Control By Patterns Or Other Predetermined Schedule Means Patents (Class 318/162)
  • Patent number: 11152884
    Abstract: An object is to suppress an increase in current variation amount of a power storage device. A control device sets an allowable modulation factor, based on a circuit characteristic of a DC part that is on a power storage device side of an inverter, such that a current variation amount of the power storage device becomes equal to or smaller than an allowable current variation amount, and sets switching pattern commands of a plurality of switching elements, based on a set allowable modulation factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshihiro Yamamoto, Hiroyuki Oyanagi
  • Patent number: 10539954
    Abstract: An actuating device for moving an actuator that features an actuating drive for generating an actuating movement for the actuator. The actuating device also includes a transmission device for transmitting the actuating movement from the actuating drive to the actuator. It also features a sensor device for detecting the actuating position of the actuator. The sensor device features a signal receiver and transducer. The signal receiver will be in the actuating drive and the transducer configured as part of the transmission device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Hella GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Sven Rappold, Peter Rölleke, Andreas von Chamier-Cieminski
  • Patent number: 10280591
    Abstract: A work machine that can prevent restarting of an engine against a will of an operator from an idle stop state is provided. A hydraulic excavator includes a display device that displays a confirmation screen image for allowing an operator to confirm whether or not an engine is to be restarted from an idle stop state, and an inputting device that allows the operator to input a restart instruction for the engine in an interlocked relationship with the display of the confirmation screen image. A machine controller includes a restart controlling section that restarts the engine based on the restart instruction for the engine inputted by the inputting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Takigawa, Yasunori Ota, Shiho Izumi, Yuichiro Morita, Kouichi Shibata
  • Patent number: 10029366
    Abstract: Motion control of a robot arm is performed via a reducer connected to a motor. A controller thereof includes a thrust control unit that generates motor position command value based on an input thrust command value, and a motor control unit that generates a current value based on the motor position command value. The motor control unit feeds back a motor position detected by a motor encoder, and the thrust control unit feeds back thrust detected by a thrust meter. The feedback from the motor control unit suppresses vibration phenomena at the reducer, and the feedback from the thrust control unit suppresses transmission error, thereby enabling motion control of the arm with rapidity and precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yohji Nakajima
  • Patent number: 10033325
    Abstract: A heat pump device includes a compressor compressing refrigerant; a motor driving the compressor; an inverter applying alternating-current voltage to the motor; and an inverter control unit generating a control signal for controlling the inverter. The inverter control unit executes control by using a first switching pattern in which all of three switching elements on a positive or negative voltage side of the inverter are changed to an ON state, then executes control by using a second switching pattern in which two switching elements to which electric current flows in the same direction when controlled by using the first switching pattern are changed to an OFF state, and then executes control by using a third switching pattern in which two switching elements on a reverse voltage side of the two switching elements changed to an OFF state by using the second switching pattern are changed to an ON state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Kazunori Hatakeyama
  • Patent number: 9960574
    Abstract: An apparatus for distributing current in a low-voltage system includes a plurality of disk-shaped modules that can be arranged adjacent to each other in a row and mounted or locked on a carrier rail. At least one supply module, at least one fuse module, and at least one distributing module are provided. The modules have at least one cross connector for a positive potential and at least one cross connector for a negative potential. The fuse module and the distributing module also have at least one additional cross connector for a potential that is protected by the fuse module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventors: Marc Böcker, Michael Gerkens, Andreas Hähnel, Stephan Lange, Klaus Schürmann, Ralph Tempel
  • Patent number: 9882242
    Abstract: An angle detecting device, generating phase information for indicating phases corresponding to rotational positions of a rotor of a motor, comprises an intersection detecting unit, configured to detect timing at which paired sensor signals intersect with each other, and to detect points of intersection; an intersection level detecting unit configured to detect intersection levels that are amplitude levels of the sensor signals, based on the timing at which the respective pairs of the sensor signals intersect with each other; an intersection level adjusting unit configured to adjust the detected intersection levels of the sensor signals to a certain amplitude level, and to output a successively selected one of the adjusted sensor signals as an intersection level adjustment signal; and a phase information detecting unit configured to generate detection results indicative of whether the intersection level adjustment signal is greater than respective threshold levels corresponding to the phases, thereby generatin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuhisa Furuse, Tomohiko Kamatani
