Abstract: A Stability and Command Augmentation System (SCAS) for an aircraft, the SCAS including, a first input shaft providing a first rotational input; a second input shaft providing a second rotational input; and a device for summing the first and second rotational inputs to give a rotational output for controlling an actuator. A method of operating a SCAS on an aircraft, the method including providing a pilot input order in the form of a rotating first shaft, providing an augmentation input order in the form of a rotating second shaft, summing the rotation of the pilot input order and the augmentation input order to give an output order; and using the output order to control an actuator.

Abstract: Methods and systems for allocating tasks to robotic devices are provided. An example method includes receiving information associated with task logs for a plurality of robotic devices and in a computing system configured to access a processor and memory, determining information associated with a health level for the plurality of robotic devices based on the information associated with the task logs. A health level for a given robotic device may be proportional to a current level of ability to perform a function, which may change over a lifespan of the given robotic device. Information associated with a plurality of tasks to be performed by one or more or the robotic devices may also be determined. The computing system may optimize an allocation of the plurality of tasks such that a high precision task may be allocated to a robotic device having a greater current health level than another robotic device.

Abstract: An electric vehicle accomplishes speed changes through the use of electronically controlled, multiple electric motor configurations that are coupled to an output drive shaft instead of a speed change transmission. A parallel-coupled motor configuration includes at least two motors that are each coupled to the output drive shaft through respective gear arrangements, each gear arrangement having a respective gear ratio. In a serially-coupled motor configuration, the stator of the second motor is coupled to the rotor of the first motor, where the rotor of the second motor is coupled to the output drive shaft. The required torque to reach or maintain a desired vehicle speed can be obtained by selective energization of either one or both of the motors (in both multi-motor configurations). Two motors are also coupled to a differential gear so that the rotational speed contributed by both motors are additive at the output shaft.

Abstract: A malfunction determination device for a motor control system, outputs a position signal that indicates a moved position of a movable member of a motor and a direction signal that indicates a movement direction of the movable member. The malfunction determination device determines a malfunction has occurred if a relationship between the position signal and the direction signal differs from that when the motor control system is operating normally. The malfunction determination device outputs a pulse signal that varies periodically along with variations in the moved position of the movable member as the position signal; outputs a periodic pulse signal in the same phase with the position signal as the direction signal if the movable member is moving in one direction; and outputs a periodic pulse signal in an opposite phase to the position signal as the direction signal if the movable member is moving in the other direction.

Abstract: In a case where a position command path for a control position of a load 5 that is equivalent to a moving object is set by issuing a position command Rc(z), a gain for one of a high-frequency component, a specified frequency, and a specified frequency width is constrained. This means that a resonant frequency can be constrained, and that after the position command Rc(z) arrives at a target position, a position detection signal Y(z) can also arrive at the target position in a set number of steps. It is therefore possible to perform positioning at high speed and with high precision by constraining a resonance mode of a mechanism that includes the moving object, and a feed-forward control can be performed that meets target positioning times that are set for various types of operating patterns.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for stabilizing the motion of an articulated chain of a chain block, especially to prevent the formation of resonance oscillation of the chain, in which an articulated chain is led across a polygonal chain wheel with non-uniform pitch, which is driven by an electric motor. In order to create a method to prevent the formation of a resonance oscillation of the articulated chain, it is proposed that a periodic and/or stochastic and dampening actuating variable is superimposed on the velocity of the chain wheel (4) and the dampening actuating variable produces a change in the chain velocity so as to prevent a formation of a resonance oscillation. The chain drive with reduced polygon effect is characterized in that an electronic damper (8) is hooked up in front of the electric motor (2), which produces a control of the electric motor (2) such that a formation of a resonance oscillation of the articulated chain (5) is prevented.

