Abstract: A power sharing system is provided for powering a plurality of loads using line voltage and a rechargeable source. Each load can be coupled to either the line voltage or the rechargeable source by means of a power source selector switch coupled to each load. A programmable controller is coupled to each power source selector switch to control a position thereof to maximize usage of the rechargeable source based on power requirements of the loads. The power sharing system can also recharge its rechargeable source during prescribed “off peak” times, and can provide power to the loads during times of power outages.

Abstract: A concise electronic timer is composed of an adjustable resistor, a supercapacitor and an electromagnetic relay. After a main power is turned off, electricity supplied from the capacitor to the relay will extend or actuate the operation of a load until the discharge of the capacitor is over. Incorporating the resistor with the other two elements, the discharge time of the capacitor can be altered linearly by the resistor, therefore, a linear arrangement of delay extension and time of activation is attained. The simple, compact and economical timer can be used for indoor and outdoor illumination, monitoring security systems, as well as actuating systems.

Abstract: A synchronous machine is disclosed comprising a rotor coupled to a rotor cooling system; a stator around the rotor and separated from the rotor by an annular gap between the rotor and an inner surface of the stator, wherein the annular gap has a variable thickness along a length of the gap, and a stator ventilation system independent of the rotor cooling system, wherein the stator ventilation system forces cooling gases through the annular gap.

Abstract: In a hermetic motor-driven compressor, a first gas passage is formed by a space between a linear section in a motor stator and a hermetic container, and a second gas passage in parallel with the first gas passage is formed by through holes in the motor stator. The through holes constituting the second gas passage are disposed outside of a circle inscribed in the linear section in the stator. The through hole is shaped like a bow, and an arch shape of the outer periphery thereof has a curvature larger than that of the outer circumference of the stator.

Abstract: A muffler is incorporated into an electric motor housing to increase air flow across the motor and to reduce noise escaping from the housing. The muffler includes a cone adapted to be mounted adjacent the exhaust side of the motor fan. The muffler further includes an exhaust passageway comprising at least 270° in turns before final exhaustion.

Abstract: An alternator includes an inner housing and an outer housing. A pair of o-rings positioned therebetween create a sealed flow chamber having a first flow channel, a second flow channel and an axial passageway. The first flow channel is a disk shaped cavity extending diametrically across the alternator. The second flow channel forms an annular jacket extending entirely around the alternator. The axial passageway directs coolant axially from the first flow channel into the second flow channel. An inlet positioned diametrically across from the axial passageway allows coolant to enter the first flow channel, such that coolant entering the inlet must flow diametrically across the alternator to reach the axial passageway. An outlet positioned diametrically across from the axial passageway allows coolant to exit the flow chamber, such that coolant entering the second flow channel must travel annularly around the alternator to reach the outlet.

Abstract: A brushless DC rotating machine that employs permanent magnets on the rotor and a magnet carrier that is juxtaposed to the rotor and which cooperates with a sensor for providing signals indicative of the angular position of the rotor. The magnets are carried by a magnet carrier that is disposed radially inwardly of the armature windings of the stator so as to provide a compact assembly.

Abstract: Transmission system for an aircraft, particularly a helicopter. The transmission system (1), of supercritical type, comprises at least one rotary transmission tube (4) which is such that at least one natural frequency of said transmission tube (4) is below its nominal rotational speed, and at least one active and controllable magnetic damper (5) capable of generating a magnetic force capable of acting on said transmission tube (4) and which damper is controlled in such a way as to generate a magnetic force making it possible to reduce the vibration of the transmission tube (4), at least when the speed of the transmission tube (4) is within a predetermined range of frequencies defined around said natural frequency.

Abstract: The invention is based on an electromagnetic hysteresis unit (1, 23) with magnetic north pole (4) which are arranged to alternate with magnetic south pole (5) on a magnet body (2, 3) in a peripheral direction (15) about an axis of rotation (14) at a distance from the magnetic south poles (5). The magnet body (2, 3) comprises a magnet coil (6). A hysteresis ring (16) connected with a rotor (17) can be moved with a slight play in relation to the poles (4, 5). It is proposed that the peripheral surfaces of the north pole (4) and south pole (5) lie on the same circle and opposite the same peripheral surface of the hysteresis ring (16). Thereby is created a radial construction space for embedding the hysteresis ring (16) in the rotor (17) which consists of material of good heat conductivity and optionally for providing cooling ribs.

