Abstract: An overvoltage protection circuit for a circuit array including one or more semiconductor devices such as thyristors derives its energization solely from the voltage across the array. A unidirectional current is developed to respond to that voltage and this current is utilized to develop an electrical charge of not more than a predetermined magnitude. The unidirectional current is also utilized to develop a signal which is proportional to the voltage across the array. When this signal reaches a predetermined level, indicative of an overvoltage condition of the array, a switching current is rendered operative to cause the stored charge to be applied to the gating electrodes of the array semiconductor devices to thereby render each such device conductive.

Abstract: The effect of commutation notches 35 appearing in the nominally sinusoidal alternating current (AC) line-to-line voltage, for example, v.sub.ab used to synchronize the firing of thyristors in three phase, phase-locked power converters 12 and 14 is essentially eliminated by reconstructing the corrupted line-to-line voltage by summing the integral of the corrupted line-to-line voltage .PSI..sub.ab with a signal proportional to the product of the delta load current, for example, i.sub.ab and the commutation inductance L.sub.c. The composite waveform .PSI..sub.ab +i.sub.ab .times.L.sub.c) resulting from the summation has well defined zero crossings 41 from which synchronizing pulses are generated for synchronizing the phase-locked thyristor firing circuit 18 implemented by either software or hardware techniques. Additionally, the reconstructed waveform is used to control commutation, particularly in the control of a load side converter i.e. inverter 14 which is utilized in an AC motor drive system.

Abstract: A saturable reactor snubber to improve the recovery characteristics of a clamp diode used in a power switching circuit is provided with a secondary winding to permit saturating the reactor via a secondary current pulse in order to improve the turn-on speed of the clamp diode. The current pulse for saturating the reactor at turn-on is preferably derived from a shunt snubber charging pulse or from an external generator synchronized to the turn-off time of a power switching device in the switching circuit.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically machining a work piece to precise selectively determined dimensions under computer numerical control. A movable probe is calibrated against position reference surfaces and is then used to calibrate the position of a fixed probe. The latter serves as a position reference for calibrating the cutting edge of one or more cutting tools. All calibrations are performed under closed loop control. Appropriate tool position offsets are automatically determined from deviations between the programmed and the actual probe and tool positions and are entered into numerical control means to modify the programmed machining operation. After machining has been initiated, probing of the work piece occurs at least once before the final cut is taken and the appropriate tool position offsets are determined and entered to assure that the dimensions of the finished surface will conform to the desired selectively determined dimensions.

Abstract: A power control system for a DC electric motor includes a control power regulating means which selectively connects either the armature of the motor, the field winding of the motor or both in a series current path with a DC power source permits operation of the motor in either an armature current or field current control mode using a single regulating circuit. In the field current control mode a contactor connects the armature of the motor directly across the power source and the regulating circuit controls the field current to regulate torque developed by the motor. The armature circuit and field circuit are interconnected by a diode which permits electronic switching between armature current control and field current control modes of operation.

Abstract: A motor control system including sequencing circuitry for governing the mode of operation of an electric motor in accordance with feedback signals representing selected motor operating parameters further includes modifying circuitry to selectively effect a change in the mode of motor operation in response to an external signal.

Abstract: A controlled current inverter system forms the basis of an AC motor drive system for furnishing a motor load 22 with a variable frequency, variable magnitude AC current from a thyristor controlled DC to AC inverter 16 which is supplied current from a thyristor controlled AC to DC converter 10 by way of a DC link including an inductor 14. The frequency of the inverter is controlled by means of a control circuit including a voltage controlled oscillator 18. In the event that the converter 10 operates in such manner as to place a short circuit across the DC link 14 during a regenerative mode of operation of the motor 22, apparatus 36 is shown and described and a method is disclosed for providing a momentary advance gating of the inverter 16 which causes the motor 22 to shift from the existing regenerative mode toward a motoring mode and thereby quench any build-up of excessive converter-inverter circulating currents.

Abstract: A detection system for detecting unintentional impedances between the power conductors and a first node of either a power conversion circuit or a load, the first node typically being an earth ground. The circuit has power level lines utilizing a wye-connected line filter network which has equal impedance values for each leg of the line filter and which defines a first node at the common connection thereof. A different impedance network is also connected in wye-fashion to the power level lines and defines a second node at the common connection thereof. Each impedance leg of the impedance network is also equal in impedance value whereby the second node normally has the same potential as the first node. The potential difference between the first and second nodes is frequency compensated to produce a system output signal indicative of a predetermined value of current in unintentional impedance between any of the power conductors and the first node.

Abstract: A voltage regulating or control system employing a triac for controlling the power supplied to a load from an alternating current (a.c.) voltage source uses an oscillator as a phase controller to initiate a first switching pulse in each half-cycle of the voltage source. A feedback loop responsive to the first pulse in each half-cycle acts to increase the output frequency of the oscillator to thereby provide pulse train firing of the triac. An additional circuit acts to define a "window" which serves to establish a period within each half-cycle of the a.c. source during which the delivery of switching of pulses is prohibited.

Abstract: A plurality of controlled current inverter circuits each including a plurality of electrical current conducting legs having controlled rectifiers and associated commutating capacitors are connected in parallel and individually controlled to collectively supply an alternating current motor load with electrical power. At high speed, low required torque conditions, less than the total number of inverter circuits are maintained operative to thereby maintain sufficient current within the effective inverter circuit or circuits to sustain effective inverter commutation.

