Potentiometer Systems Including Autotransformers And Wheatstone Bridges Patents (Class 318/663)
  • Patent number: 11077845
    Abstract: A system for navigating a host vehicle may receive an image representative of an environment of the host vehicle and determine a planned navigational action for accomplishing a navigational goal of the host vehicle. The system may identify a target vehicle, determine a current speed of the target vehicle, and assume a maximum braking rate capability of the target vehicle. The system may determine a next-state distance between the host vehicle and the target vehicle that would result if the planned navigational action was taken. The system may implement the planned navigational action if the host vehicle may be stopped using a predetermined sub-maximal braking rate within a distance that is less than the determined next-state distance summed together with a target vehicle travel distance determined based on the current speed of the target vehicle and the maximum braking rate capability of the target vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Mobileye Vision Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Shai Shalev-Shwartz, Shaked Shammah, Amnon Shashua, Barak Cohen, Zeev Adelman, Oded Berberian
  • Patent number: 10850728
    Abstract: A navigation system includes a processor programmed to receive, from a sensor, an output related to a motion of the host vehicle. The output is generated at a first time that is later than a data acquisition time, when a measurement or data acquisition on which the output is based is acquired, and earlier than a second time at which the sensor output is received processor; generate, for a motion prediction time, a prediction of at least one aspect of host vehicle motion based, on the output and how the aspect of host vehicle motion changes over a time interval between the data acquisition time and the motion prediction time; determine a navigational action for the host vehicle; generate a navigational command for implementing at least a portion of the navigational action; and provide the navigational command to at least one actuation system of the host vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: MOBILEYE VISION TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Shai Shalev-Shwartz, Shaked Shammah, Amnon Shashua
  • Patent number: 9068903
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer storage configured for determining period-ending positions of multiple parts movable by select actuation of corresponding active materials. The operations include receiving, from a work-source sensor, work-source input indicating a distance moved by the work source and a direction of the movement, and determining, based on the work-source input and a first and second status histories, corresponding to a first and a second part, respectively, first and second distances travelled by the parts, respectively. Operations also include calculating, based on the first and second distances determined and first and second period-starting positions, corresponding to the first and second parts, respectively, first and second period-ending positions for the first and second parts, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nilesh D. Mankame, James Holbrook Brown, Aragorn Zolno, James M. Lombardi, Crescenzio Pelino, Daniel Blair
  • Publication number: 20130257316
    Abstract: Rotary encoders for use with trolling motors are disclosed. An example rotary encoder includes a housing defining an aperture and a linear guide and an input sleeve to extend through the aperture. The input sleeve includes an exterior guide to be engaged and followed by a shuttle to enable rotary position information to be obtained from the input sleeve. The shuttle is movably coupled within the linear guide. The shuttle is biased to engage a central portion of the exterior guide if rotation of the input sleeve moves the shuttle past first or second ends of the groove to prevent the rotary encoder from being damaged by over-rotation of the input sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Brian D. Perry
  • Patent number: 8303054
    Abstract: A drive for a movable furniture element has an actuating element for moving the furniture element and a motor for driving the actuating element. The actuating element and the furniture element may at times be moved independently of one another, and a position measurement system is provided for determining both the position of the actuating element and the position of the furniture element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Mattle
  • Patent number: 8037964
    Abstract: When stopping operation of an electric power steering apparatus, a motor relay is kept in an on-state even after a power supply relay is in an off-state. A drive control portion sets a target value of a d-axis current to a value other than zero and sets a target value of a q-axis current to zero, and performs a processing same as that at the time of rotating a motor. MOS-FETs contained in a motor driving circuit are controlled such that each of driving currents of the two phases or more is not zero and the brushless motor does not rotate even supplied with these driving currents. Electric charge accumulated in a capacitor is discharged via the MOS-FETs each in an on-state, a motor relay and the windings of the brushless motor. The electric charge accumulated in the capacitor may be discharged via the excitation coil of the motor relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignees: JTEKT Corporation, Koyo Electronics Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeki Nagase, Takeshi Ueda, Akira Sugimoto, Kimihito Chino
