Selective Starting And/or Stopping Patents (Class 318/103)
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Patent number: 11384629Abstract: A system for driving a hydraulic fracturing pump includes an electric motor having a drive shaft configured to rotate at a constant speed and a power source electrically connected to the electric motor. The system also includes a motor controller operably connected to the electric motor via a relay, wherein the motor controller is operably connected to the electric motor by the relay to start the electric motor, and is operably disconnected from the electric motor by the relay once the drive shaft reaches the constant speed. The system further includes a pump coupled to the drive shaft via a transmission, wherein the transmission is configured to transfer rotational energy from the drive shaft to the pump via an output shaft of the transmission, the output shaft of the transmission being configured to drive the pump at varying speeds while the drive shaft rotates at the constant speed.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2020Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Suresh Baddam Reddy
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Patent number: 10730406Abstract: An electronic control system for vehicle seatbacks is provided. The electronic control system can detect an obstruction or a motor stall by comparing the energy consumed by a seatback motor with an obstruction threshold and a stall threshold, the threshold being selected based upon the position of the seatback. The electronic control system can additionally control the synchronous folding of two or more adjacent powered seatbacks. The electronic control system causes the motor for the lagging seatback to receive a maximum driving voltage and causes the motor for the leading seatback to receive a partial driving voltage. Once the seatbacks are in alignment, a normal driving voltage is provided to both motors.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaAInventor: Mark A. Enderich
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Patent number: 10716430Abstract: The method for regulating pressure in a beverage brewer as disclosed herein includes initiating a brew cycle, which initiates a feedback loop. A temperature sensor monitors the water temperature in a heater tank, and one or more heating elements activate to heat the water to the appropriate temperature if necessary. An ammeter monitors the amperage of an electric current drawn by a pump. If the amperage is above a current ceiling, a voltage regulator reduces the voltage of electric current supplied to the pump, thereby reducing the pressure in the brew cartridge. The voltage regulator increases the voltage of electric current supplied to the pump to increase pressure in brew cartridge if the amperage of the electric current is below a current floor. Once the voltage regulator adjusts the voltage, the ammeter monitors the amperage of the pump.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2016Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: COFFEE SOLUTIONS, LLCInventor: Bruce D. Burrows
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Patent number: 10699438Abstract: The present embodiments relate to localizing a mobile device in a complex, three-dimensional scene. By way of introduction, the present embodiments described below include apparatuses and methods for using multiple, independent pose estimations to increase the accuracy of a single, resulting pose estimation. The present embodiments increase the amount of input data by windowing a single depth image, using multiple depth images from the same sensor, and/or using multiple depth image from different sensors. The resulting pose estimation uses the input data with a multi-window model, a multi-shot model, a multi-sensor model, or a combination thereof to accurately estimate the pose of a mobile device.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2017Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Siemens Healthcare GmbHInventors: Oliver Lehmann, Stefan Kluckner, Terrence Chen
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Patent number: 10547254Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for controlling multiple inverters and an inverter system including the same. The apparatus according to the present disclosure determines a motor having the smallest operation time among motors which are not being operated as a main motor to thereby transmit a running reference and a frequency reference to the corresponding main motor, if a speed of a main motor which is being operated is above a speed set by a user and a feedback is below a predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.Inventor: Chae-Bong Bae
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Patent number: 10377269Abstract: A vehicle includes a front seating assembly and a rear seating assembly. An occupant sensor senses occupancy of the front seating assembly. A proximity sensor senses an object in a footwell behind the front seating assembly. A rear door sensor senses the opening of a rear door. A controller activates an actuator to move the front seating assembly forward based on the sensed occupancy, a sensed object, and sensed door opening. A method of controlling a vehicle seating assembly includes the steps of: sensing the front seating assembly is unoccupied with the occupant sensor; detecting in the footwell behind the front seating assembly with the proximity sensor; sensing a rear door position with the door sensor; and moving the front seating assembly forward when the front seating assembly is unoccupied, an object is in the footwell, and the rear door is in an open position.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Hubert Szawarski, Arlindo Rocha, Mark A. Cuddihy, Jialiang Le
