Abstract: A computer interface comprising a demultiplexer, multiplexer, and shift register for providing a data communication path between an input port and a selected one of a plurality of output ports. The data communication path is provided in response to an address signal received at the input port. A secondary address signal, derived from a previous address signal, is provided to each of the plurality of output ports. The resulting interface is hermaphroditic in that a first interface can address and communicate with a second interface coupled thereto. A tree-like cascading of one or more like interfaces produces a system for interfacing a computer with a plurality of remote peripheral devices. Embodiments of the present invention for both serial input and output ports and parallel input and output ports are presented.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of a plurality of elements in an automated process, such as a production process, and indicating error conditions as they occur. Each unique set of input and output conditions of the various system elements defines a unique logic state or zone. Thus, there are defined a multiplicity of valid system logic states or zones, each having a unique input/output image. A predetermined sequence of zones, productive zones representing designed machine operations, is stored in a zone table. All zones not explicitly defined in the zone table are automatically treated as error zones. A zone engine automatically cycles to observe any change in input/output image. Any change in inputs from the various system elements automatically transfer action to the unique zone associated with such inputs, resulting in corresponding changes in control outputs to the system elements and/or display an error message as appropriate.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of a plurality of elements in an automated process, such as a production process, and indicating error conditions as they occur. Each unique set of input and output conditions of the various system elements defines a unique logic state or zone. Thus, there are defined a multiplicity of valid system logic states or zones, each having a unique input/output image. A predetermined sequence of zones, productive zones representing designed machine operations, is stored in a zone table. All zones not explicitly defined in the zone table are automatically treated as error zones. A zone engine automatically cycles to observe any change in input/output image. Any change in inputs from the various system elements automatically transfer action to the unique zone associated with such inputs, resulting in corresponding changes in control outputs to the system elements and/or display an error message as appropriate.

Abstract: A transfer or production line utilizing a plurality of stations is described which has a computer at each station. Each computer has a part processing record for all workpieces currently in the line. As the workpiece transfers down the line, a part position index, contained in each of the station computers, is updated to indicate which part processing record is associated with the workpiece at each station. The information in the part processing record is utilized by the station computer to inhibit the station from cycling if the record indicates that a prerequisite had not been completed.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of a plurality of elements in an automated process, such as a production process, and indicating error conditions as they occur. Each unique set of input and output conditions of the various system elements defines a unique logic state or zone. Thus, there are defined a multiplicity of valid system logic states or zones, each having a unique input/output image. A predetermined sequence of zones, productive zones representing designed machine operations, is stored in a zone table. All zones not explicitly defined in the zone table are automatically treated as error zones. A zone engine automatically cycles to observe any change in input/output image. Any change in inputs from the various system elements automatically transfer action to the unique zone associated with such inputs, resulting in corresponding changes in control outputs to the system elements and/or display an error message as appropriate.

Abstract: A workpiece clamp actuator system which includes a clamping mechanism and an induction motor having an output coupled to the clamping mechanism for moving the mechanism between an unclamped position in abutment with a stop and a clamped position in abutment with a workpiece. A motor controller selectively feeds energy from first and second power supplies to the induction motor, the first power supply having an output voltage and frequency selected to obtain rapid initial motion at the clamp, and the second power supply having an output frequency equal to the slip frequency of the motor at rated torque and an output voltage selected to provide full load current, and thus maximum torque, at both the clamped and unclamped positions.

Abstract: A torque-angle stabilized servo motor drive which includes a constant current source and drive electronics responsive to step-control input signals for selectively applying current from the constant current source to the windings of a stepper motor. An encoder is coupled to the motor output shaft and provides a signal indicative of angular position of the rotor and shaft. Torque angle between the rotor and the magnetic field of the motor stator is determined as a function of a difference between the position-indicating encoder output and the control signals to the motor drive electronics, and such control signals are modified as a function of torque angle to obtain desired motion at the motor output shaft.

Abstract: A shiftable transmission drive with assured input-output relationship includes a drive motor-transmission mechanism wherein a drive motor drives an output shaft at different rates through a shiftable transmission, and wherein the output shaft is always connected with the drive motor through the shiftable transmission. The output shaft is thus always under control and its position precisely known. The shift position of the gears is known. Shifting is directed at predetermined positions by a microprocessor when the transmission is stopped or at low speeds of rotation. The drive is a direct drive or alternatively a gear ratioed drive.

