Automatic procedure for locating actuator addresses on a bus system
First Claim
1. A method for determining an address of an actuator controlled by a system bus, comprising:
- identifying at least one end-stop for an actuator in a system having at least one actuator; and
determining an address for the actuator using the positioning of at least one end-stop of the actuator.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automatic procedure for locating actuator addresses on a bus system is revealed. The actuators may be identical except for their physical position, and thus their function and address on a bus system that controls and powers the actuators. Because their functions are different, the control system can determine which actuator is in which location, and thus locate the address for each actuator on the bus. Each actuator may then receive and act upon commands from the control system appropriate to its location and function. As a result, a manufacturer or dealer can stock a single actuator, rather than many actuators. Several such actuators would otherwise have to be manufactured and stocked separately, even though the only difference between them might be an installed software or firmware program to identify and control each actuator. Additionally, fewer wires may be required in harnesses to control the actuators.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for determining an address of an actuator controlled by a system bus, comprising:
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identifying at least one end-stop for an actuator in a system having at least one actuator; and
determining an address for the actuator using the positioning of at least one end-stop of the actuator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20)
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13. A positioning apparatus, comprising:
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at least one actuator;
a control bus, operably connected to the at least one actuator; and
a controller, operably connected to the control bus, wherein each actuator has at least one unique end-stop, and the address of each actuator may be determined by identifying said end-stop.
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18. A method for heating and cooling a motor vehicle, comprising:
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providing a heating and cooling apparatus in the motor vehicle;
installing at least one actuator in the apparatus;
determining a location of each actuator, each actuator having at least one end-stop different from the end stops of the other actuators; and
operating the apparatus.
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Specification