Abstract: Calibration of a motorized roller shade is accomplished by calculating a radius of a roller tube and thickness of a shade fabric rotatably supported by the roller tube. First, a lower edge of the shade fabric is moved to a first position at a first linear distance from a predetermined position. Second, a first number of revolutions of the roller tube between the first position and the predetermined position is determined. Next, the lower edge of the shade fabric is moved to a second position at a second linear distance from the predetermined position and a second number of revolutions between the second position and the predetermined position is determined. Finally, the tube radius and the fabric thickness are calculated from the first and second linear distances and the first and second numbers of revolutions. The tube radius and the fabric thickness are used to control the linear speed of the lower edge of the shade fabric.

Abstract: An operating device for an overhead closure which comprises a motor, operatively connected to the closure for opening and closing the closure, and at least one sensor unit mountable either the closure or a support surface bordering the closure. The sensor unit is operable to detect the presence of an obstacle obstructing a travel path of the closure and to generate a signal in response thereto. A control system is in communication with the sensor and with the motor. The control system includes a control unit which receives the signal and provides a sensing feature which stops and/or opens the closure in response to the signal. The control unit deactivates the sensing feature at a selected point prior to an end limit position of the closure. The selected point is determined by the control unit based on a calculated delay characteristic.

Abstract: A power window device includes window glass, an elevating mechanism, and a control device for detecting pinching of a foreign object by the window glass. The control device calculates an amount (a rotation speed variation ????) of the pinching based on a variation amount of an opening/closing speed of the window glass, and estimates the amount (a rotation speed variation ????) of the pinching before the opening/closing speed changes due to the pinching. The control device determines the pinching of the foreign object based on these pinching calculation and estimation amounts.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A window opening and closing controller for stably detecting jamming without having any influence on jamming load even when power voltage is changed is to be provided. In a window opening and closing controller for detecting jamming of a foreign substance on the basis of a comparing result of a changing amount of the rotational speed of a motor for opening and closing a window and a predetermined threshold value, and controlling the operation of the motor so as to open the window when there is jamming, the threshold value is constructed by a first threshold value at a normal time and a second threshold value as a reference gentler than this first threshold value. The threshold value is changed from the first threshold value to the second threshold value on the basis of the detection of closing of a door.

Abstract: The vehicular open and close panel system includes a drive means configured to supply power for sliding, and opening and closing a panel to open and close an opening of a vehicle body; a drive mechanism configured to operate the panel by power from the drive means; and a controller configured to control an operation of the panel, wherein the controller includes a pinch detection mode of making the panel perform a pinch elimination operation upon detecting a pinch in a close direction operation, and a complete close mode of prioritizing a close direction operation, depending on a complete close operation of a passenger, and wherein after performing the pinch detection operation by the pinch detection mode, the controller changes the close direction operation to the complete close mode until a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling and sensing a closure member (20) movable between an open position and a closed position, more particularly an electrically powered window pane (20) of a motor vehicle (10) is provided with a sensor. The sensor comprises a sensor electrode (40) generating an electric field (F) in an opening range of the closure member (20) and a controller (22) connected to the sensor which senses any change in capacitance of the sensor electrode (40) in providing a control signal. For detecting a film of moisture (23) formed by condensation on the closing member (20) by simple and relatively low-cost means, the controller (22) detects a change in capacitance of the sensor electrode (40) caused by the presence of a film of moisture (23) on the closure member (20).

Abstract: A panel member control system for controlling a panel member includes a motor, a rotation detecting means, and a pinching detecting means. The rotation detecting means detects a rotational speed of the motor. The pinching detecting means detects an occurrence of pinching of an object by the panel member when a pinching indicative value exceeds a pinching determination threshold. The pinching detecting means includes a disturbance detecting means and a correcting means. The disturbance detecting means determines whether the motor is in a disturbed state based on a change in the rotational speed. The correcting means corrects the pinching determination threshold in view of a result of the determination made by the disturbance detecting means.

