Limit-of-travel Control Means Patents (Class 318/468)
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Patent number: 12123257Abstract: A sun protection apparatus includes a shading device, including an upper bar, a lower bar and a screen disposed between the upper and lower bars. The apparatus also includes a motorized drive device, designed to deploy and fold away the screen, including a first electromechanical actuator, configured to move the upper bar, a second electromechanical actuator, configured to move the lower bar, and a control unit, configured to control the first and second actuators. The control unit controls the first actuator so as to move the upper bar then the second actuator so as to move the lower bar depending on the position and/or movement of the upper bar, or vice versa.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2020Date of Patent: October 22, 2024Assignee: SOMFY ACTIVITES SAInventors: Norbert Dupielet, Eric Lagarde, Frédéric Maraval, Jean-Charles Benoin, Jean-Michel Perache, Jean-Charles Boeri
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Patent number: 12123245Abstract: A method for operating a door system having a door leaf, which is movable by a door actuator, and having a sensor unit, which is arranged at a height above a floor of the door system and with which the approach of a person towards the door leaf is detected by a control unit, includes at least the following steps: determining a direct distance between the sensor unit and the person using the sensor unit; determining a horizontal distance between the sensor unit and the door leaf by a geometric relationship of the person, of the door leaf and of the height of the sensor unit; and determining the probable approach time of the person on the basis of the determined horizontal distance and opening the door leaf. A door system having a control unit may be used to carry out the method.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2022Date of Patent: October 22, 2024Assignee: DORMAKABA DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventors: Holger Haensch, Chandra Gupta, Martin Boeckhoff
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Patent number: 12060742Abstract: A method for operating a door system having a movable door leaf and a control unit, with at least one sensor unit being configured, with which the approach of at least one person is detected, includes: providing the sensor unit in the form of a radar sensor and/or a camera with an image processing unit; recording a distance of the person from the door system using the sensor unit; recording an approach speed with the sensor unit, at which the person approaches the door system; transmitting the distance and approach speed; determining a probable approach time of the person with the control unit; determining the movement parameters for moving the door leaf by the control unit and actuating the door leaf by the door actuator based on the movement parameters determined by the control unit. A door system having a control unit is configured to carry out this method.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2022Date of Patent: August 13, 2024Assignee: DORMAKABA DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventor: Frank Wegner
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Patent number: 11939809Abstract: A method for operating a door system, wherein the door system has at least one door leaf, and wherein a sensor unit is configured and connected to a control unit of the door system, wherein the approach of a person to the door system is detected using the sensor unit, in particular designed as a radar sensor or as a camera, wherein the method has at least the following steps. Detecting an approach angle of the person, at which the person approaches the door system and opening the at least one door leaf at an opening width and/or at an opening speed, wherein the maximum opening width or the maximum opening speed is determined by the control unit as a function of the detected approach angle of the person. The method also relates to a door system with a control unit for carrying out the method.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2022Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: DORMAKABA DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventors: Frank Wegner, Chandra Gupta, Martin Boeckhoff, Jelic Slobodan
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Patent number: 10961768Abstract: A system for operating an automatically movable panel that forms a portion of an exterior of a vehicle, and provides access to an interior of the vehicle; a motivator connected to the panel and moving the panel through a range of motion; a proximity sensor; and a control module disposed within the motor vehicle, the control module having a processor configured to execute control logic, the motivator and the proximity sensor in electronic communication with the control module. The control logic including: determining a position of the panel; receiving a plurality of passive inputs; selectively utilizing the motivator to move the panel through the range of motion based on the passive inputs; utilizing the proximity sensor to selectively determine when to initiate movement of the movable panel through the range of motion with the motivator; and informing a motor vehicle occupant of movement of the panel via a human-machine interface.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Besi Rrumbullaku, Jeffrey L. Konchan, Eric Smith
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Patent number: 10844644Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a door closer having a pinion adapted to be operably coupled to a door and rotate in a first direction in response to opening the door and to rotate in a second direction in response to closing the door, and a power boost module operably coupled to the pinion. The power boost module includes a motor adapted to generate electrical energy via rotational movement of the pinion and supply a boost force to the pinion to assist closing the door, a gearing operably coupled to the pinion and the motor and structured to back drive the motor to generate the electrical energy in response to rotation of the pinion, and an energy storage device adapted to store the electrical energy generated by the motor and supply stored electrical energy to the motor for the boost force.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLCInventors: Daniel Langenberg, Brian C. Eickhoff, Aaron P. McKibben
