Abstract: A control object can be stopped at a target position with high precision by decelerating braking performed by decreasing a control speed of a speed controller and by decelerating braking performed by braking operation of a brake device. A positioning apparatus includes a rotation detecting sensor S coupled to a rotary shaft for rotating or rectilinearly driving a control object. A normal-reverse rotation discriminating circuit DD for discriminating normal rotation of the rotary shaft from reverse rotation thereof. A first decelerating position memory B1 for holding at least one decelerating position where low-speed driving operation is to be started, and second decelerating position memory B2 for holding at least one decelerating position where braking operation is to be started. First and second decelerating position comparators CP1 and CP2 for comparing counted values with first and second decelerating positions in the first and second decelerating position memories B1 and B2.

Abstract: A convertible roof actuation mechanism includes a pliable roof cover, a top stack mechanism supporting the roof cover, and at least one roof bow of the top stack mechanism independently movable relative to the remainder of the top stack mechanism for selectively reducing and increasing tension of the roof cover during latching. In another aspect of the present invention, at least one roof bow is retracted closer to a bottom pivot of a rear roof rail when stowed to optimize packaging space within a convertible roof storage compartment.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight, power lifting unit assists the operator of a mobile patient transporter in raising or lowering the patient bed to the desired height required in transporting or transferring a patient. The power lifting unit may also be used to "collapse" the transporter to its lowest height. The power lifting unit is adaptable and may be installed on virtually any existing "X" frame transporter. Electronic controls allow a single operator to raise or lower the patient bed or allow the patient bed to coast gently to a rest position. In particular, in one embodiment the power lifting unit includes a jog pulse circuit that prevents operators from jamming the transporter. In another embodiment, the power lifting unit includes a jog-off high limit circuit that prevents operators from attempting to raise the transporter beyond its maximum height. In yet another embodiment, a power lifting unit includes a low battery detection circuit that provides both an audible and a physical indication (i.e.

Abstract: A motorized control for a derailleur for bicycles including a box accommodating a motor. The motor has a drive axle pivotally connected to a worm for actuating a transmission mechanism comprising a drive gear, a couple of driven gears engaging with the drive gear, and a control wheel. The bottom side of the control wheel is provided with two symmetrical posts round which a cable may be wound. Two microswitches are disposed at the outer periphery of the control wheel. When the posts of the control wheel touches the respective microswitches, the rotational angle of the control wheel may be controlled and the control wheel positioned. The box is mounted on the bicycle and electrical switches are installed at the handlebar. When the motor rotates in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, the cable may be controlled via the control wheel to become taut or relaxed to thereby control the speed of the bicycle.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling the opening and closing of an electrically driven device, such as a window or a sliding roof of an automobile, contains various mechanical components and is equipped with an electrical servo motor which can be controlled by operating elements and a sensor device which are connected to an electronic control unit that processes signals under safety aspects and to which a power semiconductor is connected. To minimize the forces exercised on any trapped object, the rating of the servo motor is controlled by the power semiconductor so that the regulating speed of a servotransmission of the device can be adjusted during its adjustment range in dependence on specified positions of the device.

Abstract: A steering mechanism (17) in which axial motion of an optical structure (12) is constrained electrically through a closed loop servo control system. The steering mechanism includes three magnetic actuators (19a, 19b, 19c) each having a push rod (20a, 20b, 20c) magnetically coupled thereto for being translated by the magnetic actuator along a translation axis (A). Each of the push rods has an end coupled to a peripheral region (1a, 1b, 1c) of the optical structure for exerting a displacing force thereon in response to the push rod being translated along the translation axis. A non-contact displacement sensor (10c) provides a feedback signal for the closed loop servo control system.

Abstract: A sensor system is located in a storage compartment of an automotive vehicle for preventing full retraction of a convertible roof when an undesired object is detected within the storage compartment.

Abstract: An automatic seat adjustment system for a motor vehicle having a passenger compartment with a seat in which an occupant sits. The seat has power mechanisms for moving the seat relative to the passenger compartment from an initial position to an adjusted position, and control mechanisms connected to the power mechanisms for controlling the power mechanisms.

