Abstract: A DC motor control apparatus includes Hall effect devices each generating a pulse each time a DC motor rotates a predetermined angle. When a control circuit judges, based on the pulse signals generated by the Hall effect devices, that the rotation rate of the motor has decreased below a predetermined rate, with a command to stop the motor given, the control circuit generates a servo command signal. When the servo command signal is generated, the control signal also generates, based on the pulse signals, a rotation direction indicating signal to indicate that the motor should be driven to rotate in the opposite direction. After generating the servo command signal, the control circuit generates and holds a braking force indicating signal indicating the braking force in accordance with the actual rotation rate of the motor. A driver drives the motor in the direction indicated by the rotation direction indicating signal with a braking force indicated by the braking force indicating signal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a control circuit for controlling a load to be supplied in alternating current voltage, comprising a two-way switch capable of being controlled by phase angle, in series with the load between two terminals applying the alternating current supply, and comprising, in parallel with the switch, a first resistive element, a first capacitor and an element, in series with the first resistive element and the first capacitor, and operating, in steady state conditions, as a constant current source, the midpoint of the association in series connection of the first resistive element and the first capacitor being connected, via an element with two-way conduction automatically triggered when the voltage at its terminals exceeds a predetermined threshold, to a terminal controlling the switch.

Abstract: A starting circuit for a single phase motor having a main winding and a starting winding has a triac in series with the starting winding, and a current sense device in series with the main winding. The current sense device is a NTC resistor or current transformer with a saturable core, and puts out a single to turn on the triac during starting, and removes the triac turn on signal when the main winding energization is sufficiently high to run the motor without the starter winding itself.

Abstract: A vehicular system includes a controller and an electric motor in signal communication with the controller for receiving current and rotating at speed; while the controller includes a first function responsive to a signal indicative of the speed of the electric motor, a filter responsive to a signal indicative of the heat generation rate of the vehicular system, a second function in signal communication with the first function and the filter, and a limit calculation function in signal communication with the second function for providing a motor current limit responsive to the second function; wherein a method for controlling the vehicular system includes receiving a signal indicative of the heat generation rate of the vehicular system, receiving a signal indicative of a speed of the electric motor, providing a scale factor or an overload value in response to the received signal indicative of speed, filtering the received signal indicative of heat generation rate in correspondence with a time constant, process

Abstract: A control for a motor drive of a device that is movable, in particular, drivable, by a muscle power drive as well as, in a supporting function, the motor drive, including an apparatus, detecting kinematic parameters of the moving device and generating motor drive control signals, for adjusting a degree of support action for the muscle power drive by means of the motor drive based exclusively on the detected kinematic parameters, wherein the kinematic parameters relate to a movement component which is based on at least one of the periodic fluctuation of the exerted muscle driving power inherent in the muscle power drive and a change of the exerted muscle driving power in reaction to a certain change of the motor driving power or the motor driving speed.

Abstract: A system and method for improving transient speed response of electric motors includes a comparator that determines a difference between a current reference and an adjusted current reference generated by the electric motor drive system, and an integrator the receives and integrates the difference between the current reference and the adjusted current reference over time to yield total accumulated lost current-seconds, and outputs at least a portion of the integrated difference between the current reference and the adjusted current reference as current-seconds to be added to the current reference. The present invention keeps track of the total accumulated loss-seconds due to current rate limitations, and restores the total accumulated lost current-seconds to the system when current becomes available.

Abstract: A marine macerator switch including a comparator programmable with over and under current limits corresponding with the characteristics of a macerator drive motor. A sensing circuit senses the real time motor current and compares it with the current limits to, at respective predetermined differentials, shut the motor down. The control also includes a timer programmed to allow the motor to run for a period of time corresponding with that required for emptying of the tank.

Abstract: A combined gate drive and current sensing circuit for a 3-phase AC PWM inverter system which uses gate signal information to reconstruct complete motor phase current for providing a linear motor phase current feedback signal.