Abstract: A power window device that suppresses heating in a motor used to lower and raise a window glass. For each door of a vehicle, the power window device includes an ECU that controls a motor in accordance with the operation of a switch to raise the window glass. A pulse sensor is arranged in the vicinity of the motor to detect the rotation speed of the motor and generate a detection signal. Based on the pulse signal of the pulse sensor, the ECU determines whether the window glass has reached a fully open or fully closed position. When it is determined that the motor has become locked or that the window glass has reached the fully open or fully closed position, the ECU deactivates the motor until predetermined activation conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: A system and method for an anti-pinch powered window system includes a window and a mechanical drive mechanism for raising and lowering the window. An electric motor drives the mechanical drive mechanism responsive to a command. A microcontroller unit generates the command responsive to a measured load current of the electric motor. A command to change direction of the window is generated responsive to a determination that the measured load current has exceeded a variable threshold level indicating that the window has stopped due to an obstruction. The variable threshold level is determined by the load current data stored within a memory.

Abstract: Improved methods to detect when a human body contacts a predetermined portion of a machine are disclosed. The methods distinguish contact with a person from contact with other materials. The methods are particularly applicable in woodworking equipment such as table saws to distinguish contact between a person and the blade of the saw from contact between the blade and wet or green wood.

Abstract: Vehicle seat arrangement includes an electric adjustment mechanism, a direct current motor for adjusting a vehicle seat component, with direct current terminals configured to receive a motor current. a control device for controlling or regulating direct current motor, which applies direct current to the direct current terminals based upon adjustment speed to be set. upon receiving a comfort adjustment signal control device actuates direct current motor for a gradual comfort adjustment of vehicle seat component, upon receiving a pre-crash signal control device actuates direct current motor for a rapid pre-crash adjustment of vehicle component from a current initial position to a safe pre-crash position. Adjustment data for safe pre-crash position and initial position are stored in a memory device prior to pre-crash adjustment, and rapid pre-crash adjustment is implemented at a load and acceleration that are the maximum permissible for direct current motor at the respective operating point.

Abstract: A window opening and closing controller for stably detecting jamming without having any influence on jamming load even when power voltage is changed is to be provided. In a window opening and closing controller for detecting jamming of a foreign substance on the basis of a comparing result of a changing amount of the rotational speed of a motor for opening and closing a window and a predetermined threshold value, and controlling the operation of the motor so as to open the window when there is jamming, the threshold value is constructed by a first threshold value at a normal time and a second threshold value as a reference gentler than this first threshold value. The threshold value is changed from the first threshold value to the second threshold value on the basis of the detection of closing of a door.

Abstract: A vehicle door mirror is configured to be mounted on outside of a vehicle in a retractable manner from a set position to a retracted position. When moving to the set position or the retracted position, the vehicle door mirror is moved at a first speed from a start position to a position right before a stop position, and is further moved from the position right before the stop position to the stop position at a second speed that is slower than the first speed.

Abstract: An automatic anti-trap device is provided to add safety to other apparatuses. The automatic anti-trap device of this invention has a driving circuit to control a motor, a current sensor to generate a current signal, a current ripple peak value circuit to generate a current ripple peak value signal according to the current signal, and a micro processor to generate a working signal for the driving circuit to control the motor according to a keystroke signal, the current signal and the current ripple peak value signal.

Abstract: A barrier operator comprises a first measuring apparatus for measuring a current used by a direct current (dc) motor to move a barrier and a second measuring apparatus for measuring a generated voltage of the dc motor. A controller is coupled to the first measuring apparatus and the second measuring apparatus. The controller is programmed to calculate a torque of the dc motor by using the current and to determine when an obstruction exists in the path of the barrier based upon the calculated torque.

