Abstract: A motor control system is coupled to an input power source and a motor. The motor control system includes an inverter, a brake, and a controller. The inverter includes a plurality of upper-bridge transistors and a plurality of lower-bridge transistors, and the brake includes a plurality of loop switches. Each loop switch includes a first end, a second end, and a third end, and the third ends are respectively coupled to control ends of the lower-bridge transistors. The controller is coupled to the first end, and when the controller detects that the input power source is greater than a low-voltage protection value, the controller controls the third end to be coupled to the first end, and provides an upper-bridge drive signal assembly to operate each upper-bridge transistor, and provides a lower-bridge drive signal assembly to operate each lower-bridge transistor.

Abstract: An approach is that uses a first amount of energy used by a motor to open a vent and reducing the amount of energy to a second amount of energy to maintain the vent in an open position.

Abstract: Provided is an electric motor combined with a power generator comprising: a fixed coil plate in which separate coil bodies are uniformly arranged; and a reciprocating magnet plate in which separate magnets are uniformly arranged. The installation location of the electric motor combined with a power generator is not restricted by linearly or rotationally moving equipment. In addition, the electric motor combined with a power generator enables coils and magnets to be regularly and closely arranged in the coil plate and the magnet plate, thereby minimizing loss of the locomotive force. Furthermore, when performing a reciprocating movement to which an inertial force is added, the electric motor combined with a power generator enables electric current to be instantly broken and converted and supplied by sensing of sensors, while implementing a strong reciprocating movement due to an increase of speed by means of the compression and repulsive force of a spring.

Abstract: The disclosure describes, in one aspect, a system for a machine having an electric drive configuration. The system includes an electric motor associated with at least one wheel and adapted to provide retarding torque to the wheel, and a controller configured to determine a power measurement of a retarding grid and control the retarding torque to the at least one wheel during retarding as a function of the power measurement.

Abstract: A stabilizer system is provided with a stabilizer bar configured to connect a left wheel and a right wheel of a vehicle to each other and suppress a roll of the vehicle by torsional reaction force, an actuator configured to control a relative torsional amount between a side of the left wheel and a side of the right wheel of the stabilizer bar, and a control device configured to control the actuator. The actuator can selectively operate in a permitting mode in which increase and decrease in the torsional amount is permitted or in a regulating mode in which the increase and decrease in the torsional amount is regulated.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling a locomotive such that the braking effort is maintained at its optimal maximum level throughout the extended range. The method comprises detecting a first reduction in speed of the locomotive; energizing at least one solid state device connected across one or more grid resistors for a first predetermined amount of time to divert current away from the one or more grid resistors for the first predetermined amount of time; and de-energizing the solid state device after the first predetermined amount of time. The solid state device may be an Isolated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and a plurality of solid state devices are energized, each solid state device being connected across a corresponding resistor grid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrodynamic braking device and to a method for braking a universal motor having a field winding and an armature. The universal motor can be switched from a motor mode to a braking mode. In the motor mode, the armature and the field winding are supplied with an alternating current of a power grid. In the braking mode, the armature is short-circuited and the field winding continues to be supplied with an alternating current from the power grid. In a first phase of the braking mode, the field winding can be supplied with an alternating current having the frequency of the power grid. In a further phase of the braking mode, the field winding is supplied by the power grid with an alternating current having a frequency that is reduced with respect to the frequency of the power grid.

