Abstract: A system (80) for a vehicle comprising a rear windscreen (20) and a rear windscreen wiper (26/28), the system (80) comprising one or more tracking sensors (30) and a control unit (50); the one or more tracking sensors (30) being coupled to the control unit (50) and being configured to monitor the behavior of a driver of the vehicle and to issue data to the control unit, the control unit (50) and/or the one or more tracking sensors (30) being arranged to make a positive determination that said monitored behavior is indicative of a requirement to look through the rear windscreen (20) of the vehicle and in dependence on making said positive determination, the control unit (50) is configured to activate the rear windscreen wiper (26/28) to wipe the rear windscreen (20) and/or to activate a rear windscreen washer system.

Abstract: A branch conduit is branched from a main conduit. A switching device is provided at a location between an upstream side portion of the main conduit and the branch conduit and is adapted to connect the upstream side portion of the main conduit to one of a rear window wash nozzle and a camera wash nozzle. When the switching device receives an electric signal, which indicates placement of a vehicle in a reverse drive mode, the switching device connects the upstream side portion of the main conduit to the camera wash nozzle through the branch conduit upon disconnecting the upstream side portion of the main conduit from the at least one window wash nozzle.

Abstract: Starting from the known rotating electromechanical converter comprising a stator with magnetic circuits and polyphase energizing windings, a first, inner, rotor with magnetic circuits and polyphase energizing windings, and a second (inter)rotor between this first rotor and the stator, provided with permanent magnetic members for co-operation with the magnetic circuit of at least the stator, the invention proposes to provide means for modifying the state of magnetization of at least a part of the respective areas of the second rotor which each lie between two successive permanent magnetic members.

Abstract: A first motor controller generates commanded speeds of a first rotor of a first electric motor for a first time interval and a second time interval. A first speed monitor detects observed speeds of the first rotor for the time intervals. A first ratio is determined based on a relationship between respective commanded speeds and corresponding observed speeds for the first time interval and the second time interval. A first data processor increments a persistence counter for the first motor if the first ratio increases or changes during the time intervals. A first motor deceleration is estimated if the persistence counter exceeds a stall limit count. A target rotor speed of a second motor is adjusted based on the estimated first motor rate of change to track the first motor rate of change (or first rotor speed) if the persistence counter exceeds the stall limit count.

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.

Abstract: In an inverter system, a phase adjusting unit configured to adjust, according to reception timing of first data, a phase of second PWM carrier to match a phase of first PWM carrier. A master inverter further includes an amplitude adjusting unit configured to adjust, when second data is received by a communication unit, according to the received second data, amplitude of a first command voltage to balance an actual output current output from a master inverter to the motor and an actual output current output from each of one or more slave inverters to the motor.

Abstract: A synchronous fan system is provided which intermittently calibrates the fans by rotating periodically the fans each to a common stop position.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling frequency converter modules of an electric drive. In the arrangement, the frequency converter modules are arranged to control alternatively a first motor or several motors having less power than the first motor.

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.

Abstract: A twin motor actuator includes a pair of motor controllers for controlling respective motors according to commands received by each motor controller, and a communication link for communicating the commands received by each motor controller to the other motor controller. The motor controllers are configured to transmit the commands received by the motor controller to the other motor controller via the communication link, determine whether contradictory commands have been received by the motor controllers, and control the motors at a defined state if contradictory commands are received. The communication link is an electrically isolated communication link and the defined state may be the state of the motors immediately before detecting the contradictory commands.

Abstract: An energy recycling structure includes a primary portion, a secondary portion and a positioning shaft. The primary portion connects to a motor and includes a radially magnetic assembly including a number of strips having different magnetic strength. The secondary portion connects to a driven element and includes a coil electrically connecting to a peripheral device. The positioning shaft connects the primary portion and the secondary portion. A current flows in the coil when the coil cuts the magnetic lines of force of the magnetic assembly during rotation of the magnetic assembly.

Abstract: A synchronous fan system is provided which intermittently calibrates the fans by rotating periodically the fans each to a common stop position.