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Patent number: 10197998Abstract: A remotely controlled motile device system comprises a remotely controlled motile device, and a mobile smart device that comprises a data processor operatively connected to a display screen, a memory, a user input interface, a camera, and a wireless transceiver. The memory stores computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the data processor, cause the mobile smart device to capture images of an optical reference background and the remotely controlled motile device, present the images on the display screen, register a target position relative to the optical reference background and entered via the user input interface, determine a pose of the remotely controlled motile device relative to the optical reference background, and transmit commands to the remotely controlled motile device to move to the target position.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2016Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: SPIN MASTER LTD.Inventors: Edwin Steele, Michael Shivas
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Patent number: 10132264Abstract: A method for controlling an electric motor of a vehicle pump used to deliver a medium. According to the method, a period required for at least one partial revolution of a rotor of the electric motor is determined. The fluctuations during the period can represent a measurement of the true running of the electric motor. The speed of the electric motor can be altered depending on the deviation of the period from a comparative value. As a result, the true running of the electric motor can be guaranteed once again.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Rolf Graf, Bernhard Lukas
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Patent number: 10118516Abstract: A vehicle seat operation feedback and control system with a seat and an electronic display screen and a processor configured to receive a signal from the seat corresponding to an inoperable, almost inoperable, or undesired condition and provide feedback on the display screen of the inoperable, almost inoperable, or undesired condition.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: AGCO CorporationInventor: Timothy Allen Murray
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Patent number: 9802310Abstract: A robot is provided. A measurement unit measures an object in a space. An own-position estimation unit calculates an own position of a mobile unit moving through the space by matching measurement data acquired by the measurement unit with map data representing information about the object in the space. A classification unit acquires class-based measurement data obtained by classifying the measurement data into at least two predetermined classes. A class-based own-position estimation unit estimates an own position of the mobile unit for each of the at least two predetermined classes by matching a class-based map having a position of the objects recorded therein for each class with the class-based measurement data. An integration unit configured to integrate the own positions estimated for the respective at least two predetermined classes. A control unit controls the mobile unit based on information from the integration unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Keisuke Fujimoto, Nobutaka Kimura, Toshio Moriya, Taiki Fuji
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Patent number: 9738179Abstract: A vehicle travel controller carries out automatic travel control of controlling a vehicle to travel automatically based upon travel state information of the vehicle and information on an exterior of the vehicle. An automatic/manual traveling changeover switch is capable of switching between an automatic driving mode in which the automatic travel control is carried out by the vehicle travel controller and a manual driving mode in which the driver drives the vehicle manually. A driving posture controller controls a reclining motor so that the reclining angle of the driver's seat in the automatic driving mode is larger than the reclining angle of the driver's seat in the manual driving mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2014Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akihiko Ebina, Haruhiko Satou
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Patent number: 9611728Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system includes an electrically powered pump that pressurizes fluid, which is piped into a wellbore to fracture a subterranean formation. System components include a fluid source, an additive source, a hydration unit, a blending unit, a proppant source, and a fracturing pump. The system includes heaters for warming hydraulic fluid and/or lube oil. The hydraulic fluid is used for operating devices on the blending and hydration units. The lube oil lubricates and cools various moving parts on the fracturing pump.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2016Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: U.S. WELL SERVICES LLCInventor: Jared Oehring
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Patent number: 9387776Abstract: A system and method for controlling movement of a seat in a vehicle includes first and second seating modules movable between an upright position and a folded position in response to actuation to at least one activation element. A control unit operably connected to the first and second seating modules is configured to receive input from the at least one activation element and generates a control signal to control movement of the first and second seating modules. The control unit deactivates movement of the second seating module until movement of the first seating module when the sensor assembly detects the error condition by the sensor assembly during adjustment of the seating modules.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2015Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: John M. Mayer, John David Hoeschele, Thomas O'Brien, Jason G. Bauman, Charles A. Richlie
