Abstract: Motor control circuits having fault protection devices are in commercial use today. Such devices typically include logic elements requiring a conditioned power supply, and are incapable of operation directly from the main motor power supply. The subject apparatus includes a timing circuit for monitoring the electrical conduction of a power switching element associated with an electrical motor. The apparatus produces a fault signal in response to the power switching element continuing to conduct for longer than a predetermined continuous period of time. A latch receives the fault signal and responsively produces a blocking signal. An interrupt circuit receives the blocking signal and responsively controllably blocks power from the motor power supply to the electrical motor. Each of the timing, latch, and interrupt circuits is adapted to operate directly from the motor power supply and independent of any intermediate logic power supplies or associated logic devices.

Abstract: A method of controlling a three state apparatus such as an air compressor comprises a first actuating element e.g. a motor and a second actuating element e.g. a valve, said method including the steps of sensing a variable parameter such as temperature with a sensing means whilst the apparatus is operating in a first operational state, feeding a signal produced by the sensing means to a control device, comparing the signal in the control device with datum information to detect whether the variable parameter is at a value at or above a threshold value, sending a signal to the first actuating element when the variable parameter is below the threshold value whereby the state of operation of the apparatus is changed to an off operational state, sending a signal to the second actuating element when the variable parameter is at a value at or above the threshold value whereby the state of operation of the apparatus is changed to a low load operational state.

Abstract: A window regulator device for automatically elevating or lowering a window glass of an automobile is equipped with a safety device that operates when a human arm, for example, is sandwiched between the glass and its window frame. The regulator device consists of a motor for moving the glass up or down, a detector circuit for sensing whether the motor is locked, a reversing circuit connected to the detector circuit for reversing the motor, a latching circuit for maintaining the motor energized, and an operated switch for permitting the motor to move the glass up or down.

Abstract: A coffee grinder has a control circuit for its electric grinder motor which includes a three-position control switch having a resident "Off" position, a resident "On" position, and a non-resident or momentary "On plus Start" position. In the "Off" position power is interrupted to all circuits of the grinder. The "On" position is a resting position which is resumed after the start of each grind cycle in readiness for the start of another grind cycle. The "On plus Start" position is momentary and in which a relay is energized so as to complete a circuit that energizes the grinder motor. In one type of coffee grinder the electrical control circuit includes a timer which can be set to determine the length of the grinding cycle. In another type of coffee grinder the length of the grinding cycle is determined by the presence of a ground coffee receiving bag or other container. In both types of grinders the normal grinding cycle can be terminated by placing control switch in its "Off" position.

Abstract: A motor driven vehicle has a safety control preventing operation of the motor if the operator is not in the drivers seat to close a seat switch for a predetermined period of time. The motor includes an electric circuit which when complete enables motor operation and which prevents motor operation when the circuit is open. A microprocessor opens the circuit when the seat switch is open and is programmed to provide a predetermined time delay before opening the circuit to stop motor operation. The computer decrements the time delay whenever the seat switch is open. The computer includes means for testing to determine whether the time delay has been reduced to 0 at periodic intervals shorter than the predetermined time delay. The decremented time delay is restored to full value if the seat switch is closed during such testing before said time delay has been decremented to 0.

Abstract: A control system for a motor driven wiper on a vehicle window comprises a voltage generator effective to generate a first rectangular voltage wave having a substantially constant frequency and duty cycle and apparatus effective to derive two additional rectangular voltage waves from the first: a second delayed from the first by a first delay and a third delayed from the first by a second delay dependent upon the capacitance of a capacitor affected by moisture on the vehicle window. One of the second and third rectangular voltage waves may also be inverted. The three rectangular voltage waves are provided to the inputs of an AND gate having an output effective to trigger a retriggerable monostable multivibrator having an energized output period longer in duration than a cycle of the rectangular voltage wave to drive the wiper motor when the level of moisture on the window in the vicinity of the capacitor is sufficiently high.