Abstract: A driving device for a hatch in a vehicle, with a housing tube connected to a base part or to a movable structural component part, a protective tube connected to the movable structural component part or to the base part, a spindle drive having a threaded spindle and a spindle nut arranged on the threaded spindle by which the housing tube and the protective tube are movable axially relative to one another. A rotary drive drives the spindle drive in rotation includes at least one electric motor. The driving device has a safety circuit that causes a braking effect on the rotary drive when the rotary drive is deactivated and when extraneous forces are introduced into the driving device from the outside.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided in one example embodiment and includes a power management module configured to receive data associated with travel being proposed by an end user of an electric vehicle. The power management module is configured to suggest a starting time for the travel based on time of use (ToU) rates for electricity consumption and a current level of power in the electric vehicle. In more specific embodiments, the data associated with the travel includes a starting location, an ending location, and a proposed drive time. In other embodiments, the power management module is further configured to interface with a mapping tool in suggesting the starting time for the end user. The power management module can be configured to obtain the ToU rates from a utility, and the ToU rates are provided as a function of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a stepper motor comprises a driver circuit and a brake circuit each having a motor controller device. The driver circuit, brake circuit and motor are connected in parallel. The driver circuit receives an enabling signal and outputs driver current to the motor accordingly. The brake circuit includes a logic circuit which receives the enabling signal, a brake input signal, and a power supply status signal, and outputs a brake logic signal. The brake circuit motor controller device is coupled to the logic circuit. This motor controller device receives an output of the brake logic circuit and outputs braking current to the motor in accordance therewith. The braking circuit is effective to prevent movement of the motor shaft in accordance with output of the braking current. The motor controller devices are substantially identical. The apparatus is effective to control the motor while avoiding generation of RF noise.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a stepper motor comprises a driver circuit and a brake circuit each having a motor controller device. The driver circuit, brake circuit and motor are connected in parallel. The driver circuit receives an enabling signal and outputs driver current to the motor accordingly. The brake circuit includes a logic circuit which receives the enabling signal, a brake input signal, and a power supply status signal, and outputs a brake logic signal. The brake circuit motor controller device is coupled to the logic circuit. This motor controller device receives an output of the brake logic circuit and outputs braking current to the motor in accordance therewith. The braking circuit is effective to prevent movement of the motor shaft in accordance with output of the braking current. The motor controller devices are substantially identical. The apparatus is effective to control the motor while avoiding generation of RF noise.

Abstract: A motor driving apparatus for driving and braking a motor equipped with a brake comprises a motor/brake driving DC power supply which is used both as a motor driving power supply and as a brake driving power supply, wherein when the motor/brake driving DC power supply is being used as the motor driving power supply, a voltage conversion circuit via which a voltage supplied from the motor/brake driving DC power supply is applied to the brake feedback-controls the voltage applied to the brake. This configuration serves to reduce the loss (due to temperature rise) in the brake coil of the motor being driven to move a robot arm.

Abstract: In a controller, a first switch unit establishes electrical connection between a power-off brake and a power source when a servomotor is energized. The electrical connection causes the power-off brake to be released. A second switch unit is provided between the power-off brake and the power source. The second switch unit establishes electrical connection between the power-off brake and the power source upon being manually operated during the servomotor being deenergized. A calculating unit calculates a driving speed of the joint by the servomotor. A determining unit determines whether the calculated driving speed of the joint is greater than a predetermined threshold speed. An interrupting unit interrupts a supply of electrical power from the power source to the power-off brake through the electrical connection established by the second switch unit when it is determined that the calculated driving speed of the joint is greater than the predetermined threshold speed.

Abstract: A storage drive implements a method for a BEMF voltage reduction during a deceleration period of an electric motor of the storage drive. In operation, the electric motor is disconnected from a power supply during an entirety of the deceleration period of the electric motor to prevent any flow of a BEMF current into the power supply, and the electric motor is connected to a power return during a segment or an entirety of the deceleration period of the electric motor to dissipate any BEMF voltage within the electric motor.

Abstract: A motor control device includes a recording module and a controlling module. The recording module has a revolution speed table recording a plurality of predetermined revolution speed values. The controlling module receives a reference revolution speed control signal and measures the reference revolution speed control signal to correspondingly generate a reference measuring value. The recording module records the reference measuring value corresponding to one of the predetermined revolution speed values in the revolution speed table.

Abstract: A motor driving device includes a brake mode control section for starting, when a brake instruction for a motor, braking of the motor in a reverse brake mode and then switching the reverse brake mode to a short brake mode; a cycle start detection section for receiving a rotation signal and detecting a start of a cycle of the rotation signal for each cycle; and a counter for performing, when the start of the cycle of the rotation signal is detected by the cycle start detection section, a count operation from an initial value. In the motor driving device, the brake mode control section detects that a value of the counter exceeds a threshold and performs switching from the reverse brake mode to the short brake mode with a delay from the detection.

Abstract: When surplus power not charged to an electric storage is generated at the time of regenerative braking of a vehicle, a voltage is generated across first and second neutral points using a zero-voltage vector each of first and second inverters and the generated surplus power is consumed by a resistance connected across the first and second neutral points. The voltage generated across the first and second neutral points is calculated in accordance with the surplus voltage, using a resistance value of the resistance.

Abstract: A system for maintaining appropriate control of an actuator in the event of a power disruption without being adversely affected by the period of the power disruption. The actuator may close during the power disruption but will be fully opened upon the return of power to the system. After being opened, the actuator may be kept open with less power than needed for opening it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle electric drive system. There is a need for a brake responsive vehicle electric drive system. A vehicle electric drive system includes an internal combustion engine, an electric motor/generator driven by the engine, and drive wheels driven by a traction motor/generator. The motor/generators are controlled by a control system which receives signals from an operator speed control member, wheel speed sensors, and a pair of brake pedal position sensors, each connected to a corresponding left or right brake pedal. In response to operation of the brake pedals, the controller coordinates operation of the electric drive system with operation of the brake pedals.

