Abstract: Linear and other features on a workpiece are tracked by measuring the fields generated between electrodes arrayed in pairs. One electrode in each pair operates as a transmitter and the other as a receiver, and both electrodes in a pair are arrayed on a carrier. By combining and subtracting fields between electrodes in one pair and between a transmitting electrode in one pair and a receiving electrode in another pair, information describing the location and orientation of the sensor relative to the workpiece in up to six degrees of freedom may be obtained. Typical applications will measure capacitance, but other impedance components may be measured as well. The sensor is designed to track a linear feature axis or a protrusion or pocket in a workpiece. Seams and ridges can be tracked by this non-contact sensor. The sensor output is useful for robotic applications.

Abstract: When a switch 12 is turned on, a relay coil 14b is excited by a current generated at the very moment when electric power of a dc power source 11 is supplied to a condenser 16 for actuation. Accordingly, a relay contact 14a is closed, and the power is given to a dc motor 15 via the switch 12 and the relay contact 14a. As a result, the dc motor 15 is actuated. At the same time, a part of a current running through the dc motor 15 is supplied to the relay coil 14b and brings about self-hold by which the dc motor 15 remains running. After that, when the driving of a device to be driven is forcibly regulated, an excess current passing through the dc motor 15 flows to a PTC thermistor (positive temperature coefficient thermistor) 13 which is connected in series to the dc motor 15. Owing to the excess current, the temperature of the PTC thermistor 13 is raised, and thereby the resistance of the PTC thermistor 13 is heightened. As a result, the relay contact 14a is opened to stop the dc motor 15.

Abstract: An electric motor with an electrodynamic braking means, where the same power controller is used in both motor operation and in braking. Therefore, the field current with the separately excited electric motor can be controlled or regulated by the power controller. It is also possible to preset a certain braking time. A measure of the braking current is obtained by sensing the voltage at a braking resistor, so the braking current can also be regulated on the basis of the field current.

Abstract: A method for composing and performing music on an electronic instrument are provided. The method provides a technique in which individual chord progression chords can be triggered in real-time, while simultaneously generating the individual notes of the chord, and/or possible scale and non-scale notes to play along with the chord, and making them available for playing in separate fixed-locations on the instrument. The method of composition involves the designation of a chord progression section on the instrument, then assigning chords or individual chord notes to this chord progression section according to a song key's defined customary scale or customary scale equivalent song keys and scales. Further, as each chord is played in the chord progression section, the individual notes of the currently triggered chords are generated and simultaneously made available for playing in a separate fixed location on the instrument.

Abstract: The period Tn needed to count a lowermost bit of a signal of which an absolute value of difference between a last real data .theta.(k) and a present real data .theta.(k+1) is assumed to be quantized in a data block period To is obtained. One digital quantity is successively accumulated on the present real data .theta.(k+1) every period Tn to obtain interpolation data C, D . . . . At the point t1 a final interpolation data G is adapted to be added or subtracted, the total of added or subtracted digital quantity exceeds the absolute value of difference. Accordingly, a final interpolation data G is held until a next real data .theta.(k+2) is output.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating electrical signals which are representative of the rotational position of a rotor relative to a stator and for controlling commutation in a variable reluctance electric motor includes a circuit for generating relatively small pulses of electrical current to a non-energized stator winding of the motor. As the rotor rotates relative to the stator, the inductance induced in such stator winding will vary. As a result, the magnitude of the current pulses in the stator winding will increase over time. When the magnitude of such current pulses exceeds a predetermined threshold level corresponding to a predetermined relative rotational position of the rotor, a signal is generated to cause commutation of the motor. Variations in the inductances of the stator windings are compensated for by providing maximum and minimum voltage detector and hold circuits which are responsive to the output signals from the sample and hold circuit.

Abstract: Alternating current electric induction motor operating from a source of AC electric power is driven at a parasynchronous rate of field collapse and magnetic flux reversal which is derived from the immediate train of alternating half-wave power cycles supplied by the AC power source. The higher and lower rates of magnetic flux field reversal result in a corresponding higher or lower rate of magnetic flux field rotation than that which is ordinarily produced. In a subsynchronous operating mode, bicyclic half-cycles of AC power are polarity-paired through inversion of one of the component half-cycles and successive pairs are alternated in polarity, thereby parasynchronously decreasing the effective rotating magnetic flux field rate. In a suprasynchronous mode, individual AC power half-cycles are split into quarter-cycle quadrants and the quadrants are successively alternated in polarity, thereby parasynchronously increasing the effective rotating magnetic flux field rate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for transmitting very fast digital DC signals over the track for remote control in a model railroad layout, by selecting positive and negative lobes from the applied AC track power signal. This method allows digital transmission at 120 Hz rate that can be used within a 60 Hz AC system. This is fast enough to be used for Digital Command Control (DCC) and also capable of delivering large power output efficiently without the expense of filtering or exotic electronic control circuits. This method also has low sensitivity to electrical noise and does not generate significant noise during operation. We describe methods of transmitting and receiving positive and negative lobes and methods to extend this technology. We also describe other areas where this technology can be applied such as remote control of appliances connected to any AC power environment such as home or industrial electric power systems.

Abstract: A wafer prober for testing uncut die of a semiconductor wafer has an alignment accuracy in the X-Y plane within the sub-micron range. The wafer, held by a chuck, is positioned in the X-Y plane by using a pair of linear servo motors each driven by a servo drive unit providing drive control, monitoring and diagnostic functions. Positional information is obtained from a pair of linear encoders, one along each drive axis. Positional information is also obtained from a pair of resolvers, one for the vertical axis and the other for rotational position about the vertical axis. Ways and runner blocks are used to provide substantial downforce capability and high speed translational movement. In addition, the present invention uses a general purpose computer providing for an on-board controller card interfacing with the servo drives via a fiber optic coupler.

