Plural Sensing Means For Determining Plural Positions Or Plural Limits-of Travel Patents (Class 318/467)
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Patent number: 12252919Abstract: Door operator systems are described herein that include the use of an adaptor. It should be understood that the adaptor may be utilized in order to operatively couple separate door operator assemblies together in a double door operator system. The adaptor may include control components (e.g., switches, buttons, toggles, levers, or the like) that are used to turn the door operator system on and off. While the adaptor may be used to operatively couple two separate door operator assemblies together to form a double door operator system, the adaptor may also be used within a single door operator system. Furthermore, with respect to double door operator systems, the system may also utilize a back plate assembly comprising two or more separate back plates (e.g., two or more back plate portions).Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2023Date of Patent: March 18, 2025Assignee: ASSA ABLOY Accessories and Door Controls Group, Inc.Inventors: Lee Griswold, Tommy McNally
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Patent number: 12247431Abstract: A system for opening and closing a door within a cabinet is provided. The system includes a motor in communication with a controller to automatically open and close a door. A first plate fixed to the motor shaft to rotate with rotation of the motor shaft, the plate comprises a slot disposed therein. A first leg extends from a door that extends through the slot. A second leg extends from the door. A first sensor moves based upon rotation of the motor shaft, wherein the first sensor can detect relative motion between the motor shaft and the door, wherein when the motor shaft is rotated in the second direction and the first sensor detects relative motion between the motor shaft and the door, the first sensor sends a signal to the controller, wherein upon receipt of the signal the first sensor discontinues sending the second signal to the motor.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2021Date of Patent: March 11, 2025Assignee: CARTER-HOFFMANN LLCInventors: Carol Lessard, Kelly Michalko
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Patent number: 12203312Abstract: A system for monitoring a closed state of a cover of an exposure machine includes a servo motor, a photoelectric encoder, and a controller. A shaft of the servo motor is coaxially fixedly connected to a shaft of the cover. The photoelectric encoder is provided on the servo motor, and is configured to detect an angle of rotation of the shaft of the servo motor. The controller is connected to the servo motor and the photoelectric encoder, and is configured to control rotation of the shaft of the servo motor and determine whether the cover is in the closed state according to the angle.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2022Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: CHANGXIN MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: Xueyu Liang
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Patent number: 12181605Abstract: An electronic apparatus for detecting distances from the electronic apparatus to external objects is provided, the apparatus comprising a substrate, a light receiving sensor of a distance measurement sensor arranged over the substrate, one or more light sources arranged over the substrate, a first lens arranged over a first one of the light sources and arranged to direct light emitted by the first light source, a second lens arranged over the light receiving sensor and configured to direct light received by the second lens onto the light receiving sensor of the distance measurement sensor, and a transparent member arranged between the second lens and the light receiving sensor and configured to transmit the light directed by the second lens onto the light receiving sensor, and reflect light from at least one of the light sources onto the light receiving sensor of the distance measurement sensor, a lens holder.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2019Date of Patent: December 31, 2024Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions CorporationInventor: Yoshitaka Egawa
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Patent number: 12157197Abstract: A system to control a workpiece during its manufacturing in a machining system. The control being performed in the same manufacturing phase following machining operation. The workpiece being set in the work volume of the machining system. The check operation includes the acquisition of points on the surface of the part. The robot is moved by a cart so the robot can reach the protected working area. The measuring device is positioned relative to the workpiece by the robot. Acquisition of a plurality of points on the surface of the workpiece is performed. The position of the plurality points acquired is compared with the three-dimensional model stored in the memory of the computer.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2020Date of Patent: December 3, 2024Assignee: I-MCInventors: Dominique Nozais, Zilong Shao, Jean-Yves Hascoet
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Patent number: 12145646Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrically adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising a supporting unit, by which a positioning unit is adjustably held, an adjustment device with an adjustment motor, said adjustment device being designed for adjusting the positioning unit relative to the supporting unit, a mechanical adjustment stop, which mechanically limits an adjustment of the positioning unit in a first adjustment direction, and a control unit. The control unit is designed here to activate the adjustment motor, wherein a virtual adjustment stop is defined, said adjustment stop being located upstream of the mechanical adjustment stop with respect to the first adjustment direction. The steering column is designed here for adjusting a positioning unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2022Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Inventors: Jean-Pierre Specht, Anton Spildenner, Andreas Willi