Abstract: A vehicle seat adjustment device includes adjustment mechanisms, reversible electric motors associated with the mechanisms, and a control device for the motors that are easily actuated by the user. The motors are of a variable speed type and a computation and memory device are provided in which relationships are recorded associating the various parameters that are to be adjusted, which preprogrammed relationships are determined as a function of ergonomical standards relating to the human body. Also provided are a device for detecting at each instant the value of each of said parameters, and the control device for making each detected real value of at least one of the parameters, or of a given variation therein correspond to excitation of the motor allocated to adjusting one of the other parameters, respectively to cause the value of the other parameter to move towards its value that satisfies the preprogrammed relationships or to vary in compliance with the relationships.

Abstract: An actuation device for motor vehicle parts that are movable by an electric motor, in particular for window regulators and sliding roofs that are driven by a reversible electric motor. This actuation device has a setpoint value device for the desired position of the movable part, an incremental actual-value device for producing a signal corresponding to the actual position of the movable part, an absolute actual value device which emits first and second signals that are positionally fixed relative to the incremental actual-value device, and a microprocessor to compare the setpoint and actual value signals and to perform control and regulation programs. The signal emitted by the absolute actual-value device changes only at predetermined position values and the absolute actual-value device has position zones which are separated from one another by these position values that can be predetermined. The first and last position zones are each defined by a first or second end position of the movable part.

Abstract: A sunroof control circuit for controlling a sunroof lid in a sliding and a tilting mode, which comprises an electric motor, a first and a second motor driving circuit for driving the electric motor in the forward and reverse direction, a position detecting switch provided with a contactor, and an arc-shaped first and a second contact plate disposed on a circle with the same radius, a switch means for generating signals to actuate the sunroof lid in respective directions, a first, a second and a third prohibition circuit for prohibiting or permitting signals to be supplied to the respective motor driving circuits in accordance with the position of the sunroof lid detected through the position detecting switch, and a motor-lock detecting circuit for detecting the motor to be locked and stopping current supply to the motor according to the detection of the motor locking.

Abstract: In a position detector, a ring gear rotates with a motor output shaft and a specified rotation position is detected by a move contact and fixed contacts. When the output shaft rotates thereafter, holding a carrier by a wave washer is released and the transmission of rotation of the output shaft to the ring gear is dropped. Therefore, by rotating the output shaft sufficiently at the time of assembling, an initial state, in which a protrusion section abuts a protrusion and the move contact contacts the fixed contact, is set automatically.

Abstract: An electronic memory seat module having integrated sensors is disclosed. The module is mounted on a seat frame which, in turn, is mounted on a fixed base member. Position sensors are mounted in or on the module. Mechanical linkages are provided between adjustable members belonging to the seat frame and the sensors. The linkages translate movement of the structural members into a motion which can be sensed by the sensors. This sensed position can then be stored by an electronic memory unit for later recall.

Abstract: The microprocessor based controller for the fractional horsepower actuator motor includes a capacitive power backup system. The motor is used as an actuator and is coupled to an air damper or valve. In the event of a loss of power to the controller, the controller must drive the air damper or valve to a predetermined, failsafe position. The capacitive energy source stores sufficient power to drive the motor and the coupled air damper or valve to the predetermined failsafe position. The controller includes a sensor for determining the presence or absence of power and generating a failsafe control signal. A switch receives the failsafe control signal and passes power from either the main power supply or the capacitive energy storage unit. The controller includes a microprocessor and a memory. During a failsafe operation, the microprocessor drives the motor and hence the air damper or valve to the failsafe position at full power.

Abstract: A gate operator for moving a gate between two fixed end positions such as a gate opened position and a gate closed position and minimizing the possibility of impact with a fixed structure at either of these end positions. The operator relies upon measuring the number of electrical pulses or so-called counts representative of a distance between the two fixed end positions. The gate operator includes a controller in which the number of counts are measured between movement from an open position to a closed position, or a closed position to an open position, and the count is automatically readjusted to eliminate any hard contact of the gate at a fixed closed or open position. In one of the important embodiments of the invention, the gate operator utilizes a controlled coasting system.

Abstract: A movement path of a part which is movable by a drive relative to at least one end position is monitored by monitoring the drive, and turning off or reversing the drive is performed in dependence on the exceeding of at least one predetermined parameter. The movement path of the path is subdivided into regions in which different influences are performed. In particular, the movement path is subdivided into five regions in which a different drive force limiting (closing force limiting) of the drive is performed.

Abstract: A sensor system is located in a storage compartment of an automotive vehicle for preventing full retraction of a convertible roof when an undesired object is detected within the storage compartment.