  • Patent number: 9603482
    Abstract: Systems and methods are shown for providing hot beverages using a beverage system integrated into a faucet. The faucet-integrated beverage system can include a hot water reservoir mounted under a countertop and fluidly coupled to a cold water supply line. The temperature and fill level in the hot water reservoir can be controlled using control circuitry provided on a circuit board communicatively coupled to the hot water reservoir and one or more sensors. A beverage supply line can extend from the hot water reservoir to a beverage dispensing unit, which can be coupled to the faucet or mounted on the faucet deck. The beverage system can also include an activation button mounted on the faucet or the faucet deck and communicatively coupled to the control board for initiating a brewing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: AS IP Holdco, LLC
    Inventor: James McHale
  • Publication number: 20150115849
    Abstract: A motor controller coupled to a motor is described. The motor controller includes a computing device configured to receive a first command designating a duration during which to operate the motor. The computing device is further configured to operate the motor during a first portion of the designated duration, receive a second command to pause the operation of the motor, in response to receiving the second command, pause the operation of the motor, receive a third command to resume the operation of the motor, and in response to receiving the third command, resume the operation of the motor for a second portion of the designated duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Marc McKinzie
  • Patent number: 8981684
    Abstract: A motor assembly includes an electric motor having a stator and a rotor. A housing is coupled to the electric motor. A motor controller is disposed within the housing. A human machine interface (HMI) is selectively detachably coupled to the housing and in communication with the motor controller. The HMI includes a user input for control of the electric motor when the HMI is coupled to the housing and for control of the electric motor when the HMI is separately disposed from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward L. Drye, Howard R. Richardson, Stephen T. English
  • Publication number: 20150035460
    Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products automatically package an object, such as, for example, whole muscle meat pieces, in a covering material, such as, for example, netting. The devices include a pusher assembly, an electric motor, preferably a servo motor with a gear box, that drives a linear drive assembly. The devices can include a programmably adjustable index and/or speed profile for the pusher assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: William M. Poteat, Samuel D. Griggs, Sean Michael Kieffer
  • Publication number: 20150002054
    Abstract: A test automation system may specify a temperature setpoint for an electric machine system and generate a command for the electric machine system to output a torque in such a manner that a temperature of the electric machine system varies within a predefined range of the temperature setpoint for at least a predefined period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Dmitry Frankstein
  • Publication number: 20140219698
    Abstract: A motor control device includes a first control unit and a second control unit. The first control unit includes an issuing unit that issues a command that schedules a next operation of a motor according to an instruction from a controller. The second control unit includes a receiving unit that receives the command, a detecting unit that detects a state of the motor, a determining unit that makes a determination as to whether to drive the motor to perform the operation according to the state detected by the detecting unit, and an executing unit that drives the motor to perform the operation scheduled by the command as determined by the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventors: Natsuko ISHIZUKA, Tatsuya WATAHIKI
  • Patent number: 8680797
    Abstract: A motor control device comprises: an acceleration upper limit estimating unit; a target acceleration setting unit; a motor control unit; and a deficit calculating unit, wherein the target acceleration setting unit corrects the target acceleration based on the acceleration profile by an amount corresponding to the acceleration deficit within a range in which the target acceleration does not exceed the acceleration upper limit on the basis of the acceleration deficit calculated by the deficit calculating unit to set the target acceleration at each time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenichi Iesaki
  • Patent number: 8669724
    Abstract: A variable speed power converter controls the speed of a load in a material handling system as a function of the torque required to move the load. While the power converter is running, the torque being produced in the motor is determined. The power converter then determines the maximum rotational speed of the motor as a function of the torque currently being produced and of the torque-speed curve of the motor. The power converter then commands the motor to rotate at this maximum rotational speed. The power converter periodically monitors the torque being produced and adjusts the maximum rotational speed of the motor throughout the run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Magnetek, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron S. Kureck, Kurtis L. Verheyen