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Patent number: 11949361Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable speed drive for driving an electric motor and providing a safe torque off (STO) function. The drive includes two parallel signal buffers connected to a safety controller and at least one IGBT gate driver circuit, wherein the signal buffers share the same IGBT gate control signals as inputs and feed them to the same IGBT gate driver circuits and wherein each signal buffer has an own STO control signal for activation and deactivation of outputs. The invention is also directed at a method for diagnosing a corresponding drive.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2021Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Vacon OYInventor: Antti Samuli Keskinarkaus
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Patent number: 11891849Abstract: An apparatus includes a control unit. The control unit is configured to determine a window point for an automatic change of state of a window pane of a vehicle. The control unit is also configured to determine event data for a plurality of window events in which an occupant of a vehicle has caused a change in the state of a window pane of the vehicle. The event data for a window event indicate a location at which the change of state of a window pane was effected. The control unit is also configured to determine at least one window point with a location at which a similar change of state of window panes was effected. The control unit is also configured to provide one or more vehicles with point data in relation to the determined window point, wherein the point data indicate the location of the window point and the change of state of a window pane automatically effected at the window point.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2019Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: David Matzek
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Patent number: 11772523Abstract: An alighting assistance device D of the present disclosure may be a device moving a driver seat rearward in a case where a determination is made that an occupant seated on the driver seat of a vehicle alights. The device may include a reclining mechanism as one example of an angle changer which changes an angle of a seat back of the driver seat with respect to a horizontal plane, a sitting height acquirer which acquires a sitting height of the occupant, and a seat controller as one example of an angle controller which controls the angle changer such that the angle of the seat back becomes closer to be perpendicular as the sitting height acquired by the sitting height acquirer is higher in the case where a determination is made that the occupant alights.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2022Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshito Hirata, Tomonori Ohtsubo, Hiroki Uemura, Kengo Iwata, Masato Maeda, Hiroaki Matsuda, Masahito Kashihara, Chieko Nakagami
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Patent number: 11745983Abstract: Disclosed is an elevator system having an elevator entryway, the elevator entryway including: a first door, which is an elevator door, a first controller operationally connected to the first door for opening and closing the first door to provide access to an elevator, wherein when the first door is closing: the first controller monitors for first instructions over a frequency applicable to light detection and ranging (LIDAR) and/or a radio detection and ranging (RADAR), and upon receiving the first instructions, the first controller executes the first instructions.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2018Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANYInventors: Walter Thomas Schmidt, Joseph V. Mantese, Goran Djuknic, Paul R. Braunwart, Enrico Manes, Ziyou Xiong
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Patent number: 11732519Abstract: A safety device (200) is provided for a movable barrier system ((100). The safety device comprises a position sensor (210) mountable, in use, to or adjacent a barrier (110). A target (220) is mountable to the other of the barrier, such that movement of the barrier causes relative movement between the position sensor and the target. A controller (240) can communicate with the position sensor. The position sensor can detect movement of the target relative to the position sensor and output a signal to the controller. The controller can receive the output signal from the position sensor, determine one or more signal characteristics from the output signal, and compare the one or more determined signal characteristics with one or more predetermined signal characteristics to determine if the relative movement between the target and the position sensor is within a predefined range. A movement detection method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2019Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: ANSA Door Systems LTDInventor: Steven Pincher
