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Collision monitoring system

  • US 6,548,979 B2
  • Filed: 02/07/2002
  • Issued: 04/15/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/22/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for controlling activation of a motor for moving a window or panel along a travel path and de-activating the motor if an obstacle is encountered by the window or panel comprising:

  • a) a current sensor for sensing the motor current as the motor moves the window or panel along a travel path;

    b) an optical sensor for monitoring a region through which the window or panel moves and sensing an obstacle in the region;

    c) a switch for controlling energization of the motor with an energization signal; and

    d) a controller coupled to the switch means for controllably energizing the motor and having interfaces coupling the controller to both the current sensor and the optical sensor;

    said controller comprising a programmable controller including a memory for storing instructions for executing a control program to controllably actuate said motor said instructions causing the programmable controller to;

    i) monitor motor current from the current sensor;

    ii) calculate an obstacle detect threshold based on motor current detected during at least one prior period of motor operation;

    iii) compare a value based on currently sensed motor current with the obstacle detect threshold; and

    iv) output a signal to said switch for stopping the motor if the comparison based on currently sensed motor current indicates the panel has contacted an obstacle or if the optical sensor senses an obstacle in the region through which the window or panel moves.

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