Abstract: A switch assembly includes a switch and a servo drive system. The drive system includes: a drive shaft connecting the drive system to the switch; a motor driving the switch; a power section supplying power to the motor; a feedback system; and a programmable safety controller. The feedback system determines at least two values for an absolute position of the drive shaft; and generates a feedback signal on the basis of the values. The controller controls the power section depending on at least one desired value; influences an operation of the motor depending on the feedback signal; and identifies the presence of at least one safety-relevant event, and based thereon, transmits a control signal to the power section. The power section is initiates/carries-out at a safety measure depending on the control signal.

Abstract: An anti-pinch method for an apparatus for automatic movement of sliding windows including the steps of: receiving at least one electrical quantity (ea, ia) of the motor (M); counting (Rc) oscillation periods (Rd) of the at least one electrical quantity (ea, ia); calculating an angular position (?(t)) of the motor (M) as a function of the number of periods (Rc) of the electrical quantity (ea, ia); calculating a position of the window (F) as a function of said angular position (?(t)) of the motor (M); and reversing the direction of rotation of the motor (M) if the position of the window (F) falls within an anti-pinch zone (APZ) and the movement of the motor (M) is at least partially blocked.

Abstract: A steering system installed on a vehicle, including: a steering mechanism including a steering member and configured to enable a wheel to be steered in accordance with a movement of the steering member; an operation assist device configured to apply a torque to a steering shaft for assisting an operation of a steering operation member; a steering assist device configured to assist the movement of the steering member utilizing a working fluid; and a controller configured to control a torque applied to the steering shaft by the operation assist device and control a supply flow rate of the working fluid, wherein the steering assist device assists the movement of the steering member with an assist force that depends on the supply flow rate, and the controller increases the supply flow rate when an operation speed of the steering operation member becomes equal to or higher than a set threshold speed.

Abstract: A power tool is provided including a motor case and a handle portion. An electric motor having a drive shaft is mounted within the motor case. A circuit board is disposed in the handle portion to accommodate a motor drive circuit. The motor drive circuit includes a rectifier configured to receive an alternating current from an alternating current (AC) power source and convert it to a direct current supplied to a DC power bus, and a bridge circuit having motor switches connected between the rectifier and the electric motor. A bus capacitor is mounted on the circuit board and coupled across the DC power bus. An auxiliary capacitor having higher capacitance than the bus capacitor is switchably coupled across the DC power bus. The handle portion includes a support member protruding radially outwardly to accommodate the auxiliary capacitor.

Abstract: Electrical power distribution devices with a bypass unit that electrically engages one of two alternate units for powering a load while electrically isolating the other using a six pole power transfer switch and mechanical and electrical interlocks to allow a technician to access one of the alternate units when de-energized and in position while the other of the alternate units is energized and powering the load.

Abstract: The identification method according to an embodiment is used for an identification device for identifying the type of a brushless DC motor. A brushless DC motor includes an output terminal for outputting a signal. The output terminal is able to output a signal obtained by superimposing signal types. The signal resulting from the superimposition is different depending on the types of brushless DC motors. In the identification method, power is supplied to a brushless DC motor, and the signal resulting from the superimposition that is output from the output terminal of the brushless DC motor is input to an identification device. The signal resulting from the superimposition is separated into signal types, and the separated signals are used to identify the type of the brushless DC motor.

Abstract: A controller of a rotary axis includes: a storage unit that stores data of a braking distance for each rotation number of the rotary axis and provides a current braking distance S3 corresponding to a current rotation number of the rotary axis; and a deceleration command calculating unit that calculates a speed command V2 of the rotary axis on a basis of the remaining movement amount S2 and the current braking distance S3; in which the deceleration command calculating unit maintains the current rotation number of the rotary axis in a case in which a difference S4 between the remaining movement amount S2 and the current braking distance S3 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and starts deceleration of the rotary axis in a case in which the difference S4 is less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: An electrically operated food processor with a mixing bowl and a mixer in the mixing bowl is provided with a camera, in particular an electronic camera, which is potentially directed towards the user of the food processor, and with stored gesture recognition software, as well as a gesture data bank, it being possible to use gesture recognition to cause the food processor to carry out a routine task.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric fan set, notably for a motor vehicle heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning installation, comprising: a motor, a motor support (11), and a control module support (23) forming a bearing support for the motor. According to the invention, the motor support (11) and the control module support (23) each comprise at least one fixing zone, the fixing zones being able to cooperate with one another for the assembly of the motor support (11) with the control module support (23), according to at least two different positions of the motor support (11) relative to the control module support (23).