  • Patent number: 8577531
    Abstract: A system and method for the automatic control of wheel brake-slip in a motor vehicle with an electric drive (2), including the following steps: detecting a brake signal (14) by means of a slip control device (9), at which point the slip control device (9) generates an electric drive signal (15) and a friction brake signal (16) for the automatic control of a predetermined slip value of a wheel (1) of the motor vehicle, transmitting the electric drive signal (15) to an electric drive control device (6) and transmitting the friction brake signal (16) to a friction brake control device (12), at which point a friction brake control device (12) activates a friction brake (10) of the wheel (1) according to the friction brake control signal (16) to generate friction brake signal (16) to generate friction brake torque and an electric drive control device (6) activates electric drive (2) according to electric drive signal (15) to generate electric drive torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Ákos Semsey, Michael Döricht
  • Publication number: 20130106322
    Abstract: A motor assembly includes an electric motor having a stator and a rotor. A housing is coupled to the electric motor. A motor controller is disposed within the housing. A human machine interface (HMI) is coupled to the housing and in communication with the motor controller for user control of the electric motor. The HMI includes a rotatable user input providing simultaneous mode selection and mode indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Edward L. Drye
  • Publication number: 20130106321
    Abstract: A motor assembly includes an electric motor having a stator and a rotor. A housing is coupled to the electric motor. A motor controller is disposed within the housing. A human machine interface (HMI) is selectively detachably coupled to the housing and in communication with the motor controller. The HMI includes a user input for control of the electric motor when the HMI is coupled to the housing and for control of the electric motor when the HMI is separately disposed from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Edward L. Drye, Howard R. Richardson, Stephen T. English
  • Patent number: 8301324
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction motor, a transmission, a speed encoder for the motor, and a control system. The control system compensates for angular wobble in an encoder signal. The control system receives, via a hybrid control processor (HCP), the encoder signal from the speed encoder, and determines a set of wobble characteristics of the encoder signal below a threshold motor speed. The control system also calculates a wobble-compensated speed value via the HCP using the wobble characteristics, and uses the wobble-compensated speed value as at least part of the input signals when controlling the motor. A lookup table tabulates a learned wobble value relative to the angular position value, and a learned wobble value is subtracted from a current angular wobble value to generate an error-adjusted wobble value. A method compensates for wobble in the encoder signal using the above control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Robert L. Morris
  • Publication number: 20120256566
    Abstract: An industrial control system provides motion control functions that may distribute motion planning tasks to capable motor drives and motion devices based on stored drive profiles. The profile-aware functions allow control programs to be used with motor drives that are both capable and incapable of executing a motion planning with automatic distribution of the planning tasks as appropriate. Coordination among different devices in the industrial control system when motion planning is distributed may be accommodated through peer-to-peer communication between drives and non-controller devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Chaffee
  • Patent number: 8193743
    Abstract: A control device has a unit for preparing a pattern having first and second periods by comparing a triangular wave and a sine wave having an amplitude ratio set at each value of a modulation factor, and selecting one pattern corresponding to an instructed modulation factor, and a unit for applying a controlled voltage, set at low and high levels in response to first and second periods of the selected pattern, to a generator. The triangular wave has a cycle duration obtained by dividing the cycle duration of the generator by product of 3 and odd number, a crest having a level higher than the sine wave at a timing of each first period, and a trough having a level lower than the sine wave at a timing of each second period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Yamada, Tatsuru Morioka, Junji Miyachi
  • Publication number: 20100225256
    Abstract: A technique for controlling the pitch of a supercavitating projectile is disclosed. For example, the illustrative embodiment controls the pitch of a supercavitating projectile by shifting its center of gravity. The center of gravity of the projectile is shifted by moving a ferromagnetic mass inside the projectile forward or backward, depending on the desired pitch. In some embodiments of the present invention, the position of the ferromagnetic mass is directed by a controller that has a predetermined trajectory stored in its memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jyun-Horng Fu
  • Publication number: 20100134053
