Abstract: A ventilation assembly for a motor vehicle comprising first and second motor fan units (1, 2) and a control device (5) adapted to vary the ventilation power (P1+2) developed by the assembly formed by the two motor fan units according to a desired total power value (PTC). The control device (5) comprises an electric power variator (7) with continuous power variation, connected to the first motor fan unit (1), and a means for cutting-off the supply of the second motor fan unit (2), the power (P2) developed by the said second motor fan unit (2) being either zero or equal to its maximum operating power (PM2).

Abstract: A washing machine motor drive device drives a motor using an inverter circuit, which implements a constant torque control through a change in the torque-revolution speed characteristic of the motor. This facilitates an easy control of braking torque (negative torque), thereby providing a maximized braking torque. An easy control of regenerative energy is also provided, and back electromotive force is consumed by the internal resistance of the motor. Practically described, DC power of a rectifier circuit connected to an alternating current source is converted by an inverter circuit into AC power for driving the motor for operating an agitator or a washing/spinning tub. Motor rotor position is detected by rotor position detector, motor current is detected by current detector, and a control device controls the inverter circuit for resolving the motor current into a current component corresponding to magnetic flux and a current component corresponding to torque.

Abstract: A permanent magnet motor includes salient pole stator cores. The poles and/or linking portions therebetween are wound with a plurality of winding coil sets. Mutually exclusive speed ranges are established between startup and a maximum speed at which the motor can be expected to operate. A different number of the motor stator winding coils are designated to be energized for each speed range for maximum operating efficiency. The number of energized coils are changed dynamically as the speed crosses a threshold between adjacent speed ranges.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling an electric motor driving a body in translation between an initial position and a final position determined by a stop, by powering the motor with reduced voltage in the final position approach phase. The motor has a torque/speed characteristic such that the torque at null speed decreases with the supply voltage. As the approach phase starts, the method consists in determining a reduced voltage by decreasing the rotational speed of the motor from a nominal value to a predetermined reduced value and in cutting the motor power supply if the motor rotational speed drops below a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: The stop positions of start and end points for a slider are set by positionally adjusting a stopper and/or a stopper. The distance that the slider has traveled is learned according to a command from a control console in response to a manipulation of a learning manipulation element, and at least one of a speed and an acceleration is set by a speed regulator and an acceleration regulator. The control console outputs a drive signal to a motor based on at least one of the set speed in constant-speed movement of the slider and the set acceleration of accelerated movement of the slider and the learned distance that the slider has traveled, thereby moving the slider. For moving the slider to the start point or the end point, the control console controls the slider to move at a speed lower than the speed in constant-speed movement, and positions the slider at the start point or the end point.

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 system and method for selectively controlling an electrical component is claimed. The system contains an audio detector, such as a microphone, that receives sound energy and converts the sound energy into a corresponding electrical signal. The content of the sound energy is irrelevant. Rather, it is the volume of the sound energy that is to be represented by the electrical signal. To produce an electrical signal that corresponds to noise volume, the amplitude of the electrical signal is amplified. The amplified signal is then rectified and filtered, thereby producing a D/C electrical signal that is representative of the volume of the sound energy detected. The D/C electrical signal is used to selectively regulate a current flow controller. The current flow controller controls the flow of current to the electronic component.

Abstract: To minimize the energy required for operation of a rail vehicle, in a drive system that has an intermediate circuit converter 1 and a three-phase motor 7 fed by it, the intermediate circuit voltage in the intermediate circuit 12 and/or the magnetic flux in the drive motor 7 are optimized to correspond to the actual operating requirements, including, if necessary, the energy expenditure for the auxiliaries 9 that are provided to cool the components.

Abstract: The present invention herein relates to a driving control apparatus of motorized scooter comprised of battery, driving unit, and motor, characterized in which the driving unit consists of at least a relay, a start-up and protective circuit, an under-voltage protective circuit, a power switch and speed control circuit, and a braking unit, that when the power switch and speed control circuit are on, and the relay is open, user may push the wheels of the scooter manually to drive the motor; when a set speed is reached and the relay is closed, the motor is driven directly, controlling the speed of the scooter, in addition, when the speed of the scooter is below a certain rate, the relay will be opened to stop the motor; at this time, the user may restart the motor by pushing the wheels of the scooter manually to move the scooter forward.