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Patent number: 11499369Abstract: The preset invention relates to a gate with a crash-down prevention mechanism, comprising a gate panel which can be opened and closed by the rotation of a gate panel drive, a motor which is coupled to the gate panel drive, and a braking assembly with which opening and/or closing the gate panel can be decelerated, and a first measuring device for determining at least one movement parameter of the gate panel. In order to improve such a gate to the extent that a crash down of the gate can be reliably detected, and a braking assembly which brakes the gate quickly and avoids damage to the gate is triggered just as reliably, it is proposed to provide a second measuring device for determining at least one movement parameter of the motor, and a comparator which compares the measured movement parameters of the gate panel and the motor and triggers the braking assembly when the measured movement parameters of the gate panel and the motor fall outside of a defined relationship to each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2017Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Inventor: Gabrijel Rejc
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Patent number: 11447043Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a seat operation range setting system. The seat operation range setting system includes a lower rail disposed on a frame mounted to a floor panel of a chassis, an upper rail installed so as to be slidable along the lower rail, a contactless sensor connected to the upper rail, the contactless sensor being configured to sense a bracket disposed at one side of the lower rail, and a controller configured to receive an ON/OFF signal of the contactless sensor and to set a virtual limit of a seat.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2020Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: HYUNDAI TRANSYS INC.Inventor: Jin Woo Lee
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Patent number: 11401746Abstract: A sensor unit manufacturing method includes: a core metal insertion process of inserting a core metal member having a length dimension smaller than a length dimension of a core metal accommodation portion into a predetermined location (a section of a curving portion) extending along a longitudinal direction of the core metal accommodation portion; and a bending process of bending the section (the section of the curving portion) of a fixation base portion, into which the core metal member is inserted, following a curved shape of a sensor bracket.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2019Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: MITSUBA CorporationInventors: Takayuki Ikeda, Tsuyoshi Maruyama, Akihiro Iino, Yasuhiro Tsukahara, Yohei Inagaki, Takao Fueki
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Patent number: 11248410Abstract: A control arrangement for an entrance system, having one or more movable door members and an automatic door operator for causing movements of the one or more movable door members between closed and open positions, includes a controller and one or more sensor units. Each sensor unit is connected to the controller and arranged to monitor a respective zone at the entrance system for presence or activity of a person or object. At least one sensor is an image-based sensor unit having an image sensor arranged for capturing an image of an external object, a memory arranged for storing a plurality of settings for the image-based sensor unit, and a processing device. The processing device is arranged for processing the image captured by the image sensor to identify a machine-readable optical code therein, deriving a configuration instruction encoded by the optical code, and executing the configuration instruction.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2018Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: Assa Abloy Entrance Systems ABInventors: Roger Dreyer, Sven-Gunnar Soderqvist, Philipp Triet
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Patent number: 10959533Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to an adjustable foundation or bed, in particular having a dual-tilt adjustable foundation. Upper and lower segments of the adjustable foundation subframe are rotatable relative to each other, thus allowing the upper portion of the subframe to tilt and assume an inclined, flat/horizontal, or declined position relative to the lower portion of the subframe. An articulating mattress support surface above the subframe can move independently from the tilting subframe.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: ASCION, LLCInventors: Qianyu Liang, Martin B. Rawls-Meehan
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Patent number: 10605888Abstract: A device, method, and computer-readable medium are provided for determining an optimal orientation for a directional antenna in a wireless communications system. Instructions are provided to position a directional antenna in each of a plurality of potential orientations. At each of the potential orientations, a serving node signal power level and a non-serving node signal power level is ascertained, and compared to predefined thresholds. An optimal orientation is selected based on the performed comparisons, among other things. In essence, the optimal orientation is determined based on received signal characteristics ascertained at each potential orientation.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2019Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.Inventor: Khaled Azem
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Patent number: 10104274Abstract: Disclosed is a dome camera, including a spherical surface part (A) positioned in the center and an edge part (B) connected thereto, wherein an internal surface (3) and an external surface (4) of the edge part (B) are revolving surfaces, and a revolution axis thereof is parallel to that of the spherical surface part (A); the internal surface (3) is in a direction away from the spherical surface part (A) from a joint with the spherical surface part (A), with a monotonically increasing revolution radius; and focal power in both a meridian direction and a sagittal direction of the edge part (B) is the same as that of the spherical surface part (A).Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2015Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Pinjiang He, Wei Wang, Chao Liu, Chenyi Shen