    Abstract: A control device has a unit for preparing a pattern having first and second periods by comparing a triangular wave and a sine wave having an amplitude ratio set at each value of a modulation factor, and selecting one pattern corresponding to an instructed modulation factor, and a unit for applying a controlled voltage, set at low and high levels in response to first and second periods of the selected pattern, to a generator. The triangular wave has a cycle duration obtained by dividing the cycle duration of the generator by product of 3 and odd number, a crest having a level higher than the sine wave at a timing of each first period, and a trough having a level lower than the sine wave at a timing of each second period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahiro Yamada, Tatsuru Morioka, Junji Miyachi
  • Patent number: 7652439
    Abstract: A change-over device of pull cord control and wireless remote control for a DC brushless-motor ceiling fan is to have a driver installed in a ceiling fan basic body, and the driver has a detecting unit for detecting whether or not a connector positioned in a hanging bell is connected with a wireless control switch unit so as to control the blades of the DC brushless-motor ceiling fan to rotate by pull cord control or by wireless remote control. Further, the connector is installed inside the hanging bell; therefore, when the DC brushless-motor ceiling fan is to be additionally provided with a wireless control switch unit, it is convenient and safe in installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Air Cool Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yung Yu Tang
  • Patent number: 7619376
    Abstract: A detent mechanism includes: a control member to be operated rotationally; a rotary member including a pair of magnetic poles adapted to rotate in conjunction with the control member; a plurality of electromagnets provided along a rotational path of the magnetic poles of the rotary member; and a detent controller that has a detent energization pattern in which a current energization direction and an energization amount are determined for the plurality of electromagnets. The detent controller gives a detent in operation of the control member by applying an electromagnetic force between at least one of the plurality of electromagnets and the rotary member by energization control for the plurality of electromagnets according to the detent energization pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Terukazu Hiroe, Masahiko Miyata, Seiji Ishigaki
  • Patent number: 7583036
    Abstract: In an electrically driven vehicle having a controller, the vehicle has a steering angle sensor for outputting a detected value of a steering angle of the vehicle, the controller includes a first torque order pattern along which a torque order for a first electric motor is determined and a second torque order pattern along which a torque order for a second electric motor is determined, and the first and second torque order pattern are modified on the basis of the detected value of the steering angle so that the torque order determined along the second torque order pattern is greater than the torque order determined along the first torque order pattern under the identical velocity when the vehicle turns to the left, and the torque order determined along the first torque order pattern is greater than the torque order determined along the second torque order pattern under the identical velocity when the vehicle turns to the right.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Kikuchi, Takashi Ikimi, Keizo Shimada, Naoshi Sugawara
  • Patent number: 7545115
    Abstract: The invention proposes a system for driving a compressor, comprising an induction motor (2) for driving the compressor (3), said induction motor including a squirrel cage rotor, and a controller (1) for controlling the induction motor, said controller comprising a memory for storing drive patterns for driving the induction motor, a first frequency generation means for generating a field frequency based on a field command and/or a second field generation means for generating a voltage frequency based on a voltage command, wherein a drive pattern in extracted from the memory based on the generated frequency or frequencies. Alternatively, the invention proposes a system for driving a compressor, comprising an induction motor (2) for driving the compressor (3), said induction motor including a squirrel cage rotor, and a controller (1) for controlling the induction motor, wherein the controller is adapted to distinguish between a steady state and a transient state of the induction motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Barthelet, Nicolas Devulder, Chris Greentree, Cedric Lorant, Stanislaus Pouget, Kevin Stalsberg, Alain Wesquet
  • Patent number: 7462998
    Abstract: A technique is disclosed for generating an acceleration profile indicative of a time history of an acceleration of a controlled object, to thereby generate at least one of a target velocity profile indicative of a time history of a target velocity of the controlled object and a target position profile indicative of a time history of a position of the controlled object. This technique includes: storing in a storage, a duration of a non-constant-velocity phase during which the target velocity of the controlled object varies with time; and generating the acceleration profile, based on the duration of the non-constant velocity phase stored in the storage, such that a portion of the acceleration profile which corresponds to the non-constant-velocity phase is generally curved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeki Akiyama
  • Patent number: 7397211
    Abstract: A motor control apparatus includes a first FG pattern for generating a first induced voltage attendant upon rotation of the rotor of a motor; a second FG pattern for generating a second induced voltage due to noise; a differential amplifier for differentially amplifying the first and second induced voltages, which are input thereto; and a motor speed control unit for controlling rotation of the motor so as to achieve synchronization between the output of the differential amplifier and a prescribed frequency signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoru Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20080158631