Abstract: A motor driving apparatus for driving and braking a motor equipped with a brake comprises a motor/brake driving DC power supply which is used both as a motor driving power supply and as a brake driving power supply, wherein when the motor/brake driving DC power supply is being used as the motor driving power supply, a voltage conversion circuit via which a voltage supplied from the motor/brake driving DC power supply is applied to the brake feedback-controls the voltage applied to the brake. This configuration serves to reduce the loss (due to temperature rise) in the brake coil of the motor being driven to move a robot arm.

Abstract: A stabilizer control device includes a stabilizer having torsion bars and a brushless motor having an exciting coil, a rotating direction switching device switching a rotating direction of the brushless motor, an excitation control device for controlling power supplied to the exciting coil, a vehicle state detecting device, a rotating state detecting device, a roll control device for reducing a rolling movement of the vehicle, a brake mode by which all the switching elements of one of the first switching element group and the second switching element group are controlled to be in a conducting state, and all the switching elements of the other of the first switching element group and the second switching element group are controlled to be in a non-conducting state; and a brake mode executing device for executing the brake mode in accordance with the state of the roll control device.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a spindle motor having a plurality of windings including at least a first winding, a second winding, and a third winding. During a spin-up operation, a voltage is applied to the first winding and a first rise time is measured for current flowing through the first winding to reach a predetermined threshold. A voltage is applied to the second winding and a second rise time is measured for current flowing through the second winding to reach a predetermined threshold. A voltage is applied to the third winding and a third rise time is measured for current flowing through the third winding to reach a predetermined threshold. A difference is computed in response to the first rise time, the second rise time, and the third rise time, and an angular position of the spindle motor is estimated by computing an arctangent in response to the difference.

Abstract: A motor drive circuit includes a first transistor. The collector of a second transistor is connected to the emitter of the first transistor in series. A motor is connected to a connection point between the first and second transistors. A first brake control circuit turns off the first transistor and turns on the second transistor in accordance with a brake operation instruction signal. A second brake control circuit forces the first transistor to be turned OFF in accordance with the brake operation instruction signal independently from the first brake control circuit.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk, a head actuated over the disk, and a spindle motor for rotating the disk, the spindle motor comprising a plurality of windings. Disk control circuitry executes a spin-down operation of the spindle motor by estimating an angular position of the spindle motor by applying a voltage to at least one of the windings and evaluating a rise time of current flowing through the winding. The windings are commutated in response to the estimated angular position, and a driving current is applied to the windings to brake the spindle motor.

Abstract: A control circuit operates a dual directional DC motor from an AC power source. A controller has first and second position indication inputs adapted to receive respective first and second position indications. The controller also has first and second direction outputs, which respectively energize one of two first relay coils having contacts outputting respective AC voltages responsive to the direction outputs. A full wave bridge rectifier receives the AC voltage and responsively outputs a DC voltage, which energizes a second relay coil. A contact thereof directs that voltage to two sets of first relay contacts, which are also responsive to the direction outputs, and which respectively provide a positive or negative DC voltage to the motor. Another second relay coil contact provides a braking action to the motor responsive to removal of the DC voltage from the rectifier output following removal of the AC voltage to the rectifier.

Abstract: A driving system for driving a brushless motor effects a rotation control of a rotor by sequentially switching application of a current to magnetic coils disposed in a stator in response to a detection signal from a pole-position detector. The driving system comprises a controlling circuit for generating a driving signal, an inverter control circuit for controlling application of the current to the coils by adjusting opening and closing of switching devices in response to the driving signal, and a rotational speed sensor. The controlling circuit generates a braking signal when a rotational speed of the rotor is beyond a predetermined value, and transmits the braking signal to the inverter control circuit. The inverter control circuit effects a braking control in response to the braking signal by application of the current to at least one coil except those coils being excited upon reception of the braking signal.

Abstract: A device to control a 3-phase motor having an inverter connected to each phase terminal and a brake to arrest the 3-phase motor, includes a power supply to supply power to the brake and the inverter at the same time based on a predetermined synchronization signal. The device also includes a control unit to output an inverter control signal to control the inverter and a power control signal to enable the power supply to supply the power to the brake and the inverter. Thus, the device to control a 3-phase motor has an immediate response to a control signal with a reduced production cost and a system size, by reducing circuit components such as a brake relay and a brake power supply.