Abstract: A torque control device controlling torque of first and second mechanical units connected coaxially to each other through connecting members includes a controller generating first and second references from a command from a host system, first and second motors respectively driving the first and second mechanical units, first and second motor control units respectively controlling the first and second motors on the basis of the first and second references. The first and second references synchronously accelerate the first and second motors to first rotational speed, then increase rotational speed of the second motor according to a speed profile to produce torsional torque in the connecting members, decelerate the second motor to the first rotational speed after the torsional torque reaches a predetermined value, and synchronously decelerate and stop the first and second motors after a predetermined time period elapses.

Abstract: A wiper apparatus includes: a wiper switch; an operation state detection device; a control device having an output section and an input section; a wiper motor; and a power supply. The wiper motor and the control device are connected by a single signal line; the operation state detection device and the input section are connected to the signal line; and the control device performs input of the wiper operating signal from the signal line when a predetermined period of time has elapsed from a point in time when an output of a wiper driving signal from the output section has stopped.

Abstract: A mobile machine may include one or more generator units, a plurality of electric propulsion motors, and a power-transfer system operable to transfer electricity from one or more of the generator units to one or more of the electric propulsion motors. The mobile machine may also include power-system controls that control the connection of the one or more electric propulsion motors to the power-transfer system. The power-system controls may selectively use a first motor-connection strategy for controlling when one or more groups of the electric propulsion motors are connected to the power-transfer system in series, and the power-system controls may selectively use a second motor-connection strategy for controlling when one or more groups of the electric propulsion motors are connected to the power-transfer system in series.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle, and equipped with a central control unit, motors, peripheral motor control devices each associated to one motor and connected to the central control unit. To allow rapid and accurate adjustments while providing versatility, the invention provides that each motor and its associated motor control device shall constitute a closed regulation loop.

Abstract: A circuit for the control of a stepper motor having a rotor configured as a permanent magnet and a stator configured of at least first and second energized excitation coils enclosing the rotor. Each end terminal of the first excitation coil is connected to the positive pole of the supply voltage over a switching element and each end terminal of a second excitation coil is connected to the negative pole of the supply voltage over a switching element. The central contacts of both excitation coils are connected to each other.

Abstract: An electronic control system (24) for a vehicle seat is provided that includes a seat base (12), a seat back (14), an operator input device (30) and a control circuit (26). The seat base has a seat back motor (34) configured to move a seat base forward and backward. The seat back has a seat back motor (32) configured to adjust an angle of inclination of the seat back. The operator input (30) device is configured to received operator commands for movement of the vehicle seat. The control circuit is configured to receive the operator commands and to control the seat base motor and the seat back motor. The control circuit is also configured to move the seat base and the seat back at a ratio of approximately 1 degree of inclination to between approximately 1 mm to approximately 4 mm of forward or backward movement of the seat base.

Abstract: The invention provides an article transport vehicle that includes: a vehicle body; a first wheel that supports the vehicle body; a second wheel that is disposed spaced apart from the first wheel in a fore-and-aft direction, and that supports the vehicle body; a first drive motor capable of driving the first wheel; a second drive motor capable of driving the first wheel; velocity sensor for obtaining information necessary for obtaining a velocity of the vehicle body; and controller for controlling the first and the second drive motors, wherein the controller performs a first travel velocity control with respect to the first drive motor so as to control the first drive motor based on a difference between a target travel velocity and a travel velocity based on a detection by the velocity sensor, and performs a first conflict suppress control with respect to the second drive motor so as to control the second drive motor to reduce conflict with driving of the first wheel by the first travel velocity control.

Abstract: An electronic control system (24) for a vehicle seat is provided that includes a seat base (12), a seat back (14), an operator input device (30) and a control circuit (26). The seat base has a seat back motor (34) configured to move a seat base forward and backward. The seat back has a seat back motor (32) configured to adjust an angle of inclination of the seat back. The operator input (30) device is configured to received operator commands for movement of the vehicle seat. The control circuit is configured to receive the operator commands and to control the seat base motor and the seat back motor. The control circuit is also configured to move the seat base and the seat back at a ratio of approximately 1 degree of inclination to between approximately 1 mm to approximately 4 mm of forward or backward movement of the seat base.