Abstract: A safety device for an electromechanical opening and closing mechanism, such as an automotive sun roof, which interrupts a circuit for driving the mechanism when a load on the circuit happens to exceed a certain set value in an abnormal case such as when a foreign object is caught in the mechanism. The set value is either a first set value which varies in accordance with the above-noted load or a second set value which is determined by the position of the movable part of the above-noted mechanism. The safety device functions when a load exceeds either of the two set values. The first set value is effective against a load variation, particularly a load decrease, to prevent a decrease in sensitivity decrease of the safety device, while the second set value is effective against an increase in load, particularly a slow increase, to prevent an overload on the mechanism.

Abstract: An adjusting device for the point of articulation or the point of deflection of a safety belt in automotive vehicles permits continuous adjustment of the angle of articulation for the safety belt in contact with the shoulder of the vehicle occupant to a predetermined value with the aid of an electric pickup for the angle of articulation, arranged at the point of articulation or deflection, and a comparison circuit connected after this pickup, which comparison circuit contains the predetermined value.

Abstract: The central locking system for motor vehicles comprises a plurality of catch drives reversibly driving between a locking position and an unlocking position. The catch drives are switched on for a pre-determined time duration in the locking direction by drive signals of a first time control circuit. The catch drives are energized in the unlocking direction by a second time control circuit for a pre-determined time duration. The time control circuits can be triggered alternately through a triggering control switch actuatable by means of a door key from outside the vehicle, or by means of a press-button switch actuatable from within the motor vehicle. The trigger inputs of the time control circuits are connected through separate trigger paths to the press-button switch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control for a pumping device in a vehicle application in which, upon throwing a power switch (6), a capacitor (85) is charged and a power transistor (81) is rendered conductive thereby supplying a DC voltage from batteries (5) to a DC motor (2). The DC motor drives a pump (1) which in turn feeds pressure to a pressure-operating unit (10) for storage therein. If a given period of time has elapsed after throwing of the power switch, then the voltage charged on the capacitor increases to make a transistor (83) conductive and the power transistor (81) non-conductive. In other words, the DC motor is operated to provide pressure to the pressure-operating unit for only the given period of time after throwing of the power switch. Furthermore, upon closure of a brake actuator switch (4) another transistor (84) becomes conductive and the above transistor (83) becomes non-conductive. This renders the power transistor (81) conductive and supplies the DC voltage to the DC motor.

Abstract: A microcomputer-based electronic controller for a dishwasher utilizes a motor driven timing cam for selectively energizing the electromechanical components of the dishwater. An internal diagnostic routine in the microcomputer insures that the timing cam is advanced when the microcomputer calls for power to be applied to the motor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control for pumping devices in vehicle application. Upon closure of a brake actuator switch (4) subsequent to actuation of a power switch (6) a power transistor (81) becomes conductive and a DC voltage from batteries (5) is fed to a DC motor (2). The brake actuator switch when brought into an open position permits supply of the DC voltage to the base of the power transistor through a time constant circuit (85, 86) for a limited period of time, so that the power transistor becomes conductive to supply the DC voltage to the DC motor for that period. The DC motor activates a pump (1) which in turn operates a pressure-operating unit (10).

Abstract: A control device for a vacuum pump apparatus in which a hunting effect is substantially eliminated. A pressure-sensitive switch senses a negative pressure produced by a vacuum pump, the latter being driven by a d.c. motor. The switch has at least three contacts, the positions of which are changed at two different pressures. The output of the switch is compared with a fixed reference value, and the comparison result used to drive the d.c. motor. The d.c. motor is thus provided with hysteretic drive characteristic, thereby maintaining the vacuum pressure between the two predetermined values and eliminating the hunting effect.

Abstract: A solid state circuit for sequencing a valve mechanism from its normal operating position through a sequence of cycles to blow down various different lines of the network to which the valve mechanism is connected. The circuit may be set to initiate its sequence at one of a number of time periods such as once a day or once a week. Once initiated, the circuit operates a motor drive for the valve mechanism continuing for a timed interval followed by a delay or dwell at each blow down position. A signal is provided to indicate that the circuit is about to enter a blow down sequence followed by the sequence itself. Various alarms and safeguards are provided for the sequence.