Abstract: A motor overload coil control is disclosed for use in a motor starter/relay contactor. The control includes an 8-bit, 8-pin microcontroller that together with an I/O reduction circuit, is capable of functioning 13 I/O's with only 5 I/O pins on the microcontroller. Three remote signals are prioritized and reduced on one input line to the microcontroller. The control includes three-phase current measurement from three Hall effect current sensors positioned one on each leg. The system includes current integration to provide a single current input to the microcontroller. A full load amperage (FLA) adjustment allows use on a wide range of motors. The microcontroller uses the FLA adjustment and the current signal to find an appropriate I2t value for real-time monitoring of the operating temperature of the motor. A status indicator is provided having an LED output to show the status of the system and indicate the motor temperature, when appropriate.

Abstract: A motor vehicle door lock including a diode for operating an electric motor drive in one direction of drive rotation. To minimize the electric motor turning back against the direction of drive rotation in the off state, the diode is connected in parallel to the electric motor drive which provides essentially for short circuiting of the electric motor drive when it turns back. In this way, rebound of the electric motor drive is prevented or reduced.

Abstract: A variable speed power tool may include a speed adjusting device and/or a maximum speed adjusting device for adjusting the operating speed, and a fixed operating speed switch. An operator adjustable speed adjusting device having a position maintaining mechanism also may be utilized. When manipulated by the operator, the fixed operating speed switch gives priority to the adjusted position of the speed adjusting device and adjusts the operating speed to a preset operating speed. In the alternative, a switching device and an internal integrated circuit may be utilized to adjust the operating speed to a target speed using feedback control. The switching device preferably selects a voltage corresponding to the target speed from either a voltage representative of the position of the speed adjusting device or a predetermined voltage representative of the present operating speed.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a winder, where the winding torque (Tw), during winding, is controlled as a function of the desired tractive force in the material to be wound, where during winding,

Abstract: A current detector used in a control system for controlling a motor for driving a vehicle is disclosed, which does not require an especially accurate power circuit, and an accurate measurement result can be obtained by using a cheap power circuit whose accuracy is relatively low. The current detector comprises a detector for outputting a voltage corresponding to a target current, wherein the detector has a current detecting element for detecting the target current; an amplifier for amplifying and outputting the output from the detector; an analog-digital converter for converting the output from the amplifier to a digital data; and a power circuit for supplying an output voltage to both the detector and the analog-digital converter.

Abstract: A rapid increase in motor current (di/dt above a predetermined threshold) causes the motor control system to enter pulse mode operation in-which the motor current is pulsed on and off rapidly to dislodge the workpiece obstruction or binding condition that would otherwise lead to a motor stall. When the workpiece obstruction or binding has been cleared, the motor resumes normal operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a failure of wheel speed sensors, which is capable of properly determining whether or not a wheel speed detection system including the wheel speed sensors has failed, if at least a wheel speed detected by the wheel speed sensors indicates a stopped state of a corresponding wheel. An engine rotational speed is detected, and an input-output rotational speed ratio of a torque converter of an automatic transmission mounted in the vehicle is calculated. A shift range of the automatic transmission is detected. Whether or not the vehicle is traveling is determined based on the engine rotational speed and the input-output rotational speed ratio when the automatic transmission is in a traveling range. It is determined that the wheel speed detection system including the wheel speed sensors has failed, if it is determined that the vehicle is traveling, and at the same time, at least one of wheel speed sensors indicates a stopped state of a corresponding one of the wheels.

Abstract: A controlling device for a DC motor speed variation including a power supply circuit, a pair of relays and an interlock circuit for alleviating shock arising from the initiation and termination of a DC motor operation. The controlling device protects the DC motor from catastrophic failure through a sudden variation of the armature current. The controlling device interlocks the direction of the motor rotation while simultaneously providing over current protection for the DC motor.

Abstract: A novel method is proposed for controlling the torque of a PM brushless motor with sinusoidal back-emfs without current sensors by computing the required input phase voltages with measured rotor position and speed and known machine parameters. These voltages are fed to the machine at an angle computed in terms of input parameters and the phase voltage with respect to their back-emfs so that phase currents are aligned with their back-emfs to exactly mimic the performance of the current mode controller.