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Patent number: 9282619Abstract: A light device for use with a fan device includes a light neutral terminal coupled to a neutral terminal of an AC power source and a fan neutral terminal of the fan device, a light line terminal for connection to a line terminal of the AC power source, a light control unit for light emission upon receipt of the electrical power from the light neutral terminal and the light line terminal, and a switch device coupled between the light neutral terminal and the light control unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2015Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Inventor: Kuo-Tsun Lin
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Publication number: 20140184108Abstract: A motor driving system includes a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a fourth switch, a first motor, a second motor, a third motor, and a fourth motor. The interconnections between all the switches allows the detection of any one of a number of motors as being unconnected, and allows control of all the motors individually, to avoid a dedicated switching system being necessary for each motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (WUHAN) CO., LTD.Inventors: JIAN ZHAO, CHONG HE, XIAO-HUI WANG, WEN-JUN HU
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Patent number: 8444224Abstract: A seat controlling mechanism includes motors for actuating a plurality of seat sections, a position detecting apparatus detecting positions of the seat sections and a controlling apparatus controlling the seat sections to move to a predetermined position, wherein an interfering range, an interference avoidable range in which an interference avoidance control is executed and a normal operation range are set in the controlling apparatus, and when at least one of the seat sections positions in the interference avoidable range, the controlling apparatus prohibits the movement of the at least one of the seat sections toward the interfering range.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Misato Maeda, Kazuyuki Kashiwabara
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Publication number: 20130063053Abstract: Securing apparatus for at least one electrical furniture drive of a movable furniture part, wherein the securing apparatus prevents the simultaneous opening of moveable furniture parts which are at risk of colliding, wherein the securing apparatus has at least two—preferably three—control connections to which signal lines of sensors of movable furniture parts and/or signal lines of the at least one electrical furniture drive can be detachably fastened, wherein the actuation of the at least one electrical furniture drive of the moveable furniture part can be prevented when there is a risk of it colliding with a further moveable furniture part—which has been moved out of its closed position—by the configuration of the control connections.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: JULIUS BLUM GMBHInventor: Julius Blum GmbH
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Patent number: 8279040Abstract: A system for controlling operation of a plurality of movable barrier operators includes a controller configured to communicate with a plurality of movable barrier operators. The controller is programmed to receive a command to operate the plurality of movable barrier operators and to send a signal to start operation of a first movable barrier operator of the plurality of movable barrier operators in response to receiving the command. The controller is also programmed to send a signal to start a second movable barrier operator of the plurality of movable barrier operators at a time after sending the signal to start the operation of the first movable barrier operator. An arbitration of confirmation signals from the plurality of movable barrier operators may be used to determine the order of operation of the movable barrier operators.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2008Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.Inventor: Edward Thomas Laird
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Patent number: 8148924Abstract: An electrical load controller that controls the starting sequence for a plurality of electrical loads includes a start demanding unit that generates a demand to start at least one of the plurality of electrical loads. A first electrical load is started immediately if the time between when a second electrical load start and when the second electrical load receives a signal indicating that the first electrical load will start (second prescribed time) is longer than the time required to send the signal between the first and second electrical loads (third prescribed time), and the time required for an inrush current to decrease to a prescribed value (first prescribed time) is less than the difference between the second prescribed time and the third prescribed time. Thus, there is sufficient time for the inrush current of the first electrical load to decrease before starting the second electrical load.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshihiro Ohkuwa, Shigeyuki Kido, Naoki Matsushita, Kenji Terao