Abstract: First and second dynamo-electrical machines are provided. A first rotor forming the first dynamo-electrical machine together with a second rotor is connected to either one of a front driving shaft and rear driving shaft. A second rotor forming the second dynamo-electrical machine together with a stator is connected to another one of the front driving shaft and rear driving shaft. As a result, a torque generated by the first dynamo-electric machine is transmitted to either one of the front and rear driving shafts, connected to the first rotor. A torque which subtracts a reaction torque caused by the torque generated by the first dynamo-electric machine from a torque generated by the second dynamo-electric machine is transmitted to another one of the front and rear driving shafts, connected to the second rotor.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus manipulates the transmission of power of the mechanical and/or electrical form. The power transmission apparatus is constructed integrating together a power-transmitting device and a transmission interaction redistributing mechanism. The interaction redistributing mechanism redistributes, or remaps, an optimized section of the operating speed range of the power-transmitting device onto the full operating speed range, including the stall speed, of the power transmission apparatus. Full operating speed range, including low speeds, is optimized. In a mechanical implementation of the apparatus, an epicyclic gear train is utilized as the redistributing mechanism. In an electromagnetic implementation of the apparatus, a rotary commutator is utilized as the redistributing mechanism and the power-transmitting device is an electromagnetic device. The mechanical implementation is capable of handling mechanical-to-mechanical mode of power transmission.

Abstract: A machine tool is controlled in response to a numerical control program that is indicative of tool path data. A user selects a working region on which the machine tool will operate. A portion of the tool path data that corresponds to the selected working region is determined, so that both the selected working region and the portion of the tool path data may be displayed on a display. Such a display may also include a grid so that the user may select grid areas. Grid areas may be selected so that only data associated with the selected grid areas is modified, or to allow the user to modify a visible outline of the area to be worked, or to allow the user to select non-workable regions for which the original tool path data will not be modified. Further magnification may be based upon a predetermined magnification rate or a magnification rate selected by the user.

Abstract: The invention is directed to reducing noises of a low density without causing the listener to feel a sense of incongruity. A received signal is subjected to frequency discrimination. The sound signals of the right-channel and the left-channel are separated on the basis of a channel separation, and then are output as sounds. When noises are not generated, the channel separation is controlled in accordance with a control voltage corresponding to the electric field strength of the received signal which is output from an S-meter circuit via a channel separation controlling circuits. When noise signal in the received signal are extracted by a multipath detector, the first and the second integration circuits integrate the noise signal. When the noise density is so low that only the first integration circuit reaches the on-voltage, the channel separation is lowered to about 10 dB in accordance with the control voltage corresponding to the noise density of the channel separation controlling circuit.

Abstract: A cooperative differential drive system (20) for use in material handling and flight control and guidance systems, and the like. The drive system (20) may be employed in application that require high resolution task repeatability capabilities and the execution of precise position and force trajectory path following routines. A differential gear system (24) is driven by two servo-controlled actuators (22, 23) under control of a controller (21). The first actuator (22) is regulated at constant speed while the second actuator (23) is modulated at an appropriately varying speed to achieve a desired drive speed of a load. The second actuator (23) is controlled such that it dos not change rotational direction. Ultimate control of the load is achieved by way of the differential gear system (24) that combines the two actuator speeds to achieve the desired load speed. The differential gear system (24) is optionally coupled by way of a clutch system (25) to the load.

Abstract: The driving apparatus for the rotation of the spindle or the work piece pallet of an electroerosive machining device comprises two electric motors which drive e.g. the spindle to a rotational movement by means of two gear boxes and a plurality of gear wheels. In order to avoid any backlash in the gear box and any clearance between the gear wheels and to compensate the elasticity of the gear transmission, the two electric motors are always operated to rotate in opposite directions and/or to yield different values of torque. Thus, the entire transmission assembly is always subjected to a certain bias force so that a precise positioning of the spindle is possible by means of simple and inexpensive driving elements.

Abstract: An electric motor drive system having a first electric motor, a first drive shaft to which the first electric motor is coupled, a second electric motor having a higher power rating than the first, a second drive shaft to which the second electric motor is coupled, an epicyclic gear system comprising a sun gear to which the first drive shaft is coupled, a ring gear to which the second drive shaft is coupled, and planetary gears meshing with both the sun gear and the ring gear, an output drive coupled to the planetary gears, and, a one-way rotation restraining means coupled to the second shaft to permit rotation of the second shaft in one direction and to prevent rotation of the second shaft in the other direction for restraining motion of the second shaft during start up of the first motor, and a one-way rotation restraining means coupled to the first drive shaft for restraining rotation of the first shaft during start up of the second motor, and clutch means operable to interconnect said first and second moto