Abstract: A pair of interval timer units including a lower right timer (LRT) and a lower left timer (LLT) for controlling a pair of D.C. motors (RM, LM) to drive a pair of load devices accurately and consistently a predetermined lowering distance. The load devices are raised together until stopped by limit switches (LS1, LS2) but can be lowered individually under the interval timer (IT) control. Each timer unit (LRT) includes a voltage regulator (ZD1, ZR1) to provide a constant voltage to a ramp voltage generator (RG) and a reference voltage to a voltage inverter (VI). The ramp voltage is applied through a buffer (IC1B) to one input of a comparator (IC1C). The variable supply voltage is also applied to the voltage inverter (VI) that provides a time reference voltage that varies inversely with respect to variation in the supply voltage.

Abstract: In a well such as an oil well, a timer connects a power source to the motor which drives the well pump for timed energization and de-energization periods. The timer consists of an electronic programmable timer having a stored program data processor for processing digital information and with capabilities to variably enter time program data into the processor to selectively energize and de-energize the pump motor for any desired time intervals for each day and the time intervals for each day of the week may be programmed differently. When the pump motor is provided in the form of an electric motor, a power transducer is connected to the power source energizing the motor to continually monitor line voltage and current and provide a true power output signal representative of the phase angle between the line voltage and line current.

Abstract: A food processor is comprised of a food processing cutter which is driven by a motor connected to an AC power source, a switch for controlling on and off of the motor, a pulse generator for forming count pulses having a given period from the AC power source, a set switch, a start switch, and a timer which operates the start switch at a time point set therein to start the rotation of the motor. Further, the food processor includes an up-counter for counting the count pulses while the set switch is operated to store a driving time period data of the motor, and a down-counter to which the stored data of the up-counter is transferred when the start switch is operated by the timer. The down-counter counts down the data every time it receives the count pulse and produces a drive stop signal for the motor when its contents become "0".

Abstract: A remotely contollable, motorized valve suitable for microprocessor control. The valve is protected against over-closure by a technique of current sensing of motor current. Starting surges are ignored through the use of a timing circuit. The valve may be re-started in the event of mid-travel stoppage, but is still protected against damage due to such stoppage, by permitting manual reset after the valve is stopped.

Abstract: An improvement in door activating control apparatus including a short delay between the time the door is stopped during its closing direction of travel and starts moving in the opening direction when any one of any switch or button for opening the door is activated, prevents the stress incurred when the door is required to instantly reverse its direction of travel while closing, demonstrates a distinct advantage especially when controlling large heavy doors, or for door openings that require a high volume of traffic and in emergency situations, includes a means to by-pass the delayed reversing when the door is in the closed position. Features a novel means of using a single pole double throw switch which will serve to defeat a safety edge device and by-pass the delayed reversing, embodied in a single enclosure along with the door closing limit switch, all actuated by a single mechanical actuating device at the door closed position, demonstrates distinct advantages in door operator design.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for controlling the speed of an electronically controlled drill, hammer-drill or rotary hammer driven by an electrical motor wherein the rotational speed is first raised from zero to a predetermined start-drill speed and thereafter, from the start-drill speed up to the working speed. The rotational speed is held automatically at the start-drill speed for a predetermined time interval. The speed of the motor is sensed by a speed sensing device which includes a magnet ring coupled to the output shaft of the motor and a sensor positioned adjacent the periphery of the magnet ring. The speed control circuitry of the invention is housed within a casing which includes a depending portion for supporting the sensor in the proper operative position relative to the magnet ring.

Abstract: A control device for a small press is provided with means preventing overloading of the drive motor, a timer for detecting when an operational cycle of the press has exceeded a normal value, and a position detector which notes the position of a cam of the press. The power switch of the drive motor is tripped to suspend the flow of current to the motor upon an indication of the foregoing, e.g., a detected over-current, an excessive cycle time, or an operation end position of the cam.

Abstract: There is disclosed a protective system for preventing damages to a tool and a work or tool changing mechanism component parts due to any interference between the tool and the work during the tool changing operation by an automatic tool changing apparatus in a numerical control machine tool such as a machining center.The protective system monitors the load current of a driving motor for the automatic tool changing apparatus, whereby when the load current reaches an abnormally high current value during the operating period excluding the motor starting period, the operation of the automatic tool changing apparatus is reversed and then stopped.