Abstract: A control method and a switching circuit for braking an electronically commutated electrical motor, wherein operation is in a phase period (T) of an inverter relative to at lest one winding, sequentially, both in a motoring mode and a generating operating mode using various cycles (t1-t2, t3-t4) beginning with zero, such that the driving and braking torques associated with the cycles (t1-t2, t3-t4) produce a resultant braking moment averaged over the phase period (T).

Abstract: A motor control method and apparatus for stopping an object moved by a motor accurately at a predefined target position, shortening the time period required in stop control, in which the motor is driven at a first (high) speed up to a distance from the target position adequate for stop control and then is sequentially braked to a predetermined speed lower than the first speed, driven at a second (low) speed up to a distance from the target position equal to the stopping distance, and braked to a stop. The method and apparatus are used in a time recorder. An impact printing apparatus is also disclosed with printing pin actuation timing correction dependent upon scanning speed or platen shape, striking duration timing dependent upon scanning rate, or printing pin actuation timing dependent upon stored shift amounts.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically decelerating a personal transporter of the kind that has a controller for controlling the motion of the transporter. Upon detection of a fault condition, a goal value of a control variable is set, the control variable is adjusted at a specified increment in the direction of the goal value, and the prior steps are repeated until the control variable equals the goal value. A method is also provided that affords a user accelerated access to operation of a balancing personal transporter. The method has the steps of first initializing a single-axis stabilizer, and, while initializing a 3-axis stabilizer, alerting the rider that the transporter is ready for use, allowing operation of the transporter, and then completing initialization of the 3-axis stabilizer, and employing the 3-axis stabilizer for control of the balancing personal transporter.

Abstract: A blended electrical/friction braking system includes an electric brake feedback monitor which monitors a first signal corresponding to an electric brake effort request of an electric motor of an electrically powered vehicle. The electric brake feedback monitor detects one or more electrical conditions of the electric motor during electric braking and selectively supplies/terminates the first signal to/from a brake controller as a function of the first signal and the one or more electrical conditions. In response to termination of the first signal thereat, the brake controller causes a friction brake of the vehicle to assume the entire braking effort of the vehicle.

Abstract: A device and method for driving a polyphase DC motor, in which a phase selector circuit, in each case, selects only one phase, which is fed to a commutation detection circuit. After each commutation detected by a commutation detection circuit, as a result of a pulse of constant duration generated by a monoflop, the phase discriminator circuit and, as a consequence, the commutation logic are advanced in a fixed and preestablished sequence. This occurs irrespective of the rotation direction of the motor using the sequential logic device embodied by the commutation logic. When the motor rotates in the preferred direction, constant current-flow angles of 120° are achieved for each phase. When the motor rotates in the reverse direction, markedly varying current-flow angles of the individual phases are generated, and these varying current-flow angles, as a function of the course of the specifically corresponding voltages induced in the individual phases, result in a counter-torque.

Abstract: In a drive device which is especially suitable for moving and turning the slats of a blind in a runner and in which the rotational movement of a drive wheel (2) can be alternately transmitted to a turning drive means effecting the rotational movement of the slats and to a transport drive means effecting the movement of the salts in the runner, the drive wheel (2) is driven by electric motor and, in addition, the shift of the change gear from its one shifting position into the other shifting position is effected by an electrical signal. For this purpose, a toothed sleeve (3) driving the transport drive means and a toothed sleeve (4) driving the turning drive means is alternately coupled to a drive tube (1), which can be driven via the drive wheel (2), in dependence on the relative rotational position of a reversing shaft (10) in the drive tube (1) via locking members (7, 8) arranged on its periphery.

Abstract: A series motor with commutator is disclosed which is especially suited as universal motor for a braked power tool. The series motor comprises a switch for switching between a motor mode and a braking mode, wherein, in motor mode, at least one field winding is connected in series with an armature winding in a motor circuit, which is connected to an a.c. power source, and wherein, in braking mode, the at least one field winding and the armature winding form together a closed braking circuit disconnected from the power source. The secondary winding of a mains-operated transformer is connected within the braking circuit. This arrangement guarantees improved safety of the braking action.

Abstract: A single cycle positioning system utilizing a DC motor wherein a wide ranging incoming AC supply voltage is rectified and a fixed frequency variable duty cycle pulse width modulation is provided to apply a predetermined rms DC voltage to the motor for a single cycle of operation.

Abstract: In control devices of electric power steering systems, steering characteristics are improved by control being carried out by means of a signal based on rotor speed or steering angle after failure of a torque sensor is detected.

