Abstract: A system automatically calibrates gains and/or offsets for each position feedback signal in order to reduce variations between position feedback signals for each sensor in a linear drive system. As a mover travels along a track segment, the segment controller records the position feedback signal output from each position sensor corresponding to a magnet on the mover passing the position sensor. The segment controller periodically monitors the position feedback values generated by one mover as it travels along the track segment and automatically updates the sensor gains as a function of a ratio of a target peak value to a measured peak value of the position feedback signal. The segment controller also records the position feedback signal from each sensor when no mover is traveling past the sensor. The segment controller periodically monitors the position feedback values received when no mover is present and automatically updates sensor offset values.

Abstract: A system automatically calibrates gains and/or offsets for each position feedback signal in order to reduce variations between position feedback signals for each sensor in a linear drive system. As a mover travels along a track segment, the segment controller records the position feedback signal output from each position sensor corresponding to a magnet on the mover passing the position sensor. The segment controller periodically monitors the position feedback values generated by one mover as it travels along the track segment and automatically updates the sensor gains as a function of a ratio of a target peak value to a measured peak value of the position feedback signal. The segment controller also records the position feedback signal from each sensor when no mover is traveling past the sensor. The segment controller periodically monitors the position feedback values received when no mover is present and automatically updates sensor offset values.

Abstract: A system to automatically calibrate gains and/or offsets for each position feedback signal in order to reduce variations between position feedback signals for each sensor in a linear drive system is disclosed. As a mover travels along a track segment, the segment controller records the position feedback signal output from each position sensor corresponding to a magnet on the mover passing the position sensor. The segment controller determines peak values for each position feedback signal and compares the peak values against a target peak value. The segment controller then adjusts a gain value for each sensor by a ratio of the target peak value to a measured peak value. The segment controller periodically monitors the position feedback values generated by one mover as it travels along the track segment and automatically updates the sensor gains as previously described.

Abstract: A controller for an independent cart system simplifies programming and automatically adapts operation each mover travelling along a track. The controller includes a configuration table defining segments of the track, which includes a maximum velocity and/or a maximum acceleration for each mover within the segment. A motion command for a mover commands motion across multiple segments between the starting point and the ending point. As the mover travels, the controller receives a position feedback signal corresponding to the present location of the mover. The controller obtains the maximum velocity and/or maximum acceleration for the mover corresponding to the segment in which it is located. The controller automatically adjusts the speed and/or acceleration of the mover along the segment in which it is presently located. As the mover transitions between segments, the controller automatically adjusts the speed and/or acceleration according to the new segment in which the mover is located.

Abstract: An improved system and method for monitoring operation of movers in an independent cart system reduces the required communication bandwidth for monitoring operation of movers in a system where control is distributed among multiple controllers spaced along the track. As the mover is travelling along the track segment, each distributed controller monitors at least one operating characteristic of the mover. As a mover travels along the track, each distributed controller transmits the operating characteristic to a successive distributed controller, such the monitored operating characteristic is transmitted along the track as the mover travels along the track. At a reduced rate or upon request from a central controller, each distributed controller may transmit the status of a mover present on the corresponding track segment controlled by that distributed controller to the central controller.

Abstract: A system to automatically calibrate gains and/or offsets for each position feedback signal in order to reduce variations between position feedback signals for each sensor in a linear drive system is disclosed. As a mover travels along a track segment, the segment controller records the position feedback signal output from each position sensor corresponding to a magnet on the mover passing the position sensor. The segment controller determines peak values for each position feedback signal and compares the peak values against a target peak value. The segment controller then adjusts a gain value for each sensor by a ratio of the target peak value to a measured peak value. The segment controller periodically monitors the position feedback values generated by one mover as it travels along the track segment and automatically updates the sensor gains as previously described.

Abstract: A controller for an independent cart system simplifies programming and automatically adapts operation each mover travelling along a track. The controller includes a configuration table defining segments of the track, which includes a maximum velocity and/or a maximum acceleration for each mover within the segment. A motion command for a mover commands motion across multiple segments between the starting point and the ending point. As the mover travels, the controller receives a position feedback signal corresponding to the present location of the mover. The controller obtains the maximum velocity and/or maximum acceleration for the mover corresponding to the segment in which it is located. The controller automatically adjusts the speed and/or acceleration of the mover along the segment in which it is presently located. As the mover transitions between segments, the controller automatically adjusts the speed and/or acceleration according to the new segment in which the mover is located.

Abstract: An improved system and method for monitoring operation of movers in an independent cart system reduces the required communication bandwidth for monitoring operation of movers in a system where control is distributed among multiple controllers spaced along the track. As the mover is travelling along the track segment, each distributed controller monitors at least one operating characteristic of the mover. As a mover travels along the track, each distributed controller transmits the operating characteristic to a successive distributed controller, such the monitored operating characteristic is transmitted along the track as the mover travels along the track. At a reduced rate or upon request from a central controller, each distributed controller may transmit the status of a mover present on the corresponding track segment controlled by that distributed controller to the central controller.

Abstract: A linear drive system provides a combination of distributed control to increase the number of movers which may be supported in the system and centralized control to reduce the separation distance between movers by grouping movers together and placing a reference mover of the group under central control with remaining movers of the group under distributed control. In addition, in precise working locations, or “synchronization zones,” each of the movers can be temporarily placed under central control to further reduce the separation distance and allow improved coordination with industrial processes or machines in the system.