Abstract: A windshield wiper system having variable frequency induction motor control for reducing wipe speed at reversal points includes an induction motor, a wiper and blade assembly operatively connected to the motor, a sensing means for detecting when the position of the wiper and blade assembly is within a preselected range of one of the reversal points, and a motor control responsive to the control signal generated by the sensing means for causing the motor to reduce wipe speed during the preselected range prior to the reversal point to reduce pattern growth, noise, and water expulsion. The sensing means takes the form of a cam or plate operated switch driven by the induction motor. The control signal derived from the cam operated switch is provided as an input to a voltage controlled oscillator, whose variable frequency output is used to vary the frequency of the excitation voltage applied to the windings of the three phase induction motor.

Abstract: A closure system for a motor vehicle includes a closure, a closure frame, an electric motor, a control switch, an electric power source, first and second displacement sensors, temperature sensor, voltage sensor of the power source and a microprocessor. The first and second displacement sensors each operably generate a signal indicative of the one of closure movement and output shaft rotation. The microprocessor is electrically connected to the control switch, the electric motor, the first and second displacement sensors, the temperature sensor and the voltage sensor of the power source. The microprocessor includes electrically connecting the motor with the power source responsive to a condition of the control switch. The microprocessor also has means for converting temperature sensed to an electrical signal indicative of the temperature.

Abstract: A process for the monitoring of, in particular, the closing of a motor-operated aggregate, preferably for use in motor vehicles, for example a vehicle window or sliding roof. A motor which is connected to the vehicle electrical supply system is switched off by means of switching elements and/or a sensor which detects characteristic values of the aggregate and a data processing system including storage and comparing means. Switch off occurs during the closing process within a predetermined (central) portion of the closing travel, when a value dependent on the motor rpm or the speed of the aggregate exceeds a threshold value based on a stored reference value. A monitoring system is effective in the start-up phase of the motor. In the start-up phase of the motor, therefore, an initial threshold value based on a reference value detected towards the end of the previous adjustment process and then stored, is compared with the current motor period value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor-driven roller blind comprising, on the one hand, an apron rolling up onto and unrolling from a winding shaft inside which is accommodated a tubular-type driving gear-motor and, on the other hand, means providing an electrical signal representative of the movement of the apron and an electrical-signal processing unit capable of acting on the running of the driving gear-motor, viz. to control the stopping of same in the event an obstacle is present. As a matter of fact, said means providing an electrical signal representative of the movement of the apron are comprised of at least one inductive sensor extending at least partly along the path followed by the apron, this inductive sensor being capable of creating an electromotive force under the action of the passing of a permanent magnet associated with the lower portion of the apron, which electromotive force is detected by the processing unit.

Abstract: A control circuit for limiting the current flow to a direct-current driven motor, to reduce current spikes at motor start up, including a voltage-regulated, current-passing device for passing current from a direct voltage source to the motor, the device having a default configuration such as to permit full current flow thereacross when the voltage is initially applied, a voltage drop device interposed the voltage source and the voltage-regulated, current-passing device responsive to the current flow to the motor and a variable-voltage output device responsive to the voltage drop developed in the voltage-drop device for providing a subsequently changing voltage for input to the current-passing device for limiting the current flow therethrough following initial application of the voltage.

Abstract: A power window system employs a computer based control that receives signals from a window position sensor. As the window moves, the position sensor produces periodic signals as an output. The computer cyclically looks for a change in the frequency of the signals as an indication that the window is obstructed and decelerating. Based on the instantaneous deceleration, the computer recalls a stored value for motor force. The recalled forces are accumulated in synchronism with the position sensor output during the deceleration, manifesting the force applied to the obstruction as the window presses on it. The window is reversed when the accumulated force exceeds a stored value. The uppermost window position is a stored value for the position sensor output obtained when the window is closed for the first time. Each time the window is closed thereafter, an offset is added to that value, the sum defining the point at which the window engages the window seal.

Abstract: A safety apparatus wherein a sensor (10.sub.n through 15.sub.n, 16) for transmitting object (M) detection information as a reduction in the output signal energy, is used as a human detection sensor, while a sensor (21-26) for transmitting object (M) detection information as an increase in the output signal energy is used as a work piece detection sensor, and drive of a mechanical moving portion is permitted only when the logical OR output of both sensors has a logical value of "1" corresponding to the high energy condition, thereby reliably ensuring excellent operator safety in a fail-safe manner.

