Abstract: An electric driving device which rotates a visor with respect to a stay, and includes a visor side ring having an inclined surface and a stay side ring having an inclined surface. When the visor is rotated from a using position to a housing position, the inclined surfaces ride on each other to securely form a predetermined gap between the stay and the visor. Meanwhile, when the visor is rotated from the housing position to the using position, the inclined surfaces slide down each other so that the gap between the stay and the visor approaches zero.

Abstract: The present invention provides a processing system for coupling to an infrastructure of a building. The processing system comprises a processor having a plurality of processing system elements. A tray is coupled to the processor and the tray has at least one pivotal attachment member coupled to an articulating arm. A motor is coupled to a portion of the infrastructure and the articulating arm so that the motor may move the processing system between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A travel-limit circuit having a DC motor for a lens by which the endurance of the motor can be improved while at the same reducing the rebound due to the inertia of the moving body at a travel extremity. The travel-limit circuit has a lens motor that drives, e.g., zoom lens groups. Limits which detect whether the lens group has reached their travel extremities at which mechanical stoppers are provided. The motor driving circuit, which drives the lens motor and the limit switches, activates a short break by short circuiting the pair of input terminals on the lens motor via diodes while cutting current flow from the motor driving circuit for the lens motor upon detection that the lens groups have reached their travel limit.

Abstract: A door operator system for an upward acting sectional or one piece (California-type) garage door includes a DC variable speed motor directly connected to a drive mechanism for moving the door between open and closed positions. A motor control circuit includes circuit components for reversing the direction of rotation of the motor and for delivering a pulse width modulated voltage signal to the motor to control motor speed. A current sensor including a split core transformer and a Hall effect sensor detects motor current and provides a signal to a microcontroller for stopping the motor or stopping and reversing the motor if the motor current reaches a preset limit which is user settable by potentiometers connected to the microcontroller. Magnetic position limit switches and an obstruction detector are operably connected to the microcontroller to provide input signals indicating the state of the door and the control circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for contactless approach of a lower stop position of a motor vehicle window pane operated by extraneous force using a sensor device which during lowering of the window pane generates path-dependent signals and forwards them to an electronic evaluation unit in which the sensor signals are counted. During two separate phases (A) and (B) system deficiencies of a window raising mechanism are compensated and the pane is lowered. On reaching a certain counting state which lies in front of the position of the fixed contactless stop, a drive is switched off. The first phase (A) and the second phase (B) of the adjustment movement of the drive are separated by a boundary value (2) which reflects a system state of window winding raising mechanism so that the sensor signals of the first phase (A) can be associated with compensating cable slack and the sensor signals of the second phase (B) can be associated with the actual movement of the window.

Abstract: A power window apparatus is provided for detecting pinching in accordance with the opened/closed position of the window and a state of rotation of a motor, the apparatus having a position sensor which detects a safety-control suspension region of the window and which is an accurate sensor. A spiral guide groove is formed in the inner surface of a housing opposite to a rotational plate which is rotated by an output shaft of a motor which opens/closes a window. A follower which is guided by the spiral guide groove is able to move along a straight guide groove provided for the rotational plate in the radial direction. Terminals in the form of conductive films are provided for a printed circuit board accommodated in the housing. When the rotational plate has been rotated, the follower is guided by the spiral guide groove so as to be moved in the straight guide groove. Thus, a slide member provided for the follower is brought into contact with the terminals so that the terminals are conducted with each other.

Abstract: An awning, in particular an awning with a supporting arm, the cloth (1) of which can be unwound from a tube or winding shaft (2) driven by an electric motor (9) and in which are provided means for measuring the drive torque which supply a variable representing the windforce acting on the awning cloth. The measuring means are associated with a logical processing unit (15) in which are recorded three torque values, namely a danger, a safety and an all-clear value, on the basis of which values the LPU allows or activates the partial or complete unwinding or winding of the cloth.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator includes a wall control switch module having a learn switch thereon. The switch module is connectable to a control unit positioned in a head of a garage movable barrier operator. The head unit also contains an electric motor which is connected to a transmission for opening and closing a movable barrier such as a garage door. The switch module includes a plurality of switches coupled to capacitors which, when closed, have varying charge and discharge times to enable which switch has been closed. The control unit includes an automatic force incrementing system for adjusting the maximal opening and closing force to be placed upon the movable barrier during a learn operation. Likewise, end of travel limits can also be set during a learn operation upon installation of the unit.