Abstract: A brush holding apparatus for at least one carbon brush includes a support plate with at least one brush guide, a spring element constructed and arranged for urging a carbon brush having a longitudinal axis mounted in the brush guide in a direction towards a commutator or slip ring, and a retaining element constructed and arranged for retracting the carbon brush against a force exerted by the spring element or for releasing the brush. The retaining element is slidably supported by the base plate in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a carbon brush mounted in the brush guide.

Abstract: A rotary electric machine for a vehicle has a rotor with a rotor shaft, a pair of rotor cores, a field winding and an annular core made of a stack of core sheets. The rotor core has a boss, a disc portion and a cylindrical part. The cylindrical part is connected with the disc portion and is continuous along the rotor shaft. The cylindrical part is formed with projections and recesses which are disposed alternately in a circumferential direction on the outer periphery thereof. Permanent magnets may be disposed in the recesses. The annular core is connected with outer peripheries of the projections of the cylindrical parts. By adopting the cylindrical parts and the annular core, diameter of the boss is enlarged.

Abstract: An electrostatic actuator comprises first and second movable sections and a stator. The stator has a hollow frame into which the movable sections are arranged independently. Driving electrodes are provided on surfaces of the movable sections and holding electrodes are also provided on the opposite surfaces pf the movable section. A driving electrode section is provided on the inner surface of the stator facing the driving electrodes on the movable section. Also, holding electrode sections are provided on the inner surface of the stator facing the holding electrodes on the movable section. Stripes of the electrodes are arranged in a longitudinal direction and each strip is extended in a lateral direction crossing the longitudinal direction, and the holding electrodes are extended in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A vibration gyroscope includes a vibrator base that supports a vibrator in a hollow portion of the base and includes a frame-shaped portion. Protrusion portions are provided on the inner wall of the frame-shaped portion which defines a stopper that restricts displacement of the vibrator beyond a desired distance. The frame-shaped portion and the protrusion portions are integrally formed by a two-color molding method to define a single unitary member.

Abstract: In a crystal unit suitable for use in a thermostat oven, a first and a second excitation electrode are disposed on a first and a second surface of a crystal blank. A first and a second connection are disposed on the second surface as connections formed by applying a fillet of a mixture of a low-melting glass and a metal filler, and melting the fillet by heating. A third connection is disposed on a peripheral edge of the crystal blank to extend over both surfaces. A lead of the first excitation electrode is directly connected to the third connection, while a lead of the second excitation electrode is connected to the first connection through a vapor-deposited metal thin film. The second and third connections are connected to each other through a vapor-deposited metal thin film. The first and second connections are secured to a pair of holding members by brazing.

Abstract: A spark plug includes: a metal shell defining a front side having an outer periphery formed with a screw section which has a nominal size smaller than or equal to M12; a center electrode; a conductive seal layer; a terminal metal fitting fixed to the center electrode via the conductive seal layer; and an insulator formed with a through hole. The terminal metal fitting has a Vickers hardness in a range from 150-300 Hv. The terminal metal fitting includes: a front end section having an outer diameter, and embedded in the conductive seal layer, and a small diameter section disposed on a rear side of the front end section and having an outer diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of the front end section. The through hole has an inner diameter different from the outer diameter of the small diameter section in a range from 1.0-1.4 mm.

Abstract: A electron emission cathode includes an emitter having an apex from which electrons are emitted. The emitter is attached to a heating filament at a junction and extends from the junction both forward toward the apex and rearward. A reservoir of material that lowers the work function of the emitter is positioned on the rearward extending portion of the emitter. By positioning the reservoir on the rearward extending portion, the reservoir can be positioned sufficiently far from the junction to reduce its temperature and thereby greatly increase the useful life, of the emitter without adversely affected the emission characteristics of the source.

Abstract: A color picture tube (10) has a tensioned mask (24) supported by a support frame (28) mounted within the tube. The mask has a significantly lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the frame. Intermediate members (48) are located between the mask and the frame. The intermediate members are of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to that of the mask. The frame has elongated tabs (46) extending therefrom. Each of the tabs is attached at one end thereof to the remaining portion of the frame. The distal ends of the tabs are welded to the intermediate members.

