Abstract: A system and method are provided for improved dynamic braking in AC motors with an electronic drive, and more particularly to using a current regulation circuit to control the current supplied to the motor to be in phase with the internal EMF voltage of the motor such that the braking torque of the current is maximized per ampere of dynamic braking current when needed to stop the motor in case of a control failure or emergency. A current regulator produces a voltage command to the motor based on the current command input. The motor is still controlled by a d-q current regulator and the q-axis (torque axis) voltage is driven to zero while the d-axis (non-torque axis) is left in current control with a zero current command. This way the motor internal voltage drives a current in the terminals of the motor but the current is in phase with the internal voltage of the motor.

Abstract: A fluorescence microscopy sequencer comprises a fluid transport subsystem in which reagents are pumped through a series of multi-port valves to a mixer or one or more flow cells, or directly into the flow cell(s). The one or more multi-port valves can be mounted upon a fluids manifold having syringe tubes mounted on the opposite side. Mounted on a movable support, the manifold may be brought into and out of fluid communication with a storage block comprising the plurality of reagents. In another embodiment, the sequencer comprises a beamsplitter indexer that facilitates the quick and reliable switching of filter cubes through use of a stepper motor. In yet another embodiment, a motion control system is provided in which an inertial reference is interposed between and directly coupled to a first and second axis of control, thereby minimizing any low structural resonant frequencies and enabling high performance (high frequency response) motion control.

Abstract: A system for low-latency, high-resolution, continuous motion panoramic video imaging includes a plurality of high-resolution video cameras, each video camera generating about at least 500 kilopixel near-real time video. The cameras can be supported for positioning the plurality of cameras at predetermined angular locations to generate a full 360 degree field of view. The system can also include an image processor for processing video image signals in parallel and providing panoramic images. In one embodiment, the system can include a display to provide seamless panoramic images.

Abstract: A rotor includes a rotor core formed of webs defining a layout of the magnets in the rotor core. The rotor core has at least one layer of magnets forming a plurality of poles. Each pole includes a plurality of slots for holding a magnet, at least two ribs comprising web portions between the centerline slot and each wing slot, and a plurality of magnets arranged in corresponding slots. The slots have at least a centerline slot and two angled wing slots extending from a position at or around respective ends of the centerline slot towards an outer circumference of the rotor core. The wing slots may taper from a position at or around respective ends of the centerline slot towards an outer circumference of the rotor core.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and robust design implementing an easily accessible external terminal connection point for supplying drive current to an AC motor. An embodiment of the invention is directed to an insertion plug and a conductor formed within the insertion plug. Specifically, the conductor acts as a current bus through an insertion aperture defined in a motor housing. The interior end of the conductor acts as an interior connection terminal for an AC phase coil, whereas the exterior end of the conductor is configured to accept an external motor drive source power cable. Advantageously, the modularity of the insertion plug design and a modified insertion housing aperture stamping program provide significant flexibility with regard to placement of the connection terminal. This aspect of the invention allows the connection terminals, as well as a corresponding motor housing to be customized for pre-existing mechanical designs and assemblies.

Abstract: An encoder in a motor system measures radial movement and translational movement of a disk with a single integrated sensor disposed on a microprocessor chip. The encoder measures position information and eccentric movement of the disk by the integrated sensor. The measured positional information and eccentric movement information are then combined generating single corrected positional information of the disk. The corrected single positional information may be provided to a user in standard format for operation of the motor system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly optimized motor design enabling an increase in torque compared to a similarly sized motor of traditional design. Additionally, the present invention enables motors that provide smooth, ripple free, operation at low speeds. These advances are provided through disclosure of slot/pole ratios that provide the stated benefits.

Abstract: A system is provided for sensing a motor current from a three phase inverter. A first resistor is coupled between a first transistor of the inverter and a supply voltage, and a second resistor is coupled between a second transistor of the inverter and ground. Circuitry coupled to the first and second resistors generates an upper and lower current. When the first transistor is active, the upper current is proportional to the sum of a reference voltage and a voltage across the first resistor, and the lower current is proportional to the reference voltage. When the second transistor is active, the upper current is proportional to the reference voltage, and the lower current is proportional to the sum of the reference voltage and a voltage across the second resistor. Based on the difference of the lower and upper currents, the circuitry provides an output current proportional to the motor current.

