throbber
IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`PATENT
`
`Application of: Mario Boisvert and Randall Perrin
`
`Serial No.: 10/765,487
`
`Filing Date: January 27, 2004
`
`Title: COLLISION MONITORING SYSTEM
`
`Examiner: Marion T. Fletcher
`
`Art Unit: 2837
`
`Docket No.: 14-733C2D1
`
`Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell & Tummino, LLP
`Suite 1700
`1300 East Ninth Street
`Cleveland, OH 44114
`
`MAIL STOP AMENDMENT
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
`
`Amendment
`
`In response to the office action having a mailing date of October 16, 2006, please
`
`amend this application as follows:
`
`December 13th, 2006
`
`1
`
`

`

`Claim Status
`
`1.
`
`(Currently Amended) Apparatus for controlling motion of a motor driven element
`
`in a vehicle over a range of motion and for altering said motion when undesirable
`
`resistance to said motion is encountered, said apparatus comprising:
`
`a) a sensor for measuring a parameter of a motor coupled to the motor driven
`
`element that varies in response to a resistance to motion during all or part of a range of
`
`motion of the motor driven element;
`
`b) a memory for storing a number of measurement values from the sensor
`
`based on immediate past measurements of said parameter over at least a portion of
`
`saiG a present traversal of said motor driven element through said range of motion;
`
`c) a controller coupled to the memory for determining to de-activate the motor
`
`based on a most recent sensor measurement of the parameter and the immediate past
`
`measurement values stored in the memory as the motor driven element moves over its
`
`range of motion; and
`
`d) a controller interface coupled to the motor for altering motion of said motor
`
`driven element in response to a determination made by the controller.
`
`2. (Original) A method for controlling motion of a motor driven element in a vehicle
`
`over a range of motion and for altering said motion when undesirable resistance to said
`
`motion is encountered, said method comprising:
`
`a) measuring a parameter of a motor coupled to the motor driven element that
`
`varies in response to a resistance to motion during all or part of a range of motion of the
`
`motor driven element by taking a multiplicity of measurements as the motor moves the
`
`motor driven element over its range of motion;
`
`b) storing a number of measurement values based on measurements of said
`
`parameter over at least a portion of said range of motion;
`
`c) determining that the parameter is outside a parameter range based on
`
`previous stored measurement values as the motor driven element moves over its range
`
`of motion; and
`
`December 13th, 2006
`
`2
`
`

`

`d) altering motion of said motor
`
`driven element in response to a
`
`determination that the parameter is outside the parameter range.
`
`3. (Original) The method of claim 2 wherein the motor driven element is a window or
`
`panel and additionally comprising reverse actuating the window or panel prior to moving
`
`said window or panel in a direction to close the window or panel.
`
`4. (Original) The method of claim 3 additionally comprising maintaining a position of
`
`the window or panel based on the sensed parameter and the reverse actuation is
`
`initiated if a leading edge of the window or panel is near a closed position.
`
`5. (Original) The method of claim 4 movement is first initiated toward a closed
`
`position when a leading edge of the window or panel is near the closed position and
`
`wherein the reverse actuation is performed upon a sensing of an obstacle that is based
`
`on determining the parameter is outside the parameter range.
`
`6. (Currently Amended) Apparatus for controlling activation of a motor coupled to a
`
`motor vehicle window or panel for moving said window or panel along a travel path and
`
`de-activating the motor if an obstacle is encountered by the window or panel, said
`
`apparatus comprising:
`
`a) a sensor for sensing movement of the window or panel and providing a
`
`sensor output signal related to a speed of movement of the window or panel;
`
`b) a switch for controllably actuating the motor by providing an energization
`
`signal; and
`
`c) a controller having an interface coupled to the sensor and the switch for con(cid:173)
`
`trollably energizing the motor; said controller sensing a collision with an obstruction
`
`when power is applied to the controller by:
`
`i) monitoring movement of the window or panel by monitoring a signal from the
`
`sensor related to the movement of the window or panel;
`
`December 13th, 2006
`
`3
`
`