Abstract: An automatic door operator with a continuously monitored supplemental obstruction detector. In a first embodiment, the obstruction detector is a radiant beam obstruction detector that transmits a beam of modulated radiant energy across the door opening. A safety signal generator produces an active safety signal only on unobstructed receipt of radiant energy by a receiver. Failure to receive the active safety signal when the motor is closing the door at least stops the door. A two wire cable, which carries both power and the active safety signal, connects the supplemental obstruction detector to the automatic door operator. Constant activation of a portable transmitter or of a local push button can override the supplemental obstruction detector to close the door. An alternative supplemental obstruction detector includes a safety edge having a compressible tube disposed on a leading end of the door. Plural conductors change their conductive state upon compression of the compressible tube.

Abstract: Method and device for controlling a motor in a powered seat, wherein a certain standard physique classification is set according to the height of an occupant on the seat, and on the basis of such physical classification, several predetermined standard positions are preset in a central processing unit, and wherein such standard positions may be selected and set temporarily by a mode selection switch and position switch for proper motor control, and further, a desired change of position may be made from the standard position by a manual switch.

Abstract: In a drive device for an optical system of which scanning is carried out by means of a motor controlled for drive and stop by availability and unavailability of the power supply, any collision of the optical system moving by its inertia with its surrounding devices is not permitted, and furthermore even in restarting after the power supply is stopped during action of image forming, any collision of the optical system with its surrounding devices is not permitted. When the optical system is located in an area outside from a timing switch and a return switch, the motor is controlled for reversal braking so as to quickly reverse the direction of moving, thereby causing the motor to be usually stopped when the optical system returns to the safety area.

Abstract: A vehicular sun roofing apparatus including a roofing panel (3) for tilting up and sliding and a sunshade member (4) for sliding is provided to open/close an opening (2) formed on a vehicular roof (1). The panel (3) is operated by an electrical means in response to input acts on a panel open/close switch (19, 20), and the sunshade (4) is operated by an electrical means in response to input acts on a sunshade switch (21, 22), wherein control devices (23, 40) for actions of the panel (3) and sunshade (4) are provided, and an ON act on the panel opening switch (19) causes not only opening action of the panel (3), but also selective opening action of the sunshade (4) to arrive at a predetermined point, depending on a location of the sunshade (3) at the switched moment.

Abstract: An apparatus for and process of rotating a display adapted to an image display apparatus so that it automatically rotates the screen to face a viewer. For this operation, the apparatus includes a turntable for supporting the display, turntable driving mechanism for rotating the turntable throughout a predetermined angle, a position meter for outputting a voltage corresponding to the rotation angle of the turntable, an optical sensor for detecting the incident direction of a remote control optical signal, and a controller for controlling the turntable driving mechanism by determining the amount and direction of rotation of the turntable in accordance with the outputs of the optical sensor and position meter.

Abstract: The device comprises at least one lead screw (2) driving a sliding yoke (23) whose guide bar (22) is mounted on a rocker arm (19). The lead screw actuates a switch (27) by means of a cam (28) via the sliding yoke. A deliberate action on the rocker arm moves away the sliding yoke (23) which is brought instantaneously into initial position by a spring (25). The lead screw (2) is for preference disengageable by means of an arm (29) driven by the axle of the sliding yoke. This arm provides an angular positioning of the lead screw by acting on a heart-shaped cam (10).The device permits rapid, sure and precise setting of the stopping points of a motor.

Abstract: A system for lowering and raising an automotive convertible top includes a motor for moving the convertible top, a potentiometer for sensing the position of the convertible top throughout its range of movement, and a controller for actuating the motor in response to the sensed position of the potentiometer.

Abstract: A position programmable adjustable chair particularly useful in dental and medical procedures. The chair is hydraulically powered and controlled by microprocessors which enable chair seat and back positions to be memorized and automatically captured upon command by use of a single control button. The control button may be located either on the chair or on a footswitch. A sealed omnidirectionally operable footswitch is provided which is particularly suited for use in combination with the chair.

Abstract: An automatic door operator with a continuously monitored supplemental obstruction detector. In a first embodiment, the obstruction detector is a radiant beam obstruction detector that transmits a beam of modulated radiant energy across the door opening. A safety signal generator produces an active safety signal only on unobstructed receipt of radiant energy by a receiver. Failure to receive the active safety signal when the motor is closing the door at least stops the door. A two wire cable, which carries both power and the active safety signal, connects the supplemental obstruction detector to the automatic door operator. Constant activation of a portable transmitter or of a local push button can override the supplemental obstruction detector to close the door. An alternative supplemental obstruction detector includes a safety edge having a compressible tube disposed on a leading end of the door. Plural conductors change their conductive state upon compression of the compressible tube.