Abstract: An electric motor drive for an automotive operating element for moving between at least two end positions. A range about at least one selected position of the operating element is established. The drive automatically moves the operating element into the selected position when the automotive operating element has reached the established range.

Abstract: An elongated reelable shade, first and second spaced support brackets removably connected to first and second and opposite ends of said elongated reelable shade for supporting said reelable shade from a fixed support, an electrical drive motor having an output shaft for rotating said elongated reelable shade around its axis to selectively reel and unreel said shade, an electrical circuit for energizing and operating said motor, the electrical circuit including a controller coupled to and controlling the operation of said drive motor, and a coupler for removably coupling said output shaft of said motor to said first end of said elongated reelable shade, a single housing having said first bracket fixed thereto, said single housing containing and supporting said motor, said electrical circuit and said coupler, said coupler comprising an output driver which removably receives said first end of said shade with rotatable driving relationship.

Abstract: An automatic sliding door apparatus has a speed-change detecting element for detecting a change in the driving speed of a slide motor above a predetermined value as well as a pressure sensitive sensor disposed in a front end portion of a door panel, and the detecting of a foreign object is effected by the pressure sensitive sensor in regions other than a region in which the door panel slides at a fixed speed. Accordingly, the detecting of a foreign object is made possible in a region where the detecting of a foreign object is difficult in the detection of a change in speed by the speed-change detecting element.

Abstract: A method of programming a controller for a movable barrier operator includes enabling and disabling an input device within a predetermined period of time, a predetermined number of times. This sequence of short activations of an input device, such as a switch on a wall unit, puts the controller in a learn mode or a programmed state. Thereafter, the controller is responsive to learn any of the various routines that can be programmed for the movable barrier operator, such as transmitter code, limits of travel, force settings, and so on.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrofitting a manually operated commercial garage door opener to function automatically.

Abstract: In an opening/closing member driving method in which the rotation of a motor rotatable in two directions is transmitted through a transmission member to an opening/closing member to thereby drive a baffle 4 in an opening direction A and in a closing direction B, when driving the transmission member from an intermediate position to an original position which is set at a position where the transmission member is moved to the full in one direction or in the other direction, the transmission member is once driven in the opposite direction to the original position and is stopped at such opposite position or in the neighborhood of the opposite position and, after then, the transmission member is driven in the original position direction by an amount equivalent to the normal movement thereof and is thereby returned to the original position.

Abstract: A wireless battery-operated window covering assembly is disclosed. The window covering has a head rail in which all the components are housed. These include a battery pack, an interface module including an IR receiver and a manual switch, a processor board including control circuitry, motor, drive gear, and a rotatably mounted reel on which lift cords wind and unwind a collapsible shade. The circuitry allows for dual-mode IR receiver operation and a multi-sensor polling scheme, both of which are configured to prolong battery life. Included among these sensors is a lift cord detector which gauges shade status to control the raising and lowering of the shade, and a rotation sensor which, in conjunction with internal registers and counters keeps track of travel limits and shade position.

Abstract: A positioning actuator for positioning at least a part of a movable load at selected positions in a range of available positions in response to corresponding provisions of electrical energy of selected polarities between a pair of power terminals connected through limit switches to an electrical motor which switches limit that range. Energy storage is used to force the motor to further separate the contacts in those switches after they have been initially opened.

Abstract: A garage door status indicating system is provided including a power source. Also included is a switch having a first orientation when the garage door is open and a second orientation when the garage door is closed. A first indication circuit includes a red diode adapted to illuminate intermittently upon the switch being in the first orientation thereof, thereby indicating that the garage door is open. Associated therewith is a second indication circuit including a green diode adapted to illuminate continuously upon the switch being in the second orientation thereof, thereby indicating that the garage door is closed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a focusing controller for a survey instrument, and the focusing controller comprises a sliding tube for retaining a focusing lens and movable in the direction of an optical axis, a motor for moving the sliding tube in the direction of the optical axis, a motor driving control circuit for driving the motor, a rotating speed control switch which serves as a means for inputting coarse adjustment control to the driving circuit, and a rotating position control switch which serves as a means for inputting fine adjustment control to the motor driving circuit, whereby the focusing lens is moved at a speed proportional to rotating angle of a rotating speed control switch by turning the rotating speed control switch for coarse control, and the focusing lens is moved to a position corresponding to rotating angle of a rotating position control switch by turning the rotating position control switch for fine control.