  • Patent number: 7925361
    Abstract: Circuits for detecting faults in variable resistive position feedback sensors common in the use of motion control systems, provide a filter coupled to an output signal of the variable resistive position sensor for processing the signal to detect noise indicative of intermittent faults. A memory stores occurrences of signals from the filter. The memory can activate an alarm which indicates that a failure is detected. The circuits are particularly applicable to medical imaging systems such as SPECT, PET or MRI systems which contain a multiplicity of moving components that require accurate motion control and positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Bak
  • Patent number: 7885743
    Abstract: An electric mirror control device provided with a proportionality constant conversion means for converting the proportionality constant of a detection output voltage to the angle of a mirror surface to be positive or negative. When an up-down sensor and a right-left sensor for detecting the angle of the mirror surface have a plurality of specifications, each of which has a different proportionality constant of the detection output voltage to the angle of the mirror surface, controller determines the specification of the angle sensors based on whether the proportionality constant of the detection output voltage output via the proportionality constant conversion means is positive or negative, and controls an up-down motor or a right-left motor in accordance with the determined specification stored in advance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiki Noro, Kenji Shioiri
  • Publication number: 20100026153
    Abstract: A flap drive system for a flap mounted in a movable manner on the body of a piece of furniture has a mechanical actuating unit with an actuating arm that can be linked to the flap and with an energy accumulator that can apply a force to the actuating arm. The flap drive system also has an electric drive secured to the actuating unit for driving the flap. The electric drive has at least one electric motor and is designed as a self-contained component, such that the electric drive can be secured to the actuating unit even when the actuating unit is already mounted on the body of the piece of furniture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Klaus MATTLE
  • Patent number: 7586279
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for controlling the operation of a component according to the position of an actuated part of an actuator. In one illustrative embodiment, a position sensor is used to sense the current position of the actuated part. The position sensor may provide a position signal to a controller, wherein the controller may use the position signal to control the on/off position of one or more electrical switches that can control the operation of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: William S. Theunissen, Cory L. Grabinger, Scott D. McMillan
  • Publication number: 20090140687
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for enhancing the operational performance of a servo. The apparatus comprises an auxiliary shaft that is independent and displaced from the servo and an actuation sensor that is operably coupled to the auxiliary shaft. The auxiliary shaft is configured to be driven by a motor associated with the servo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: BTR Robotics Limited Liability Company
    Inventor: Brian T. Pettey
  • Patent number: 7268511
    Abstract: A drive arrangement for positioning a positioning element is disclosed that includes an electric servo motor for driving the positioning element, a potentiometer for presetting a setpoint, an actual value sensor disposed at the servo motor, and a motor driver with an integrated evaluation and control unit comparing the setpoint and actual value, whereby a pulse-shaped signal is superposed on the setpoint and the pulse-shaped signal exceeds the motor driver hysteresis in the evaluation and control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: PREH GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Ment, Markus Peschel
  • Patent number: 7265512
    Abstract: Methods for operating an actuator including providing a position sensor and using the position sensor to provide end-stop functionality for the actuator. The actuator may have a motor controlled by control circuitry, with the control circuitry reading a variable from a position sensor to determine when the motor should be deactivated due to an associated actuated part reaching a motion limit. Also, actuators including a position sensor, a motor, and control circuitry. The control circuitry may take an output from the position sensor and use the position sensor output to determine when to shut off the electric motor due to its encountering a motion limit, providing end stop functionality with reduced complexity and wear. Further embodiments include HVAC dampers and valves for use in controlling gas, steam, water, or other liquid or fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. McMillan, Robert J. Sibilski
  • Patent number: 7070117
