Abstract: A digital ramp function generator controls the speed of a motor drive system by initial contouring according to an arithmetic progression up to the intended ramp rate, and by final contouring according to the same arithmetic progression in reverse, thereby to reach the intended speed (by acceleration, or by deceleration). The digital ramp function generator is established at the intended ramp rate and contouring effects by a programmable controller programmed by the operator.

Abstract: A programmable controller including coil diameter calculator and strip speed derivation and inertia compensation is associated with a reel system for the generation in normalized digital form of the coil diameter of the reel instantaneously to allow initial calibration between successive coil winding and unwinding operations and automatic generation of a current reference for reel motor drive control.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a timer for subdividing a finite time interval into a number of periods. An operational amplifier is connected as an integrator with a capacitor in its feedback path. An adjustable resistance network, enabling the selection of a fixed ohmic magnitude, is connected to the input of the operational amplifier and to a source of d.c. potential. A detector, connected to the output of the operational amplifier, determines when the capacitor has reached a fixed potential, by actuating a relay, the relay having normally open contacts in shunt with the capacitor, the closure of the contacts discharging the capacitor -- the charge-discharge cycle is then repeated. By selection of the ohmic magnitude for the resistance network, the operator can divide the time interval into equal periods in accordance with the number of times that the capacitor reaches the detected potential level.