Abstract: A blender includes a container body in which food is accommodated, a main body to support the container body, and an air guide provided in the main body to guide discharging of air flowing through a motor assembly to below the main body.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for operating a steering system, wherein the steering system has at least one electrical three-phase machine, at least one control circuit for actuating the electrical three-phase machine and at least one compensation device, which is operatively connected to the control circuit, for reducing a torque ripple of the electrical three-phase machine, wherein at least one compensation parameter of the compensation device is determined. It is proposed that during the determination of the at least one compensation parameter, at least one operating variable correlated with a pre-commutation angle of the electrical three-phase machine and/or with a supply voltage of the electrical three-phase machine is taken into consideration.

Abstract: In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a system is described. The system includes a sensor to detect an environmental condition for a computing device in which the system is disposed. A device sensor determines a temperature within the computing device. The system also includes a controller to selectively control a fan within the computing device based on the environmental condition and the temperature.

Abstract: The described techniques address the issues of latency and lengthy processing times associated with conventional redundant sensor measurement systems that rely upon digital transmission protocols by implementing a diverse analog sensor interface architecture. The described architecture may advantageously use a number of sensor measurement paths that may be independent of one another or share any suitable number of common components to provide varying levels of redundancy. The analog interfaces may provide signal diversity with respect to the use of different types of analog transmission protocols, which may include different signaling interfaces (e.g. differential versus single-ended), different transmission interfaces (e.g. voltage versus current interfaces), and/or the use of different signalization schemes.

Abstract: A propulsion drive system for a mobile machine includes an electric motor having a first range, in which a torque is constant as a rotational speed rises, and a second range, in which a power is constant as the rotational speed rises. The propulsion drive system further includes a transmission operatively connected mechanically to the electric motor. The propulsion drive system is configured to be transferred, via the transmission, from a state for relatively low driving speeds into a state for relatively high driving speeds of the mobile machine. The electric motor and the transmission are adapted to one another in such a way that the electric motor can be operated in the state for relatively low driving speeds exclusively in the first and second range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting blocking or sluggishness (M1, M3) of a DC motor (2). The method comprises the following steps: applying a voltage pulse (Uv,t=Os) to the DC motor (2); monitoring a motor current (IMotor) flowing through the DC motor (2); detecting a maximum value of the motor current (IMotor) following the application of the voltage pulse; checking whether a change in the motor current (IMotor) after reaching the maximum value exceeds a specific amount; signalling the blocking or the sluggishness (M1, M3) of the DC motor (2) if the change in the motor current (IMotor) after reaching the maximum value exceeds the specific amount.

Abstract: A switching element is switched off after having been switched on for only a short time interval called a first predetermined time interval, and a determination is made, based on a mode of a change in a contact point potential (a regeneration voltage) between an electric motor and the switching element when the switching element as switched off, as to whether or not one of the electric motor and the switching element has failed. Next, the switching element is switched on for a time interval called a second predetermined time interval, which is longer than the first predetermined time interval, and a determination is made, based on the magnitude of the contact point potential at that time, as to which one of the electric motor and the switching element has failed. It is thus possible for a failure of the switching element and electric motor to be detected.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for a pair of electric motors has an input for a signal indicative of the desired speed for the motors and a pulse width modulation control circuit device. A control module provides a conditioning signal to the control circuit to output to the motors a square wave voltage having a duty-cycle which varies according to a predetermined function of the signal applied to the input of the regulator. The control circuit device has first and second electronic solid state switches associated with the motor and controlled by the control module.

Abstract: A motor control device controlling an inverter to control an electric motor, includes a plurality of function sections, a voltage command generating section generating a d-axis voltage command and a q-axis voltage command, a voltage operational processing section, an input current operation section, a speed information generating section estimating a rotational speed of the motor based on at least one of a motor constant, a positional information generating section delivering positional information about a rotor, and a processor executing control software set by a user or a manufacturer. At least a part of the function sections are configured by hardware. The function section configured by the hardware is given at least one parameter retaining section. The parameter retaining section is configured so as to be readable/writable on the processor. The function section is configured by the hardware so as to be operated in a predetermined sequence.