Abstract: A controller reduces an output of the drive motor when a window glass reaches a speed shift position, which is between a fully open position and a fully closed position of the window glass, in a closing operation of the window glass. The controller increases the output of the drive motor based on a position signal, which indicates that the position of the closing member in the closing operation is in a preclosed position located on a fully closed position side of the speed shift position. The preclosed position is located in a pinch-monitoring disabled zone, in which the monitoring of the pinching of the object through the controller is disabled.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for controlling a door drive comprising a path-measuring apparatus for the sensing of a door position and/or a door drive position and for the emitting of a corresponding door position signal as well as comprising a control device for the control of the door drive in dependence on an absolute value of the door position signal and at least one reference point. In accordance with the present disclosure, the apparatus for controlling a door drive is characterized in that the path-measuring apparatus is made with at least two channels and comprises an absolute value encoder for the emitting of an absolute value signal on a first channel and a reference value encoder for the emitting of a plurality of reference point signals on a second channel, and the control device distinguishes a respective reference point signal from other reference point signals using the associated absolute value signal and controls the door drive starting from a specific reference point.

Abstract: The mobile element is a vehicle window pane, panel, movable seat or similar, conveniently guided, and driven by a DC electric motor with a permanent magnet, and the method comprises a step of detecting an entrapment or collision situation of the mobile element by means of a first fuzzy logic algorithm, which inputs are the mobile element's position and the increments that may occur in the intensity of the current demanded by said motor, which is evaluated from the relative increase of the current intensity at one turn of the motor and after one next, subsequent turn of the motor. A second fuzzy logic algorithm is used to control the mobile element's velocity, in close loop.

Abstract: A system and method for an anti-pinch powered window system includes a window and a mechanical drive mechanism for raising and lowering the window. An electric motor drives the mechanical drive mechanism responsive to a command. A microcontroller unit generates the command responsive to a measured load current of the electric motor. A command to change direction of the window is generated responsive to a determination that the measured load current has exceeded a variable threshold level indicating that the window has stopped due to an obstruction. The variable threshold level is determined by the load current data stored within a memory.

Abstract: A DC motor control circuit includes a pair of substantially identical unipolar control circuits. Each of the unipolar control circuits are connected between a respective current source and a current input to the motor. Each of the unipolar control circuits includes a solid state switch located between a motor current input and the source of direct current. The degree to which the solid state switch allows current to flow to the motor is controlled by an input bias signal to the switch. Current limiting for adjusting the input bias signal according to the current flowing through the motor is provided in one way of controlling the motor movement.

Abstract: An object detecting apparatus includes a piezoelectric sensor provided at an edge portion of an opening/closing body for emitting an output voltage which changes corresponding to an external force applied to the edge portion and a detection circuit for receiving the output voltage of the piezoelectric sensor and for judging an entrapment. The detection circuit includes a voltage-measuring circuit for measuring the output voltage of the piezoelectric sensor, a time-measuring circuit for measuring time, and a judging circuit configured to judge the entrapment. The judging circuit judges the entrapment corresponding to the output voltage of the piezoelectric sensor. The judging circuit calculates a changing value of the output voltage after the output voltage of the piezoelectric sensor reaches a predetermined first level. The judging circuit judges that the entrapment has not occurred in a situation where the changing value of the output voltage is larger than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A visual indication for a motor controlled shaft, especially useful for retrofitting hand controlled printing presses.

Abstract: A system of controlling a sliding member for a vehicle includes a motor, a pulse generating device, a counting device and a control device. The system has a range for movement of the sliding member between a position short of a first lock position and a position short of a second lock position. Also, the system has an error range within the range for movement of the sliding member and memorizes in advance a range of pulse count representative of the error range. If a pulse count counted by the counting device falls within the range of pulse count when the sliding member discontinues movement due to detection of an overload of the motor, the system resets a pulse count counted by the counting device at one of the first and second lock positions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sequential safety system associated with a moving closing panel driven so as to slide by an electric motor (6), this safety system including means (20) exploiting the signal originating from an optical fiber to stop and reverse the direction of movement of said moving panel in the event of a change in the signal, as well as additional safety means allowing the end-of-travel positions of the moving panel to be determined without ambiguity via the joint exploitation of the results derived from measuring the frequency of the pulses caused by the rotation of the electric motor (6) driving said moving panel, as well as data originating from the optical fiber.