Abstract: A motor controlling serial communication device includes an upper controller having a first IC and a first connector, and motor drivers having second ICs, second connectors and third connectors. First cables and second cables are used for coupling the upper controller to the motor drivers, so that a daisy-chain connection is formed.

Abstract: AC servo motor drives which allow several AC drives to be connected in parallel and allow for the connection and reconnection of AC servo motors to be accomplished primarily through a central processing unit (CPU). Thus, multiple AC servo motor drives may be ganged under the supervision of the CPU to provide a servo motor with multiple times the current available from a single drive and optionally redundancy in the drives. To provide necessary coordination, the required motor current magnitude and phase (current vector) are broadcast by an axis controller to the drives. This command current vector is broadcast over a high speed serial data bus which allows many simultaneous listeners (the AC servo motor drives). To protect against damage to each drive, each of the three current output terminals is preceded by an output filter. The output filters preceding the terminals permit phase by phase parallel connection of several drives in the service of one servo motor.

Abstract: A number N of AC machines, such as motors or generators, are independently controlled by a control system having 2N+1 phases, having N orthogonal sets of phase components. In a particular application, a hybrid vehicle including a generator and an induction motor are independently controlled by a five-phase controller having two independent sets of mutually orthogonal components. Each set of components controls one of the machines, and has no net effect on the other machine(s).

Abstract: A power output apparatus (20) of the present invention includes an engine (50), a clutch motor (30) connecting with a crankshaft (56) of the engine (50), an assist motor (40) connecting with a drive shaft (22), and a controller (80) for controlling the clutch motor (30) and the assist motor (40). In order to attain stable driving of the engine (50) at a target engine torque and a target engine speed, the engine (50) is feedback controlled with the torque of the clutch motor (30). In the feedback control, a range of scatter of the revolving speed of the crankshaft (56) (that is, a variation in rotation or pulsating torque) due to the pulsating power output from the engine (50) is set as a dead zone. The torque of the clutch motor (30) is accordingly not varied with the variation in rotation of the crankshaft 56 (pulsating torque). This structure effectively prevents the variation in rotation (pulsating torque) from being transmitted to the drive shaft (22).

Abstract: A power output apparatus (20) of the present invention includes a clutch motor (30), an assist motor (40), and a controller (80) for controlling the clutch motor (30) and the assist motor (40). The clutch motor (30) includes an outer rotor (32) linked with a crankshaft (56) of a gasoline engine (50) and an inner rotor (34) connecting with a drive shaft (22). The assist motor (40) includes a rotor (42) connecting with the drive shaft (22). A control CPU (90) of the controller (80) controls a first driving circuit (91) to make the clutch motor (30) carry out power operation, so that the drive shaft (22) is rotated at a revolving speed higher than that of the crankshaft (56). The control CPU (90) also controls a second driving circuit (92) to make the assist motor (40) carry out regenerative operation. The electric power regenerated by the assist motor (40) is supplied to the clutch motor (30) to cover the electric power consumed by the clutch motor (30).

Abstract: A power output apparatus (20) of the present invention includes a clutch motor (30), an assist motor (40), and a controller (80) for controlling the clutch motor (30) and the assist motor (40). The clutch motor (30) includes an outer rotor (32) linked with a crankshaft (56) of a gasoline engine (50) and an inner rotor (34) connecting with a drive shaft (22). The assist motor (40) includes a rotor (42) connecting with the drive shaft (22). A control CPU (90) of the controller (80) controls a first driving circuit (91) to enable the clutch motor (30) to carry out the regenerative operation. The clutch motor (30) accordingly regenerates energy corresponding to a slip between the outer rotor (32) and the inner rotor (34) as electric power.

Abstract: A power output apparatus (20) of the present invention includes a clutch motor (30), an assist motor (40), and a controller (80) for controlling the clutch motor (30) and the assist motor (40). The clutch motor (30) includes an outer rotor (32) linked with a crankshaft (56) of a gasoline engine (50) and an inner rotor (34) connecting with a drive shaft (22). The assist motor (40) includes a rotor (42) connecting with the drive shaft (22). When the residual capacity of a battery (94) is less than an allowable minimum value, a control CPU (90) of the controller (80) controls a first driving circuit (91) to enable the clutch motor (30) to carry out the power operation and apply a first torque to the drive shaft (22) in the direction of rotation of the drive shaft (22).

