Abstract: A patient handling device includes a deck for supporting a patient support surface, a controller, and two light sources, which are operable to output light of different colors. The controller is in communication with the light sources and operable to monitor the plurality of conditions and to generate a first unified indication by illuminating one of the lights when all the conditions remain in their desired state, and to generate a second indication by illuminating the other light when any of the conditions change from their desired state.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of an embodiment includes: a bed top plate provided with a connector which can be coupled with a receiving coil; a bed which supports the bed top plate, the bed being configured to shift the bed top plate vertically and horizontally, the bed being configured to be jointly coupled with a stretcher apparatus having a stretcher top plate, and the stretcher top plate being placed on top of the bed top plate in a case where the stretcher apparatus is jointly coupled and; a bed controller configured to control a shift of the bed top plate correspondingly to at least one of a joint coupling condition between the bed and the stretcher apparatus and a coupling condition between the receiving coil and the connector.

Abstract: When a wiper is started, a wiper arm is moved at first in the backward path direction (S1). If a motor is locked (S2) before an original point position signal is outputted, a reciprocating operation for moving the wiper arm temporarily in the forward path direction and then moving the wiper arm again in the backward path direction is performed (S5-S8, S1). When an absolute position signal is not outputted even after repeating the reciprocating operation a plurality of times (S5) and the original point position cannot be recognized (S2, S5), the motor is not forced furthermore but stopped (S5?END) On the other hand, if the motor is not locked when the wiper arm is moved in the backward path direction (S1) and the original point position can be recognized (S2, S3), wiping control is performed (S4) by calculating the wiper arm position based on the original point position and the motor rotation pulse.

Abstract: A single low side power transistor switch is used to efficiently control a brushed motor in a forward rotational direction. A boost voltage power supply is used to supply voltage to the brushed motor in a reverse rotational direction and/or braking from the forward rotational direction. A digital device controls the brushed motor rotational speed and rotational directions.

Abstract: Rotation of a capstan motor is detected by a frequency detector, and supplied to a CPU as a rotation detection signal CFG. The CPU derives a period of the rotation detection signal CFG, calculates an average rotational speed of the capstan motor on the basis of the derived period, derives an attenuation value of the rotational speed on the basis of the calculated average speed, and thereby sets a braking time interval. As a result, calculation of the braking time using a highly accurate zero point detection with a frequency detector of one system becomes possible. The apparatus scale can be reduced.

Abstract: The invention provides to make an automatic opening and closing apparatus for a vehicle to be thin. An outer rack is attached to an outer side of a stay fixed to a vehicle in such a manner as to freely move in an axial direction along the stay. A thickness of the stay is set to be smaller than a width, and a cross sectional shape thereof is formed so as to be in a substantially thin convex shape. A width in a base end wall portion of the outer rack is formed so as to be larger than a width of a side surface wall portion corresponding to a thickness of the outer rack, and the outer rack is formed in a substantially thin C cross sectional shape. It is possible to make a thickness of a slide mechanism about a gear with of rack gears lined up in an axial direction in the side surface wall portion by making the width of the side surface wall portion slightly larger than the gear width of the rack gear.

Abstract: A control apparatus and method for a panel movable between at least two positions by an electric motor having a rotatable armature. The control generates time periods for the rotation of the armature over a constant angular distance. An average time period is computed over a predetermined number of time periods and compared with a threshold time period to determine if an obstacle is present in the path of movement of the closure. Transient counts are accumulated for increasing average time periods over a number of time period samples to detect an obstacle. A compensation factor is used to adjust a threshold upon detecting a start-up transient during an initial movement of the motor armature coupled to the panel to delay activation of obstacle detection until the start-up transient diminishes.

Abstract: A switch apparatus of the invention can avoid contact damage without inviting a drastic increase in a size even when applied to a high power source voltage and does not deteriorate return feeling to a neutral state. The switch apparatus includes a switch A for cutting off connection between one side driving input of a DC motor and a negative plate side power source, a switch B for cutting off connection between the other side driving input and the negative plate side power source, and a switch C for cutting off connection between the one side driving input and the positive plate side power source and connection between the other side driving input and the positive plate side power source, wherein the switch A and the switch B are normally-closed type switches and the switch C is a normally-open type switch. The switch C is opened at a predetermined time before the switch A or the switch B is closed, and cuts off in advance a power source route to avoid the occurrence of dead short-circuit.