    Abstract: A feedback apparatus for a vehicle air-conditioning actuator is provided. The feedback apparatus includes a cover plate including a thin plate resistor formed on the bottom thereof, a small case combined with the cover plate, including an assembly protruding portion formed in one side thereof, a plate-shaped rotation slider interposed between the cover plate and the small case, including a third axial hole and an opening whose size is about a quarter of the total size, a wiper whose contact front end is exposed in the opening of the rotation slider and rear end is fixed to the bottom of the rotation slider to rotatably contact a thin plate resistor formed on the bottom of the cover plate, a terminal assembly having connection pins for receiving external signals in which connection pins combined with the cover plate is formed. Since a contact between the wiper and the thin plate resistor is accomplished in a sealed case, there is little possibility of altering an initial set position due to an external shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Dong-Ah Electronics Components Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dong Ho Kook
  • Patent number: 6918675
    Abstract: An angle detection unit is provided with a pair of arms (temporary fixing mechanism) for temporarily fixing the angle detection unit to a power unit. The arms are fit to a cylinder portion (engagement portion) of the power unit in a manner of holding the cylinder portion. Thus, a mirror drive unit can be easily combined to a mirror housing without increasing the number of parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akito Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 6853160
    Abstract: An air conditioning valve actuator for a motor vehicle operating on an electric step motor with a permanent magnet capable of delivering mechanical power at least equal to 50 mW, and a reduction unit for decreasing the amplitude of the angular pitch and increase the output torque. The motor is defined by the following relationship: 10?6<?2/R0<, wherein: ? is the torque constant, proportional to the magnet volume and, R0 is the characteristic coefficient of the volume of copper and the length of the average turn of the coils, in which R0=?.Lsp/(Scu.?), ? being the resistivity of copper, Lsp being the length of the average turn of a coil, Scu being the copper section of a coil and ? the filling coefficient of a coil. A controller is cooperative with the motor power supply enabling to accelerate gradually the frequency of the supply of the windings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Societe Industrielle de Sonceboz S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre Gandel, Daniel Prudham, Daniel Dietz
  • Patent number: 6809531
    Abstract: A digital potentiometer device has a potentiometer, coupled to a reference voltage, that generates a voltage that can be varied. A programmable scaling function scales the reference voltage and the potentiometer's wiper voltage depending on stored user variables. An analog-to-digital converter converts the scaled potentiometer voltage to a digital value readable by a controller circuit. The controller circuit controls the scaling function and display of the potentiometer position with the user variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventors: Bradley D. Slye, George W. Edwards, Jr., Daniel E. Bisila
  • Patent number: 6771037
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator (22) for a seat, of the type comprising, on the one hand, a body (40) and a control element (38) displaceable relative to the body (40), under the control of an actuating motor (36), and, on the other hand, a transducer (42) disposed between the body (40) and the control element (38), said transducer (42) being suitable for providing a raw measurement value representative of the current position of the control element (38) relative to the body (40). It has a unit (46) for correcting said raw measurement value, said correction unit (46) being suitable for implementing a correction algorithm which is specific to said actuator and which is suitable for providing a corrected value for the current position of the actuator on the basis of said raw measurement value. Said correction unit (46) is specific to said actuator and is integrated therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Messier-Bugatti
    Inventor: Laurent Nivet
  • Patent number: 6674255
    Abstract: An improved window covering and lighting system for a window in a room includes a plurality of cornices, each cornice including a window covering supported by the cornice and movable between an open position and a closed position, an actuator supported by the cornice for moving the window covering between the open position and the closed position, a lighting system mounted to the cornice, and a programmable logic unit for operating at least one of the actuator and the lighting system independently from one another upon demand. The system also includes a remote control unit providing a signal selectively to the programmable logic unit to operate at least one of the plurality of cornices. Each of the plurality of cornices further includes a light sensor for sensing ambient light conditions in the room, and a motion detector for detecting occupance of the room. The programmable logic control unit is responsive to the sensed ambient light conditions and the detected occupance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Decotex 2000 Corporation
    Inventors: John T. Schnebly, Kevin C. Martin, Randy Koleda, Leo Litto
  • Patent number: 6657411