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Patent number: 8102132Abstract: A starting apparatus is disclosed for at least two synchronous machines, which starting apparatus includes an exciter unit which is provided for each synchronous machine and is associated with the respective synchronous machine. Each exciter unit can be connected to the field winding of the associated synchronous machine. A superordinate control unit is provided, with the superordinate control unit being connected via a communication link to each exciter unit. Furthermore, the starting apparatus includes at least one stator feed unit and at least one switching device, which is provided for each stator feed unit and is associated with the respective stator feed unit, in which case the respective switching device can be connected to the associated stator feed unit, the respective switching device can be connected to at least one synchronous machine, and the switching devices can be connected to one another when there are a plurality of switching devices.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2009Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: ABB Schweiz AGInventors: Tobias Keller, Rudolf Wieser
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Patent number: 8054030Abstract: Permanent magnet alternating current (PMAC) motor systems and methods for starting or restarting PMAC motor system sensorless control algorithms are provided. One system includes a PMAC motor including a rotor, an inverter, and a controller. The controller includes control logic, start/restart logic, drive logic, current detect logic, and estimation logic configured to estimate a position of the rotor, a speed of the PMAC motor, or both based on current detected in each phase of the inverter. A start/restart method includes determining to start/restart the sensorless control algorithm and modifying the inverter voltage in response to the determined start/restart. The method also includes detecting current in each inverter phase after the inverter voltage is modified and estimating a rotor position, a PMAC motor speed, or both based on the current detected in each inverter phase after the inverter voltage is modified. Another controller includes means for performing the above start/restart method.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Yo Chan Son, Seok-Joo Jang, Rostam Dehmoobed Nasrabadi
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Patent number: 7689321Abstract: This invention is generally related to methods and apparatus that permit the measurements from a plurality of sensors to be combined or fused in a robust manner. For example, the sensors can correspond to sensors used by a mobile device, such as a robot, for localization and/or mapping. The measurements can be fused for estimation of a measurement, such as an estimation of a pose of a robot.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2005Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Evolution Robotics, Inc.Inventor: Lars Niklas Karlsson
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Patent number: 7672760Abstract: A searchlight (3) on board a vessel (1) arranged for illuminating a point (2p) and maintain said point (2p) illuminated regardless of the movements of said vessel (1).Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2005Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Aptomar ASInventors: Lars Andre Solberg, Jonas Aamodt Moræus
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Patent number: 7650247Abstract: A method is provided for the electrical protection of an electrical household appliance that is used to prepare food. The appliance includes an electric pump which is supplied with alternating current in order to convey a liquid through a conduit, and a heating element to raise the temperature of the liquid. The instantaneous value of the current I supplied to the pump is measured at regular time intervals. The method includes calculating the average value ?n of m current I measurements taken over a pre-determined time period T; comparing the average value ?n with a reference value ?ref calculated as the average value of the current I measurements taken over an earlier period of the same length; and opening the pump's power supply circuit when the difference between the average values ?ref and ?n exceeds a pre-determined threshold value ?1 for at least two successive time periods T as a result of low average current indicative of dry running.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Seb S.A.Inventor: Patrick Leveque
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Publication number: 20090295312Abstract: A starting apparatus is disclosed for at least two synchronous machines, which starting apparatus includes an exciter unit which is provided for each synchronous machine and is associated with the respective synchronous machine. Each exciter unit can be connected to the field winding of the associated synchronous machine. A superordinate control unit is provided, with the superordinate control unit being connected via a communication link to each exciter unit. Furthermore, the starting apparatus includes at least one stator feed unit and at least one switching device, which is provided for each stator feed unit and is associated with the respective stator feed unit, in which case the respective switching device can be connected to the associated stator feed unit, the respective switching device can be connected to at least one synchronous machine, and the switching devices can be connected to one another when there are a plurality of switching devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: ABB Schweiz AGInventors: Tobias KELLER, Rudolf WIESER
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Patent number: 7088068Abstract: The sensorless motor driving apparatus according to the invention may include: a timing generation circuit generating a timing signal at intervals T; a driving signal generation circuit receiving the timing signal and generating, at the intervals T, pulse signals, the number of which M (=m×L+k) is defined by a sum of a predetermined number k and a product of the number of statuses L of the rotor and an integer (m) equal to or greater than 1; and an amplitude control circuit switching between commutation patterns of the driving signal in synchronization with the pulse signals.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasuhiro Miyagoe
