Abstract: A vehicle door lock device includes: a connecting portion to which a connector for connection to an external device is connected; a casing; a latch mechanism that is arranged at a rear end portion of the casing in a vehicle front-rear direction and includes a latch and a ratchet; a locking and unlocking mechanism arranged in the casing, the locking and unlocking mechanism including: a lever lock that switches between transmitting or not transmitting a door opening operation to the latch mechanism according to a rotational position; and a motor that drives the lever lock; a first switch that detects a rotational position of the lever lock; a second switch that detects a rotational position of the latch; and a connecting unit that electrically connects the connecting portion to the motor, the first switch and the second switch.

Abstract: A delay circuit for a fan includes a signal generation circuit, a first switch, a delay microchip, and a second switch. The signal generation circuit receives a driving signal and generates a control signal according to the driving signal. The first switch is electronically connected to the signal generation circuit to receive the control signal. The second switch is electronically connected between the delay microchip and the fan. When the signal generation circuit is electronically connected to the fan via the first switch, the control signal is transmitted to the fan to activate the fan. When the signal generation circuit is electronically connected to the delay microchip, the delay microchip receives the control signal and outputs a delayed control signal after a predetermined delay time, and the delayed control signal is transmitted to the fan via the second switch to activate the fan.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an operation of a power door of a vehicle are presented. An activation of a user interface device associated with the power door is detected. A cue is provided using a notification device after detecting the activation of the user interface device. In one implementation, the notification device includes an audible alarm. When the user interface device is activated for greater than a predetermined time period, the power door is caused to be in a power mode of operation, and the notification device is used to indicate a current operational mode of the power door. In one implementation, when the user interface device is deactivated within the predetermined time period, the power door is caused to be in a manual mode of operation.

Abstract: A synchronous-machine starting device includes an electric power conversion unit for converting supplied electric power into AC power for supply to the armature of the synchronous machine, a rotor position detection unit for detecting a position of the rotor of the synchronous machine based on an AC voltage in the armature of the synchronous machine detected by an AC voltage detection unit, an electric power conversion control unit for controlling the electric power conversion unit based on the position of the rotor detected by the rotor position detection unit, and an abnormality detection unit detecting a rotation abnormality of the synchronous machine based on the AC voltage detected by the AC voltage detection unit after supply of the field current to the rotor of the synchronous machine is started.

Abstract: In a motor control system, a controller generates a single control signal for a motor control unit in a first electric motor and another motor control unit in a second electric motor. The motor control units in the first and second electric motors operate the first and second electric motors at a first rate in response to the control signal being at a first level. The motor control unit in the first electric motor operates the first electric motor at a second rate and the motor control unit in the second electric motor operates the second electric motor at a third rate in response to the control signal being at a second level, the third rate being different than the second rate.

Abstract: In a vehicle door, an opening/closing control device is provided. In the device, a controller is connected to an input current path connected to a vehicle battery. By a switching relay circuit, electricity is supplied from the vehicle battery to a closing motor or a release motor selectively. Between the switching relay circuit and the closing motor, a closing relay circuit is provided. If electricity is supplied to the closing motor, the closing relay circuit will be switched to ON where electricity is supplied to the closing motor or OFF where electricity is not supplied to the closing motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical power tool, particularly an electric hand power tool, for operating with alternating current, having an electric motor, and electronic control device, and an electrical power switch for actuating the electric motor, wherein the electronic control device comprises a bias voltage output and a detection input, connected to each other by means of a voltage divider comprising a summation point and to the side of the power switch facing the electric motor, and the control device is further designed such that the potential at the detection input is monitored after actuating the power switch and used for checking whether the power switch is conducting, and that it is actuated again if the power switch was not conducting or returned to the non-conducting state during the monitoring, and that said checking and any renewed actuation of the power switch is repeated within a half-wave of the alternating voltage.

Abstract: When it is determined that a rotor is initially in a stationary state, a current vector is applied to a coil by a vector control method so as to rotate the rotor in a forward direction from a present position of the rotor regardless of a predetermined start position of the rotor. Therefore, a motor can be stably started with less power consumption and noise/vibration.