Abstract: The vehicle seat and the steering wheel are shifted to the drive position when the door is open and to the getting in/out position when the door is opened, as long as the ignition key is inserted into the key cylinder without shifting the key at the accessory and ignition positions. Further, the seat and wheel are shifted to the drive position when the key is inserted into the key cylinder and to the getting in/out position when the key is removed therefrom, as long as the key is not shifted at the accessory and ignition positions. Further, the seat and wheel are shifted to the drive position when the key is shifted to the ignition position, as long as the key is inserted into the key cylinder and shifted at the accessory position.

Abstract: A sunroof motor having a roof lid position detector which comprises a motor part, a roof lid detective disc to be turned as much as an angle in proportion to an amount of movement of a roof lid driven by the motor part, a contact plate having contacts and disposed on the roof lid detective disc, a printed wiring board mounted with a relay to supply or shut off the electric power to the motor part and formed with a motor driving circuit which is provided with board-side contacts to be in contact electrically with the contacts of the contact plate for detecting the roof lid to arrive at the full-opened position, full-closed position and so on, for example.

Abstract: A power seat apparatus which comprises motors for moving a seat in respective direction, relays for changing rotational directions of the respective motors, a preset memory for memorizing a seat position suitable for respective drivers, a memory drive circuit for driving the motors so as to move the seat into the memorized position automatically according to data memorized in the preset memory, a manual drive circuit for driving the motors according to an operation of a manual switch and a control mechanism. The control mechanism detects the contact fault in the relays, or controls the motors accurately by counting the number of inertial rotations as a proper directional rotation without misjudgement even if the manual switch is operated in the reverse direction when the motors are driven automatically in one direction.

Abstract: A safety device is provided for vehicles whose passenger compartment has at least one closable opening, such as a roof opening and side window. The safety device is provided with a sensor system which detects decelerations in the driving speed occurring in the driving direction and activates a closing device assigned to the closing element of the opening if a deceleration exceeds a predetermined value. As a result, in the event of an accident the vehicle occupants are prevented from being thrown out of the vehicle through the opening or injured by the entry of foreign bodies. The closing device is preferably provided with an energy store which, on being activated in the event of a hazard, brings about a rapid closing movement of the closing element.

Abstract: A positioning system moves a movable element along a path and detects the movable element in a plurality of predetermined positions spaced along the path. The movable element is positioned selectively in the positions using a signal indicative of the detected movable element in the positions and a positioning command.

Abstract: An automatic positioning apparatus which comprises motors for actuating a vehicle mounted device, sensors for detecting position of the vehicle mounted device such as a seat, steering wheel or the like, and a control means which memorizes the position of the vehicle mounted device and drives it into the memorized position automatically and which sets a motor-suspensive zone, a renewal-prohibitive zone and a readjustment prohibitive zone in the vicinity of the memorized position, and stops the motors when the vehicle mounted device enters the motor-suspensive zone, prohibits to renewal the memorized position when the vehicle mounted device is within the renewal-prohibitive zone and prohibits an automatic action within the readjustment-prohibitive zone.

Abstract: In safety circuits for braking or arresting devices (7) of flywheel masses or machine parts, especially a revolving door, which are driven by electric motor and can be switched on electrically, in which at least one of two edges moving toward each other is provided with a pressure-sensitive electrical switching member (3) for generating interference signals. Interference signals generated during a disturbance are sent to an electronic control unit (1) and are used, by an electronic switch (8), to switch off the drive motor (10) and/or to switch on a braking or arresting device (7). The movement of the part provided with the movable edge or element is stopped even when the electrical switch (8) of the control unit (1) does not respond correctly in the presence of an interference signal. The reliability of the safety circuit is continuously checked.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with systems for deploying and parking retractable members such as headlamps or windshield wipers of automotive vehicles. In order to reduce the reaction time when a command is given that countermands a command which is in course of execution, elements are provided for detecting the current state of the system using end stop detectors. The operating program for the system, which controls the parking and deployment functions, is directed towards a parking step or a deployment step, in such a way that the motor currently in operation is immediately reversed (optionally after being braked), when a command is received which reverses the command currently being executed, whether or not the moveable element controlled by the motor has reached the end of its travel.