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: The invention relates to a time switch assembly of the type having an electric stepping motor, a pulse generator and a connecting drive therebetween for driving the motor at speeds corresponding to the frequency of the pulse generator. A time plate is driven by the motor and a scanning switching circuit is responsive to different speeds of the time plate. First and second counters in series are provided between the pulse generator and the motor. A switching device between the counters provides selectable bypassing of the second counter so that the motor may be driven at a speed corresponding to the output of only the first counter or at a slower speed corresponding to a slower counter output of the two counters operating in series.

Abstract: A tennis practicing machine is disclosed which has a rotating arm for periodically projecting a tennis ball towards a player. A spring connected to the rotating arm stores a rotating force which is periodically released as the rotating arm passes a predetermined point causing ball emission. A power source control system is provided which controls rotation of the motor such that in order to insure safe operation of the machine, when the machine is turned off a ball is emitted if the rotating arm is within a predetermined range near the point of ball emission. Accordingly accidental jarring or vibration of the machine does not cause accidental emission of a ball. Also, the system provides a delay for starting emission of the ball when the machine is first turned on, and furthermore circuitry is provided to maintain a constant time period of operation regardless of power main frequencies of 50 or 60 Hz.

Abstract: A seatbelt system for restraining and protecting an occupant in an emergency of a vehicle, and more particularly to improvements in a fully passive type seatbelt system wherein a motor for driving the webbing is automatically actuated in accordance with the actions of an occupant entering or leaving the vehicle so as to fasten the webbing to the occupant or release the webbing from the occupant. When a closed door condition is detected by a door switch for detecting the opened or closed door condition, the motor is actuated to fasten the webbing to the occupant. When an opened door condition is detected by the door switch, the motor is actuated to release the webbing from the occupant. When limit switches detect the movement of the webbing to a normal fastened position or a normal released position are not actuated within a given period of time during which the webbing is being driven by the motor, the driving of the webbing by the motor is brought to a stop.

Abstract: A universal intermittent windshield wiper circuit adaptable to the windshield wiper mechanism of automotive vehicles is disclosed herein. The intermittent wiper circuit comprises an R-C timer circuit periodically energizing a three pole double throw relay. The internal interconnections of the relay switch contacts permit the intermittent windshield wiper circuit to be connected to the wiper mechanism of almost all domestically manufactured automotive vehicle as well as many vehicles manufactured overseas using only external connections. The circuit is equally adaptable to external and concealed wiper mechanism.

Abstract: A pre-step timer circuit for pre-advancing the next timer period (control step) in a DC motor controller, such as in a crane-hoist controller. A sensing resistor module is connected from the line side of a contactor coil of a preceding control step to the input of a timer module in series with the accelerating contactor coil in the next control step. This resistor module sensing the previous coil voltage provides a feed-forward path for the sensed voltage signal to pre-time the next timer module. So, if a master switch is left in the previous control step long enough for the next timer module to time out, then the next control step is actuated immediately when the master switch is advanced thereto.

Abstract: A control system for a multiple speed motor includes a motor circuit having a plurality of resistance varying units in series with the field winding and armature of the motor and separate control circuits for each of the resistance varying units. Each control circuit includes an energizable contactor in series with a gating element and a timer for activating the gating element. The control system includes an activating circuit for bypassing the timer when the level of current flow in the motor circuit is below a certain value. The activating circuit includes a comparator for receiving a reference signal and a signal indicating the level of current flow in the motor circuit and produces an output signal when the current flow is below a certain value which is fed to an OR-gate that also receives a signal from the timer to activate the gating element when either signal is present.

Abstract: A timing mechanism to control the sequential progressive opening of a valve in a gas line leading to a gas fired kiln with the sequential progressive openings taking place at predetermined time intervals until the object being heated in the kiln has matured. Once maturation has taken place, the valve is sequentially progressively closed at predetermined time intervals in order to allow the kiln to cool down slowly. Adjustable controls are provided in order to allow the user to vary the time period between the progressive further opening of the valve and also the degree of opening of the valve to take place at each activation thereof.

