Abstract: A foot operated control for electrical circuits that includes a foot rest, and at least one switch that is housed and mounted in a recess formed in a selected portion of the foot rest. The foot rest having a selected profile defining a horizontal portion and at least one inclined portion. A pivoting axis is formed at an intersection of the horizontal portion and the inclined portion adjacent thereto. The switch is actuated as and when the foot rest portion is tilted in a selected direction about the pivot axis so that an operator of the switch contacts a supporting surface or floor. The foot control may be configured for controlling multiple distinct circuits by way or a corded or cordless operation. This foot control may include elastomer boots or an elastomeric covered bottom cover for providing environmental protection. Preferably, the foot control includes a safety interlock, for minimizing the accidental actuation of the circuits when an operators foot is not present.

Abstract: A system for actuating electrical equipment, in particular a high-voltage section switch or a high-voltage grounding section switch includes, in a control box, a rotary drive unit for driving the contacts of the equipment. A control circuit includes "end-of-stroke" contacts associated with the contacts of the equipment. The system includes a portable electric motor having a self-contained power supply. The motor is equipped with a mechanical coupling for mechanically coupling the motor to the rotary drive unit, and is provided with an electrical connector for connecting the motor to the control circuit.

Abstract: A device for controlling the tilt angle of window blind blades having a motor with an output shaft and a slip clutch coupling the output shaft to a tilt control mechanism. A receiver and demodulator receives a modulated infra red carrier signal modulated with a code and to demodulate the carrier to produce corresponding electrical pulses. A decoder is coupled to an output of the receiver and demodulator and when powered provides an output on one of several output lines depending upon the coding of pulses from the receiver and demodulator. A motor driver circuit has an input coupled to the decoder and an output coupled to the motor, is operative to drive the motor in either a forward or reverse direction depending upon the output from the decoder, and a decoupler decouples the motor from the wand upon reaching an extreme of tilting of the blade when the motor is still running.

Abstract: A system for automatic operation of venetian blinds and similar window coverings. A preferred embodiment, system 30, can be retrofitted to any conventional venetian blind without tools, removal of the blind, or installation of wiring (FIG. 10A). System 30 is attached to a blind 15 by a bracket 80, which engages a headrail 16 of blind 15, and is secured by a thumbscrew 84 (FIG. 4C). System 30 includes a gearmotor 85 which drives a coupling tube 91; coupling tube 91 is attached to a tilt-adjustment shaft 18 of blind 15 (FIG. 3A). The mechanical coupling between gearmotor 85 and coupling tube 91 includes a flexible coupling and an extensible coupling, which enable gearmotor 85 to rotate shaft 18 over a wide range of sizes and configurations of blind 15 (FIGS. 5A and 5B). System 30 also includes a photovoltaic source 31 mounted on a flexible member 99. Member 99 provides electrical connections to source 31, and supports it in an advantageous position to receive solar radiation (FIGS.

Abstract: A mini-blind actuator has a motor and a housing that holds the motor and a dc battery. The rotor of the motor is coupled to the baton of the mini-blind for rotating the baton and thereby opening or closing the slats of the mini-blind. Alternatively, the rotor is coupled to the tilt rod of the blind to rotate the tilt rod and thereby open or close the slats of the mini-blind. A control signal generator generates a control signal for completing the electrical circuit between the battery and the motor. The control signal can be generated in response to a predetermined amount of daylight or in response to a user-generated remote command signal. The actuator can be used to rotate the slats of horizontal or vertical blinds, or the sections of a pleated shade. Or, the actuator can be used to rotate the hollow rotatable tube of a roll-up shade.

Abstract: A mini-blind actuator has a motor and a housing that holds the motor and a dc battery. The rotor of the motor is coupled to the baton of the mini-blind for rotating the baton and thereby opening or closing the slats of the mini-blind. Alternatively, the rotor is coupled to the tilt rod of the blind to rotate the tilt rod and thereby open or close the slats of the mini-blind. A control signal generator generates a control signal for completing the electrical circuit between the battery and the motor. The control signal can be generated in response to a predetermined amount of daylight or in response to a user-generated remote command signal. The actuator can be used to rotate the slats of horizontal or vertical blinds, or the sections of a pleated shade. Or, the actuator can be used to rotate the hollow rotatable tube of a roll-up shade.