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Patent number: 6936982Abstract: Device for actuating a plurality of actuators (1) in a transportation device, which has a plurality of output stages (2, 3, 4, 5) and a control circuit for actuating the output stages (2, 3, 4, 5), the output stages (2, 3, 4, 5) each connecting through the current in order to activate the actuators (1) and each output stage (2, 3, 4, 5) being connected in electrically conductive fashion to an actuator (1, 9). A plurality of output stages (2, 3, 4, 5) is additionally connected to in each case, one further actuator (1, 9) by the control circuit. The control circuit is actuated in such a way that an output stage (2, 3, 4, 5) can actuate either the first or the further actuator (1, 9) with the output stages (2, 3, 4, 5) being interconnected to one another and/or to the actuators (1, 9) in the manner of a matrix so that a plurality of row lines (6) and a plurality of column lines (7), at whose points of intersection (8) the actuators (1) are arranged, are provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Stefan Diesner, Mirko Horaschek, Juergen Huertgen, Werner Kopmeier, Lorenz Slansky, Markus Thoben
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Publication number: 20040232860Abstract: An improved drive circuit is provided for a DC motor. The drive circuit includes: a DC power source; a relay having a normally open contact and a normally closed contact; a DC motor electrically connected through the normally open contact of the relay to the power source; and a discharge circuit connected in parallel to the DC motor. More specifically, the discharge circuit is coupled to the normally closed contact of the relay and operable to inhibit current flow from the DC motor until the relay has settled in a closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventors: John E. Durkee, David P. Stebnicki, David J. Stephens
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Patent number: 6680589Abstract: A device for monitoring the state of relay contacts is especially useful for controlling motor windings in air conditioning systems. When a first relay switch, which is operative to supply power to a first motor winding does not open as desired, a switch monitoring module responsively controls the second relay switch energization to prevent the second relay switch from being closed. This prevents power that would be supplied to a second motor winding from being also supplied to the first motor winding and causing potential damage to the first motor winding. A disclosed example includes an opto isolator that is energized only when the first relay switch is open as desired. The opto isolator controls an output signal to a second relay control portion, which only operates the second relay if the first relay has opened as required.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2001Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: A-l Components, Corp.Inventors: David D. Neranjan, Mark O. Gerwig
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Patent number: 6534947Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an electric motor pump. The method includes the acts of providing an AC power signal having a positive half cycle and a negative half cycle, measuring the voltage of the AC power signal and generating a first two-state output signal that is in a logic high state when the measured voltage is on the positive half cycle and that is in a logic low state when the measured voltage is on the negative half cycle, and measuring the current of the AC power signal and generating a second two-state output signal that is in logic high state when the measured current is on the positive half cycle and that is in a logic low state when the measured current is on the negative half cycle.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Sta-Rite Industries, Inc.Inventors: Steven A. Johnson, Kip M. Larson, Dee R. Walker
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Patent number: 6339302Abstract: An automobile control system including at least one actuation device having a housing and control circuitry coupled to the housing, where the control circuitry and the housing create a unitary device.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1998Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Assignee: Prince Technology CorporationInventors: Jonathan M. Greenbank, John S. Bambini, Scott A. Hansen, Michael A. Supanich
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Patent number: 6094019Abstract: The common contact 5a of a power source circuit side relay 2a is connected to the common contact 15a of a motor circuit side relay 12a. The common contact 5b of a power source circuit side relay 2b is connected to the common contact 15b of a motor circuit side relay 12b. And, the switching contacts 6a and 6b, and 16a and 16b of the power source circuit sides relays 2a and 2b and the motor circuit side relays 12a and 12b are tripped in response to relay switching signals provided by an ECU. The power source circuit side relays 2a and 2b are selectively switched, so that the directions of flow of currents in the motor circuits 21 through 24 are changed.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1999Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventor: Shinichi Saiki
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Patent number: 6008597Abstract: A simplified wiring system for an electronically controlled vending machine of the type capable of vending multiple products out of columns, trays or other queuing means, wherein by employing DC motors and various novel circuits, one may reduce controller complexity and assembly time. Selector button sensing and motor drives are connected in a matrix configuration. Sold-out switches are connected in series with the motors. Home switches are connected in series and only momentary continuity interruption is sensed. Separate sold-out switch outputs are eliminated. Interconnect wiring is reduced by mounting both the Home switch and Sold-out switch for each motor on a motor interface board permitting operation of up to 16 motors from a 10-wire ribbon cable.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1996Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Maxtrol CorporationInventors: Leo G. Pardo, Uri Ranon