    Abstract: When an adjustment switch is turned on, the input of an input changeover switch is switched from a lens controller to a test signal generating circuit. A motor operates in accordance with a test signal of a step waveform outputted from the test signal generating circuit, and a lens moves forward and backward. At this time, a CPU receives a position signal of the lens from a potentiometer to read a response waveform of the position signal responsive to the test signal, and adjusts a feedback gain of an amplifier for feeding back a velocity signal of the movement of the lens to the position command signal, which feedback gain determines transient response characteristics of the movement of the lens, so that the response waveform can become a predetermined form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6650080
    Abstract: An actuating mechanism for setting a manipulatable member in at least two degrees of freedom of movement. The actuating mechanism includes at least one drive motor, whose output shaft is gear-connected to a manipulatable member-driven reduction gear, and includes two potentiometers, which measure the actual position of the manipulatable member and are mounted on a printed circuit board and include resistance paths and wipers and a drive housing. The actuating mechanisms are constructed at least in part modularly and where the function of the potentiometer can be tested before installation into the actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism includes as few components as possible, can be mounted as easily as possible, and its potentiometer can be mounted easily without play with reference to the manipulatable member and/or the reduction gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Bühler Motor GmbH
    Inventor: Richard Guttenberger
  • Patent number: 6639374
    Abstract: A method of controlling a DC servomotor for driving a driven member coupled by a wire to an operation member of a valve, wherein, at the start of a control, the motor is driven first to rotate the operation shaft of the valve to a limit position after the motor stops, a driving current of the motor is gradually reduced to return slowly the driven member by a tension of the wire, and a position of the driven member when the driving current of the motor becomes zero is stored as a final stop position, thereafter, a rotational range of the driven member is limited to the range between these final stop positions when the position of the driven member is controlled to coincide with a target position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Kokusan Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Shimoyama
  • Patent number: 6411059
    Abstract: A device for control of an electric motor-driven compressor of an air-conditioning circuit has a control circuit and an inverter for applying a variable frequency to the electric motor for motor speed control. The control circuit includes a potentiometer and a controlled switch and enables a normal-operation mode under the control of the potentiometer as well as a degraded-operation mode in which the speed of the electric motor is a minimum, and a safety mode in which the operation of the electric motor is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo Climatisation
    Inventors: Benjamin Frugier, Olivier Colette
  • Patent number: 6262553
    Abstract: The present invention is a control system for a vehicle that utilizes a powered attachment such as a material spreader. Such a device requires the use of a high current drawing motor, which in turn requires the ability to control the flow of high amperage current. The high current switching circuitry is mounted on or near the electric motor to prevent the heat generated by the circuitry from posing any type of hazard. A low current control is placed within the cab of the vehicle and serves to remotely control the switching circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: M. P. Menze Research & Development Inc.
    Inventor: Peter C. Menze
  • Patent number: 6131059
    Abstract: The present invention provides a steering angle middle point detecting device which does not need a torque sensor, can detect a steering angle middle point with high precision without being affected by driving habits of drivers and road conditions, and can reduce memory size, and a power steering apparatus having the device. A continuous time period during which the vehicle speed is higher than a predetermined value and the steering angular velocity is lower than a predetermined value is counted, and each time the counted time has reached a predetermined time period, a detected steering angle and current are stored in a first memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kaji, Masahiko Sakamaki
  • Patent number: 6114820
    Abstract: A power window apparatus is provided for detecting pinching in accordance with the opened/closed position of the window and a state of rotation of a motor, the apparatus having a position sensor which detects a safety-control suspension region of the window and which is an accurate sensor. A spiral guide groove is formed in the inner surface of a housing opposite to a rotational plate which is rotated by an output shaft of a motor which opens/closes a window. A follower which is guided by the spiral guide groove is able to move along a straight guide groove provided for the rotational plate in the radial direction. Terminals in the form of conductive films are provided for a printed circuit board accommodated in the housing. When the rotational plate has been rotated, the follower is guided by the spiral guide groove so as to be moved in the straight guide groove. Thus, a slide member provided for the follower is brought into contact with the terminals so that the terminals are conducted with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Nishigaya