Abstract: A hoisting apparatus and a control circuit therefor comprising a reversible electric motor drivingly connected to a hoisting drum for hauling an object up and down. The control circuit includes first and second photosensitive elements each responsive to a light beam for initiating rotation of the electric motor in either direction and means for terminating rotation of the electric motor.

Abstract: In a timing circuit for controlling the time of operation of the electric motor of a game feeder, first and second semiconductor switching devices are connected so that the control electrode of the first is connected to a power source but will not conduct until the second semiconductor switching device is conductive. The first switching device when conducting actuates motor control means to run the motor. The second switching device is in its conductive state for a period of time controlled by an RC timing circuit.

Abstract: A vehicle seat has a seat part mounted on a base part by a suspension which includes a gas spring. Valve means are provided to control the seat ride position by controlling the entry and exit of compressed gas into and out of the gas spring. The difference between the actual ride position and a selected ride position of the seat is sensed, and a control circuit is used actuating the valve means to raise or lower the seat to reduce this difference to zero. In order to prevent seat vibration, such as is caused by passage of a vehicle over rough terrain, from continually causing actuation of the valve means, the control circuit is provided with desensitizing means.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing damage to resistor grids in the propulsion controller circuit of a direct current motor, particularly of the type used in driving railway vehicles, in which a line breaker relay is de-energized whenever the propulsion controller fails to progress from the switch position to the full series position within 15-25 seconds. The line breaker relay remains de-energized for the duration of the power cycle of the propulsion controller and becomes operational automatically after the master control handle is returned to the off position.

Abstract: A motor speed control circuit for use in a washing machine includes a timer which in normal operation accelerates the motor from a wash speed to a distribution speed before a fast acceleration to the spin dry speed. The control circuit includes speed measurement means for maintaining the motor at spin speed in the event of a power interruption during a spin cycle provided the drum speed remains above a given critical speed when the power returns. If not, a redistribution cycle takes place before the motor is accelerated to its spin speed.

Abstract: A curd-cutting tool is rotatable about an axis within an immobile curdling container, driving means being provided for rotating this tool in one direction around said axis to cut the cheese curd; and means are operatively connected to the driving means for causing interruptions in the rotation of the tool in said one direction during the cutting operation.

Abstract: An electronic timer circuit comprising a condenser for storing charged electrons, a control switch opened and closed in response to the status of a sensed condition, a controlled switch for controlling a load, a high input impedance circuit coupled to the controlled switch for discharging the condenser and for causing the controlled switch to close when the control switch is closed and the charge stored in the condenser is greater than some predetermined amount and a switching component responsive to the control switch for restricting the discharge rate of the condenser to a low level.

Abstract: A minimum off-time protection arrangement is disclosed for compressors, particularly refrigeration type compressors. A current transformer is placed in the circuit which controls the switching of the compressor and that current transformer provides a control signal to a minimum off-time circuit. The minimum off-time circuit prevents the compressor from being restarted for some minimum period of time after once being operated.

Abstract: A motor control circuit for preventing automatic restarting of an electric motor following an interruption of electric current flow therethrough. An electric motor incorporates winding means and a series automatic reset thermal overload protector. Current flow to the motor is normally controlled by current supply switch means in series with the motor across electric power input terminals. A first relay device is switched by external actuation of a normally open start switch to switch the current supply switch means to its conductive state for starting the motor. A second relay device connected across a pair of motor terminals is energizable in response to current flow through the motor. A restart prevention switch connects in series with the current supply switch and motor across the electric power terminals.

Abstract: A step structure for mobile homes and the like. A base is secured to an underside of the vehicle and serves to pivotally mount a linkage which in turn carries a pair of step rails on which a step is slidably mounted. Extension and retraction of the step involves combined swinging travel of the step surface as well as travel in a lateral direction along the step rails to achieve a highly accessible step location well outward of the vehicle side. An electrical control system electronically limits motor operation to avoid motor burnout in the case of step obstruction.