Abstract: A control device includes an electrically contactless depluggable logic module such as a computer that is used to interface between a power supply and input and output elements to process a system of control signals. There are no electrical connections to the logic module. This eliminates electromagnetic interference and conducted line interference. The power supply is magnetically coupled to the logic module. Information and control signals are optically coupled to the logic module. It is a free standing, environnmentally immune unit, electrically isolated from the outside world.

Abstract: A zero backlash shiftable transmission includes an input shaft and an output shaft coupled through a gear network that is preloaded with a spring arrangement to eliminate the backlash from the engaged surfaces of the gear teeth. There are three positions and no neutral. In the first position a tapered clutch arrangement engages the input shaft directly with the output shaft. In the second or shift position, the clutch engages both the input shaft and the output shaft while the transmission is slowed or stopped for shifting. In the third position, the clutch engages the input shaft with the output shaft through the preloaded gear network. The tapered clutch arrangement provides locked clutch coupling in the first and third positions and provides tolerance for shifting without completely releasing either the input shaft or the output shaft in the shift position.

Abstract: A motorized over center clamp for clamping parts or work pieces utilizes a sequence controller to drive an electric motor and rotate a worm wheel mounted on a worm wheel shaft. A crank rod assembly is rotationally mounted in an off center position on the worm wheel and has curved closed end track portions that ride on the worm wheel shaft. The crank rod assembly is connected to a piston that moves a clamp rod under spring pressure. When the motor has rotated its shaft to the clamped position of the clamp, rotation of the motor shaft is stopped and the clamp is held in position by the spring forcing a mechanical over center condition of the crank rod assembly relative to the worm wheel shaft. The spring length is sensed to determine energy stored in the spring and detect lack of work pieces, work pieces out of position or work pieces that are oversized.

Abstract: A control device includes an electrically contactless depluggable logic module such as a computer that is used to interface between a power supply and input and output elements to process a system of control signals. There are no electrical connections to the logic module. This eliminates electromagnetic interference and conducted line interference. The power supply is magnetically coupled to the logic module. Information and control signals are optically coupled to the logic module. It is a free standing, environmentally immune unit, electrically isolated from the outside world.

Abstract: A detection type device that includes an arrangement for detecting the energy absorbed by a resistive effect element in proximity to the inductor of a resonant circuit. The resonant circuit uses a direct current source to alternatively charge it and then let it ring through a switch connected between the direct current source and the resonant circuit. Two different parameters of the same oscillating signal generated by the resonant circuit are detected and compared. The difference is the result of a ratio of these parameters that accurately reflects the energy absorbed by the resistive effect element. This difference is used for measurement and control purposes.

Abstract: A printed circuit board connector receptacle is positioned on the non-conductive side of a single-sided printed circuit board with its pins extending through the board and the pins are soldered to the foil on the conductive side of the board. A wire connector such as a terminal strip is positioned on the opposite or conductive side of the board, and the assembly is tilted at an angle as it is passed through a wave solder bath to solder the wire connector pins to the printed circuit board without affecting the printed circuit board connector receptacle. An adaptor block is provided that uses a single-sided printed circuit board with a wire connector on one side and a printed circuit board connector receptacle on the opposite side, both components being soldered to the same side of the board.

Abstract: A printed circuit board connector receptacle is positioned on the non-conductive side of a single-sided printed circuit board with its pins extending through the board and the pins are soldered to the foil on the conductive side of the board. A wire connector such as a terminal strip is positioned on the opposite or conductive side of the board, and the assembly is tilted at an angle as it is passed through a wave solder bath to solder the wire connector pins to the printed circuit board without affecting the printed circuit board connector receptacle. An adaptor block is provided that uses a single-sided printed circuit board with a wire connector on one side and a printed circuit board connector receptacle on the opposite side, both components being soldered to the same side of the board.

Abstract: An electrical terminal strip is formed from a substantially flat ribbon of flexible material that is scored at intervals to provide fold points. Electrical terminals are provided between the fold points and affixed to the ribbon with pins extending below the ribbon for making an electrical connection such as a connection to a printed circuit board. The desired number of barriers is selected and the strip is cut to the proper length. The strip is folded at the fold points to form upwardly extending barriers, and is adjusted longitudinally to provide the desired center between the terminals.