Limit-of-travel Control Means Patents (Class 318/468)
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Patent number: 8473165Abstract: A turning drive control apparatus that controls a drive of a turning mechanism of a construction machine driven to turn by an electric motor, includes: a drive command creation part that creates a drive command to drive the electric motor based on an amount of operation input through an operation part of the construction machine; a turning motion detection part that detects a turning motion of the turning mechanism; and a drive command correction part that corrects the drive command, when a turning motion in a direction opposite to a turning operation direction input to the operation part is detected by the turning motion detection part, to suppress the turning motion in the direction opposite to the turning operation direction in response to a degree of the turning motion in the direction opposite to the turning operation direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2008Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignees: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., Sumitomo (S. H. I) Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroso Shono, Noriyuki Nishiyama, Kiminori Sano
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Publication number: 20130141030Abstract: 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: January 30, 2013Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKFInventors: Johannes Andrianus Maria Duits, Mario Rossi
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Patent number: 8436713Abstract: The present invention relates to a door drive, in particular a garage door drive, with a door control and with a programming unit for programming the door control during operation and/or maintenance of the door drive. In accordance with the invention, the programming unit is configured as an external device, wherein for operation and/or maintenance of the door drive a data transmission connection can be established between the programming unit and the door control.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2009Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Marantec Antriebs-und Steuerungstechnik GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Michael Hormann
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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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Publication number: 20130099714Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: HomeRun Holdings CorporationInventor: HomeRun Holdings Corporation
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Patent number: 8395334Abstract: A refrigerator includes a drawer having a door and a receiving box attached thereto. The drawer may be automatically moved in forward and backward directions. A supply of standby voltage may be intercepted by a drawer driving mechanism when the door is closed so as to reduce power consumption and improve response time to drawer opening and closing commands.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 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: 8378610Abstract: A linear actuator includes a housing with a reversible DC-motor, which through a transmission can displace an activation element between two end positions, where an further switch located in the longitudinal direction of the spindle is activated and deactivated when a spindle nut passes during its travel on the spindle and provides information for a calculation model which continuously calculates the position of the spindle nut on the spindle so that the calculation model in the positions where the further switch is activated by the spindle nut is calibrated to show an absolute position which is entered as a reference point in the control.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Linak A/SInventor: Svend Erik Knudsen Jensen
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Patent number: 8368335Abstract: Presented is a system for controlling a roller shade. The system includes a flexible shade material having a lower end, a roller tube windingly receiving the flexible shade material, and a reversible motor for rotating the roller tube to move the lower end of the shade material between a first and second position. The system further includes an optical sensor for capturing an image frame of the shade material at a plurality of linear positions as the lower end of the flexible shade material moves from the first position to the second position. The system further includes a motor controller for controlling the reversible motor to move the lower end of the shade material from the first position to the second position using a variable linear velocity profile in response to position information obtained from the plurality of captured image frames.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Crestron Electronics Inc.Inventors: George Feldstein, Mark LaBosco
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Patent number: 8350513Abstract: Presented is a method for controlling a roller shade having a roller tube windingly receiving a flexible shade material. The method includes providing a motor that rotates the roller tube to move the flexible shade material between a first position and a second position. The method further includes capturing, with an optical sensor, an image frame at a plurality of linear positions along the flexible shade material as the flexible shade material moves from the first position to the second position. The method further includes controlling the reversible motor to move the flexible shade material from the first position to the second position in response to position information obtained from the captured image frames using a variable linear velocity profile so that the flexible shade material moves from the first position to the second position at a variable linear velocity.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Crestron Electronics Inc.Inventors: George Feldstein, Mark LaBosco