Abstract: A field emission type cold cathode structure and an electron gun using the cathode are provided. The electron gun is capable of preventing electron emission error due to impurities etc. The electron gun includes a fusible metal layer formed between a base electrode and each emitter chip, a focus electrode formed on the upper portion of a gate electrode with an insulating layer therebetween, and a control electrode formed on the upper portion of a focus electrode with an insulating layer therebetween. The electron gun so constructed can reduce power for heating the cathode, display data and a picture instantly on a screen, simplify a structure of an electron lens etc. focusing an electron beam, and improving precision in electron gun assembly.

Abstract: A cathode ray tube includes a faceplate panel having a substantially flat exterior surface and a substantially concave interior surface having a phosphor screen, and a shadow mask behind the faceplate panel wherein the panel satisfies the following condition: 1.2R≦Rp≦8R where Rp is a curvature radius of the concave interior surface and R is 1.767×a diagonal width of an effective screen of the cathode ray tube. The shadow mask has an effective electron beam-passing area having a plurality of apertures, wherein the shadow mask satisfies the following condition: 0.6≦(Rs/Rp)×(PH/S/PH/C)≦1.25 where Rs is a curvature radius of the shadow mask, PH/C is a horizontal pitch of the apertures formed on a central portion of the shadow mask, and PH/S is a horizontal pitch of the apertures formed on a peripheral portion of the shadow mask.

Abstract: There is now provided a television cathode ray tube having a faceplate, an electron gun means, and a glass funnel to configure the cathode ray tube as a wide-angle, shallow-depth, implosion-resistant television cathode ray tube. The glass funnel has a solder edge, a funnel throat, a parabolic area and a funnel body and the external contour between the solder edge and the parabolic area along a first section which is defined by the direction of the diagonal of the television glass funnel is essentially a steeply descending straight line, along a second section which is defined by the direction of the major axis of the television glass funnel, is essentially a flat descending straight line, which descends steeply in a curve in the area of the solder edge, and along a third section which is defined by the direction of the small axis of the television glass funnel, is essentially a steeply descending straight line.

Abstract: When a face portion 4 of a panel portion 1 has a central wall thickness of TC, an end of a useful screen area has a wall thickness of TL, a sealing end surface of a skirt portion has is a width of TS, and an intermediate part of a body portion 7 of a funnel portion 2 is TF, there are established the formulas of; TL/TC≧1.70, TS/TL=0.43−0.50, and TF/TC=0.37−0.49, and a strengthened compressive stress of 5-14 MPa is applied to a side of the skirt portion.

Abstract: A light emitting device effectively utilizes the light emanating from a semiconductor luminous element, and can acquire clear and high-luminance light emission without a color dapple. The light emitting device is configured as follows. A transparent resin containing a wavelength converting material is provided on a reflecting surface of a base member such as a case, a board and a lead frame. The transparent semiconductor luminous element is bonded and fixed on the transparent resin. A wavelength of light emitted from a lower surface of the semiconductor luminous element is converted by the wavelength converting material, and the converted light is reflected on the reflecting surface. The reflected light is mixed with light emitted from an upper surface of the semiconductor luminous element, and the mixed light is radiated.

Abstract: A light emitting device includes a light source that emits first light in response to an electrical signal, and a fluorescent layer positioned over the light source. The fluorescent layer includes a first fluorescent material which radiates second light and a second fluorescent material which radiates third light. In one embodiment, the second fluorescent material contains europium activated calcium sulfide. In another embodiment, the second fluorescent material contains europium activated nitrido-silicate. In some embodiments, the device includes a light propagation medium which transmits the first, second, and third light as composite output.

Abstract: An OLED for emitting light at a predetermined peak wavelength, &lgr;. The OLED includes an anode layer, a cathode layer and an electroluminescent layer constructed from an organic light emitting compound that generates light, including light having a wavelength equal to &lgr;, by the recombination of holes and electrons. The electroluminescent layer is electrically connected to the anode layer and the cathode layer and is located between the anode and cathode layers. The OLED includes a first reflector and a second reflector, displaced from one another. The anode layer or cathode layer can serve as one of the reflectors. A spacer layer constructed from a material that is transparent at &lgr; is included between the reflectors and has a thickness that is adjusted such that the optical path length between the first and second reflectors is equal to N &lgr;/2, where N is a positive integer.

Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed for introducing into the fluorescent lamps small amounts of mercury. The device is formed of a metallic container which is capable of containing powders of one or more compounds having the general formula TixZryHgz, but is not hermetically sealed, in order to allow the discharge of mercury vapors generated by the decomposition of such compounds. Some possible device geometries are disclosed, as well as some possible arrangements of the same inside lamps. Finally a method is disclosed for introducing mercury into a lamp by means of a device of the invention, without the device remaining in the resulting lamp.