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Patent number: 9925892Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back coupled to the seat bottom to extend upwardly away from the seat bottom. The vehicle seat further includes a seat-bottom foundation arranged to interconnect the seat bottom and seat back to translate back and forth relative to a vehicle floor.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLCInventors: Dale J Frye, Jeffery T Bonk, Christopher L Hogg, Adam M Deck
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Patent number: 9682478Abstract: A safety monitoring device monitoring a robot includes a workpiece parameter switching unit switching a workpiece parameter, an external force estimation unit estimating, as an external force estimation value, a force acting on the robot from an external environment by using the workpiece parameter, an external force monitoring unit stopping the robot when the external force estimation value satisfies an external force determination condition, an operation monitoring unit stopping the robot, based on conditions such as a position of the robot being included within a predetermined region, an operation monitoring state switching unit switching between a disabling command and an enabling command for the operation monitoring unit, and an external force determination condition setting unit switching the external force determination condition to an operation monitoring disabling time external force determination condition at the disabling command and to an operation monitoring enabling time external force determinaType: GrantFiled: April 28, 2015Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: Fanuc CorporationInventors: Yasuhiro Naitou, Soichi Arita, Hiromitsu Takahashi
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Patent number: 9030144Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2012Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: UUSI, LLCInventors: Mario Boisvert, Randall Perrin, John Washeleski
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Publication number: 20150115855Abstract: A motor controller includes a single-rotation signal detector detecting a single-rotation signal that indicates a single rotation of a main spindle, a rotation angle detector detecting a rotation angle of a motor every predetermined time, and a counter adding up the rotation angle. A value of the counter is reset when the single-rotation signal detector detects the single-rotation signal of the main spindle. The motor controller further includes a judgment unit judging that a power transmission unit has abnormality when a value of the rotation angle of the motor added up in the counter deviates from a predetermined range.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventor: Genzou Naitou
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Patent number: 9008914Abstract: In the present invention, when a solid object is recognized in the direction of movement of an own vehicle, in a system which carries out driving support of a vehicle, turning control of the vehicle is carried out in order to avoid a collision with the solid object. However, the execution of the turning control is permitted, in cases where a distance between the position of the own vehicle under turning control and the position of the solid object in an entire range of a turning control zone continuous between a predetermined control starting point at which the turning control of the own vehicle is started and a predetermined control ending point at which the turning control ends becomes equal to or less than a predetermined avoidance distance at which it is determined to avoid the collision with the solid object.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2011Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tomonori Akiyama
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Patent number: 8922140Abstract: An actuator having two or more potentiometers for setting an address for use with a communications bus or the like. An adjustment or setting of the potentiometers may be accessible at two or more sides outside of a housing enclosing the actuator. One potentiometer may be set to a direction of control and a range of addresses. Another potentiometer may be set to one of several addresses within a range of addresses and direction of control selected on the first potentiometer.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Torrey William McNallan, Daniel Waseen, Paul Wacker
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Patent number: 8890452Abstract: A control device for an electrically driven door is provided that can enhance the sensitivity of detection of a door pinch state and that can prevent a passenger from being pressed when the door pinch state occurs. The control device includes a driving force instruction value producing unit that outputs a driving force instruction value of the electrically driven door, a state observing unit that estimates a mechanical resistant force to a door driving system, a reference model that determines a dynamic characteristic of the electrically driven door to the mechanical resistant force estimated by the state observing unit, a gain compensator that computes a control compensation value that makes an output of the reference model coincide with an actual speed of the electrically driven door; and an adder that adds the control compensation value computed by the gain compensator to the driving force instruction value.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Satoru Ozaki