`

`ii) adjusting an obstacle detection
`
`threshold in real time based on immediate
`
`past measurements of the signal sensed by the sensor to adapt to varying conditions
`
`encountered during operation of the window or panel;
`
`U iii) identifying a collision of the window or panel with an obstacle due to a
`
`change in the signal from the sensor that is related to a change in movement of the
`
`window or panel by comparing a value based on a most recent signal from the sensor
`
`with the obstacle detection threshold; and
`ill iv) outputting a control signal to said switch to deactivate said motor in
`
`response to a sensing of a collision between an obstacle and said window or panel.
`
`7. (Original) The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the controller comprises a
`
`programmable controller including a processing unit for executing a control program and
`
`including a memory for storing multiple window or panel speed values corresponding to
`
`a signal received from the sensor.
`
`8. (Original) The apparatus of claim 6 additionally comprising one or more limit
`
`switches for use by the controller to determine window or panel position for use in
`
`identifying a collision.
`
`Please cancel claim 9 without prejudice or disclaimer.
`9. (Cancelled)
`
`10. (Original) The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the controller maintains a position of
`
`a leading edge of the window or panel and further wherein the controller reverse
`
`energizes the motor to move the window or panel away from a closure position prior to
`
`activating the motor to close the window or panel.
`
`11. (Original) The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the controller reverse energizes the
`
`motor in response to a sensing of an obstacle and the reverse energizing and attempt to
`
`move the window or panel to a closed position is performed to confirm sensing of the
`4
`
`December 13th, 2006
`
`

`

`obstacle.
`
`12. (Currently Amended) Apparatus for controlling activation of a motor for moving an
`
`object along a travel path and de-activating the motor if an obstacle is encountered by
`
`the object comprising:
`
`a) a movement sensor for monitoring movement of the object as the motor
`
`moves said object along a travel path ;
`
`b) a switch for controlling energization of the motor with an energization signal;
`
`and
`
`c) a controller including an interface coupled to the switch means for controllably
`
`energizing the motor and said interface additionally coupling the controller to the
`
`movement sensor for monitoring signals from said movement sensor; said controller
`
`comprising a stored program that:
`
`i) determines motor speed of movement from an output signal from the
`
`movement sensor ;
`
`ii) calculates an obstacle detect threshold based on motor speed of movement
`
`detected during at least one a present run of said motor driven element prior period of
`
`motor operation;
`
`iii) compares a value based on currently sensed motor speed of movement with
`
`the obstacle detect threshold; and
`
`iv) outputs a signal from the interface to said switch for stopping the motor if the
`
`comparison based on currently sensed motor movement indicates the object has
`
`contacted an obstacle.
`
`13 (Original) The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the controller includes a buffer
`
`memory for storing successive values of motor movement for use in determining the
`
`obstacle detect threshold .
`
`14. (Original) The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the controller includes a clock and
`
`December 13th, 2006
`
`5
`
`

`

`an input from the movement sensor is in a
`
`form of a sequence of pulses and further
`
`wherein the controller counts clock signals occurrences between receipt of pulses to
`
`provide an indication of motor speed.
`
`15. (Original) The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the controller includes an interface
`
`for monitoring user actuation of control inputs for controlling movement of the window or
`
`panel and wherein the controller maintains a motor energization sequence a specified
`
`minimum time period in response to a short period user actuation of said control inputs
`
`to maintain position accuracy in monitoring window or panel movement.
`
`16. (Original) The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the controller includes an interface
`
`for monitoring user actuation of control inputs for controlling movement of the object and
`
`wherein in response to a specified input the controller conducts a calibration motor
`
`energization sequence to determine parameters of object.
`
`17. (Original) The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the motor is coupled to a motor
`vehicle window or panel and wherein the controller includes an interface for monitoring
`
`user actuation of control inputs for controlling movement of the window or panel and
`
`wherein the controller maintains a position indication which is updated in response
`
`movement of the window or panel and further wherein the controller reverse actuations
`
`the motor near an end point in an object path of travel to avoid false obstacle detection
`
`in the region of closure of the window or panel.
`
`18. (Original) The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the sensor is a current sensor and
`
`wherein the controller includes means for adjusting the obstacle threshold based on
`dynamic motor current as sensed from the current sensor to take into account varying
`loads experienced by the motor.
`
`19. (Currently Amended) Apparatus for controlling activation of a motor for moving a
`
`December 13th, 2006
`
`6
`
`