Abstract: A vehicular slide door open-close control apparatus for opening a slide door installed at a side of vehicle body by means of the drive source such as a motor and the like. The purpose of the apparatus is to reduce a burden applied to the slide door moving from its full-open position along its close direction, downsize, lighten and lower the cost. Also, reducing an operational force when the door is manually closed. The control apparatus has a drive source 54 such as motor and the like, a slide door 3 open-close-moved by a slide door open-close mechanism, a clutch means 56 transmitting intermittently a drive force of the drive source 54 to the slide door open-close mechanism, a slope judgement means 76 detecting a vehicle posture and a slide door control means 7 controlling the drive source and clutch means in order to adjust a drive force to be transferred to the slide door open-close mechanism.

Abstract: A method is provided for adapting the side support, as a function of the driving situation and driving styles, of a person sitting in the seat of a vehicle, in which method a lateral acceleration acting on the seat is determined as reference variable for the adaptation. In order to allow greater allowance for the way in which the sitting person senses lateral acceleration, as well as a comfortable sitting sensation with the advantages of a necessary side support which is built up in curves at short notice, the specific instantaneous lateral acceleration is weighted with the instantaneous driving speed of the vehicle. A control variable for the degree of adaptation is derived therefrom. In addition, a supplementary control variable is determined which brings about support of the driver on both sides in the seat as a function of the driving style. A vehicle seat in which this method is applied is specified.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the pinching of an object of a power window which stops the detection of the pinching when a normal pulse edge interval of a two-phase pulse is not obtained is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a motor 4 for opening/closing a window, a motor driving unit 3, a pulse generating unit 5 for generating a two-phase pulse, an MCU 2, and a switching arrangement 1. The MCU 2 detects a motor torque from an interval between pulse edges of the two-phase pulse at the time of opening and closing the window and compares the motor torque with a preset addition value. When the motor torque exceeds the addition value, the MCU 2 determines the occurrence of the pinching of an object and stops or reverses the driving of the motor 4. A timer 14 for resetting time each time the pulse edge in the two-phase pulse arrives is disposed in the MCU 2.

Abstract: A method of detecting the pinching of an object of a power window for obtaining an accurate motor torque value dealing with a fluctuation in the ambient temperature and reducing an error at the time of detecting the pinching of an object without using a temperature sensor is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a window opening/closing motor 4, a motor driving unit 3, a pulse generating unit 5, an MCU 2, and an operation switch 1. A base value, a tolerance value and a reference value as an addition value of the base value and the tolerance value are set for each of a plurality of regions obtained by dividing the whole window travel range. The MCU 2 detects a motor torque at the time of opening and closing the window and compares the motor torque with the reference value preset for the travel region. When the motor torque exceeds the reference value, the MCU 2 determines the presence of the pinching of an object and stops or reverses the driving of the motor 4.

Abstract: The adjusting device for adjusting a position of a sun roof of a vehicle has one incremental position encoder and two absolute position encoders, with whose aid, at each position of the sun roof, an unambiguous association with the actual position of the sun roof is possible, regardless of whether there has been a failure of the adjusting device or a mechanical change in position of the sun roof. The adjusting device of the invention is intended for a sun roof of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: An automatic gate operator includes an electric drive motor coupled by a drive train to a movable gate, and includes provision for measuring the coasting distance which the gate moves after shut off of the drive motor. This coasting distance varies both with the weight and momentum of the gate in comparison to frictional drag of the gate hardware, and the drag provided by the gate operator with the drive motor shut off, and also varies in response to a great number of other variables many of which are unpredictable. These other variables include such factors as wind, weather, temperature, wear, adequacy of lubrication, time interval since last operation of the gate operator, and off-level installation of the gate, for example. However, the coasting distance is measured and recorded, and is subsequently used as a predictor of gate coast on subsequent operation of the gate operator in order to coast the gate to a stop precisely at a selected limit position.