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Patent number: 5789879Abstract: A multiple electric motor hydraulic oil pump power system including a programmable controller having electric motor starting and stopping circuitry for hydraulic oil flow control. The circuitry having means to compare each electric motor running hours and select the motor with the least running hours to adjust oil flow to the desired amount. The system monitors oil pressure and flow, comparing such pressure and flow with the desired value and automatically adjusting the system to accomplish the correction. The controller also maintains safety sensing devices for high and low oil reservoir levels, oil filter condition limits, oil temperature limits, and means to maintain a constant oil pressure under load with load flow rates varying from very low to very high.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1995Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Inventor: Noel R. Cook
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Patent number: 5764006Abstract: A film driving circuit that is capable of normal driving and reverse driving to drive-control a first motor and a second motor each rotating in only one direction. The motor driving circuit is structured so the first motor driving and the second motor driving is controlled by four switching elements composing a bridge circuit. The first motor connects to the connecting points of two of the switching elements. The second motor connects to the connecting points of the other two of the four switching elements. A CPU controls the first motor and the second motor by controlling the on-off status of the four switching elements.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1995Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Tatsuo Amanuma, Toru Kosaka
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Patent number: 5739648Abstract: A motor controller that incorporates all of the advantages of RS-485, yet allows the user to interface with the controller through RS-232 without a separate RS-232 to RS-485 converter. The controller includes a port for receiving RS-232 compatible signals. The RS-232 signals are converted to RS-485 compatible signals which are, in turn, converted into logic level signals suitable for the motor controller. The RS-485 signals may be shared among a number of controllers, and an RS-485 port is provided for such a purpose. RS-485 ports can be interconnected via a common bus so that a number of motors can be separately controlled from a master controller (usually a personal computer) that is connected to any available RS-232 port.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1996Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Assignee: Kollmorgen CorporationInventors: George Henry Ellis, Gregory Robert Lee
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Patent number: 5672943Abstract: Electronic control apparatus of a kind used in low voltage industrial equipment such as assemblies of motors or circuit breakers. Where an overall controller, e.g. a programmable logic controller (PLC) controls an array of (e.g.) motors (M1, M2, M3) by way of respective control units (13, 23, 33) identification or location of selected motors is usually effected by an address stored in the respective control unit. A faulty control unit entails replacement and loss of the location address which has to be reentered as a skilled operation. The invention provides a separate non-volatile memory (15, 25, 35) for the location address, this memory being physically associated with the particular motor (M1, etc.). A replacement control unit (13, 23, 33) is automatically loaded with the location address which was retained.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Assignee: GEC Alsthom LimitedInventor: Peter Vivers
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Patent number: 5574437Abstract: This invention describes a monitoring device which monitors the safety of a printing machine. The printing machine has a drive, a control unit arranged upstream of the drive, command buttons which are connected to the control unit and via which the start-up of the printing machine can be initiated, as well as sound generators, connected to the control unit, for the emission of an acoustic alarm signal after the actuation of one of the command buttons initiating the start-up. The monitoring device ensures that a start-up of the printing machine is only carried out if an acoustic alarm signal has previously been properly emitted. This is achieved, according to the invention, by the monitoring device registering the emission of the acoustic alarm signal and, in the event of the alarm signal not being emitted, inhibits the drive of the printing machine from starting up.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1995Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Assignee: MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AGInventors: Klaus Schwinn, Bernd Lindner, Reinhold Bischof, Heinz Gotz, Joachim Deschamps