Abstract: An incandescent lamp comprising a glass bulb (3) of tubular shape in which a filament (4) is axially arranged. The end is hermetically sealed by means of a pinch (5) applied around a metal foil (1) to which an outer current lead (7) and an inner current lead (6) electrically connected to the filament are fixed. A second, intermediate flat foil (2) is connected directly to the end (9) of the filament, between the latter and the inner current lead (6), and the bulb is elbowed at the level of said second flat foil (2).

Abstract: A plasma display panel having higher light-emitting luminance and efficiency of a discharge cell includes: a plurality of first barriers successively formed on a substrate at predetermined intervals; a plurality of first sustain electrodes formed at a width more than 40% of a pixel pitch, which is an overall distance of four of the barriers, to be orthogonal to the first barriers; a plurality of second sustain electrodes spaced apart from the first sustain electrodes at a distance less than 20% of the pixel pitch and mated with the first sustain electrodes one by one; a dielectric layer formed at a thickness of 25 &mgr;m or more to cover the first and second sustain electrodes; and a plurality of pads formed on some of the dielectric layer corresponding to the first sustain electrodes and the second sustain electrodes in each discharge cell.

Abstract: A gas discharge lamp comprising an electrode including a carrier of an electrode metal, selected from the group formed by tungsten and tungsten-containing alloys, and a first coating of a first electron-emitting material, which material comprises an alkaline earth metal oxide, selected from the group formed by calcium oxide, strontium oxide and barium oxide, and a rare earth metal oxide, selected from the group formed by scandium oxide, yttrium oxide and europium oxide, in a quantity a that ranges from 0.1 to 10 wt. % by weight, is characterized by a longer service life, a higher resistance to poisoning and a robust manner of coping with a rapid succession of switching operations, as well as a short ignition stage.

Abstract: A lamp holder includes a fit recess for a lamp plug-fitted purpose, a high-voltage side terminal arranged at any one of a central section of the fit recess and a peripheral section surrounding the central section of the fit recess, a low-voltage side terminal arranged at the other, an insulation seal member insulating between the low-voltage side terminal and the high-voltage side member, and at least one projection projected outwardly from an outer peripheral wall of the insulation seal member as to make into contact with an inner peripheral wall of a fit section of the lamp plug side.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus which uses microwave energy which includes a microwave generator disposed inside a casing for generating microwave energy, a waveguide for transmitting the microwave energy, a resonator for covering an outlet of the waveguide, a bulb placed inside a resonator for generating light by the microwave energy transmitted through the waveguide, a conduction block in contact with the microwave generator for receiving heat generated in the microwave generating process, a heat transfer unit connected between the conduction block and the casing for transmitting heat from the conduction block to the casing and a radiating unit installed at the end of the heat transfer unit for radiating heat transmitted from the conduction block to the casing or outside of the casing.

Abstract: An EL display device capable of clear, multi-gradation color display, and an electronic device having the EL display device, are provided. Gradation display is performed in accordance with a time division driver method which controls by the amount of time an EL element formed in a pixel emits light, and the amount of time it does not emit light. Influence due to dispersion in the characteristics of electric current TFTs is prevented.

Abstract: A novel OLED light source and method for controlling said OLED light source panel are disclosed wherein said light source is constructed such that active areas are segmented and said segments are separately addressable. In one embodiment, the segments are a series of RGB lines or stripes and the control unit may separately drive each individual stripe or may drive all separate color lines or may drive separate lines within a given region on the panel. In another embodiment, the stripes of the panel are connected to control lines that are either current limited or have a fuse that serves to obviate a current runaway condition on the panel. In another embodiment, the output light chromaticity of the panel is controlled either by users or by light sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display configured to display images that includes multiple display elements capable of controlling light within a visible-light spectrum. The display elements are arranged over a display surface of the display. The display also includes one or more receivers arranged with the display elements over the display surface of the display. The receivers are coupled with the display elements and receive transmitted image information. The receivers activate the display elements in response to, and in correspondence with, the image information.