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Patent number: 8344678Abstract: A servomotor control system includes: an integrated control unit for integrally controlling servomotors; and servomotor units coupled with the integrated control unit and the servomotors. Each servomotor unit includes: a motor driver; a rotation detector of the servomotor; an original point detector for detecting an original point of the servomotor; a communication element for obtaining control information including rotation position instruction information from the integrated control unit; a rotation position calculator for calculating a current rotation position of the servomotor based on a rotation detection signal; a motor drive instruction element for outputting driving instruction information to the motor driver according to the control information and the current rotation position; and a current rotation position correction element for resetting the current rotation position to a predetermined original point when the original point detector detects the original point.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Nobuaki Koshobu
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Patent number: 8299740Abstract: A motor drive apparatus for driving a motor in a normal rotation direction or a reverse rotation direction in accordance with a state of operation of an operation switch has a first semiconductor switching device that switches ON/OFF state based on a normal rotation instruction provided by the operation switch, a second semiconductor switching device that switches ON/OFF state based on a reverse rotation instruction provided by the operation switch, a control circuit for controlling drive of the motor in the normal rotation direction or the reverse rotation direction, based on the ON/OFF state of the first and second semiconductor switching devices, and a wetting detection circuit for detecting wetting and controlling operation of the first and second semiconductor switching devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Omron Automotive Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Teruo Fukao
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Patent number: 8288973Abstract: A telescoping mast with a cabling system configured to cover and store cable within the structure of the mast and able to efficiently extend and retract multiple telescoping sections without jar and minimal energy. The telescoping mast has a hollow mast housing. A telescoping section is nested within the interior of the mast housing. A set of upper pulleys affixed to the upper end of the mast housing, while a set of lower pulleys affixed to the lower end of the telescoping section. A cable is threaded through the first upper pulleys and first lower pulleys such that a first end of the cable is attached to the mast housing and the cable remains taut when the telescoping section is raised or lowered.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: NS MicrowaveInventor: Thomas Davidson Ford
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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: 8278863Abstract: A telescoping mast able to efficiently extend and retract multiple telescoping sections without jar and minimal energy. The telescoping mast has multiple telescoping sections, a position feedback sensor, a motor, a spring motor, and a computation unit. The position feedback sensor is coupled to at least one telescoping section and configured to identify a position of the telescoping sections. The motor is also coupled to the telescoping sections, and raises and lowers the telescoping sections. The computation unit controls the motor based on the position of the telescoping sections.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: NS MicrowaveInventor: Thomas Davidson Ford
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Patent number: 8264185Abstract: An apparatus for electrically rotating a shutter's axis in order to fold and unfold the shutter includes an electrical motor; a gear that is driven by the motor; and a rotatable adapting unit or a flange to which the shutter's axis is connected. The rotatable adapting unit is connected to the gear. The apparatus may also include two switches, each switch stopping the motor when depressed, located at both ends of a rail, and wherein an element is installed in the rail capable to move along the rail and the element depresses one of the switches when arriving to any end of the rail. A circular plate with a spiral tunnel grooved on its surface is joined to the rotatable adapting unit or flange; and a pin is installed on the element and is settled in the grooved tunnel, moving the element along the rail according to the rotation of the plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Inventor: Asif Yadidya
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Publication number: 20120200247Abstract: Example architectural opening coverings and methods are disclosed. An example architectural opening covering system comprises a first motor to move a middle rail relative to a fixed top rail, and a second motor to move a bottom rail relative to the middle rail and the fixed top rail. The example system also comprises a controller to selectively actuate the first motor to move the middle rail based on a first position of the middle rail and a first position of the bottom rail, and to selectively actuate the second motor to move the bottom rail based on a second position of the middle rail and a second position of the bottom rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventor: James Baugh
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Patent number: 8237383Abstract: A door system includes a support connected to a structure, and a door mounted on the support and movable relative to the support between an opened position and a closed position. The door includes a detection device and a remote module coupled to the detection device. The remote module includes a battery and an RF module for supporting two-way communication and sending signals indicative of the status of the detection device and the battery. The door system also includes a motor to drive the door, and a controller to control the motor. The controller includes a user interface and a memory. The door system also includes a base module coupled to the controller for receiving signals from the remote module. The received signals are indicative of the status of the detection device and the battery. The base module also sends signals related to successful transmission acknowledgements to the remote module.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Assa Abloy Entrance Systems ABInventors: William W Shier, Lee H Theusch, Allan B Czubin, Robert J Miller
