Radiant Energy Patents (Class 318/480)
  • Patent number: 5428277
    Abstract: A system for automatically controlling the wiping of automotive windscreens is disclosed. The wiping is conducted at a rate corresponding to the amount of water determined to be on the windscreen at each wiping cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Introlab Pty. Limited
    Inventor: Peter R. Stanton
  • Patent number: 5329212
    Abstract: A waste receptacle door opener is set forth herein. The waste receptacle's door is automatically opened upon a user's approach and then automatically closed upon the user's departure. The door opening device includes an active infrared proximity sensor for detecting the presence of a user. An electric motor is actuated by a signal generated by the sensor. An actuator arm on the electric motor pulls a flexible cable attached to the door to pull the door open when the motor is activated. The flexible cable allows the door to be opened in the event of a power failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Michael J. Feigleson
  • Patent number: 5285136
    Abstract: An automatic door operator with a continuously monitored supplemental obstruction detector. In a first embodiment, the obstruction detector is a radiant beam obstruction detector that transmits a beam of modulated radiant energy across the door opening. A safety signal generator produces an active safety signal only on unobstructed receipt of radiant energy by a receiver. Failure to receive the active safety signal when the motor is closing the door at least stops the door. A two wire cable, which carries both power and the active safety signal, connects the supplemental obstruction detector to the automatic door operator. Constant activation of a portable transmitter or of a local push button can override the supplemental obstruction detector to close the door. An alternative supplemental obstruction detector includes a safety edge having a compressible tube disposed on a leading end of the door. Plural conductors change their conductive state upon compression of the compressible tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Stanley Home Automation
    Inventor: Dean C. Duhame
  • Patent number: 5276391
    Abstract: An object sensing apparatus includes a plurality of light emitting diodes for illuminating a region of space and a plurality of closely arranged light detectors for receiving light reflected from an object. The apparatus is particularly useful in connection with automatically operated doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Besam AB
    Inventor: Bert O. Jonsson
  • Patent number: 5270629
    Abstract: An automatic vertical blind controller with memory, particularly an automatic vertical blind controller with automatic/manual operated memory for control of vertical blind turning and movement automatically by referring to a reference data in the memory representing the upper limit degree of turning/movement set up by its user, comprising an outer casing, an inner casing and a control circuit board, in which the control circuit board is composed of an infrared receiver circuit, a manual operated push button control circuit, a single-chip microprocessor, two relay motor driving circuits, a music control circuit, and a power supply; the inner casing is incorporated with two d.c.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignees: Casper Shih, Chi-Sheng Hsieh
    Inventor: Chi-Sheng Hsieh
  • Patent number: 5237249
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for controlling a windscreen wiping system. The apparatus includes a circuit arrangement which includes a microcontroller, a clock generator unit comprising a switch and a clock-pulse generator, an I/V converter, a phase-selective rectifier and an amplifier with a low-pass characteristic. The apparatus also includes an optoelectronic apparatus having IR beam transmitters for transmitting useful signals in clocked form and IR beam receivers for receiving the transmitted useful signals. The IR beams which are transmitted are influenced between the IR beam transmitters and the IR beam receivers by a liquid or solid coating on the screen, such that the signals received by IR beam receivers are varied in dependence upon the coating present on the screen. The amplifier filters out the interference quantities of the ambient light to obtain a processed useful signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Juergen Levers
  • Patent number: 5233277
    Abstract: The electric motor and the needle locating device of a sewing machine are adjusted by a pivotable treadle controlling a radiation directing member which is located in the path of radiation issuing from one end of one or more first optical fibers the other end or ends of which receive radiation from a suitable source, and the member controls the amount of radiation entering the adjacent end or ends of one or more second optical fibers which convey the radiation to an optical detector. The latter selects the speed of the motor in dependency on the amount of radiation which is transmitted into the second optical fiber or fibers and selects the position of the needle when the motor is off. The radiation directing member can constitute a glass plate which is rotatable or performs translatory movements between the first and second optical fibers and includes portions of different radiation transmissivity or reflectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Fritz Gegauf Aktiengesellschaft Bernina Nahmaschinenfabrik
    Inventors: Rudiger Kasig, Peter Weber
  • Patent number: 5226370
    Abstract: A computer assisted transit car door operating system for augmented automation of transit car door panel operation while providing safety provisions to restrain rail movement unless all passage doorways are closed. A programmable logic controller generates a sequence initiating (opening or closing) signal for a door panel; or, a manual input signal can be introduced for such purpose. The controller receives signals from a panel position sensor and a panel movement sensor to evaluate door panel status and generate status indication and panel movement signals. Automated control of door panel movement is selectively directed to a doorway, or doorways, at which an opening or closing problem is being encountered; that is, the exclusion of door panel movement signals to properly operated door panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Morrison Knudsen Company