Abstract: Presented is a method for synchronizing movement of a plurality of roller shades each disposed at a first position to a common second position. The method includes obtaining information related to the position of each of the plurality of roller shades with a respective one of a plurality of optical assemblies, and moving each of the plurality of roller shades from the first position to the common second position in response to the respective obtained position information so that each of the plurality of roller shades arrives at the common second position at the same time.

Abstract: Presented is a system for synchronizing movement of roller shades each from a first position to a common second position. The system includes a master controller, a plurality of optical assemblies each configured to obtain information related to the position of one of the roller shades, and a plurality of motor assemblies. Each of the motor assemblies is configured for receiving the position information from one of the plurality of optical assemblies, receiving a master shade movement time from the master controller, and moving one of the of roller shades from the first position to the common second position in response to the received position information so that the roller shade arrives at the common second position simultaneously with the other roller shades in a time equal to the master shade movement time.

Abstract: A traction drive system comprising a plurality of electric motors selectably connected to a main shaft by engagement devices, each motor or combination of motors provides distinct performance characteristics along a broad spectrum of performance characteristics; and a method of managing a traction drive system including sensing physical parameters of the fraction drive system, selecting an electric motor having well-suited performance profile based on pre-selected criteria against which the sensed parameter is compared, and engaging one or more of the corresponding motors to the main shaft.

Abstract: A wiper apparatus includes: a wiper blade driven by a motor; and a wiper blade driven by a motor. The motors are drive-controlled by control microcomputers, respectively. The control microcomputers are connected to each other through a communication line. While exchanging position information of the wiper blades through the communication line, the control microcomputers synchronously drive the motors on the basis of a position relationship between both of the wiper blades. In the case where a communication abnormality occurs when the position relationship between the wiper blades is in a normal state, the wiper blade is stopped after reaching a lower turning position. In the case where the communication abnormality occurs in a state where the position relationship between the blades is inverted, the blade is stopped after reaching an upper turning position.

Abstract: An opposite type wiper apparatus which can prevent interference of each wiper blade even if reference position data is lost. When at least one of reference position data memory sections is in abnormal condition, angle range calculation sections correct operation angle ranges of a DR-side and an AS-side wiper motor so as to shift an upper and a lower reversal positions of a DR-side and an AS-side wiper blade toward storage positions, and so as to make a correction value from the AS-side angle range calculation section larger than a correction value from the DR-side angle range calculation section. Therefore, even when reference position data individually memorized in reference position data memory sections are lost, the DR-side and the AS-side wiper blades can be prevented from interfering with each other.

Abstract: A method is provided for the electrical protection of an electrical household appliance that is used to prepare food. The appliance includes an electric pump which is supplied with alternating current in order to convey a liquid through a conduit, and a heating element to raise the temperature of the liquid. The instantaneous value of the current I supplied to the pump is measured at regular time intervals. The method includes calculating the average value ?n of m current I measurements taken over a pre-determined time period T; comparing the average value ?n with a reference value ?ref calculated as the average value of the current I measurements taken over an earlier period of the same length; and opening the pump's power supply circuit when the difference between the average values ?ref and ?n exceeds a pre-determined threshold value ?1 for at least two successive time periods T as a result of low average current indicative of dry running.

Abstract: A recording media drive is to be provided in which, when even a voltage capable of being provided in the interior can be provided from the exterior, e.g., the voltage of 3.3V defined in Serial ATA Standard, the voltage can be supplied from the exterior. In one embodiment, a circuit board which controls positioning of a head of an HDD includes a connector connected to an external voltage 5V supply segment and also to an external voltage 12V supply segment, a regulator which generates 3.3V from an external voltage of 5V supplied through the connector, an electronic part capable of being supplied with the 3.3V from the regulator, and a switching control circuit for switching to a voltage supply segment for the supply of 3.3V to the electronic part. In the case where the connector is constructed so as to be connectable to an external voltage 3.3V supply segment for the supply of an external voltage of 3.3V and when it is connected to the external voltage 3.

Abstract: In a motor control apparatus in which a higher voltage is directly applied to a driving unit for a motor from a battery and a lower voltage stepped down by a switching regulator from the battery is also supplied to a control unit, the switching regulator is started its switching by a starting signal supplied from the outside of the motor control apparatus and is stopped its switching by the first stopping signal from the outside of a motor control apparatus and the second stopping signal derived from the control unit.