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Patent number: 10494851Abstract: A hinge for connecting a door to a household appliance compartment is described, having a fastening bracket suitable for being fastened to the compartment of the household appliance, a movable support to rotatably constrain the door to the fastening bracket, an activating arm coupled to the fastening bracket, movement means suitable for moving the activating arm, the activating arm having a first end portion suitable for being constrained to the door, and a second end portion suitable for being coupled to the movement means to move the activating arm between an open position and a closed position of the door, the movement means having an electric motor and reversible connecting means to couple and decouple selectively the electric motor to/from the second end portion, the hinge being configured so that when the electric motor is coupled to the second end portion, the electric motor causes the movement of the activating arm, while when the electric motor is decoupled from the second end portion, the movement oType: GrantFiled: August 3, 2018Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: FARINGOSI HINGES S.R.L.Inventor: Massimo Dora
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Patent number: 10090729Abstract: A machine includes a drive train having a drive unit, an output unit, and a gear unit interconnecting the drive unit and the output unit and configured to be in a non-grounded state with respect to the machine environment during a normal operation of the machine. An insulation is provided to electrically insulate a connection between the gear unit and the drive unit and/or a connection between the gear unit and the output unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jan-Dirk Reimers, Joachim Rohde
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Patent number: 9352724Abstract: A wiper device is provided that suppresses plastic deformation of a blade rubber of a wiper blade without wasting power of a battery installed to a vehicle. A wiper device is equipped with wiper blades that wipe a vehicle front glass, a wiper motor that swings the wiper blades in alternating between an upper turn position and a lower turn position by accompanied rotation of the output shaft, and a control unit that controls the wiper motor. In a case of the vehicle ignition switch being ON or OFF, the control unit controls the wiper motor such that from a stopped position where the wiper blades are located, the wiper blades are swung in a specific range of between a first stopping position and a second stopping position, and then stopped.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: ASMO CO., LTD.Inventor: Takashi Natsume
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Patent number: 9156439Abstract: An automatic opening and closing apparatus of an opening and closing member for a vehicle includes an opening and closing member driving portion, a receiving portion configured to receive a radio signal transmitted from a radio transmitter and indicating identification information for identifying the vehicle, a non-contact detection sensor including a detection range that is specified to an inner side than an outermost position of the vehicle in a direction towards an outer side of a vehicle interior from the opening and closing member in a state where the opening and closing member is closed, and a control portion configured to control the opening and closing member driving portion in a case where the non-contact detection sensor detects an object in a state where the identification information is correlated to the vehicle on a basis of the radio signal received from the radio transmitter.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Koichi Hirota, Shintaro Suzuki, Hitoshi Takayanagi
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Patent number: 9035593Abstract: The dynamic system is part of a dynamic apparatus having at least one photovoltaic generator, at least one battery and at least one device for controlling the dynamic apparatus. The method for controlling the dynamic system on the basis of sunlight involves electrically isolating the photovoltaic generator from the battery, reading the short circuit current of the isolated photovoltaic generator, determining a numerical value based on the short circuit current, said numerical value corresponding to the reading of the short circuit current, and comparing the numerical value determined with at least one reference threshold value. When the numerical value determined corresponds to a value range limited by at least one such reference threshold value, the dynamic system is controlled so as to thereon confer a configuration corresponding to the value range.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2011Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignees: BUBENDORFF, COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUXENERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventors: Virginie Renzi, Nicolas Chaintreuil, Vincent Delpy, Pierre Perichon
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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: 20150102755Abstract: A device and a method for operating an electromechanical adjustment device having an electric drive device, include a control unit that detects the reaching of a mechanical end stop of the adjustment device and controls and/or regulates the electric drive device. After a mechanical end stop of the adjustment device is reached, a change in the direction of rotation is automatically actuated in the electric drive device for a predefinable period of time or a predetinable traveling distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Applicant: Johnson Controls Metals and Mechanisms GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Michael Reimann