Abstract: An integrated control and diagnostics system for a controlled system (e.g., a motor) includes a diagnostics module and a controller coupled to the motor. To optimize operation, the diagnostics information signal is used to modify the control provided by the controller as required. Moreover, the output of the control module is coupled to the diagnostics module so that the health assessment made by the diagnostics module can be based at least in part on the output of the controller. The invention uses a model-based diagnostics approach that allows integration of control algorithms with diagnostics algorithms to intelligently trade off optimizing performance to avert or accommodate failures, and to meet performance requirements in a wide range of applications.

Abstract: A driver comprises a direction-switching means which switches a rotation direction of a rotary driving source based on a direction instruction signal, a current amplifier/limiter which converts a voltage outputted from the direction-switching means into a corresponding current and which limits the current to a preset reference current IMAX (threshold value), a current sensor which detects the current supplied to the rotary driving source, and a current loop which feeds back a detection signal supplied from the current sensor to an upstream side of the current amplifier/limiter.

Abstract: A circuit and method of reducing the occurrence of overheating of a power fold vehicle mirror. The circuit controls the operation of the power fold mirror such that when a portion of the circuit reaches or exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold, the vehicle mirror is prevented from at least folding in. In practice, the vehicle mirror will be allowed to fold out even when the predetermined temperature threshold has been reached or exceeded, to allow the vehicle door to be opened and the car to be driven. The vehicle mirror may be allowed to be folded in when the temperature of the circuit falls to or below a second predetermined temperature threshold.

Abstract: A power window device for lowering and raising window glasses. A window switch is operated to move a corresponding window glass. A motor drives the window glass when the window switch is operated. An ECU is provided for each window glass to control the motor in accordance with the operation of the window switch. An engine switch shifts positions to drive an engine. A control signal generator generates a signal to validate or invalidate control of the ECU over the motor. A control circuit determines that a signal wire connecting the ECUs to the control signal generator is in an unexpected condition when a signal cannot be received. The control circuit overrides the signals generated by the control signal generator when the signal wire is in an unexpected condition.

Abstract: An assembly for moving a barrier from one of a closed position and an opened position to the other of the closed position and the opened position. The assembly includes a motor to supply one of a first power and a second power to the barrier. The assembly also includes a controller to control the motor to supply the first power to move the barrier towards the closed position from the opened position. The controller also controls the motor to supply the first power to the barrier to move towards the opened position from the closed position, and to supply the second power intermittently after the barrier has started moving towards the opened position and before arriving at the opened position.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for positioning a positioning element is disclosed that includes an electric servo motor for driving the positioning element, a potentiometer for presetting a setpoint, an actual value sensor disposed at the servo motor, and a motor driver with an integrated evaluation and control unit comparing the setpoint and actual value, whereby a pulse-shaped signal is superposed on the setpoint and the pulse-shaped signal exceeds the motor driver hysteresis in the evaluation and control unit.

Abstract: The power window system moves a window glass in opening and closing directions in response to operation of an opening and closing instruction switch. The power window system includes a measurement device for obtaining an open degree of the window glass and a control device for controlling movement of the window glass in response to operation of the switch. The control device moves the window glass in the closing direction when an open degree obtained by the measurement device is not less than a predetermined degree and in the opening direction when the open degree is less than the predetermined degree.

Abstract: An MCU monitors changes in motor rotating speed from the motor start so as to detect a peak of the motor rotating speed, and when the peak of the motor rotating speed is detected, it measures a period of time Ta from the motor start to the time, at which the decreasing rate of the motor rotating speed becomes maximal, so as to establish the activation/cancellation time period by adding a time Tb that is a predetermined numerical-fold door vibration period to the time Ta. When a second peak with more than a predetermined amount of the motor rotating speed is detected after the first peak detection, the activation/cancellation time period is established by adding a time Tb1 that is a predetermined numerical-fold door vibration period to the activation/cancellation time period obtained before.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus includes a detection device for detecting a rotation speed of a motor, a storing section for successively storing the rotation speed detected by the detection device, a calculation device for calculating a variation amount of the rotation speed from current rotation speed which is output from the detection device and from past rotation speed stored in the storing section, a determining device for determining whether there is rotation abnormality of the motor based on a result of comparison between the variation amount calculated by the calculation device and a preset threshold value, and a control device for controlling the motor in accordance with a result of determination of the determining device. The calculation device calculates the variation amount from a sum of the current rotation speed and a rotation speed detected before predetermined times thereof, and a sum of the past rotation speed and a rotation speed detected before predetermined times thereof.