    Abstract: A drive circuit includes a generator and a driver. The generator generates a signal having a period and a varying amplitude during a driving portion of the period, and the driver is coupled to the generator and drives a plate of an electrostatically drivable plant with the signal. The drive circuit may be used to drive a mirror plate of a comb-drive MEMS mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Wyatt O. Davis, Gregory T. Gibson, Thomas W. Montague, Robert J. Dunki-Jacobs, Michael P. Weir
  • Patent number: 7116073
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for: commutating windings of a polyphase machine such that electromagnetic fields of stator and rotor phases of the polyphase machine produce at least one of motoring and generating torque; providing a first rotor excitation voltage having substantially no DC component when a rotational speed of the polyphase machine is below a predetermined value; and providing a second rotor excitation voltage having a DC component when the rotational speed of the polyphase machine is above the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Innovative Power Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Lev Sorkin
  • Patent number: 7068006
    Abstract: At the start of driving a stepping motor, a CPU sets the switching widths of the first through eighth states in a pulse width setting register, sets the switching counts of the first through eighth states in a pulse switching count register, and sets the start of driving the stepping motor in a driving start register. A latch then outputs an excitation pulse, and the stepping motor is accelerated, driven at a constant speed, decelerated, and stopped. By setting the switching widths and switching counts of the first through eighth states at the start of driving and setting the start of driving, the CPU need not control the stepping motor, reducing the process burden on the CPU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masateru Nishimoto
  • Patent number: 7023153
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to regulate a control gain without requiring a host controller. In the invention, a command pattern generating section (14) generates a basic operation pattern for operating a motor based on various parameters such as a movement distance Pd, a maximum speed Vx, an acceleration time Ta, a deceleration time Td, a waiting time T, a forward rotating repetition number n, a reverse rotating repetition number m and a forward and reverse rotating repetition number y which are input through a parameter input device (11), and repeats the basic operation pattern at a set number of times to set a continuous run pattern, and generates and outputs a position command for continuously operating the motor based on the continuous run pattern. Accordingly, it is possible to continuously generate a driving command for operating the motor without requiring a host controller (12), thereby regulating a control gain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventor: Takashi Kitazawa
  • Patent number: 6949905
    Abstract: A servo control system which comprises an original cam pattern generator 11 for generating a first pattern of a cam shape relative to a phase corresponding to one revolution of a cam mechanism; a corrector 14 for differentiating the original pattern of the original pattern generator 11 with respect to time, multiplying the differentiation value by a constant to find a multiplication value, and subtracting a predetermined phase from the multiplication value to generate a correction cam pattern; and a position command device 14 for adding the above-mentioned correction pattern to the above-mentioned original pattern to generate a second pattern and generating a position command of the above-mentioned servomotor based on the phase corresponding to one revolution of the above-mentioned cam mechanism using the second pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Tomatsuri, Hidehiko Matsumoto, Aya Imahashi
  • Patent number: 6914402
    Abstract: In a method for operating machines (138) with a plurality of shafts (102, 110, 111), in which the shafts (102, 110, 111) are each driven, synchronized with one another, by individual drive mechanisms (103) belonging to them, in accordance with an electronic, chronological guide shaft function, which corresponds to an instantaneous position of a guide shaft L, and the motions of a plurality of derived shafts (102, 110, 111) are derived from the guide shaft L in accordance with conversion functions that correspond to respective predetermined mechanical conversions (106, 107, 108, 109) with respect to the guide shaft L, it is proposed, in order to improve the method in such a way that—particularly when there is a large number of shafts to be regulated—simple startup at comparatively little expense for equipment is permitted, that all the shafts (102) of at least one group (117) of shafts, which correspond to one another in terms of the conversion (106, 107, 108, 109), obey an electronic, chronological following
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Rexroth Indramat GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Gabler, Karin Steudel, Dieter Staub
  • Patent number: 6911792
