Abstract: An elevator system including a variable speed motive means is disclosed wherein the motive means is controlled in response to a selected motion profile to effect desired operation of the elevator car. Multiple elevator car motion profiles are stored and a appropriate profile is selected to operate the elevator car such that the level of service necessary to meet demand is provided while operating the elevator cars at reduced acceleration and jerk rates to provide increased ride comfort. Appropriate motion profiles are selected based on factors such as demand for elevator service and whether the building is in an up-peak or down-peak traffic period.

Abstract: An elevator system including variable speed motive means is disclosed wherein the motive means is controlled in response to a selected motion profile to effect desired operation of the elevator car. Multiple elevator car motion profiles are stored and depending upon whether or not an occupant is present in the elevator car, either a comfortable high quality ride profile having an increased flight time and lower acceleration and jerk rates or a high performance profile having a decreased flight time and higher acceleration and jerk rates is selected. If no passengers are detected in the elevator car by sensing the weight of the elevator car and its occupants, and by sensing the lack of car calls, then the elevator car is free to be dispatched to a floor having a hall call at a high performance rate to minimize the flight time to reach that floor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an elevator dispatching system for controlling the assignment of elevator cars. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a method of determining the commencement and/or conclusion of UP-PEAK and DOWN-PEAK periods of operation. For example, for commencing UP-PEAK operation, a lobby boarding count is predicted, based on historical information of the number of passengers boarding the elevators at the lobby. The predicted lobby boarding count is compared with a predetermined threshold value. If the predicted lobby boarding count is greater than the predetermined threshold value, UP-PEAK is commenced. In the preferred embodiment, the predetermined threshold value is a predetermined percentage of the building's population. Additionally, the present invention is directed to a method of adjusting the threshold value based on actual passenger traffic.

Abstract: A brushless DC motor control circuit for efficiently controlling motor speed is described. A digital circuit for providing centered pulse turn-on during that period when the specific winding is capable of providing torque for the desired direction of rotation to the rotor is described. Each phase has its own timing circuit including an initial delay-time interval and an on-time interval. These time intervals are set to obtain desired motor speed and efficient motor operation.

Abstract: A housing in which electrical components may be mounted. The housing is formed from a single integral molded part which includes a living hinge connecting a base portion and a cover portion such that the two portions may be secured to each other to define the housing. A test button extension is likewise secured to the housing via a living hinge such that the test button extension may be rotated to provide a test button assembly which is appropriately positioned such that the test button extends through an opening in the housing and may be manually displaced to engage an electrical component within the housing to perform an appropriate test function.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for determining the appropriate time-to-initiate a defrost cycle in conjunction with a refrigeration circuit having a heat exchanger upon which frost may accumulate. The elapsed time period from a previous defrost cycle is used to adjust the time between defrost cycles such that the time period between defrost cycles is varied as a function of the length of the previous deforst cycle.

Abstract: A seat switch and system for operating a power seat are disclosed. The seat switch includes a seat bench knob and a seat back knob, each mounted to be displaced by the operator to indicate the desired displacement of the seat bench and seat back. A mechanical connection is provided from the knob to a set of contacts such that the contacts are appropriately displaced relative to a pattern of contact pads. Appropriate signals are generated to indicate the desired motion of the seat based on the contacts engaging the contact pads. These signals are interpreted and appropriate motors actuated to displace the seat to obtain the desired seat positions.

Abstract: A dynamoelectric machine including a brush holder for positioning the brushes in a mounting position is disclosed. The brush holder includes a displaceable section located to secure the brushes in a mounting position and said displaceable section being separated during assembly to allow the brushes to be displaced inwardly to engage the commutator in the final assembled position. Several embodiments of displaceable sections are disclosed.

Abstract: An axial fan in which the median line (B) of each blade (3) has a first radially-innermost, rearwardly-directed curved portion (B.sub.1) and a second radially-outermost, forwardly-directed curved portion (B.sub.2), the former portion being between 25% and 50% of the full radial extent of the blade. The profile of the blade is characterized in that its circular thickness (S) increases progressively from the interior to the exterior, and the pitch setting angle (W) of the profile decreases progressively from the interior to the exterior.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for determining the appropriate time-to-initiate a defrost cycle in conjunction with a refrigeration circuit having a heat exchanger upon which frost may accumulate. The elapsed time period from a previous defrost cycle is used to adjust the time between defrost cycles such that the time period between defrost cycles is varied as a funtion of the length of the previous defrost cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for protecting a steam turbine from damage due to moisture are disclosed. The temperature and pressure of the incoming steam are monitored to determine if sufficient superheat energy is available to assure that the steam will flow through the turbine in the gaseous phase. The same inputs may be utilized to determine under and over pressure steam conditions. Once a fault condition is detected, operation of the turbine will be automatically interrupted.