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Patent number: 9008909Abstract: In an in-vehicle device which is carried on an automotive vehicle, an operation unit causes the vehicle to execute a predetermined operation in response to a remote control request from a user. A detection unit detects existence of a moving object in a passenger compartment of the vehicle or in areas surrounding the vehicle. An operation inhibition unit inhibits execution of the predetermined operation by the operation unit when existence of the moving object is detected by the detection unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Naoki Taki, Takeshi Matsumura, Atsushi Watanabe, Mayumi Otsuka, Keizoh Kawaguchi
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Publication number: 20150082576Abstract: Method for detecting the position of a wiper arm (5) for a system (1) for wiping a vehicle window (3), comprising the steps consisting in: a) measuring or estimating (35) at least one parameter for determining the maintenance or service position, b) comparing (37) the measured or estimated value of said parameter with a reference value or a range of reference values, and c) determining, from the results of the comparison, whether the wiper arm is in maintenance or service position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventors: Romain Adeline, Aymeric Koniec
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Patent number: 8975853Abstract: A human-operated system comprises a positioning system and an input shaper. The positioning system moves an object from one location to another. The positioning system includes a computing device that controls the movement of the positioning system responsive to receiving a user command. The input shaper is coupled to the computing device of the positioning system. The computing device estimates an overtravel of the positioning system and determines an overtravel constraint that is factored into the movement of the positioning device. The computing device moves the positioning system based on the overtravel constraint in a manner that limits the overtravel, deflection and vibration of the object as the object is moved from one location to another. The human-operated system includes a predictive element that represents a predictor location responsive to the user command provided by the human operator, which aids the human operator position the positioning system.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Inventors: Singhose William Earl, Joshua Vaughan
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Publication number: 20150061292Abstract: A short term, autonomous, electrical power supply system, particularly an emergency short term, autonomous, electrical power supply system. Said system comprises an actuator with an electrical motor (14), an electrical generator (15) for driving said electrical motor (14) of said actuator, a turbine (13) in driving engagement with said electrical generator (15), an generator (7) of combustible, fluidic energy, a fluid line (10) from said generator (7) to said turbine (13), a control unit (5), and an igniter (9) arranged inside said generator (7) and controlled by said control unit (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: Christoph HUBNER, Uwe RENNER
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Patent number: 8912808Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining characterizing attributes of an actuator is provided. An actuator may be moved to a maximum capacitance position. At the maximum capacitance position, an initial measurement of the actuator capacitance is made. The actuator is moved a predetermined increment toward a first extreme position, and the actuator capacitance is again measured. If the capacitance changed by a threshold amount, the signal preceding the signal that caused the actuator to move is recorded as an approximate response curve end point, or the first extreme position. The actuator is again moved a predetermined increment toward a second extreme position. After each move, the capacitance is measured. If it is determined the capacitance did change by a threshold amount from the previously measured capacitance, the signal related to the previously measured capacitance is recorded as an approximate response curve end point, or the second extreme position.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: Eduardo M. Martinez, Christian Jimenez, Jose Ibanez Climent, Colm Donovan
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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: 8890456Abstract: Automated shade systems comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use 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, reflectance 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. Modeled brightness information may be utilized to control shades.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: MechoShade Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman, Alex Greenspan, Stephen P. Hebeisen, Muthukumar Ramalingam
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Patent number: 8872459Abstract: A trash can with a power operated lid can include a lifting mechanism with a motor, a lifting member, and a variable gear. In some embodiments, the motor is operably connected with the variable gear such that the motor can drive the variable gear and/or the lifting member. In certain implementations, the variable gear includes one or more teeth with varying tooth radii. In some variants, the variable gear and a clutch member are engageable and are configured to allow manual operation of the lid.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2012Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: simplehuman, LLCInventors: Frank Yang, Christopher Fruhauf, Michael Basha, David Wolbert, Kenneth Yen
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Patent number: 8836263Abstract: Automated shade systems may comprise controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system and components thereof, for example window coverings, glass having variable characteristics, and so forth. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, information regarding one or more variable characteristics of glass, 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: MechoShade Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman, Alex Greenspan, Stephen P. Hebeisen