Abstract: A vacuum extraction apparatus comprises a base having a first end and a second end, a tank assembly having a first end and a second end, a fluid pump operable to draw fluid from a first tank of the tank assembly and distribute the fluid to a fluid port, a heating unit operable to control a temperature of the fluid, and one or more vacuum units operable to decrease a pressure level within a second tank of the tank assembly. The second end of the tank assembly is rotatably coupled to the second end of the base, thereby providing access to an internal chamber of the base.

Abstract: An isolation switch driver includes a control circuit to control conduction of an isolation switch and a voltage monitor circuit to monitor a control voltage coupled to the isolation switch and to generate a fault indication if the control voltage is less than a predetermined threshold. The isolator driver can drive an isolation switch coupled between a bridge network and a motor in a motor control system. The monitor circuit can monitor a voltage between a gate terminal and a source terminal of the isolation switch and include a resistive element coupled between the gate terminal and the source terminal to generate a current proportional to the VGS voltage, a current mirror to shift a level of the current to a reference potential, and a comparator to compare the level-shifted current to a threshold current.

Abstract: An intelligent door lock system has a position sensing device configured to be coupled to a drive shaft of a lock device. The position sensing device senses position of the drive shaft to assist in locking and unlocking a lock of a lock device. An engine with a memory is coupled to the positioning sensing device and to a circuit. A faceplate and a ring, in at least a partial surrounding relationship to the faceplate, are provided. The faceplate and the ring define a cavity where at least a portion of a lock of the lock device resides. At least one of the ring and the faceplate is electrically isolated from the circuit. An energy source is coupled to the circuit. A device converts energy into mechanical energy is coupled to the circuit, positioning sensing device and the drive shaft. The device that converts energy is coupled to the energy source to receive energy from the energy source.

Abstract: An intelligent door lock system includes a position sensing device configured to be coupled to a drive shaft of a lock device. The position sensing device senses position of the drive shaft to assist in locking and unlocking a lock of a lock device. An engine with a memory is coupled to the positioning sensing device. The engine in operation processes information regarding an amount of friction experienced by a door or lock device when being opened and/or closed. A circuit is coupled to the engine and an energy source. A device converts energy into mechanical energy is coupled to the circuit, positioning sensing device and the drive shaft. The device that converts energy is coupled to the energy source to receive energy from the energy source.

Abstract: A base for a food mixer includes a body in which a motor is mounted. The base further includes a control unit having a first touch control panel and a processor. The first touch control panel is mounted to a first side of the body. The first touch control panel includes a sliding section. A finger of a user is adapted to slide from an end towards the other end of the sliding section, producing a sliding signal indicative of a sliding distance and a sliding direction of the finger of the user. The processor is in direct or indirect electrical connection with the motor and the first touch control panel. The processor receives the sliding signal and includes a motor control program. The processor changes a speed of the motor according to the sliding signal due to sliding of the finger of the user alone the sliding section.

Abstract: A control device for an electrically driven door is provided that can enhance the sensitivity of detection of a door pinch state and that can prevent a passenger from being pressed when the door pinch state occurs. The control device includes a driving force instruction value producing unit that outputs a driving force instruction value of the electrically driven door, a state observing unit that estimates a mechanical resistant force to a door driving system, a reference model that determines a dynamic characteristic of the electrically driven door to the mechanical resistant force estimated by the state observing unit, a gain compensator that computes a control compensation value that makes an output of the reference model coincide with an actual speed of the electrically driven door; and an adder that adds the control compensation value computed by the gain compensator to the driving force instruction value.