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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: 8217612Abstract: 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: January 28, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Uusi, LLCInventors: Mario Boisvert, Randall Perrin, John Washeleski
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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: 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: 20120126737Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2012Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman, Alex Greenspan, Stephen P. Hebeisen
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Patent number: 8165719Abstract: A system, and a method for manufacturing that system, for electrically and automatically opening, closing and otherwise controlling window shutters on a building, for the purposes of limiting radiant, conductive, and convective thermal losses from the inside of the building to the outside during the heating season, and limiting radiant, conductive, and convective thermal gains from the outside of the building to the inside during the cooling season. The system further comprises an interface to accommodate connection to other sensors not used to control the thermal environment of the building, such as motion detectors, burglar alarms, CO sensors and the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Inventors: Laurence F. Kinney, Gerald L. Cler, Todd Eric Bergeson, Derek Christopher Lindberg
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Patent number: 8143832Abstract: In a method for operating an electromechanical adjusting device, having an actuating part driven by a controller controlled motor, and which can be adjusted according to a manual specification for a controller operating element between a first and a second end position, the controller detects the precise position of a blockage of an adjusting movement from fed sensor signals, wherein user action performed on the operating element adjusts the actuating part by a first movement directed toward the end position to a position at which mechanical blockage occurs in order to determine a reference position, and adjusts the actuating part by a second movement into the second end position to examine the validity of the previously determined reference position by a test program which decides whether an automatic operating mode, in which an actuating process runs automatically, is activated, or blocked, as a function of the test result.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2008Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Stefan Holzmann, Roman Morawek, Daniel Zuffer
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Patent number: 8136789Abstract: A valve actuator operates a valve, such as a drain valve of an industrial washing machine. The valve actuator has a permanent magnet DC motor which drives a gear train which rotatably drives an output shaft. The output shaft is engaged with the drain valve and moves the drain valve to open and closed positions as desired. The valve actuator also has a controller which controls operation of the valve actuator. The controller provides power to the motor only when needed to open and close the drain valve. The controller does not provide power to the motor when the drain valve is in the open and closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Molon Motor and Coil CorporationInventor: Stoyan S. Staev
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Patent number: 8134312Abstract: A motor control circuit includes a manipulation unit, a control unit that drives a motor in a normal rotation direction or a reverse rotation direction, a catch detecting unit that detects a foreign substance caught in the opening and closing body, a first relay circuit that connects one of terminals of the motor to a power supply when the motor is driven in the normal rotation direction, a second relay circuit that connects the other terminal of the motor to the power supply when the motor is driven in the reverse rotation direction, a switch element that cuts off connection to the power supply when the normal rotation command is fed into the control unit from the manipulation unit, a detection circuit, and a feed circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2009Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: OMRON CorporationInventor: Katsunori Kigoshi
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Patent number: 8098030Abstract: A drive unit for a door or a gate includes an electric motor, a detection unit for detecting the position of the door or gate, the detection unit being coupled to the motor and providing an identical pulse sequence with every rotation of the motor, wherein the duration of one pulse in the sequence is different from the duration of the other pulses in the sequence, which are equal. All detected pulses are stored in a non-volatile memory. The drive unit includes an electronic control and regulating circuit including an output stage for the electric motor and at least one memory, in which an operational program is stored providing a programmable learning procedure for an opening and closing movement of the door or gate based on the pulses provided by the detection unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2009Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Novoferm tormatic GmbHInventors: Ulrich Theile, Christian Dietz
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Patent number: 8063592Abstract: A door system includes a support connected to a structure, and a door mounted on the support and movable relative to the support between an opened position and a closed position. The door includes a detection device and a remote module coupled to the detection device. The remote module includes a battery and an RF module for supporting two-way communication and sending signals indicative of the status of the detection device and the battery. The door system also includes a motor to drive the door, and a controller to control the motor. The controller includes a user interface and a memory. The door system also includes a base module coupled to the controller for receiving signals from the remote module. The received signals are indicative of the status of the detection device and the battery. The base module also sends signals related to successful transmission acknowledgements to the remote module.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2009Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Albany International CorpInventors: William W. Shier, Lee H. Theusch, Allan B. Czubin, Robert J. Miller