    Inventors: Frederick E. Templeton, Robert F. Carter, David L. Crawforth
  • Patent number: 5191268
    Abstract: An automatic door operator with a continuously monitored supplemental obstruction detector. In a first embodiment, the obstruction detector is a radiant beam obstruction detector that transmits a beam of modulated radiant energy across the door opening. A safety signal generator produces an active safety signal only on unobstructed receipt of radiant energy by a receiver. Failure to receive the active safety signal when the motor is closing the door at least stops the door. A two wire cable, which carries both power and the active safety signal, connects the supplemental obstruction detector to the automatic door operator. Constant activation of a portable transmitter or of a local push button can override the supplemental obstruction detector to close the door. An alternative supplemental obstruction detector includes a safety edge having a compressible tube disposed on a leading end of the door. Plural conductors change their conductive state upon compression of the compressible tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Stanley Home Automation
    Inventor: Dean C. Duhame
  • Patent number: 5179307
    Abstract: The variable speed, reversible, brushless, direct current motor comprises a rotor, electromagnets a switching transistor module and electronic controller module. The rotor is mounted on a shaft with bearings at each end, with a plurality of permanent magnets symmetrically placed thereon in an alternating field pattern. Each electromagnet invokes a magnetic field at two permanent magnet positions to cause rotation of the rotor. The switching transistor module receives power from two power sources to conduct current and energize the electromagnets. The electronic control module supplies alternating voltage to points on the transistor module. The switching waveform is triggered by infra-red pick-ups mounted next to the rotor. In operation, each time an electromagnet is switched in polarity, the rotor rotates thirty-six degrees until the permanent magnets are aligned with the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Richard L. Porter
  • Patent number: 5177393
    Abstract: An optically commutated dc motor which includes an optically encoded disk mounted on the permanent magnet rotor shaft and the encoding consists of a repeated graphics representation of the desired stator-field force strength. Optical detectors are employed to create an opto-electrical signal of sinusoidal form which is amplified and placed across the stator windings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventor: Gary Webber
  • Patent number: 5162712
    Abstract: A compact disc program display mechanism in which album covers are displayed on pages similar to a book presentation; each album having a selection indicia visually associated therewith for selection by the customer. The several pages are turned in response to energization of an electrical drive motor and gear train, controlled manually by customer accessible push button switches or automatically by a programmed microprocessor. Each energization of the motor serves to pivotally turn a pair of pages in one direction with the indexing movements of the pages being controlled by an opto-switch and the microprocessor for deenergizing the drive motor at predetermined page movement. Reverse movement of the pages is also conditioned by the opto-switch which signals the micro-processor to reverse the rotational direction of the drive motor. Each page displays album covers on both its front and back sides for customer viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Donald C. Rockola, Shuja Haque
  • Patent number: 5105133
    Abstract: An automatic perfumer capable of operating in one of a plurality of modes to suite varying room conditions, the modes including an intermittent mode for perfuming at predetermined intervals, and a light-activated intermittent mode for operating as described above and only upon the application of light, thereby avoiding needless nighttime operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 5065081
    Abstract: A zero error digital servo system where positioning is achieved by minimizing the positioning error value to zero. Stable logic states of sensors is used to achieve positioning instead of zero crossing of the error signal value. The magnitude of positioning error is reduced to a zero value by unique design of the digital encoder and positioning of the sensors. Stable logic states of the sensors indicates true position of the encoder with reference to the encoder sensors. Any deviation of the encoder from the true position is immediately detected by change in the logic states of the sensors. The technique can be used for both rotary as well as linear encoders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Inventor: Emanuel E. Shah
  • Patent number: 5059877
    Abstract: A control circuit for a windshield wiper motor is disclosed in which the wiper motor is made automatically responsive to the presence of moisture droplets on the windshield causing the wiper blades to sweep back and forth at a rate dependent upon the level of precipitation encountered. By using a set of sample-and-hold circuits, bandpass filtering and a differential amplifier under microprocessor control, disturbances to the system due to changes in ambient light are linearly rejected and the system becomes immune to such disturbances. The system utilizes an intentional-retrigger algorithm enabling the system to detect water droplets that miss the sensor yet fall within the area of the windshield which is swept by the wiper blades. The system automatically adapts to windshields of differing transmittance and is not falsely set into action by electromagnetic disturbances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Libbey-Owens-Ford Co.