Abstract: A method of controlling the motion of a moveable door includes determining the direction that the door is moving with respect to its anticipated closed position, and based on the direction, regulating an amount of force that is available to the door for its motion. The method may further include monitoring the position of the door as it is moving, and adjusting the motion of the door and regulating the amount of force available to the door for its motion, based on the calculated difference between the door's position as detected during monitoring and its expected position.

Abstract: A first operator control function is activated if it is detected by means of a first sensor that a first physical variable is higher than a predetermined first threshold value. In a similar way, a second operator control function is activated if it is detected by means of a second sensor that a second physical variable is higher than a predetermined second threshold value. A third operator control function is activated if it is detected by means of the first sensor that the first physical variable is higher than a predetermined third threshold value and if at the same time it is detected by means of the second sensor that the second physical variable is higher than a predetermined fourth threshold value, the third threshold value being higher than the first threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a start-up circuit for a motor driving IC. The activation circuit includes a determination unit, for generating a determination result indicating an operating mode of the motor driving IC according to an external pulse width modulation signal, and an output unit, for outputting an activation signal according to the determination result and a pulse width modulation activation signal. A duty of the pulse width modulation activation signal is greater than a duty of the external pulse width modulation signal.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided in one example embodiment and includes a power management module configured to receive data associated with travel being proposed by an end user of an electric vehicle. The power management module is configured to suggest a starting time for the travel based on time of use (ToU) rates for electricity consumption and a current level of power in the electric vehicle. In more specific embodiments, the data associated with the travel includes a starting location, an ending location, and a proposed drive time. In other embodiments, the power management module is further configured to interface with a mapping tool in suggesting the starting time for the end user. The power management module can be configured to obtain the ToU rates from a utility, and the ToU rates are provided as a function of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door drive, in particular a garage door drive, with a door control and with a programming unit for programming the door control during operation and/or maintenance of the door drive. In accordance with the invention, the programming unit is configured as an external device, wherein for operation and/or maintenance of the door drive a data transmission connection can be established between the programming unit and the door control.

Abstract: A headlamp in an automobile, which is rotatable about a yaw axis when negotiating a bend, has a controller for controlling the rotary movement. In order to improve the illumination of a roadway lying in front of an automobile, the controller may take into account a driving profile.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for improving cooling fan operation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cooling fan's speed is maximized by adjusting a PWM signal driving the fan to change the switching point of the fan motor. In another embodiment, a method for starting a low speed cooling fan by incrementally increasing the amplitude of the PWM signal applied to the fan is disclosed. In a further embodiment, a method for controlling a fan and a fan sensor is disclosed. In this embodiment, a PWM signal is generated, a fan is driven using the PWM signal, a cycle of the PWM signal is modified, and the fan sensors is driven using the PWM signal during the cycle. In a further embodiment, a fan incorporating these improvements is disclosed.

Abstract: A control device for an electrically driven door is provided that can enhance the sensitivity of detection of a door pinch state and that can prevent a passenger from being pressed when the door pinch state occurs. The control device includes a driving force instruction value producing unit that outputs a driving force instruction value of the electrically driven door, a state observing unit that estimates a mechanical resistant force to a door driving system, a reference model that determines a dynamic characteristic of the electrically driven door to the mechanical resistant force estimated by the state observing unit, a gain compensator that computes a control compensation value that makes an output of the reference model coincide with an actual speed of the electrically driven door; and an adder that adds the control compensation value computed by the gain compensator to the driving force instruction value outputted by the driving force instruction value producing unit.

Abstract: A control circuit for a motor includes a voltage regulator having a thermal shutdown apparatus that turns off the voltage regulator while retaining power to a micro-controller preventing an automatic restart of the motor absent a recycling of power when the temperature of the control circuit rises above a pre-determined threshold level, wherein the voltage regulator is used to provide power to a plurality of insulated gate bipolar transistors controlling a plurality of stator windings of the motor. Thus the voltage regulator prevents the control circuit and the various components on the control circuit from being damaged from overheating. An embodiment of the control circuit is adapted to generate an error code in response to the shutdown of the voltage regulator and to monitor the operation of the motor to ensure that the motor has been turned off and then on before turning on the power supply to a plurality of phase windings.