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Publication number: 20110273117Abstract: The invention provides a reciprocating electric tool (1) having a brushless motor (3), a plunger (52), and control means (6). The plunger (52) is driven by the brushless motor and reciprocating between two dead centers. A end bit (7) is mounted to one end of the plunger in a reciprocating direction. The control means (6) controls a rotational speed of the brushless motor based on a position of the plunger.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2010Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mizuho Nakamura, Kimitaka Abo, Teruo Imai
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Patent number: 8049452Abstract: A control method can stop motor operation reliably when a mirror rotator is mechanically locked at a driven end of the mirror rotator. The control method operates a motor 18 according to battery voltage. The motor 18 is operated with an operating time set and is stopped after a lapse of the set operating time, where the operating time is a time required for the motor 18 to drive the mirror rotator 14 from the retracted position or the working position to the working position or the retracted position at which the mirror rotator 14 is locked by a stopper. The control method detects the battery voltage, and decreases the set operating time of the motor 18 when the detected battery voltage is high or increases the set operating time of the motor 18 when the detected battery voltage is low.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Murakami CorporationInventors: Mitsuyoshi Nagao, Noriyuki Takemasa
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Patent number: 8049451Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a near field detection system. The apparatus comprises a glass plate, the glass plate having a first edge and comprising a first electrode, the first electrode disposed along the first edge of the glass plate, adapted to detect the presence of an object in near proximity to the glass plate, and adapted to transmit a signal in response to the presence of the object.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Derek L. Patterson, Scott A. Niemiec, Craig A. Kollar, Edward M. Sanocki, Jr., Thomas A. Wilson
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Patent number: 8044627Abstract: The invention relates to a piece of furniture and to a device for controlling the movement of furniture parts which can be moved with respect to one another, having a drive unit by means of which a first furniture part can be moved relative to a second furniture part, in a driven manner, via a monitoring unit for monitoring the movement of said first furniture part. According to the invention, the monitoring unit is designed such that, after an initiating action by the monitoring unit, the first furniture part is moved to a predetermined position and is stopped there, with the predetermined position differing from a final position of the first furniture part.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignees: Grass GmbH, Küster Automotive Door Systems GmbHInventors: Holger Wenzel, Peter Kropf, Helmut Wetschko
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Patent number: 8026686Abstract: A method for configuration of a device for controlling the movement of a plurality of movable furniture parts which can be moved in a driven manner relative to a stationary furniture part by means of a drive unit and a monitoring unit for monitoring the movement of the movable furniture parts. In order to match the movement of the movable furniture parts, at least an inner furniture part is associated with an outer furniture part such that, when a configuration mode is activated, the association of the at least one inner furniture part with the outer furniture part is created by a sequence of opening and/or closing movements of the movable furniture parts that are associated with one another.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignees: Grass GmbH, Küster Automotive Door Systems GmbHInventors: Holger Wenzel, Helmut Wetschko, Jürgen Zipp, Carmelo Gutierrez, Steffen Medebach
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Publication number: 20110221379Abstract: A linear stepper motor is used for the displacement of an armature parallel to a stator having N steps. The stator includes (N+2) stator pole pieces which are enclosed by a magnetic guiding element and are each approximately the same distance from neighboring stator pole pieces. Furthermore, at least one coil is located between two stator pole pieces. The armature is enclosed by the stator in the radial direction and has a permanent magnet magnetized parallel to the stator which is disposed between two armature pole pieces. As a result of the reluctance forces, the armature occupies stable idle positions inside the stator in which the stator pole pieces lie opposite the armature pole pieces. By energizing the coils with a short current pulse, the armature can be displaced inside the stator between the different stable idle positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventor: Martin Kelp
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Patent number: 8013558Abstract: A method for adjusting a closing gap in a piece of furniture, which comprises a device for moving a movable furniture part relative to a stationary furniture part by means of a drive unit, by means of which the furniture part can be driven to move relative to the stationary furniture part via a monitoring unit for monitoring the movement of the movable furniture part, with the closing gap being formed between a front part of the movable furniture part and the stationary furniture part when the movable furniture part is in a closed position with respect to the stationary furniture part. According to the invention, the closing gap is adjusted in an activated, electronically assisted, adjusting mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignees: Grass GmbH, Küster Automotive Door Systems GmbHInventors: Ronald Liebsch, Holger Wenzel