Abstract: An elebike comprises a bicycle frame, at least one wheel, a transmission mechanism installed for actuating the wheel, a pedal mechanism for transforming pedal forces into pedal torque and coupling the torque to the transmission mechanism to actuate the wheel, a servo motor comprising a control port used to generate a torque according to an input voltage inputted from the control port, a coupling device for coupling the servo motor torque to the transmission mechanism to actuate the wheel, and a power control handle for outputting a handle voltage according to the rider's inputs to control the torque outputted by the servo motor.

Abstract: A motor driver for drive-controlling a brushless motor being provided with a delay circuit that detects the motor pulse. When a stop signal is inputted, a transistor is activated, which in turn activates an electric brake to brake the brushless motor, while at the same time, the motor pulse detected by the motor driver is inputted to the delay circuit. After the stop signal is inputted, the motor pulse declines, which is detected by the delay circuit to activate the electromagnetic brake. The delay circuit is provided on the driver substrate for the motor driver.

Abstract: A safety system that is used with an infant care apparatus comprising an infant platform with a planar surface for supporting the infant and a canopy that is vertically movable over the planar surface. A powered lifting mechanism operated by an electric motor causes the canopy to be selectively moved upwardly or downwardly by the user to enclose or open the space surrounding the infant. The safety system provides a continuous monitor of the torque of the motor and, when the torque exceeds a predetermined amount, the system disables the motor so that it terminates any further movement of the canopy. Thus, if the canopy encounters an obstacle in its travel upwardly or downwardly, the motor torque will increase as the motor tries to overcome that obstacle and the system will immediately disable the motor and terminate any further movement of the canopy to prevent damage to the obstacle or to the powered lifting mechanism.

Abstract: In a method for current regulation of permanently excited synchronous motors for guided missiles with an electromechanical actuating drive for the rudder, the commanded current is always guided orthogonally to the magnet-wheel flow. Further: a) from measured current of two voltage phases, a measured magnitude of a current-space pointer is determined and an error value for the current is added to a desired value of the amount via a correction regulator; and b) from measured current of two voltage phases as well as from the angle command of the current-space pointer, a measurement for the angle error is determined and added to the desired angle value via a correction regulator. The method according to the invention can be implemented with little hardware expenditure and in a compact design size, even for high rotational speeds of >10,000 min−1. Current-regulating methods used heretofore, which involve frequency response compensation in polar coordinates, cannot be used with synchronous motors, i.e.

Abstract: In a controller for a motor-driven power steering mechanism, a motor control section outputs to a drive circuit a control signal corresponding to a torque command output from a torque calculation section. A digital signal processor receives the control signal, calculates an average of values of the control signal during a predetermined period of time, and outputs the average to an anomalous-state monitor section. The anomalous-state monitor section counts the number of times the average deviates from an allowable range. When the number of times has reached a predetermined number, the anomalous-state monitor section judges that the controller has come into an anomalous-state, and outputs a control prohibition signal to the motor control section.

Abstract: An available input of to a motor controller is used to measure the motor power supply voltage. Typically, a scaled down version of the voltage is sensed. The microprocessor is used to calculate the motor control current, in that case, is then calculated from the scaled down version. A scale factor that depends upon the sensitivity of the motor current to the motor supply voltage is calculated by the microprocessor. Driving parameters in the controller are then adjusted to account for the scale factor. In a preferred embodiment, the driving parameters are PWM parameters, and the microprocessor multiplies the measured power supply voltage to obtain a scale factor that can then be multiplied by the nominal PWM values to obtain the new PWM values.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling the operation of an actuator unit, comprising the steps: a) repeatedly reading the current fed to the actuator unit, b) a first comparison wherein the readings are compared with a first maximum level and if the readings are above the maximum level the electrical power fed to the actuator unit is cut off, c) a second comparison wherein two successive readings repeatedly are compared with each other and if the differences between the readings are below a first ramp level a number a steady state condition for the current fed to the actuator unit is detected, and d) if steady state is detected setting at least one overload detection limit on basis of a steady state reading of the current fed to the actuator unit. The invention also concerns a device for carrying out the method and a conveyor incorporating the device.

