Appeal 2007-1723
Application 10/893,962
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
Appellant invented a control system for a closing member used in
power windows for vehicles. Specifically, the output of a drive motor is
controlled responsive to detecting pinching of an object during travel of the
window. Between the fully open and closed positions of the window, two
intermediate positions are designated: the “speed shift” position and the
“preclosed” position. At the preclosed position, pinching detection is
disabled and the output to the drive motor is increased.
Significantly, even after the motor is locked, the driver motor’s output
is nonetheless increased for a predetermined time period to ensure that
adequate closing force is imparted to the glass thus overcoming various
resistances, such as weatherstripping. Such a feature also minimizes
variation in tactile perception of the operator from product to product.1
Claim 1 is illustrative with the relevant limitation in dispute
emphasized:
1. A closing member control system comprising:
a drive motor, which drives a closing member between a fully open
position and a fully closed position;
a pinching control means for monitoring pinching of an object by the
closing member in a closing operation of the closing member toward the
fully closed position and for controlling the drive motor in a manner that
enables release of the object from the closing member upon occurrence of
the pinching of the object by the closing member, wherein the pinching
control means determines that the object is pinched by the closing member
when the drive motor is decelerated in the closing operation of the closing
1 See generally Specification, at p. 27, l. 2 - p. 29, l. 8; see also Figs. 1, 2, 7,
and 8.
2
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Next
Last modified: September 9, 2013