Abstract: A motor control device for controlling an electric motor (1,6) installed in a vehicle, is disclosed. The motor has a field winding (101,601). The motor control device has a battery (4) charged by power at a first voltage (Vb), an voltage increase/decrease inverter (3) capable of increasing the first voltage from the battery, an excitation control circuit (102, 106) which allows or disallows supply of the exciting current to the field winding (101,601), a sensor (35,41–48) which detects a state of the vehicle, and a controller (8). The controller (8) determines whether or not to start the motor (1,6) based on a signal from the sensor (41–48). When the motor is to be started, the controller (8) allows supply of exciting current by the excitation control circuit (102, 106) and controls the voltage increasing circuit so that the first voltage is increased to a second voltage higher than the first voltage (Vb).

Abstract: A wall control unit for a movable barrier operator sends baseband signals over a wire connection to a head unit of a movable barrier operator to command the movable barrier to perform barrier operator functions. The wall control unit has a wall control unit port for connection to the wire connection. A first switch sends a barrier command signal to the head unit commanding the head unit to open or close a movable barrier. A second switch commands the head unit to provide energization to a light source. An infrared detector causes a command signal to be sent to the head unit to control the illumination state of the light source.

Abstract: The lighting fixture includes a housing having an interior cavity and a transparent cover. A color-changing electric light assembly is provided in the interior cavity. The light assembly emits a plurality of different colors of light through the transparent cover and cycles through the plurality of different colors of light to sequentially emit each of the plurality of different colors of light. A synchronization circuit responds to a timed interruption in the power for synchronizing the color-changing electric light assembly with a color-changing electric light assembly of another underwater lighting fixture connected to the same power.

Abstract: An underwater lighting fixture adapted for installation in a wall of a swimming pool. The lighting fixture includes a housing having an interior cavity and a transparent cover. A color changing electric light assembly is provided in the interior cavity. The light assembly emits a plurality of different colors of light through the transparent cover and cycles through the plurality of different colors of light to sequentially emit each of the plurality of different colors of light. An electrical conductor extends through the housing into the interior cavity for delivering power to the color changing electric light assembly. A synchronization circuit responds to a timed interruption in the power for synchronizing the color changing electric light assembly with a color changing electric light assembly of another underwater lighting fixture connected to the same power.

Abstract: The sensorless motor driving apparatus according to the invention may include: a timing generation circuit generating a timing signal at intervals T; a driving signal generation circuit receiving the timing signal and generating, at the intervals T, pulse signals, the number of which M (=m×L+k) is defined by a sum of a predetermined number k and a product of the number of statuses L of the rotor and an integer (m) equal to or greater than 1; and an amplitude control circuit switching between commutation patterns of the driving signal in synchronization with the pulse signals.

Abstract: A window lifter system and method coordinates closing of multiple windows by detecting when more than one window pane is approaching a fully closed position and moving one window pane to only an approximately closed position while the other window pane is moved to the fully closed position. By staggering the closure of window panes to the fully closed positions, the system and method provides the illusion that all of the window panes are being closed at the same time while avoiding voltage drops in the vehicle power supply caused by excessively high blocking currents generated when multiple window panes are moved to the fully closed position.

Abstract: A driving control device for an actuator comprises a driving device to drive an actuator having an electric motor (30) and a driving control device (50) to control the rotation of the electric motor (30) by controlling the driving device. The driving control device includes an H bridge circuit constructed by four switching semiconductor elements (Tr1 to Tr4), and rotates the electric motor in normal and reverse directions by turning on and turning off the switching semiconductor elements (Tr1 to Tr4). The driving control device (50) conducts to activate and to stop the electric motor (30) by applying a PWM signal to the switching semiconductor elements (Tr3 and Tr4) constructing the lower arm of the H bridge circuit (51).

Abstract: A CPU sets an SPM driver in SPM start-up mode when a SPM is started up. At this time, a voltage selector applies, to a driver circuit, a voltage (high voltage) boosted by a voltage booster. A starter control circuit controls, during the period of an SPM start-up mode, the driver circuit with the high voltage applied thereto, thereby starting up the SPM. After the SPM has been started up, the CPU sets the SPM driver in PWM mode. At this time, the voltage selector switches the voltage applied to the driver circuit, from the boosted voltage to the voltage (low voltage) of a power supply. During the period of the PWM mode, a PWM circuit controls the driver circuit with the low voltage applied thereto, so as to rotate the SPM at a rated speed.

