Abstract: An example electric motor including a conductive winding, a switching device, a rotor, and a controller is disclosed. The switching device is configured to selectively energize, by an AC source, a first portion of the conductive winding in a first state and a second portion of the conductive winding in a second state. The conductive winding generates a magnetic field having a first strength in the first state and a second strength in the second state. The rotor magnetically interacts with the magnetic field such that a torque is applied to the rotor. The amount of torque applied is related to the strength of the magnetic field. The controller is configured to: (i) determine a metric indicative of a load condition of the electric motor; and (ii) based on the determined metric, cause the switching device to switch between the first state and the second state one or more times.

Abstract: Startup of motor is reliably executed and sonic noise is reduced. A control circuit controls a selector to apply control to output a full-drive waveform at startup and then output a PWM modulation waveform. The full-drive waveform which is an alternating waveform in which positive and negative are inverted at 180° is output. Then, the PWM drive waveform is selected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration absorbing device. A vibration absorbing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first magnetic force generation member fixed to an external portion that is separated from a vibration source and a second magnetic force generation member provided in one side of the vibration source. When vibration is generated by the vibration source, the direction and magnitude of a magnetic force of one of the first magnetic force generation member and the second magnetic force generation can be controlled such that the second magnetic force generation member can move in a direction for attenuating the vibration of the vibration source.

Abstract: A drive signal generating unit generates a drive signal used to alternately deliver a positive current and a negative current to a coil with a nonconducting period inserted between conducting periods. A driver unit generates a drive current in response to the drive signal generated by the drive signal generating unit and supplies the drive current to a coil. An induced voltage detector detects an induced voltage occurring in the coil during the nonconducting period. A zero-cross detecting unit detects the zero cross of the induced voltage detected by the induced voltage detector. The drive signal generator estimates the eigen frequency of the linear vibration motor based on a detected position of the zero cross, and the frequency of the drive signal is brought close to the estimated eigen frequency.

Abstract: A vibration member driving circuit causes vibrations in a vibration member at least including an electro-mechanical energy conversion element and an elastic body by applying alternating voltage to the electro-mechanical energy conversion element fixed to the elastic body. The vibration member driving circuit includes an inductor and capacitor serially connected to the electro-mechanical energy conversion element. 0.73*fm<fs<1.2*fm is satisfied where fs is the series resonance frequency by the inductor and the capacitor and fm is the resonance frequency of the vibration member.

Abstract: The system periodically measures the battery voltage of the toothbrush and the current in a stator portion of the motor for the appliance. The amplitude of movement of the toothbrush workpiece is determined from the measured stator current. A circuit/control program changes the duty cycle or pulse width of the drive signal from the motor if the battery voltage drops below a first threshold value and a circuit or control program changes the drive frequency of the appliance if the amplitude of the workpiece movement falls below a first threshold value. A circuit/control program terminates the operation of the toothbrush if the voltage drops below a second threshold value or if the amplitude drops below a second threshold value, both of which are less than the respective first thresholds.

Abstract: Provided is a control apparatus of a vibration-type actuator for generating an elliptical motion of contact portions by a common alternating current signal including a frequency determining unit for setting a frequency of the alternating current signal. The frequency determining unit sets the frequency of the alternating current signal for changing an ellipticity of the elliptical motion, within a frequency range such that ellipticity changing frequency ranges set for the vibrators are overlapped, and the ellipticity changing frequency ranges are set for the vibrators as frequency ranges between an upper limit and a lower limit, such that the lower limit is a maximum resonant frequency at a time of changing the ellipticity, and the upper limit is larger than the lower limit and is a maximum frequency for the relative movement of the driving member.