Abstract: To provide for multiple timing intervals in an entirely integrated circuit structure without replacement of external circuit components, the integrated circuit includes at least two charge resistors and two discharge resistors, each connected to the timing capacitor, and selectively controllable switches connected to the timing capacitor and to the charge and discharge resistors to interconnect the timing capacitor with respective charge and discharge resistors and the input terminals to the timing circuit, as commanded by the respective switch setting. The switches, preferably, are transistor switches which are externally controllable by enabling respective inputs to the integrated circuit structure.

Abstract: A control system for regulating operation of a heat pump includes a basic timer circuit which is utilized in different ways for different purposes. The system senses pressure across the outdoor coil, outdoor temperature, temperature in the liquid line to and from the outdoor coil, and temperature of the compressor discharge line. The control system initiates a defrost cycle for the outdoor coil responsive to a high static pressure across the outside coil, at the same time that the liquid line temperature is below a preset temperature. The defrost cycle is terminated when the liquid line temperature reaches a given temperature or when that liquid line temperature has been at a lower temperature for a certain time interval as determined by the basic timer circuit. When the compressor is shut down, the timer is also started to ensure that the compressor is not brought back on before the expiration of the basic shut-down time interval.

Abstract: A delayed turn-on and turn-off control circuit for an electric motor includes a motor relay having an electrical actuator and a normally open motor contactor which is connected in series between the motor and an electrical power source for running the motor when the electrical actuator is energized. A normally non-conductive electrical switching device is serially connected between the electrical actuator and the power source. A turn-on delay circuit is responsive to closing of a normally open motor start switch and produces an electrical signal to render the electrical switching device conductive only after a predetermined lapse of time following the closing of the motor start switch, thereby energizing the motor.

Abstract: A chopper motor-controller for regulating a lift truck traction motor incorporates means for detecting faults which may cause the truck to run out of control, such as the high speed bypass contacts which shunt the semiconductor power switch being welded closed, and for disabling the controller in response thereto and also has time delay means for preventing a directional contactor from closing in on a fault before the fault detecting means can operate to disable the controller. The disclosed controller may alternatively be connected to require the operator to relax the accelerator foot pedal when starting or changing direction or to permit change of direction while the foot pedal is depressed.

Abstract: An energy limiting circuit for the operating stroke of a motor-driven screwdriver energized by alternating current is activated in response to a pulse of current amplitude, which may be the starting current of the motor or the first of a series of current amplitude pulses characteristic of screw tightening impacts produced by an impact-type screwdriver. The energy limiting circuit in a simple case is a timing circuit. For operation with strict reference to the impacting energy, the energy limiting circuit is a pulse counter. Adjustment of the timing or of the pulse counting is provided for setting the tool to the conditions of a particular repetitive task.

Abstract: A motor is electrically coupled to a power source through a motor starter. The motor starter is selectively operated by a relay to connect and disconnect the power source to the motor. A counter is set whenever a select motor temperature condition exceeds a predetermined level to provide an indication of the number of motor starts. The relay is operated to cause the motor starter to disconnect the power source from the motor whenever the motor fails to run continuously during a given time period following a predetermined number of starts.

Abstract: A motor control circuit for controlling the operation of a motor having main running-speed windings and also start-up windings includes a fixed time delay circuit to energize the main windings after a time delay following energization of the startup windings. In addition a lock-out circuit is provided to prevent re-start of the circuit following a particular fault condition.

Abstract: A reduction in speed of a movable member is sensed by an R. C. time delay circuit including light activated silicon controlled rectifiers which are respectively activated by light beams sequentially applied thereto at the rate of movement of said movable member.

Abstract: A control circuit, such as a motor control circuit, includes a capacitance connected at one side with a timing resistance to the gate of a field effect transistor (FET) which inhibits energization of a load, such as a motor. The FED controls a semiconductor switch which is connected by a diode to the other side of the capacitance to prevent reactuation of the circuit during a time delay determined by the rate of current flow through a timing resistance to the one side of the capacitance.

Abstract: A power-up circuit for an electric motor uses an electronic start-up circ which increases the applied power in a predetermined fashion. An electronic timer is used to switch the motor circuit from start to run conditions after a desired time interval. Photo-electric coupling devices isolate the control circuitry from transient signals after accompanying motor operation.