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling movement of a body includes a position-based velocity profile, at least one mover, a data processor for calculating a next position of the at least one mover using data from the position-based velocity profile and passing a next position signal to the at least one mover, and an actuator for moving the mover to the next position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Donald J. Fasen
  • Patent number: 6815918
    Abstract: A method for cleaning the bottom of a pool uses an automated programmed pool cleaner capable of reversing movement and turning that is initially placed at an arbitrary location on the bottom of the pool and moved in a forward direction until it encounters an upright pool wall; the unit is reversed until it is a first predetermined distance from the wall, turned through a predetermined angle less than 180° and advanced until it again encounters an upright wall; these steps are repeated until the unit has encountered upright walls a predetermined number of times, after which the first predetermined distance is changed to one or more subsequent predetermined distances. All of the previous steps are repeated until all or substantially all of the pool has been cleaned. In a preferred embodiment, a rectangular pool is cleaned by setting the turning angle to 90° and the number of turns before changing the predetermined distance to seven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Aqua Products Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Porat, Igor Fridman
  • Patent number: 6815923
    Abstract: Methods, devices and circuits for detecting malfunctions in stepper motors. A signal from a driver circuit to a stepper motor that is proportional to the current in the windings of the stepper motor is detected. This signal is then amplified and integrated for ease of comparison. The resulting signal is then compared to a specific entry in a table of values with each entry in the table corresponding to an operating profile of the stepper motor. If the resulting signal does not correspond to the operating profile for which the motor a configured, the stepper motor is jammed. A suitable alarm and a corresponding sequence of actions may then be triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Spielo Manufacturing Incorporated
    Inventor: Wayne Michael Forsey
  • Patent number: 6710567
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for accelerating a disc drive spindle motor to an operational velocity at which data are transferred between a host device and a disc rotated by the spindle motor. The spindle motor is initially accelerated from rest to an intermediate velocity at which sufficient back electromotive force (bemf) is generated by the rotation of the spindle motor to enable commutation circuitry of the disc drive to time the application of drive pulses to the spindle motor. The spindle motor is subsequently accelerated from the intermediate velocity to the operational velocity by applying a velocity dependent reference profile which establishes a sequence of reference levels to control the flow of current through the spindle motor during acceleration. The sequence of reference levels have different magnitudes at different velocities of the spindle motor between the intermediate velocity and the operational velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Heydt, Christopher L. Hill
  • Patent number: 6646407
    Abstract: A controller for use in a switched reluctance (SR) motor drive is provided. The controller includes a DC—DC converter coupled to an inverter. The DC—DC converter can be a buck converter, a boost converter, or a buck-boost converter. The control parameters to the DC—DC converter can be optimal. In addition, the bus voltage of the motor drive can be reduced to a level such that the motor operates in single pulse mode. A capacitor can be connected in parallel across the outputs of the DC—DC converter supplying the inverter. Using the DC—DC converter to indirectly profile the phase current can reduce motor torque ripple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Khwaja M. Rahman, Steven E. Schulz
  • Publication number: 20020175585
    Abstract: A motor including: a rotor including a permanent magnet type rotor unit having a plurality of permanent magnets and a reluctance type rotor unit having a plurality of salient pole portions, the rotor units being coupled to each other in an axial direction; and a stator for generating a field for driving the rotor. The permanent magnet type rotor unit and the reluctance type rotor unit are given an angle deviation therebetween in the direction of rotation to obtain desired torque characteristics. The reluctance type rotor unit has slits for preventing flux leakage from the permanent magnets. The slits are formed with the angle deviation in the direction of rotation from respective positions symmetric about a center of the salient pole portions. Flux leakage is thus prevented to avoid deterioration in characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaki Tagome, Yasuhiro Kondo, Naoyuki Kadoya
  • Patent number: 6483265
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for minimizing electrical machine vibration are described. In an exemplary embodiment of the method, power is applied to the motor under microprocessor control such that a pulse modulated current profile is applied to the motor which in turn controls the amount of torque generated by the motor. By adjusting current profiles, torque generation is controlled, and vibration and noise are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert K. Hollenbeck, David M. Erdman
  • Patent number: 6456022
    Abstract: A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Fitzgibbon, Paul E. Wanis, Colin B. Willmott
  • Patent number: 6407520
