`
`PATENT
`
`Application of: Mario Boisvert eta/.
`
`Serial No.: 1 0/765,487
`
`Filing Date: January 27, 2004
`
`Title: COLLISION MONITORING SYSTEM
`
`Examiner: Marlon 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 2231 3-1450
`
`RESPONSE
`
`In response to the office action having a mailing date of July 23, 2008, please
`
`consider the following:
`
`August 19, 2008
`
`1
`
`
`
`Claim Status
`
`1.
`
`(previously presented) 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 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 obtained during a present run through the
`
`motor driven element range of motion; and
`
`d) a controller interface coupled to the motor for altering motion of said motor
`
`driven element during the present run in response to a determination made by the
`
`controller.
`
`2. (previously presented) 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 an immediate past portion of a present run through said range of
`
`motion;
`
`August 19, 2008
`
`2
`
`
`
`c) determining that the parameter is outside a parameter range based on stored
`
`measurement values obtained during the immediate past portion as the motor driven
`
`element moves over its range of motion; and
`
`d) altering motion of said motor driven element during the present run 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. (Previously Presented) 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
`
`August 19, 2008
`
`3
`
`
`
`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;
`
`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;
`
`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
`
`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.
`
`9. (Cancelled)
`
`1 0. (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.
`
`August 19, 2008
`
`4
`
`
`
`11. (Original) The apparatus of claim 1 0 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
`
`obstacle.
`
`12. (Previously Presented) 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 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 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.
`
`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.
`
`August 19, 2008
`
`5
`
`
`
`14. (Original) The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the controller includes a clock and
`
`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.
`
`August 19, 2008
`
`6
`
`
`
`19. (previously presented) 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 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 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 run through a 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 that controls motor energization if the comparison based on a currently
`
`sensed motor parameter indicates the window or panel has contacted an obstacle.
`
`20. (Previously Presented) 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;
`
`August 19, 2008
`
`7
`
`
`
`c) a switch coupled to said controller tor controlling energization of the motor
`
`with an energization signal; and
`
`d) said controller tor processing 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 tor storing a number of speed signals that vary with motor speed;
`
`ii) a processor tor 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 tor making a comparison between a value representing window or
`
`panel speed based on a currently sensed motor speed signal with the calculated
`
`obstacle detect threshold, and generating a control output it 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 tor 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.
`
`August 19, 2008
`
`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 26 wherein the field effect device
`
`comprises a magnetic field inductive sensor.
`
`28. (previously presented) 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 the window or panel is within an acceptable range of
`
`a predetermined position , 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 determining the position of the window
`
`or panel when power is applied to the controller by:
`
`i) 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 said window or panel within the acceptable range.
`
`August 19, 2008
`
`9
`
`
`
`29.
`
`(Previously Presented) The apparatus of claim 28 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 position values
`
`corresponding to a signal received from the sensor.
`
`30.
`
`(previously presented) The apparatus of claim 28 additionally comprising for
`
`use by the controller to determine whether the window or multiple position limits that
`
`define the acceptable range programmed 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.
`
`(Previously Presented) The apparatus of claim 28 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.
`
`August 19, 2008
`
`10
`
`
`
`33 -35.
`
`(Cancelled)
`
`36. (Previously Presented) 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. (Previously Presented) 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.
`
`August 19, 2008
`
`11
`
`
`
`REMARKS
`
`No claims are amended and claims l - 8, 10- 32, 36 and 37 are pending and
`
`reconsideration of those claims is requested.
`
`In an earlier office action dated Aplil 10, 2007 during this prosecution, the Examiner
`
`rejected then pending claim 1 as being unpatentable over Jones et al (US 4,831,509) in view of
`
`Wrenbeck et al (US 5,436,5390) having a filing date of August 30, 1993. In the amendment filed
`
`June 20, 2007, applicants argued that the language in then pending claim 1 (as well as claims 2,
`
`6, 12, 19, 20 28 and 33) was suppotted by the specification in US patent 5,334,876 having an
`
`Aplil22, 1992 filing date and from which the present application claims primity. In the office
`
`action of October 31, 2007, the Examiner acknowledged the claims were suppmted in the
`
`specification of the '876 patent to Washeleski et al and the rejection based on Wrenbeck et al
`
`was withdrawn. That office action states "the applicant argued that Wrenbeck et al were not
`
`p1ior art. The Examiner agrees."
`
`Claims 1, 2, 19, 28 and 30 were amended subsequent to the October 31, 2007 office
`
`action, more specifically, the amendment filed January 10, 2008 made changes to these claims.