Abstract: A mini-blind actuator has a motor and a housing that holds the motor and a dc battery. The rotor of the motor is coupled to the baton of the mini-blind for rotating the baton and thereby opening or closing the slats of the mini-blind. Alternatively, the rotor is coupled to the tilt rod of the blind to rotate the tilt rod and thereby open or close the slats of the mini-blind. A control signal generator generates a control signal for completing the electrical circuit between the battery and the motor. The control signal can be generated in response to a predetermined amount of daylight or in response to a user-generated remote command signal. The actuator can be used to rotate the slats of horizontal or vertical blinds, or the sections of a pleated shade. Or, the actuator can be used to rotate the hollow rotatable tube of a roll-up shade.

Abstract: A motor housing for a variable speed scroll saw or other operating tool is disclosed. The motor housing includes a motor as well as a printed circuit board mounted in the motor housing adjacent the motor. A switch is attached to the printed circuit board and extends outside of the motor housing. The switch is also attached to the motor housing. A switch lock-out is operably associated with the housing for disabling the switch until the switch lock-out is disengaged. Preferably, the switch lock-out is a releasable locking mechanism such as a padlock.

Abstract: A mini-blind actuator has a motor and a housing that holds the motor and a dc battery. The rotor of the motor is coupled to the baton of the mini-blind for rotating the baton and thereby opening or closing the slats of the mini-blind. Alternatively, the rotor is coupled to the tilt rod of the blind to rotate the tilt rod and thereby open or close the slats of the mini-blind. A control signal generator generates a control signal for completing the electrical circuit between the battery and the motor. The control signal can be generated in response to a predetermined amount of daylight or in response to a user-generated remote command signal.

Abstract: A mini-blind actuator has a motor and a housing that holds the motor and a dc battery. The rotor of the motor is coupled to the baton of the mini-blind for rotating the baton and thereby opening or closing the slats of the mini-blind. Alternatively, the rotor is coupled to the tilt rod of the blind to rotate the tilt rod and thereby open or close the slats of the mini-blind. A control signal generator generates a control signal for completing the electrical circuit between the battery and the motor. The control signal can be generated in response to a predetermined amount of daylight or in response to a user-generated remote command signal. The actuator can be used to rotate the slats of horizontal or vertical blinds, or the sections of a pleated shade.

Abstract: A safety system comprises a light beam transmitter and receiver and means connected through a standard AC power plug to the main power supply of an automatic garage door opener for controlling the power thereto. The transmitter transmits a beam of light across the opening of a garage door. The receiver is positioned to receive the light beam if there is nothing obstructing the beam. The receiver generates a signal indicating when the beam is being received. The means disconnects the power to the garage door opener when a signal is generated indicating that the light beam is not being received. The garage door is thus prevented from making contact with and hurting or damaging a person or object in its path.

Abstract: A mini-blind actuator has a motor and a housing that holds the motor and a dc battery. The rotor of the motor is coupled to the baton of the mini-blind for rotating the baton and thereby opening or closing the slats of the mini-blind. A control signal generator generates a control signal for completing the electrical circuit between the battery and the motor. The control signal can be generated in response to a predetermined amount of daylight or in response to a user-generated remote command signal.

Abstract: A handheld low voltage machining tool with which any one or more of drilling, milling, and abrading operations can be safely performed even on densely populated, multilayer, circuit boards. Provisions are made for preventing electrical overstress by isolating the tip of the machining tool from the drive motor as well as for preventing abrupt starting of the tool which can cause jerking, jumping or skipping of the tool off of the target. Still further, dynamic braking of the tool bit is achieved, both upon release of an operator actuated control switch and due to a selected conductive layer being reached. For the latter effect, a probe is provided by which a low voltage can be delivered to a component or conductor on the board, and circuitry detects grounding of this voltage by contact with the grounded bit of the machining tool.

