Charles E Hopson

US Patent:

6448729, Sep 10, 2002

Filed:

Jun 21, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/598872

Inventors:

Timothy Davies - Hermitage TN
Pascal Bonduel - Bouzy la Foret, FR
Francois Breynaert - Caen, FR
Charles Hopson - Lebanon TN
Christos Kyrtsos - Southfield MI
Joseph Tyckowski - Clawson MI

Assignee:

Meritor Light Vehicle Systems, Inc. - Troy MI

International Classification:

H02P 700

US Classification:

318434, 318432, 49 26, 49 28

Abstract:

A method and system for detecting the presence of an object caught between an automotive window and its respective frame includes an electric drive motor for opening and closing the automotive window. The electric drive motor receives power from a power supply via a primary brush assembly coupled to a power line. A piezoelectric sensor is mounted on the drive motor for sensing a resistive torque applied to the regulator and generating a signal having a value indicative of the resistive torque. The signal is then transmitted to a control circuit for determining whether or not an object is caught between the window and a frame based on the signal. The signal may be transmitted to the control circuit either by the primary brush assembly via the power line or by a secondary brush assembly coupled directly to the control circuit.

US Patent:

63040484, Oct 16, 2001

Filed:

Sep 7, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/390888

Inventors:

Timothy Davies - Hermitage TN
Charles Hopson - Lebanon TN
Joseph Tyckowski - Clawson MI
Christos Kyrtsos - Southfield MI
Francois Breynaert - Caen, FR
Pascal Bonduel - Bouzy La Foret, FR

Assignee:

Meritor Light Vehicle Systems, Inc. - Troy MI

International Classification:

E05F 1510
G05B 902

US Classification:

318475

Abstract:

A method and device for determining torque applied to a motor of an automotive power window system includes a motor having a rotor mounted on a rotor shaft wherein the rotor and rotor shaft move linearly along an axial length of the rotor shaft in response to an applied torque. A ring magnet is mounted on the rotor shaft for generating a magnetic field as the rotor shaft rotates. A sensor, in communication with the ring magnet, senses a strength of the magnetic field based on a linear position of the ring magnet in relation to the sensor and generates a proportional voltage signal. A control circuit receives the voltage signal and detects a torque applied to the motor in response thereto.

US Patent:

6246194, Jun 12, 2001

Filed:

Sep 7, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/391255

Inventors:

Timothy Davies - Hermitage TN
Charles Hopson - Lebanon TN
Christos Kyrtsos - Southfield MI
Joseph Tyckowski - Clawson MI
Francois Breynaert - Caen, FR
Pascal Bonduel - Bouzy la Foret, FR

Assignee:

Meritor Light Vehicle Systems, Inc. - Troy MI

International Classification:

H02P 300

US Classification:

318266

Abstract:

A method and system for directly determining the presence of an object between a window and its respective frame during closing of the window is disclosed. A sensor is provided within the frame to determine a length of the frame being compressed when the window is closed against the frame. This length is compared to a predetermined value. If the compressed length is less than the predetermined value, an object is detected so that the window can be controlled to stop and change direction so as to release the object before injury or damage occurs.

US Patent:

63051230, Oct 23, 2001

Filed:

Sep 17, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/398734

Inventors:

Timothy Davies - Hermitage TN
Charles Hopson - Lebanon TN
Pascal Bonduel - Bouzy la Foret, FR
Francios Breynaert - Caen, FR
Christos Kyrtsos - Southfield MI
Joseph Tyckowski - Clawson MI

Assignee:

Meritor Light Vehicle Systems, LLC - Troy MI

International Classification:

E05F 1502

US Classification:

49 26

Abstract:

In a first embodiment, a vehicle window obstruction system incorporates a conductive coating placed on the window. Such coatings are known for use in defrost systems. A voltage source is connected to the conductive coating, such that an electrical charge is placed across the window. Electrical characteristics of the charge are monitored, and compared to expected values. In the event that an obstruction is encountered, the monitored values will differ from expected values, and a control can indicate the presence of an obstruction. Alternatively, the signal could be a high frequency signal such as a sound signal which would be varied when the window contacts a human obstruction.