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Patent number: 8008883Abstract: A method of adjusting a motorized solar protection installation (1) comprising a screen (3) that can be displaced by activation of an actuator (6) provided with an electronic position counting device (7) and means (9) of detecting an obstacle to the movement, comprising the following steps: storage of a first end-of-travel position, displacement of the screen by activation of the actuator towards the first stored end-of-travel position, continued beyond the first stored end-of-travel position as far as a position that can be assimilated to an end-stop, detected by the means of detecting an obstacle to the movement, measurement of the position difference between the first stored end-of-travel position and the position that can be assimilated to an end-stop, storage of this measurement in memory.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Somfy SASInventors: Laurent Hoff, Eric Guillemot
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Patent number: 7982422Abstract: An improved system for controlling motorized window coverings with light control includes an improved control system including a switch with an up button, a stop button and down button to activate a motor to control the configuration of the covering, including the extension or retraction of the covering, and the transmissivity of the covering.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Henk Jan Meewis, Michael S. Holford
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Patent number: 7977902Abstract: The invention relates to a pinch protection method and device for a motor-driven closing system. The method comprises the following steps: detecting a reduced motor speed, switching off the motor, analyzing a sensor signal for detecting a pinch situation, deciding whether a pinch situation is present, and controlling the motor depending on the detection of a pinch situation. The device for detecting a pinch situation comprises a motor, a detection unit, a control unit and at least one sensor. The device is adapted to carry out the method according to the invention.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Fabian Batejat, Holger Pruessel
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Patent number: 7977904Abstract: This invention generally relates to automated shade systems. An automated shade system comprises one or more motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use one or more algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures; shadow information; lighting and radiation information; ASHRAE clear sky algorithms; log information related to manual overrides; occupant preference information; motion information; real-time sky conditions; solar radiation on a building; a total foot-candle load on a structure; brightness overrides; actual and/or calculated BTU load; time-of-year information; and microclimate analysis.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2008Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Mechoshade Systems, Inc.Inventors: Joel Berman, Jan Berman, Alex Greenspan, Stephen P. Hebeisen
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Patent number: 7973507Abstract: A raindrop detecting device includes a raindrop sensor, and a controller. The raindrop sensor is disposed in a wiping area of a wiper blade on a front windshield, and outputs a detection signal regarding a raindrop amount. The controller activates the wiper blade based on the detection signal, and sets a prohibition period for which the raindrop sensor is prohibited from determining the raindrop amount. The raindrop sensor outputs signals when raindrop collected by the wiper blade passes above the raindrop sensor in a reciprocating wiping operation. The controller calculates the prohibition period of a second reciprocating wiping operation based on the signals of a first reciprocating wiping operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Taketoshi Yoshigoe
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Patent number: 7973506Abstract: The invention discloses a method for controlling a power car window lift. The method includes the following steps: detecting an operation state signal of the car window with a detection element; inputting the detection signal of the detection element into the controller; and the controller sending a control signal to an actuator, which controls the operation state of the car window lift. The main control element of the controller is a thyristor or an equivalent functional element. The car window lift's operation state signal includes a car window closed obstacle signal, a car window closed-in-place signal, a car window opened-in-place signal, and a car window opened obstacle signal. The invention further discloses a device for implementing the method for controlling the power car window.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Inventor: Yuanhong Wen
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Patent number: 7960933Abstract: A P-range side delimiting position of a movable range of a range change mechanism is learned by rotating a motor to a corresponding rotational position, which corresponds to the P-range side delimiting position. A climb correction amount is set for a learning value of the P-range side delimiting position to correct the learning value of the P-range side delimiting position in view of presence of a relatively small angle of rotation of the motor beyond the corresponding rotational position, which corresponds to the P-range side delimiting position. The climb correction amount is set according to motor temperature information, which is one of a temperature of the motor and a temperature that relates to the temperature of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Eiji Isobe, Shigeru Kamio