Abstract: A motor-driving circuit includes: a plurality of output transistors; a first-comparator circuit to compare a voltage of each phase of driving coils of a plurality of phases in a motor, with a neutral-point voltage; a position-detecting circuit to detect a rotor position of the motor based on a comparison result of the first-comparator circuit; a switching-control circuit to supply switching signals to the plurality of output transistors according to the rotor position; and a current-limiting circuit to limit the driving currents to a first-current value so that the motor rotates at a target-rotation speed when the current-limiting circuit determines that the motor is rotating at a speed higher than or equal to a predetermined-reference-rotation speed, and limit the driving currents to a second-current value smaller than the first-current value when the current-limiting circuit determines that the motor is not rotating at the speed higher than or equal to the predetermined-reference-rotation speed.

Abstract: An electric power supply device capable of miniaturizing an FET and wiring and reducing the amount of heat generation even when a motor load goes into a lock state is provided. It is determined whether or not a lock current flows in a motor M1 by comparing various determination voltages with a voltage Vds between a drain and a source of a MOSFET (T1), and in the case of detecting that the lock current flows, an operation of turning off the MOSFET (T1) until a retry cycle to elapses after turning on the MOSFET (T1) for only energization time tb for which lock torque can be caused is repeatedly executed. Then, when a motor current ID becomes smaller than the lock current, control of returning the MOSFET (T1) to a normal operation is performed. Consequently, the lock current can be prevented from flowing continuously.

Abstract: In a steering control unit, a U-phase feed line branches into paired branch feed lines, phase-open MOSFETs are provided in middle portions of the branch feed lines, phase-open MOSFETs are provided in middle portions of a V-phase feed line and a W-phase feed line, and the phase-open MOSFETs are arranged in such a manner that parasitic diodes are in the same orientation with respect to a motor. When an abnormality occurs, all the phase-open MOSFETs are turned off. Then, a closed circuit, which includes phase coils and through which electric currents flow, is no longer present.

Abstract: When cooling operation or dehumidifying operation is started, a blower fan for an evaporator and an exhaust fan for a condenser are driven at an initial rotational number. A compressor is driven at a fixed rotational number. Due to load variation, an operating current supplied from a power source is changed. When the operating current exceeds a reference value, the rotational number of the blower fan is gradually reduced. When an endothermic quantity by the evaporator decreases, a temperature of a gas refrigerant flowing through the evaporator is lowered. Since the load applied on the compressor is reduced, the operating current decreases. In this way, when the compressor is loaded, the operating current increased, however, by controlling operation of the fans as described above, it is possible to prevent that the power source is shut off due to overcurrent and operation is stopped.

Abstract: Specific anomalies and details of failures as well as measures thereagainst are described that might possibly occur in electric power converters that drive and control permanent-magnet synchronous motors. An electric power converter capable of stable operation has a protective function of taking proper measures against such failures that might possibly occur.

Abstract: Techniques include sensing electric signals from an actuator during a document stacking operation and determining whether an abnormal event has occurred based on the sensed signals. The techniques may find particular applicability, for example, to document acceptors that include piston-type stackers driven by a direct current motor.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a protective circuit for protection of an appliance, in particular of an electric motor, against thermal overloading. In at least one embodiment, the protective circuit includes a first and a second terminal for connecting a temperature detection element; a detection unit for detecting whether a resistance value of the temperature detector element which is connected between the first and the second terminals, is in a first or a second resistance range; a short-circuit detector for identifying whether there is a short circuit between the first and the second terminals; signaling outputs for emitting signal messages to an evaluation unit when the detected resistance value is in the second resistance range and/or when a short circuit has been identified by the short-circuit detector; and a third terminal, which is connected to the second terminal via a predetermined resistance.

