Pressure In A Fluid Or Granular Material Patents (Class 318/481)
  • Patent number: 11708704
    Abstract: A sunshade device and management system for mitigating the effects of climate change and direct and prolonged exposure to the sun, the sunshade device including a reflective canopy attached to a collapsible web or frame structure. The sunshade device is positioned above the ground by a combination of lifting balloons and positioning machines for managing the elevation, shape and geolocation of the sunshade device. A sunshade management system controls the status of the sunshade device, and can collapse and ground the sunshade in the evening, or during rainy weather, or cloudy days, or when severe weather-related events, such as thunderstorms, tornados, hurricane, etc. are anticipated, and can relaunch the sunshade device when such conditions have passed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Vandewater Capital Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Jason Aintabi
  • Patent number: 11323051
    Abstract: A fluid sprayer includes a housing, a pump, a nozzle, a high voltage direct current (HVDC) brushed electric motor that drives the pump, and a motor controller electrically connected to the motor. The motor controller drives the motor with a high speed pulse width modulated (PWM) drive signal that switches current through the motor on and off. The motor controller varies the PWM signal as a function of a spray setting input and sensed current through the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventor: Tyler J. Kruzel
  • Patent number: 11058603
    Abstract: The present invention provides a mattress system (1) devised to achieve a function of automatic detection, mainly comprising: a mattress (2) having a simple structure; a control unit (3) equipped with a unique user interface (31) for caregivers to simultaneously adjust three major functions, namely, therapy mode, therapy intensity and comfort level; and a connection pipe (4) for supplying air and power. The system (1) is further provided with a built-in auto-setting function to sense the body characteristics of the patient (39) lying on the mattress (2) and determine an effective supporting pressure range for the patient (39).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: SHL HEALTHCARE AB
    Inventors: Hsueh-Yi Chen, Wen-Hung Feng, Shih-Hsun Tu
  • Patent number: 10601280
    Abstract: A two-speed motor is stored in mounted in a housing with an end cap. The end cap has a tubular structure defining an interior space, including an open first end connectable to the motor casing. The second end includes at least one planar surface and at least one air grate configured to permit airflow into and/or out of the interior space. A dual speed pump controller includes a motor controller for operating the dual speed motor. The controller includes an operating speed circuit for operating the motor in one of a first speed or a second speed, the first speed being greater than the second speed; an event circuit for operating the motor at the first speed before a predetermined event and operating the pump at the second speed after the predetermined event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Asia Connection LLC
    Inventor: Reza Afshar
  • Patent number: 10527042
    Abstract: A pumping system for moving water of a swimming pool includes a water pump, an infinitely variable speed motor, and an arrangement for operating the motor. In one example, the pumping system includes a memory configured to store a plurality of retained speed values, an arrangement for providing a plurality of retained speed values to the memory, and an arrangement for reading a selected one of the plurality of retained speed values from the memory. In addition or alternatively, the pumping system includes a storage medium for digitally storing a plurality of pre-established motor speed values and an arrangement for receiving input from a user to select one of the pre-established motor speeds. In addition or alternatively, the pumping system further includes an arrangement for restarting operation of the motor at a previously selected speed value when power supplied to the motor is interrupted during operation of the motor. A method for controlling the pumping system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignees: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., Danfoss Power Electronics A/S
    Inventors: Robert W. Stiles, Jr., Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Ronald B. Robol, Christopher Yahnker, Daniel J. Hruby, Kevin Murphy, Einar Kjartan Runarsson, Arne Fink Hansen, Florin Lungeanu, Peter Westermann-Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 9556874
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a variable frequency drive system and a method of controlling a pump driven by a motor with the pump in fluid communication with a fluid system. The drive system and method can provide one or more of the following: a sleep mode, pipe break detection, a line fill mode, an automatic start mode, dry run protection, an electromagnetic interference filter compatible with a ground fault circuit interrupter, two-wire and three-wire and three-phase motor compatibility, a simple start-up process, automatic password protection, a pump out mode, digital input/output terminals, and removable input and output power terminal blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignees: Pentair Flow Technologies, LLC, Danfoss Drives A/S
    Inventors: Melissa Drechsel Kidd, William James Genaw, Micheal Robert Pasche, Gary Thomas Baase, II, Lars Hoffmann Berthelsen, Rasmus Fink, Martin Skov Holm
  • Patent number: 9138894