Abstract: A stepper motor is initialized so that the exciting signal is applied to coils with the step shifted by half of one electric cycle from the rebounding step being synchronized with the timing when the stopper piece is brought into contact with a fixed stopper. The rebounding step, in which the rotor of the stepper motor reverses its rotating direction, can be easily detected. If the rebounding step can be detected, the position for initializing can be easily defined in the angle shifting manner as described above.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit for operating a plurality of bi-directional motors, each motor having a pair of terminals disposed across the motor. The circuit includes a common half bridge for providing one of power and ground to one of the pair of terminals across each motor. A plurality of particular or individual half bridges, one particular half bridge for each motor, provide the other of power and ground to the other of the pair of terminals across each motor. A controller selectively controls the common half bridge and the particular half bridges to supply power in either direction across the pair of terminals of one or more of the motors. In a preferred embodiment, the controller selectively controls the common half bridge and the particular half bridges to independently pulse width modulate power in either direction across the pair of terminals of one or more of the plurality of motors.

Abstract: A wiper control device suitable used for controlling the wiper apparatus possible to solve a difference in the wiping range caused by the difference in the operation speed (inertial force) of the wiper blade by using the wiper linkage provided with an eccentric mechanism and changing the rotational direction of a wiper motor according to the operation speed, the wiper control device is provided with a wiper switch, the wiper motor, a position switch, a controller and a motor driving circuit, and the controller executes control to change the rotational direction of the wiper motor at the time when the wiper blade arrives in the upper or lower turning position in response to switching operation of the wiper mode.

Abstract: Device for supplying electric current to at least one series-excitation motor, characterized in that it includes a chopper comprising a midpoint (M) linked to the rotor of the motor and to which are connected at least one first controlled static switch which is additionally connected to a voltage source for applying a supply current in traction mode to the electric motor and at least one second controlled static switch, additionally linked to earth, for closing a circuit for linking with a load for the motor operating in generator mode during braking and reverse-biased diode-type changeover-switching means for respectively allowing the supply current of the motor delivered by the first controlled static switch to pass in a first direction while the latter is conducting, and for allowing the current delivered to the circuit for linking with the load by the motor operating in generator mode to pass in a second direction through the second controlled static switch when the latter is conducting.

Abstract: This system for controlling the operation of reversible motor-speed reducer modules for adjusting in position elements of a motor vehicle seat structure is characterized in that the motor-speed reducer modules (1,2) are connected in parallel to common supply means (3), whose output voltage direction is piloted by a control module (4), and to this control module (4) through a multiplexed network (5) for the transmission of data piloting said motor-speed reducer module to permit the actuation or non-actuation, in one direction of rotation or the other, of each motor-speed reducer module (1,2) for adjusting in position each element of the seat structure.

Abstract: A method for energy storage and recovery for load hoisting equipment driven by an inverter controlled first induction motor and having a second inverter controlling a second induction motor which drives a flywheel whereby, utilizing rest power such as reverse power from the first induction motor when lowering a load and unused power at small load or idle to accelerate rotation of a flywheel, whereby energy is stored, and the system is reversed when a load is lifted and power is consumed whereby the flywheel causes the second motor to generate power and deliver it to the first motor.

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 spindle motor control method stops a spindle motor which rotates in a forward direction in response to a rotation signal. The spindle motor control method includes two steps. First, a brake signal is supplied to the spindle motor for rotating the spindle motor in a reverse direction when stopping the spindle motor which rotates in the forward direction. Second, the rotation signal and the brake signal are put in an OFF state when a frequency generator signal FG, which indicates a rotational phase of the spindle motor and is generated based on an output of the spindle motor, is not detected for a predetermined time.

Abstract: Noise suppression system for a relay-switched windshield wiper, wherein reversal of current to a motor driving the wiper causes the motor to reverse. Filters contained within the motor, together with filters and shielding located external to the motor, suppress rf emissions.

Abstract: An improved anatomical visualization system which is adapted to augment a standard video endoscopic system with a coordinated computer model visualization system so as to enhance a physician's understanding of the patient's interior anatomical structure A database defining a 3-D computer model comprises at least a first software object corresponding to the anatomical structure. A second software object having a surface is placed in registration with the first software object such that they coexist in a single coordinate system. A movable sensor, such as an endoscope, acquires a real-time video image which is texture mapped onto the surface of the second software object. A processing device is provided to generate an image from the first and second registered software objects taken from any specified point of view relative to the single coordinate system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for actuating a plurality of synchronous motors which are connected to a common power supply and which are respectively used for displacing an element between two limit positions and have a connection Y1 for forward motion, a connection Y2 for reverse motion and a neutral connection G. In that case the respective connection between the connection Y1 or Y2 which is in use and the power supply is interrupted by means of a limit switch which responds when the element reaches a limit position. The connection between the connection Y2 or Y1 which is not in use and the power supply remains interrupted during non-use. A respective switch element having a control input is connected upstream of the connection Y1 for forward motion and the connection for reverse motion. The control input of the switch element is connected to a respective control circuit which includes the respective limit switch.