Abstract: A stop range setting circuit sets a range of permissible positions around where the control object is desired to be stopped on the basis of a target position signal, and a potentio balance resistor (PBR) detects a present position of the control object driven by a motor. The comparison circuit compares the present position of the control object with the set range, and outputs an out-of-stop range signal and a rotating direction indication signal until the control object reaches the range. The out-of-stop range signal is input to a drive start determination circuit, and a drive permission signal is output to a drive circuit when the out-of-stop range signal is continuously output for at least a predetermined period of time. The drive circuit drives the motor in a direction indicated by the rotating direction indication signal while the drive permission signal is continuously output, so that an instantaneous ON/OFF signal is not input to the drive circuit in the presence of external noise.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are proposed which serve to correct a limit value (16) of the closing force limitation, particularly for a sliding roof. The apparatus and the method comprise an air pressure sensor (14) from whose signals are determined a reference pressure (19) by means of averaging and pressure changes as deviations from this reference pressure. An electronic control unit (12) changes the limit value (16) of the closing force limitation as a function of the pressure conditions.

Abstract: A wireless battery-operated window covering assembly is disclosed. The window covering has a head rail in which all the components are housed. These include a battery pack, an interface module including an IR receiver and a manual switch, a processor board including control circuitry, motor, drive gear, and a rotatably mounted reel on which lift cords wind and unwind a collapsible shade. The circuitry allows for dual-mode IR receiver operation and a multi-sensor polling scheme, both of which are configured to prolong battery life. Included among these sensors is a lift cord detector which gauges shade status to control the raising and lowering of the shade, and a rotation sensor which, in conjunction with internal registers and counters keeps track of travel limits and shade position.

Abstract: A safety device for a power window in which window glass of a vehicle is made to undergo an opening or closing operation by a driving motor, and which effects safety control against the nipping of a foreign object by detecting the opening and closing positions of the window glass, comprises: a position sensor for detecting the position of an angle of rotation of the driving motor; a detector the opening or closing position of the window glass based on an output of the position sensor; and a controller for effecting safety control against the nipping of the foreign object based on the detector.

Abstract: One end of a toothed cable is connected to a rear door of a vehicle. The toothed cable moves forward and backward, thus opening and closing the rear door. A drive motor imparts a moving force to the toothed cable. An electromagnetic clutch connects the drive motor to the toothed cable and disconnects the drive motor from the toothed cable. A speed sensor detects the movement of the toothed cable when the electromagnetic clutch is set to a disconnected state. A control unit sets the electromagnetic clutch to a connected state when the movement of the toothed cable is detected and actuates the drive motor to allow the toothed cable to move in the same direction at that in which the toothed cable is moving. When the completely opened or closed rear door is moved to some extent in a closing direction or an opening direction by an operator's hands, the rear door is automatically closed or opened by the drive motor.

Abstract: A power closure panel control apparatus is independent of closure panel configuration and capable of a diverse range of remote and direct activation. Sophisticated safety features utilize an adaptive strategy to facilitate highly sensitive obstruction detection by learning the closure system's force requirement and applying a safety margin to it. The control system allows the closure panel to operate in a totally manual mode.

Abstract: A controller for energizing a power window or panel such as a power sunroof. The disclosed controller senses both hard and soft obstructions and de-activates a motor that moves the sunroof when an obstruction is detected. The controller senses obstructions by maintaining data relating to motor operation in three different memory buffers that are periodically updating upon receipt of pulses that are related to motor speed.

Abstract: A mirror motor is coupled to the mirror by a ratchet coupling. A feedback signal representing the drive current of the mirror motor is digitally sampled and analyzed by a type of Fourier transform, preferably a discrete cosine transform, to determine the low frequency components of a current pulse which arises when the mirror reaches a stop at its end of travel and the ratchet operation begins to occur. A fundamental component is due to the pulse rise. Motor current is terminated if that component exceeds a threshold for a set time. A harmonic component is due to the ratchet action and pulse fall. Motor current is terminated if the harmonic element reaches another threshold.

Abstract: Multiple pairs of stationary and moveable contacts are toggled simultaneously between an open and closed position to disconnect or connect a meter from or to a line power source, by a reciprocating operator driven by low power clock motor. The operator is connected to the contacts through a series of pivotally coupled toggle links that are spring biased to maintain the contacts in either of two stable states, open or closed. The disconnect switch is housed as a modular unit that is interposed between the meter socket and the meter. The switch is remotely actuated and cycles the motor through a pre-determined number of degrees of rotation sufficient to change the state of the contacts.