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Patent number: 8786234Abstract: An actuator (1) comprises an electrical motor (10) for driving a damper (3) from a rest position to a stalled position. The damper (3) is biased toward the rest position with at least one spring. A control module (2) is configured to supply, upon activation of the actuator (1), a drive current to the electrical motor (10) for driving the damper (3) from the rest position to the stalled position against a bias force produced by the spring. The control module (2) is further configured to reduce the drive current to a lower level for maintaining the damper (3) in the stalled position when a defined duration of time has elapsed since activation of the actuator (1). Damages to the electrical motor (10) and/or gear trains can be avoided without having to provide any circuitry or sensory equipment for measuring the drive current.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2010Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: BELIMO Holding AGInventors: Beat Kuster, Roy Bearth
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Patent number: 8779714Abstract: A movable unit driving apparatus which drives a movable unit by a motor, the movable unit driving apparatus includes a first detection unit configured to detect that the movable unit passes a first position; a second detection unit configured to detect that the movable unit passes a second position after the first detection unit detects that the movable unit has passed the first position; a first measurement unit configured to measure time from when the first detection unit detects that the movable unit passes the first position to when the second detection unit detects that the movable unit passes the second position; and a setting unit configured to set time from when the movable unit is detected to have passed the second position to when a brake is applied to the motor based on the time measured by the first measurement unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2010Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshimasa Hyodo, Ken-ichi Ichimura
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Patent number: 8779713Abstract: A door closer with dynamically adjustable latch region parameters is disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention include a door closer with a control unit to intelligently control a valve to vary the operating characteristics of the door closer as needed. The control unit can repeatedly determine whether a door has reached jamb upon closing. A setting or settings for the latch region of the door can be adjusted when the door does not reach jamb. These adjustments are such that the likelihood of the door reaching jamb upon closing is increased. Jamb successes can also be monitored, so that once there have been enough successful closes, settings can be adjusted to decrease the force on the door so that the latch region parameters are constantly adjusted for changing conditions to achieve closing success with the minimum closing force necessary.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2010Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Yale Security Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Burris, Robert L. Tadlock, Jr., John White, Jason Scott Gurley, Steven Michael Faes, Joseph McGinty, Wade Patterson
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Patent number: 8708396Abstract: A system and method is provided to index the door window glass of a vehicle to disengage the glass from the window sealing interface prior to opening the door. A door latch including an unlatching lever selectively connectable to the inside and outside door handles is configured such that moving either handle to actuate the latch causes an initial change in the position of the unlatching lever prior to latch release. A sensor in the latch detects the initial change in position of the unlatching lever and signals an indexing mechanism to move the glass to the indexed position prior to latch release, such that the glass does not substantially interfere with the sealing interface when the door is moved from a closed position. The system may be configured such that the door lock mechanism must be unlocked prior to the indexing mechanism moving the window to an indexed position.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Jeffrey L. Konchan
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Patent number: 8710784Abstract: A system comprises a vehicle seating system including a seat and at least one powered seat adjustment actuator for altering the seating position formed by the seat. Additionally, the system includes a controller for receiving at least one signal based on at least one vehicle/user event. For reducing fatigue, the controller controls slow seat movement while the vehicle is moving, and changes slow movement between first and second slow movements based on the vehicle/user event(s).Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Innovative Biomechanical Solutions, LLCInventors: Daniel C. Meyer, Paul B. Phipps, Thomas D. Epply
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Patent number: 8686676Abstract: A trash can with a power operated lid can include a sensor assembly and a lifting mechanism. The sensor assembly can include at least one light emitter and at least one light receiver, the viewing area of the at least one light receiver being limited in size. The lifting mechanism can include a controller, a drive motor, and a lifting member. The trash can with power operated lid can further include at least one position sensor for detecting the position of the lid.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: simplehuman, LLCInventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor, Orlando Cardenas