`

`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 sensor for sensing movement of a window or panel along a travel path;
`
`b) a switch for controlling energization of the motor with an energization signal;
`
`and
`
`c) a controller coupled to the switch for controllably energizing the motor and
`
`having an interface coupling the controller to the sensor and to the switch; said
`
`controller comprising decision making logic for:
`
`i) monitoring a signal from the sensor;
`
`ii) calculating aA a real time obstacle detect threshold based on the signal
`
`that is detected during at least one prior period of motor operation during movement
`
`along a present or current path of travel of said window or panel , or a predetermined
`
`threshold;
`
`iii) comparing a value based on a currently sensed motor parameter with
`
`the obstacle detect threshold; and
`
`iv) stopping movement of the window or panel by controlling an output to
`
`said switch that controls motor energization if the comparison based on a currently
`
`sensed motor parameter indicates the window or panel has contacted an obstacle.
`
`20. (Currently Amended) 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 sensor for generating speed signals representative of the window or panel
`
`speed as the motor moves the window or panel along a travel path;
`
`b) an obstacle detection controller for monitoring at least a part of the travel
`
`path of the window or panel for sensing and generating an obstacle detect signal
`
`indicating the presence in said travel path of an obstacle to movement of the window or
`
`panel;
`
`c) a switch coupled to said controller for controlling energization of the motor
`
`December 13th, 2006
`
`7
`
`

`

`with an energization signal; and
`
`d) said controller including means for processing motor speed signals and
`
`obstacle detection signals and controlling operation of the motor in response to said
`
`speed or obstacle detection signals; said controller including:
`
`i) a storage for storing a number of speed signals that vary with motor speed;
`
`ii) a processor for calculating an obstacle detect threshold based on one or more
`
`speed signals stored in said storage obtained in real time based on immediate past
`
`measures of the speed signal sensed by the sensor to adapt to varying conditions
`
`encountered during movement along a present path of travel of said window or panel;
`
`iii) a logic unit for making a comparison between a value representing window or
`
`panel speed based on g currently sensed motor speed signal with the calculated
`obstacle detect threshold, a predetermined threshold, and generating a control output lf
`an obstacle is detected based on said comparison; and
`
`iv) an interface coupled to said switch for changing the state of the switch to stop
`
`the motor.
`
`21. (Original) The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the sensor for generating a speed
`
`signal comprises a Hall-effect sensor.
`
`22. (Original) The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the sensor for generating a speed
`
`signal comprises a magnetic pick-up.
`
`23.
`
`(Original) The apparatus of claim 20 additionally comprising an obstacle detector
`
`having an output coupled to the controller that senses a disruption in a region through
`
`which the window or panel moves.
`
`24. (Original) The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the obstacle detector comprises a
`
`microwave generator and a reflected wave transducer.
`
`December 13th, 2006
`
`8
`
`

`

`25. (Original) The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the obstacle detector comprises
`
`an infrared light source and detector.
`
`26. (Previously Presented) The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the obstacle detector
`
`comprises a field effect device.
`
`27. (Previously Presented) The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the field effect device
`
`comprises a magnetic field inductive sensor.
`
`28. (Currently Amended) Apparatus for controlling activation of a motor coupled to a
`
`motor vehicle window or panel for moving said window or panel along a travel path and
`
`de-activating the motor when a predetermined position is encountered by the window or
`
`panel, said apparatus comprising:
`
`a)
`
`a sensor for sensing movement of the window or panel and providing a
`
`sensor output signal related to a position of the window or panel;
`
`b)
`
`a switch for controllably actuating the motor by providing an energization
`
`signal; and
`
`c)
`
`a controller having an interface coupled to the sensor and the switch for
`
`controllably energizing the motor; said controller determines determining the position of
`
`the window or panel when power is applied to the controller by:
`
`i) monitoring the position of the window or panel by monitoring the
`
`sensor output signal from the sensor related to the position of the window or panel;
`
`ii)
`
`identifying the position of the window or panel based on the sensor
`
`output signal from the sensor; and
`
`iii) outputting a control signal to said switch to deactivate said motor in
`
`response to a sensing of the predetermined position of said window or panel.
`
`29.
`
`(Previously Presented) The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the controller
`
`December 13th, 2006
`
`9
`
`