Abstract: An operation apparatus for a sewing machine has an electric motor for driving the sewing machine and electronic components for operating and controlling the electric motor and sewing machine; the electric motor and electronic components are accommodated within a common, heat-conductive box-type body effective to dissipate the heat generated inside the body by the electric motor and the electronic components to the outside.

Abstract: A contact structure for toy motors in which a battery case housing a battery and a motor case housing a motor are detachably and relatively rotatably joined by means of the outer circumferential surface of the end of the battery case and the inner circumferential surface of the end of the motor case, and terminals are provided in the vicinity of the ends of both cases in such a manner that the terminals can be brought into contact with, or separated from each other, characterized in that the cross-sectional shape of the ends of motor terminals provided on the motor case is formed into a U shape having a closed end on the side of the outer circumferential surface thereof, with the end thereof on the side of the axial line of the motor being opened, and the inside surfaces of the battery terminals are brought into contact with the outer circumferential surfaces of the closed ends of the motor terminals.

Abstract: A universal diac is provided for implementation in controlling an SCR in a motor speed control circuit. The diac is provided with dissimilar interconnections between the emitters and base, such that the device operates as a standard diac in one mode of operation, and as a zener diode in an opposite mode of operation. The zener characteristics are achieved by the implementation of a shorted base configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable handheld work apparatus having an electric drive motor mounted in a housing. A switch unit switches a supply voltage onto the drive motor. The switch unit is actuated by a switching extension of a switching lever journalled in a handle of the work apparatus. The switching lever has an actuating portion which extends outwardly from the handle housing. An elastic resilient tongue is arranged on the switching lever in order to ensure a trouble-free opening of the electric contacts of the switch unit and to ensure that an adequate contact spacing in the at-rest position is maintained. The tongue lies against an abutment fixed in the housing and the switching lever is held under a spring force against an at-rest stop in the handle housing.

Abstract: A motor control system includes a single, multicompartment enclosure mounted on a skid. The enclosure contains a transformer circuit and a motor controller circuit interconnected so that only external connections to a power source and a load are heeded. When the circuits are energized, access to high voltage motor control components and to field replaceable fuses and output selection switches is provented by a double interlocking mechanism which operates in conjunction with energizing and de-energizing the transformer. The transformer of the transformer circuit includes a tertiary winding disposed radially between a primary winding and a secondary winding. The winding filters electrostatically coupled transients. A conventional electrostatic shield is also used so that the transformer is doubly shielded to electrostatic transients. The tertiary winding is connected to one or more capacitors to filter magnetically coupled transients.

Abstract: A variable resistance switch includes first and second flexible contact arms engageable by a pair of cam followers operable sequentially by an actuator movable in a first and an opposite direction. The actuator also carries a wiper movable therewith over a variable resistance coupled to a terminal. The first contact arm is operable upon initial movement of the actuator in a first direction to complete a first circuit through the switch, and the second switch arm is operable upon further movement of the actuator in the first direction to complete a second circuit through the switch and to place the variable resistance in circuit between one of the switch arms and the terminal. Further movement of the actuator in the first direction is operable to move a wiper over the resistance to vary the resistance in circuit with the terminal. A pivotal trigger is coupled to the actuator for moving the same in the first direction, and a spring biases the cam in the opposite direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Venetian blind controller and, more particularly to a Venetian blind controller directly attached to a Venetian blind for controlling the opening and closing of the Venetian blind and for controlling the angular position of the blades through wireless remote control operation or alternatively through manual operation during power failure without detaching the controller from the Venetian blind, of which the structure includes two magnetic clutch fitted DC motors, two guide wheels, two pressure wheels, one chain wheel, one pull rope wheel, one receiving circuit, and a remote controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric-motor drive system for hand-guided tools, in particular for garden appliances but also for tools used at home such as drills and the like. A power source 12 which is portable or adapted to be fixed to the tool has a chargeable direct-current battery 14, the output of which is connected to a converter 16 which contains an electronic circuit which converts the DC voltage to a three-phase voltage. Via a three-phase line 22 a three-phase motor 18 is supplied and drives the tool 20 directly or via a coupling 28.