Abstract: A system for synchronizing a plurality of motors is disclosed. The system includes a universal drive controller which can control the operation of two motors, a power module for each motor, and a power module interface rack which is utilized to interconnect the motor to its associated universal drive controller. If a plurality of universal drive controllers is involved, a common clock is utilized to synchronize the operation of same.Synchronization of the motors is achieved by monitoring the output shaft of each motor through the use of a resolver, transmitting feedback data relative to the position of the output shaft to the universal drive controller via the power module interface rack, calculation of command data by the universal drive controller to effect synchronization, and transmitting the command data to the power module interface rack wherein the power module causes the proper firing signals to be transmitted to the associated motor.

Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus, an interpolation signal for interpolating a discrepancy of registration is calculated from signals of (M.times.N) pieces of arranged elements (M, N being an integer, respectively) the positions of which on a light receiving plane are mutually adjoined with each other among arranged elements corresponding to signals in 2 fields which are continuously output from the respective image pickup elements, whereby the registration error can be corrected. An image pickup element has such a structure that signals having the same element number as an arranged element number corresponding to mutually continuous 2 field signals among the signals read during the normal interlace operation are entirely independently read every 1 field. By utilizing such an image pickup element having the element numbers two times higher than that of the conventional element, the registration error is interpolated from the signals of (M.times.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has front and rear electric motor driven wiper mechanisms including front and rear control switches effective to independently activate and deactivate front and rear wiper operation and front and rear park switches effective to independently provide, for each of the front and rear wipers, automatic wiper parking when the respective control switch is turned off. The vehicle has a driveline transmission with a reverse indicator and a control circuit responsive to the reverse indicator to interconnect the rear wiper motor with the front wiper control switch and disconnect the rear part switch when vehicle reverse operation is indicated.

Abstract: A two motor assembly for driving two fan blades to move air through a heat exchanger comprising a first two speed DC motor comprising magnets for establishing a fixed magnetic field, an armature rotor rotatable to drive a first fan blade, a multiplicity of armature coil turns on the armature rotor, a commutator assembly on the armature rotor, and sets of brushes including a tap brush cooperating with the commutator assembly to alternatively operate the two speed DC motor (1) is a first speed mode wherein (A) a system voltage is applied and distributed across all of the multiplicity of armature coil turns to produce a net total back EMF and armature reaction interacting with the magnetic field to cause the armature rotor to rotate in the first speed mode and (B) a tap voltage intermediate the system voltage reduced across a predetermined number of armature coil turns less than all of the multiplicity of armature coil turns is provided through the tap brush and (2) a different second speed mode.

Abstract: In a control system for synchronous rotation of the cutter heads in a multi-cutter shield machine, the rotation cutter heads are so disposed in generally the same plane such that the distance between the centers of the adjoining cutter heads is larger than the radius, and smaller than the diameter, of the cutter heads. The rotating cutter heads are driven independently of each other by electric drive systems, respectively. Each of the electric drive systems consists of plural motors with a reduction gear, coupled to the respective rotating cutter heads by means of a pinion and gear. The motor rotation is so controlled and the cutter heads are so synchronously rotated, that the angle of deviation between the cutter heads is within such an allowable range that the cutter heads will not interfere with each other even if there is any imbalance in excavating and rotating resistances between the cutter heads.

Abstract: In a circuit arrangement for textile machines having a plurality of identical aggregates, each having a drive motor (1), particularly for spinning machines having individually driven spindles, respective motor bars are provided for the connection of each aggregated. Each motor bar is connected with a ground plate which is provided with energy supply lines and has a predetermined number of bar connectors. At least the energy supply lines of a minimum of two ground plates are connected with each other and with a connecting line (9) common to them which leads to a central energy supply device (2) of the machine.