Abstract: An electronic fitness device is provided, the electronic fitness device including an enclosure having a cover, a motor positioned within the enclosure, a circuit board, a variable resistor positioned on the circuit board, the variable resistor comprising a first trace, a second trace, and a semiconductive film disposed over the first trace and the second trace, and control circuitry coupled to at least the motor and the circuit board. The cover is positioned to press the semiconductive film against the first trace and the second trace in response to a pressure applied to the cover, and the control circuitry is configured to actuate the motor in response to a change in the resistance between the first trace and the second trace resulting from the pressure applied to the cover. Also provided are a method of monitoring abdominal muscle position, and control circuitry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration absorbing device. A vibration absorbing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first magnetic force generation member fixed to an external portion that is separated from a vibration source and a second magnetic force generation member provided in one side of the vibration source. When vibration is generated by the vibration source, the direction and magnitude of a magnetic force of one of the first magnetic force generation member and the second magnetic force generation can be controlled such that the second magnetic force generation member can move in a direction for attenuating the vibration of the vibration source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a DC-AC frequency converter type mucus suction device having an electromagnetic pump, the pressure and the flow generated in which could be changed to satisfy the requirement of the mucus suction device. The mucus suction device of the present invention comprises an electromagnetic pump, a suction device and a frequency converter circuit, wherein the frequency converter circuit at least comprises an oscillator circuit, a bistable circuit, and a push-pull circuit, wherein the electromagnetic pump is supplied with AC obtained from the oscillation of DC in the frequency converter circuit, wherein the swing speed, frequency and amplitude of the swing arms vary with the oscillation frequency of the oscillator circuit, such that the suction pressure and the suction flow of the electromagnetic pump could further be changed to obtain the most appropriate pressure and flow of the mucus suction device.

Abstract: A voice coil motor (VCM) includes a lens carrier physically connected to a magnetic device, an electromagnetic driving apparatus, constructed by a coil, a magnetic sensing element, a storage media and a controller. The magnetic sensing element detects a location of the lens carrier and outputs the location value relating to the location of the lens carrier via an amplifier. The storage media stores a gain value and an offset compensation value relating to the amplifier. The controller can make the lens carrier move between a top position and a bottom position in which the lens carrier can be moved within the voice coil motor. The lens carrier is moved using the coil interaction with a magnetic field of the magnetic device when current is applied to the coil.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, apparatus and methods for a motor drive, such as a haptic motor drive. In an example, a motor drive can include a low dropout (LDO) regulator configured to receive a supply voltage and to provide a regulated voltage, a power switch circuit configured to receive the supply voltage and to receive the regulated voltage from the LDO regulator, and a level shift circuit configured to receive power from the power switch circuit, to receive an input signal, and to provide an output signal to a a voltage difference generating circuit based on the input signal and the power from the power switch circuit. In certain states of the motor drive, the power switch circuit can couple either the regulated voltage or the supply voltage to the level shift circuit.

Abstract: The system periodically measures the battery voltage of the toothbrush and the current in a stator portion of the motor for the appliance. The amplitude of movement of the toothbrush workpiece is determined from the measured stator current. A circuit/control program changes the duty cycle or pulse width of the drive signal from the motor if the battery voltage drops below a first threshold value and a circuit or control program changes the drive frequency of the appliance if the amplitude of the workpiece movement falls below a first threshold value. A circuit/control program terminates the operation of the toothbrush if the voltage drops below a second threshold value or if the amplitude drops below a second threshold value, both of which are less than the respective first thresholds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying oscillatory motion to a substance in a vessel to provide improved mixing, in particular to enable different mixing patterns to be applied to a substance in a vessel without “stop, change and start” protocol, has a member and a control means operatively linked such that the movement of the member is determined by a control signal generated by the control means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool that includes a tool holder, which has on its first end a tool holder recess that is adapted to the contours of a rotating spindle driver and a tool recess on a second end that lies opposite the first end. The tool holder also includes a tool head that can be inserted into the tool recess. For the optimal machining of a workpiece, attempts were previously made to provide an oscillating unit in the spindle of the machine, to initiate oscillations in the tool head. The disadvantage of said known constructions is that all available tools have to be synchronized with the oscillation unit. The invention overcomes said disadvantage by equipping the tool holder with an oscillating motor.

Abstract: A vibration member driving circuit causes vibrations in a vibration member at least including an electro-mechanical energy conversion element and an elastic body by applying alternating voltage to the electro-mechanical energy conversion element fixed to the elastic body. The vibration member driving circuit includes an inductor and capacitor serially connected to the electro-mechanical energy conversion element. 0.73*fm<fs<1.2*fm is satisfied where fs is the series resonance frequency by the inductor and the capacitor and fm is the resonance frequency of the vibration member.