Abstract: A circuit provides an electrical output signal proportional to but electrically isolated from a current flowing in a power circuit, and more particularly, to the current supplied to the field or armature winding of a DC motor load which receives power from a rectifier circuit coupled to an AC power source. The circuit includes a transformer including at least two windings, a primary and a secondary, wound on a saturable core. The primary winding is coupled to the power circuit, whereas the secondary winding is coupled to an output circuit along with control circuit means which are adapted to keep the core out of saturation in response to a power current flowing in the primary winding which by itself is adapted to drive the core into saturation. Accordingly, the time the core is not in saturation an output current flows in the secondary winding, which is related to the primary current by the turns ratio of the transformer.

Abstract: An improved proportional base drive circuit for rapidly and efficiently switching a high current bipolar transistor includes a transformer having first and second serially connected windings coupled in a load current path between the emitter terminal of the transistor and a load. A base terminal of the transistor is connected to a junction intermediate the two windings by a base bias circuit. The turns ratio between the two windings is selected to force a proportional base current to flow to the transistor. A third winding is provided, along with switching apparatus for exciting the third winding, whereby conduction of the load transistor can be initiated by energizing the third winding. A diverter circuit connected to the third winding allows rapid removal of current from the base of the load transistor for fast turn-off. In an alternative embodiment, a fourth winding is arranged to provide a driving current for more rapid forcing of current from the base drive circuit at turn-off.

Abstract: A method for controlling, in a reheat furnace of the type having a heat zone through which metal work pieces are moved over support skids and a soak zone in which slab temperature differentials are reduced, the variations in deformation resistance of the workpiece due to temperature gradients produced by the skids. This method first provides for establishing, for the furnace and the workpiece to be rolled, an initial skid mark characteristic expressing, at the time the workpiece leaves the support skids and enters the soak zone, the ratio of the deformation resistance of the workpiece in a region immediately contiguous the skids to the deformation resistance of the workpiece in a second region which is located approximately mid-way between adjacent skids. A skid mark decay characteristic defining the decay of the skid mark characteristic as a function of time elapsed after the workpiece has left the skids is then established.

Abstract: A speed regulating circuit which regulates motor speed without the use of a speed feedback signal by adjusting the magnitude of motor current so as to maintain a predetermined relationship between motor voltage and current. A function generator generates a current reference signal as a function of motor terminal voltage. The relationship between terminal voltage and motor current is established by curve fitting of the motor volt-amp family of curves for constant motor speeds. The current reference signal controls a motor current control circuit, preferably a time ratio or chopper circuit in order to adjust motor current and to regulate motor speed. A closed loop current control loop is associated with the chopper circuit for adjusting motor current to the current reference value.

Abstract: A solid-state ballast circuit for starting and regulating a gaseous discharge lamp which is operated on direct current is arranged so as to permit the use of low voltage switching relays to effect polarity reversal of the lamp under load. A high voltage pulse source is connected in series with the lamp and a low voltage switching relay is connected in a manner to effect polarity reversal of the DC voltage applied to the combination of the high voltage source and lamp. The voltage appearing across the high voltage source is prevented from reaching the switching relays by virtue of a bridge rectifier circuit connected such that the pulse source and lamp appear as a current source for the rectifiers. The output terminals of the bridge rectifier arrangement are connected between the output terminals of the low voltage DC source thus limiting the voltage applied to the switching relays to a value not exceeding that of the DC source.

Abstract: A programmable data processor or controller serving as the main control in a control system contains an executive program for controlling the transfer of information between the processor and system equipment, updating that information during on-line control of the equipment and modifying the executive program to change operating parameters of the system while the data processor is controlling the system equipment. Modification of the executive program and displaying of system parameters related to the executive program and the system equipment is accomplished through the use of an operator's console which communicates with the data processor and system equipment as a result of operator intervention.

Abstract: A precision regulated power supply for charging an energy storage capacitor wherein regulation is achieved using a triac to interrupt a connection between a primary winding of a transformer and a DC power source. The circuit is useful in a power supply for a photocopier flash lamp where precision regulation of light intensity is required. A control winding is wound on the transformer closely coupled to the power secondary winding. A triac is connected across the control winding such that the winding can be short circuited when it is desired to cease charging of the storage capacitor. Short-circuiting of the control winding collapses the voltage on the transformer secondary winding thereby inhibiting the flow of current in the secondary winding. Regulating circuitry senses the voltage on the capacitor and gates the control winding triac into conduction when that voltage reaches a desired magnitude.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a continuous indication of battery state-of-charge under load in a system in which the battery is subject to varying load conditions. The apparatus stores a value representative of battery open circuit terminal voltage and reduces the stored value while the battery is loaded at a rate proportional to the difference between the stored value and a scaled value of actual battery terminal voltage. If the scaled value exceeds the stored value, the stored value is increased to a value corresponding to the scaled value.

Abstract: A protection and fault detection circuit for an electrically isolated semiconductor power driver acting as a switch to connect a load such as a relay coil to a source of voltage employs logic circuitry responsive to input signals indicative, respectively, of the desired state of driver operation and the conductive condition of the driver itself to effect a rendering of the device to the nonconducting state when an overload or other fault condition exists. A monitoring circuit responsive to specified operating parameters of the semiconductor power driver and its associated circuitry provides an output fault signal which is indicative of a fault condition and may be employed for remedial and/or indicating purposes.

Abstract: A half-bridge inverter having first and second power FETs is provided with a high-speed, highly efficient drive circuit for driving the FETs from a single control signal. A single 15 V supply provides energy for charging the gate electrode of the first FET, as well as for a floating source for charging the gate electrode of the second FET. A single bipolar transistor receives the control signal for controlling operation of the first FET, while a current source, a bipolar transistor in series with a resistor, receives the control signal to effect operation of a third bipolar transistor, thereby to control operation of the second FET.