`

`comprises a programmable controller
`
`including a processing unit for executing a
`
`control program and including a memory for storing multiple window or panel position
`
`values corresponding to a signal received from the sensor.
`
`30.
`
`(Previously Presented) The apparatus of claim 28 additionally comprising one
`
`or more position limits programmed for use by the controller to determine window or
`
`panel position for use in identifying whether the window or panel is closed or open.
`
`31.
`
`(Previously Presented) The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the controller
`
`maintains a position of a leading edge of the window or panel and further wherein the
`
`controller reverse energizes the motor to move the window or panel away from a
`
`closure position prior to activating the motor to close the window or panel.
`
`32.
`
`(Currently Amended) The apparatus of claim 28 'Nherein the motor is coupled to
`
`a motor vehicle or panel and wherein the controller includes an interface for monitoring
`
`user actuation of control inputs for controlling movement of the motor vehicle window or
`
`panel and wherein the controller maintain a position indication which is updated in
`
`response to movement of the window or panel and further wherein the controller
`
`reverse actuates the motor near an end point in the travel path of the window or panel
`
`to avoid false obstacle detection in a region of closure of the window or panel.
`
`33.
`
`(Previously Presented) Apparatus for controlling activation of a motor for
`
`moving a motor driven element in a vehicle over a range of motion and de-activating the
`
`motor when undesirable resistance to motion of the element is encountered, the
`
`apparatus comprising:
`
`a) a sensor for sensing a speed of the motor and generating an output signal
`
`representative of a speed of the motor, a speed of the motor changing when
`
`undesirable resistance to motion of the element is encountered;
`
`b) a switch for controlling activation of the motor; and
`
`c) a controller coupled to the sensor and the switch, the controller receiving the
`
`December 13th, 2006
`
`10
`
`

`

`sensor output signal from the sensor and
`
`outputting a control signal to the switch to
`
`de-activate the motor if the sensor output signal indicates that the element has
`
`encountered undesirable resistance to motion.
`
`34 .
`
`(Previously Presented) The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the sensor
`
`includes a Hall effect sensor.
`
`35.
`
`(Previously Presented) The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the apparatus
`
`includes a memory for storing values corresponding to the sensor output signal over at
`
`least a portion of the range of motion of the element and the controller analyzes the
`
`sensor output signal values stored in the memory to determine if the control signal to
`
`de-activate the motor should be output to the switch .
`
`Please add new claims 36 and 37 as follows:
`
`36. (New) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the immediate past measurements of said
`
`parameter were taken within a forty millisecond interval prior to the most recent sensor
`
`measurement.
`
`37. (New) The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the immediate past measurements of said
`
`signal are sensed within a forty millisecond interval prior to the most recent signal from
`
`the sensor.
`
`December 13th, 2006
`
`11
`
`

`

`REMARKS
`
`Reconsideration of pending claims 1 - 8 and 10- 37 is requested.
`
`Claim 1 features apparatus for controlling motion of a motor driven element in a
`
`vehicle over a range of motion and for altering that motion when undesirable resistance
`
`to motion is encountered . A sensor measures a parameter of a motor coupled to the
`
`motor driven element that varies in response to a resistance to motion during all or part
`
`of a range of motion of the motor driven element. A memory is used to store a number
`
`of measurement values from the sensor based on immediate past measurements of the
`
`parameter over at least a portion of a present path of travel of the motor driven element
`
`through its range of motion. A controller coupled to the memory determines whether to
`
`de-activate the motor based on a most recent sensor measurement of the parameter
`
`and the immediate past measurement values stored in the memory as the motor driven
`
`element moves over its range of motion . A controller interface coupled to the motor
`
`alters motion of the motor driven element in response to a determination made by the
`
`controller.
`
`The controller featured in claim 1 performs its collision detection based on real
`
`time data obtained during a present run of the window or panel. Unlike the invention
`
`featured in claim 1, the Jones et al system disclosed in US 4,831,509 uses training data
`
`stored by the control during a training run to signal a collision between a door and an
`
`obstacle and therefore neither shows nor suggests the structure of claim 1.
`
`At column 3, line 17, Jones et al notes, "In order to determine a door travel
`
`characteristic the processing means samples the time taken for the door curtain to
`
`travel a fixed distance and therefrom determines changes in the speed of the door." At
`
`column 4, line 49 Jones et al states "As stated above the stored running average of
`
`peak speed changes for a segment is regularly compared with the calculated peak
`
`speed change for the same segment on a present run of the door. If this new value
`
`exceeds the stored value, the door controller will consider an obstruction to have been
`
`detected in the travel path of the door."
`
`These two statements from columns 3 and 4 must be interpreted in light of the
`
`December 13th, 2006
`
`12
`
`