  • Patent number: 6094027
    Abstract: A memory actuator is provided for a rearview mirror system having a reflective element and a controller. The memory actuator includes a housing and at least one positioning member extending from the housing to move the reflective element about at least one degree of freedom. At least one motor is provided for driving the positional member. A linear position transducer having a body is provided for coupling to the reflective element and a circuit board is positioned in the housing. The body of the linear position transducer is guided at the circuit board in at least one direction and moves alone the circuit board between a plurality of positions in response to movement of the reflective element about the at least one degree of freedom. The circuit board is configured to generate a signal to the controller as a function of the position of the body of the linear position transducer along the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: David K. Willmore, Robert E. Schnell
  • Patent number: 6060856
    Abstract: DC motor-driven valve apparatus, comprising, in combination a valve unit having fluid input and output porting, the valve unit having a valve shaft rotatable between primary and secondary positions corresponding to different flow states; a reversible DC motor having a rotatable output shaft, gearing connected in the drive path between the motor output shaft and valve shaft, such that the ratio of motor shaft rotation to valve shaft rotation is in excess of 100; and circuitry including a potentiometer operatively connected to the valve shaft and to the motor to provide an output signal which varies with degree of valve shaft rotation for reversibly controlling the motor to terminate motor shaft rotation when the valve shaft alternately reaches the primary and secondary positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Dowty Aerospace Yakima
    Inventor: Robert B. Kingsley
  • Patent number: 5990586
    Abstract: Feedback potentiometer-type servoactuator uses the ring gear of a planetary gear system to drive the wiper across a resistive arc of less than 360.degree. where the actuator has a travel of multiple turns. The ring gear is supported by spaced struts in the actuator housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Seitz Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur J. Milano, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5920174
    Abstract: A control apparatus of an electric power steering apparatus capable of firmly detecting an abnormality of a torque detection value, caused by a drift occurred in a torque sensor and by a connector contact resistor, with a simple arrangement. A current supplied from a power supply flows through a potentiometer (3A) of a torque sensor (3), this current is supplied to a current detecting resistor (13g), a drift occurred in the torque sensor (3) is detected by a voltage across terminals of this resistor, the detected drift detection voltage V.sub.is is read in a microcomputer (21), and the drift detection voltage V.sub.is is compared with a set value to judge as to whether or not the drift is present within a normal range. The torque sensor is constructed of a main potentiometer (3.sub.M) and a sub-potentiometer (3.sub.S). A change amount .DELTA.V.sub.M is calculated from a difference between a presently detected value and a previously detected value of the torque detection voltage V.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Kawada, Hiroyuki Kanoh, Hisayoshi Koiwai, Syuji Endo, Yoshinori Sugiyama, Yuji Kouzaki
  • Patent number: 5912537
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for lifting up and down of window glass for a vehicle and method thereof that is controlled by a switch called a shuttle switch to move the window glass automatically to a desired position according to the rotation of the shuttle switch without visually checking the movement of the window glass and without taking eyes away from the road by a user. The present invention includes a reversible motor for moving the window glass, a controller for moving and stopping the window glass to the desired position corresponding to the rotation of the shuttle switch, and a motor sensor providing feedback to the controller for stopping the movement of the window glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Sam Sung Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeong-Mo Yang
  • Patent number: 5856733
    Abstract: The upper limit value and lower limit value of a control target value are alternately supplied to a single D/A converter in synchronism with a clock, an analog output from the D/A converter is compared with an output from a PBR serving as a position detector, and a motor is driven by the difference voltage, thereby positioning the control object. In this case, control of the moving direction and drive/stop of the motor is performed by a combination between the setting states of the upper and lower limit values and the polarity of the difference voltage, and the switching operation of the selector is stopped during a control operation, thereby making it possible to smoothly perform the control operation at a high speed. The control system can be digitized as a whole by detecting a position by an encoder, and integration of the system can be enhanced, thereby realizing a compact and stable control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Calsonic Corp.