    Abstract: In an industrial robot, the electronic drive devices for the electrical supply and control of electric motors of the robot are distributed on the robot structure, each being adjacent to the respective electric motor. The electronic drive devices are connected in series to each other and to a central processing unit. In this series connection an Ethernet line is included for communication of the electronic drive devices with the central processing unit. Thanks to this series connection, the robot harness is dramatically simplified and the operations for its replacement are consequently easier and faster. The structure of the connectors between the robot and the control unit is also greatly simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Comau S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giorgio Alotto
  • Publication number: 20140283329
    Abstract: A method of adjusting the power of a vacuum cleaner fan comprising a vacuum switch having a single switching point includes using the vacuum switch to create a signal indicative of a vacuum pressure created by the vacuum cleaner fan. The method also includes filtering the signal to obtain a resulting signal, the resulting signal being a measure of the vacuum pressure. The method further includes using the resulting signal as a controlled variable for adjusting the fan power with an electronic control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: MIELE & CIE. KG
    Inventor: Otto BRAUN
  • Publication number: 20140056726
    Abstract: In an electric machine, there may be lubrication and cooling needs, such as lubricating bearings and cooling coils of the electric machine. When lubricant is used for both, it is desirable to prioritize the lubrication to the bearings. By providing check valves between a pressurized oil manifold and the cooling coils, lubricant is diverted to the coils only when pressure in the system is sufficient to satisfy both lubrication and cooling. In some embodiments, an oil gallery is provided on an outside surface of a back iron of the stator of the electric machine and orifices are provided in the back iron so that oil drips onto the coils of the electric motor. In some embodiments, the current commanded to the electric motor is based on whether or not lubricant (or other coolant) is being provided to the coils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: EcoMotors, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Garrard, Will Robert Nielsen Hippen, Christopher Meszaros, Diana Brehob
  • Patent number: 8337166
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pump and a pump control system. The apparatus includes a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor coupled to a pump control system. For the method of the invention, the microcontroller provides a pulse-width modulation control signal to an output power stage in order to selectively control the power provided to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: SHURflo, LLC
    Inventors: Humberto V. Meza, Nikhil Jitendra Gandhi, Quang Minh Truong
  • Patent number: 8317485
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a pump control circuit for use with a pump. The circuit includes a pressure sensor capable of sensing a pressure in the pump and a microcontroller coupled to the pressure sensor and to the pump. The microcontroller switches operation of the pump between a high-flow mode and a low-flow mode. When in the high flow mode, the microcontroller limits a current provided to the pump to a high-flow current limit value that is not dependent on the sensed pressure. When in the low flow mode, the microcontroller limits the current provided to the pump to a low-flow current limit value that is less than the high-flow current limit value and that changes depending on the sensed pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: SHURflo, LLC
    Inventors: Humberto V. Meza, Nikhil Jitendra Gandhi, Quang Minh Truong
  • Patent number: 8311691
    Abstract: An HV-ECU performs a step of detecting an atmospheric pressure, a step of calculating a maximum value of a boost voltage corresponding to the atmospheric pressure by using a map, and a step of setting the maximum value as a system voltage value and controlling a DC/DC converter. Moreover, the HV-ECU may calculate a resistance value of a gate resistance of a switching element corresponding to the atmospheric pressure by using the map and control the gate resistance to achieve the set resistance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsunari Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8278864
    Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in compressors and, in particular, to an improvement in a method of controlling variable speed dynamic compressors to avoid ‘motor overload as a result of choking.1 The invention therefore comprises a method of controlling a compressor to provide compressed gas at a target delivery pressure (Pt) and prevent excessive motor power consumption, the compressor being driven by a variable speed motor which has motor windings, wherein the gas inlet temperature (Tin), gas output delivery pressure (Pd), motor speed (Vm) and the motor winding temperature (Tmw) are continuously measured during operation of the compressor. The gas inlet temperature (Tin) is used to determine a predetermined maximum motor winding temperature (Tmwmax) limit. The maximum motor winding temperature (Tmwmax) is used (to set a maximum motor speed (Vmmax) limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Gardner Denver Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Geoffrey George Powell
  • Patent number: 8154237
    Abstract: A sealed electric compressor having a normally-off type pressure switch and a fuse element. The pressure switch is placed in a sealed housing, connected parallel to a main winding of an electric motor, and, when the pressure of refrigerant in the sealed housing is abnormally high, activates to short-circuit the main winding. The fuse element is connected in series to the main winding and an auxiliary winding of the electric motor and interrupts conduction of electricity to the electric motor when an excess current that is produced when the pressure switch short-circuits the main winding flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ubukata Industries, Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Isao Higashikata
  • Patent number: 7795824