`
`Independent claims 6, 12, and 19 have not been amended since the October 31, 2007 office
`
`action and therefore the Examiner's conclusion regarding support for these claims in the '876
`
`patent specification still applies. Those claims that were amended are still suppmted as the
`
`following claim chart shows. The additions to c1aims1, 2, 19, 28, and 30 that were made after
`
`the October 31, 2007 office action are underlined.
`
`p.!:AIMNO.
`1
`
`G~AIM LANGUAGE
`Apparatus for controlling motion of
`a motor driven element (1 A) in a
`vehicle over a range of motion and
`for altering said motion (1 B) when
`undesirable resistance to said
`motion is encountered (1 C), said
`apparatus comprising:
`
`SUPPORT,J.N $,$34,a76 P, A. TENT
`1 A. Window or Panel Col. 2, Line
`40;
`
`1 B. Range of Motion Col. 5, Lines
`60- Col. 6, Line 9;
`
`1 C. Motor de-energized Col. 6,
`Lines 65-66.
`
`August 19, 2008
`
`12
`
`
`
`1 (a)
`
`1 (b)
`
`1(c)
`
`a) a sensor (1 D) 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;
`a memory (1 E) for storing a number
`of measurements values from the
`sensor based on immediate past
`measurements of said parameter
`over at least a portion of a present
`traversal (1 F) of said motor driven
`element through said range of
`motion
`a controller (1 G) coupled to the
`memory for determining to de(cid:173)
`activate the motor based on a most
`recent sensor measurement of the
`parameter and the immediate past
`measurement values stored in the
`memory obtained during a present
`run through the motor driven
`element range of motion
`
`1 D. Op-amp 11 0, Col. 5, Line 19
`
`1 E. Control Circuit with memory
`that compares sensed motor
`current with calibrated current Col.
`1 , Lines 65-66 -- see also Col. 6,
`Lines 20-24
`1 F. col 6, line 46-63
`
`1 G. Control circuit determines
`'compare value' at col 6, line 62
`and the motor is de-energized if
`presently sensed current is greater
`than the 'compare value', col 6,
`line 64-66.
`
`The sensed value is compared
`against a template. For soft
`obstacle detection, if the sensed
`value is within a window of the
`template threshold, the template is
`updated using the sensed value.
`Col. 6, lines 12-40.
`
`For hard obstacle detection, the
`sensed current is evaluated
`against a compared value that is a
`function of a reading of the motor
`current every two milliseconds and
`stored as a first in, first out. Col.
`6, lines 41-66. This constitutes a
`value obtained during a present
`run through the motor drive
`element range of motion.
`
`August 19, 2008
`
`13
`
`
`
`1 (d)
`
`d) a controller interface ( 1 H)
`coupled to the motor for altering
`motion of said motor driven element
`during the present run in response
`to a determination made by the
`controller.
`
`CLAIM .NO.
`2
`
`2(a)
`
`CLAIM LANGUAGE
`A method for controlling motion
`of a motor driven element (2A) in
`a vehicle over a range of motion
`(28) and for altering said motion
`when undesirable resistance to
`said motion is encountered (2C),
`said method comprising:
`
`a) measuring a parameter (20)
`of a motor (2E) 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 (2F) by taking a
`multiplicity of measurements
`(2G) as the motor moves the
`motor driven element over its
`range of motion;
`
`1 H. Field effect transistor 20 Col.
`2, Line 53.
`
`If the current values of the sensed
`current is greater than the
`compare value, an obstruction flag
`is set and the motor is de(cid:173)
`energized. Col. 6, Lines 64-66.
`
`SUPPORT IN 5,334,876 PATENT
`
`2A. Window or Panel Col. 2, Line 40;
`
`28. Range of Motion Col. 5, Lines 60
`-Col. 6, Line 9;
`
`2C. Motor de-energized Col. 6, Lines
`65-66.
`20. Voltage drop corresponds to
`current, Col. 5, Lines 15-16;
`
`2E. motor 12, Col. 5, Line 14;
`
`2F. current used to sense
`obstruction Col. 6, Lines 36-40;
`
`2G. current measured every two
`milliseconds Col. 6, Line 24;
`
`August 19, 2008
`
`14
`
`
`
`2(b)
`
`b) storing a number of
`measurement values (2H) based
`on measurements of said
`parameter over an immediate
`past portion of a present run
`through said range of motion;
`
`2H. FIFO buffer, Col. 6, Line 50
`
`For hard obstacle detection, the
`sensed current is evaluated against
`a compared value that is a function
`of a reading of the motor current
`every two milliseconds and stored as
`a first in, first out. The data stored in
`the FIFO buffer is twenty values
`deep, allowing the controller to look
`back in time 40 milliseconds. Col. 6,
`lines 41-66. This is a parameter that
`is measured during an immediate
`past portion of the present run
`through the range of motion.