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Patent number: 5517091Abstract: A modular electrical system (10) supplies power to and controls a plurality of electric motors (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3, M.sub.4) associated with a plurality of drive units folding or extending rows in a telescopic seating system, comprising the motors (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3, M.sub.4), a control panel (12) removably communicating with the motors (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3, M.sub.4) directing incoming current to drive the motors (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3, M.sub.4) in a predetermined direction, a dual receptacle (18) communicating with the control panel (12), and a switch (26) terminating in a plug (30) removably communicating with the dual receptacle (18).Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1994Date of Patent: May 14, 1996Assignee: Charron Sports Services, Inc.Inventors: Mark Becher, Kenneth R. Charron
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Patent number: 5422550Abstract: A control system and method for a plurality of motors utilize one, and only one, motor drive unit that provides power to drive any one of the motors. The system and method also utilize a controller that controls which of the motors to energize. Power from the motor drive unit can be communicated to one of the motors selected by the controller, or power from a primary power source can be communicated to one or more of the motors selected by the controller. Sequencing of the motors to and from the motor drive unit and the primary power source, and between the two, is automatically controlled, such as based on how long each of the motors has been used. Accordingly, a method of controlling a plurality of motors comprises: defining a motor utilization criterion; sensing a parameter affected by the number of the motors that are operating; and sequentially starting and cumulatively operating ones of the motors selected in response to the motor utilization criterion and the sensed parameter.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1993Date of Patent: June 6, 1995Assignee: Southwest Electric CompanyInventors: Michael L. McClanahan, Charles E. Ogden
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Patent number: 5381065Abstract: A control circuit for controlling a vehicle window closing and door locking device, comprises a first circuit having three X-OR gates and one AND gate for determining the vehicle general conditions, a second circuit having AND gates and power transistors for determining the vehicle specific conditions, for energizing the individual window motors, and for activating the door lock solenoid. The windows will be closed and the doors will be locked if three conditions are met: (1) no one is seated inside the vehicle, (2) all doors are closed, and (3) the ignition key is not in the ignition.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1993Date of Patent: January 10, 1995Inventor: Thomas Jones
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Patent number: 5374878Abstract: A modular electrical system (10) supplies power to and controls a plurality of electric motors (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3, M.sub.4) associated with a plurality of drive units folding or extending rows in a telescopic seating system, comprising the motors (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3, M.sub.4), a control panel (12) removably communicating with the motors (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3, M.sub.4) directing incoming current to drive the motors (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3, M.sub.4) in a predetermined direction, a dual receptacle (18) communicating with the control panel (12), and a switch (26) terminating in a plug (30) removably communicating with the dual receptacle (18).Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Charron Sport Services, Inc.Inventors: Mark Becher, Kenneth R. Charron
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Patent number: 5365154Abstract: A system and method for controlling an appliance, such as an indoor ceiling fan, including a controller operatively connected to the appliance motor for controlling its speed and direction of rotation in response to command signals, a control switch adapted to be located remote from the appliance such as a on a wall to provide command signals in response to manual inputs, and a communication link such as the existing a.c. power line, for transmitting command signals from the control switch to the appliance controller. The control switch is characterized by a plurality of operator members such as a keypad each providing no more than one distinct primary function command when manually operated and a processor for converting function commands provided by the operator members into speed and direction command signals for use by the appliance controller. The appliance controller comprises a processor for converting command signals received by the controller into signals for controlling the supply of motor current.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1992Date of Patent: November 15, 1994Assignee: North Coast Electronics, Inc.Inventors: John K. Schneider, Frank W. Keeney, Nicholas G. Leszczynski, Benjamin H. Weppner
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Patent number: 5355059Abstract: A universal electrical control selectively drives either plural motorized window operators for opening or closing one or more windows, or a motorized window operator and plural motorized locks for opening, closing and locking a window. The electrical control comprises an interface circuit for connection to plural output devices comprising either motorized window operators or motorized window locks. An input switch commands window movement to an open or close position. A control circuit is connected to the interface circuit and the input switch and includes an initialization mode for determining if each output device is a motorized window operator or a motorized lock, and output drive mode operable in response to a command from the input switch for driving the output devices through the interface circuit in a lock sequence or a window sequence dependent upon the initialization mode respectively determining if a motorized window lock is connected or is not connected to the interface circuit.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1993Date of Patent: October 11, 1994Assignee: Truth Hardware CorporationInventor: Scott D. McMillan