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Patent number: 8666601Abstract: Automatically rotating a steering wheel to provide improved locatability of an ignition if the steering wheel reduces ignition locatability and the vehicle is parked. Indications that the vehicle is parked may include when an automatic transmission is in park, a park brake is set, an autopark event concludes, or during a remote start event. Rotating the steering wheel to provide improved ignition locatability while turning the vehicle wheels less than 10 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Todd Ansbacher, Jeremy Rawlings, Jerry Bonnici
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Publication number: 20140042946Abstract: A laundry appliance having a perforated rotatable drum for spin dehydrating a wet textile load, an electric motor for providing an accelerating force which in use causes the drum to rotate, load sensors for detecting any static dynamic imbalance in the rotation of the drum, and a controller which receives inputs from the load sensors and is programmed to, in a spin-up phase, energise said electric motor so as to evenly distribute the load within the drum and thereby minimise any static or dynamic imbalance when the drum rotates.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: Fisher & Paykel Appliances LimitedInventor: David Charles Rhodes
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Patent number: 8635809Abstract: The invention specifies an anti-trapping device, comprising a motor for driving a pivotable actuating element of a motor vehicle, a sensor for contactlessly identifying an obstacle in the way of the actuating element with an electrode, which has a plurality of segments for producing an external electrical field with respect to a mating electrode and a control unit. The electrode extends in a radial direction with respect to the pivotable actuating element and is split in the radial direction into the plurality of segments, which can each be evaluated separately for the purpose of generating an interference signal. The control unit is designed to drive the motor as a function of an interference signal from one of the segments. Such an anti-trapping device has particularly high flexibility when driving the pivotable actuating element if an obstacle in the way of the pivotable actuating element has been detected.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2007Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KommanditgesellschaftInventors: Holger Wuerstlein, Thomas Weingaertner, Wolf-Christian Mueller
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Patent number: 8604736Abstract: Method of operating an actuator (1) for maneuvering a movable element (52), comprising a motor of asynchronous type or of brushless type or comprising a motor associated with a differential brake, and comprising a partially irreversible reduction gear, which comprises a step of establishing a measurement of an operating parameter of the actuator and a step of using this measurement to determine whether the actuator is driving the movable element or whether the actuator is being driven by the movable element, and then a step of implementing first logic for determining an end of travel or an obstacle, or a step of implementing second logic for determining an end of travel or an obstacle, depending on whether the actuator drives the movable element or the actuator is driven by the movable element.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2008Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Somfy SASInventors: Bernard Grehant, Alain Tranchand, Geoffroy Dumont D'ayot
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Patent number: 8564235Abstract: A self-adjusting door closer is disclosed. The door closer is self powered and includes a control unit to intelligently control a valve within the door closer to vary the operating characteristics of the door closer as needed. The controller includes a position sensor to determine a position of the door, and at least one input switch to enable user selection of at least one door closer parameter for an installed door closer. The control circuitry is operable to set the valve in response to the user selection of the door closer parameters, and the position of the door, in order to control force exerted by the door closer on the door. A generator can be provided to provide electricity to power the controller and store power to operate the controller.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Yale Security Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Burris, Robert L. Tadlock, Jr., John White, Jason Scott Gurley, Steven Michael Faes, Joseph McGinty, Wade Patterson
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Patent number: 8497643Abstract: Disclosed is a linear scale for obtaining a distance from a reference point. A scale detection mechanism is adapted to output waveform signals of the same phase. Also the scale detection mechanism corresponds to a magnetic flux density generated by magnetic bodies of a scale element. The scale detection mechanism may be sensors. The sensors are arranged at even intervals corresponding to a scale length of the scale element. The sensors are adapted to output sine-wave signals having the same phase to continuously detect the scale element in a movement direction of the scale element. The scale element has opposite ends each has the same polarity and configured such that an output voltage of the single sensor detecting the end of the scale element is reduced to one-half of an output voltage of the single sensor detecting the remaining portion of the scale element.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Katsuyuki Takagi
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Patent number: 8498747Abstract: A drapery assembly extends and retracts a drape with a powered carrier. The carrier receives both a power signal and a command signal from a controller via an electrically powered surface of a drapery rod. The carrier supports a portion of the drape and moves linearly along the length of the drapery rod in response to the control signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Crestron Electronics Inc.Inventor: George Feldstein