`21. comparing sensed with compare
`value from equation Col. 6, Line 64.
`
`2(c)
`
`2(d)
`
`c) determining that (21) the
`parameter is outside a
`parameter range based on
`The sensed value is compared
`stored measurement values
`against a template. For soft obstacle
`obtained during the immediate
`detection, if the sensed value is
`past portion as the motor driven
`element moves over its range of within a window of the template
`motion; and
`threshold, the template is updated
`using the sensed value. Col. 6, lines
`12-40.
`
`For hard obstacle detection, the
`sensed current is evaluated against
`a compared value that is a function
`of a reading of the motor current
`every two milliseconds and stored as
`a first in, first out. Col. 6, lines 41-
`66.
`2J. Stop motor, Col. 6, Line 65
`
`d) altering motion of said motor
`driven element during the
`If the current values of the sensed
`present run in response to a
`determination that the parameter current is greater than the compare
`is outside the parameter range
`value, an obstruction flag is set and
`the motor is de-energized. Col. 6,
`(2J).
`Lines 64-66.
`
`CLAlMNQ.
`
`CLAIM LANGUAGE
`
`SUPRORliN:5 ;,334,876 PATENT
`
`August 19, 2008
`
`15
`
`
`
`6A. Window or panel, col 2, line 40
`68. Range of motion, col 5, line 60-col
`6, line 9 6C. Motor de-energized, col
`6, line 66
`
`60. Phase inputs 72, 74 from shaft
`encoder, col 3, line 44
`
`6E. FET 20, or relay 30, 32, Col 2, line
`64
`
`6F. Controller 22, col 2, line 55
`
`6G. Position encoder, col 4, line 16
`Col 6, line 14, absolute position of the
`sunroof, and the speed at which the
`roof is traveling.
`
`Col 6, lines 39-40 response time of the
`algorithm versus the speed of the
`sunroof.
`6H. after the first 50 ms, col 7 line 28
`61. 50ms- 450 ms, col 7, lines 28-34
`
`6
`
`6(a)
`
`6(b)
`
`6(c)
`
`6(c)(i)
`
`6(c)(ii)
`
`Apparatus for controlling activation
`of a motor coupled to a motor
`vehicle window or panel (6A) for
`moving said window or panel along
`a travel path (68) and de-activating
`the motor if an obstacle is
`encountered (6C) by the window or
`panel, said apparatus comprising:
`
`a) a sensor (60) 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 (6E) for controllably
`actuating the motor by providing an
`energization signal ; and
`c) a controller (6F) having an
`interface coupled to the sensor
`and the switch for controllably
`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 (6G) from the sensor related
`to the movement of the window or
`panel;
`
`ii) adjusting (6H) an obstacle
`detection threshold in real time (61)
`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;
`
`August 19, 2008
`
`16
`
`
`
`6(c)(iii)
`
`6(c)(iv)
`
`CLAIM NO.
`12
`
`12(a)
`
`12(b)
`
`12(c)
`
`12(c)(i)
`
`iii) identifying a collision (6J) 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) outputting a control signal to
`said switch to deactivate (6K) said
`motor in response to a sensing of
`a collision between an obstacle
`and said window or panel.
`
`CLAIM LAN(.1UAGE
`Apparatus for controlling activation
`of a motor for moving an object
`along a travel path (128) and (12A)
`de-activating the motor if an
`obstacle is encountered by the
`object comprising:
`
`a) a movement sensor for (12C)
`monitoring movement of the object
`as the motor moves said object
`along a travel path ;
`b) a switch (120) for controlling
`energization of the motor with an
`energization signal; and
`c) a controller (12E) including an
`interface coupled to the switch 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 (12F) output
`signal from the movement sensor ;
`17
`
`August 19, 2008
`
`6J. Controller detects an obstruction
`using rate of speed of motor, col 7, line
`33
`
`6K. Motor re-energized, col 4, line 44
`
`SUPPORT IN 5,33.4;876 PATENT
`12A. Window panel, col 1, line 44
`128. Obstacle, col 4, line 44
`
`12C. Movement sensor, position
`encoder, col 4, line 16
`
`120. Switch relay 30, 32, col 2, line 64
`
`12E. Controller 22, col 2, line 55
`
`12F. Motor speed, rate of change of
`pulses, col 3, line 59
`
`
`
`12G. Obstacle detect motor speed, col
`7, line 33
`
`12H. Col 7, line 33
`
`121. Interface, col 4, line 1 12J.