Abstract: A stepping motor drive circuit including a bridge circuit composed of energizing coils constituting a stepping motor and four transistors, and current value switching circuitry for selecting a value of current flow according to the rotation direction of the stepping motor. A value of constant current flow is determined according to the rotation direction of the stepping motor, so that the torque of the stepping motor is optimized relative to a load.

Abstract: A modular electrical system (10) supplies power to and controls a plurality of electric motors (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3, M.sub.4) associated with a plurality of drive units folding or extending rows in a telescopic seating system, comprising the motors (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3, M.sub.4), a control panel (12) removably communicating with the motors (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3, M.sub.4) directing incoming current to drive the motors (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3, M.sub.4) in a predetermined direction, a dual receptacle (18) communicating with the control panel (12), and a switch (26) terminating in a plug (30) removably communicating with the dual receptacle (18).

Abstract: Automatic start up of a continuous sine-wave commutated, brushless, direct current motor in a predetermined direction is done by applying a ramped armature current to the direct current motor to generate an armature field. The resulting armature field is rotated independent of angular position of the shaft. Upon rotation of the motor shaft beginning, the direction of rotation of the shaft is determined. Responsive to rotation of the shaft in an undesired direction, the direction of rotation of the armature field is reversed. A base angle of rotation of a shaft in the direct current motor is determined from an index mark as it rotates by an index mark detector. Responsive to detection of the index mark, rotation of the armature field and the angular position of the shaft are synchronized.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromotive actuator with a housing for a central door locking system of a motor vehicle having a first slide adjustable by a first electric motor between two end positions. The first slide can be connected with a door lock of the motor vehicle independently of the end position and is preferably decoupled from the electric motor in the end positions, so that the first slide is manually adjustable between its end positions. Such an electromotive actuator is provided with a theft protection capability in the sense that, after a windshield of a motor vehicle is smashed in, an unlocking of the door by the inside locking handle is no more possible because the parts of the actuator are not actuated by operating the inside locking handle. Finally, an unlocking operation initiated from the outside is possible when the theft protection is put into operation.

Abstract: A modular electrical system (10) supplies power to and controls a plurality of electric motors (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3, M.sub.4) associated with a plurality of drive units folding or extending rows in a telescopic seating system, comprising the motors (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3, M.sub.4), a control panel (12) removably communicating with the motors (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3, M.sub.4) directing incoming current to drive the motors (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3, M.sub.4) in a predetermined direction, a dual receptacle (18) communicating with the control panel (12), and a switch (26) terminating in a plug (30) removably communicating with the dual receptacle (18).

Abstract: An electrically actuated shifting mechanism includes a reversible rail select electric motor and a reversible in-gear electric motor. Three groups of switches are provided to effect one-at-a-time operation of the motors with a center group of switches being used to effect operation of either the rail select or the in-gear motor and to determine the direction of operation of the motor. In one embodiment of the invention, the motor control circuitry also controls the operation of a main clutch motor. Four groups of switches are used to effect operation of the in-gear, rail select and clutch motors in desired directions. Pulse width modulation is used to effect simultaneous and out-of-phase operation of the in-gear and main clutch motors.

Abstract: Motor control systems having direction contacts for steering current through a motor are commonly associated with electrical industrial vehicles, such as lift trucks. Advantageously, the operation of the direction contacts should be optimized in order to prevent switching the contacts when current is present to the extent that such switching can be eliminated. The instant apparatus includes a logic device for receiving speed and direction demand signals and responsively controlling the direction contacts associated with a vehicle motor. The logic device also receives signals from a current sensor responsive to the magnitude of electrical current flowing through the electric motor. In response to the motor current signal indicating a value less than a predetermined value concurrent with either the motor direction demand signal having a neutral value or the motor speed demand signal having a zero value, the logic means produces a neutral motor direction command signal.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus for controlling a motor which selectively drives a first mechanism for moving a first object and a second mechanism for moving a second object. Both the first and second mechanisms having a backlash which occurs when the motor is reversed. The first mechanism moves the first object when the motor is rotated in a first direction and the second mechanism moves the second object when the motor is rotated in a second direction. The motor control apparatus includes a driving controller for rotating the motor at a predetermined angle in either the first direction or the second direction based on a predetermined instruction, a determining block for determining whether or not the motor is reversed, and a compensation block for compensating the angle at which the driving controller should rotate the motor so that an angle corresponding to the backlash is included in the angle at which the driving controller should rotate the motor.