Abstract: A method of starting series-coupled vacuum pumps comprising a primary pump (A) and at least one secondary pump (B) connected between the primary pump and an enclosure (E) in which a vacuum is to be established, the method consisting in starting the primary pump initially and subsequently starting the secondary pump when the suction pressure of the primary pump as reduced by rotation of the primary pump reaches an acceptable value, the method being characterized in that the pressure existing in the secondary pump is determined by using a physical magnitude related to the primary pump and following a law similar to the pressure law.

Abstract: A motor control circuit is utilized to monitor and control the power to two series connected 110-120 VAC motors, to detect an imbalance between the operation of the two motors, and to remove the power to both motors if one motor operates in an abnormal manner. A reference voltage is used and compared to the voltage level at the mid connection of the series connected motors.

Abstract: A motor-driven power booster suitable for use in a motor-driven power steering system. The power booster comprises a casing, input and output shafts rotatably supported on the casing, a first motor for driving the output shaft, a second motor for driving the input shaft, an angle detector operatively cooperating with the first and second shafts for generating an output signal dependent on angular positions of the input and output shafts, and an electric circuit for supplying electric power to the first motor to apply an output torque to the output shaft in response to the output signal from the angle detector and for supplying electric power to the second motor to apply a reactive torque to the input shaft in response to the electric power supplied to the first motor. Since the input and output shafts are mechanically uncoupled, desired output-torque vs. reactive-torque characteristics can easily be attained by the power booster.

Abstract: An electric drive system for automotive wheel rim forming equipment having inner and outer forming rolls mounted on driven spindles. The drive system includes separate drives for each forming roll and a control system for maintaining a predetermined speed ratio between the forming rolls in the absence of a working load thereon. The control system further maintains a predetermined torque ratio between the outputs of the drives for the forming rolls during the forming of a wheel rim by the forming rolls.

Abstract: A solid-state direct current motor control apparatus including a programmed microprocessor operative with a plurality of series motors to determine the selection of a power mode of operation, a brake mode of operation and a coast mode of operation, with a desired energization of particular motor fields before the brake mode of operation.

Abstract: An electric drive system for automotive wheel rim forming equipment having inner and outer forming rolls mounted on driven spindles. The drive system includes separate drives for each forming roll and a control system for maintaining a predetermined speed ratio between the forming rolls in the absence of a working load thereon. The control system further maintains a predetermined torque ratio between the outputs of the drives for the forming rolls during the forming of a wheel rim by the forming rolls.

Abstract: A solid-state motor control apparatus operative with a plurality of series motors to determine the selection of a power mode of operation and a brake mode of operation, and including a plurality of current sensors to establish the current flow in the motor armatures and in the motor fields.

Abstract: An apparatus for changing the relative angles of the output shafts of a multiple-motor electric drive. For this purpose, the appropriate synchronous motor is switched to a phase-shifting frequency changer and its relative shaft (mechanical phase) angle is shifted by varying the frequency. The synchronous motor is then switched back to the operating frequency changer. The phase equality of the output voltages of the two frequency changers is monitored by signals derived from logic elements driving the frequency changers. In normal operation, the phase shifting frequency changer is driven by the same digital frequency generator as the operating frequency changer and is only switched to another frequency generator for phase shifting. Transition from one frequency changer to the other is made without shock.

Abstract: An electric drive system for automotive wheel rim forming equipment having inner and outer forming rolls mounted on driven spindles. The drive system includes separate drives for each forming roll and a control system for maintaining a predetermined speed ratio between the forming rolls in the absence of a working load thereon. The control system further maintains a predetermined torque ratio between the outputs of the drives for the forming rolls during the forming of a wheel rim by the forming rolls.

Abstract: A drive apparatus has at least two electric motors. There is also a central control common to all motors which lie in series in a closed-circuit energy supply. Each motor has an individual control unit which can be turned on and off from the central control via a control line by an address. Each motor also contains a short-circuit device lying in parallel with its connecting terminals.

Abstract: A twin electric motor drive for a grinding mill has substantially identical synchronous motors mechanically connected to the drive of the mill, and the stator winding which generates a revolving magnetic field in each motor comprises a plurality of phase windings each of which is energized from a separate phase of a polyphase power source and has first and second winding sections which are interconnected with the second and first winding sections respectively of the corresponding phase winding of the other motor to equalize the load between the motors.