    Inventors: Takashi Matsumoto, Yoshinori Satoh, Hiroyuki Ureshino, Eiji Takahashi, Kouji Iwahashi
  • Patent number: 5856732
    Abstract: The servosystem includes adjusting means (1) for changing the position of mechanical element (3), a first transducer (5) for forming an adjusting voltage which is a measure of a desired position of the element, a second transducer (15) for forming a response voltage which is a measure of the actual position of the element, and detection means (13) for forming an error signal (If) which is a measure of a difference between the response voltage and the adjusting voltage. The detection means (13) have a first and a second input (11, 21) which are connected to the first transducer and the second transducer, respectively, and an output (23) which is connected to an input (27) of control means (29) for generating, in dependence on the value of the error signal, a control signal (Vc1, Vc2), for controlling the adjusting means. A compensation resistor (31) is inserted in the connection lead (9) between, for example the first transducer (5) and the input (11) of the detection means (13) connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Hendrik Boezen, Jeroen A. Gerlings, Frederik Mostert
  • Patent number: 5663619
    Abstract: A sensor which is intended to detect the rotational position of a rotatable device, e.g. a shaft or a rotatable hatch, which is rotatable, preferably by a motor, incorporates a position detector and a potentiometer. To improve the potentiometer's accuracy within part of the relevant rotation range of the device, a cam mechanism is arranged between the potentiometer and the rotatable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Saab Automobile Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Kaj Andersson
  • Patent number: 5617000
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and controlling the rotational position of a motor without using a high-priced component and without requiring special software processing. The apparatus includes a motor rotation control section for selectively connecting a power source to the motor to rotate the motor into a predetermined position, a potentiometer mechanically linked to a shaft of the motor to read the absolute rotational position of the motor, an astable multivibrator for generating output pulses having a duty ratio corresponding to the position read by the potentiometer, and a control signal generation section for supplying a control signal corresponding to the duty ratio of the output pulses to the motor rotation control section to control the rotational position of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken Mizuta, Toshihiko Kawata, Ken Shibazaki, Yukio Miura
  • Patent number: 5357878
    Abstract: A control system is provided for an actuating member including a controller, a solenoid valve electrically coupled to the controller, a fluid driven actuator operatively coupled to the solenoid valve, an actuating member operatively coupled to the fluid driven actuator, a potentiometer operatively coupled to the actuating member for converting a rotational position of the actuating member into a proportional electrical resistance, signal converting means for converting the electrical resistance to a proportional electrical current, and means for conducting the current to the controller. The controller includes means for comparing the current to a control signal indicative of a desired position of the actuating member, and means for generating a voltage pulse to the solenoid valve to displace the fluid driven actuator and move the actuating member to the desired position. A method utilizing the above system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: Michael S. Hare
  • Patent number: 5293102
    Abstract: A moving fader system, primarily for the processing and combining of audio signals, includes a dedicated preprocessor to implement the execution of repetitious input instructions. Other features contributing to the operation of the system include (1) "Look-up Tables" included in the preprocessor for conversion purposes, (2) a fiberoptic link for transmission of digital signals between the preprocessor and the servo circuits associated with each fader assembly, and (3) circuitry for combining the outputs of a position digital-to-analog (D/A) converter, an offset correction D/A converter and a gain correction D/A converter, to provide accurate analog servo signals to each fader assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Martinsound Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Martinson, Dale Manquen
  • Patent number: 5272633
    Abstract: The invention concerns a pneumatic spring-mounted vehicle seat with an electronic control, which controls at least the air valves of the pneumatic spring as a function of the swing strokes of the rocker system. It is proposed that an accurate analogous-path and time-equal electrical pattern be produced with only one swing stroke sensor for the swing strokes, and this sensor is applied continually to the input of a microprocessor, and thus this pattern can be compared, during the operational state of the seat and in constant recurring program sequences, with preset and, as the case may be, changeable event theoretical values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Gebr. Isringhausen
    Inventor: Helge Pietsch
  • Patent number: 5237253