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Patent number: 8818621Abstract: In an in-vehicle device which is carried on an automotive vehicle, an operation unit causes the vehicle to execute a predetermined operation in response to a remote control request from a user. A detection unit detects existence of a moving object in a passenger compartment of the vehicle or in areas surrounding the vehicle. An operation inhibition unit inhibits execution of the predetermined operation by the operation unit when existence of the moving object is detected by the detection unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2006Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Naoki Taki, Takeshi Matsumura, Atsushi Watanabe, Mayumi Otsuka, Keizoh Kawaguchi
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Patent number: 8791661Abstract: A linear actuator comprising a spindle, a spindle nut, a transmission, an electrical motor, and an actuation element, is arranged to linearly move the actuation element by means of an interaction of the spindle and the spindle nut, which interaction is being driven by the electrical motor through the transmission. A position of the actuation element, the relative position between spindle and spindle nut, is determined by means of an absolute rotary position sensor and a counter. The counter keeps track of the number of under-flows and over-flows the absolute rotary position sensor generates during movement of the actuation element. A combination of a value from the absolute rotary position sensor and a count from the counter determines the position.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKFInventors: Johannes Andrianus Maria Duits, Mario Rossi
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Patent number: 8786236Abstract: 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: July 12, 2013Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: 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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Publication number: 20140184123Abstract: In a device for moving a furniture part, in particular a shutter, door or drawer, which is accommodated in a movable manner on a basic furniture structure, having an actuating drive, which, in a drive mode, is connected to the movable furniture part and drives the movable furniture part, and having a sensor means, which is connected to the actuating drive and is intended for activating the actuating drive, the sensor means has a database and is designed such that, with the device installed in the use state, physical state variables to which the movable furniture part is subjected via the user, and which serve for monitoring the movement of said furniture part, can be sensed and read into the database, wherein the database has, or can have, stored in it movement profiles which are each assigned to a certain movement situation of the movable furniture part which is initiated by external action on the movable furniture part and can be described by physical state variables, and wherein, with the aid of at least oType: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2012Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: GRASS GMBHInventor: Holger Wenzel
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Patent number: 8766582Abstract: 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: July 1, 2014Assignee: simplehuman, LLCInventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor, Orlando Cardenas
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Publication number: 20140177183Abstract: A supporting apparatus for support an object includes a base, a rotation shaft, and a holding structure. The base includes a first magnet. The rotation shaft is located on the base. The holding structure is rotatably connected to the base via the rotation shaft. The holding structure includes a second magnet corresponding to the first magnet. The first magnet and the second magnet are spaced from each other a predetermined distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: CHENG-YI LAI
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Patent number: 8749180Abstract: The present invention is aimed to realize a method and a system for controlling an electric cylinder by which the load detector that is attached to an electric cylinder and the rod of the cylinder can avoid being overloaded. An unexpected bump between the rod of the cylinder and the material to be pressed can cause that overload. A servo controller 17 determines whether the load for pressurizing Pm detected by the load detector 13 is larger than or equal to the load for detecting a bump Pc. If it is determined that the load for pressurizing Pm is larger than or equal to the load for detecting a bump Pc, the servo controller 17 determines whether the flag for stopping is ON. Also, the controller 17 determines whether the speed Sm of the rod 11 is greater than or equal to an allowable speed to bump Sc.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Sintokogio, Ltd.Inventors: Masahiko Nagasaka, Yoichiro Shirai
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Patent number: 8723467Abstract: Automated shade systems may comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use 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, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, information regarding one or more variable characteristics of glass, 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: MechoShade Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman, Alex Greenspan, Stephen P. Hebeisen