Abstract: A control for a window operator is operable to control incremental movement of a window. The control includes means for developing a command to selectively move the window in a direction to an open or closed position, and means for determining when a plurality of motor drives have moved the window a preselected incremental distance. Means are coupled to the developing means and the determining means for energizing each of the motor drives if a command is developed, until the motor drives have moved the window the preselected incremental distance and thereafter deenergizing the motor drives until another command is received to move the window a subsequent incremental distance in the selected direction.

Abstract: A control for a window operator is operable to control incremental movement of a window. The control includes means for developing a command to selectively move the window in a direction to an open or closed position, and means for determining when a plurality of motor drives have moved the window a preselected incremental distance. Means are coupled to the developing means and the determining means for energizing each of the motor drives if a command is developed, until the motor drives have moved the window the preselected incremental distance and thereafter deenergizing the motor drives until another command is received to move the window a subsequent incremental distance in the selected direction.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for determining the polarity and the magnitude of the load current in a reversible d-c controller includes a bridge circuit comprising two pairs of bridge arms connected to opposite terminals of the voltage supply bus. Each pair of bridge arms connected to the same side of the supply bus form a bypass circuit connected across the load. Two diagonally disposed bridge arms each contain a primary winding of a current transformer having two primary windings connected in opposite winding phase. Load current normally flows through either pair of diagonally disposed bridge arms, but during pauses in the load drive, circulates in one of the two bypass circuits. Electronic switches in each of the bridge arms are controlled so that the load current circulates in successive bypass periods in an alternating pattern in the two bypass circuits. When current flows in a bypass circuit, a phase sensitive voltage is induced in the single secondary of the current transformer.

Abstract: A process for changing a running direction of an electromagnetically guided driverless vehicle is provided which process is applicable to the vehicles of both a single conduction wire guided type and a two conduction, wires guided type. The vehicle has right and left drive wheels and independent drive motors for the respective wheels. The drive motor is controlled by a motor speed control drive to which steering signals from a route sensors are supplied. The route sensor also delivers an on-route signal to a steering control device which produces a speed setting signal, a steering signal on-off command, and a forward/reverse command for the right/left drive wheels to supply them to the motor speed control device. The process for changing the running direction of the vehicle is characterized in the method of driving the right and left wheels independently with each other forward and reverse according to the turning direction.

Abstract: A drive circuit for a wiper device includes reversible driving motors for alternately driving a pair of wiper assemblies in first and second directions. Each driving circuit includes a switching means and a means for detecting both ends of the wiper blade motions in the first and second directions. The switching means is operative to switch the direction of electric current supplied to an electric motor when the detecting means detects the end of wiper blade motion. Each driving circuit is connected to both of switching means so that it can reverse the current supplied to the driving motor when both of switching means detect the ends of the wiper assembly motion.

Abstract: A bipolar driver controls the operation of a reversible polarity load such as a motor. The driver links one terminal of the motor with either a positive or a negative potential power supply in response to processor command signals comprising a combination of logic levels appearing at a pair of driver input lines. The input lines are monitored to detect the presence of an illegal code combination which would otherwise function to simultaneously interconnect the load terminal with both positive and negative power supplies. The load terminal is linked to the power supplies by a separate power transistor for each power supply. Each power transistor is biased into conduction through a drive transistor. Upon detection of an illegal code, monitoring logic generates a signal which interrupts the emitter circuit of each of the drive transistors to inhibit both power transistors.

Abstract: A control arrangement for manually controlling speed and direction of devices such as electric motors typically where these drive the two driving wheels of a wheel chair, the control being achieved by having the radiant energy falling on several detectors, these being responsive to radiant energy falling on them from an emitter and this being controlled by the position of a reflective surface which is coupled to a control arm, the outputs from each detector being compared electronically both to determine whether the motor or motors should drive in a forward or rearward direction and their speed.

Abstract: An electric propulsion and braking system which includes a plurality of high-speed, dc commutatorless motors each coupled to a wheel of an automotive vehicle through an associated fixed-ratio mechanical transmission. Each motor includes a field winding, an armature winding, and a commutation circuit for the armature winding. During propulsion, each commutation circuit is enabled and, during braking, each commutation circuit is disabled. Control of the amount of propulsion and braking is afforded by varying the dc source voltage across each commutation circuit and by varying the field current in each field winding. The dc source voltage across each commutation circuit is varied by connecting the commutation circuits and a plurality of main electrical energy sources in selected series, series/parallel, and parallel combinations.