    Abstract: A control for a device of the type comprising at least one electronic measuring head supported by a structure composed of several elements that are capable of being displaced along the three axes X, Y and Z driven by means of electric motors 12 to 14 having a speed regulator and a control means for supply circuits 12a to 14a of the above motors.According to the invention, the manual control comprises at least one control assembly 20 mounted on an element of the structure and having a single lever for actuating a harness that detects the displacements of said lever by use of sensors 30 to 37 mounted thereon and convert the displacement into voltages a, b, c and d.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventors: Joel Moreau, Jean-Claude Boyer
  • Patent number: 5153493
    Abstract: A quick-calibrate control module for use in a heating and cooling system is provided which responds to setpoint signals from a control potentiometer to drive a remote actuator to corresponding positions. The control module comprises a motor coupled to the actuator and a feedback potentiometer coupled to the motor for producing a feedback signal relating to the actuator position. Operational amplifiers combine the setpoint signal and the feedback signal to produce an error signal, and a comparator responds to the error signal and drives the motor to minimize the error signal. A reference supply is connected to the control potentiometer, the reference supply having a zero setting potentiometer which calibrates the closed position of the actuator to a corresponding zero setting of the control potentiometer. A stroke adjustment potentiometer scales the feedback signal to calibrate a desired open position of the actuator with a corresponding setting of the control potentiometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Barber-Colman Company
    Inventors: Eugene R. Jornod, Lary L. Field, Fred Fauerbach
  • Patent number: 5130627
    Abstract: A method for positioning a part and a device for carrying out the method is proposed. The positioning device contains an electric motor (10) which is connected via a coupling (11) to the part (12) to be positioned and to an actual position value transmitter (13). The motor (10) can be connected to an energy source via a motor driver circuit (20) in dependence on the driver control signals (23, 24) generated by a control circuit (51). The control circuit (31) exhibits at least one control input (33, 34), to which a switch-off signal for the driver (20) or the motor (10), respectively, can be applied. The switch-off signal is generated by at least one comparator (43, 44) in dependence on the actual position value emitted by the actual position value transmitter (13). Two thresholds (46, 47) are preferably predetermined which correspond to the mechanical stops (14, 15) of the part (12) to be positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Frommholz, Willi Hoppe, Klaus Vohringer
  • Patent number: 5128599
    Abstract: An automatic control including a memory is provided to be loaded with positional data for the automatic control of a cycle of motions of preferably a plurality of power members. The speed reading the data in and out is freely selectable. Accordingly programming a cycle of motions may be performed in a slow motion process, whereas the speed of reading out the data is selected such that an optimum operational speed is obtained. In addition to the automatic speed control a manual control is provided to interrupt the cycle motion of the automatic control to manually adjust the position or the power member. In returning to the automatic control the further cycle of motion is taken up again where it has been interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Mannesmann Rexroth GmbH
    Inventors: Heinrich Nikolaus, Gerhard Ditter
  • Patent number: 5122720
    Abstract: A moving fader system, primarily for the processing and combining of audio signals, includes a dedicated preprocessor to implement the execution of repetious input instructions. Other features contributing to the operation of the system include (1) "Look-up Tables" included in the preprocessor for conversion purposes, (2) a fiberoptic link for transmission of digital signals between the preprocessor and the servo circuits associated with each fader assembly, and (3) circuitry for combining the outputs of a position digital-to-analog (D/A) converter, an offset correction D/A converter and a gain correction D/A converter, to provide accurate analog servo signals to each fader assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Martinsound Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Martinson, Dale Manquen
  • Patent number: 5093607
    Abstract: An industrial robot system comprises a control unit including programs for operating an industrial robot and a peripheral device of the industrial robot according to the programs; a memory for storing the steps of the programs which are effected when the industrial robot and peripheral device are stopped unintentionally; a detector for detecting the conditions of the industrial robot and peripheral device when the industrial robot and peripheral device are stopped unintentionally; and a restarter for starting the industrial robot and peripheral device again when the contents of the memory coincide with the conditions detected by the detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki K.K.