Abstract: A Rebound-Effector is a mechanism which runs a weight forth and back, by high acceleration. As the weight accelerates a rebound force is built up. This force is proportional to the product of the weight and the acceleration, and is in opposite direction to the acceleration vector. The Rebound-Effector has four operational phases. The energy inserts into the system, during the first phase, accelerates the weight to the same direction as the movement, being converted into kinetic energy. This kinetic energy is taken back during the second phase, while slowing down the weight, and stored. During the third phase, the stored energy accelerates the weight to the same moving direction, being converted into kinetic energy. This kinetic energy is taken back during the fourth phase, while slowing down the weight, and stored.

Abstract: An oscillation device capable of generating a drive signal waveform with a sufficiently small number of harmonic components is provided. The oscillation device includes an oscillation system, a supporting unit configured to support the oscillation system, a drive unit configured to drive the oscillation system, and a drive control unit configured to control the drive unit by supplying a drive signal. The oscillation system includes a torsion spring and an oscillator. The drive control unit includes a drive-signal generating circuit configured to generate the drive signal using an address generator configured to generate an address to which a predetermined variable is added at a frequency higher than a frequency of the drive signal and using a trigonometric-function table indexed by an output of the address generator. The frequency of the drive signal is adjusted by adjusting the predetermined variable.

Abstract: A linear actuator includes permanent magnet annuli arranged about an armature core for axial movement in a tubular stator upon energization of coils arranged in concentric association with the armature. The stator has portions extending radially inwards of the coils and towards one another beneath each coil, which define a spacing between the coil and the armature. The annuli have a substantially radially magnetized structure and the coils are configured for single phase power input. In one embodiment (FIG. 6), two pairs of spaced annuli are arranged on the core, wherein the axial length of the outermost annuli is half the axial length of the inner annuli.

Abstract: An electrical system for a vehicle includes a power source providing electrical power to a first and a second electrical motor. Each motor has two or more windings, and each winding has a first end and a second end. A boost link such as a battery or capacitor is configured to store electrical energy for subsequent retrieval and use by either electrical motor. A first inverter circuit includes a first grouping of switches, wherein each of the first group of switches couples one of the first ends of the windings to the power source. A second inverter circuit includes a second group of switches, each coupling one of the second ends of the windings to the boost link. A controller is coupled to activate each of the first and second groups of switches to thereby allow the electrical energy to be placed on and retrieved from the boost link.

Abstract: A power-generating illumination device for the bicycle comprises comprising at least one permanent magnet disposed onto wheel spokes so as to form a rotor, an induction coil assembly mounted onto a fork for forming a stator, such that during the rotation of the rotor, the induction coil assembly may be cut by magnetic lines of force to generate electrical energy for being outputted to a light-emitting unit, characterized in between the induction coil assembly and the light-emitting unit is provided with a control unit at least including a wave detector, a wave filter, and a current limiting resistor so that the wave detector, the wave filter, and the current limiting resistor are connected together to form a loop, thereby detecting and filtering polarity of voltage of the generated electrical energy and lowering the resonating frequency to maintain the service life and illuminative brightness.

Abstract: A device for generating a motive force includes a tubular housing, a driving member, and a magnetic unit. The driving member is movably disposed in the tubular housing and includes a magnet. The magnetic unit includes first and second magnets, each of which covers a respective one of first and second open ends of the tubular housing. The construction as such permits alternate reversal of a polarity of a magnetic field of the magnet of the driving member to cause reciprocating movement of the driving member in the tubular housing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a power device. The power device has a power source; timing circuitry powered by the power source for producing a current pulse output having a pulse width; a switch for triggering the current pulse output produced by the timing circuitry; an armature motor powered by the power source and in electrical communication with the timing circuitry for receiving the current pulse therefrom, the armature motor comprising: an electro-magnetic core; a first winding for carrying electric current to energize a magnetic field associated with the electro-magnetic core; a second winding for carrying current to reset the magnetic field associated with the electro-magnetic core, the first and second windings wound about the electro-magnetic core; and a swinging armature for providing movement in response to the energizing of the magnetic field about electro-magnetic core. The first winding and the second winding are bifilar wound together about the electro-magnetic core.

