Abstract: A motor overload coil control is disclosed for use in a motor starter/relay contactor. The control includes an 8-bit, 8-pin microcontroller that together with an I/O reduction circuit, is capable of functioning 13 I/O's with only 5 I/O pins on the microcontroller. Three remote signals are prioritized and reduced on one input line to the microcontroller. The control includes three-phase current measurement from three Hall effect current sensors positioned one on each leg. The system includes current integration to provide a single current input to the microcontroller. A full load amperage (FLA) adjustment allows use on a wide range of motors. The microcontroller uses the FLA adjustment and the current signal to find an appropriate I2t value for real-time monitoring of the operating temperature of the motor. A status indicator is provided having an LED output to show the status of the system and indicate the motor temperature, when appropriate.

Abstract: A motor overload coil control is disclosed for use in a motor starter/relay contactor. The control includes an 8-bit, 8-pin microcontroller that together with an I/O reduction circuit, is capable of functioning 13 I/O's with only 5 I/O pins on the microcontroller. Three remote signals are prioritized and reduced on one input line to the microcontroller. The control includes three-phase current measurement from three Hall effect current sensors positioned one on each leg. The system includes current integration to provide a single current input to the microcontroller. A full load amperage (FLA) adjustment allows use on a wide range of motors. The microcontroller uses the FLA adjustment and the current signal to find an appropriate I2t value for real-time monitoring of the operating temperature of the motor. A status indicator is provided having an LED output to show the status of the system and indicate the motor temperature, when appropriate.

Abstract: A motor overload coil control is disclosed for use in a motor starter/relay contactor. The control includes an 8-bit, 8-pin microcontroller that together with an I/O reduction circuit, is capable of functioning 13 I/O's with only 5 I/O pins on the microcontroller. Three remote signals are prioritized and reduced on one input line to the microcontroller. The control includes three-phase current measurement from three Hall effect current sensors positioned one on each leg. The system includes current integration to provide a single current input to the microcontroller. A full load amperage (FLA) adjustment allows use on a wide range of motors. The microcontroller uses the FLA adjustment and the current signal to find an appropriate I2t value for real-time monitoring of the operating temperature of the motor. A status indicator is provided having an LED output to show the status of the system and indicate the motor temperature, when appropriate.

Abstract: A motor overload coil control is disclosed for use in a motor starter/relay contactor. The control includes an 8-bit, 8-pin microcontroller that together with an I/O reduction circuit, is capable of functioning 13 I/O's with only 5 I/O pins on the microcontroller. Three remote signals are prioritized and reduced on one input line to the microcontroller. The control includes three-phase current measurement from three Hall effect current sensors positioned one on each leg. The system includes current integration to provide a single current input to the microcontroller. A full load amperage (FLA) adjustment allows use on a wide range of motors. The microcontroller uses the FLA adjustment and the current signal to find an appropriate I2t value for real-time monitoring of the operating temperature of the motor. A status indicator is provided having an LED output to show the status of the system and indicate the motor temperature, when appropriate.

Abstract: Obstacles are protected against collision in aisles adjacent mobile storage units with an IR transmitter mounted in spaced apart relation to an IR receiver on a unit. For initializing and calibrating the system a microcomputer controls the transmitter to emit IR pulses of increasing width at a uniform repetition rate. If there is no defect in the system the receiver responds with output electric pulses after the IR pulse width is reached that has the minimum integrated energy to exceed the input signal threshold of the receiver. The minimum energy pulse width is stored in the microcomputer and the system switches to a run mode allowing storage units to move when commanded. The computer responds to the absence of returned pulses from the receiver by inhibiting the system so the mobile unit will not run.

Abstract: A directional detector for use with a mobile storage system including at least a first movable storage unit with a prime mover adapted to move the shelving unit along a path of movement, and at least one blocking object, such as a second movable storage unit, a stationary storage unit or a wall, positioned on the path, there being an aisle formed therebetween. The directional detector detects the entry of an obstacle into the aisle and prevents movement of the first unit until the obstacle is detected to have left the aisle. The detector includes two light source-detector pairs, the source and detector of each pair mounted to each of the first unit and the blocking object on opposite sides of the aisle, and facing each other. A control unit is connected to the light detectors of the pairs and receives signals therefrom, indicating whether or not the detectors are receiving light from the sources.

Abstract: A presence detector for use with a mobile storage system including at least a first movable storage unit with a prime mover adapted to move the shelving unit along a path of movement, and at least one blocking object, such as a second movable storage unit, a stationary storage unit or a wall, positioned on the path. The presence detector detects the presence of an obstacle in the path of movement and discontinues movement of the first unit while the obstacle is in the path of movement. The presence detector includes at least one light source mounted to either the first unit or the blocking object so as to provide light into the path of movement. At least one light detector is mounted to the blocking object or first unit, respectively, opposite the light source. A control unit is connected to the light detector and receives a signal from the light detector, that signal indicating whether or not the light detector is receiving light from the light source.