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Patent number: 8476858Abstract: A refrigerator and a method for controlling the same are provided. In this refrigerator and control method, a receiving box may be automatically drawn in and out together with a door based on a movement command received at an input unit, thus enhancing user convenience and satisfaction.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Yong Hwan Eom, Myung Keun Yoo, Hyoun Jeong Shin, Ok Sun Yu, Young Jin Kim, Seung Do Han
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Patent number: 8433481Abstract: An opening and closing control apparatus for a roof panel for a vehicle includes an opening and closing device for driving the roof panel to open and close, an operation command device for outputting an operation command for opening and closing the roof panel by means of an operation switch, a vehicle speed detecting device, and a controlling device for controlling an operation of the opening and closing device, the controlling device performing an open and close control for operating the opening and closing device to cause the roof panel to move to a predetermined position where the roof panel is opened to a predetermined degree which is specified beforehand on the basis of a vehicle speed when the operation command for opening the roof panel is output by the operation command device.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2009Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Akimasa Yoshida, Tomoaki Imaizumi, Tatsuo Kamakura
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Patent number: 8390266Abstract: In a method and a device for determining a reference position of a locking part moved by an electric motor, the locking part is moved in the direction of the closed state thereof, until the same reaches a stop position. At that location the meter reading of a position meter describing the stop position is detected and buffered. Subsequently a movement of the locking part is carried out in the direction of the opened state thereof. The locking part is then moved again in the direction of the closed state thereof, until it again reaches a stop position. At that location a meter reading describing the stop position is detected, and compared to the buffered meter reading. If both meter readings agree, the first stop position is determined as the reference position. The method and device can be utilized, for example, for power window lifts and sunroofs of motor vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Günter Franzan, Martin Meissl
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Patent number: 8327497Abstract: A method of operating a wiper system on a window of a vehicle. The method comprising: setting a park position for a wiper to one of a standard park position or a high park position, where the standard park position locates a wiper blade of the wiper closer to a bottom edge of the window; activating the wiper system to cause the wiper to be pivoted back and forth between an in-wipe position and an out-wipe position; deactivating the wiper system; if the park position is set to the standard park position when the wiper system is deactivated, stopping movement of the wiper when the wiper blade is in the standard park position; and if the park position is set to the high park position when the wiper system is deactivated, stopping movement of the wiper when the wiper blade is in the high park position.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Thomas W. Cox, Mark K. Denison, Marcia R. Ganske
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Patent number: 8288981Abstract: A load control system provides for automatically controlling a position of a motorized window treatment to control the amount of sunlight entering a space of a building through a window located in a façade of the building in order to control a sunlight penetration distance within the space and minimize occupant distractions. The load control system automatically generates a timeclock schedule having a number of timeclock events for controlling the position of the motorized window treatment during the present day. A user is able to select a desired maximum sunlight penetration distance for the space and a minimum time period that may occur between any two consecutive timeclock events. In addition, a maximum number of movements that may occur during the timeclock schedule may also be entered. The load control system uses these inputs to determine event times and corresponding positions of the motorized window treatment for each timeclock event of the timeclock schedule.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Walter S. Zaharchuk, Brian Michael Courtney, William Bryce Fricke, William H. Howe, Timothy S. Majewski, Joel S. Spira
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Patent number: 8232754Abstract: A control device for an electrically driven door is provided that can enhance the sensitivity of detection of a door pinch state and that can prevent a passenger from being pressed when the door pinch state occurs. The control device includes a driving force instruction value producing unit that outputs a driving force instruction value of the electrically driven door, a state observing unit that estimates a mechanical resistant force to a door driving system, a reference model that determines a dynamic characteristic of the electrically driven door to the mechanical resistant force estimated by the state observing unit, a gain compensator that computes a control compensation value that makes an output of the reference model coincide with an actual speed of the electrically driven door; and an adder that adds the control compensation value computed by the gain compensator to the driving force instruction value outputted by the driving force instruction value producing unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Satoru Ozaki