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle door latch to avoid unnecessary sound emission, has its motor operated with pulse-width modulation so that, once a blockade time point is reached or prior thereto, the motor is energized with reduced power so that it generates a ramp characteristic running to a minimum. The torque and/or speed are thereby reduced along the ramp characteristic correspondingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Frank Kleefeldt, Fred Welskopf
  • Patent number: 6020698
    Abstract: A hybrid control for a clothes dryer which combines an electromechanical timer and a microprocessor. The electromechanical timer has a plurality of switches connected to a plurality of input ports of the microprocessor. The timer switches are driven by a plurality of cams such that the plurality of switches open and close in response to the cams at predetermined angular positions which define control positions of the timer. In this manner, the switches provide control input to the electronic circuit for initiating the dry cycle and further provide control input to the electronic circuit during the dry cycle such that the electromechanical timer and the electronic circuit operate together to control the dryer operation. The timer is arranged such that a change from one control position to an adjacent control position results in only one switch being either opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald C. Stenger, Michael E. Range
  • Patent number: 5592057
    Abstract: A step motor and servo motor indexer (10) having an improved user interface (14) wherein an input capability for programming a full range of program parameters and values is provided, yet where the user input system (20) has few components. The user input system (20) for programming the indexer (10) is characterized by having a data entry unit (26) which includes only a toggle device (27) and a rotary device (28), both of which may be combined into a single component part. In addition to the typical turned clockwise and turned counter clockwise modes of the rotary device (28) the use of the rate of rotation permits an additional input mode which is used to accomplish rotational or software ballistics to input large ranges of values during programming of the indexer (10). The user interface (14) further includes a display (22), for presenting program choices and values to user during programming, and for reporting running parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Applied Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Kordik
  • Patent number: 5587633
    Abstract: It is an object to obtain a press apparatus and a press controlling method which apply press working to a processed object with accurate press load and is capable of press working with accurate press load without affected by variations in thickness of the processed objects and variations in shut height of molds. A servo motor (51) is connected concentrically to a rotation transmitter (52), and a screw shaft (53) is provided passing through the center of the rotation transmitter (52). The driving force of the servo motor (51) is converted into a thrusting force of a press ram (54) by combining the rotation transmitter (52) and the screw shaft (53). Correct press load is applied to the processed objects and troubles in the press processing caused by variations in thickness of the processed objects can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsubishi Electric Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideji Aoki, Takahiro Tashima, Suekazu Nakashima, Yoshiyuki Osako, Hidetaka Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 5528229
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for thermostatically controlling the operation of a multiple speed fan and light assembly by inputting a desired temperature range and airflow direction for each fan speed and by inputting a single number for controlling the on time and duration of the light assembly. A temperature sensor determines an initial room temperature, an input device enters a temperature set-point corresponding to each of the fan speeds, a processor stores the temperature set-points corresponding to each of the fan speeds from the input device, receives the temperature signal and uses the temperature signal and the temperature set-points to determine a desired fan speed, and a fan driving device changes the initial rotation speed to the desired fan speed in response to the processor and thereby automatically controls the fan speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Hunter Fan Company
    Inventor: Vinay Mehta
  • Patent number: 5381080
    Abstract: A control device, particularly a rotary controller for manual entry of information into an electronic device, has a setting member the position of which can be changed under the effect of an actuating force. The setting member is connected with a generator for producing electric signals which characterize the position of the setting member. A drive element is connected with the setting member and, under the control of the electric signals, exerts a force on the setting member which acts in the same direction as or in the direction opposite to the actuating force, depending on the position of the setting member for haptic acknowledgement of the operation of the setting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: VDO Adolf Schindling AG
    Inventors: Klaus Schnell, Gunther Hahlganss
  • Patent number: 5304901
    Abstract: When a sewing machine is locked during stitching of a thick fabric, the rotational direction of a sewing motor is alternately reversed at a predetermined time interval. A needle operatively coupled to the sewing motor through a mechanical system is moved up and down, whereby the needle sticks into the same stitching point for a desired number of times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shushin Mori