`Stopping motor, braking effect, col 4,
`line 13
`
`SUPPORTINĀ·5,334;876 PATENT
`19A. Window or panel col 2, line 40
`198. Travel path, col 5, line 60-col 6,
`line 9 19C. De-activating motor, col 6,
`line 65-66
`
`190. Op amp 110, col5, line 19
`
`19E. FET 20, col 2 line 53
`
`19F. Controller 22, col 2 line 55
`
`12(c)(ii)
`
`12(c)(iii)
`
`12(c)(iv)
`
`ii) calculates an obstacle detect
`(12G) threshold based on motor
`speed of movement detected
`during a present run of said motor
`driven element ;
`iii) compares a value based on
`(12H) currently sensed motor
`speed of movement with the
`obstacle detect threshold; and
`
`iv) outputs a signal from the
`interface (121) to said switch for
`stopping the motor (12J) if the
`comparison based on currently
`sensed motor movement indicates
`the object has contacted an
`obstacle.
`
`CLAIM. NO.
`19
`
`19(a)
`
`19(b)
`
`19(c)
`
`CLAIM LANGUAGE
`Apparatus for controlling activation
`of a motor for moving a window or
`panel (19A) along a travel path
`(198) and de-activating the motor if
`an obstacle is encountered (19C)
`by the window or panel comprising:
`
`a) a sensor (190) for sensing
`movement of a window or panel
`along a travel path;
`b) a switch (19E) for controlling
`energization of the motor with an
`energization signal; and
`c) a controller (19F) 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:
`
`August 19, 2008
`
`18
`
`
`
`19(c)(i)
`
`19(c)(ii)
`
`19(c)(iii)
`
`19(c)(iv)
`
`CLAIM. NO.
`20
`
`i) monitoring a signal from the
`sensor;
`ii) calculating a real time obstacle
`detect threshold (19G) based on
`the signal that is detected during at
`least one prior period of motor
`operation during movement along
`a present or current run through a
`path of travel of said window or
`panel;
`
`iii) comparing (19H) a value based
`on a currently sensed motor
`parameter with the obstacle detect
`threshold; and
`
`iv) stopping movement (191) 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.
`
`CLAIM LANGUAGE
`Apparatus for controlling activation
`of a motor for moving a window or
`panel (20A) along a travel path
`(208) and de-activating the motor if
`an obstacle is encountered by the
`window or panel comprising:
`
`20(a)
`
`a) a sensor (20C) for generating
`speed signals representative of the
`window or panel speed as the
`motor moves the window or panel
`along a travel path;
`
`19G. Equation at col 6, line 62
`
`The compare value algorithm reads the
`motor current every two milliseconds
`and is stored in a FIFO buffer. Col. 6,
`Lines 46-50. This is a signal that is
`detected along a present or current run
`through a path of travel of the window
`or panel.
`19H. Comparing, col 6, line 65
`
`191. Stopping movement, col 6, line
`65-66.
`
`SUPPORT IN5;334,876PATENT
`20A. Window or panel, col 2, line 40
`208. Range of motion, col 5, line 60-
`col6, line 9
`
`20C. Encoder, col 4, line 16, col 3, line
`44
`
`August 19, 2008
`
`19
`
`
`
`20(b)
`
`20(c)
`
`20(d)
`
`20(d)(i)
`
`20(d)(ii)
`
`b) an obstacle detection controller 200. Controller 22, col 2, line 55
`(200) 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;
`
`20E. FET 20, or relay 30, 32 col 2, line
`64
`
`20F. Preferred controller is
`microprocessor having central
`processing unit, col 2, line 55
`
`20G. Microprocessor 22 has storage
`for storing speed signals shown in
`Figure 5, col 3, line 59
`20H. Processor 22
`201. 50ms- 450 ms, col 7, lines 28-
`34
`
`c) a switch (20E) coupled to said
`controller for controlling
`energization of the motor with an
`energization signal; and
`d) said controller for processing
`speed signals and obstacle
`detection signals (20F) and
`controlling operation of the motor
`in response to said speed or
`obstacle detection signals; said
`controller including:
`
`i) a storage (20G) for storing a
`number of speed signals that vary
`with motor speed;
`ii) a processor (20H) for calculating
`an obstacle detect threshold based
`on one or more speed signals
`stored in said storage obtained in
`real time (201) 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;
`
`August 19, 2008
`
`20
`
`
`
`20(d)(iii)
`
`iii) a logic unit for making a
`comparison between a value
`representing window or panel
`speed (20J) based on a currently
`sensed motor speed (20K) with the
`calculate