Abstract: A control system and method for operating an automobile window to provide anti-trap protection in an AUTO UP mode, wherein a switch assembly communicates switch signals representative of operator commands by disposition in distinct positions. A sensor that detects when an object is trapped between the window and the frame, and transmits an anti-trap signal representative thereof. A logic circuit receives the switch signals and the anti-trap signal and controls the drive assembly for the window in response thereto. The switch assembly includes a switch to override the anti-trap sensor for closing the window even when an obstruction is sensed during the closing operation.

Abstract: A remotely controlled blind arrangement comprises a head rail with an operating member for operation the blind arrangement. The blind arrangement can be controlled by means of a remote control device and is powered by a power supply such as for instance a battery. According to the invention the blind arrangement comprises a wake-up circuit for periodically switching the processor unit between an active status and a sleep status. The processor unit periodically calibrates the wake-up unit to maintain a constant period wake-up signal. Hereby the wake-up circuit can be made from relatively cheap components and drifts of the wake-up signal due to the decreasing battery power or temperature influences can be reduced. In an embodiment according to the present invention the processor unit is adapted to disregard the signal of the transmitter when the blind has a fully tilted, fully deployed or fully retracted position for further energy saving.

Abstract: A screen wiping apparatus, in particular for an opening window of a motor vehicle, comprises an electric motor which drives at least one screen wiper in oscillating motion between two reversal positions, namely a fixed inner stop position and a fixed outer stop position. In addition, the blade is able to be retracted into a parked position which lies away from the window, when the window is to be opened. The apparatus includes a control system whereby the power supply voltage to the motor is variable by adjustment between a zero voltage and a maximum or full power voltage. The control system includes means for reducing the power supply voltage to the motor when the screen wiper passes from the fixed inner stop position to the off-window parked position.

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

Abstract: A control system for an electric vehicle includes an accelerator opening detecting device for detecting a position of an accelerator, and an output command value calculating device connected to the accelerator opening detecting device for calculating an output command value of a drive motor of the electric vehicle based upon the detected accelerator opening. A motor control device is connected to the output command value calculating device, and controls the output of the motor based upon the output command value. An accelerator opening learning device learns actual accelerator opening positions, and includes at least one of a full-closure learning apparatus for generating a full-closure determined value of the accelerator based upon an output of the accelerator opening detecting device, and a full-open learning apparatus for generating a full-open determined value based upon the detected accelerator opening.

Abstract: A control system for an electrical motor drive for moving a door between end positions. The two end positions are detected by the control system, and an increment detector associated with the motor drive reproduces the movement cycle of the door. A stop associated with the motor drive marks an end position of the door that corresponds to the open position thereof. This open position is treated as a reference point. A pulse storage device is set to a specific value at this reference point and initiates the beginning of a pulse sequence to reproduce movement of the object between the end positions. The pulse sequence is compared for coincidence with pulses produced by the increment detector upon movement of the door into the opposite end position that corresponds to its closed position.

Abstract: The device comprises a control point (CP) equipped with Up and Down contacts, the actuation of which causes the rotation of the motor in the desired direction, a control and supply box (CB) containing a logic processing unit (LPU), switching means controlled by the logic unit and means for establishing a direction of rotation of the motor. The means for establishing a direction of rotation of the motor furthermore comprise means (LPU, CLK, DC) for recognizing the direction of rotation of the shutter or roller blind, a memory of EEPROM type (MI) for recording the direction of rotation of the motor instruction issued by the control point and a programmed processor for comparing the recognized direction of displacement with the instruction emanating from the control point.

Abstract: A device for detecting a position of a moving body is provided in which a position of a moving body such as a window glass of a power window device can be detected with high accuracy, initial positions can be set without complicated adjustment, such can be realized with a simple structure and at a low cost, and assemblability can be greatly improved. In the device for detecting a position of a moving body, fixed contacts press-contact a flange portion of a ring gear from a side opposite a side at which a cover plate is disposed. Accordingly, the fixed contacts can be installed after the ring gear. In a state in which the ring gear is provisionally installed, press-contact force of the fixed contacts is not applied to the ring gear. As a result, the ring gear does not rise and positional deviation does not occur, and therefore, the assemblability can be greatly improved.

