Abstract: An apparatus for automatically opening and closing a closure panel associated with an opening formed in the roof of an automobile is disclosed. The apparatus drives the closure panel for tilt open and tilt closed operation and for slide open and slide closed operation. During the sliding movement of the panel, the apparatus detects a load on a panel drive mechanism in a zone where the loads are normally low, and deenergizes the panel drive mechanism in the event of occurrence of an overload. In a zone where the loads are normally high as the panel presses against a weather strip, no deenergization of the panel drive mechanism occurs during an interval allocated for overload detection. The apparatus energizes alarm means during the time the panel is driven in the closing direction in a selected mode in order to draw the attention of a vehicle driver. For assuring the safeguard of the panel, the panel is stopped temporarily during the slide closed operation at a point which leaves a given opening.

Abstract: A window regulator device for automatically elevating or lowering a window glass of an automobile is equipped with a safety device that operates when a human arm, for example, is sandwiched between the glass and its window frame. The regulator device consists of a motor for moving the glass up or down, a detector circuit for sensing whether the motor is locked, a reversing circuit connected to the detector circuit for reversing the motor, a latching circuit for maintaining the motor energized, and an operated switch for permitting the motor to move the glass up or down.

Abstract: A control for a vehicle window driving motor in an H-switch semiconductor bridge with an SCR and a FET in each opposite armature current path includes control logic circuitry enabling one-touch actuation of window movement in either direction with stoppage by actuating either actuation device and with flip-flop control of the bridge elements to prevent shorting out the power supply. A variation provides automatic stoppage in the up direction by stall current sensing with automatic reverse after a time delay to allow the SCR conducting during upward movement to turn off.

Abstract: A window operating system includes a motor control circuit for controlling the operation of direct current permanent magnet motors mounted on window operators associated with each window. Each of the motors on each of the windows is connected to the control circuit only by a pair of wires which both power the motor and provide information to the control circuit as to the status of motor operation. The status of motor operation is determined by monitoring the back electromagnetic force expressed by the motors. To help differentiate back electromagnetic force from supply voltage supplied to the motors, the motors are supplied with full rectified alternating current power, rather than simple direct current, so that the presence or absence of zero voltage between half waves of the voltage expressed across the motors can be monitored to determine the absence or presence of back electromotive force during those time periods.

Abstract: A window operating system includes a motor control circuit for controlling the operation of direct current permanent magnet motors mounted on window operators associated with each window. Each of the motors on each of the windows is connected to the control circuit only by a pair of wires which both power the motor and provide information to the control circuit as to the status of motor operation. The status of motor operation is determined by monitoring the back electromagnetic force expressed by the motors. To help differentiate back electromagnetic force from supply voltage supplied to the motors, the motors are supplied with full rectified alternating current power, rather than simple direct current, so that the presence or absence of zero voltage between half waves of the voltage expressed across the motors can be monitored to determine the absence or presence of back electromotive force during those time periods.

Abstract: A motor driven drapery closure is provided with means for operating the closure between defined opened and closed positions without the use of limit switches. Means are also provided to stop the operation of the motor and back it up slightly if a significant resistance is met by the closure at a point midway of its travel or as a result of coming to the designed end of its travel. Additional means are provided for operating the closure in response to means for sensing an outside ambient condition such as the level of infrared light.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling an electric motor effect operation of such motor by electric energization thereof, and derive from a motor winding or from the back electromotive force of the motor an electric signal indicative of motor speed. The motor is thereupon mechanically stalled, and such stalling is detected from a comparison of the derived speed signal and the electric energization. Deenergization of the motor is effected in response to the stalling detected from the latter comparison. Limit switching of electric motors and actuators without limit switches may be provided in this manner.

Abstract: A remotely contollable, motorized valve suitable for microprocessor control. The valve is protected against over-closure by a technique of current sensing of motor current. Starting surges are ignored through the use of a timing circuit. The valve may be re-started in the event of mid-travel stoppage, but is still protected against damage due to such stoppage, by permitting manual reset after the valve is stopped.

Abstract: An automatic door operator system is provided with a first potentiometer having its wiper arm coupled to a pivoting member whose angular position varies in accordance with the magnitude and direction of an obstructive load applied to the door. A second potentiometer is provided having its wiper arm coupled to a movable member whose position corresponds to the position of the door. The potentiometers are connected as voltage dividers and the voltages provided at their wiper arms are utilized for controlling the movement of the door.

Abstract: A control system for operating a bidirectional gate driven by a reversible electric motor includes an overload protection circuit to prevent motor current overload produced by gate obstructions and the like. The system includes control switches for operating gate opening and gate closing circuits which respectively energize the motor for rotation in opposite directions. The safety circuit includes a motor current sensing device and a first comparator which compares the level of sensed motor current with a temperature adjusted, selectable reference value and delivers a motor disabling signal to the opening and closing circuits if the sensed value exceeds the reference level. The safety circuit also includes a second comparator which compares the sensed current level with another reference value to produce the disabling signal in the event that the selected reference value of the first comparator is incorrect.

Abstract: A load drive control system for use with an automobile one-touch window glass or sunroof opening and closing system or antenna vertical movement control system includes a signal holding switching circuit responsive to an instruction signal for driving a reversible drive motor in the forward or reverse direction and also to a motor drive current detection signal and functioning to hold the forward or reverse rotation of the motor within a predetermined load range and emergency stopping the motor when the motor load current gets out of the predetermined range. It also includes a signal hold inhibiting circuit to permit a desired extent of motor rotation to be obtained according to the forward or reverse drive instruction signal.

Abstract: A switching assembly to be incorporated in a window-regulator for a motor vehicle and the like, which includes paired units of switching members, each of which is arranged to serve for operating an electric motor in either of two rotational directions in a manual mode or in an automatic mode subject to the displacing amount of a single switching knob, and an electric circuit means including a solenoid for selectively self-retaining and self-releasing the automatic operating mode. The switching assembly is arranged to be capable of selectively energizing and de-energizing the electric motor incorporated in the window-regulator together with operating the solenoid simultaneously.

Abstract: An electronic safety device circuit is disclosed. This circuit includes two integrated circuit operational amplifiers, the first connected as an operational amplifier and the second connected as a follower. The output pin of the first amplifier is connected to the positive input pin of the second amplifier through a diode. The positive input pin of the second amplifier is connected to a memory capacitor. The output pin of the second amplifier is connected to the negative input pin of the first amplifier. A switching network is provided for grounding the positive input pin of the first amplifier and discharging the memory capacitor.

Abstract: A door operation control apparatus comprising a memory circuit for storing a programmed data on door control processes in the form of a combination of command codes is disclosed. A door operation input signal, a mode or condition detection signal from a door operating device and the condition of the program being executed are used to determine logically the optimum door operating mode, thus controlling the door operating device.

Abstract: The device comprises for each window an electric driving motor and a selector which is adapted to ensure the selective supply of current to the motor, in one direction or the other, through a control circuit acting on a supply source. The supply source is of the type capable of delivering at least two distinct energy levels. The control circuit comprises means for applying to an input of the supply source an energy level control signal which produces, as a function of the position of the selector, the application of a torque to the motor when raising the window which is higher than the torque applied when descending the window.

Abstract: A garage door opener includes a radio receiver and a push button each operable to initiate a pulse for effecting a switching device which in turn energizes a latching relay. Operation of the latching relay completes an energizing circuit to the appropriate winding of a reversible motor which moves the door toward an open or closed position. A sensing circuit is operable for effecting the reversal of the latching relay to change the direction of motor operation in the event the door engages an object in its path. A foot switch may also be provided for positively sensing an obstacle and reversing the drive motor. A transmitter may be provided with an impulse circuit to limit the duration of the system actuating signal regardless of how long the transmitter push button is depressed.

Abstract: A system is provided to control a load responsive to a maximum load condition to disable the load when the maximum load condition exists, the control being altered first to provide a period of non-response during load start up and secondly to provide temperature compensation over a very wide temperature range and more particularly where the load device is a motor means for linearly reciprocating a closure member such as a sun roof, a window or a door, particularly for a vehicle such as an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: The control includes approach and safety mat switches to which are applied alternating current voltage. Each of the switches are coupled to respective high gain binary output, solid-state amplifiers which change state upon alternation of two different input voltages being compared. Upon closure of the approach mat switch, the corresponding binary amplifier is caused to change state which in turn changes the state and output signal of a third like amplifier. This output signal causes the energization of an electric motor which opens the door. Opening of the approach mat switch followed by closing of the safety mat switch, the corresponding amplifier changes state and holds the third amplifier in its state which causes energization of said motor, thereby holding the door open. A time delay circuit is connected to the third amplifier for delaying the change of state of the third amplifier after the approach and safety mat switches are opened.

Abstract: An improved position control apparatus is disclosed to control a motor-driven door operator to halt movement of a door at an open position and a closed position. The position control apparatus includes a control screw means in the form of a threaded shaft extension of the motor shaft or a threaded rod coupled to the motor shaft which is rotated when the motor is energized. A travel nut is threadedly engaged with the control screw means and is constrained against rotational motion so as to reciprocate along the control screw means. Position detection means, such as switches, are disposed near the control screw means for actuation by the travel nut to control the motor as the door approaches the open position and the closed position. In another embodiment, a toggle switch is mounted on the travel nut, and the switches are replaced by stops for actuation of the toggle switch to control the motor.

Abstract: A motor control means for power driven window including an reversible D.C. motor having first and second brushes and a third grounded brush. The motor control means also has a first switch for selectively supplying a D.C. power to one of the first and second brush to drive the motor. A solenoid is provided to be energized by a counter electromotive voltage induced between the first and second brushes during rotation of the motor. When the solenoid is energized, the solenoid acts to hold a second switch in a closed condition so as to maintain supply of the driving power to the motor.

Abstract: An antenna rotator of the type including a first remote drive motor for rotating a remote shaft and a control unit including a second motor for driving an indicator-control member into alignment with a preselect member is described. Self-synchronization and de-energization of the two motors is provided herein when the shaft has been rotated to an end stop position and the indicator-control member is not in alignment with the preselect member. This self-synchronization and de-energization is achieved by sensing the increased current levels caused when the first motor is prevented from rotating by the end stop to apply the energizing potentials being applied to the first motor directly to the second motor whereupon the indicator-control member is aligned with the preselect member and both motors are de-energized.

Abstract: A diaphragm-adjusting motor varies the setting of an adjustable diaphragm and includes a drive winding and a damping winding. A negative-feedback control circuit generates a scene-light-dependent error signal and energizes the drive winding of the adjusting motor in dependence upon the error signal. During adjusting motion of the adjusting motor, a damping voltage is induced in the damping winding. The damping voltage is utilized to modify the error signal in a sense opposing energization of the adjusting motor, so as to damp the adjusting motion of the adjusting motor and thereby prevent adjustment overshoots during normal operation. When the error signal reaches a preselected value, further energization of the drive winding of the adjusting motor is prevented. During normal operation, the lowering of the error signal effected by the damping voltage as the adjusting motor performs an automatic adjustment prevents the error signal from reaching the preselected value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum valve apparatus comprising a valve head, a motor for driving the valve head, means for checking the position of the valve adapted to issue a first signal upon detecting that the valve head is moved to be within a predetermined valve-closed range, means for checking electric current adapted to issue a second signal when the driving current for the motor is increased to a predetermined value, switching means adapted to cut the driving current supply to the motor upon detecting said second signal, and means for issueing a third signal for confirming the complete closure of the valve when both of the first and the second signals are simultaneously obtained.

Abstract: A cut-off switch is provided between the motor driving a sliding panel and the power supply for the motor. The cut-off switch becomes operative when the torque supplied by the motor during the displacement of the panel between the open and closed positions of the panel exceeds a predetermined value. An inhibiting device inhibits the actuation of the cut-off switch when the panel is in the immediate vicinity of its closed position.

Abstract: The circuit arrangement is provided with a pickoff in the inhibitor cancelling means which activates the cancelling means only after the lapse of a predetermined time interval during an "on" start signal for a reversal of the motor. Once activated, the cancelling means deactivates the inhibitors which are used to prevent restarts of the motor in the same direction as before a switch-off caused by a motor-load-responsive measuring means.The pickoff used may be a delay element which lengthens the first brief "on" signal after a stop for the predetermined minimum "on" time. Alternatively, the pickoff may be in the form of an integrator in which "on" signals shorter than the predetermined "on" time are summated. In this case, after summation of the discrete "on" times to the predetermined minimum "on" time, the integrator emits a signal to activate the cancelling means.