# US 2014/0151394 A1 · Adaptable sensorless end of stroke detection system and method

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- Number: US 2014/0151394 A1
- Document ID: US20140151394A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 13/791,394
- Filed: 2013-03-08
- Published: 2014-06-05
- Earliest claimed: 2012-12-05
- Assignees: GOJO Industries, Inc.
- Inventors: Chip W. Curtis; Jackson W. Wegelin; Shelby J. Buell
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20140151394A1

## CPC

- A47K 5/1217: {Electrical control means for the dispensing mechanism}
- H02P 1/04: Means for controlling progress of starting sequence in dependence upon time or upon current, speed, or other motor parameter
- H02P 1/18: for starting an individual DC motor
- H02P 3/08: for stopping or slowing a DC motor
- H02P 31/00: Arrangements for regulating or controlling electric motors not provided for in groups H02P1/00 - H02P5/00, H02P7/00 or H02P21/00 - H02P29/00
- A47K: SANITARY EQUIPMENT; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR, e.g. TOILET ACCESSORIES
- H02P: CONTROL OR REGULATION OF ELECTRIC MOTORS, ELECTRIC GENERATORS OR DYNAMO-ELECTRIC CONVERTERS; CONTROLLING TRANSFORMERS, REACTORS OR CHOKE COILS

## Abstract

Embodiments of methods of controlling a motor for driving a load are disclosed herein. Exemplary methods include providing energy to a motor, sensing a parameter indicative of current. Determining the end of an inrush current and a start point that is after the inrush current and that is at about the beginning of a main current draw. Determining an end point at about the end of the main current draw. Continuing to provide energy to the motor for a time period that is a function of the time from the start point to the end point and de-energizing the motor.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method of controlling a motor for driving a load comprising:
providing energy to a motor;
sensing a parameter indicative of current;
determining the end of an inrush current;
determining a start point that is after the inrush current and that is at about the beginning of a main current draw;
determining an end point at about the end of the main current draw;
continuing to provide energy to the motor for a time period that is a function of the time from the start point to the end point; and
de-energizing the motor.

### Claim 2 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2 wherein the parameter indicative of current is a function of the voltage.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2 wherein the parameter indicative of current is a function of power.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2 wherein the parameter indicative of the current is a function of time.

### Claim 5 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2 wherein the start point is at about the beginning of an increase in current.

### Claim 6 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2 wherein the end point is at about the beginning of leveling off of current.

### Claim 7 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2 wherein the time period is about one-half of the time from the start point to the end point.

### Claim 8 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2 further comprising coupling the motor to a pump.

### Claim 9 (depends on 2)

The method of claim 2 wherein providing energy to a motor comprises providing battery power to the motor.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The method of claim 9 wherein the time period is a function of the battery voltage and a function of the time from the start point to the end point.

### Claim 11

A method for stopping a device at the end of its motion comprising:
energizing a motor;
sensing a parameter indicative of a main current draw;
measuring the length of time from about a beginning of the main current draw to about the end of the main current draw;
allowing the motor to be energized for an additional time period that is a function of the time of main current draw; and
de-energizing the motor.

### Claim 12

An end of stroke detection system comprising;
a motor;
a sensor for sensing a parameter indicative of a current;
a processor;
logic stored on a processor readable medium for determining a first time period indicative of a main current draw wherein the main current draw occurs between a point where the in-rush current decreases and a point where the current draw levels off;
logic stored in the processor readable medium for continuing to provide power to the motor for a second time period that is a function of the first time period.

### Claim 13 (depends on 12)

The system of claim 12 wherein the sensor senses voltage.

### Claim 14 (depends on 12)

The system of claim 12 wherein the sensor senses power.

### Claim 15 (depends on 12)

The system of claim 12 further comprising a dispenser for dispensing a fluid.

### Claim 16 (depends on 13)

The system of claim 13 further comprising a fluid container and a fluid pump, and wherein the fluid pump is connected to a motor.

### Claim 17 (depends on 12)

The system of claim 12 wherein the logic stored on the processor readable medium provides for the main current draw to increase to a peak and to decrease until the current draw levels off

### Claim 18 (depends on 12)

The system of claim 12 wherein the logic stored on the processor readable medium allows the main current draw to increase to a peak, decrease and then increase until it levels off.

### Claim 19

A method of inactivating an electric dispenser if an unauthorized refill is installed in the dispenser comprising:
providing an electronic dispenser having
a motor to drive a pump;
a processor;
memory having one or more pump load profiles stored in the memory; and
a receiver for receiving a refill unit that includes a pump;
providing power to the motor to drive the pump of a refill unit;
measuring one or more parameters indicative of the pump load on the motor;
comparing the measured pump load to the one or more stored pump load profiles;
determining whether the measured load profile is related to a stored pump load profile;
disabling the electronic dispenser until a new refill unit is installed if the measured load profile is not related to a stored pump load profile; and
enabling operation of the electronic dispenser if the load profile is related to a stored pump load profile.

### Claim 20 (depends on 19)

The method of inactivating an electric dispenser of claim 19 wherein the pump load profile includes a sudden change in current.

### Claim 21

A refill for an automatic dispenser comprising:
a container for holding a fluid;
a pump connected to the container for pumping the fluid;
the pump having a housing and a load profile; and
the load profile causing a measurable characteristic to occur during an operation cycle,
wherein the measurable characteristic is detectable by a dispenser during the operation cycle and the dispenser continues to operate if the measureable characteristic occurs and does not operate if the measurable characteristic does not occur during the operation cycle.

### Claim 22 (depends on 21)

The refill unit of claim 21 wherein the measurable characteristic causes a sudden change in current by a motor driving the pump.