Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for calibrating a field-commutated motor (10) when under load, wherein initializing the motor (10) refers to relating data representative of the angle of the rotor in an uncalibrated coordinate system to a coordinate system having a known relationship to the excitation coils (17), typically mounted with the stator (16). The angular data can then be used for exciting the excitation coils (17) in the proper sequence and with the proper timing to obtain the desired speed, torque, direction or rotation, etc. of the motor (10). Test voltages having a known orientation are applied to one of the stator and the rotor, (whichever mounts the excitation coils (17)), and the angle of the rotor produced by the application of each of the test voltages noted. An equation is disclosed for determining an error angle between the uncalibrated and the known coordinate system as a function of the angles of the rotor produced by application of the test voltages.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a leveling time of an elevator car is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: moving the elevator car in a hoistway; transmitting a first signal by a first sensor in response to moving the elevator car in the hoistway; beginning a time measurement in response to detecting the first signal; transmitting a second signal by a second sensor in response to moving the elevator car in the hoistway, the second sensor being disposed a predetermined distance from the first sensor; ending the time measurement in response to detecting the second signal; determining a time measurement value in response to ending the time measurement; determining a leveling speed of the elevator car by dividing the predetermined distance between the first sensor and the second sensor by the time measurement value; and adjusting the leveling time in response to determining the leveling speed.