Abstract: A method for process control to minimize hunting using a controller wherein a PID arithmetic operation is performed with respect to a deviation of a setting parameter and a processed variable fed back from a process, and a resultant manipulation variable is applied to the process including the steps of monitoring the waveforms of the setting parameter and the processed variable from the process to obtain an oscillation period of the deviation, identifying process characteristics of the process, obtaining a phase angle of a frequency response of an open-loop transfer function of a system from the oscillation period and the process characteristics, and detecting a hunting of the process by the magnitude of the phase angle.

Abstract: An oil burner ignition circuit using a relaxation oscillator is disclosed. The step-up transformer has a tertiary winding magnetically coupled to a primary winding. The tertiary winding and a diode controls the dissipation in the circuit, and the recovery of energy to a capacitor of the relaxation oscillator.

Abstract: An improved control system for energizing a stepping motor varies the width of the stepping pulse to the stepping motor as the motor transfers from one balanced state to another in order to provide additional starting torque and disconnects the energizing source from the motor when the motor is in its balanced state in order to conserve energy.

Abstract: A servo-motor control system varies a set point input signal to a comparator between predetermined limits in order to establish three detectable output conditions. When the difference between the feedback signal and the set point signal exceeds the average deviation of the set point input to the comparator, the comparator produces a characteristic output signaling rotation in one direction. When this difference signal is less than a negative quantity equal to the average deviation, the comparator produces a characteristic output which signals rotation in the other direction. If the difference signal is less than the absolute average value, then a third characteristic output is produced which causes a cutoff in the energization of the motor.

Abstract: In a finger mechanism of an industrial robot of the type comprising a plurality of fingers for clamping an article to be manipulated and mounting bars for connecting the fingers to a source of drive, cushion mechanisms are interposed between respective fingers and mounting bars so as to prevent the forces applied to the fingers from transmitting directly to the drive source.