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Patent number: 8723466Abstract: A motorized venetian blind system for covering a window of a space comprising a blind drive unit having two motors to provide for independent control of a position of a bottom rail and a tilt angle of a plurality of slats of the blind system. The blind drive unit is operable to adjust the position of the bottom rail to a preset position, and to adjust the tilt angle of the slats to a preset angle in response to receiving a single digital message (e.g., a preset command). The blind drive unit is operable to automatically adjust the position of the bottom rail and the tilt angle of the slats to limit a direct sunlight penetration distance in the space to a maximum direct sunlight penetration distance, and to maximum a reflected sunlight penetration distance on a ceiling of the space, while minimizing occupant distractions.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Samuel F. Chambers, William Bryce Fricke, Matthew R. Hontz, David A. Kirby, Justin J. Mierta, Jonathan Carl Sevy
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Patent number: 8725438Abstract: A linear actuator comprises a reversible electric motor (2) which, via a transmission, is capable of driving a spindle (4) having a spindle nut (5) secured against rotation and comprises a power supply and a controller. The actuator moreover comprises a memory unit for collecting at least one set of data from the operation, indicating how long and how hard the actuator has worked. It is hereby possible to obtain an overview of the mechanical state of the actuator and thereby prevent unfortunate occurrences and accidents as a consequence of wear-out of the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Linak A/SInventor: Svend Erik Knudsen Jensen
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Patent number: 8716969Abstract: 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: May 6, 2014Assignee: simplehuman, LLCInventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor, Orlando Cardenas
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Publication number: 20140117690Abstract: According to one embodiment, A chucking apparatus includes an arm that is configured to hold a test tube, an opening/closing mechanism that opens/closes the arm, a motor that drives the opening/closing mechanism, and a supplying unit configured to supply electric power to the motor at two different supply voltages.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: AOI SEIKI, CO., LTD.Inventor: Teruaki ITOH
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Publication number: 20140097780Abstract: An electromechanical actuator includes a drive motor having rotatable drive shaft. A magnetic element is disposed on the drive shaft. A rotary-to-linear motion converter is driven by the rotatable drive shaft and includes a non-rotating actuator body that is linearly movable in a traveling direction. A Hall-effect sensor is disposed in a stationary manner proximal to the magnetic element disposed on the drive shaft. A controller is in electronic communication with the Hall-effect sensor. The controller counts the number of impulses output by the Hall-effect sensor when the drive shaft rotates relative to the Hall-effect sensor, and turns off the drive motor after a predetermined number of impulses have been counted since the start-up of the non-rotating actuator body. The controller may also count the number of times that the current of the drive motor exceeds a predetermined maximum value and store this counted value in a memory element.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: Aktiebolaget SKFInventors: Hans Peter Panzer, Christian Stehli, Martin Voegelin
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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: 8665596Abstract: Power switching circuitry has a heat absorbing structure, and a heat conductive substrate having power switching components on a first surface and a second surface adjacent to the heat absorbing structure. Electrically conductive members, comprising first and second members, are on the first surface and extend along a first axis orthogonal to the heat conductive substrate. The second portion is more remote from the heat conductive substrate, and has a smaller cross-sectional area than, the first portion to define a shoulder region orthogonal to the first axis. A circuit board is located on the shoulder regions, with the second portions extending through the circuit board. An urging mechanism urges the circuit board against the shoulder regions, whereby the electrically conductive members provide a current path between the heat conductive substrate and the circuit board, and urge the heat conductive substrate into thermal contact with the heat absorbing structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: PG Drives Technology LimitedInventor: Richard Peter Brereton
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Patent number: 8643321Abstract: An operator ratchet mechanism for effecting reciproctable lateral movement if an element of a geared drive train in a door, gate or barrier operator. The operator ratchet mechanism can be utilized to cause disconnection between the geared drive train and an electric motor of the door gate or barrier operator to enable the door gate or barrier to me manually moved, and subsequent reconnection between the geared drive connection and electric motor. An embodiment of a tilt door operator which enables disconnection and reconnection between a geared drive train and an electric motor of the operator by effecting lateral displacement of an element of the geared drive train is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Smart Openers Pty Ltd.Inventors: Jack Leivenzon, Glenn Edward Fleming, Eric Peter Vellere
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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: 8598828Abstract: A wiper system is provided and may include a wiper that operates between a parked state and a use state, a motor associated with the wiper that selectively moves the wiper between the parked state and the use state, and a switch that generates a signal identifying whether the wiper is in the parked state or the use state. The wiper system may also include a controller in communication with the switch. The controller may include a second-order filter and a comparator, whereby the controller passes the signal through the second-order filter and the comparator to differentiate between the parked state and the use state.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Chrysler Group LLCInventor: Nazmi A. Sabi