    Abstract: Connected to a 3-phase linear motor of a submersible oil pump of a crude oil production system, a linear motor automatic control circuit assembly is disclosed to include a linear motor power supply circuit, a CPU, an insulated gate bipolar transistor driving circuit, a current detection circuit, a temperature sensor, a fluid depth sensor, a function setting and status display circuit, and a circuit assembly power supply circuit for controlling the operation speed of the linear motor subject to the submergence depth of the linear motor in the oil well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Digitek Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuei-Hsien Shen, Chinn-Chann Chiang
  • Publication number: 20100207563
    Abstract: A sealed electric compressor having a normally-off type pressure switch and a fuse element. The pressure switch is placed in a sealed housing, connected parallel to a main winding of an electric motor, and, when the pressure of refrigerant in the sealed housing is abnormally high, activates to short-circuit the main winding. The fuse element is connected in series to the main winding and an auxiliary winding of the electric motor and interrupts conduction of electricity to the electric motor when an excess current that is produced when the pressure switch short-circuits the main winding flows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Isao Higashikata
  • Publication number: 20090162211
    Abstract: A control switch incorporates a solid state transducer, a strain gauge. The transducer responds to a local environmental condition, such as fluid level, or pressure and exhibits a parameter change which can be detected as an electrical output. Control circuits coupled to the transducer can sense the parameter change and switch a source of electrical energy to a load in response thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Metropolitan Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Kochan, JR., Casey Barker
  • Patent number: 7538509
    Abstract: The present invention can include an automated method controlling the fan speed of computer system cooling fans with altitude and/or fluid density data from a centralized sensor. Such a method can utilize a centralized sensor to determine the altitude/fluid density within an enclosed area. The centralized sensor can be positioned so as to be unaffected by extraneous activities within the enclosed area. The determined altitude/fluid density can be conveyed to a computer system containing one or more cooling fans. The computer system can be located within the enclosed area. Then, the computer system can determine the need for adjusting the speed of the cooling fans based on the altitude/fluid density. When the need for adjustment exists, the speed of the cooling fans can be adjusted in accordance with the altitude/fluid density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Troy W. Glover, Michael S. June, Whitcomb R. Scott, III, Robert S. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090044794
    Abstract: In a multistage combustion furnace having a motor driven inducer blower and a pressure sensing device or set of switches for sensing pressure in the combustion gas flowpath through the furnace, a high firing rate blower speed and low firing rate blower speed are set based on the blower speed setting required for a medium firing rate. Each particular furnace, having its own pressures and combustion gas resistance to flow characteristics, may be provided with a database of inducer blower motor speeds required to achieve predetermined pressures in the combustion gas flowpath for a variety of combustion gas venting systems generating such resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Gordon Jeffrey Hugghins, Stephen Kowalski, Robert G. Roycroft
  • Publication number: 20080232976
    Abstract: A method of simulating water flow through a shower waste pump which is controllable by a water-flow detector, the method comprising the step of by-passing the water-flow detector with a water-flow simulator device. The in use simulator device simulates the presence of water and thus causes the shower waste pump to operate without the need for water. A water-flow simulator device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Andrew WHITTAKER
  • Publication number: 20080191652
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for heat-treating metal work pieces, whereby a cooling gas flow is produced in a vacuum furnace by means of a fan, driven by a three-phase AC motor, in order to quench the work pieces. The aim of the invention is to improve the heat treatment of metal work pieces in such a manner as to improve the quenching in a simple and inexpensive manner. For this purpose, the three-phase AC motor comprises first three-phase windings designed for a lower supply voltage and second three-phase windings designed for a higher supply voltage. The three-phase AC motor is operated with the first three-phase windings until a minimum pressure defined in terms of the motor output is reached in the vacuum furnace and with the second three-phase windings until a minimum pressure defined in terms of the motor output is reached or exceeded in the vacuum furnace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: IPSEN INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventor: Mario Jurack
  • Publication number: 20080143540
    Abstract: A leak detection and prevention system includes a gear motor linkage assembly. The gear motor linkage assembly includes a gear motor and a gear motor controller/driver module that controls operation of the gear motor. The gear motor linkage assembly also includes a push lever attached to a shaft of the gear motor, the push lever in a home position, wherein when a signal indicating that a leak has been detected is received the gear motor controller/driver module controls the gear motor to rotate the push lever so that the push level non-captively engages a handle of a valve and pushes the handle to a closed position, then the gear motor controller/driver module controls the gear motor to rotate the push lever to the home position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: LALIT SAVLA