Abstract: A method of accurately maintaining, in position registers of memory modules, a net count of rotor signals received from a motor equipped with a rotor position sensor. A vehicle apparatus includes the memory modules and motor, as well as a driven component and processors that: (a) adjust the net count while the motor is driven; (b) monitor for, and terminate power upon encounter of, a mechanical stop; and (c) correct the net count for rotor signals received thereafter. Storage media and memory modules are encoded with processor instructions and processor-readable code that, when executed by processors, cause them to perform the method.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for determining the after-run voltage of a direct current motor which is operated via cycled control. In normal operation the direct current motor is controlled via PWM control and a first specifiable pulse/no-pulse ratio. An evaluation unit is provided for determining an after-run voltage variable which is representative of the after-run voltage of the motor. Furthermore, for determining the after-run voltage variable the direct current motor is controlled via a specifiable, variable second pulse/no-pulse ratio.

Abstract: A method of operating a direct current motor fan assembly is provided in which a motor controller operates to apply full power to kick-start a motor to overcome static forces. As soon as a sensor determines that the motor has begun to rotate, the motor controller changes the motor drive level from full power to a predetermined lower level to maintain a desired rotational speed.

Abstract: A motor control device includes a recording module and a controlling module. The recording module has a revolution speed table recording a plurality of predetermined revolution speed values. The controlling module receives a reference revolution speed control signal and measures the reference revolution speed control signal to correspondingly generate a reference measuring value. The recording module records the reference measuring value corresponding to one of the predetermined revolution speed values in the revolution speed table.

Abstract: Towel dispensing methods and automatic towel dispensers permitting conservation of the overall amount of towel dispensed. The towel dispensing methods and towel dispensers limit the amount of towel dispensed in dispense cycles which occur shortly after an initial dispense cycle. The user is provided with sufficient towel to meet the user's needs while reducing overall towel usage and limiting towel waste.

Abstract: A panel member control system for controlling a panel member includes a motor, a rotation detecting means, and a pinching detecting means. The rotation detecting means detects a rotational speed of the motor. The pinching detecting means detects an occurrence of pinching of an object by the panel member when a pinching indicative value exceeds a pinching determination threshold. The pinching detecting means includes a disturbance detecting means and a correcting means. The disturbance detecting means determines whether the motor is in a disturbed state based on a change in the rotational speed. The correcting means corrects the pinching determination threshold in view of a result of the determination made by the disturbance detecting means.

Abstract: An emitting direction control apparatus for a lamp is provided with: a driver for deflecting an emitting direction for a lamp; and a controller that control the driver to perform a deflection. The controller includes an initialization function, for setting, at an initial position, a stepping motor that serves as a driving source for the driver. The initialization function detects a first current positional angle for the stepping motor; when the first current positional angle is greater than a reference angle, rotates the stepping motor in a bumping direction at a high speed until the reference angle is reached; after the reference angle has been reached, rotates the stepping motor to a bumped position an initial number of steps at a low speed; and after the bumped position has been reached, rotates the stepping motor in the reverse direction a predetermined number of steps and sets the stepping motor in the initial position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a switching device system including at least one switching device, signal means and control means. Each switching device includes at least one mobile contact part, an electric motor and, coupling means. The coupling means is arranged to transfer motion from the electric motor to the mobile contact part. The control means is arranged to control the switching device. According to the invention the control means is at least partly remotely located from the switching device. The signal means transmit signals from the switching device to the remotely located control means and vice/versa. The signals represent real-time data and/or off-line data. The invention concerns also a switching device, control means and methods related to the invented system as well as computer program products for such system and electric power system being provided with such system.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring a stationary condition of a drive device, a monitoring device provides the drive device with a temporally varying monitoring signal which, when a sensor device connected to the drive device functions properly, modulates a sensor output signal of the sensor device in accordance with the monitoring input signal. The monitoring device receives the sensor signal and monitors it for the presence of a corresponding signal component. In the absence of such a signal component, the monitoring device controls a safety device which converts the drive device into a safe state. When the drive device is controlled by means of at least two phase-shifted current regulators, it is possible for the monitoring device to monitor an output signal of at least one of the current regulators for constancy and to control the safety device when the output signal of the at least one current regulator changes.