Abstract: A heat dissipation system includes at least one fan, at least two controllers, a signal generator, and a signal converter. The controllers are electrically connected to the fan and generate an enable signal according to a feedback signal of the fan. The signal generator is electrically connected to the controllers and generates a control signal according to the enable signal. The signal converter is electrically connected to the signal generator and the fan, converts the control signal to a drive signal to the fan, thereby controlling rotation speed of the fan.

Abstract: “Bumper car” amusement rides are disclosed. An exemplary bumper car comprises a frame, a seat, a portable source of electrical power for propelling the car, multiple drive wheels, a motor controller, and at least one rider control. The seat is configured to hold and position at least one rider of the bumper car. The source is a portable source, mounted to the frame, of electrical power for propelling the bumper car. Each drive wheel comprises a respective hub motor that, when supplied with the electrical power from the source, rotates the respective drive wheel relative to the frame and propels the bumper car. The controller is connected to the source and to the hub motors. The controller is configured: (a) to limit a maximal current supplied by the source to the hub motors during a surge-current situation to a preset maximum, and (b) to ramp down the maximal current over a preset time interval during the surge-current situation.

Abstract: A fan system and a stopping method for the fan system are provided. The fan system is electrically connected to a power supply and receives the power therefrom. The fan system includes an energy storage apparatus, a motor and a start-up device. The energy storage apparatus receives and stores the power. The motor is electrically connected to the energy storage apparatus and receives the power. The driver is coupled between the energy storage apparatus and the motor to form a control path and generates a driving signal to the motor according to received power. The start-up device is coupled between the energy storage apparatus and the motor to form a power path therewith. When no power is provided to the fan system, the energy storage apparatus releases the stored power and the start-up device generates a start-up signal to the motor in accordance with the released power so as to form a short-circuit loop in the motor to stop the motor.

Abstract: A fan voltage regulation control device includes a voltage regulation control unit for providing the power to a heat-dispersing fan, wherein the voltage regulation control unit is connected to a temperature detecting element and a voltage detecting unit. The temperature detecting element may influence the output power from the control unit to the fan, and through the voltage detecting unit, an input current to the fan can be maintained for providing overload and overheated protections.

Abstract: A method consistent with an embodiment may include selecting one of a plurality of components of a power supply system of a cordless power tool to be a protected weak link element. The method may also include configuring the protected weak link element to fail from an overload condition before failure of a remainder of the plurality of components from the overload condition, monitoring a power condition of the protected weak link element, and protecting the protected weak link element from the overload condition to thereby also protect the remainder of the components from the overload condition. A battery pack and a cordless power tool are also provided.

Abstract: An overload protection system and method of protecting a drive unit includes a torque arm assembly mounted to a fixture and a gear reducer. The reducer includes a bracket mounted to an axle of the reducer which is positioned adjacent to a measuring device. The torque arm assembly includes a switch mounted to sense a location of the reducer bracket relative to the switch thereby causing a condition of the drive unit to be adjusted. In the preferred embodiment, the switch is a proximity switch positioned adjacent to the bracket of the reducer after a desired preset torque of the torque arm is obtained through the use of a simple fastener and spring arranged in a housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for the thermal regulation of an AC drive for providing power to a motor includes a temperature sensor producing a signal indicative of temperature, a heater resistor connectable across a DC link of the AC drive, and a first switch. A controller is operable to monitor the temperature signal and control the first switch to provide power via the DC link to the heater resistor if the sensed temperature is below a predetermined setpoint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a direct current motor control circuit. The invention also relates to the use thereof in a windscreen wiper system for vehicles. An MOS FET transistor with an anti-parallel diode (M3) is serially mounted on the braking system (M2) of the control circuit.

Abstract: A startup failure detection system provides an indication of motor startup failure based on a flux amplitude signal value. The flux amplitude signal is derived from motor flux estimations in combination with a rotor angle estimation. The flux amplitude signal value is compared to an upper and lower threshold value, and a startup failure is indicated if the flux amplitude signal value is outside the range determined by the upper and lower threshold value. The motor drive system can be set to attempt a restart when a motor drive startup failure is detected, with the retrial current, duration and the total number of retrials being user selectable.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for protecting a frequency converter in a system comprising a motor and a frequency converter supplying it via a bipolar or multipolar supply connection, the arrangement comprising first connecting means adapted to couple poles of the supply connection mutually substantially into short-circuit in response to a detection of a fault in the frequency converter.