  • Patent number: 7012394
    Abstract: The invention is a battery powered source for an air handling system that provides subsurface aeration services when an available power source provides insufficient power. The system comprises a subsurface aeration duct, a motor, an air pump, a storage battery, a battery charger, and a control circuit responsive to commands. The control circuit is operatively coupled to the storage battery to control a connection of the storage battery to provide power to the motor. In response to a command, the control circuit connects the storage battery to provide power to the motor, and the storage battery provides sufficient power to operate the motor and air pump satisfactorily for operation of an air handling system used for subsurface aeration. The system further comprises a reversing valve to provide air under pressure with air flow in a first direction, and partial vacuum with air flow in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: SubAir Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel S. Moore, George T. Hummert
  • Publication number: 20040075411
    Abstract: A awning control circuit and assembly including an ambient thermistor and a heated thermistor for sensing wind speed. A microprocessor determines the present wind speed by referencing values of the thermistors to a stored lookup table. When the wind speed meets or exceeds a threshold value, the microprocessor causes one or more awnings to retract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: David K. Evans
  • Publication number: 20040070357
    Abstract: A simple and economical mechanism providing automatic motor control. The mechanism includes a motor-rated relay directly connected to line voltage and the input terminal of a motor winding, and receiving a signal from a sensing device connected to line voltage and to a signal input on the relay. The relay and sensing device may be housed within a waterproof enclosure, or may be separately housed within a connection enclosure and a separate sensing device enclosure remote from the connection enclosure, the two enclosures being connected by a cable. The sensing device triggers the relay to control the supply of current to the motor winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Gerard Kelly
    Inventors: Gerard Kelly, Bernard Forrester
  • Patent number: 6462494
    Abstract: A tan having a fan wheel and an electric motor driving it, and a control unit for controlling the motor output as a function of fan-specific parameters. An actual-value signal corresponding to an actual rotational speed of the fan is measured and compared with a control signal corresponding to a required speed, and the actual speed is adjusted to the required speed by means of the control unit, wherefore the actual speed and the actual motor current or supply current are measured and conducted to a microcontroller as input signal variables, whereby the fan-specific data such as wheel diameter, density of the conveying medium, fan coefficients, motor coefficients, and a preset artificial characteristic curve ps=ƒ({dot over (V)}s ) are stored in the microcontroller as default values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: ebm Werke GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: JĂ¼rgen Schöne, Hartmut Schneeweiss, Wilhelm Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 6459168
    Abstract: A submergence backup circuit includes a submergence detection portion having a submergence detection portion for detecting a submergence state. The submergence backup circuit is configured so that a window is controlled to be opened when a manual window operating switch is operated into an opening side but the window is controlled to be not closed when the manual window operating switch is operated into a closing side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Ryoji Miyake, Tatsuaki Oniishi
  • Publication number: 20010044084
    Abstract: A method of controlling a variable speed draft inducer motor and fan in a gas furnace. The method comprises the steps of: detecting a first fault driving the motor to a maximum operating range; detecting a second fault forcing the motor to operate towards a minimum operating range; and generating a fault signal if both faults are detected substantially simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: G. Jeffrey Hugghins, Robert W. Helt, Leonard W. Holmes, James T. Vershaw, Timothy W. Storm
  • Patent number: 6288506
    Abstract: A submergence detection power-window apparatus is provided with driving motors for moving electric-power driven opening units to opened and closed states, manual switches for manually opening/closing the electric-power driven opening units, control units for driving the motors into rotation in accordance with operations carried out on the manual switches, a submergence detector for detecting submergence of a car body and generating a submergence detection signal and a fastened/loosened seat-belt detector for detecting fastened/loosened states of a seat belt and generating a loosened-seat-belt detection signal in a loosened state of the seat belt wherein the control units drive the motors into rotation in directions to open the electric-power driven opening units when the manual switches are operated to open the electric-power driven opening units provided that a submergence detection signal is received from the submergence detector and a loosened-seat-belt detection signal is received from the fastened/loosen
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Minoru Hiwatari
  • Patent number: 6257870
    Abstract: A method of controlling a variable speed draft inducer motor and fan in a gas furnace. The method comprises the steps of: detecting a first fault driving the motor to a maximum operating range; detecting a second fault forcing the motor to operate towards a minimum operating range; and generating a fault signal if both faults are detected substantially simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: American Standard International Inc.