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Patent number: 8587328Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining characterizing attributes of an actuator is provided. An actuator may be moved to a maximum capacitance position. At the maximum capacitance position, an initial measurement of the actuator capacitance is made. The actuator is moved a predetermined increment toward a first extreme position, and the actuator capacitance is again measured. If the capacitance changed by a threshold amount, the signal preceding the signal that caused the actuator to move is recorded as an approximate response curve end point, or the first extreme position. The actuator is again moved a predetermined increment toward a second extreme position. After each move, the capacitance is measured. If it is determined the capacitance did change by a threshold amount from the previously measured capacitance, the signal related to the previously measured capacitance is recorded as an approximate response curve end point, or the second extreme position.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.Inventors: Eduardo Martinez, Christian Jimenez, Jose Ibanez-Climent, Colm Donovan
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Patent number: 8575872Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a motorized roller shade that includes a shade tube, a motor/controller unit and a power supply unit. The motor/controller unit is disposed within the shade tube, and includes a bearing, rotatably coupled to a support shaft, and a DC gear motor. The output shaft of the DC gear motor is coupled to the support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to the mounting bracket.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2012Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: HomeRun Holdings CorporationInventors: Willis Jay Mullet, Yan Rodriguez, Ben L. Garcia, Victoria Baynes Mullet, Matthew Warren Kirkland
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Patent number: 8569980Abstract: A trash can include a sensor for detecting the presence of an object near a portion of the trash can. The detection of the object can be used to signal the trash can to open its lid. The trash can include an electronic drive unit for opening and closing the lid.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2008Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: simplehuman, LLCInventors: Frank Yang, Tzu-Hao Wei, Myk Wayne Lum, Yoon J. Kim
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Patent number: 8541969Abstract: In a method and a device for pulse width modulated (PWM-) activation of an electrical drive motor (2) of an adjustment arrangement based on a reference of the mechanical system of the adjustment arrangement that corresponds to a relationship between the force (F) on the drive motor (2) and the adjustment path (s) or the adjustment time (t) of the adjustment arrangement stored in a memory (9), an anticipated future force value (F(t+t0)) is determined based on the reference of the mechanical system in order to adjust the PWM activation in advance by utilizing this future force value such that motor synchronization fluctuations can be prevented upon anticipated mechanical fluctuations in the adjustment arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2010Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Stefan Holzinger, Roman Morawek, Daniel Zuffer
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Patent number: 8525462Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: MechoShade Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman, Alex Greenspan, Stephen P. Hebeisen
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Publication number: 20130207584Abstract: A linear actuator comprising a spindle, a spindle nut, a transmission, an electrical motor, and an actuation element, is arranged to linearly move the actuation element by means of an interaction of the spindle and the spindle nut, which interaction is being driven by the electrical motor through the transmission. A position of the actuation element, the relative position between spindle and spindle nut, is determined by means of an absolute rotary position sensor and a counter. The counter keeps track of the number of under-flows and over-flows the absolute rotary position sensor generates during movement of the actuation element. A combination of a value from the absolute rotary position sensor and a count from the counter determines the position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2010Publication date: August 15, 2013Inventors: Johannes Andrianus Maria Duits, Mario Rossi
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Patent number: 8508169Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: 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: 8508168Abstract: Linear actuator device, comprising a housing (102,202), a piston rod (109,209), an electrical motor (116,216) and a transmission means (105,106,305,307) adapted to transfer the rotation of the electrical motor to a linear movement of the piston rod, where the linear actuator device comprises an integrated electrical interface having two signal inputs adapted to extend and retract the piston rod and two signal outputs adapted to indicate a retracted end position (122) and an extended end position (121) of the piston rod.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2008Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKFInventor: Johannes Andrianus Maria Duits
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Patent number: 8497644Abstract: A refrigerator and a method for controlling the same are provided. With the refrigerator and the method for controlling the refrigerator, a receiving box may be automatically drawn in and out together with a door when a user operates an input device that inputs door drawing in and out instructions, thereby increasing use convenience of children and older people.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Yong Hwan Eom, Myung Keun Yoo, Hyoun Jeong Shin, Ok Sun Yu, Young Jin Kim, Seung Do Han