Abstract: An underwater lighting fixture adapted for installation in a lamp receiving recess in the wall of a swimming pool. The fixture includes a lamp housing having a pair of reflector-mounted incandescent lamps mounted therein. A plate having a pair of a apertures is mounted in the housing with the apertures mounted in alignment with the lamps. A pair of secondary reflectors are mounted to face the plate apertures and are provided with light-transmitting portals. A color wheel having dichroic filter segments is mounted so that identically colored pairs of segments pass the portals when the color wheel is driven by a motor. The motor is controlled by a circuit by disconnecting power to an input of the circuit, reconnecting power to the input to control the motor to move at a first speed. The control circuit stops the motor when the driven element reaches an index position.

Abstract: A CPU sets an SPM driver in SPM start-up mode when a SPM is started up. At this time, a voltage selector applies, to a driver circuit, a voltage (high voltage) boosted by a voltage booster. A starter control circuit controls, during the period of an SPM start-up mode, the driver circuit with the high voltage applied thereto, thereby starting up the SPM. After the SPM has been started up, the CPU sets the SPM driver in PWM mode. At this time, the voltage selector switches the voltage applied to the driver circuit, from the boosted voltage to the voltage (low voltage) of a power supply. During the period of the PWM mode, a PWM circuit controls the driver circuit with the low voltage applied thereto, so as to rotate the SPM at a rated speed.

Abstract: An electric vehicle driven by a pair of left and right electric motors is provided. The vehicle includes a controller for controlling the start of the vehicle. The controller performs such control as avoiding brake drag caused by the operation of the electric motors before the elimination of the braking of a pair of left and right parking electromagnetic brakes.

Abstract: A ventilation assembly for a motor vehicle comprising first and second motor fan units (1, 2) and a control device (5) adapted to vary the ventilation power (P1+2) developed by the assembly formed by the two motor fan units according to a desired total power value (PTC). The control device (5) comprises an electric power variator (7) with continuous power variation, connected to the first motor fan unit (1), and a means for cutting-off the supply of the second motor fan unit (2), the power (P2) developed by the said second motor fan unit (2) being either zero or equal to its maximum operating power (PM2).

Abstract: A window lifter system and method coordinates closing of multiple windows by detecting when more than one window pane is approaching a fully closed position and moving one window pane to only an approximately closed position while the other window pane is moved to the fully closed position. By staggering the closure of window panes to the fully closed positions, the system and method provides the illusion that all of the window panes are being closed at the same time while avoiding voltage drops in the vehicle power supply caused by excessively high blocking currents generated when multiple window panes are moved to the fully closed position.

Abstract: A washing machine motor drive device drives a motor using an inverter circuit, which implements a constant torque control through a change in the torque-revolution speed characteristic of the motor. This facilitates an easy control of braking torque (negative torque), thereby providing a maximized braking torque. An easy control of regenerative energy is also provided, and back electromotive force is consumed by the internal resistance of the motor. Practically described, DC power of a rectifier circuit connected to an alternating current source is converted by an inverter circuit into AC power for driving the motor for operating an agitator or a washing/spinning tub. Motor rotor position is detected by rotor position detector, motor current is detected by current detector, and a control device controls the inverter circuit for resolving the motor current into a current component corresponding to magnetic flux and a current component corresponding to torque.