    Inventors: G. Jeffrey Hugghins, Robert W. Helt, Leonard W. Holmes, James T. Vershaw, Timothy W. Storm
  • Patent number: 6259220
    Abstract: A spray controller accepts a spray pressure input and a pressure control input, and provides a pressure control output. The controller includes an amplifier and pressure transducer, and its pressure control output is the product of the amplifier's gain and the sum of (a) a preset calibration voltage and (b) the product of the pressure transducer's gain and electrical response. The pressure control input controls the gain of the transducer to vary the pressure control output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Durotech Co.
    Inventors: Lyman V. Hays, Pavel Jekl
  • Patent number: 6118236
    Abstract: A mouth and/or hand-held finger-actuated remote control unit is disclosed which is operable to permit selective variation of a pneumatic-operated controller (38, 42) having a proportional electrical control output to the electric motor (46) of a sewing machine (48). The unit comprises a hollow, elastic compressible bladder element (10, 110, 210) closed at one end and which is pneumatically connected to the controller. The bladder element is of length, width and height dimensions selected and proportioned to permit insertion of the bladder element in a person's mouth between the upper and lower teeth, or between the last fingers of a person's hand between the innermost knuckles and the person's palm. The bladder element is compressible by closing of a person's teeth thereon or movement of the fingers engaging the bladder toward the individual's palm to force air to the controller, thus controlling operation of the sewing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Bed Handles, Inc.
    Inventors: Bon F. Shaw, Juliann P. Shaw
  • Patent number: 6037732
    Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a brushless DC fan for cooling heat generating components of a system is provided. The method includes providing a system temperature signal indicative of a system temperature and providing an intelligent shutdown enable signal. The system temperature signal is compared with a shutdown temperature signal if the intelligent shutdown enable signal has a first value. The shutdown temperature signal is representative of a shutdown temperature value. The fan is operated at a generally temperature proportional speed after comparing the system temperature signal with the shutdown temperature signal if the system temperature as indicated by the system temperature signal is greater than the shutdown temperature value as indicated by the shutdown temperature signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: TelCom Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Alfano, Joseph J. Judkins, III, Quoi V. Huynh, Sang T. Ngo
  • Patent number: 5869941
    Abstract: The present invention provides an air bearing type machine tool capable of carrying out a process with a high load for cutting iron or the like and controlling the degree air is used. The air bearing type machine tool includes a main shaft, an air bearing supporting the main shaft, and an air pressure regulating device capable of regulating the pressure of air supplied to the air bearing. The air pressure regulating device, in turn, has an air feed portion supplying air to the air bearing, a processing load detection device for detecting the degree of processing load, a processing power detection device for detecting the degree of processing power, and an air pressure defining device for controlling the pressure of air fed from the air feed portion by using the detected values of the processing load and the processing power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mashahito Shiozaki, Takeshi Momochi, Kazuo Nagashima
  • Patent number: 5806440
    Abstract: A gas fired furnace system (10) has a controller (14) controlling the supply of gas through a gas valve (12) and air for combustion by means of an induced air draft fan (28), ignition of the gas by means of ignitor (22), the delivery of heated air from a heat exchanger (20) by means of an air blower (34) in response to signals from a thermostat (42). A selected constant flow of air for combustion is provided by controlling the speed of the motor driving the induced motor fan (28) despite changes which may occur in back pressure. Induced draft fan motor parameters proportional to motor torque and motor speed are read on an ongoing basis and inputted to controller (14) which computes a desired voltage and compares that with referenced data stored in the controller memory and makes corrections to the speed of the induced draft fan motor to maintain the constant air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Mitchell R. Rowlette, Youn H. Ting, Walter H. Bailey, Ronald E. Garnett
  • Patent number: 5796184
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for stopping a motor-driven pressure generating pump of a system for coating workpieces with atomized liquid coating material in case of an empty material reservoir or a leakage in a material supply from a material reservoir to the pump or from the pump to an atomizer. The pressure and/or the volume flow at the pump outlet and/or the speed of the pump piston or a value dependent thereon are continually measured. The measured values are then converted to electric signals to be input to an electronic analyzer and analyzed therein. If, during operation, the pressure and/or the volume flow drops below a predetermined value and/or the speed of the piston exceeds a predetermined value, the electrically controlled driving connection between motor and pump or the power supply to the pump motor will be cut-off by output signals from the electronic analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: J. Wagner GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Kuhnl, Gerhard Gebauer