Abstract: A driving circuit for a light emitting device is suitable for use in an active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) display, which has a scanning line to be input with a scanning clock signal, so as to control the driving circuit. The driving circuit includes a driving circuit main part which includes a light emitting device driven by a driving transistor as well as a scan line connection terminal and a data line connection terminal. The scan line connection terminal receives a scanning clock signal. A first transistor has a gate connected to this scan line connection terminal, a source. connected to the data line connection terminal, and a drain connected to a gate electrode of the driving transistor. A second transistor has a gate electrode connected to the scan line connection terminal, a source connected to a common voltage, and a drain connected to an anode of the light emitting device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for driving a plasma display panel (PDP) where a switch device can perform zero voltage switching in driving the PDP. The apparatus for driving the PDP includes a sustain-discharge unit including first through fourth switches respectively connected to both ends of a panel capacitor between a power source and ground, for sustaining a panel capacitor terminal voltage to be at a first or a second sustain-discharge voltage; a first charge and discharge unit including a first inductor, for increasing the voltage of the panel capacitor to the first sustain-discharge voltage and switching a first switch in a state of a zero voltage by half of a resonance current generated by the first inductor; and a second charge and discharge unit including a second inductor, for decreasing the voltage of the panel capacitor to the second sustain-discharge voltage and switching a third switch in a state of the zero voltage by half of a resonance current generated by the second inductor.

Abstract: A system for driving a gas discharge lamp includes a bridge circuit providing a pulse voltage signal, a controller which generates a pulse width modulated signal corresponding to a desired waveform. A filter circuit receives and filters the pulse voltage signal to provide this to the lamp. The pulse width modulated signal corresponds to the desired waveform, and includes a sweeping frequency signal and a fixed frequency amplitude modulated signal.

Abstract: An abnormality detection circuit detects abnormality relating to ground fault in secondary winding circuitry of transformer, non-grounding fault of transformer assembly casing or false connection of the AC power source to the transformer assembly in reverse polarity. An interrupter circuit turns a switch off in response to detection of the abnormality by the abnormality detection circuit to interrupt the supply of the AC power to the transformer. When the supply of the AC power is interrupted, the switch is connected to a restart circuit, whereupon the circuit is activated to allow a charging current to flow to a capacitor, which is connected in series in a drive current path of a drive circuit with a time delay on the order of 0.5 to 1.0 second which is determined by a delay circuit thereof. The charging current drives a restoring circuit, which controls the interrupter circuit to its restoring condition temporally so that the switch is turned to its “on” condition only once.

Abstract: A referential rectangular wave is generated in a referential rectangular wave generating circuit 21, a level of the referential rectangular wave is integrated in an integrating circuit 22 to produce a chopping wave. In a comparing circuit 23, a voltage level of the chopping wave produced in the integrating circuit 22 is compared with a level of a feed-back voltage, and a control signal is output to a transistor 9. Also, in a delaying circuit 24, the control signal produced in the comparing circuit 23 is delayed by a delaying time corresponding to 180 degrees in a phase of the control signal without changing a duty ratio in an on-off control of a transistor 10, and the control signal is output to the transistor 10.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to implement an electronic ballast for a high intensity discharge lamp having AC lamp current centered at approximately 300 kHz minimizes the ballast cost and utilizes modulation of the lamp current to avoid acoustic resonance. In order to minimize the number of additional components providing the modulation function, the ripple voltage produced by PFC circuit is fed through a capacitor to a FREQUENCY SET input of an inverter controller. The value of the capacitor can be chosen to produce the desired modulation range.

Abstract: A professional lighting control system includes a plurality of light modules. Each light module contains a light set with at least one light source and at least one switch for switching the light source on and off. The light module also contains a driving circuit electrically connected to the light set, the driving circuit having at least one switch driver for driving the switch of the light set, and a first transceiver for wirelessly receiving control signals for the light set. The control system also includes a main console, which has a signal generator for generating the control signals that control the light set, and a controller electrically connected to the signal generator for receiving the control signals. The controller has a second transceiver for wirelessly sending control signals received from the signal generator to the first transceiver of the driving circuit so as to control the light set.

Abstract: A ballast (20′) for powering a plurality of gas discharge lamps (12,14,16) includes a load-adaptable charge pump power factor correction arrangement (62,64,66,100,200,300) for feeding back a high frequency current having a magnitude that is dependent on the number of operating lamps.