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Patent number: 8203298Abstract: A system and method for a motor management system includes a computer readable storage medium and a processing unit. The processing unit configured to determine a voltage value of a voltage input to an alternating current (AC) motor, determine a frequency value of at least one of a voltage input and a current input to the AC motor, determine a load value from the AC motor, and access a set of motor nameplate data, where the set of motor nameplate data includes a rated power, a rated speed, a rated frequency, and a rated voltage of the AC motor. The processing unit is also configured to estimate a motor speed based on the voltage value, the frequency value, the load value, and the set of nameplate data and also store the motor speed on the computer readable storage medium.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Bin Lu, Ting Yan, Charles John Luebke, Santosh Kumar Sharma
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Patent number: 8198849Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for protection against jamming in a motor-driven locking system and a device for the execution of the method.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Hubert Lamm
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Patent number: 8193751Abstract: A window covering driving device includes a motor and a control circuit, the control circuit is provided with a microprocessor, a control wire, a control signal input terminal, and a switching circuit and the motor is connected to a drive power supply via the switching circuit. The switching circuit is connected to the microprocessor and the control signal input terminal is connected to the microprocessor via the control wire. A safety position limiting wire is also included with one end of the safety position limiting wire being connected to the microprocessor and the other end is connected to a safety position limiting signal control terminal. The safety position limiting wire and safety position limiting signal control terminal are attached so that, when the safety position limiting signal control terminal is at the position limiting state, as the motor runs to the position limiting position, it will automatically stop.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2008Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Shenzhen Bofu Mechanic & Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jin You Wang
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Publication number: 20120047672Abstract: A method of operating a wiper system on a window of a vehicle. The method comprising: setting a park position for a wiper to one of a standard park position or a high park position, where the standard park position locates a wiper blade of the wiper closer to a bottom edge of the window; activating the wiper system to cause the wiper to be pivoted back and forth between an in-wipe position and an out-wipe position; deactivating the wiper system; if the park position is set to the standard park position when the wiper system is deactivated, stopping movement of the wiper when the wiper blade is in the standard park position; and if the park position is set to the high park position when the wiper system is deactivated, stopping movement of the wiper when the wiper blade is in the high park position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Thomas W. Cox, Mark K. Denison, Marcia R. Ganske
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Patent number: 8113263Abstract: A motorized operator for moving a barrier, such as a garage door, between open and closed positions, includes a magnetic sensor for determining position and/or velocity of the barrier. The operator motor is drivingly connected to a speed change transmission which is connected to the barrier. The magnetic sensor includes a housing supporting a speed change mechanism including an output shaft supporting a magnet. The magnet is mounted adjacent a Hall effect sensor circuit which measures the change in the magnetic field generated by the magnet to determine position of the barrier, as well as speed. Control circuitry enables accurate determination of the position of the barrier for setting open and closed limit positions, for example.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2005Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Overhead Door CorporationInventors: Brett A. Reed, Ralph C. Angiuli
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Patent number: 8101889Abstract: In a built-in drawer type cooking device, an open/close door 2a and a heating container 2b that constitute a drawer body 2 are separably connected to each other. The open/close door 2a and the heating container 2b are connected via an insulator 10 to prevent a discharge phenomenon due to emission of microwaves. The open/close door 2a and the heating container 2b can be separated from each other with the drawer body 2 being drawn out, and thus the heating container 2b can be taken out of the cooking device and cleaned or wholly washed. An inner wall surface of a heating chamber 3 that is easily contaminated can be cleaned while being visually checked. The heating container 2b and the open/close door 2a are separately produced, and can be individually stored, conveyed and stacked, thereby reducing a rejection rate due to deformation and increasing productivity in an assembling process.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2009Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masayuki Uno