Abstract: The drive method consists in setting in vibration a moving mass of a vibrating device for a portable object using a series of voltage pulses provided to the coil of the vibrating device, which is electro-magnetically coupled to the moving mass. In a phase of driving the oscillations of the moving mass after a start phase of the vibrating device, followed by a resonant frequency measurement phase, successive rectangular voltage pulses of alternating polarity are provided to the coil by a drive circuit. The width of the successive pulses is modulated in a substantially similar manner during each successive oscillation period which allows a substantially sinusoidal voltage wave (SF) of determined amplitude to be defined whose fundamental frequency is adapted to the resonant frequency of the moving mass. By modifying the oscillation period, it is thus possible to act on the amplitude of the moving mass oscillations which depends on the sinusoidal wave amplitude defined by the rectangular pulse width modulation.

Abstract: A motor and a method for serves finding the position of an armature in relation to a stator of the motor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a power device. The power device has a power source; timing circuitry powered by the power source for producing a current pulse output having a pulse width; a switch for triggering the current pulse output produced by the timing circuitry; an armature motor powered by the power source and in electrical communication with the timing circuitry for receiving the current pulse therefrom, the armature motor comprising: an electro-magnetic core; a first winding for carrying electric current to energize a magnetic field associated with the electro-magnetic core; a second winding for carrying current to reset the magnetic field associated with the electro-magnetic core, the first and second windings wound about the electro-magnetic core; and a swinging armature for providing movement in response to the energizing of the magnetic field about electromagnetic core. The first winding and the second winding are bifilar wound together about the electro-magnetic core.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for driving an electric motor, in particular of a washing machine, includes power switches connected to connection terminals of the electric motor and to a voltage intermediate circuit. A driver circuit is connected to the voltage intermediate circuit and to the power switches. A control unit, in particular a micro controller, is connected to the driver circuit. The control unit generates control signals for controlling at least one rotation speed of the electric motor. The driver circuit generates short-circuit control signals for driving the power switches, which bring about a short circuit of the connection terminals connected to the power switches, independently of the control signals from the control unit. The driver circuit generates the short-circuit control signals as a function of a detection of an overvoltage of the voltage intermediate circuit over a desired voltage range. A method for controlling an electric motor is also provided.

Abstract: A motor driving apparatus for driving a linear vibration motor includes an order output determining unit for determining a motor output which is required of the linear vibration motor, and a driving frequency determining unit for determining a driving frequency of the linear vibration motor based on the determined motor output. An amplitude-fixed AC voltage having a frequency which is equal to the determined driving frequency is applied to the linear vibration motor, whereby the output of the linear vibration motor can be controlled without changing the amplitude value of the driving voltage which is applied to the linear vibration motor.

Abstract: A linear compressor driving apparatus (101) according to the present invention is a linear compressor driving apparatus having an inverter (2) which supplies a driving current of a predetermined frequency to a linear compressor (100), and the apparatus further includes an inverter controller (6) for controlling the inverter (2) on the basis of resonance frequency information so that the frequency of an output current from the inverter becomes equal to the resonance frequency, and instantaneous values of an output current Id and an output voltage Vd from the inverter (2) are measured at a phase timing in which an amount of change in the output current Id of the inverter (2) becomes zero, and a piston stroke is calculated from these measured values. In such linear compressor driving apparatus (101), a stroke and a top clearance of the piston of the linear compressor can be accurately detected by relatively simple arithmetic processing, without using a position sensor.

Abstract: A driving apparatus is provided for a vibration type motor which obtains a driving force by applying a periodic signal to an electro-mechanical energy conversion element portion of the vibration type motor. When the driven amount of the vibration type motor is small, the vibration type motor is driven by a high voltage in a frequency range with a high lower limit as compared with a case wherein the driven amount is not small, thereby making it possible to realize high-speed focusing and suppress electric power consumption.