Abstract: Disclosed is a backlight system and a method for driving backlight capable of reducing noises and voltage fluctuations in power voltage due to a turn-on/turn-off of the lamp. The backlight system includes two lamps, a power supply unit for supplying alternating voltage or alternating current supplies power for driving the lamps to each lamp with a predetermined time lag or phase difference. With this feature of the present invention, the magnitude of noise and voltage fluctuations occurring in the power voltages supplied to the power supply unit may be significantly reduced. Thus, deterioration of display quality, flicker, etc., due to noise and voltage fluctuation can be prevented. Also, there is provided a backlight system which may produce a lamp driving signal with a constant frequency obtained by multiplying a frequency of vertical synchronization signal by an integer.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the state of relay contacts is especially useful for controlling motor windings in air conditioning systems. When a first relay switch, which is operative to supply power to a first motor winding does not open as desired, a switch monitoring module responsively controls the second relay switch energization to prevent the second relay switch from being closed. This prevents power that would be supplied to a second motor winding from being also supplied to the first motor winding and causing potential damage to the first motor winding. A disclosed example includes an opto isolator that is energized only when the first relay switch is open as desired. The opto isolator controls an output signal to a second relay control portion, which only operates the second relay if the first relay has opened as required.

Abstract: A vibration motor obtains a FAST signal when r.p.m. of the motor is faster than reference speed, whereby an output-driving circuit is controlled by the FAST signal to omit parts of the powering periods of respective phases. The motor thus controls the r.p.m. and increases torque ripple generated from the motor. As a result, vibration magnitude increases and insufficient vibration due to downsizing of the motor can be compensated by the control system.

Abstract: A phase angle monitoring apparatus for phase monitoring a vibratory system includes a controller that produces a phase angle control signal representative of the lead or lag between the vibratory movement of two vibrating masses. The phase angle control signal is coupled to at least one of the vibrating masses to adjust the vibration of the mass to produce a desired phase angle, for example one-hundred eighty degrees (180°).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus produce current values dependent on the position of the accelerator pedal controlling the power of one or more electric drives for moving a mobile device that is energised by a fuel cell. The time required by the drive or drives to respond to a change in the desired current value produced as a function of the position of the accelerator pedal is kept as small as possible by producing a current value—convertible into a desired torque value—which is held continuously at a value sufficient to ensure that the output voltage of the fuel cell just avoids undershooting a critical limit.

Abstract: Power transistors of a power supplying part execute high-frequency switching operation and form current paths to three-phase windings so as to rotate the disk. A voltage detecting part produces a detected pulse signal responding with terminal voltages of the three-phase windings. An activation operation part controls active periods of the power transistors in response to the detected signal. A phase detecting part includes a slant producing part and a phase pulse producing part. The slant producing part produces a slant voltage signal which intermittently responds with a voltage difference between one of the power supplying terminal voltages and the common terminal voltage of the three-phase windings and has a voltage slant. The phase pulse producing part produces a phase pulse signal by comparing the slant voltage signal with a reference voltage. A commanding part produces a command signal which responds with the phase pulse signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting and controlling the movement of a window covering member between different positions in response to a disturbance of the window covering. Also, an apparatus for assisting the manipulation of a window covering by way of potential energy stored in a spring. Also a torque sending device having a design that is insensitive to component tolerances.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to overcome various drawbacks of a conventional oil pulse wrench by using an electric motor, to reduce a reaction force and to fasten a screw with high precision. To achieve the object, the invention provides a control method of a screw fastening apparatus using an electric motor as a rotation driving source, the method comprising the steps of; intermittently supplying current pulse DP to the motor, detecting an actual torque at predetermined time intervals, maintaining a current value when a detected torque value does not exceed a maximum value of past detected torques value and increasing the current value by a predetermined amount when the detected torque value exceeds the maximum value of the past detected torque value, and stopping the supply of the current pulse DP when the detected torque value reaches a target value TQJ.

Abstract: An electric motor having a regenerative braking capability is described which has several embodiments, each of which utilize two pairs of brushes, each pair of which has individual brushes positioned on diametrically opposite sides of the commutator. One pair is positioned for preferably optimally running the motor while the other pair of brushes is used solely for braking purposes. For normal motor or running operation, a motor switch assembly interacts with an activating mechanism to physically lift the pair of braking brushes from the surface of the commutator and also ensures that the running brushes come into contact with the commutator. When the motor switch assembly is switched to stop the motor, the switch assembly causes the activating mechanism to first lift the running brushes from the surface of the commutator and then place the braking brushes onto the commutator surface.