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Patent number: 5264834Abstract: A safety message announcing device is interconnected to a machine so as to make the machine inoperative until the safety message has been announced. A control signal is provided along with the safety message. A control mechanism interconnected to the start switch of the machine will only operate when the control signal is received. The control signal may take the form of multiple fixed frequency tones announced along with the message, with the control mechanism tuned to the tones to only enable the machine when the tones are heard by the control mechanism, thus assuring that the message has been announced as well. The control signal may take the form of a code that must be input by the operator before the machine will operate. This may be done with a visual as well as a sound annunciator.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1992Date of Patent: November 23, 1993Inventors: Howard Silken, Edward Frieling
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Patent number: 5239241Abstract: This invention relates to a speed control circuit for an electric motor. It includes a controller having a plurality of input circuits and an output circuit adapted to be connected to one of a plurality of direct current motors. The controller includes means responsive to an alternating signal on a selected one of said input circuits for generating and maintaining a unidirectional motor-energizing voltage of predetermined magnitude in the output circuit whereby the speed of said one motor may be controlled. The controller further includes Hall cell devices coupled to a plurality of motors, respectively, for generating the alternating signal in response to energization of a selected motor.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1991Date of Patent: August 24, 1993Assignee: Xolox CorporationInventor: Stuart S. Hash
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Patent number: 5126640Abstract: A centralized control unit that includes supply circuits for supplying various motors for controlling movements of parts of a vehicle seat, an in-board power source for feeding the supply circuits, an inverting device for enabling a control with inversion in a rotation direction of the various motors, and a study carrying wheel having a set of studs for enabling a selection of each of the various motors, with each of the set of studs being connected to a circuit of one of the various motors for controlling one of the parts of the seat.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1991Date of Patent: June 30, 1992Assignee: Bertrand Faure AutomobileInventor: Yannick Leroy
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Patent number: 5045767Abstract: A rotating display element which is provided with a display surface member having four display surfaces which are selected by rotating the display surface member, and a display unit which uses the display element. The display surface member has incorporated therein a permanent magnet type motor mechanism and is driven by the permanent magnet type motor mechanism. The rotor of the motor mechanism has first and second double-pole permanent magnet members, and its stator has first and second magnetic members having wound thereon first and second exciting windings, respecitvely. The display unit has first and second power supply means for supplying power to the first exciting winding motor mechanism and third and fourth power supply means for supplying power to the second exciting windings.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1989Date of Patent: September 3, 1991Inventor: Yoshimasa Wakatake
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Patent number: 5006767Abstract: In a dishwashing machine having a washing chamber, an electrically operated wash pump for pumping out wash water from a wash tank in the washing chamber, an electrically operated rinse pump for pumping out heated water from a gas booster heater, and wash and rinse arms arranged within the washing chamber to be supplied with the wash and heated water from the wash and rinse pumps for directing jet streams of the wash and heated water to tableware racked in the washing chamber respectively, an electric control apparatus is arranged to mix cold water from a source of cold water into the heated water to form mixing water and to control the rinse pump such that the rinse arm directs jet stream of the mixing water to the racked tableware.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1990Date of Patent: April 9, 1991Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Fumio Maruyama, Tomio Suyama, Hiroaki Kamino, Koji Suyama, Tokihiro Kuwahara, Osamu Nagata
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Patent number: 4887017Abstract: A seat angle regulating apparatus comprises: an upper arm mounted to a seat back of a seat; a lower arm mounted to a seat cushion of the seat; an internal gear and an external gear; an angle regulating unit having an eccentric shaft; a motor for rotating the eccentric shaft; and a locking unit for engaging and disengaging the angle regulating unit to and from either of said upper arm or said lower arm. The best feature of the present invention is that the angle regulating unit has a motor rotation control unit for controlling the forward and backward rotation range of the motor and enabling the rotation of the motor within a predetermined rotation range.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1987Date of Patent: December 12, 1989Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Sadao Ito