Abstract: In a storage device, a BEMF control is not performed on a motor and the motor is stopped if the motor is in a BEMF-control possible state. Once the motor has completely stopped, a start-up control is performed on the motor.

Abstract: In an anti-crease operation incorporated after the program sections wash and spin to loosen laundry in the drum, the user should be offered the possibility of being able to actively influence this operation. For selecting the adjustable parameters for the duration and sequence of the anti-crease program the user is supported by a display and can depart upward or downward from predetermined values dependent on type or textile and loading after checking for compatibility. The detachment of the laundry ring at the inner wall of the drum can be monitored by measuring valid variables of state as a criterion for loosened and disentangled laundry at the beginning of the anti-crease operation in the reversing phases and comparing these with desired data which were determined in a short analysis section installed before the beginning of the actual wash program. As a result, errors in identifying a laundry ring can be largely avoided.

Abstract: A method of operating a direct current motor fan assembly is provided in which a motor controller operates to apply full power to kick-start a motor to overcome static forces. As soon as a sensor determines that the motor has begun to rotate, the motor controller changes the motor drive level from full power to a predetermined lower level to maintain a desired rotational speed.

Abstract: A control circuit for a motor includes a voltage regulator having a thermal shutdown apparatus that turns off the voltage regulator when the temperature of the control circuit rises above a pre-determined threshold level, wherein the voltage regulator is used to provide power to a plurality of insulated gate bipolar transistors controlling a plurality of stator windings of the motor. Thus the voltage regulator prevents the control circuit and the various components on the control circuit from being damaged from overheating. An embodiment of the control circuit is adapted to generate an error code in response to the shutdown of the voltage regulator and to monitor the operation of the motor to ensure that the motor has been turned off and then on before turning on the power supply to a plurality of phase windings.

Abstract: A barrier operator comprises a first measuring apparatus for measuring a current used by a direct current (dc) motor to move a barrier and a second measuring apparatus for measuring a generated voltage of the dc motor. A controller is coupled to the first measuring apparatus and the second measuring apparatus. The controller is programmed to calculate a torque of the dc motor by using the current and to determine when an obstruction exists in the path of the barrier based upon the calculated torque.

Abstract: In a motor control apparatus in which a higher voltage is directly applied to a driving unit for a motor from a battery and a lower voltage stepped down by a switching regulator from the battery is also supplied to a control unit, the switching regulator is started its switching by a starting signal supplied from the outside of the motor control apparatus and is stopped its switching by the first stopping signal from the outside of a motor control apparatus and the second stopping signal derived from the control unit.

Abstract: In a storage device, a BEMF control is not performed on a motor and the motor is stopped if the motor is in a BEMF-control possible state. Once the motor has completely stopped, a start-up control is performed on the motor.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator system includes a motorized operator which moves a barrier between limit positions, and a photo-electric safety system connected to the motorized operator. The photo-electric safety system monitors for obstructions at more than one height along the barrier's path between limit positions. This is done by installing a supplemental photo-electric safety system to work in conjunction with a pre-existing photo-electric safety system connected to the motorized barrier operator.