Abstract: Single or multi-track data markings are provided on the shank of a tool bit between a torque transmission region at one end and a working region proper for automatic working data set-up of a driving implement for exchangeable tool bits. The data markings consist of a sequence of notch-like depressions and lands, which are scanned by inductive proximity switch sensors. In case of multi-track codings, one track is used for clock timing. In case of single track codings, an rpm transmitter signal is used as a clock time signal during the information decoding in order to obtain an unequivocal identification signal. Signal evaluation occurs in a microprocessor with at least two counter register combinations, which alternately, in the sequence of the sensor signal, count the pulses of the time clock signal. The respective combination contents are compared in an evaluation unit of the microprocessor with prestored table values.

Abstract: A control device for the driving and translation, in a chosen direction, of the movable head of a diecutter machine, provides for the pre-setting of the direction of translation and for the successive driving of the pressing head by means of five sets of sensitive plates switches, disposed in the front portion of the machine. By touching opportunely one or two of said plates, combinative logic circuits are activated that allow selection of the direction of motion, the actuation of the thus preset displacement and the lowering of the head for the cutting operation.

Abstract: A variable resistor and a printed circuit board having a velocity control circuit are separated from each other in a switch case. The resistance of the variable resistor changes upon operation of a trigger. An element constituting the variable resistor is electrically connected to a predetermined pattern of the printed circuit board through a coil spring. The heat-generating portion of a thyristor is separated from the printed circuit board. A storage component is formed in a part of the trigger shaft which is located inside the switch case. A threaded portion of an adjusting screw which extends in the shaft of the trigger, threadably engages an engaging member which can slide in the storage compartment of the trigger shaft. A movable member is brought into slidable contact with the variable resistor by the engaging member, so as to change the resistance of the variable resistor when the trigger and/or the adjusting screw is operated.

Abstract: To provide for, selectively, control of the speed of a tool, such as a drill or boring tool coupled to an electric drill or boring machine motor, independently of the setting of a multi-speed transmission, speed of the tool is sensed by a contactless transducer (4, 7), one part of which is coupled to the chuck (1, 2) and the other to the housing (H) of the tool, to provide speed signals which incorporate the transmission ratio of the gear (G, 66). Speed control, for example under a command signal (40; 50), then will control the actual speed, regardless of the transmission setting, with the torque deliverable by the motor being controlled by the selected gear. The diameter of the drill or other tool bit is sensed also by the transducer, if coupled to the chuck jaws, to vary the output signal from the transducer as a function of chuck jaw diameter.

Abstract: A multi-battery power supply has a battery adding circuit and a charging circuit for each battery, and a common heat sink bus.

Abstract: A speed control device for portable power tools having particular applicability to electric drills. The speed control device is adapted to automatically adjust the speed of the motor in accordance with changes in the diameter of the tool bit used. The device includes a sensor that senses the opening and closing of the jaws of the chuck. The sensor is mechanically coupled to a potentiometer circuit whose output signal is varied in accordance with movement of the sensor. The output signal of the potentiometer circuit controls the firing angle of a thyristor 34, which in turn controls the current supplied to the motor. In addition, the preferred embodiment includes a speed select switch which is connected to the potentiometer circuit to set the appropriate speed range for the motor, given the particular type of work material.

Abstract: A trigger speed control switch for use on portable tools having double-pole contacts with wiping action, larger contact opening gaps, screw-clamp terminals for connection of the power line conductors, a printed circuit board for mounting the speed control circuit, an adjustable trigger lock mechanism with detenting to hold it in adjusted position, and terminals for connecting a load device such as a motor as well as an external filter capacitor. A small version having all of these features is small enough for direct substitution for an on-off trigger switch as well as for universal portable tool application. A larger version having all of these features is adapted for substitution for present wired-components types of trigger speed control switches. In either case, modification of a given tool is not required to receive the double-pole trigger speed control switch.

Abstract: An improved compact electronic switch for controlling an electric motor comprising a housing into which a trigger actuator reciprocates for selecting motor speed and a reversing switch mounted on the housing and interlocked with the trigger actuator for selecting motor direction. Improvements include; an improved switch contact arrangement which reduces arcing on switching from full power to variable power motor control, an improved printed variable resistor for the electronic speed control circuitry, and an improved and simplified reversing switch unit.