Abstract: In an electric or hybrid electric vehicle, a voltage monitor (102) is directly coupled to a traction motor (38) and/or generator motor (30) to detect a permanent magnet induced voltage within the motor at a predetermined speed and no load condition (300). A controller (100) compares the detected permanent magnet induced voltage with an expected reference voltage that represents an expected permanent magnet induced voltage at full magnetization and the predetermined speed (302). The controller produces an indication of magnetization based on the reference voltage, the detected permanent magnet induced voltage, and the predetermined speed. If the indication of magnetism reaches a predetermined threshold, the motor is made inoperable and/or a current to the motor is limited to prevent damage to components (306, 308, 310, 312, 314). Preferably, a user of the vehicle is made aware of these actions by an audible and/or visual indicator (308, 314).

Abstract: A clearing method for use with a conveyor belt driven by a reversible motor for essentially automatically eliminating swarf or other obstructions along the belt including an clearing process including sensing motor load and comparing sensed load to a maximum load, when the sensed load exceeds the maximum, performing a clearing process for a predetermined time period calculated to, given the clearly process, clear the obstruction.

Abstract: A brushless DC-motor driving controller is provided which can significantly reduce torque fluctuations in the brushless DC motor. The brushless DC-motor driving controller uses a position detector, generates rotation-angle signals representing rotor-rotation angles or a part thereof in high resolution, uses the rotation-angle signals, and performs rectangular-wave driving. By using the rotation-angle signals, the brushless DC-motor driving controller compensates for electrical angles corresponding to commutation-position skews in rectangular-wave driving which are caused by armature reaction in a brushless DC-motor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to automatically reverse the motor of a dispensing gun or similar tool. The invention includes a controller that automatically reverses the direction of plunger movement and removes the plunger from contact with the back wall of a cartridge. The controller has a trigger switch that is coupled to a power source, such as a battery, and includes a main power on/off switch and a potentiometer. A protection or secondary switch is coupled in parallel to the main power on/off switch. A power supply circuit and a commutator are each coupled to the main and secondary switches. An overload sensor is coupled to the commutator. The controller includes a programmable device that is coupled to the power supply circuit, the potentiometer, the commutator, and the overload sensor.

Abstract: In conventional electric power steering apparatus, a problem exists in that whether or not there is any failure in drive inhibiting means may be erroneously judged, and that it is impossible to judge whether or not a drive inhibition signal is normal. A steering torque detected by a torque sensor and a motor current outputted by motor drive means 5 using a motor drive signal formed by CPU 13 based on the steering torque are inputted to drive inhibiting means 14. The drive inhibiting means 14 outputs a drive inhibition signal and a drive inhibition switch signal based on the relation between the inputted two signals. CPU 13 detects that there is a failure in the drive inhibiting means 14 based on the outputted signals. Upon detecting a failure, a control is conducted so that the motor current is set to 0.

Abstract: A motor torque control device of an electric vehicle sets creep torque in accordance with a vehicle speed sensed by a vehicle speed sensor, and sets acceleration torque in accordance with an accelerator control input sensed by an acceleration sensor. Then, the motor torque control device calculates a torque command value by adding the creep torque to the acceleration torque. It is therefore possible to quickly raise the acceleration torque immediately when an accelerator is operated to start the vehicle. It is also possible to prevent a sharp decrease in the torque command value since the torque command value reflects the creep torque even after the start of the vehicle.

Abstract: A starter control system is comprised of a starter motor, a control circuit for controlling the starter motor to rotate at a preliminary rotation speed that is high enough to engage a pinion with an engine for a predetermined time and low enough to suppress a harsh noise caused when the pinion engages the engine and, thereafter, at a normal rotation speed that is high enough to start the engine, and a control circuit for changing the preliminary rotation speed according to an engine temperature. The starter control system is effective to reduce noises that are caused when the engine is started by an economy-run system.

