Abstract: A wiper control system including a current sensing device is used in conjunction with a park position switch to limit the current drawn by windshield wiper motor whenever the system experiences restrictions in a park mode. The arrangement of components is effective for preventing damage to the motor and motor control system caused by excessive current draw whenever the motor stalls, arcs, or experiences excessive loads. However, the current sensing portion of the circuit is essentially disabled when the motor is in its normal operating mode thus preserving the fail safe operation of the wipers.

Abstract: A motor driver circuit (12) for providing drive signals to stator coils of a polyphase dc motor (10) includes a plurality of current paths, each connected between a supply voltage and a reference potential. Each current path includes two driver transistors (14,20, 16,22, 18,24), a node (A, B, C) of each of the stator coils being connectable between the driver transistors in respective current flow paths. A commutator (26) is connected to operate the driver transistors in a sequence in which drive currents are delivered for application in a predetermined sequence to the stator coils. A plurality of sensing transistors (32) are connected to produce a mirror current which mirrors a mirrored current in an associated driver transistor (20) in a respective current flow path. Circuitry (26) is provided which is responsive to the mirror currents of the sensing transistors to control the amplitudes of the currents in the associated driver transistor in a respective current flow path.

Abstract: Automatic play progresses automatically with each sound generating operation based on timing data that indicates the timing for sounding a tone. In this manner, performance information for time count automatic play can be used with one-step automatic play. In addition, the information based on the tone generation operation for one-step automatic play and the information based on the sound generating operation for manual play are assigned to tone generating channels, which enables one-step automatic play and manual play to be performed together (in soli). Also, whether or not one-step automatic play is performed can be selected for each respective performance part or instrumental part.

Abstract: A noise masking device for a low-cost laser beam printer, a copier or the like for performing a noise masking with respect to a noise of a drive motor of an image forming apparatus while affording no psychological unpleasant feeling due to a frequency fluctuation thereof. The noise masking device of the image forming apparatus having the drive motor which becomes a source of the noise upon operation thereof includes signal generating means for generating a correlation signal which correlates with the noise, a speaker for generating a masking sound which masks the noise and masking sound control means for controlling the speaker to vary the masking sound corresponding to the variation in the correlation signal.

Abstract: An audio signal processing system including an input circuit for inputting musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) commands in real time over a plurality of channels, a computer including a central processing unit (CPU) supplied with the MIDI commands for simultaneously synthesizing one or more voices for each of the channels in response to the MIDI commands, each of the voices being generated by one or more of a plurality of predefined audio synthesis algorithms executed in software, a random access memory (RAM) for storing digital voice data representative of each of the voices generated by the CPU, an output circuit for audibly reproducing the voices from the digital voice data stored in the RAM, and wherein the CPU, in generating the voices selects the one or more audio synthesis algorithms based on one or more of the following criteria: the external processing demands placed upon the CPU by other operations being performed by the personal computer, a best match, according to predetermined criteria, b

Abstract: A process is disclosed for controlling the switching-off process of the branches of a reluctance engine whose stator is provided with windings to which are transmitted current pulses calculated as a function of angular position and speed of rotation of the rotor according to a predetermined algorithm. The excited branch is switched off when a switching-off angle is reached after a zero crossing reference angle. Two ranges of operation called "chop" range and blocked voltage range must be differentiated. The switching-off angle for both ranges of operation of the reluctance engine is calculated according to the same algorithm and is set by a regulator. In the lower speed of rotation range, the "chop" range, a pulse width modulated voltage is applied to the conductive branch, and in the upper range, the blocked voltage range, a constant voltage is applied.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a switched reluctance machine changes the operating modes between a single-phase operating mode, and a multi-phase operating mode. The switched reluctance motor includes a rotatable rotor, a stator, and a plurality of stator windings defining a corresponding plurality of machine phases. When in the multi-phase mode, all of the plurality of stator windings corresponding to the plurality of machine phases are energized. When in the single-phase mode, stator windings corresponding to a single, selected machine phase are energized. The apparatus includes a logic circuit for sensing a speed of the rotor and generating a speed signal in response thereto, and a comparator circuit.