  • Patent number: 5680021
    Abstract: Draft inducer systems and methods for use with a furnace. A motor drives a fan in response to a motor control signal for inducing a draft which is a function of motor speed and motor torque. A processor defines a speed/torque operating curve having a minimum desired speed and a maximum desired speed between which the speed/torque operating curve is coincident with a pressure curve corresponding to a desired pressure drop across the furnace heat exchanger assembly caused by the draft induced by the fan. The speed/torque operating curve, for a given speed above the maximum desired speed, defines a torque less than the torque defined by the pressure curve for the given speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Robert K. Hollenbeck
  • Patent number: 5241253
    Abstract: A controller for operating a two-speed fan motor at one of two speeds and for selecting the appropriate speed in response to conditions such as a maximum and minimum duct static pressure in a fan unit having moveable inlet guide vanes for controlling air flow rates through the fan unit when employed in a variable air volume system. Position sensing switches are provided on the fan unit for indicating to the controller when the inlet guide vanes are in their preferred switching positions, which may be full open or full closed. The controller then selects one of the two fan speeds as appropriate within an operating deadband limit which serves to prevent undesirable changes of motor speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Schlangen
  • Patent number: 5227706
    Abstract: A functional control device (1), designed to be used in primarily textile machines (20), in which the speed must be varied in a simple fashion. Its function involves a conversion of a pressure of a gaseous or liquid medium to a code, which is adapted to the machine. When speed control means, having plates (2, 3), designed to be depressed, e.g. in a sewing machines (20), are used, one of the pedals corresponds to a forward depressing movement and the other a backward depressing movement. When a nozzle (4) is used, said functions can also be provided. The so-called forward depressing movement comprises a presser foot downwards and 12 speed steps, from zero to a maximum rotational speed, which can be as high as 400-9,000 rev./min. A backward depressing movement comprises a presser foot as well as a cutting/locking function. The function of the pressure error interface can be varied in a simple way, for various types of machine control means, and for varying pressure sensitivities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: A C G Nystrom
    Inventor: Joakim Eriksson
  • Patent number: 5051673
    Abstract: An improved patient support structure comprising an articulatable frame, a plurality of elongated inflatable sacks, some of the sacks having one or two comfort slots therein, a low pressure compressed air blower and a plurality of pipes and manifolds for carrying gas from the blower to the sacks. The sacks are connected to the gas supply pipes and manifolds so as to be easily detachable thereform. Each manifold has a variable muffler to control gas exhaust. An automatic switching circuit determines whether to power the brushless DC electric motor from a rectified AC power source or DC power supplied by batteries carried unobtrusively by the support structure. A multi-outlet, variable flow, gas valve connects the blower to the pipes and comprises a housing defining at least two cylinder chambers and a discrete outlet for each cylinder chamber. A primary silencer is connected to each discrete outlet. The sacks rest atop a neoprene membrane which covers a planar upper surface of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Inventor: Vernon L. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 4978896
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling a motor having a stationary assembly with a plurality of winding stages for carrying motor current and further having a rotatable assembly in driving relation with a blower in an air handling system. The apparatus provides control of the blower speed over a range of static pressure variations to maintain relatively constant preselected rate of air flow in the system. The apparatus receives a preselected flow rate signal representing the preselected air flow rate. A microprocessor, responsive to both the preselected flow rate signal and a speed signal, generates a desired torque signal which is a function of both the preselected flow rate signal and the speed signal. The desired torque signal is compared to a signal representing motor torque and a comparison signal representing the comparison is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Rajendra K. Shah
  • Patent number: 4969756
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: George N. Villec, Allen J. Walenty
  • Patent number: 4886320
    Abstract: A vital pressure regulating system is constructed using an alternating current system, and the absolute value of an output signal is inversely proportional to the air pressure in the main air reservoir and therefore if some critical circuit component fails, the output of a comparator circuit becomes a direct current signal in the same way as the case in which the air pressure in the main air reservoir is higher than the predetermined upper limit value so that the switch shuts off the air compressor to achieve fail-safe operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Nippon Air Brake Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Asaji Imanaka, Kazutaka Nagata