Abstract: This control device permits commanding a group of reversible motor-driven actuating devices to effect the movement of one thereof when moved mechanically. It comprises a detection circuit which detects the presence and polarity of an electromotive force at the terminals of one of the motors, and delay circuits and power circuits which are piloted by the detection circuit so as to connect the motors to a supply source with the same polarity as the polarity of the detected electromotive force.Application in the control of automobile vehicle latches.

Abstract: A dual motor drive for the turntable of a numerically controlled machine tool in which separate forward and reverse drive motors geared to the turntable are used for eliminating the effect of backlash. Circuitry, including amplifiers, is interposed between a source of numerical control signal and the motors for energizing the motors alternatively in the numerically controlled mode depending upon the polarity of the control signal and at a speed which depends upon the magnitude of such signal. For operation in the lathe mode, sources of auxiliary control signal of first and second polarity are provided.

Abstract: A plurality of permanent magnet DC motors are grouped into two banks. One side of each motor in one bank is connected to a first common supply conductor while one side of each motor in the other bank is connected to a second common supply conductor. Independently operable switches are provided for connecting the other sides of respective ones of the motors in the first and second banks to a third common supply conductor. Three additional power switches are provided for reversibly connecting a source of potential across either bank of motors. By proper switch selection one or more motors in either of the banks may be operated in a selected direction of rotation.

Abstract: Control circuitry for producing signals to control motors which propel a ile platform for a standing paraplegic. Logic circuits connect a 3-axis joy stick controller to four permanent magnet DC motors mounted on the platform such that the platform follows in the direction of the displacement of the joy stick. The joy stick outputs are taken as inputs to several differential amplifiers. Each of a plurality of velocity servo amplifiers receives one input signal from the differential amplifier output and another from a tachometer feedback signal derived from each motor. Comparators receive the velocity servo amplifier outputs as well as a triangular wave input. Each comparator comprises a pulse width modulator which generates pulse outputs whose duty cycle is a function of the voltage inputs to each comparator. The comparator outputs then control motor rotation such that the platform moves in the direction of displacement of the joy stick.

Abstract: This system for controlling the operation of several electric motors notably for blinds and similar devices comprises a plurality of decentralized control devices each associated with one motor and controlled from a central control means via a common control line. Each decentralized control device comprises, for each direction of rotation of the motor concerned, a relay and, for each motor, control means connected in parallel to the common control line. The control means for each relay comprise a switch connecting the common line to the middle point of the pair of inverters controlling the two directions of rotation of the motor. The front contact of each inverter controls the energization of the corresponding relay and the back contact of each inverter controls the self-energization of the relay of the other inverter via a self-energization contact provided on the other relay.

Abstract: Beds, such as hospital beds, in which at least some portion of the bed is movably actuated by an electric motor (or motors) are provided with a control circuit to determine proper energization of the motor from an AC power source. Since the AC signal from the power source could be harmful to the person selecting a desired direction of travel of the movable portion of the bed, the selecting portion of the control circuit is isolated by appropriate transformers from the power portion that supplies the motor. Bidirectional switching devices, such as triacs, are utilized to convey the power to the motor. Other bidirectional switching devices, such as triacs, are used to gate the power handling triacs through appropriate gating transformers. A phase shifting arrangement is utilized in connection with the gating transformers to provide proper commutation of the power handling triacs.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a machine for producing non-woven "glued" carpets and particularly with operating mechanism for alternately pressing a "pile-yarn" sheet against one and then the other of a pair of opposed adhesive-carrying backing layers or sheets between which the pile-forming fibrous materials or yarns are fed as in the form of a longitudinally advancing warp sheet moving concurrently with the backing sheets. After setting of the adhesive layers, which generally is effected during their concurrent advance, the intervening pile-forming sheet is cut to form two non-woven cut pile-surfaced carpets, in each of which the pile "yarns" project from the backing fabric or layer to which the pile is adhered. The present invention is particularly concerned with the mechanism for driving the presser bars, blades or plates alternately against opposite sides of the pile-forming sheet and thereby pressing the latter sheet against the adhesive-coated surface of the backing layer or sheet.

Abstract: Bed guard rotatable between elevated and lowered positions and slidable from the latter to a position underneath the bed. While elevated, it prevents accidental falling off, and when underneath, it allows facile patient management and movement of the bed through narrow passageways. Where the bed incorporates one or more electric motors to alter its configuration, the guard may additionally or alternatively include the patient controls for the motors.