Abstract: A first judging unit integrates an increase in a corrected current when the corrected current is in a predetermined increasing state and judges that a first condition is satisfied when an integrated increase exceeds a threshold. A second judging unit integrates a decrease in door moving speed when the door moving speed is in a predetermined decreasing state and judges that a second condition is satisfied when an integrated decrease exceeds a threshold. A third judging unit integrates a decrease in motor rotation speed when the motor rotation speed is in a predetermined decreasing state and judges that a third condition is satisfied when an integrated decrease exceeds a threshold. A pinch judging unit judges whether pinch has occurred based on determination by the first, the second, and the third judging units.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an obstacle to a power regulated window, which can detect existence of an obstacle by a method of differential current at low rotating speed of a motor and reduce a force of biting an obstacle and prevent from detecting an obstacle unexpectedly at high rotating speed, includes current detecting means for detecting a value of load current flowing through the motor, reference-value generating means for generating a reference value correspondingly to rotating speed of the motor for judging when the value of load current exceeds a predetermined value of over-load current, and comparing means for judging whether or not the value of load current exceeds the reference value.

Abstract: An opening-and-closing control device is disclosed, in which speed of an opening-and-closing body can be increased even while automatic operation is performed. The device includes an operation knob that performs opening-and-closing control of an opening-and-closing body according to an instruction from an operation switch which is switchable to each of positions of “automatic closing”, “manual closing”, “neutral”, “manual opening” and “automatic opening”, wherein first the operation knob is operated to start the automatic opening operation, and then when the operation knob is held in the position of the “automatic opening”, an opening speed of the opening-and-closing body is increased according to a time period for which the operation knob is held in the position of the “automatic opening”, therefore the opening-and-closing body can be opened at high speed even while the automatic opening operation is performed.

Abstract: A barrier operator includes a drive motor and a controller for causing the motor to move the barrier between open and closed positions and for monitoring parameters related to forces acting on the barrier during movement thereof. If no external entrapment device is connected to the controller, the controller automatically sets maximum control limit values which will effect stopping or reversing of the motor if an obstruction is encountered by the barrier. If an external entrapment device is connected to the controller, the controller requires a user to set the control limit values at least for movement of the barrier from an open position to a closed position. Audio or visual signal indicators associated with the controller alert the user to the requirement to set the control limits before the operator will effect movement of the barrier.

Abstract: A motorized barrier operator system that moves a barrier between limit positions includes a barrier, a motor coupled to the barrier and adapted to move the barrier between a full open limit position, a danger zone position, and a full close position. The system further includes a position sensor coupled to one of the barrier and the motor to detect the positions, and a force sensor coupled to one of the barrier and the motor to detect an actual force value during movement of the barrier. A controller is connected to the sensors which determines a first threshold response value between the full open limit position and the danger zone position, and a second threshold response value between the danger zone position and the full close limit position. The second threshold response value is less than the first threshold response value, and the controller commands the motor to at least stop movement of the barrier if the actual force value is greater than either of the threshold response values.

Abstract: There is provided a control device for driving a movable member such as a power window of a vehicle under control, in which the action of the movable member (including the manual operation) at an action velocity corresponding to the intention of the user is achieved by operating only a operating knob for issuing a command relating to the action of the movable member. The control device includes a detecting unit which can generate an output value varying in accordance with the action of the operating knob, and a control unit for determining the operating velocity of the operating knob based on the output value, deciding the action velocity according to the determined operating velocity, and driving the motor under control so that the movable member moves at the decided action velocity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring and controlling reversing actions in electrically actuatable units, wherein an actuating drive unit can exert an actuating force in order to move an electrically actuatable unit, and a safety circuit automatically switches off the actuating drive unit after a jamming switch-off time that is predetermined for a movement if no movement occurs despite the triggering of the actuating drive unit. According to the invention, a triggered reversing action results in a temporary extension of the predetermined jamming switch-off time from a short jamming switch-off time t1 that is predetermined for normal operation to a longer jamming switch-off time t2 (2).

