose, a check is performed to determine whether a setpoint value for a position of the actuator to be set corresponds to a stop of the actuator. In this case, a characteristic variable of the trigger signal for triggering the actuator formed for implementing the setpoint value is compared with a predefined value. Depending on the result of the comparison, a position of the stop of the actuator is adapted.

Abstract: A system and method for starting and regulating a wound rotor motor especially during the period between inactivity and a speed determined by the voltage ratings of the drive system. In a first embodiment, a starting resistor and a starting bypass contactor are connected between the rotor of the motor and a low voltage source inverter. In an alternative embodiment, the arrangement of the first embodiment is altered by connecting a shorting contactor on one side to the junction of the voltage source inverter, the starting resistor and the starting bypass contactor so as to be short circuited on the opposite side of the shorting contactor.

Abstract: An electronically commutated asynchronous motor (12) features a stator (202), a short-circuit rotor (204), a controller (FOR 20) for field-oriented regulation of the motor (12), a sensor magnet (274) in thermally conductive connection with the short-circuit rotor (204), a rotor position sensor (14A; 18; 18?) arranged at a predetermined distance (d) from the sensor magnet (274) to generate an output signal (HALL, U, U1, U2) that is dependent upon the spatial orientation of the sensor magnet (274), and a temperature evaluation apparatus (CALC_T 44) configured to ascertain, during operation, from the sensor output signal (HALL, U, U1, U2), a temperature value (T) that characterizes a temperature (T_SM, T_S) in the motor (12).

Abstract: A universal controller for an automatic door system including a door carried on a frame for movement along a predetermined path of movement between open and closed positions. The universal controller includes a housing for mounting the controller in a stationary position relative to the door frame and an assembly including a processor carried by the housing for processing data operatively received from a plurality of sensors and relating to the operation of the movable door. The processor is configured to generate operational values which are transmitted to and control a drive motor used to move the door between the open and closed positions. The assembly further includes an arrangement for adjusting the operational values generated by the processor and transmitted to the drive motor. A modular harness connects the controller to the drive motor and to the sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic controlling device with a computer unit installed to control a regulating device especially a window lifter of a motor vehicle. The computer unit stops or initiates the stop of a regulating motion of the window lifter drive if a signal correlating to the rotary moment of the window lifter drive exceeds a response level. In the setting range of a starting motion from standstill of the window lifter drive, the response level is a setting range dependant and/or time-related dependant preset function with at least one parameter determining the course of this function. The parameter value is modified in dependence from the starting motion of the window lifter drive.

Abstract: Control apparatus for an adjusting device in a motor vehicle, having a sensor, particularly a current sensor (S1), for generating a signal (U1 to U10, I1 to I3, ?t1 to ?t8) which is dependent on a motor movement by a motor in the adjusting device, a power driver for controlling a motor current, and a processor (RE) which is designed and set up to find a position (xm) from the sensor signal (U1 to U10, I1 to I3, ?t1 to ?t8), particularly from the ripple in the motor current, to associate a reference characteristic (Chref) of orderly signals (U1 to U10, I1 to I3, ?t1 to ?t8) from the sensor, particularly for the ripple, with a reference position (xref), to correct the position found (xm) on the basis of the reference characteristic (Chref) and the reference position (xref), and to control the motor current on the basis of the corrected position.

Abstract: A process for initializing a motorized roller shutter that moves between two extreme positions includes moving the shutter in a first direction at fast speed, then moving it at slow speed, then reversing it in a second direction at fast speed followed by slow speed. The shutter is moved back in the first direction at fast speed, then at slow speed, after which the times are determined that are needed to cover the full travel at fast speed between the two extreme positions in the first direction and in the second direction.

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.