Abstract: An improved system and method for monitoring operation of movers in an independent cart system reduces the required communication bandwidth for monitoring operation of movers in a system where control is distributed among multiple controllers spaced along the track. As the mover is travelling along the track segment, each distributed controller monitors at least one operating characteristic of the mover. As a mover travels along the track, each distributed controller transmits the operating characteristic to a successive distributed controller, such the monitored operating characteristic is transmitted along the track as the mover travels along the track. At a reduced rate or upon request from a central controller, each distributed controller may transmit the status of a mover present on the corresponding track segment controlled by that distributed controller to the central controller.

Abstract: A linear drive system provides a combination of distributed control to increase the number of movers which may be supported in the system and centralized control to reduce the separation distance between movers by grouping movers together and placing a reference mover of the group under central control with remaining movers of the group under distributed control. In addition, in precise working locations, or “synchronization zones,” each of the movers can be temporarily placed under central control to further reduce the separation distance and allow improved coordination with industrial processes or machines in the system.

Abstract: Assemblies for HVAC systems and methods of operating HVAC systems are disclosed, including a method of operating an HVAC system having a compressor assembly and a condenser assembly. The compressor assembly includes a compressor having a compressor motor that is susceptible to backspinning and capable of generating electric power when backspinning. The condenser assembly includes a condenser motor operatively coupled to a fan. The condenser assembly is electrically coupled to the compressor assembly. The method includes using the condenser motor as an electric load to dissipate electric power generated by the compressor motor when the compressor motor backspins.

Abstract: Assemblies for HVAC systems and methods of operating HVAC systems are disclosed, including a method of operating an HVAC system having a condenser motor operatively coupled to a fan and a controllable bus voltage for powering the condenser motor. The method includes increasing the controllable bus voltage from a first voltage to a second voltage to increase a speed of the condenser motor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting various system conditions in a fluid delivery system (such as an HVAC system) based on a motor parameter are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention relate to detecting: filter condition, frozen coil condition, register condition, energy efficiency, system failure, or any combination thereof. Embodiments of the present invention relate to detecting fluid delivery system conditions based on motor parameters including system current, system power, system efficiency, motor current, motor power, motor efficiency, and/or a change (or rate of change) in motor parameters. Techniques for responding to a clogged filter and a frozen coil are also disclosed. Also disclosed are techniques for characterizing a fluid delivery system off-site, prior to system installation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting various system conditions in a fluid delivery system (such as an HVAC system) based on a motor parameter are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention relate to detecting: filter condition, frozen coil condition, register condition, energy efficiency, system failure, or any combination thereof. Embodiments of the present invention relate to detecting fluid delivery system conditions based on motor parameters including system current, system power, system efficiency, motor current, motor power, motor efficiency, and/or a change (or rate of change) in motor parameters. Techniques for responding to a clogged filter and a frozen coil are also disclosed. Also disclosed are techniques for characterizing a fluid delivery system off-site, prior to system installation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting various system conditions in a fluid delivery system (such as an HVAC system) based on a motor parameter are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention relate to detecting: filter condition, frozen coil condition, register condition, energy efficiency, system failure, or any combination thereof. Embodiments of the present invention relate to detecting fluid delivery system conditions based on motor parameters including system current, system power, system efficiency, motor current, motor power, motor efficiency, and/or a change (or rate of change) in motor parameters. Techniques for responding to a clogged filter and a frozen coil are also disclosed. Also disclosed are techniques for characterizing a fluid delivery system off-site, prior to system installation.

Abstract: Assemblies for HVAC systems and methods of operating HVAC systems are disclosed, including a method of operating an HVAC system having a compressor assembly and a condenser assembly. The compressor assembly includes a compressor having a compressor motor that is susceptible to backspining and capable of generating electric power when backspinning. The condenser assembly includes a condenser motor operatively coupled to a fan. The condenser assembly is electrically coupled to the compressor assembly. The method includes using the condenser motor as an electric load to dissipate electric power generated by the compressor motor when the compressor motor backspins.

Abstract: Assemblies for HVAC systems and methods of operating HVAC systems are disclosed, including a method of operating an HVAC system having a condenser motor operatively coupled to a fan and a controllable bus voltage for powering the condenser motor. The method includes increasing the controllable bus voltage from a first voltage to a second voltage to increase a speed of the condenser motor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting various system conditions in a fluid delivery system (such as an HVAC system) based on a motor parameter are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention relate to detecting: filter condition, frozen coil condition, register condition, energy efficiency, system failure, or any combination thereof. Embodiments of the present invention relate to detecting fluid delivery system conditions based on motor parameters including system current, system power, system efficiency, motor current, motor power, motor efficiency, and/or a change (or rate of change) in motor parameters. Techniques for responding to a clogged filter and a frozen coil are also disclosed. Also disclosed are techniques for characterizing a fluid delivery system off-site, prior to system installation.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the status of the insulation on the wire in a winding in a device comprises a surrogate sample of insulating material having a thickness and properties selected to fail before the failure of the insulation on the wires in the winding, and a detector for detecting and indicating failure of the sample of insulating material. A method of monitoring the status of the insulation on the winding in a dynamoelectric device includes associating a surrogate sample of insulating material with the winding, monitoring the surrogate sample, and providing an alarm when the surrogate sample fails, which is predictive of the failure of the insulation on the winding wire.