`

`Jones et al definition of a 'segment' found
`
`at column 3, line 20. The Jones et al
`
`system works "by notationally dividing the door travel into a plurality of segments and
`
`further sub-dividing each segment into a plurality of secto[r]s (sic) and producing a
`
`running average of peak speed changes for each sector."
`
`Returning to the Jones et al collision detection scheme defined at column 4 and
`
`assume a collision is encountered sometime during a run, i.e. during a one way
`
`traversal by the door in its travel path. Specifically, assume the time it takes to traverse
`
`a sector (recall multiple sectors make up a segment) is dramatically greater than
`
`previously encountered. Jones et al assumes such dramatic change in speed is due to
`
`a collision.
`
`The Jones et al control compares the dramatic speed change of that sector
`
`(sector x, for example) with an average peak speed change for the segment (16
`
`consecutive sectors) in which sector xis located. The controller can not calculate the
`
`average peak speed change for the segment containing the sector x on a real time
`
`basis as featured in claim 1. All sectors within the segment have not been encountered
`
`or traversed. Stated another way, the Jones et al collision detected must be based on
`
`old data. Jones et al must be using old data from a prior door run (sometimes referred
`
`to as a training run) and hence neither shows nor suggests applicants invention .
`
`The advantages achieved through practice of the invention are significant.
`
`Assume weeks go by between operation of a vehicle sunroof for example. The
`
`temperature could have changed dramatically. The roof might have been closed with
`
`the vehicle parked during its last run sequence and therefore the drag encountered due
`
`to wind resistance was different. On the present run, the sunroof is closed as the car is
`
`traveling down the highway at a reasonable rate and the temperature is much higher.
`
`How will the controller react if it is relying on old data? The Jones et al system must use
`
`old data and hence may not react properly. This fact highlights the fact that a system
`
`satisfactory for use as a garage door control may not work as effectively in a motor
`
`vehicle control for a window or panel of a motor vehicle. Jones et al neither anticipates
`
`nor renders obvious the subject matter of claim 1 and this claim is patentable.
`
`December 13th, 2006
`
`13
`
`

`

`New claim 36 depends on allowable claim 1 and is also allowable. This claim
`
`features the apparatus of claim 1 wherein the immediate past measurements used in
`
`determining a threshold are taken within a forty millisecond interval prior to the most
`
`recent sensor measurement. Since Jones et al relies on old data observed during an
`
`old run or sequence, there is no suggestion of this feature and therefore this claim is
`
`patentable.
`
`Claim 2 features a method for controlling motion of a motor driven element in a
`
`vehicle over a range of motion and for altering the motion when undesirable resistance
`
`to the motion is encountered. The method is performed by measuring a parameter of a
`
`motor coupled to the motor driven element that varies in response to a resistance to
`
`motion during all or part of a range of motion of the motor driven element by taking a
`
`multiplicity of measurements as the motor moves the motor driven element over its
`
`range of motion. A number of measurement values are stored based on measurements
`
`of the motor parameter over at least a portion of its range of motion. If the parameter is
`
`determined to be outside a parameter range based on previous stored measurement
`
`values as the motor driven element moves over its range of motion, the method of claim
`
`2 alters motion of said motor driven element.
`
`Claim 2 was rejected in the last office action as being anticipated under 35 USC
`
`102(b) on the basis of Jones et al (US 4,831 ,509).
`
`The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has held that language found in the
`
`preamble of a claim that is also included in the body of the claim limits the claim "by
`
`virtue of its inclusion." Catalina Marketing, 62 USPQ2d at 1787; see also British
`
`Telecommunications v. Prodigy Communs., 217 F.Supp.2d 399,413 (S.D.N.Y. 2002)
`
`(finding that a preamble term limited the claim because it was also found in the body of
`
`the claim). In the Telecommunications decision it was held that the preamble provided
`
`structure to the claim body, a "central computer" being the terms at issue. The
`
`Telecommunications decision differs somewhat from Catalina Marketing where the
`
`claim language was concentrated on use, reciting "a plurality of free standing terminals
`
`located at predesignated sites such as consumer stores". Catalina Marketing, 62
`
`December 13th, 2006
`
`14
`
`