Abstract: In a distributor, a plurality of switches are connected in series with one another on main distribution lines emerging from a receiver switching apparatus, thus forming a trunk. A branch line extends from a junction between each pair of adjoining switches and leads to each load via another switch and a transformer, wherein each pair of switches on the trunk is formed as a single branch unit, and the switch and transformer are united as a power package. In each power package, a supply bushing and a load bushing are placed on the top of a transformer, and shielded with closed housings. A switch is placed in the closed housing for the supply bushing, and a distribution board is placed in the closed housing for the transformer. This configuration enables the disconnection of any branch distribution lines from the main distribution lines and diminishes the installation space.

Abstract: A plurality of display units are provided in corresponding relations to individual performance keys. A table stores, for each of a plurality of chords, information which defines plural groups of notes that are always available for the chord, temporarily available (e. g., a tension note) for the chord and unavailable for the chord. In response to designation of a chord according to a chord progression, the information is read out from the table and the display units are controlled according to the read-out information so as to dislay in different forms, depending on which one of the groups the performance keys corresponding to the display units correspond to. A performer can operate a desired key in consideration of different display forms. Thus, there is provided a music performance assisting system which is suited for use in executing an adlib performance with notes well conforming to a designated chord.

Abstract: A railroad crossing gate electrical control system for moving a crossing gate in up and down directions also provides for raising the gate counterweights in a failure mode. The control system includes an electric motor having a plurality of electromagnet poles and an armature rotating inside of the poles, with armature movement controlling gate movement. There is a motor and snub relay having contacts connected to the armature and the motor poles. A terminal board has movable contacts which are connected to the motor and snub relay and to a relay coil for moving the contacts of the snub relay. A source of power is connected to the terminal board. The movable terminal board contacts control the application of power to the motor and snub relay coil and the motor and snub relay contacts for operating the motor to cause up and down gate movement. There is a maintenance relay having a coil connected through a normally open switch to the source of power.

Abstract: A string mounting and tuning device is disclosed for use in the body of a stringed instrument, the device having a cast zinc alloy saddle platform and integral attachment block. The saddle platform is formed with a saddle support plate with a flange at the distal end thereof, the flange being provided at a plurality of apertures holding longitudinal adjustment screws so that each longitudinal adjustment screw extends through an aperture and threadably engages a string saddle cast of the same material as the saddle platform allows the position of each saddle to be adjusted by turning the respective longitudinal adjustment screw. The saddles which are also cast of the same zinc alloy material as the saddle platform and integral attachment block are spaced from each other a predetermined distance so that they do not touch providing purer sound quality.

Abstract: A system includes a microcontroller for controlling a fan particularly suited to be mounted in a window. The microcontroller monitors and responds at relatively high sampling rates to the actual and desired temperatures of the room associated with the fan. The microcontroller senses a predetermined difference between the desired and actual temperatures to generate the speed, forward-reverse drive and/or on-off controls of the fan and so that the operation of the fan closely tracks the temperature conditions of the room being serviced by the fan.

Abstract: The voice coil motor drive unit for a magnetic disk device includes a voice coil motor, a VCM driver, and a waveshaping unit. The voice coil motor has a coil and is driven in positioning and moving a magnetic head. The VCM driver supplies a driving current to the coil of the voice coil motor through a pair of power supply lines. The waveshaping unit shapes the waveform of the driving current supplied from the VCM driver to the voice coil motor into a waveform having a smooth leading edge. The waveshaping unit has a capacitor connected between the power supply lines, and a pair of Zener diodes having the same Zener characteristics and identical poles connected to two poles of the capacitor to be opposite to each other. Each of the Zener diodes has a Zener voltage which is set higher than a voltage applied to the coil in positioning the magnetic head, and lower than the voltage applied to the coil in moving the magnetic head.