Abstract: An improved garage door opener is disclosed. The garage door opener has a motor drive unit for opening and closing a garage door. The motor drive unit has a microcontroller. Connected to the motor drive unit is a wall console that resides inside the garage. The wall console also has a microcontroller. The microcontroller of the motor drive unit is connected to the microcontroller of the wall console by means of a digital data bus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an installation for preliminary crushing of articles, the installation comprising at least a first shaft for driving articles and a second shaft for shredding driven articles, each of said shafts being provided with shredding teeth and each being rotated by at least one motor, a gearbox for reducing the speed of each motor being placed between each motor and the associated shaft, the installation further comprising both means for controlling said motors in association with sensors for picking up operating parameters of the installation, and data acquisition and processor means. According to the invention, the installation further comprises a universal joint disposed between the outlet shaft of each motor and the inlet shaft of each gearbox, and wherein each gearbox is mounted to stand on shock absorber means, thus enabling the energy created by impacts and/or torques above a given threshold at the teeth to be absorbed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an electric motor pump. The method includes the acts of providing an AC power signal having a positive half cycle and a negative half cycle, measuring the voltage of the AC power signal and generating a first two-state output signal that is in a logic high state when the measured voltage is on the positive half cycle and that is in a logic low state when the measured voltage is on the negative half cycle, and measuring the current of the AC power signal and generating a second two-state output signal that is in logic high state when the measured current is on the positive half cycle and that is in a logic low state when the measured current is on the negative half cycle.

Abstract: A auxiliary vehicular window recessing system for providing a secondary means of recessing the electrically-controlled windows of a vehicle in the event of submergence in a body of water. The auxiliary vehicular window recessing system includes a secondary motor for moving the window of the vehicle. A secondary gear member driven by the secondary motor is engaged with the main drive gear such that rotary motion of the secondary gear member biases the primary window drive system thereby recessing the window when the secondary motor is activated. An auxiliary, waterproof battery provides power, while a sealed fuse electrically protects the secondary motor. Optionally or in conjunction, a manual crank apparatus engages the primary window drive system for manually recessing the window.

Abstract: A method of decoding a quadrature encoded signal where position tracking is implemented which decouples the position calculations from the encoder edges. In one embodiment of the present invention, a uni-directional pulse accumulator is used to count encoder edges, and a periodic interrupt timer is used to update the position information, where interrupts are generated independent from encoder edges. At slow speeds, the mode switches to monitor each encoder edge to check for direction reversal without requiring position information. This decodes bi-directional quadrature position information using a uni-directional counter and a count compensation method for resolving changes in direction.

Abstract: A synchronization system according to the present invention includes a signal generator that provides a "RUN" signal simultaneously to two or more windshield wiper motors in response to simultaneous receipt of position signals generated by the motors. Each motor generates a position signal when the windshield wiper controlled by the motor is at a predetermined position. A gate circuit monitors the output of each motor to determine whether the motor is in the predetermined position. The gate circuit provides a trigger signal to the signal generator of the present invention only when each motor outputs a position signal. The trigger signal causes the signal generator to produce a subsequent "RUN" signal initiating another wipe cycle. Accordingly, the motors begin each cycle in synchronization.

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling an opposed wiping type wiper apparatus having a pair of wiper blades driven by a pair of motors, respectively. The wiper apparatus includes detecting means for detecting the angular position of the each wiper blade, calculating means for calculating the angular distance of one wiper blade relative to the other wiper blade, memory means for memorizing therein a reference table of target angular distances in advance for the wiper blades, and control means for controlling the pair of wiper blades so that the angular distance of each of the wiper blades is brought close to the corresponding target angular distance.The wiper apparatus also may control the wiper blade velocity. In this case, the wiper apparatus further includes a reference table of target velocities and the wiper blades are controlled based on the target angular distance and target velocity.

Abstract: A combined driving structure is made up of an engine and an electrical machine. The engine is connected to the electrical machine through a clutch which allows the electrical machine to be used as a starting motor for the battery, and when the engine is started, allows the engine to drive a load and also drive the electrical machine to operate as a generator. In addition, the electrical machine can be operated as a motor at low speeds to drive the load by electrical power when the engine is stopped, and as a generator to provide regenerative braking for charging the battery, either with or without friction damping of the engine by the clutch.

Abstract: An electric vehicle control device for a plurality of vehicles connected in series to form a formation including a plurality of control devices, each being provided for one of the vehicles, respectively. Each of the control devices includes a PWM converter device for receiving a first A.C. power through a current collector and a transformer from an A.C. overhead line and for converting the first A.C. power into a D.C. power using a PWM carrier wave, an inverter connected to D.C. output terminals of the PWM converter device for converting the D.C. power into a second A.C. power, and an electric motor connected to A.C. output terminals of the inverter for being driven by the second A.C. power. Phase angles of the PWM carrier waves in the PWM converter devices are determined to be mutually shifted by a predetermined angle, thereby higher harmonics of the PWM carrier waves leaking into the A.C. overhead line are reduced.