Abstract: A circuit to bypass the Zener diodes in the flyback circuit of a DC brush motor actuator which uses a voltage sensitive device to detect when the power to the motor is de-activated to control a switch that short circuits the Zener diodes.

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling an inverter used in an electric vehicle. The control system and method measures an average DC bus voltage and compares it to low voltage and high voltage thresholds defining predetermined conditions. If the voltage conditions are satisfied, the six-step mode is enabled based upon an applied torque command. Thus, if the torque command is higher than a high torque threshold, the six-step mode indefinitely enabled, and if the torque command is below the high torque threshold, the six-step mode is enabled for a limited time duration, and then disabled.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.

Abstract: A starting device for electric motors which is designed to be fitted to compressor motors or the like, and includes a PTC resistor in series with a relay inserted between the line and the motor start winding.

Abstract: In a control device (1) having an actuator (2) which can be activated manually, an arresting element (8) is used to provide haptic feedback for a rotating sensation which is associated with the selected function. This rotating sensation, for example individual latching steps, is represented visually by means of display (9) which is arranged on a rotary actuating element (3) of the actuator (2). As a result, the user is quickly provided with an overview of the avaliable, position of the actuator (2) which it is possible to set.

Abstract: A control device for a diaphragm pump to feed a filter press or similar user unit comprising a three-phase electric driving motor for the pump which is connected to a supply main via a variable-frequency converter, which frequency converter has an analogue output at which a signal will appear which corresponds to the respective motor torque, a standard r.p.m. set-point adjuster to the input of which the actual signal is provided via an inverter and in which a graph is stored which produces an interdependences between the motor torque and the speed such that if the actual-signal rates are small the graph for the speed runs along a constant maximum value and if a preset rate is reached for the actual signal it gradually declines to a minimum value, and an attenuation member for the actual signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of starting an electronically commutated DC motor including a stator having at least one winding and a rotor. The winding is excited with at least one initial start pulse having a voltage and a repetition frequency which are sufficient to ensure rotation of the rotor under a maximum load in normal operation. Back EMF generated in the winding by the rotation of the rotor is detected. If the back EMF is detected, the rotation of the motor is controlled based on the detected back EMF. If the back EMF is not detected, the voltage of the at least one initial start pulse is increased until any of (i) the back EMF is detected, (ii) a current generated in the winding by said at least one initial start pulse reaches a maximum acceptable current level, and (iii) the voltage of said at least one initial start pulse reaches a maximum acceptable voltage level. In the latest instance, supply of the at least one initial start pulse to the winding is discontinued.

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: An actuator for a driving mode shifting device. A motor having a motor shaft which outputs rotational torque according to electrified electric current. An output member, which is moved by the rotational torque, shifts drive modes according to positions thereof. A torque transmitting mechanism transmits the rotational torque from the motor shaft to the output member. A control mechanism selects drive modes and controls the electric current to energize the motor so as to provide the selected drive mode. A one-way rotational mechanism is disposed between the motor shaft and the torque transmitting mechanism for preventing the motor shaft rotating against the motor. A rotational torque absorption mechanism is disposed between the one-way rotational mechanism and the torque transmitting mechanism for absorbing the rotational torque, when the motor shaft is rotated and the output member can not be moved. A rotational angle detecting means detects the rotational angle of the motor shaft.

Abstract: A circuit for operating an electric motor (11) includes a monitoring arrangement (24) for ascertaining an increased load state of the electric motor (11). The monitoring arrangement (24) compares an rpm difference (ND) between a predetermined nominal rpm value (NSOLL) and an actual rpm value signal (NIST) with a predetermined limit value. If the limit value is exceeded, the monitoring arrangement (24) emits an overload signal (25) that reduces the nominal rpm value (NSOLL) or a control variable (SN) supplied to a drive stage (18), or drops it to zero. The circuit is particularly suited for use with a fan, in which instance the ventilator (22) cools the electric motor (11) and/or the drive stage (18).

Abstract: A method of estimating a motor torque constant including the steps of measuring a current and a speed of motor at sampling time during rotating of the motor and calculating the motor torque constant Kt* by a multiplicity of the measured current values and speed values.