Abstract: A seat having fatigue lessening device has a seat shape changer for changing an occupant holding portion of the seat. A physique judging device is employed for determining whether the occupant is overweight, middle sized or slim. The operation of the seat shape changer is controlled in accordance with information provided by the physique judging device.

Abstract: A memory mirror system having a mirror 19 mounted within concave-shaped mirror movement boundaries, two constant speed motors 16, 18 each controlling an axis of mirror movement, position feedback signals 26,28 from each motor, push button inputs 12 and an electronic controller 10, is provided with automatic mirror repositioning that drives the mirror from a start position to a memory position in minimum time without colliding with any mirror movement boundaries by driving the mirror position toward the target along the axis farthest from the target and driving the mirror toward the origin along the other axis until the mirror position is within a predetermined safe region along that axis or the current position is 45 degrees from the target, then driving the mirror in the direction of the target along an axis for which the distance to the target is not less than the distance to the target along the other axis or in which the direction toward the target is also toward the origin.

Abstract: A door opening system particularly suited for doors on mass transit vehicles. Through position sensing, electronic circuitry, mechanical linkage, brushless motor and pwm amplifier; opens and closes one or more doors, inhibits vehicle from running when door is open, allows vehicle to run when door is closed and not pushed back, stops moving vehicle when door opens beyond the push back position. This system does not depend on the mechanical linkage that opens and closes the door to sense the position of the door.

Abstract: A self-leveling dispenser provides a rack supporting a stack of trays within a frame. A reversible motor drivably connected to spiral shafts mounted at the corners of the frame rotates the shafts to provide upward or downward movement of the rack, which is supported on the spiral shafts by threaded sleeves. An upper sensor mounted to the frame is operably connected to the motor to move the rack downward upon detecting a tray at an upper horizontal level above a desired height. A lower sensor mounted to the frame is operably connected to the motor to raise the rack upon sensing the absence of a tray at a lower horizontal level below the desired height. The sensors cooperate to automatically and continuously reposition an uppermost portion of a top tray in the stack at the desired height with respect to the frame, thereby to facilitate dispensing of dishes or food products.

Abstract: A control for a window operator is operable to control incremental movement of a window. The control includes means for developing a command to selectively move the window in a direction to an open or closed position, and means for determining when a plurality of motor drives have moved the window a preselected incremental distance. Means are coupled to the developing means and the determining means for energizing each of the motor drives if a command is developed, until the motor drives have moved the window the preselected incremental distance and thereafter deenergizing the motor drives until another command is received to move the window a subsequent incremental distance in the selected direction.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling a headrest, in which the headrest is controlled its displacement between the use and non-use positions and its fore-and-aft adjustment, independently of each other, and the corresponding displacement ranges and fore-and-aft adjustment ranges of the headrest are detected and limited by a headrest angle detector.

Abstract: One of a plurality of photoelectric detector plates are mounted on a coupling fixed to an arm shaft of a sewing machine, and have predetermined light shields. A light-emitting means is disposed on one side of the photoelectric detector plates for emitting light toward the photoelectric detector plates, and a photodetector means is disposed on the other side of the photoelectric detector plates for receiving the light emitted from the light-emitting means. Conditions of the sewing machine can be detected by the manner in which the photodetector means receives the light.

Abstract: A mechanism which engages the pull-cord that opens and closes draperies, whereby the mechanism possesses a unique motor control for its automatic operation by a lamp timer (any of the commercially available clock actuated switches which are used in many households to automatically turn lamps ON and OFF at desired times). An alternate control system whereby the mechanism may be operated by a wireless remote control system in concert with the lamp timer. An adjustable means whereby the draperies may be opened and closed to any of two independently selectable positions within the means of the drapery rod. An easy to install mounting bracket with an easy to adjust tension means for driving engagement and hand-operation of the pull-cord.

Abstract: A self-leveling dispenser provides a rack supporting a stack of trays within a frame. A reversible motor drivably connected to spiral shafts mounted at the corners of the frame rotates the shafts to provide upward or downward movement of the rack, which is supported on the spiral shafts by threaded sleeves. An upper sensor mounted to the frame is operably connected to the motor to move the rack downward upon detecting a tray at an upper horizontal level above a desired height. A lower sensor mounted to the frame is operably connected to the motor to raise the rack upon sensing the absence of a tray at a lower horizontal level below the desired height. The sensors cooperate to automatically and continuously reposition an uppermost portion of a top tray in the stack at the desired height with respect to the frame, thereby to facilitate dispensing of dishes or food products.