Abstract: A circuit for inhibiting a protection device of a motor includes first, second, and third comparators and an inhibit signal generator. The first comparator is operable to determine if a motor current signal associated with the motor exceeds a starting threshold to identify a starting state of the motor. The second comparator is operable to determine if the motor current signal exceeds an inrush threshold to identify a transition from the starting state to an inrush state of the motor. The third comparator is operable to determine if the motor current signal falls below a running threshold to identify a transition from the inrush state to a running state of the motor. The inhibit signal generator is operable to deassert an inhibit signal for inhibiting the protection device responsive to the third comparator identifying the running state.

Abstract: An apparatus for over current detection of a motor for use in a vehicle. This invention prevents the motor from burning out by more precisely detecting an over current of the motor within an overall drive area of the motor. This can be accomplished by setting, as an over current detection reference current, a predefined range between a normal current and a constraint current of the motor by drive input conditions of the motor, detecting a current of the motor flowing in a field effect transistor (FET) via a shunt resistor and a differential amplifier, and comparing the detected current with the over current detection reference current.

Abstract: A system for controlling a commutation of a load current is provided. The system comprises a AC-to-AC converter that includes a plurality of switching elements, an energy source that provides an oscillating voltage and is connected to the converter, an electrical load connected to the converter, and a controller that controls the converter, and monitors the oscillating voltage and the load current delivered to the electrical load. The controller determines a plurality of machine states of the converter, each of the plurality of machine states representing a corresponding conducting set of the plurality of switching elements, and controls switching between the plurality of machine states based on polarity commutations of the load current in the electrical load and polarity commutations of the oscillating voltage.

Abstract: A drive motor assembly for a power driven wheelchair comprises: a stator housing for containing field coils of a stator of the motor assembly; at least one sensor disposed in the stator housing for sensing rotation of the motor; a memory storing motor error parameter data including data of errors of the at least one sensor, the memory being embedded in the stator housing; and a connection for accessing the error parameter data of the memory from the stator housing. The motor error parameter data may be accessed from the embedded memory of the drive motor by a programmed motor controller for use in controlling the drive motor.

Abstract: A control subsystem for an electric motor determines whether power was interrupted, and delays torque production if power was interrupted. The control subsystem may employ two separate non-volatile memory locations, or alternatively a single non-volatile memory location.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling motor torque provides improved responsiveness and reliability in motor control applications. The motor control system includes a power converter, a voltage detector for detecting the converter input voltage and a control circuit for controlling the converter. The control circuit includes a torque command limit value generator and a torque command limiter for limiting a torque command value. The system may also include a torque command coefficient generator for generating a coefficient corresponding to an input current of the power converter, and a multiplier for calculating a final torque command value for the motor by multiplying together the torque command value and the torque command coefficient. The torque command limit and coefficient values may be determined from the converter input voltage, calculated or detected converter input current and calculated input impedance between a power supply and the converter.

Abstract: It is so arranged in a robot as to monitor the over-current state of each motor and that of two more than two motors when put together by seeing the total current value of the motors being monitored in parallel with absorption of both the static load torque and the dynamic load torque of each actuator/motor. Additionally, it is so arranged as to check if each of the predetermined unit members including the arm sections and the leg sections of the robot is in an over-current state or not and also if the entire robot is in an over-current state or not, while each of the motors are not in an over-current state.