Abstract: A control system for the automatic adjustment of controlling elements. The ystem includes a pulse controlled servo follow-up circuit, a signal generating circuit, a sensing circuit, a system controller and a switching circuit. The system controller is either a special or small general purpose digital device which transmits a control signal to the switching circuit in response to the output of the sensing circuit. The switching circuit provides either of two variable time duration pulse control signals to the pulse-controlled follow-up circuit. One control signal will cause the follow-up circuit to provide a positive control and the other control signal will cause negative control. The amount of positive or negative control is determined by the time duration of the pulse. The signal generating device will be controlled by the output of the follow-up circuit and the sensing circuit will measure the condition of the signal generating circuit.

Abstract: A double pole, trigger actuated switch employs a bridge contact and a separate contactor for opening and closing both lines from a source of current to an associated power tool. The bridge contact is always closed first and opened last with respect to the contactor so that the former is not subjected to arcing and may be made smaller and less expensively than the latter. The contactor is of the fast closing type constructed to minimize arcing. A speed control circuit is associated with the contactor. The entire switch, including the speed control circuit, is provided in a compact housing for mounting in small portable hand tools such as electric drills. A heat sink is exposed to the ambient air by virtue of louvers in the switch housing.

Abstract: A chopper for adjustably controlling the average value of the voltage supplied from a D.C. battery source to a motor load for adjustable speed control. The chopper comprises manually-operable spring-biasing means for applying force to close a contact to energize the motor and electromagnetic means simultaneously energized for re-opening the contact. This occurs at a high repetition rate so that the average value of the voltage across the motor determines the motor speed. This average value of voltage is proportional to the closed-to-open time ratio of the contact and is adjustable by manual control. Two versions are disclosed. In the first version, the spring-biasing force is applied to the contact by depressing a trigger. In the second version, the spring-biasing force is applied to the contact by rotation of a knob. Both versions may use either tension or compression spring force.

Abstract: A wheel chair motor control circuit for a wheel chair having two independently controllable motor-driven wheels. The user has a "joystick" control operable from a datum position to move the wipers of two potentiometers both independently and simultaneously from their corresponding datum positions. A first, proportional control circuit is provided for each motor to supply it with drive power proportional to the magnitude of the deviation of its corresponding potentiometer wiper from datum and a second reversing circuit is provided for each motor to operate a reversing relay connected thereto in accordance to the direction of the deviation of its corresponding potentiometer wiper.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for controlling the movement of a member, such as a pressure head in a die press, the die press being of the type wherein the pressure head is horizontally movable relative to the material to be cut or otherwise impressed to locate the head in the desired position above the material. Once positioned, the head is vertically movable into engagement with a die which is pushed through the material to perform the cutting or impressing operation. The apparatus includes means for moving the member in first and second directions along a horizontal plane, preferably in the form of an electrically controlled motor. Means are also provided for moving the pressure member vertically, preferably in the form of an electrically operated hydraulic system. First and second switch means, in the form of triggers or push buttons, are operably connected to both the motor and the hydraulic system and when actuated individually energize the motor to move the pressure member horizontally.

Abstract: The servo drive according to the invention includes a force transducer which is disposed so as to sense all the forces which act on the image-forming section (the weight of the section, the manual force of the user, frictional forces and acceleration forces). On the signal from the transducer there is superposed a signal which corresponds to the weight of said section and to the speed variations dn/dt, i.e., to the acceleration forces. Thus the influence of these forces on the output signal is compensated for. The resulting signal serves as the desired value for a speed or acceleration control.

Abstract: A remote control system for controlling the azimuth and altitude of a searchlight and also a control for selecting one of two modes of operation, either spot or flood, of the searchlight. The system includes a dual remote control of the spotlight, for use in vehicles, such as boats, where it is desired to control the direction of the spotlight and mode of operation from two separate locations. The system includes means for locking out one remote control position when the other remote control system is actuated.