    Inventor: Rein S. Teder
  • Patent number: 5059875
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that comprises a DC motor and a controller adapted to control the motor. The motor has a permanent magnet rotor and an electromagnetic stator. The rotor is divided into three permanent magnet sections which are separated by aluminum spacers. The stator has three groups of coils which are arranged around the three permanent magnet sections. The controller sequentially activates each of the three groups of coils at a predetermined rate thereby controlling the speed of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Inventor: William A. De Salme
  • Patent number: 5015931
    Abstract: In a windshield wiper system for vehicles, with which a rain detector is associated, the rain detector operates according to the principle of detection of the absorption by wet glass of light rays which are subjected to multiple total reflections within the windshield.The detector comprises a plurality of non-directional light sources together with a plurality of sensors each of which receives the light from the various sources. The light sources are modulated at different frequencies, and the sensors are associated with demodulation circuits, such that more detailed and accurate information as to the nature of the reductions in transparency of the windshield is obtained. The windshield wiper system is then activated in the light of this detailed information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes D'Essuyage
    Inventor: Guy Muller
  • Patent number: 5013988
    Abstract: An absolute position encoder outputs position data as absolute data. When a power supply is turned on, absolute position data is read from an absolute code pattern (6) and is set in a counter (14). Thereafter, the counter (14) effects counting of incremental pulses read from an incremental code pattern (7) and increments the contents of the counter (14). Accurate absolute data referenced upon startup to the absolute code pattern can thus be output even during a high speed rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventor: Tetsuro Sakano
  • Patent number: 5013983
    Abstract: A self-leveling dispenser provides a rack supporting a stack of trays within a frame. A reversible motor drivably connected to spiral shafts mounted at the corners of the frame rotates the shafts to provide upward or downward movement of the rack, which is supported on the spiral shafts by threaded sleeves. An upper sensor mounted to the frame is operably connected to the motor to move the rack downward upon detecting a tray at an upper horizontal level above a desired height. A lower sensor mounted to the frame is operably connected to the motor to raise the rack upon sensing the absence of a tray at a lower horizontal level below the desired height. The sensors cooperate to automatically and continuously reposition an uppermost portion of a top tray in the stack at the desired height with respect to the frame, thereby to facilitate dispensing of dishes or food products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Max G. Futch
    Inventors: Max G. Futch, Ronald H. Drushel
  • Patent number: 4996467
    Abstract: A garbage container is disclosed, which will open automatically when a user is present in front of the container and will close after a predetermined time of the departure of the user. This garbage container comprises an infrared ray transmitter and an infrared ray receiver to detect the presence of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Inventor: Jong-Yih Day
  • Patent number: 4994722
    Abstract: A system for automatically locking a lavatory door on an aircraft from a remote location comprises means for activating the system, means for sensing the presence of a person in the lavatory, means for locking the lavatory when it is unoccupied and means for selectively overriding the system to allow entry by authorized personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David C. Dolan, Jimmie L. Grimes, David C. Broman, Kwan-Ho Bae
  • Patent number: 4987349
    Abstract: An infrared remote control toy which needs a small amount of motor starting current includes a logic IC and a motor drive circuit consisting of four transistors connected in the form of a bridge, in which the bases of the third and fourth transistors are connected to the first and second junctions of the bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignees: Hokuko Sangyou Limited Responsibility Company, Alps Shoji Company Limited
    Inventor: Yoshio Nakamura
  • Patent number: 4976552
    Abstract: A sewing machine having a wireless controller is disclosed, wherein the sewing machine substantially comprising a drive motor for driving the sewing machine, a separate controller adjustably operated to produce a variable set voltage for controlling the rotation speed of the drive motor, a converter for converting the set voltage to a corresponding digital value and producing a series of data on the basis of the digital value, a device for producing carrier waves, modulator for modulating the series of data by way of the carrier waves and producing modulated waves, transmitter means responsive to the modulated waves to produce a corresponding light signal, means for receiving the light signal, demodulator for demodulating the received light signal, and a device responsive to the demodulated light to control the rotation speed of said drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Janome Sewing Machine Company Limited
    Inventors: Satoru Ishikawa, Toshitaka Toyomi
  • Patent number: 4965498