Abstract: A motor operator for an overhead power switch is disclosed including a microcontroller, a unique and powerful array of well-integrated sensors, a motor and drive developing substantial torque and speed and coupled to a switch actuator and responsive to the microcontroller, and a sophisticated program algorithm stored in memory at the actuator site for dynamically controlling, i.e., governing the various control modes as called for by changing conditions. The sensors include an encoder associated with the motor and drive that develops position information signals fed to the dynamic microcontroller to compute real time information including position, speed, and stopping distance used in conjunction with remote operate commands to open, close and monitor status of the switch in the various ways disclosed.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement with a digital controller for operating an electric motor and a method for starting an electric motor are disclosed. Electric motors require a considerably higher current immediately after they have been switched on and during the running-up phase because of the inductance of the motor windings. In order to increase the control sensitivity of the controller for the normal operation, the control range of a digital controller is switched over into a higher current range for the running-up phase. For the normal operation of the motor, the control range of the controller is switched back again into a lower current range. As a result, the control sensitivity of the controller is completely available for the normal operation of the motor.

Abstract: A motor operator for an overhead power switch is disclosed including a microcontroller, a unique and powerful array of well-integrated sensors, a motor and drive developing substantial torque and speed and coupled to a switch actuator and responsive to the microcontroller, and a sophisticated program algorithm stored in memory at the actuator site for dynamically controlling, i.e., governing the various control modes as called for by changing conditions. The sensors include an encoder associated with the motor and drive that develops position information signals fed to the dynamic microcontroller to compute real time information including position, speed, and stopping distance used in conjunction with remote operate commands to open, close and monitor status of the switch in the various ways disclosed.

Abstract: A fan cooler for electric or electronic sub-assemblies having a control circuit with a control stage for controlling the speed of rotation of a fan motor connected to the control stage depending on set values. To achieve a polyvalent operation with a simple design, the fan motor is a phase-controlled asynchronous motor, the control circuit has a microcontroller that controls the control stage, an optic coupler is connected between the control stage and the microcontroller, and the microcontroller determines the operating angle for controlling the fan motor on the basis of the set values and the zero crossing of a control signal.

Abstract: A motor operator for an overhead power switch is disclosed including a microcontroller, a unique and powerful array of well-integrated sensors, a motor and drive developing substantial torque and speed and coupled to a switch actuator and responsive to the microcontroller, and a sophisticated program algorithm stored in memory at the actuator site for dynamically controlling, i.e., governing the various control modes as called for by changing conditions. The sensors include an encoder associated with the motor and drive that develops position information signals fed to the dynamic microcontroller to compute real time information including position, speed, and stopping distance used in conjunction with remote operate commands to open, close and monitor status of the switch in the various ways disclosed.

Abstract: A motor driver has a braking control circuit. The braking control circuit shuts off the supply of an electric current to the coils included in the motor when a motor control signal shifts to a predetermined level and, after a predetermined length of time secured in accordance with an index signal, starts application of braking to the rotation of the motor by the use of a braking circuit. The index signal is obtained from the signal that indicates the rotational position of the motor. The motor control signal is fed from a control signal generating circuit to the braking control circuit.

Abstract: A power window apparatus is provided for detecting pinching in accordance with the opened/closed position of the window and a state of rotation of a motor, the apparatus having a position sensor which detects a safety-control suspension region of the window and which is an accurate sensor. A spiral guide groove is formed in the inner surface of a housing opposite to a rotational plate which is rotated by an output shaft of a motor which opens/closes a window. A follower which is guided by the spiral guide groove is able to move along a straight guide groove provided for the rotational plate in the radial direction. Terminals in the form of conductive films are provided for a printed circuit board accommodated in the housing. When the rotational plate has been rotated, the follower is guided by the spiral guide groove so as to be moved in the straight guide groove. Thus, a slide member provided for the follower is brought into contact with the terminals so that the terminals are conducted with each other.

Abstract: A power steering apparatus is provided, which is adapted to generate a steering assist force by a hydraulic pressure of a pump driven by an electric motor. The apparatus includes: a vehicle speed sensor for sensing a vehicle speed; and a control circuit for switching a control mode between an assist mode in which a first voltage V1 is applied to the electric motor and a standby mode in which no voltage or a second voltage V2 lower than the first voltage V1 is applied to the electric motor. The control circuit includes a threshold computation circuit for determining a threshold of a predetermined physical quantity (motor current or steering angle) as a function of the vehicle speed V sensed by the vehicle sensor, and comparison means for comparing a level of the physical quantity with the threshold determined by the threshold computation circuit. The control mode is switched from the assist mode to the standby mode on the basis of a comparison result obtained by the comparison means.

Abstract: One end of a toothed cable is connected to a rear door of a vehicle. The toothed cable moves forward and backward, thus opening and closing the rear door. A drive motor imparts a moving force to the toothed cable. An electromagnetic clutch connects the drive motor to the toothed cable and disconnects the drive motor from the toothed cable. A speed sensor detects the movement of the toothed cable when the electromagnetic clutch is set to a disconnected state. A control unit sets the electromagnetic clutch to a connected state when the movement of the toothed cable is detected and actuates the drive motor to allow the toothed cable to move in the same direction at that in which the toothed cable is moving. When the completely opened or closed rear door is moved to some extent in a closing direction or an opening direction by an operator's hands, the rear door is automatically closed or opened by the drive motor.

Abstract: A brushless AC servo motor control and modified motor to minimize the rotational acceleration and deceleration of a semiconductor wafer during processing steps where fluid is applied in a thin coating on the wafer. The control utilizes sine and cosine encoder outputs of single cycle and multiple cycle per revolution to calculate motor shaft position by an inverse tangent calculation of sine and cosine ratios. Resolution of motor shaft position is greatly improved as is rotational velocity control. In response to a prediction of desired shaft position in comparison with actual position the three field currents are adjusted to change the torque applied to the rotor and shaft. In the semiconductor wafer manufacturing application the motor shaft is modified to permit vacuum attachment of the wafer to the disc that rotates with the shaft.

Abstract: A brushless DC motor drive is disclosed which includes drive and control circuitry incorporated into an integrated drive unit. The drive circuitry includes a ground offset or signal conditioning circuit which receives command input signals from a command device and corrects for variations in ground potential between the power source and to the drive. The corrected command signal is used for closed-loop velocity control of a brushless DC motor. The signal conditioning circuit also provides a reference voltage signal for use by a controller which controls the drive circuitry. The command input signal is also applied to an energy conservation circuit. The circuit applies power to the control circuit only when the command is above a preset threshold. When the command is below the threshold level, power is interrupted to the control circuit to reduce the energy consumption of the system.

Abstract: A drill/driver (eg. an electric drill) with a screwdriver attachment, and a method of controlling the drill/driver, are described. A control circuit (30) controls the speed of rotation of the motor (38, 39) through a time delay circuit (42) and a triac (41). The control circuit (30) uses the time delay information and information inputted from a rotational speed sensor (43) to monitor the current in the motor or a parameter related at least in part to current in the motor. When a change corresponding to an increase in the rate of change of current in the motor is detected, the control circuit (30) stops the motor to provide an automatic torque control feature for a screwdriving operation.

Abstract: A disk device, such as an optical disk or magnetic disk, for a computer is mounted on the computer or inserted in a slot in the computer. The computer or host device provides a power supply for the disk device that is used to drive the disk in rotation and power the seek operation for read and write. When the disk device is in an idle mode in which the disk media is not spinning, the disk(s) must first be driven to the access speed of rotation during a spin up or start of rotation time period. The current supplied by the external main power source for the computer provides the start current for the spindle motor that drives the disk(s) in rotation. An auxiliary power source provides an additional current that is added to the current provided by the main power source to decrease the time in which the start operation is executed or to ensure start up when only a limited amount of current is available from the main power source.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disk drive information storage device having a housing and a disk means for recording and reproducing information. The disk drive information storage device utilizes a spin motor control system having a start-up control circuit which includes a counter and is programmable to accommodate for changing system parameters. The start-up control circuit does not require an external capacitor and provides stable generation of the start-up pulses. The spin motor control system also includes a BEMF commutation circuit which operates utilizing digital techniques. The BEMF commutation circuit includes first and second counters that are programmable to accommodate for changing system parameters. In one embodiment, the housing has a first external dimension of about 51 mm. In another embodiment, the disk means has a diameter in the range of from about 45 mm to about 50 mm.

Abstract: An improved rotary die cutter apparatus where an anvil roller is powered separately from the die roller. The anvil roller and one embodiment of the present invention is completely unpowered or freewheeling as soon as cardboard is fed through the rotary die cutting apparatus, and in another embodiment is driven at a compensating speed either slightly slower at the same speed as or faster than the die cutting roller to eliminate noise pollution and tolerance problems.

Abstract: A scanning device having a laser, a motor for driving a mirror arrangement for moving the beam of the laser, and a microprocessor for control purposes is provided with a system for measuring and correcting fault conditions to meet laser safety requirements. Detection devices are provided for determining whether the laser is on or off, and whether the motor is running at or above a predetermined speed. If the laser is stuck in an on condition, then the motor is left running and an error is signalled. If the motor will not operate at or above the minimum speed, the laser is maintained in an off condition and an error is signalled.

Abstract: An opening and closing mechanism for a gate which utilizes an electric motor operating through a electromagnetic clutch. The clutch is to be operated at a significantly increased voltage during the initial period of starting movement of the gate. When the gate is rolling, the voltage through the clutch is significantly decreased to a substantially lower level. During this lower level of movement even a minor amount of resistance applied to the gate will cause the gate to stop thereby avoiding injury to animals (including people) and damage to devices such as automobiles. The gate opening and closing mechanism also includes a separate direct drive mechanism which by-passes the clutch when the gate is in the completely open or the completely closed position. This separate direct drive mechanism functions as a positive lock maintaining the gate in its established completely open or completely closed position when the gate is in either of these positions.

Abstract: A multifunction switching control system includes: a sewing speed controller of a computerized sewing machine controlled in response to a voltage of a sliding terminal of a variable resistor incorporated in the controller; an invariable resistor; a first A/D converter for converting the voltage from an analog signal to a first digital signal; and a second A/D converter for converting a voltage at a fixed terminal of the variable resistor from an analog signal to a second digital signal. A switch circuit for directly connecting one terminal of the invariable resistor to the fixed terminal of the variable resistor is provided in the controller. By comparing the second digital signal with a preset value, it is determined whether or not the switch circuit is so operated. In case that the switch circuit is so operated, sewing operation other than sewing speed controls of the machine are conducted.

Abstract: Controlled movement of a motor driven pressure modulator is provided by commanding maximum current to the motor by application of system voltage resulting in the motor current initially rising rapidly to the motor stall current. The motor accelerates at a rate that is a function of the difference between the motor torque and the load torque represented by the load on the modulator. As the motor speed increases, the motor current decreases. When the motor current decreases below the stall current by a predetermined amount representing a predetermined speed of the motor, the motor current is turned off for a wait period that is based upon the time that it took for the motor speed to attain the predetermined speed. Thereafter, maximum motor current is again commanded and the cycle repeated to provide for motor speed control.

Abstract: According to a method for controlling an automatic door of the present invention, even when an accidental condition occurs due to some obstacle clogging a traveling lane of the door, the door can move at a high speed to its deceleration point so as to immediately enable a man to go through the door opening, while the door is prevented from colliding at a high speed against the obstacle repeatedly to make it possible to increase both the durability and safety of the door.

Abstract: The stator winding of a single-phase brushless DC motor with symmetrical rotor and stator air gap geometry is comprised of two serially connected relatively displaced sections energized with a source of direct current in accordance with the rotary position of the motor rotor. In the run mode, the full winding is energized; in the start mode, one of the sections is momentarily short-circuited if the initial winding energization fails to produce sufficient torque for starting.

Abstract: A sensorless control system for reliably starting a brushless DC motor even when the motor/load inertia is relatively high and even though the rotor may be rotating in the wrong direction when starting is initiated. The line-to-line generated voltages of two deenergized stator windings are compared as a given stator winding is energized. The energization is either interrupted or permitting to continue depending on the comparison. If the comparison indicates that the rotor is turning in the correct direction, the energization is continued to produce synchronous positive torque for accelerating the rotor in that direction. If the generated voltage comparison indicates that the rotor is turning in the wrong direction, the winding energization is interrupted, and the next sequential winding is energized.

Abstract: A closed loop drive system for a permanent magnet motor (12) operable in a two-phase drive mode during a start cycle and a single phase drive mode thereafter during which the start cycle is reinitiated if the back EMF generated in a sensing winding (18) falls below a reference value. The permanent magnet motor (12) is driven as a two-phase motor with an increasing frequency input during the starting cycle and after initial starting is driven as a single phase motor as long as the back EMF induced in a stator sensing winding (18) remains above a predetermined value. A restart decision circuit (20) is provided which samples the back EMF induced into the stator winding (18) not being driven during single phase operation and initiates a restart cycle if the induced back EMF during single phase operation falls below a selected reference.

Abstract: A system for orienting a rotating member includes a slow down and a stop sensor. A logic circuit receives inputs from the sensors to slow and stop the rotating member. A slow down signal must be received before a stop signal can effect the rotations. Starting is delayed to enable the motor starting circuit to go through the necessary start up sequences.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotation signal detection device for use with a circuit for driving a DC motor with brushes, the device comprises a differential amplifier for detecting a pulse signal component of a waveform of the current supplied to the motor, a circuit for shaping an output of the differential amplifier, thereby actuating a logic circuit for controlling rotation of the motor by a DC level signal obtained from said shaped waveform.

Abstract: An electronic tachometer utilizes a transducer, typically an optical encoder disc, connected to a movable mechanical element. The transducer produces a pair of triangular waves of fixed relative phase, each having slopes proportional to the velocity of the mechanical element. The triangular waves are differentiated and the resultant signals are sampled by gating pulses derived from the triangular waves themselves. The samples are combined to produce an output signal having a magnitude proportional to element speed and a polarity indicative of direction.In a combined system in which the transducer is attached to the shaft of a brushless motor, another output of the same transducer is used for commutation control of the motor stator windings. This arrangement is particularly useful in a velocity servo system, in which the tachometer output is compared with a signal indicating desired motor velocity. The comparator output is used to modify the commutation control so as to produce the desired motor velocity.

Abstract: A cooking utensil provided with a device for selecting a rotational speed of the cooking utensil such as a mixer, a device for selecting a processing time thereof and an indicating device therefor in which when one of the names of food marked upon the indicating device is selected, a rotational speed or processing time for optimum processing of ingredients of a selected food may be automatically set.