Abstract: A force reversal value for an installed barrier is identified. The force reversal value is compared to a predetermined threshold. When the comparing indicates that the force reversal value exceeds the predetermined threshold, the operation of the moveable barrier operator is halted. A secondary safety device can then be installed and, responsive to the installing, the operator can be reenabled.

Abstract: A method and system for setting a downward force adjustment exerted by a barrier is disclosed. As is known, the barrier operator initiates corrective action if a detected obstruction force is deemed excessive. The inventive method and system comprises pre-setting a force threshold value used by the barrier operator. While in a programming mode, the barrier is moved from one limit position to another limit position. A recorded value is determined during the moving of the barrier and the threshold value is adjusted until equal the recorded value. A feedback device such as a light or a speaker is used to indicate when the threshold value is at least equal the recorded value.

Abstract: An MCU determines whether a backlash over a predetermined value exists in a driving system including a motor and a window driving mechanism. Then, when it is determined that the backlash over the predetermined value exists in the driving system, the MCU sets the time passed from the detection of the peak of the number of rotations of the motor to a predetermined additional time as a termination time of a start cancellation period. When it is determined that the backlash over the predetermined value does not exist in the driving system, the MCU sets, as the termination time of the start cancellation period, the time when the rate of change of the number of revolutions of the motor reaches a predetermined value or the time when the rate of change of a motor input ratio reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for braking a motor has a braking circuit that intermittently shorts the windings of the motor to brake the motor. The braking circuit is powered by back EMF generated by the motor when power is disconnected from the motor.

Abstract: A barrier operator includes a drive motor and a controller for causing the motor to move the barrier between open and closed positions and for monitoring parameters related to forces acting on the barrier during movement thereof. If no external entrapment device is connected to the controller, the controller automatically sets maximum control limit values which will effect stopping or reversing of the motor if an obstruction is encountered by the barrier. If an external entrapment device is connected to the controller, the controller requires a user to set the control limit values at least for movement of the barrier from an open position to a closed position. Audio or visual signal indicators associated with the controller alert the user to the requirement to set the control limits before the operator will effect movement of the barrier.

Abstract: An anti-pinch power window system is comprised of a hub, a motor, a threaded rod, a base, a spring, a frame, a bracket, a threaded drive nut, a reversing switch and an electronic circuit. The motor rotates the hub. The rod is slidably attached to the hub. The base is attached to the rod. The spring surrounds the rod and is positioned such that it is compressed by movement of the base toward the hub. The bracket is attached to the frame and holds the drive nut. The rod is threaded into the drive nut. The reversing switch senses downward movement of the base and in response to such downward movement signals the electronic circuit to reverse the polarity of the motor input voltage, thereby reversing the direction of the travel of the frame. A closing window within the frame will reverse direction when it encounters an obstruction.

Abstract: An electrically-operated architectural covering that can be powered by a low current or voltage source includes a motor, an accumulator connected to the motor, a power source, and an electrical circuit connecting the power source to the accumulator. The electrical circuit includes a step-up converter, which preferably includes an input terminal connected to the power source; an output terminal with a supply voltage connected to the accumulator; an inductive element; a first switch having a gate electrode for opening and closing of the switch when a control voltage of a first level is applied to the gate; and an oscillator.

Abstract: A work table is described, having a frame (2) which is adjustable especially with respect to its height and for the adjustment of which at least one electric motor (4) with a control device (7) is provided. In order to provide simple constructional conditions it is proposed that the control device (7) which is connected to transducer (10) for the motor load reverses the direction of rotation of the electric motor (4) depending on the determined variable and/or change of the motor load and cuts off the same after a thus caused reverse rotation.