Abstract: An improved self-oscillation system for a linear oscillatory actuator composed of a stator and a reciprocator. The stator carries a winding to which an electric current is periodically supplied for making a resonant oscillation of the reciprocator. The system includes a self-oscillation circuit for continuing the resonant oscillation of the actuator by a positive feedback manner based upon a back electromotive force (Vbemf) appearing across the winding. The system further includes a PWM control for increasing the electric current in response to a decreasing oscillation amplitude due to an increasing load applied to the reciprocator. A detector circuit is included to monitor the oscillation amplitude of the reciprocator and provides a corresponding detector output in response to which the self-oscillation circuit provides a drive pulse of varying pulse width for making the PWM control.

Abstract: An electromagnetic hammer having a ferromagnetic moving mass, the hammer comprising both a tube (1) designed to rest via an anvil on an element to be hammered (50), carrying a peripheral coil (2), and slidably receiving the mass (14) inside itself, and electrical power supply means connected to the coil (2) to excite it in such a manner as to generate an electromagnetic field for raising the mass, the mass striking the anvil under the action of its own weight when the coil is no longer excited, the coil (2) being made by being wound around the tube (1), and the tube being made of a non-magnetic material and having means (3, 4, 5, 6) for taking up axial forces and for transmitting said forces to the anvil (13) while the mass (14) is being raised. The power supply means comprise an flywheel associated with a rotary motor and with an alternator.

Abstract: A method for driving a linear oscillating motor and a linear oscillating motor are provided. The motor includes a fixed magnetic member, a movable member having a magnet and being supported to oscillate relative to the fixed magnetic member, a detector that detects displacement of the movable member, and a control that oscillates the movable member by sending drive current to a coil of the fixed magnetic member. The method includes controlling, during a first half-period that occurs within a full amplitude period of the movable member, the drive current based upon the output of the detector. The method also includes controlling, during a second half-period that occurs within a fill amplitude period of the movable member, the drive current based upon a fixed drive current waveform.

Abstract: Driving power for a vibrating device is provided at less than full level when the device is initially used. Power is gradually increased in successive steps after a selected number of uses in each step until full power is achieved. Also, a battery-energized driving signal for a vibrating device has a selected characteristic, such as duty cycle, which is set initially at less than an optimum value, when the battery is at full strength. As the battery discharges, the selected characteristic is adjusted toward optimum so as to compensate for reduction in the battery voltage and ensure full power output.

Abstract: Driving power for a vibrating device is provided at less than full level when the device is initially used. Power is gradually increased in successive steps after a selected number of uses in each step until full power is achieved. Also, a battery-energized driving signal for a vibrating device has a selected characteristic, such as duty cycle, which is set initially at less than an optimum value, when the battery is at full strength. As the battery discharges, the selected characteristic is adjusted toward optimum so as to compensate for reduction in the battery voltage and ensure full power output.

Abstract: A motor system having a stationary assembly including a winding and a rotatable assembly in magnetic coupling relation to the stationary assembly. A power supply link having upper and lower rails supplied by a power supply provides power to the motor winding. The power supply link has power switches responsive to a motor control signal for selectively connecting the rails to the winding to energize the winding with a motor current whereby an electromagnetic field is produced for rotating the rotatable assembly. The power switches include a set of upper power switches and a set of lower power switches. Each of the power switches has a conducting state and a nonconducting state. The system includes a disable circuit for selectively generating a disable signal and a control circuit for generating the motor control signal to control the power switches.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving an electromagnetic load by applying a high voltage at the initial driving stage and thereafter applying a constant hold current is provided with a switch for supplying high-voltage energy to the electromagnetic load from a capacitor for storing high-voltage energy and a control circuit responsive to an electric signal for starting electromagnetic load driving and the output voltage of the capacitor. The control circuit turns the switch on at application of the electric signal and keeps it on until the output voltage reaches a prescribed level. The apparatus of this configuration enables optimum timing of changeover from high-voltage application mode operation to hold mold operation with simple circuitry.