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Patent number: 7952307Abstract: A container, adapted to be opened/closed automatically by induction actuated, includes a container body, cover, motor and actuating device, wherein the motor is connected to the driven element of the cover through the actuating device. The dustbin includes a sensing and controlling device of the stroke of the cover, wherein a cover stroke perception and a shut off circuit, the cover stroke perception is connected with the shut off circuit, and the shut off circuit is connected with the motor, the shut off circuit receives the activating signal from the cover stroke perception and then controls the motor to actuate correspondingly, the cover's stroke inducted by the trigger; point of the cover stroke perception is less than the whole stroke during the closing of the cover. The noise of the crash between the cover and the container body is low, and closing of the cover is rapid and spiffy.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2009Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Inventors: Xin Wang, Jiangqun Chen
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Patent number: 7932690Abstract: A system and associated method for preventing damage to an adjacent wall surface of an electrically operated bed that utilizes a normally closed/momentarily open switch assembly attached to the bed frame at a location such that when the bed fame is maneuvered toward an adjacent wall surface, a head of the switch contacts the wall surface before any other part of the bed frame or a proximity sensor switch is activated when the switch head is in the prescribed range from the wall surface. The push button switch is in electrical communication with the bed frame operational circuitry. When the switch activated from its depression from thw all surface contact or its proximity to the wall surface, the electrical circuitry in the system circuitry is interrupted thereby stopping the operation of the bed frame from being maneuvered and preventing damage to the wall surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2008Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Inventors: Robert Dion Jones, Roy John Cracknell
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Publication number: 20110089879Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2008Publication date: April 21, 2011Inventor: Johannes Andrianus Maria Duits
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Patent number: 7928678Abstract: A device for controlling a speed of a door includes a detecting unit that detects a position of the door, and a control unit that controls the speed of the door in such a manner that an acceleration of the door becomes substantially zero at a point that is calculated based on the position. Thus, a target maximum speed of the door is adjusted depending on the remaining moving distance.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takuya Imai, Tsunenori Senbongi
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Publication number: 20110068725Abstract: A linear electro-mechanical actuator comprises a housing with a reversible DC-motor (1), which through a transmission (2) can move an activation element (5) between two end positions. The activation element (5) will in the two end positions cause the electrical end stop switches (17, 25) to be activated for interrupting the current for the DC motor (1) in the end positions of the activation element (5) for running the motor (1) in one direction. Parallel to the end stop switches (17, 25), an extra set of switches (21, 23) are incorporated for determining in which end position the activation element (5) is located.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2009Publication date: March 24, 2011Inventor: Jeppe Bastholm
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Patent number: 7888898Abstract: Embodiment of the invention relate to a container. In one respect, embodiments of the invention provide a container that is useful in advertising because of its distinctive shape and faux pull ring, and/or because it is configured to output a jingle or other stored audio. Moreover, in embodiments of the invention, the container is configured as a cooler with a thermal insulator. Such a cooler may also include an automatic lid mechanism that allows for hands-free operation by users that seek to retrieve, for instance, a cold beverage from the cooler.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: IPS Industries, Inc.Inventor: Jack Randal Wilkerson
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Publication number: 20110012548Abstract: A safety system for an electric ride-on toy includes a current regulator electrically connected between the battery and electric motor; and a control module connected to the current regulator, having an input device adapted to receive a safety command, and adapted to activate the current regulator if the safety command is received. When activated, the current regulator reduces the electrical current provided from the battery to the electric motor. Current reduction can be in whole or in part. The control module can include a variable resistor. The safety system can optionally include a reset mechanism. When activated, the current regulator remains activated until the reset mechanism is triggered. The input device can be a wireless receiver, and the safety system can further include a wireless transmitter for sending the safety command and/or a warning signal. The wireless transmitter can include an antennae positioned to form a boundary, which can be open or closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventors: Julia Marie Wilcox, Stacy Anne Wilder
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Patent number: 7868578Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly comprising at least two electric drive units (4) for respectively driving one of at least two drawers (2) which are movably mounted within a common furniture carcass (3). A measuring instrument (10) is assigned to each drive unit (4) in order to detect a force (F) that a user applies to the respective drawer (2). The inventive assembly further comprises at least one control or regulation device (9) for controlling or regulating the drive units (4). The measuring signals of the measuring instrument (10) can be fed to the control or regulation device (9) while the control or regulation device (9) can trigger the associated drive unit (4) after receiving a predetermined measuring signal from one of the measuring instruments (10).Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Julius Blum GmbHInventors: Uwe Scheffknecht, Edgar Huber