Abstract: A device for sensing an obstacle in said opening range of an automotive closure element movable between an open position and and closed position, more particularly an electrically powered door window (20) or sunroof is provided with a weatherseal (30) sealing the window pane (20). The weatherseal (30) is made of an elastomeric material and secured to a frame (12) of the motor vehicle (10). The device comprises in addition a sensor for sensing an obstacle in the opening range of the closure element (20), the sensor comprising at least one electrical conductor (40) generating an electrical field (F) in the opening range of the closure element (20). The device achieves by simple ways and means an engineered orientation of the electrical field such that any interference by the closure element (20) to the capacitive change in the electrical field (F) is precluded by reason of conductive means (50) comprising a conductive surface (51) made of an electrically conductive material.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a controller for an electric power steering apparatus which has a function capable of detecting abnormality of motor current detection circuits even while a steering operation is being executed and can execute alternate control when a failure is detected. This object is achieved by a controller for an electric power steering apparatus for controlling a motor so that a steeling assist power is applied to a steering mechanism based on a current command value calculated from a steering assist command value calculated based on a steering torque, which is generated in a steering shaft, and from a motor current detection value. The controller has a function for determining a failure of a plurality of motor current detection circuits by detecting a current flowing in the motor by a single current detecting resistor, inputting the detected signal to the of motor current detection circuits in parallel, and comparing outputs from the motor current detection circuits.

Abstract: A drive motor assembly for a power driven wheelchair comprises: a stator housing for containing field coils of a stator of the motor assembly; at least one sensor disposed in the stator housing for sensing rotation of the motor; a memory storing motor error parameter data including data of errors of the at least one sensor, the memory being embedded in the stator housing; and a connection for accessing the error parameter data of the memory from the stator housing. The motor error parameter data may be accessed from the embedded memory of the drive motor by a programmed motor controller for use in controlling the drive motor.

Abstract: A control unit stores a count value, which is used to detect an operational position of a roof glass, in a RAM. The control unit determines whether the count value is properly stored in the RAM when a voltage of a power supply falls below a predetermined voltage and thereafter returns to the predetermined voltage. Even in a case where the control unit determines that the count value is properly stored in the RAM, the control unit determines there is a possibility of having a deviation between an actual operational position of the roof glass and the count value. Thereafter, the control unit resets a reference point of the roof glass.

Abstract: An electric device includes a motor and a motor drive for commanding a torque generated by the motor. A fault control circuit detects a fault condition associated with the motor drive. Upon detection of the fault condition, the fault control circuit adjusts the torque commanded by the motor drive.

Abstract: A brush type DC motor 10 having an armature 15 and positive and negative power leads is provided. The motor includes an RFI choke 12 as a transformer in series with at least one of the positive and negative power leads to amplify current such that rotation of the armature 15 can be detected based on monitoring a voltage relating to the amplified current. Conditioning circuitry 14 is constructed and arranged to condition the voltage for detecting rotation of the armature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a motor control circuit including a motor with a motor winding and a brush, a battery, a relay, and a ground return circuit. The battery is for energizing the motor. The relay selectively provides connection between the battery and the motor. A ground return circuit is in communication with the brush. The ground return circuit creates a path from the brush through the relay to an electrical ground.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for cooling a cabinet. In one embodiment, a method is provided that comprises the steps of controlling a speed of the at least one cooling fan in response to a temperature of the cabinet, and, controlling the speed of the at least one cooling fan in response to a position of an access panel relative to the cabinet.

Abstract: A system for protecting a power semiconductor output stage that, as a function of a control signal, connects an inductive load to a direct-current supply voltage and disconnects it therefrom. Protection from the induced voltages is achieved, without a freewheeling diode, in that the disconnection energy occurring at the inductive load upon disconnection can be transferred in transformer fashion to an additional inductance that is loaded with a resistance or is coupled in the countercurrent direction to the direct-current supply voltage.

Abstract: Electronically commutable motor whose output stages are controllable by an electronic control unit, using PWM control signals, and are feedable from a supply voltage source. A limitation to a maximum load with overload protection is achieved, at least upon exceeding the nominal voltage of the motor, by reducing the pulse width of the PWM control signals for the output stages to a width that prevents overloading of the motor and electronic components by limiting the motor output, as a function of the magnitude of the supply voltage and the specified setpoint for the PWM control signals.