Abstract: A self-starting swinging apparatus including a free-running oscillation circuit comprising two transistors which are a PNP transistor and an NPN transistor, the bases of both transistors being connected respectively to the collector of one transistor directly and to the collector of the other transistor through a capacitor for setting a time constant; a driving coil connected to the collector of the transistor with the capacitor connected thereto, as a load on the transistor; and a permanent magnet having a relatively repulsive magnetic pole arrangement of the same polarity as, or having a relatively attractive magnetic pole arrangement of a different polarity from, that of a magnetic pole in a magnetic field which ought to be generated in the driving coil when an electric current is fed to the driving coil from the oscillation circuit, the permanent magnet being relatively movable with respect to the driving coil and capable of performing a relative swing motion under the action of an arbitrary restoring for

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling conditions in response to an operator input, the apparatus including a rotary knob coupled to the shaft of the rotor of a stepper motor having first and second stator windings, in quadrature, with each winding being center tap grounded to provide first and second winding portions for each winding. One pair of first winding portions are used for providing pulse inputs to a microprocessor on rotation of the knob, in either direction, via a pulse control system, with the microprocessor providing command signals to a braking control system, which includes a direct current power control source, which may be either a voltage or current control source. The power control source, in turn is in circuit relation with the pair of second winding portions.

Abstract: A motor control system includes a single, multicompartment enclosure mounted on a skid. The enclosure contains a transformer circuit and a motor controller circuit interconnected so that only external connections to a power source and a load are heeded. When the circuits are energized, access to high voltage motor control components and to field replaceable fuses and output selection switches is provented by a double interlocking mechanism which operates in conjunction with energizing and de-energizing the transformer. The transformer of the transformer circuit includes a tertiary winding disposed radially between a primary winding and a secondary winding. The winding filters electrostatically coupled transients. A conventional electrostatic shield is also used so that the transformer is doubly shielded to electrostatic transients. The tertiary winding is connected to one or more capacitors to filter magnetically coupled transients.

Abstract: A drive circuit including a power stage [PSH/PSV] and a control stage therefor to co-operate to supply energy in a controlled manner with regard to a reference value to an inductive load when connected in operation, means [R21, R41/R25, R42] in the power stage to produce a lower level signal indicative of the energization of the load, means [HPR/VPR] to generate a reference value for the energization signal representing a required energization, means [U3.3/U3.4] to compare the energization signal and the reference value and generate an error signal representing any difference therebetween and means [U2.1/U2.3, U2.4] to apply said error signal to said control stage to alter the energy supplied to the load towards the required condition, the reference value may also be related to the frequency at which the load is energized (SE, FBF, OSC, D4).

Abstract: A rotary actuator is designed for rotatingly drive a rotary body, such as a rotary valve member for adjusting damping force to be created by a variable damping force shock absorber. The rotary actuator takes a layout of a permanent magnet and an electromagnet arranged in vertically spaced relationship. Vertical layout of the permanent magnet and the electromagnet reduces plane area required for installation.

Abstract: Operators for sliding gates including a solenoid-operated detent for engaging a gear of the gate drive motor shaft speed reducer and locking the associated gate, and a key-operated cam for disengaging the detent from the gear.

Abstract: A two-directional percussion implement selectively adaptable both for driving in and for extracting, e.g. piles, from the ground, includes two coaxial electromagnetic coils whose movable armatures are represented by extremities of a reciprocable ram. Opposite anvils, one of which is adapted to be coupled with a driven element, are interlinked by a non-magnetic shaft traversing the ram. When the implement is intended for drilling operations, a rotary drive imparts rotation to one of the anvils via a connection permitting independent rotation and reciprocation. The shaft in this case has a central channel for taking samples or for conducting drilling fluids. When adapted only for axial percussions, the implement is vertically suspended on a cable via a shock absorber.

Abstract: In a magnetically operated matrix printer a circuit makes a decision when a magnet is actuated. The decision is whether or not the relevant magnet has already been actuated during the printing of the previous column of the matrix character being printed. When it has not been actuated, it is actuated with a larger quantity of energy (longer pulse). Thus the operation of the printer is in "resonance" with the mechanical movements of the magnet armature.

Abstract: A time measuring device and an oscillator assembly for generating a periodic signal having a predetermined frequency output is disclosed. The time measuring device may be in the form of a watch, clock or other form of timekeeping device. The oscillator assembly formed by at least one transistor in resonant circuit make-up is energized by a continuous current source.