Abstract: Electrical isolation method and assembly that protects a pump-off controller 31 as used for controlling the pumping of a subterranean well, from lightning and transient electrical power surges by electrically isolating the pump-off controller 31, the isolation assembly including fiber optic cables 17, 18, signal converters to convert electrical signals to optical signals 25, 33, signal converters to convert optical signals to electrical signals 32, 19 and a solar panel 35 to power the pump-off controller 31. Components of the fiber optic and control assembly may also be electrically protected from lightning and electrical power transients by including an isolation transformer 53, components to drive the isolation transformer 53, metal oxide varisters, fuses and other protection devices. Signals from the pump-off controller 31 may be used to stop/start a prime mover 45 for a pumping unit 46, or regulate the speed of the prime mover 45.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for adaptively compensating for load changes, particularly in connection with an electric motor drive which comprises a motor, the shaft of the motor being connected to a load (3) having a known moment of inertia; a device (2), such as an inverter, to control the motor, a torque controller being arranged in connection with the device; and a speed controller (1) arranged to control the speed of the motor. The method comprises steps of determining, during the load change, an estimate (Mh) for an external torque disturbance which causes load changes, and employing the torque disturbance estimate (Mh) determined during the previous load change for compensating for the external torque disturbance in controlling the torque of the motor.

Abstract: Current correction control is carried out by control process of a control circuit 13 that temperatures of the electromagnetic relays 18a and 18b are assessed one by one based on the detection temperature by the temperature sensor 18c, when the temperature assessed value rises over the predetermined value, the upper limit of the target current value of the motor 11 is decreased.

Abstract: An apparatus comprised of a processor, a display, and a current measuring device is provided. The current measuring device is adapted to measure the current in a first winding of a first stator of an alternating current motor. The processor causes a first message to be placed on the display if the current in the first winding of the first stator falls outside a first range of values. The first high value and the first low value can be stored in a memory device. The current measuring device may have two input ports, for measuring current in first and second windings of the first stator of the alternating current motor. The processor may cause a second message to be placed on the display if the current in the second winding of the first stator falls within a second range of values. A first relay device for selecting between a first start signal and a first run signal. During a start time period, the processor causes the first start signal to be transmitted to the first winding of the first stator.

Abstract: To keep low the cross frequency of current feedback control and provide a good steering feeling, a first operation expression is selected when a difference &xgr; between a current instruction value computed based on a steering state of a steering wheel and a traveling state of a vehicle and a motor drive current value supplied from a battery to a motor for providing assist force to a system for transmitting power from the steering wheel to the wheels is larger than a predetermined value Th1, a second operation expression is selected when the difference &xgr; is smaller than the predetermined value Th1, and the difference &xgr; is corrected using the selected operation expression.

Abstract: In control devices of electric power steering systems, steering characteristics are improved by control being carried out by means of a signal based on rotor speed or steering angle after failure of a torque sensor is detected.

Abstract: A road surface condition determination system for an automotive vehicle comprises wheel-speed sensors, and a control unit being configured to be electrically connected to the wheel-speed sensors for data-processing a wheel-speed data signal. The control unit calculates a wheel-speed fluctuation of each of the road wheels on the basis of a previous value of the wheel-speed data signal and a current value of the wheel-speed data signal, and calculates an absolute value of the wheel-speed fluctuation of each of the road wheels. A integration circuit is provided to produce a first integrated value of the absolute values of the wheel-speed fluctuations of the road wheels. A smoothing circuit is provided to make a smoothing operation to the integrated value to produce a smoothed value. A road-surface condition determining section is also provided to determine a road surface condition on the basis of the smoothed value.

Abstract: A combination circuit breaker/motor starter includes a circuit breaker trip unit having a microprocessor and at least one removably connectable contactor or other functional module. The functional module is encoded with an identifier, such that the microprocessor can determine the type of functional module and appropriate configuration parameters, such as trip times, for the particular application of the functional module. Power is supplied continuously to the trip unit during motor overload or short circuit conditions.