Abstract: It is disclosed the motor stop control device having the stepping motor 49 as the drive source of the reel 3 on which a plurality of symbols are formed, the motor stop control device being utilized in the reel-type gaming machine 1 and stopping the stepping motor 49 corresponding to the stop instruction from an external. When the stop instruction of the stepping motor 49 occurs based on the instruction from an external, the main CPU 31 drops the voltage value added to the stepping motor which is rotating at the constant speed to the voltage value lower than such voltage value and executes the stop process of the stepping motor 49 by 2-phase excitation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for compensating for a speed error of a motor which can reduce a speed ripple of the motor resulting from load characteristics, and which also can reduce vibrations and noises. The apparatus for compensating for the speed error of the motor divides a rotational section corresponding to one complete revolution of a rotor of the motor into a plurality of preset rotational sections, determines a speed compensation value in each divided rotational section on the basis of a difference value between a reference speed and a previous estimated speed, and compensates for the speed error of the motor on the basis of the speed compensation value.

Abstract: A system includes a motor for producing motion when current is supplied to the motor and a motor controller coupled to the motor for receiving a motor current signal indicative of the current supplied to the motor. The motor controller has an analog-to-digital converter for converting the motor current signal to a sampled motor current signal. The motor controller is operable to detect pulses in the sampled motor current signal, count the detected pulses to generate a first pulse count, and determine a run parameter for the motor based on the first pulse count. A method for controlling a motor includes counting a first plurality of pulses in a motor current signal produced while the motor is activated to generate a first pulse count. A second plurality of pulses is counted in the motor current signal produced while the motor is deactivated to generate a second pulse count. A run parameter for the motor is determined based on the first and second pulse counts.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for precisely controlling the rotation speed of a spindle motor in an optical system according to a given condition are provided. The method involves counting in response to a clock signal widths of first and second logic states of an input signal, which varies with rotation speed of the spindle motor, when an operation control command is issued, comparing a predetermined reference value with a count value for one check cycle, and outputting the comparison result; and controlling the constant linear velocity of the spindle motor in response to the comparison result.

Abstract: The present invention can accurately stop a reel at a target position and, at the same time, can offer a wide variety of reel stop process. A motor stop control device includes a stepping motor 70 having two pair of excitation phases as a drive source of a reel which is stopped in response to a manipulation command from the outside and displays a plurality of symbols.

Abstract: A driver monitor for a driver system. A driver monitor includes a driver monitoring unit for monitoring the fastening operation of the driver based on pre-determined fastening information. A rotation start signal and a rotation stop signal are used to determine whether the fastening operation is appropriately completed or not. An information signal is generated based on a result of monitoring. An operation processing unit outputs the result information signal from the driver monitoring unit to external peripheral apparatus and receives an operation information signal from the external peripheral apparatus in order to cooperate with the external peripheral apparatus. A display unit receives the information signal from the driver monitoring unit and displays the information signal.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock with an electromechanical central locking system drive (1) and a mechanical central locking system element (2) driven by it, the central locking system drive (1) having an electric drive motor (3) and a motor control (5) with a motor state sensor (6). The central locking system element (2) can be moved by the central locking system drive (1) at least into a locked position and the motor control (5) is designed such that it triggers the electric drive motor (3) for driving the central locking system element (2) into the locked position after receiving an actuation signal from an actuation unit, such as a closing cylinder, a locking button, a remote control receiving unit or a handle (inside door handle, outside door handle).

Abstract: A controller PWM control an opening and closing motor (16) of an opening and closing means, increases a duty ratio of the PWM control according to a given increasing rate just after starting the opening and closing motor (16), reducing the duty ratio to a given value by detecting a start of the open close body, and keeping the given value of the duty ratio for a given period.

Abstract: In an electronic system, motor braking is accomplished by applying direct current (DC) voltage, developed across a capacitive element during a run mode operation, across terminals of an alternating current (AC) or an induction motor. While the motor is ON, i.e. during the run mode operation, a diode rectifies an AC input voltage applied across a capacitor for charging thereof. Resistive elements in series with the capacitor control a charging rate thereof. When a relay or switch flips over to a STOP or OFF mode, i.e. a braking mode operation, all of the stored DC voltage, which was charged across the capacitor during the run mode operation, is dropped across a coil of the motor. This DC voltage creates an electric force applied to stop quickly and efficiently the motor shaft rotation. In preferred embodiments of the invention, it was found that the higher the capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor, the faster and more efficient the stopping action will be for the motor.