`

`USPQ2d at 1783 (emphasis added on
`
`terms at issue). The Federal Circuit even
`
`articulated such by identifying the claim language as defining an intended use, stating,
`
`"the location of the terminals in stores merely gives an intended use for the claimed
`
`terminals." /d., at 1786-87. But, the Court held the same language in claim 25 limited
`
`the claim because it was found the language in both the preamble and body of the
`
`claim.
`
`In the present instance claim 2 calls for, in part a motor driven element in a
`
`vehicle. Whether this term is interpreted as a use or a structure, weight must be given
`
`to its recitation since it is used again in the claim body, i.e. the recitation of the motor
`
`driven element is found throughout the claim. Since Jones et al neither shows nor
`
`suggests a motor driven element in a vehicle, this claim is not properly rejected either
`
`as being anticipated or rendered obvious by Jones et al. Stated another way a prima
`
`facie basis of rejection is not found in Jones et al.
`
`Claim 2 also recites measuring a parameter of a motor coupled to the motor
`
`driven element. Turning to Jones et al, at column 3, line 7 , Jones et al states that "the
`
`door curtain position relative to the door opening is obtained from an encoder coupled to
`
`the door drum. (emphasis added) Pulses are provided to the encoder from
`
`optoelectronic sensors appropriately placed or positioned in relation to a set of spinning
`
`blades coupled to the drive means for the roller door."
`
`In Jones et al the speed and position of the door increase when lowered due to
`
`the added affect of gravity and the speed and position decrease as the door is raised.
`
`Jones teaches a door position encoder "for providing signals indicative of the position of
`
`the door curtain relative to the door opening". column 1 line 53 of Jones et al, but there
`
`is no teaching or suggestion of measuring a parameter of a motor coupled to a motor
`
`driven element. By noting that the motor load "is dependent on the position of the door"
`
`as a criticism of using motor load monitoring devices, Jones et al explicitly teaches
`
`away from measuring a parameter of the motor and using that parameter to determine if
`
`the parameter is outside a range as featured in claim 2.
`
`For the foregoing reasons, claim 2 is not anticipated nor rendered obvious in the
`
`December 13th, 2006
`
`15
`
`

`

`prior art patent to Jones et al and is
`
`therefore allowable. Claims 3- 5 depend
`
`on allowable claim 2 and are also allowable.
`
`Claim 6 features apparatus for controlling activation of a motor coupled to a
`
`motor vehicle window or panel for moving the window or panel along a travel path. The
`
`panel or window movement is stopped in the event an obstacle is encountered by the
`
`window or panel. The apparatus includes a sensor that senses movement of the
`
`window or panel and provides a sensor output signal related to a speed of movement of
`
`the window or panel. A switch controls actuation of the motor by providing an energiz(cid:173)
`
`ation signal and a controller has an interface coupled to the sensor and the switch to
`
`control energization of the motor.
`
`The controller of claim 6 implements real time collision sensing better suited
`
`(than Jones et al) to use with a controller moving a window or panel mounted in a motor
`
`vehicle. The exemplary controller:
`
`i) monitors movement of the window or panel by monitoring a signal from the
`
`sensor related to the movement of the window or panel;
`
`ii) adjusts an obstacle detection threshold in real time based on immediate past
`
`measurements of the signal sensed by the sensor to adapt to varying conditions
`
`encountered during operation of the window or panel;
`
`iii) identifies a collision of the window or panel with an obstacle due to a change
`
`in the signal from the sensor that is related to a change in movement of the window or
`
`panel by comparing a value based on a most recent signal from the sensor with the
`
`obstacle detection threshold; and
`
`iv) outputs a control signal to the switch to deactivate the motor in response to a
`
`sensing of a collision between an obstacle and the window or panel.
`
`As discussed above, the Jones et al patent neither shows nor suggests the
`
`italicized features of claim 6 and accordingly this claim is allowable.
`
`Claims 7, 8, 10, 11 and 37 depend from allowable claim 6 and are also allowable.
`
`The comments above regarding new claim 36 are also applicable to claim 37.
`
`Claim 12 features apparatus for controlling activation of a motor for moving an
`
`December 13th, 2006
`
`16
`
`