    Abstract: An electrically operated drawing system for drawing and undrawing curtains includes an electric motor, a clutch having a solenoid, a rotation detector for detecting rotation of the electric motor, an operating switch for outputting command signals, and a control logic circuit. The control logic circuit controls the rotation of the motor and the activation of the clutch. The clutch is used to operatively engaged the rotating motor with the curtains to thereby draw and undraw the curtains. The clutch includes a first spur gear drivable by the electric motor and a second spur gear operatively connected to the curtains. The clutch further includes an arm pivotally mounted to the second spur gear and a solenoid connected to the arm. A movement of the solenoid cause a movement of the arm to operatively engage the first and second spur gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yokota
    Inventor: Takashi Yokota
  • Patent number: 4959599
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a recording or playback head over a rotating recording medium, such as a magnetic disk. When access to a desired track is attempted, the head is quickly moved and placed within a range close to the track under open loop control. When the head enters the range close to the desired track, the head control is switched to servo feed under closed loop control. During the servo feed, the head is moved according to a head position signal representing the actual position of the head, the head position signal being given by a head position detector having a portion moving together with the head. The head is thus directed to a predetermined position according to an error signal corresponding to the deviation of the head position. When the head has passed through the desired position, driving force in the reverse direction is generated and the head is forced back toward the desired position. The head thus oscillates around the desired position but converges to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuo Nakadai, Izumi Miyake, Kiyotaka Kaneko, Kazuya Oda
  • Patent number: 4956588
    Abstract: This invention relates to an attachable hand-operated/automatic dual usage venetian blind controller which can be attached to an existing venetian blind to set the blades of such a venetian blind together at any angle or to draw up the blades together to one side of the window by means of infrared remote control so as to regulate the light and air passing through. During power failure, the venetian blind can be controlled through hand operation without removing the controller. The controller of this invention is generally comprised of two DC motor and speed reducing gear set assemblies, two guide wheels, two pressure wheels, a beading cord driving wheel, a pull cord driving wheel, an infrared receiver control circuit, and an infrared transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Inventor: Nien Ming
  • Patent number: 4954760
    Abstract: A self-leveling dispenser provides a rack supporting a stack of trays within a frame. A reversible motor drivably connected to spiral shafts mounted at the corners of the frame rotates the shafts to provide upward or downward movement of the rack, which is supported on the spiral shafts by threaded sleeves. An upper sensor mounted to the frame is operably connected to the motor to move the rack downward upon detecting a tray at an upper horizontal level above a desired height. A lower sensor mounted to the frame is operably connected to the motor to raise the rack upon sensing the absence of a tray at a lower horizontal level below the desired height. The sensors cooperate to automatically and continuously reposition an uppermost portion of a top tray in the stack at the desired height with respect to the frame, thereby to facilitate dispensing of dishes or food products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Max G. Futch
    Inventors: Max G. Futch, Ronald H. Drushel
  • Patent number: 4947695
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a star wheel for precise positioning of specimen containers in circumferentially successive segments of the star wheel. The apparatus includes at least two sensor arrays, each including a transmitter and receiver, which are angularly offset from one another in the plane of rotation of the star wheel and face end surfaces of segmental vanes of the star wheel. Each time the star wheel reaches a defined angular position, one of the sensor arrays responds, and the output signal of this sensor array, via a control circuit, triggers a drive motor for the star wheel such that its rotational speed is reduced, and the output signal of the other sensor array, when the same segment moves past it, stops the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Inventor: Willy Lohr
  • Patent number: 4949023
    Abstract: A direct current machine construction in which the rotor includes a permanent magnet with the stator including winding energizable from a direct current source. In a first embodiment first and second stationary slip rings are connected to an external direct current source. Coupled for rotation with the shaft are to first and second brush assemblies with brushes which are spring biased and protrude radially outwardly from the rotor shaft. The commutator for the windings is stationary relative to the housing and includes a plurality of commutator segments positioned intermediate the slip rings and in a cylindrical manner facing inwardly toward, and for contact with, the commutator brushes. The windings are on the stator with the winding leads being accessible externally of the stator for enabling switching devices to be utilized for changing of the number of turns of the stator windings for thereby varying the motor characteristics, as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Inventor: David J. Shlien
  • Patent number: 4947071
    Abstract: The stator electromagnets (80', 82', 84', 86', 88', 90') face inward about the rotor cavity (12) of the motor. Spaced horseshoe magnets (70) with spaced apart, opposite poles face outward about the periphery (22) of the rotor (20). The stator electromagnets are in two arrays. Each array is aligned with one pole of the rotor set of horseshoe magnets and has a pulling electromagnet (80' or 86') of a pole opposite to the pole of the rotor magnet. Each array also includes two pushing electromagnets (82', 84' or 88', 90') circumferentially offset from the pulling electromagnet, which are of a magnetic pole the same as the pole of the rotor magnet. Optical sensors (173, 175), which are axially aligned with the electromagnets, sense the position of rotor with regard to points on the stator. Switches on a circuit card associated with each array of electromagnets connect to the corresponding optical sensor for alternatively passing or blocking current to the electromagnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Inventor: Craig Clarke
  • Patent number: 4917360
    Abstract: An operating device for an electric chain block having an electric motor for a raising and lowering operation comprises a cylinder body interposed between one end of a chain for raising and lowering an object and a hook for hanging the object, a cylindrical grip fitted on the cylinder body and slidable upwardly and downwardly over predetermined distances relative to the cylinder body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kito
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Kojima
  • Patent number: 4918361
    Abstract: A reel for webs of photographic material can be driven clockwise and counterclockwise by a reversible d-c motor through the medium of the output shaft of the motor, a second shaft which is coaxial with the output shaft and serves to rotate the reel, and a torsion spring between the shafts. Each shaft carries a disc-shaped polarizing filter, and both filters extend across the path of propagation of radiation from the radiation source to the transducer of an analog optoelectronic detector. The characteristics of signals which are generated by the transducer vary as a function of the extent of angular displacement of the shafts and filters relative to each other. Such signals are transmitted to an evaluating circuit which controls the flow of energy to the motor as a function of deviations of the characteristics of transmitted signals from the characteristics of a reference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Volker Weinert
  • Patent number: 4905315
    Abstract: Apparatus for mounting and positioning an associated device such as a camcorder which includes a transmitter for producing a control signal, a substantially fixed platform and a control apparatus including a plurality of sensors disposed in a plane at angularly spaced intervals about a first axis. Each of the plurality of sensors is constructed to receive a first control signal radiated by the transmitter. The apparatus also includes structure to discriminate which of the plurality of sensors is receiving the control signal from the transmitter and utilizes that information to drive the servomechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Inventors: Peter L. Solari, Howard A. Miller, Stanley G. Spencer
  • Patent number: 4899093
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for electronically commutating a multi-phase direct-current motor, in which a predetermined number of markers are distributed around the circumference of the rotor. A sensor detects the markers and generates corresponding commutating pulses to activate the phase windings of the motor. The commutating pulses advance a counter which has a plurality of outputs. These outputs control switches that connect the phase windings alternately to an operating voltage and to a reference voltage. The counter resets itself to zero after receiving a predetermined number of commutating pulses that is a whole-number divisor of the number of markers. A special marker is provided for resetting the counter from the outside, so that the stator applies a torque to the rotor which is always optimum and phase displacement is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: Deutsche-Thomson Brandt GmbH
    Inventor: Gunter Gleim
  • Patent number: 4888532
    Abstract: An object sensing apparatus includes a plurality of light emitting diodes for illuminating a region of space and a plurality of closely arranged light detectors for receiving light reflected from an object. The apparatus is particularly useful in connection with automatically operated doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Besam AB
    Inventor: Bert O. Josson
  • Patent number: 4864201
    Abstract: An automatic electro-mechanical device for opening and closing a curtain or drapery in response to changed light striking a photoelectric cell on the device. The device comprises a miniature high torque reversible electric motor and control packaged in a container of substantially the same size as a conventional cord tensioner of curtains or draperies. To close the drapes at sun-down and open the drapes at sun-up automatically without actuation if the lighting changes for short periods of time, the device comprises a dual timer circuit with individual ramping circuits. One timer circuit monitors the sustained presence or absence of light for a predetermined amount of time. The other timer regulates the motor drive run time. A flip flop circuit signals the current state of the curtains or drapes by providing memory of the last directional movement of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Inventor: Ronald J. Bernot
  • Patent number: 4859867
    Abstract: The specification discloses a modulated optical moisture sensor control circuit for a vehicle windshield wiper. The control system includes a first detector providing a signal indicative of moisture on the windshield and a second detector providing a reference signal indicative of system variables, such as ambient light. The control system includes improved circuitry for separating the steady-state portion of each detector signal due to ambient light from the modulated infrared IR signal. The system further includes a sensitivity adjustment accessible by the vehicle operator to alter the sensitivity of the circuit to at least one of the two variable detector signals. Additionally, the control system cooperates with a conventional off/intermittent/on wiper switch so that the wiper is responsive to the moisture sensor only when the conventional switch is in the intermittent position and a second manually actuated switch indicates preferred operation in the moisture sensor mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Mark L. Larson, Karl H. Hanft, Desmond J. O'Farrell
  • Patent number: 4851746
    Abstract: A sensing apparatus for use with an automatic door operator and operator control logic responsive to door control signals for controlling the opening and closing operations of a swinging door is disclosed. The disclosed apparatus includes a plurality of infrared emitters and corresponding detectors on each side of the door which are recessed in the muntin of the door and which direct radiant energy and sense reflected radiant energy in selected detection zones which are determined at various positions of the door. Control logic connected to the detectors generates appropriate door control signals. The control logic is also responsive to door position signals generated by operator control logic to automatically vary the emission and detection levels of the emitters and detectors as the door opens and closes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Republic Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David D. Milke
  • Patent number: 4843639
    Abstract: This invention relates to a door or a gate for an enclosure, controlled remotely by a vehicle using an electronic control for moving the door to an open or closed position with a switch for initiating the operation of the control. The invention particularly relates to an improvement for opening and closing the door or gate and essentially includes a light transmission means mounted on the vehicle for generating a light beam, with a first light receiving apparatus mounted in the enclosure for receiving the generated light when the vehicle is clear of the door or gate. When the first light receiver detects the light beam, it either switches the control to close or open the door or gate. A second light receiving apparatus is mounted outside the enclosure in the normal path the vehicle travels while entering or leaving the enclosure. The second light receiving apparatus is mounted in a position to receive the beam of light when the vehicle passes the mounted location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventor: Richard G. Beals
  • Patent number: 4827196
    Abstract: A motor control arrangement for a brushless dc motor is characterized by referencing the motor commutation and current controls at a potential different from that used by the motor. As a result a dynamic control range on the order of 400:1 may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Daniel M. C. Odell
  • Patent number: 4816728
    Abstract: A robot control apparatus according to the present invention includes a limiter, used to limit the operating range of each axis of a robot mechanism. The limiter includes a photo-interrupter where, if a light-interrupting disk, attached to one side of a movable element of the robot mechanism, arrives at a predetermined position and cuts off the luminous flux passing through an optical path provided on the other side of the movable portion then a limiting signal is provided to a control unit. Optical fiber cables couple the photo-interrupter with a light-emitting section and light-receiving section of the control unit, which is installed at a position remote from the robot mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventor: Mitsuo Kurakake
  • Patent number: 4761594
    Abstract: An optical device for detecting a condition of a carbon brush in a drive unit includes lightguides disposed in vicinity with the carbon brush yet out of contact with the carbon brush and having a device for monitoring wear of the carbon brush, and a device for triggering a warning signal when the carbon brush has reached a predetermined residual length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Anton Rodi, Berthod Grutzmacher, Michael Kruger
  • Patent number: 4755730
    Abstract: In a thermostatic control system a solid state motor controller is provided by reproducing a potentiometer tracking with a CPU producing appropriate complimentary square wave signals having the duty cycle thereof proportional to a sensed temperature. The square wave signals are fed to circuits which are disposed across two output resistors and the effective resistance of the two resistors are varied in response to the duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: Heat-Timer Corporation
    Inventors: David Sandelman, Douglas J. Lionetti, Daniel E. Shprecher
  • Patent number: 4736140
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control device for a reversible and variable speed motor by means of an optoelectronic system controlled by a stepping motor characterized in that it comprises two disks, the first disk being integral with the motor, or with the controlled mechanical set-up, and divided in zones transparent to light, each of these zones corresponding to a function of the drive system (shut-down-start-up-acceleration-hyperacceleration-STOP-emergency), the second disk comprising zones that are luminous or that allow light to pass, which face the zones of the first disk, and being driven by the stepping motor, photoelectric cells arranged in concentric circles receiving light (from their own zone) behind the first disk, a source of illumination in front of the second disk and facing each zone (there are, therefore, as many concentric circles as there are zones).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Inventor: Marc Ernst
  • Patent number: 4720662
    Abstract: A motor has a stator having sequential groups of three coils designated 36, 37 and 38. On at least one side of the stator is a rotor having permanent magnets, alternating N and S. The source of power (herein a battery) is connected by switches to energize all of the coils 36 and 38, alternately. This causes the rotor to rotate. All of coils 37 and 38 and also all the coils 36 or 37 which are not energized by the battery, as the magnetic fields of the rotor pass by act as alternators and current produced thereby passes through a rectifier to charge the battery. The switches are controlled by means on the rotor such as windows cut in the rotor passing an optical sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1988
    Inventor: Leslie V. Lanser
  • Patent number: 4717864
    Abstract: A speed control system for an electronically commutated motor having stator windings, a rotor mounted for rotation relative to said windings, switches for individually energizing said windings, and phase steering means operable to close said switches to sequentially energize said windings. The control system includes means responsive to a rotational position of said rotor for initiating a speed measurement cycle, means for measuring rotor speed during each speed measurement cycle and for comparing the measured speed with a speed set-point, and means responsive to the rotor speed being less than said set-point for enabling said phase steering means to energize said windings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Pertec Peripherals Corporation
    Inventor: Jack V. Fultz
  • Patent number: 4709197
    Abstract: In an electrically powered machine subject to occasional blockage, the speed, power consumption, torque and/or rate of deceleration are displayed by successive illumination of light-emitting diodes in a row. Predetermined limit values for these parameters alone or summed with one another are defined and optical couplers are positioned at corresponding locations on the row to detect parameters reaching the limits. Detection causes initiation of disconnection, braking, reversal or other means for alleviating the stoppage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Feinwerktechnik Schleicher & Co.
    Inventors: Albert Goldhammer, Hans Schleicher, Hartmut Stangenberg, Rolf Gasteier, Jens Erlecke
  • Patent number: 4707641
    Abstract: The invention relates to driving mechanism for wiper blades of, for example, motor vehicles wherein two motors (14, 15) impart to the wiper arm, or to at least one of its elements, not only an oscillating, but also a translational (radial) movement. The oscillating movement is imparted to the wiper arm by means of a drive shaft (12) actuated by a first motor (14) and the radial movement is imparted to the wiper arm by means of the drive shaft (13) of a second motor (15) and by means of a conical gear (9a, 9b) associated with a screw/nut system (8, 7) wherein the nut (7) moves radially when the drive shaft (13) of the second motor (15) is rotating. The two movements of the wiper arm are controlled and regulated by an opto-electronical system comprising two slotted discs (14a, 15a), two reading heads (14b, 15b) and a micro-processor (19). Several embodiments of the invention are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Champion Spark Plug Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Norbert Guerard, Christian Beneteau
  • Patent number: 4705998
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an automatic wiper control circuit for operating window wipers automatically when moisture is sensed. The control circuit additionally provides for increasing the speed of a dual speed wiper motor when a high level of moisture is detected. The system comprises a moisture sensor which senses moisture thereon. A circuit associated with the moisture sensor converts the moisture level to DC voltage. At a preselected level of this DC voltage the wiper motor operates in one of its two different speeds. A lack of a predetermined amount of moisture terminates the wiper motor operation. If the control circuit terminates the wiper motor action during wiper sweep, the normal homing circuit of the wiper motor continues to operate the motor until the wiper blade or blades reach the wiper blade home position. Sequential illumination of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDS) occur during a wiping cycle when the circuit is operating normally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Steven Alpert
    Inventors: Donald L. Millerd, Marl J. Bell
  • Patent number: RE33308
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an automatic wiper control circuit for operating window wipers automatically when moisture is sensed. The control circuit additionally provides for increasing the speed of a dual speed wiper motor when a high level of moisture is detected. The system comprises a moisture sensor which senses moisture thereon. A circuit associated with the moisture sensor converts the moisture level to DC voltage. At a preselected level of this DC voltage the wiper motor operates in one of its two different speeds. A lack of a predetermined amount of moisture terminates the wiper motor operation. If the control circuit terminates the wiper motor action during wiper sweep, the normal homing circuit of the wiper motor continues to operate the motor until the wiper blade or blades reach the wiper blade home position. Sequential illumination of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDS) occur during a wiping cycle when the circuit is operating normally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Mist-Defy'r, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Millerd, Marl J. Bell