Abstract: A built-in autotuning system of a motor control system provides an autotuning of the motor control system based on BQF. The system measures the effective inertia and determines whether there exists a high-frequency resonance. If there is a high-frequency resonance, the system sets the BQF as a low pass filter, otherwise the system sets the BQF as a high pass filter. The system then adjusts the gains of the controller to set the phase and gain margins within a specified values.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expert system for recommending a modification to a machine having a servo system. The expert system may be implemented as an unlimited access web site.

Abstract: A built-in auto-tuning system of a motor control system provides an auto-tuning of the motor control system. The built-in tuning system generates and applies a random noise test signal to the controller. In response to the test signals, the tuning system obtains response data such as the gains and phases over a wide range of operating frequencies. Based on the received data, the tuning system generates an open-loop Bode plot of the control system. The tuning system then calculates the phase and gain margins of the control system. The calculated gain and phase margins are compared with a set of predetermined values by the tuning system to automatically adjust the compensation parameters of the motor control system for a stable operation.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for the construction of a frameless cartridge motor. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a frameless cartridge motor is provided such that the motor's rotor is aligned with the motor's stator, a feedback device is calibrated and attached to the motor via a flexible member, and fasteners fix the rotor to motor's housing.

Abstract: A pulse width modulation (PWM) amplifier of the type including power transistors connected in totem-pole fashion and a bootstrap capacitor used to bias at least one of the power transistors into the conductive state. The improvement wherein the bootstrap capacitor is refreshed only to the extent needed to provide a higher effective maximum duty cycle.

Abstract: A linear motor utilizing a flat, ironless, coil winding which can be of the printed circuit type (stamped, etched, or deposited and adhered to a rigid substrate). The winding provides coils that are relatively movable between straight, parallel rows of magnets. The winding can also be fabricated using insulated wire to form a distributed winding. In designing the winding particular attention is paid to the length of the straight portion perpendicular to the direction of the linear motion (L.sub.M) compared to the height of the linear air gap (L.sub.B) and the outside dimension of the winding (L.sub.S). Selection of these dimensions determines four key motor parameters, namely, the motor back emf K.sub.e, the motor force constant K.sub.f, the winding resistance R, and the motor force ripple F.sub.r.

Abstract: A dynamic braking system for a brushless motor where energization of the motor winding is achieved through a transistor bridge circuit wherein half of the switching transistors are connected to a positive supply and the remaining switching transistors are connected to a negative supply. Back biased diodes are connected across each of the switching transistors. Dynamic braking is achieved by rendering all transistors connected to one of the supply sources conductive at the same time.

Abstract: The invention resides in permanent magnet rotors and methods for assembling the same. In one embodiment, one of more arcuate magnetic elements are disposed around a cylindrical rotor core. In turn, a hollow retaining shell is slip-fit around the magnetic element or elements. Spring biasing members are inserted into longitudinal channels defined by grooves in the core and corresponding grooves or chamfers on the one or more magnetic elements. The spring biasing members prevent relative movement between the core, the magnetic element(s), and the retaining shell. Annular end plates are secured to the ends of the core to seal off the interior of the device. In another embodiment, relative movement between the core, magnetic element(s), and retaining shell is prevented by applying adhesive between those parts.

Abstract: A system and method of calculating optimum angle advance for brushless permanent magnet motors. The calculations are based on the motor and drive parameters, and on operational variables including the motor speed and the motor load. The angle advance is calculated dynamically as a function of motor speed and where reluctance torque is involved, as a function of load current as well. For a given motor, the advance is calculated according to the speed and load together with the motor and drive parameters according to one or more angle advance equations.

Abstract: A pulse transformer for use in a high frequency motor controller to isolate the electronic control stages from the power stages in a motor controller. The primary and secondary windings are wound on a common ferrite core and spaced apart from one another. The wire size used for the windings is relatively small (gauge 37 or less). Each of the windings has between 10 and 13 turns. The interwinding capacitance must be below 5 picofarads, preferably below 1 picofarad, and most preferably below 0.2 picofarads.