  • Patent number: 4884013
    Abstract: An enternal nutrition pump system operates in a cyclical manner with a period between cycles being selected in accordance with the desired fluid delivery rate. Each pump cycle may correspond to a single rotation of the rotor or a fractional rotation of the rotor. Rotor rotation may alternatively be sensed by utilization of magnetic sensors or by monitoring of the AC componment of current supplied to a DC motor driving the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Sherwood Medical Company
    Inventors: Edward Jackson, Joseph Pasqualucci
  • Patent number: 4858436
    Abstract: A vehicle power brake system, whereby a control pedal may be mounted, in mobile manner, on to a fixed support, for axially displacing, when operated, a rod connected, at one end, to the control pedal, and, at the other end, to a control member on a brake hydraulic circuit; at least one portion of the rod consisting of a screw connected, via the interposition of balls, to a nut screw integral with a hollow shaft on an electric motor, through which hollow shaft the aforementioned rod extends; the electric motor being controlled by a threshold comparator, an input of which is connected to the electric output of a compression measuring device located between the control pedal and the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Roltra S.p.A.
    Inventor: Enzo Brusasco
  • Patent number: 4806833
    Abstract: A method of operating a system for conditioning air including a variable speed blower for flowing the conditioned air through a contained space having a static pressure therein. In this system, the speed of the blower is set to effect a preselected flow rate at an existing static pressure in the contained space, and the speed of the blower is altered only in response to a variation in the static pressure and only in following relation with the static pressure variation. The speed alteration of the blower is sensed, and the speed of the blower is adjusted in following relation with the sensed speed alteration to establish the preselected flow rate through the contained space at the varied static pressure acting on the blower.A system for conditioning air and a circuit are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Glen C. Young
  • Patent number: 4733151
    Abstract: A load support servomechanism circuit controls the armature of a shaker apparatus. The circuit includes a position sensor, peak detectors connected to outputs of the position sensor, an A/D converter connected to outputs of the peak detectors through a switching bank, a power supply and a microprocessor which provides clock, read, write and ready signals and which automatically controls the position of the armature through solenoids operating on an exhaust valve and a pressure valve. Manual operation of the shaker armature is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Ling Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Butts
  • Patent number: 4728869
    Abstract: A low pressure control system for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) apparatus, including a vacuum pressure chamber and an exhaust pump, is provided by a vacuum pump DC motor which is supplied power from a DC motor speed controller coupled to a DC control input signal from a pulsewidth modulation DC converter. The converter receives a single pulsewidth modulated pulse train having its percentage of modulation controlled in accordance with a DC to pulsewidth modulation controller which operates in accordance with the difference between a pair of DC input signals corresponding to the actual pressure inside the vacuum pressure chamber and a desired or set point pressure respectively. The vacuum pump motor speed and accordingly the exhaust pump is controlled with a high degree of precision, thereby providing improved coating uniformity of semiconductor wafers being fabricated by the CVD apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Anicon, inc.
    Inventors: Noel H. Johnson, Gary C. Elliott
  • Patent number: 4698568
    Abstract: An antiexplosion structure in an electric motor drive type working robot includes a sealing structure for sealingly enclosing electric motors for driving the robot and wirings for the motors. Dry air is continuously fed into the sealing structure at a pressure higher than the environmental atmosphere. A pressure detector detects the pressure of the dry air within the sealing structure to permit electric current feed to the electric motors only when the detected pressure has a normal value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shun-ichi Nishizawa, Toshio Tsubota, Takashi Chikura
  • Patent number: 4686439
    Abstract: An electronic control system for a multiple speed fluid pump and motor. A parameter of the motor, the pump, or the fluid which is expelled from the pump is measured by a sensor. When a predetermined value of the parameter is reached, the sensor provides a trip signal to a timer circuit. The timer circuit provides a drive signal to a switch while the trip signal is present and for a specified period of time after the trip signal is removed. The switch, while it is receiving the drive signal, connects the motor driving the pump into a high speed configuration. After the specified period of time, the switch will cause the motor to change to low speed operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: A. T. Hunn Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Cunningham, Charles R. Rhodes, Carl Angotti, Paul H. Warner