Abstract: A button set and switch particularly useful for an automotive power seat switch are disclosed. The button set is a single one-piece, molded set of buttons each connecting by living hinge to a frame such that each button may be displaced independently but are physically arranged to simulate a preselected design. A printed circuit board may be mounted to the button set and may include a series a clicket switches appropriately positioned to be engaged by each botton for providing appropriate signals to obtain the desired output controlled by the switch.

Abstract: An electric door lock actuator and door lock and latch mechanism are disclosed having manual and electric driven locking means. A combination of a lost motion coupling and resilient spring means for driving the motive means to a neutral position are utilized to effectively isolate the electric motor and gearing from the locking means such that the locking means may be operated manually without back-driving the electric motor and intermediate gearing. A specific rack defining a portion of the lost motion coupling together with a pair of springs mounted to engage a shoulder extending from a rack are disclosed to achieve the above function.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are described for providing positive location openings within a contoured panel. These openings are utilized in conjunction with appropriate locators to assure that positive alignment of the molded panel in subsequent manufacturing operations is obtained. The specific die and headline constructions are likewise disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting and removing a hub from a shaft is disclosed. The combination of a cylinder and annular piston mounted about the cylinder defining a first and second cavity are utilized such that upon the application of pressurized fluid to the selected cavity the piston is displaced in a first direction for mounting the hub to the shaft and in a second direction for removing the hub from the shaft. Symmetrical apparatus adapted to be utilized with shafts having either left-handed or right-handed threads is additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A remote operated turning gear engager for rotating a turbomachine rotor is disclosed. Pressurized oil is selectively supplied to displace a piston to engage the turning gear with the rotor. Electrical sensing means are utilized to verify that the turning gear is in the appropriate position. Additional control means are provided for discontinuing turning gear operation should insufficient oil be supplied to the bearings. Other circuit means prevent operation of the turning gear should the rotor be rotating and allow for a bypass of this safety feature for positioning the rotor for service requirements.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for dispensing a solution for use in a process including a flow meter and a precision valve are disclosed. A solenoid valve is incorporated within the dispensing apparatus and is electrically connected to the process for preventing flow during process interruption periods. Additional alarm means and safety interlocks are provided for controlling flow based upon operating conditions of the process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating the flow of liquid lubricant to hydrostatic bearings is disclosed. A cavitating venturi is utilized to regulate the volume flow rate of liquid lubricant supplied to a bearing. The cavitating venturi acts to provide a constant volume flow rate of liquid lubricant relatively independent of system flow resistance and feed pressure to the bearing.

Abstract: A check valve integral with the tube and the method of manufacturing a check valve are disclosed. The ball or poppet of the check valve is maintained in position via a magnetic mandrel while the tube is crimped at both sides of the poppet. The tube is inwardly crimped to prevent the poppet from being displaced in either direction and simultaneously to allow flow to bypass the poppet in the desired flow direction. Thereafter the poppet is physically displaced against one of the crimped indentations to coin a seat such that the poppet and the seat coact to prevent flow of fluid in the undesired direction. In this manner, a check valve is formed integrally with a tube without requiring any additional components.

Abstract: A quick connect/quick disconnect coupling utilizes a retainer mounted between expanded ring portions of a tube. A sleeve is mounted over the retainer such that projecting leg portions from the retainer extend outwardly through openings in the sleeve. Upon assembly into a socket these outwardly projecting leg members engage a socket contact face to secure the coupling in the assembled position. To effect removal of the coupling the tube is displaced within the socket such that the retainer is displaced relative to the sleeve. As the retainer is displaced relative to the sleeve a compaction annulus portion of the sleeve acts to compress the projecting legs such that the tube with the attached retainer and sleeve may be removed from the socket to effect disconnection of the coupling.