Abstract: A stepping motor driving device which is capable of correcting a micro step moving angle during micro step driving. This stepping motor driving device includes a motor control portion for giving instruction as to a moving amount, a CPU for outputting the number of motor drive pulses according to a moving amount instructed by the motor control portion, a motor drive circuit for driving a motor according to the motor drive pulses and a memory for storing a pulse number showing an actual moving angle closest to an ideal moving angle as a correction pulse number corresponding to a micro step angle based on an error between an actual moving angle and the ideal moving amount with respect to each micro step angle within a full step angle. The CPU outputs pulses in the correction pulse number stored in the memory correspondingly to the micro step angle to the motor drive circuit in order to perform micro step driving by the micro step angle.

Abstract: An operation control device for use in an electric power supply system for supplying electric power from one electric power source to a plurality of electric power consuming systems, which can determine based on an outside signal whether or not the electric power consuming systems can proceed to operations includes an output electric power detecting unit for detecting electric power outputted by the electric power source; and a comparison control unit for comparing a detected value of the output electric power detecting unit with a preset reference value to output a comparison signal indicative of a result of the comparison as the outside signal to be supplied to the plural electric power consuming systems. The comparison signal indicating an inoperable state when the detected value exceeds the reference value, whereby the electric power consuming systems are permitted to proceed to steps of their operations or stand by.

Abstract: A method of driving an electric motor having at least one coil winding comprising using a switching operation when the current in the winding is to be switched from a first state to a second state. The switching operation has at least first and second switching steps, the interval between which is approximately equal to half the period of a dominant frequency of vibration of the motor (or to an integral multiple of the period plus a half). This reduces vibrations causing acoustic noise, enabling the motor to be operated more quietly. One or more intermediate steps may be included in the switching operation.

Abstract: An electrodynamic motor drive system, for generating enhanced rotational output, is comprised of a pair of flywheel mechanisms that are integrally connected to an output shaft. Each flywheel mechanism is energized by its own motor and is operable to temporarily engage a weighted mass that travels a path defined by the housing of the system. A pair of mass accelerators rapidly advances each flywheel mechanism during the transfer of the masses from one flywheel mechanism to the other. A component of the force generated by the continuously rotating masses is transferred through each flywheel mechanism to an output system which, in turn, causes rotation of an output shaft.

Abstract: An electronic music system has an input device, one or more computer storage media, a rhythm generator, a pitch selector, and a sound generator. The input device generates rhythm-related input signals and pitch-related input signals in response to manipulations of the input device by a user attempting to create and play a solo. The computer storage media have a plurality of user-selectable musical accompaniment tracks over which the user can create and play the solo and a plurality of rhythm blocks wherein each rhythm block defines, for at least one note, at least a time at which the note should be played. The computer storage media also store at least a portion of the solo created by the user over a predetermined time interval in the immediate past.

Abstract: An audio data format in which an instrument is described using a combination of sound samples and articulation instructions which determine modifications made to the sound sample is provided. The instruments form a first, initial layer, with a second layer having presets which can user defined to provide additional articulation instructions which can modify the articulation instructions at the instrument level. The articulation instructions are specified using various parameters. The present invention provides a format in which all of the parameters are specified in units which relate to a physical phenomena, and thus are not tied to any particular machine for creating or playing the audio samples. The articulation parameters include generators and modulators, which provide a connection between a real-time signal and a generator. The parameter units are specified in perceptually additive units, to make the data portable and easily edited.

Abstract: A servo control system is presented that provides improved bandwidth. The improved bandwidth is achieved by dividing the differential portion of the servo control system into two components. One of the differential components experiences no delay thus improving the servo control system response. The differential component that experiences no delay is combined with the proportional portion of the control system and implemented as an analog circuit. The hybrid analog/digital loop compensation circuit provides even better response time as the analog circuit provides near instantaneous responses to changes in input.

Abstract: A motor controller unit of the type providing optimum motor operation and protection is configured to determine phase rotation correction during motor start-up without stopping and re-configuring. The effects of heat on the squirrel cage (amortisseur) and motor field windings are accurately and automatically determined on a continuing basis to deter nuisance trip occurrence during motor start and restart operations and to prevent damage to the motor windings during continuous motor operation, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electronic display stand that can advance through musical notes without interrupting a musician's performance. The stand can be controlled by remote mechanical actuation, the sound of musical notes, or a timed interval. The device can have a display large enough to display a full page of sheet music at one time. A plurality of the devices can be networked to simultaneously display musical notes to a number of musicians. The electronic display stand is a multi-function device that can be used for displaying more than just music.

Abstract: A motor braking circuit arrangement, for use with a series/universal motor and a power supply for supplying power to the motor, including two separately actuable switches electrically interconnecting a separate braking winding with the motor to effect braking when either of the two switches are deactuated. The circuit arrangement includes a field winding wound about the motor stator and electrically connected in series with the motor armature winding. The separate brake winding is wound about the stator. The two switches are series-connected, and each switch is capable of assuming a first position associated with normal motor operation and a second position associated with motor braking wherein the separate brake winding is electrically connected in parallel with the motor armature. The switches may be single-pole, double-pole or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A multi-function control switch for electrically operating devices, such as a lighting system, is disclosed. The multi-function control switch includes a rocker-type actuating arm for actuating a plurality of momentary switches. When actuated, the momentary switches send signals to an electronic operating module which houses a control logic circuit. The control logic circuit receives input keying sequences from the user, and interprets the input to determines whether the input keying sequence is associated with any of the command logic elements stored in its memory, and whether the system may validly switch from the current operating function to the new operating function. If the transition is valid, the control logic circuit signals the electronic operating module to execute the command logic element associated with the new operating function.