Abstract: A complementary fan rotational speed control method and apparatus for simultaneously monitoring the rotation speeds of two or more fans includes a control unit to output pulse width modulation (PWM) control power supply to activate operation of a first fan and a second fan. The first and the second fan deliver rotation pulse signals to the control unit. When the control unit detects the rotation speed of either the first or second fan decreases, it actuates other fan to increase rotation speed and issues a warning signal to secure cooling effect and increase the service life of the fans.

Abstract: Disclosed are an air conditioning system with two compressors and a method for operating the same, so as to variably change a compression capacity of a refrigerant according to the variation of cooling load. Herein, when a full operation order is inputted to the two compressors in order to satisfy increased cooling load, the first compressor is first operated, and then the second compressor having a compression capacity of a refrigerant smaller than that of the first compressor is additionally operated, so that a current peak value for operating the compressors does not exceed an allowable current range of a circuit breaker installed in a home or building, thereby safely controlling the air conditioning system and simultaneously allowing the current to be provided to other electric appliances, thus improving users' convenience.

Abstract: A permanent magnet synchronous motor driving system includes: 1) a permanent magnet synchronous motor, and 2) an inverter. The permanent magnet synchronous motor includes three phase terminals. A resonant frequency is generated between an inductance and a ground electrostatic capacitance which are measured between the following: a) one of the three phase terminals of the permanent magnet synchronous motor, and b) a ground. The inverter drives the permanent magnet synchronous motor. The inverter generates a carrier frequency. The resonant frequency of the permanent magnet synchronous motor is free from a conformance with the carrier frequency of the inverter and is free from a proximity of the carrier frequency of the inverter.

Abstract: An improved fan useful for ventilating applications in motor vehicles features a modular structure, which facilitates quick replacement of any components likely to fail. A first module (110) is intended for permanent installation on the part that is to be cooled. A second module (110) is configured for quick engagement to and disengagement from the first module. The second module preferably comprises a hub (22; 362), an internal stator (60; 332) mounted on the hub, and one or more struts (74; 344) connecting the hub to a cylindrical casing part (76; 336) which surrounds but is spaced from the outside of the fan wheel (46; 348). The struts form a lattice (112) which can be easily grasped for swapping out the second module when repair or replacement becomes necessary.

Abstract: An arrangement having an electric motor (10) has a microcontroller (12) for influencing at least one motor function and a nonvolatile storage element (14) for storing at least one variable as a definition for that motor function. The arrangement also has an interface (13a) for a data line (13) for transferring the at least one variable, in particular a current limiting value (Iref) from or to a storage element (14) by way of the microcontroller (12), and optionally by way of an internal data bus (15). The invention also relates to use of the device in the context of batteries of fans, and program-controlled current limitation for startup of an electric motor (10).

Abstract: Methods, devices and circuits for detecting malfunctions in stepper motors. A signal from a driver circuit to a stepper motor that is proportional to the current in the windings of the stepper motor is detected. This signal is then amplified and integrated for ease of comparison. The resulting signal is then compared to a specific entry in a table of values with each entry in the table corresponding to an operating profile of the stepper motor. If the resulting signal does not correspond to the operating profile for which the motor a configured, the stepper motor is jammed. A suitable alarm and a corresponding sequence of actions may then be triggered.

Abstract: A motor overload coil control is disclosed for use in a motor starter/relay contactor. The control includes an 8-bit, 8-pin microcontroller that together with an I/O reduction circuit, is capable of functioning 13 I/O's with only 5 I/O pins on the microcontroller. Three remote signals are prioritized and reduced on one input line to the microcontroller. The control includes three-phase current measurement from three Hall effect current sensors positioned one on each leg. The system includes current integration to provide a single current input to the microcontroller. A full load amperage (FLA) adjustment allows use on a wide range of motors. The microcontroller uses the FLA adjustment and the current signal to find an appropriate I2t value for real-time monitoring of the operating temperature of the motor. A status indicator is provided having an LED output to show the status of the system and indicate the motor temperature, when appropriate.