Abstract: An electrical control arrangement for a curtain assembly has a reversible electric, preferably DC, drive motor, drive devices for connecting the motor to one or more curtains for movement of the curtains in opening and closing directions in response to rotation of the motor in respective opposite directions, and a control device for the motor. The control device includes first, user-operable, preferably remotely-operable, switch device for selecting opening and closing directions of curtain movement, and second switch device positionable for operation by a curtain upon reaching a limit position of its movement in an opening and/or a closing direction.

Abstract: A wireless battery-operated window covering assembly is disclosed. The window covering has a head rail in which all the components are housed. These include a battery pack, an interface module including an IR receiver and a manual switch, a processor board including control circuitry, motor, drive gear, and a rotatably mounted reel on which lift cords wind and unwind a collapsible shade. The circuitry allows for dual-mode IR receiver operation and a multi-sensor polling scheme, both of which are configured to prolong battery life. Included among these sensors is a lift cord detector which gauges shade status to control the raising and lowering of the shade, and a rotation sensor which, in conjunction with internal registers and counters keeps track of travel limits and shade position.

Abstract: A memory system for an automatic door, the memory system being capable of recording for a specified length of time all relevant operational parameters according to the first-in/first-out principle.

Abstract: In a control circuit for a vehicle windshield wiper system, a relay energization retaining circuit forms a self-sustaining circuit jointly with a relay drive transistor for driving a wiper relay, and maintains supply of electric current to the wiper motor when the ON signal for the relay drive transistor is terminated as long as the auto stop switch is at the brake position until the auto stop switch subsequently moves on to the drive position.

Abstract: A movable barrier or garage door operator has a barrier drive for moving the movable barrier or garage door between open and closed positions. Motion of the barrier is detected by a tachometer connected to the barrier drive or by upper and lower barrier travel limit switches. A test is made to determine if the barrier has been commanded to be in a closed state and to determine if a preselected time interval has elapsed following closure of the barrier. When both of those conditions are present and the door is moved upward without authorization an alarm signal is generated and can signal the barrier drive to apply a closing force. The timer prevents the barrier from being closed on a person or obstacle during normal operation and prevents injury. An obstacle detector also prevents unwanted closure on an obstacle.

Abstract: A deformation detection system including an elongated element having a hollow deformable wall member that defines a radiation transmission path. A sound radiation transmission source positioned at one end of the elongated member transmits acoustical radiation into the radiation transmission path. A sound radiation detector positioned at an opposite end of the radiation transmission path is responsive to and detects the acoustical radiation transmitted from the radiation source. Deformation of the wall member at least partially interrupts the radiation transmission path such that transmitted acoustical radiation from the sound radiation source is attenuated, and the attenuated acoustical radiation is detected and assessed by the radiation detector. The detection system has particular applicability to monitor a body opening of a motor vehicle in which a closure member, such as a window, is movable towards a peripheral edge of the body to close the opening by an electrically operated drive mechanism.

Abstract: A highway crossing gate control circuit is provided which minimizes the "pumping" oscillation of a highway crossing gate arm which is driven up by a permanent magnet motor. A preferred embodiment of the control circuit utilizes a p-channel MOSFET in a power down module of the control circuit to restrict power from being applied to the motor when the gate arm is in an up position and is intended to be held in the up position by a hold clear device which acts as a mechanical break. Provision is included for dynamic braking on the gate arm moving downward after an initial drive down mode.

Abstract: An actuator for automotive HVAC control is coupled to a remote controller by two wires. The controller applies power to the actuator in a high current or a low current mode. A variable resistance driven by the actuator generates a voltage proportional to position in the low current mode. Zener diodes in the actuator circuit prevent motor operation in the low current mode and permit motor operation in the high current mode. A microprocessor in the controller selects the mode and reads the voltage in low mode to determine position. It controls the motor for a duration required to reach a desired position and then checks the new position to verify that the target has been reached. If not, another iteration is employed to reach the target.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle sliding door driven by an electric motor. The method includes generating a periodic signal representing a door position, measuring first and second pluralities of signal periods such that errors in the periodic signal are minimized, comparing the first and second pluralities of signal periods, and generating a motor control signal operative to deactivate the motor when the second plurality of signal periods exceed a selected percentage of the first plurality of signal periods. A system for carrying out the method is also disclosed.