    Inventors: Akira Fujita, Hisao Kato
  • Patent number: 4976552
    Abstract: A sewing machine having a wireless controller is disclosed, wherein the sewing machine substantially comprising a drive motor for driving the sewing machine, a separate controller adjustably operated to produce a variable set voltage for controlling the rotation speed of the drive motor, a converter for converting the set voltage to a corresponding digital value and producing a series of data on the basis of the digital value, a device for producing carrier waves, modulator for modulating the series of data by way of the carrier waves and producing modulated waves, transmitter means responsive to the modulated waves to produce a corresponding light signal, means for receiving the light signal, demodulator for demodulating the received light signal, and a device responsive to the demodulated light to control the rotation speed of said drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Janome Sewing Machine Company Limited
    Inventors: Satoru Ishikawa, Toshitaka Toyomi
  • Patent number: 4963802
    Abstract: A logic-controlled circuit superimposes a constant voltage across an actuator or motor load that is driven by a bridge-type amplifier to control the constant velocity operation of such load in response to an applied logic signal that may also disable the bridge-type amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: ELANTEC
    Inventors: William H. Gross, James B. Cecil
  • Patent number: 4950965
    Abstract: A servoactuator for a vehicle throttle having a direct current motor driving a speed reducer with the output thereof connected to slidably move a fulcrum member having a lever arm pivoted thereon. The lever arm has a cable to the engine throttle connected to one end and a cable to the vehicle accelerator pedal connected to the other end on the opposite side of the pivot. In one embodiment the speed reducer drives an axial lead screw threaded in the fulcrum member. In a second embodiment the speed reducer output is a slotted crank arm having a pin on the fulcrum member slidably received therein. In a third embodiment the speed reducer output is connected by a two-bar linkage to the fulcrum member. A potentiometer is disposed to have the movable element thereof moved by one end of the lever to provide a throttle position feedback signal for use by an external motor control signal generator. The servoactuator is intended for use with a vehicle traction control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew A. Kenny, Loren H. Uthoff, Donald R. Haefner
  • Patent number: 4931710
    Abstract: A low voltage direct current motorized servoactuator having an output gear position feedback potentiometer with a ring gear received initially loosely on the potentiometer shaft and in engagement with the output gear. A collar keyed hinged to the potentiometer shaft, but axially movable thereon, permits the output gear to be positioned independently of the potentiometer for calibration without disengaging the ring gear. With the output gear in the desired position, the potentiometer shaft is rotated until the potentiometer reads the desired percentage of its full scale resistance or voltage output; and, the collar is then moved axially to a press fit with the ring gear to lock the calibration and thereafter to rotate the potentiometer shaft with rotation of the ring gear. The motor drive pinion is a worm formed of material having a minor fraction (18%) of chloro-fluorinated polymer and a lesser fraction (2%) of lubricant, balance polyimide plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis DeVara, Andrew A. Kenny
  • Patent number: 4931714
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a device for lifting up and down window glass for a vehicle including a reversible motor for lifting up and down window glass of a vehicle, a drive circuit connected to an input side of the reversible motor, a comparison circuit and/or a control circuit connected to an input side of the drive circuit, a window glass opening degree determination mechanism connected to an input side of the control circuit so as to produce either reference voltage or comparison voltage, a window glass opening degree detector connected to a comparison input of the comparison circuit so as to produce either reference voltage or comparison voltage in accordance with window glass opening degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Niles Parts Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Harushige Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 4922177
    Abstract: A device is described for the electrical transmission of a mechanical variable, particularly an electric gas pedal for automotive vehicles. The device comprises a first potentiometer system as desired-value transmitter and a second potentiometer system as actual-value transmitter. At least one of the potentiometer systems has, in addition to the first wiper, a second wiper the wiper contact of which is at a predetermined fixed distance from the wiper contact of the first wiper and lies at a separate electric potential with respect to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: VDO Adolf Schindling AG
    Inventor: Eberhard Mausner