Abstract: A rotation control apparatus for a differential actuator includes two induction motors and a differential mechanism for producing a constant torque on its output shaft based on the differential speed of the induction motors. The appartus includes two inverters each located between one of the induction motors and a common power source for the induction motors and having individual voltage/frequency output characteristics. The inverters set separately the voltage/frequency output characteristics of power supplied to the induction motors so as to control the speed of the induction motors separately, thereby controlling the output torque on the output shaft of the differential actuator. And the output shaft of the differential actuator is controlled to constant speeds regardless of the load torque on the shaft based on the difference of setting frequencies on both inverters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multiple carrier transportation system. The system employs a plurality of linear induction motors positioned along a track. A plurality of carrier units are used for moving work pieces along the track. Each carrier is mounted with a reaction plate or secondary. The reaction plate passes over the linear induction motors and reacts with the electromagnetic field generated therein. The electromagnetic energy induced from the linear induction motors into the secondary produces a mechanical thrust which propels the carrier along the track. A control system utilizing a series of feedback loops and a computer is used to monitor and coordinate the movement of the carriers in the system. Attached to each carrier is a position indicator. The indicator relays position information to position sensors. The sensors relay position information to a control module or computer which determines the velocity and acceleration of the carrier.

Abstract: An electric motor drive system having a first direct current electric motor, a first drive shaft to which the first electric motor is coupled, a second direct current electric motor having a higher power rating than the first, a second drive shaft to which the second electric motor is coupled, the second drive shaft comprising a hollow sleeve with the first drive shaft extending therethrough, an epicyclic gear system comprising a sun gear to which the first drive shaft is coupled, a ring gear to which the second drive shaft is coupled, and planetary gears meshing with both the sun gear and the ring gear, an output drive coupled to the planetary gears, and, a one way rotation restraining means coupled to the ring gear to permit rotation of the ring gear in one direction and to prevent rotation of the ring gear in the other direction.

Abstract: An alternating current speed control of the type associated with an alternating current motor whose output speed is essentially constant, the motor speed control being capable of varying the output speed of the motor from two times normal output to zero. The rotor of the electric motor is mounted on a cylindrical gear case which is in turn supported by the output shaft of a differential gearing mechanism disposed within the gear case. Controller means are provided to brake a regulating gear within the differential gear assembly to vary the output speed of the electric motor.

Abstract: The invention is a dual-range drive system for synchronous and induction generators which may provide primary power for aircraft systems. In a first embodiment, utilization of a toroidal drive (10) in combination with a planetary drive (37) enables variable speed mechanical output from an engine (24) to be converted to a dual range mechanical input to a permanent magnet generator (26) such that the generator (26) operates at constant frequency over a preselected engine speed range and at a frequency proportional to speed over speed ranges below said preselected range. Drive logic (42), roller actuator (46) and steering control mechanism (48) form parts of a control system for steering or tilting the drive rollers (12) of the toroidal drive (10).

Abstract: A continuously variable transmissionless drive system providing maximum torque at low speeds. The system is usable in a hybrid vehicle having a prime mover, such as an internal combustion engine, operated at its optimum rpm for efficiency. The prime mover drives a pair of amplidynes which in turn operate a pair of dc motors to produce rotation of the output shaft for driving the wheels of the vehicle via a novel differential drive system which drives the output shafts in which the effective gear ratio may be externally controlled to vary from a very high step down ratio producing very high torque to a one-to-one ratio for driving at a constant speed. Each drive motor is connected to a separate bevel gear in the differential and control of the output shaft speed and torque is obtained by controlling the speed and direction of rotating of the bevel drive gears.

Abstract: An electrical vehicle is propelled by a constant speed motor receiving current from a storage battery. An alternator, driven by the vehicle power train through a differential while the vehicle is in motion, is associated with the drive train such that it controls the velocity of the vehicle. Dynamic braking through increasing field current of the alternator is provided. The alternator is used to recharge the storage battery during periods of less than maximum vehicle velocity and also during deceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A digital control device wherein both an input drive, which, in response to signal pulses, produces a specific increment rotation of an output drive, and a feedback drive, which is driven in proportion to the incremental rotation so produced, are connected to drive a differential gear device, the output of which drives a pair of multi-stage, intermittent drive counting devices, one in a forward direction, the other in reverse. Movement of the last stages of such devices are conditioned to activate said output drive and they are set in null positions wherein a very few advancing increments of movement of the first stage will generate incremental movement of all subsequent stages. When the input drive starts, the last stage of only the advancing counter will advance and activate the output drive in a direction to oppose the input. Return of the counters to null positions will deactivate the output drive.