Abstract: A control device for an injection molding machine includes a pattern generator for generating a set pattern of clamping forces. The pattern generating calculates a travel distance of a movable member in the mold clamping system according to the set clamping force and generates the set pattern having an allowable range of deviation that is defined by an upper limit and a lower limit relative to the calculated travel distance. The mold clamping system continuously decreases the clamping such that it falls within the range defined by the allowable range of deviation after the clamping force reaches the value defined by the upper limit.

Abstract: A snare assembly for use with a snare drum that provides for the precise fine tuning of a portion of helical wire snares. This snare assembly includes a fine tuning clasp unit comprising an angled stationary snare clasp threadingly engaged to a mobile snare clasp by a fine adjustment tension screw. Also provided are helical wire snares which are soldered to the angled stationary clasp and to the mobile snare clasp and then spanned a distance defining a snare surface and soldered to an angled snare clasp. The snare surface slightly bows in the direction towards the snare head of a drum when the snare assembly is activated by a throw off lever as a result of the use of the two angled snare clasps. Also provided is a leveling bar secured to the angled stationary clasp to maintain a constant uniform downward pressure on the helical wire snares soldered to the mobile snare clasp.

Abstract: A garage door opening and closing apparatus having improved operational safety is disclosed. The apparatus includes a control circuit which responds to a number of input stimuli to generate commands to open and close a garage door as well as to stop garage door movement. Three relays respond to the commands via drive circuitry to actually connect door operating voltages to the windings of a door controlling motor. By redundancies in the operation of the three relays, faults in the operation of those relays result in safe door operating conditions. Additionally, the control circuitry upon issuing a door stop command, performs a test to determine whether or not the door is still moving. If the door is still moving, door up commands are generated by the control circuitry to place the door in a safe position.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for motor control in an electric vehicle, current feedback control from an AC motor is performed using a digital arithmetic unit. The motor control equipment includes a power converter having a maximum output frequency of at least 500 Hz for driving the AC motor, and the digital arithmetic unit outputs an AC voltage command to the power converter based on current feedback from the AC motor up to the maximum output frequency of the power converter. The digital arithmetic unit includes a first subtractor for calculating the deviation between a detected value and a command value for the d-axis current, and a second subtractor for calculating the deviation between a detected value and a command value for the q-axis current. A phase calculator calculates a d-axis phase corresponding to the resistance and reactance components of the impedance of the d-axis, and a q-axis phase corresponding to the resistance components of the impedance of the q-axis.

Abstract: A system for smoothly driving a stepping motor with constant currents. For that purpose, a voltage level setting circuit forms various combinations of voltage levels for a first phase and voltage levels for a second phase. Drive currents of the stepping motor are determined using the various combinations for a plurality of times during one step drive of the stepping motor.

Abstract: A method of electronically controlling the opening and/or closing of a door by a DC motor. An instantaneous position of the door is determined. The voltage across the terminals of the DC motor or the current flowing through the windings of the motor is regulated as a function of the determined instantaneous position. The above two operating steps are repeated at a predetermined time intervals for controlling the displacement of the door. To determine the instantaneous position of the door, the instantaneous voltage across the terminals of the motor is measured, and the instantaneous current flowing through the windings of the motor is measured. The displacement of the door during the present time interval is computed as a function of the measured instantaneous voltage and current values and as a function of known and constant values for the back-emf and for the internal resistance of the motor.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method for driving multiple poles (rotors and stators) motors. A driving waveform with the best efficiency according to electromagnetic analysis is used to avoid unnecessary magnetic saturation effect to reduce iron loss of the motor. Since the smallest possible current is used to generate maximum torque, copper loss is reduced so the motor is not heated and its efficiency is increased. In addition, the driving method divides magnetic poles into 3N parts (N is an integer) so that poles at opposite corners has the same waveform and the same torque. This implementation avoids generation of static force, effectively generates torque and avoids vibration and noises. It is an energy saving, effective and stable way of driving motor.