`

`object along a travel path and de-activating the motor if an obstacle is encountered by
`
`the object. A movement sensor monitors movement of the object as the motor moves
`the object along a travel path. A switch controls energization of the motor with an
`energization signal and a controller includes an interface coupled to the switch for con(cid:173)
`
`trollably energizing the motor. The interface also couples the controller to the
`
`movement sensor for monitoring signals from said movement sensor. The controller
`
`has a stored program that:
`
`i) determines motor speed of movement from an output signal from the
`
`movement sensor;
`
`ii) calculates an obstacle detect threshold based on motor speed of movement
`
`detected during a present run of said motor driven element;
`
`iii) compares a value based on currently sensed motor speed of movement with
`
`the obstacle detect threshold; and
`
`iv) outputs a signal from the interface to said switch for stopping the motor if the
`
`comparison based on currently sensed motor movement indicates the object has
`
`contacted an obstacle.
`
`Jones et al neither shows nor suggests calculating an obstacle detect threshold
`
`based on motor speed of movement detected during a present run of the motor driven
`
`element and for this reason claim 12 is allowable.
`Claims 13- 18 depend on allowable claim 12 and are also allowable.
`Claim 19 features 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. A sensor senses movement of a window or panel
`
`along a travel path and a switch controls energization of the motor with an energization
`
`signal.
`
`Claim 19 also includes a controller coupled to the switch for controllably
`
`energizing the motor and having an interface coupling the controller to the sensor and to
`
`the switch. The controller implements decision making logic for:
`
`i) monitoring a signal from the sensor;
`
`December 13th, 2006
`
`17
`
`

`

`ii) calculating a real time
`
`obstacle detect threshold based on the
`
`signal that is detected during at least one prior period of motor operation during
`
`movement along a present or current path of travel of said window or panel;
`
`iii) comparing a value based on a currently sensed motor parameter with
`
`the obstacle detect threshold; and
`
`iv) stopping movement of the window or panel by controlling an output to
`
`said switch th

This document is available on Docket Alarm but you must sign up to view it.


Or .

Accessing this document will incur an additional charge of $.

After purchase, you can access this document again without charge.

Accept $ Charge
throbber

Still Working On It

This document is taking longer than usual to download. This can happen if we need to contact the court directly to obtain the document and their servers are running slowly.

Give it another minute or two to complete, and then try the refresh button.

throbber

A few More Minutes ... Still Working

It can take up to 5 minutes for us to download a document if the court servers are running slowly.

Thank you for your continued patience.

This document could not be displayed.

We could not find this document within its docket. Please go back to the docket page and check the link. If that does not work, go back to the docket and refresh it to pull the newest information.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

You need a Paid Account to view this document. Click here to change your account type.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

Set your membership status to view this document.

With a Docket Alarm membership, you'll get a whole lot more, including:

  • Up-to-date information for this case.
  • Email alerts whenever there is an update.
  • Full text search for other cases.
  • Get email alerts whenever a new case matches your search.

Become a Member

One Moment Please

The filing “” is large (MB) and is being downloaded.

Please refresh this page in a few minutes to see if the filing has been downloaded. The filing will also be emailed to you when the download completes.

Your document is on its way!

If you do not receive the document in five minutes, contact support at support@docketalarm.com.

Sealed Document

We are unable to display this document, it may be under a court ordered seal.

If you have proper credentials to access the file, you may proceed directly to the court's system using your government issued username and password.


Access Government Site

We are redirecting you
to a mobile optimized page.





Document Unreadable or Corrupt

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket

We are unable to display this document.

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket