Abstract: A method and apparatus for wire feeding in an arc welding system includes a wire feed motor and a controller. The controller has an input circuit and an intermediate control signal. The input circuit includes a user selectable wire feed speed input, and the intermediate control signal is responsive to the user selectable wire feed speed input. The user selectable wire feed speed input includes a nonlinear potentiometer, that may be an arcuate, trimmed, potentiometer and provides either step or varying changes in the nonlinear first response, to produce at least two slopes or a varying slope. The intermediate control signal has a first response relative to the user selectable wire feed speed input. The wire feed speed has a second response relative to the intermediate control signal that is undesiredly nonlinear over a range. The wire feed speed has an overall response relative to the user selectable wire feed speed input.

Abstract: A motor vehicle drive system controller is adapted to automatic drive control, the engine and the transmission being among the objects of control. The power output of the motor is controlled so as to maintain either a consistent drivable mode or a consistent undrivable mode as the automatic transmission shifts gears while the vehicle is running under automatic drive control. The consistent drivable mode refers to a state where the output torque of the motor is greater than the sum of the average running resistance and the variation in the running resistance and the consistent undrivable mode refers to a state where the output torque of the motor is smaller than the difference of the average running resistance and the variation in the running resistance. The automatic drive control function is prohibited when the controller detects abnormality in the transmission.

Abstract: A vacuum pump for use in an evacuating system for a semiconductor fabrication apparatus is operated at a steady rotational speed to evacuate the semiconductor fabrication apparatus. Then, in response to a signal indicative of an operating state of the semiconductor fabrication apparatus which does not need to be evacuated, the rotational speed of the vacuum pump is reduced to an idling rotational speed, thereby to lower electric energy consumption by the vacuum pump.

Abstract: A motor operator is configured to provide local and remote operation of a power line phase switch. The motor operator has its components individually enclosed in a component enclosure and further enclosed in a main enclosure, allowing isolation and protection of the components from the environment and operators. A gear box includes a worm gear reducer submersed in oil providing a no maintenance gear train that makes continuous braking unnecessary by virtue of the inherently self-locking nature of the worm gear. The motor operator also includes a plurality of limit and auxiliary switches providing local and remote indication of switch position. The switches are each independently adjustable using cam adjustment collars. The overall configuration of the motor operator provides safe, reliable and cost effective phase switch operation.

Abstract: A compact-sized position detecting switch-combined electronic control unit disposed on the main body of an automatic transmission and used for detecting range positions chosen by a driver during a shifting operation. The control unit has a base board on which a plurality of elements are arranged, including a microcomputer containing an automatic transmission control program, and a position detecting switch whose detecting portion is connected to the microcomputer. The base board and the position detecting switch are disposed in a single case. The position detecting switch has a rotor and a plurality of non-contact sensors disposed on the base board. The microcomputer contains a learning control program for calculating and correcting any positional deviation in the rotational angle of the rotor with respect to each sensor on the basis of signals from the sensors corresponding to rotation of the rotor. Some of the elements on the base board are arranged outside the range of rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A trash enclosure includes a bay with a moveable lid and a sensor attached to the inner periphery of the bay. The moveable lid attaches to the enclosure and moves between an open position and a closed position to cover the bay. Upon detection of an object within the bay, the sensor causes the lid to open. Accordingly, the inner periphery shields the sensor to inhibit detection of objects beyond the inner periphery.

Abstract: A system and method of operating a centrifuge is disclosed. The operational parameters of the centrifuge are determined on the basis of the experimental protocol selected by the user. Parameters relevant to the particular experimental protocol are supplied by the user, while the run-time operating parameters of the centrifuge are automatically computed by the system. The centrifugal protocols contemplated in the present invention include pelleting, rate-zonal and isopycnic experiments. Depending upon the specific experimental protocol, the user must provide certain minimum information such as sedimentation rate and gradient concentrations used in the experiment. The user also must identify the rotor to be used, unless the centrifuge device is capable of identifying the rotor automatically. For unusual situations, the user may set the specific operating parameters of a centrifugal run in order to provide for customized experiments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for directing an apparatus, such as a crane bridge (1), moving on wheels along rails, which apparatus comprises a specified drive arrangement (m.sub.1, m.sub.2, m.sub.3, m.sub.4 ; k.sub.1, k.sub.2) on both sides of a roadway defined by rails (3), and which system comprises in the apparatus at least on one side of the roadway at least two successive detectors (d.sub.1, d.sub.2) in the direction of the rail (3) for measuring a lateral distance (l.sub.1, l.sub.2) of a specific part of an edge (e.sub.1, e.sub.2) of the apparatus to be driven from the rail, a control loop (CS) guiding the drive arrangements, a controller of the loop being able to direct the distance measurements (l.sub.1, l.sub.2) of the detectors (d.sub.1, d.sub.

Abstract: A motor operator is configured to provide local and remote operation of a power line phase switch. The motor operator has its components individually enclosed in a component enclosure and further enclosed in a main enclosure, allowing isolation and protection of the components from the environment and operators. A gear box includes a worm gear reducer submersed in oil providing a no maintenance gear train that makes continuous braking unnecessary by virtue of the inherently self-locking nature of the worm gear. The motor operator also includes a plurality of limit and auxiliary switches providing local and remote indication of switch position. The switches are each independently adjustable using cam adjustment collars. The overall configuration of the motor operator provides safe, reliable and cost effective phase switch operation.

Abstract: A time-based control system (10) for controlling a process incorporating external devices using a predefined response profile (13). The response profile (13) is continuously compared to the actual response of the controlled device (11). A plurality of sensor modules (24) is used to monitor the actual magnitude and direction of change of selected quantities during the process. If the response it outside the user-defined maximum allowable error, appropriate measures are taken to either correct the error, halt the process, or proceed with the process in a time-based mode. The proper response and detection of errors of the controlled device (11) is independent of load, rate, temperature and other external stimuli. The time-based control system (10) can detect errors caused by higher level equipment such as the sensor modules (24). Thus, the time-based control system (10) can detect when any portion of the time-based control system (10) or the controlled device (11) malfunctions.

Abstract: An automatic rearrangement and distribution device for telecommunication and data lines with connection terminals for exchange office and subscriber lines and a remote controllable connection device having a gripping element. To automate a re-arrangement and distribution device provided with connection blocks, the connection terminals are disposed in connection blocks radially directed relative to a central axis. The connection device is swingable in central axis, and a gripping element is disposed radially displaceably at the connection device. For connecting the rearrangement and distribution device to copper cables as well as to fiber-glass cables, without modifications being required, the control paths at blocks for fiber-glass and for copper cable applications have identical lengths.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tool change apparatus for changing the tools of a machining center, which includes a frame for mounting the tool change apparatus, a cam follower device, a cylindrically shaped moveable member fixedly connected with the cam follower device for moving a clamp device fixedly attached to the free end of the moveable member, a first cylindrically shaped cam rotatably mounted on a shaft mounted on the frame, a second cylindrically shaped cam fixedly mounted on the frame, a drive gear device for rotating the first cam, a drive cam groove formed in the side surface of the first cam for driving the cam follower device, and a guide cam groove formed in the side surface of the second cam for guiding the cam follower. The first cam is snugly fitted into the second cam which snugly fitted into the moveable member, and the drive and guide cam grooves cooperate to move the cam follower and the moveable member to a position for changing the tools when the first cam is rotated in a direction.

Abstract: A disk apparatus wherein a disk is rotated by a rotating motor, and a source power supplied to the rotating motor is monitored, which includes: a memory unit for storing an initial source voltage value before a process of a rotating motor acceleration is started; a detecting unit for periodically detecting a source voltage value related to the source power; a comparing unit for comparing the source voltage value, detected by the detecting unit during the process of the rotating motor acceleration, with the initial source voltage value stored in the memory unit, and for outputting a voltage fluctuation indicated by a difference between the source voltage value and the initial source voltage value; and a control unit for setting a quantity of the source power supplied to the rotating motor, to a smaller quantity in response to the voltage fluctuation output by the comparing unit.

Abstract: An automatic distribution device for telecommunication and datalines, comprising connection terminals for exchange and subscriber cables and comprising a remotely controllable connection device with a grip element. In order to automate a distribution device provided with terminal blocks, the connection terminals are disposed in terminal blocks oriented radially to a central axis, the connection device is pivotably supported in the central axis and the grip element can radially be swung out from the connection device.

Abstract: A device (10) is disclosed including a discharge unit (54) having a vertical conveyor (56) formed by a pair of vertically arranged belts (58) each including circumferentially spaced shelves (60) defining a plurality of evenly spaced flights. A diverting conveyor (16) is pivotally mounted about its infeed end so that its outfeed end can be moved to be synchronous with one of the flights of the discharge unit (54) or to an overflow position. In particular, a servo motor (50) pivots the diverting conveyor (16) under the control of a controller (74) depending upon whether product is detected by a sensor (52) in the diverting conveyor (16), upon the rate that the flights of the discharge unit (54) are moving, and upon the pivotal position of the diverting conveyor (16). The device (10) is then able to place products which are fed to the diverting conveyor (16) with random spacing into the flights without bumping or bunching the products together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for animating motor-driven puppets includes drive units for individual parts or segments of the puppets, a manual input control system for controlling the drive units and generating control signals, and a computer having a memory in which the control signals can be stored for controlling the drive units. Further sub-control signals are superimposed on the control signals for modifying them in order to refine the movements and expressions of the puppet and to generate automatically controlled sequences of movements which form expressions and lifelike behaviors. Certain behaviors and expressions can be pre-stored for superpositioning on the movements of the puppet during a performance.

Abstract: A zoning circulator for circulating fluid within a zone in a hydronic heating or cooling system includes a zoning circulator controller including a speed regulating circuit for controlling the speed of a circulator motor. The circulator controller also includes an override circuit for operating the circulator at a high speed, high starting torque for several seconds to overcome frictional resistances between the moving parts of the motor and then tapers down to the speed established by the speed regulating circuit.

Abstract: A security device for a cart wheel utilizing a housing which is mounted to the cart in the vicinity of the wheel. A locking element supported to the housing and is selectively movable into positions engaging the cart wheel or being disengaged from the cart wheel. A motor is employed to move the element in such reciprocal motion and is operated by a controller. The controller includes a counter to determine the number of revolutions completed by the wheel, and a trigger for starting the motor upon receipt of a signal from the counter representing a preselected number of revolutions completed by the wheel.

Abstract: An automatic honing apparatus for honing the internal surface of a cylindrical member has a wheel member for tightening the honing stones against the internal surface. A brake assembly is associated with the wheel member, and when activated contacts the wheel member and when de-activated releases the wheel member. A sensing device detects the load on a first motor and activates or de-activates the brake assembly in response to preset motor load values. As the load on the first motor increases and decreases, the sensing device cycles the brake on and off to tighten the honing stones. A second motor drives a carriage assembly forward and backward to run the honing stones in and out of the cylindrical member to hone the entire internal surface of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A tool magazine for use with an automatic machine tool comprising a housing for removably storing tools, a rotatable tool holding disk for rotatingly switching one of the tools between a first position and a second position, the tool holding disk being rotatably supported inside the housing by a shaft about a first axis, and a cam type tool magazine mechanism disposed inside the housing for indexingly rotating the tool holding disk.

Abstract: A portable motorized system of pulleys and cable which moves a three dimensional, or conventional target around a predetermined path. The purpose of this system is to simulate, through movement, the actions of an animal during hunting conditions. This system allows the user, to shoot at a target which moves and changes directions, while standing in one place. The system is suspended by attaching screwhooks into fixed objects such as trees, poles, buildings etc. A motor assembly which is attached to one of the supports turns a drive pulley. The cable and target are moved through a series of idler pulleys, by the drive pulley, around a closed circuit. A hand operated ratchet is utilized at another support location to apply tension to the system. The tension causes the system to be fully suspended from the supports. The motor is powered by a twelve volt battery, a switch and fuse are also incorporated.

Abstract: An electrical adjustment device, in particular an electrical chain transfer device for bicycles is disclosed, comprising an adjusting element, a drive device for the adjusting element, a control unit for controlling the drive device and a presetting device connected with the control unit for presetting a plurality of set values, where each of these set values corresponds to an operational position of the adjusting element. In the adjustment device of the invention the adjusting element can be moved into respectively one set position corresponding to a desired operational position for fixing or, if required, correcting of the set values, and the resulting instantaneous value can be stored in the presetting device as the new set value.

Abstract: A device for at least partially driving a vehicle, such as a golf buggy, a trolley, or a parcel carrier, which is adapted to be pushed or pulled by an operator in a forward or a reverse direction. The device comprises a wheel adapted to rotate about an axle of the vehicle, the wheel having an internal chamber; and an electromagnetic assembly located in the chamber operable to provide drive for the vehicle.

Abstract: A power window system for a four window vehicle has a console module positioned proximate the front seats of the vehicle, which console module has operating switches for the front windows and a mode selection switch thereon. The rear windows are normally operated by a pair of rear window operating switches disposed proximate the rear windows. When the mode selection switch is in the first position, front operating switches operate the front windows and the rear operating switches operate the rear windows. When the mode selection switch is in the second position, the rear operating switches are disabled and the front operating switches operate only the front windows. When the mode selection switch is in the third position, the front operating switches operate only the rear windows. An array of indicator lights is provided on the module to indicate which switches are active and what function they perform.

Abstract: A head equipment comprises a component such as a helmet connectable to the head of a wearer and movable by the wearer in a limited field, with at least five degrees of freedom. It comprises an arm constituted by articulated segments giving the component at least five degrees of freedom with respect to the fixed structure and linking the component to a fixed structure.

Abstract: In a device for the controlled rotation of a door mirror between an operative position and a rest position, comprising elastic means to retain and position the mirror on a fixed base as well as at least an electric motor actuating the rotation of the movable portion of said door mirror, means are provided to detect the operative position only of said mirror and consequently enable the operation of said electric motor.

Abstract: A rotating drive device capable of exhibiting a variety of applications and/or diversities and being easily assembled. The rotating drive device includes a drive mechanism unit and a transmission mechanism unit operatively connected to the drive mechanism unit. The drive mechanism unit includes a casing, in which a power supply, a sensor and a motor are arranged. The drive mechanism unit also includes an output shaft which is operatively connected to the motor and through which the transmission mechanism unit is connected to the drive mechanism unit. The motor is electrically connected to the power supply and sensor so as to be actuated when the sensor detects an external stimulus. The transmission mechanism unit includes an input section operatively connected to the output shaft of the drive mechanism unit to transmit the drive force of the drive mechanism unit to the transmission mechanism unit and a plurality of output sections for transmitting the power of the transmission mechanism unit to the exterior.

Abstract: A centrifuge instrument has a vacuum pump responsive to a rotor recognition arrangement. The pump is operative to provide a predetermined pressure level in the chamber compatible with which one of a plurality of rotors is mounted within the chamber. The requested angular velocity can also be used to control the pressure level in the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of protecting a centrifuge from rotor overspeed and resultant mishap by computation of the rotor moment of inertia is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, a centrifuge is driven by a rotor mounted on a shaft which shaft is in turn driven by a constant current motor. A tachometer for detecting angular velocity of the drive shaft is used. A desired and ultimate centrifuge operating speed is selected by the operator. The times at which the rotor passes through discrete speeds are recorded and from the time difference the moment of inertia is computed. The moment of inertia can thereafter be utilized to discretely identify or "finger print" rotors to disqualify certain rotors from use in particular centrifuge protocols and establish gross limits of centrifuge operating speed.

Abstract: A motor control for a refrigeration apparatus having a cabinet, a door to the cabinet, a source of ice pieces located in the cabinet, means located in the door for dispensing the ice pieces, a power source having a supply terminal and a ground, a motor and means responsive to operation of the motor for delivering the ice pieces from the source of the ice pieces to the dispensing means, the motor control comprising means for energizing the motor, an actuable ice command switch generating an ice command signal for requesting delivery of the ice pieces from the source to the dispensing means, a processor having an input terminal coupled to the ice command switch and an output terminal, the processor generating a transistor command signal in response to the ice command signal, and a transistor having a control electrode coupled to the output terminal and first and second main current electrodes, wherein the processor output terminal is coupled to the transistor control electrode, and the motor energizing means, t

Abstract: Electronically commutated motor and control arrangements particularly adapted for use with refrigeration systems and methods of operating refrigeration systems are disclosed. In one form, a fan control means is provided for responding to temperature of a compartment being cooled by a refrigeration system; comparing the compartment temperature with a desired temperature; and varying the speed of an evaporator fan, thereby varying the movement of refrigerated air across an evaporator and into the compartment. A regulating circuit is provided for maintaining the evaporator at a reference temperature by controlling the output signal of an alternator which supplies energization power to winding stages of a brushless DC motor. By varying the energization level of the winding stages, a compressor, which is coupled to the motor, is caused to vary the flow rate of refrigerant through the evaporator so as to maintain the evaporator at the reference temperature.

Abstract: An electronic control means is utilized in an electrically actuated shift apparatus for a multi-speed axle including an electric power source and an electric motor coupled to actuate means for shifting the axle. Four Darlington pairs are connected in a bridge configuration between the power source and the armature of the motor for bi-directional operation of the motor. A manually actuatable shift lever has magnetic means attached thereto for generating magnetic shift signals to magnetically actuatable switches. The switches are connected in pairs with each pair alternately connecting a capacitor to the power source to charge and then connecting the capacitor to the input to a control Darlington pair which turns on two associated Darlington pairs of the bridge to allow current to flow through the motor for one direction of rotation.

Abstract: An electronic control means utilized in an electrically actuated shift apparatus for a multispeed axle including an electric power source and an electric motor coupled to actuate means for shifting the axle. The power source is connected to the electric motor through a shift speed control switch and a plurality of steering diodes. When the switch is actuated to select an axle speed, power is applied through one of the steering diodes to one side of the armature of the motor. Power is also applied through another of the diodes as a shift signal to a timing circuit. A first means is responsive to the shift signal for generating a first control signal for a first predetermined time. At the termination of the first control signal, the timing circuit generates a second control signal to connect the other side of the motor armature to ground thereby actuating the motor.

Abstract: A gyroscope with a solid rotor synchronous motor having three-phase square wave supply voltage is provided, and control circuitry including logic circuit components for periodically producing an amplitude modulation in the motor excitation voltage of constant frequency that results in a periodic slipping of a few degrees of the solid rotor relative to the electrical field is provided, whereby gyro drift errors varying sinusoidally in sense and magnitude in accordance with the relative rotation between field and rotor, balance out during each complete cycle of relative rotation.