Abstract: Two windshield wiper blades are powered by separate electric motors. The blades overlap and when one blade is at its reversal point the other blade leaves part as the other blade begins to return to park. The position of the blades is encoded. The blades, if synchronized should be at identical locations and position codes at the same time. Motor power to the blade that arrives first is be removed, allowing the blade to coast. If the other blade still does not arrive at the position after an elapsed time, the first to arrive blade is dynamically braked. Intermittent wiper operation is provided in a way that initiates an immediate wipe if wiper delay is changed while the blades are parked.

Abstract: A motorized golf cart circuit and apparatus capable of transporting various golf related items including a golf bag carrying golf clubs around a golf course under manual or automatic control is provided. The cart operator is provided with the option of operating the cart either manually by applying pressure to a switch located on the hand grip of the cart apparatus, or automatically in either a timer or a distance travel mode. The timer mode allows the cart operator to send the cart ahead automatically along a straight or curved path set by the operator for a predetermined period of time before the cart circuit automatically turns off. The distance mode of travel allows the cart operator to automatically send the cart ahead, following either a straight or curved path set by the operator for a distance of between 10 and 50 yards. Both the speed and the path of the cart may be varied by the cart operator by turning a balance control knob located on the control panel interface of the golf club cart.

Abstract: Method and device for controlling a motor in a powered seat, wherein one of normal and reverse drive signals from manual or auto switch is detected by a central processing unit, which in turn provides a first period of time defined between one point when the motor starts to drive in normal direction and another point when the normal drive of the motor is stopped, and a second period of time defined between one point when the motor starts to drive in reverse direction and another point when the reverse drive of the motor is stopped, and then, a motor torque switch element brings resistor in electrical connection with the motor terminal, only druing one of those first and second periods of time.

Abstract: An electric control for gas furnaces which controls a two speed main blower fan and an induction draft fan based on inputs from a room thermostat, a high limit and an ignition control including a gas valve. The control has a circuit board having a power supply for providing 24 volts DC current source to drive DC relays and a 5 volt DC power source to power a microprocessor. 24 volt AC input signals are coupled to the input ports of the microprocessor through current limiting resistors and to AC ground through pull down resistors. AC ground is also connected to the IRQ port of the microprocessor. The output ports of the microprocessor are connected to a relay driver which in turn is connected to the relays. Several breakaway tabs in the board provide optional features such as eliminating a normally provided draft delay timing function. Test pads are provided on the board so that the board can be tested during manufacture.

Abstract: A motion controller, which is adaptable to a variety of different motors, provides motor control signals to the motors of a multi-axis coordinated system as a function of position and velocity commands from a host computer. The motion controller configures the motor control signals to be compatible to the particular motors being driven based upon motor identification instructions from the host computer.

Abstract: A method of controlling a pair of hoist motors comprises delaying one about to raise a load while allowing the other to lower its load until a steady speed is reached, and then raising the load with the first motor. The regenerative current from the motor lowering its load at steady speed is offset against the drive current required for the motor raising its load.

Abstract: A dynamic braking system is provided for electrically driven wheelchairs to slow the wheelchairs to a stop without needing to use a mechanical brake. A primary switch arrangement is provided for connecting resistors across the right and left wheelchair motors automatically when the switch control is in its off position, either because of purposely positioning the control by the patient or as a consequence of power failure. In addition, a secondary switching system is automatically actuated in response to the primary switching system being moved to its off position to cross connect or short circuit the terminals of the right and left motors to each other only after a given period of time to provide a secondary braking action to the motors and bring the wheelchair to a complete rest.

Abstract: In the control of two or more electrical devices powered by a common battery and each actuated by a separate controlled rectifier chopper circuit, at least one of which is an SCR chopper circuit, under high stress conditions requiring both electrical devices to be repeatedly and rapidly turned on and off it has been found that control over the SCR chopper circuit can be lost due to inherent inductive effects which prevent the charging of the commutating capacitor of the SCR chopper to at least full open circuit battery voltage. This problem is met by inhibiting the occurrence of an "off" actuation control signal to the SCR chopper circuit for a given period of time before and a given period of time after an "on" actuation control signal to the other chopper circuit.