Abstract: Improvements made to a router a relate to a switchable router brake system. The switchable brake system permits a motor brake to be selectably engaged to operate when the router motor is turned off. When engaged, the motor brake, which comprises a brake resistor being placed electrically across the motor windings, causes the router motor to stop rotating almost immediately. This feature, however, is not always desired; the switchable brake system permits the operator to engage the use of the brake only when desired, thus providing the option to selectively eliminate jerking caused electric brake torque induced in the router when the brake engages.

Abstract: A power window apparatus is provided for detecting pinching in accordance with the opened/closed position of the window and a state of rotation of a motor, the apparatus having a position sensor which detects a safety-control suspension region of the window and which is an accurate sensor. A spiral guide groove is formed in the inner surface of a housing opposite to a rotational plate which is rotated by an output shaft of a motor which opens/closes a window. A follower which is guided by the spiral guide groove is able to move along a straight guide groove provided for the rotational plate in the radial direction. Terminals in the form of conductive films are provided for a printed circuit board accommodated in the housing. When the rotational plate has been rotated, the follower is guided by the spiral guide groove so as to be moved in the straight guide groove. Thus, a slide member provided for the follower is brought into contact with the terminals so that the terminals are conducted with each other.

Abstract: Apparatus for braking either a linear or rotary electric motor having no permanent magnets comprising at least one position sensor for outputting an electrical characteristic representative of motor position and an electronic circuit for generating a pulsed control signal for controlling the braking of the motor. The electronic circuit of the present invention may be responsive to any emergency such as loss of line power, a motion controller failure, or actuation of a limit switch by a driven member.

Abstract: A method for settling a transducer (18) of a hard disc drive (10) on a target track (30) on a rotating disc (12) of the disc drive at the end of a seek to the target track in a determined time period. The time period is divided into two deadbeat intervals(58, 60), each of which is divided into a plurality of time intervals in each of which the location of the transducer with respect to the target track is measured (80) and an accepted value of transducer velocity is measured (82) or determined from successive locations of the transducer. In the first time interval of the each deadbeat interval, a deadbeat value of a control signal is determined (88) on the basis of ideal deadbeat settle of the transducer to the target track and outputted to a power amplifier (36) that drives the actuator (40) on which the transducer is mounted for radial movement of the transducer across the disc.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling dynamic braking in a vehicle having at least one drive motor of the type having an armature and a field. The motor is adapted to function as an alternator during dynamic braking for dissipating power through a resistor grid. The vehicle includes a field current controller for regulating the level of dynamic braking by controlling the current level through the motor field. A brake level selector is provided for producing a desired braking level signal. A field current sensor senses the current level in the motor field and produces an actual field current signal. A grid current sensor senses the level of current flowing through the resistor grid and produces an actual grid current signal. A controller receives the desired brake level signal, the actual field current signal, and the actual grid current signal. The controller produces a first desired field current signal and a desired grid current signal in response to the desired brake level signal.

Abstract: An automatic braking and speed control for a device driven by an electric motor. A controller provides a pulsed output voltage having a pulse width dependent upon the load seen by the motor (16). When the drive pulses are present two diodes (52,54) and a transistor (66) serve to maintain a power transistor (56) in the off condition. When the controller is not providing drive pulses and the motor (16) is being turned by the momentum of the mechanical device or by some outside force, such as gravity, the motor (16) functions as a generator and turns on two transistors (56,67) so that two resistors (51a,51b) apply a load to the generator (16). This provides a braking action between the output pulses so that the net speed of the motor (16) and its associated mechanical device is more dependent upon the output pulses provided by the controller.

Abstract: An electric circuit with limit-switch for limiting rotatable range of an output shaft of an electric drive unit disposed between an electric motor and a control device for supplying a drive current thereto, comprising a first snap action limit switch disposed on a first input terminal of the motor, and a second snap action limit switch disposed on a second input terminal of the motor, the limit switches having pivot points of movable contacts on a motor side, their normally-closed contacts being connected to an output side of the control device and their normally-open contacts being connected to a common connecting point, and the normally-closed contacts of the first limit switch is connected to the common connecting point through a diode in the direction allowing an electric current to flow from each of the normally-closed contacts toward the common connecting point, and further comprising a diode for allowing an electric current to flow in parallel to the second limit switch, bypassing between the normally-

Abstract: A circuit for controlling three modes of operation of a multiple terminal load using a single positive DC voltage 12, simple circuitry, two relays 26, 30 and a single input control line 17. The circuit senses a switch 16, or logic device generating three conditions: open circuit, connection to positive voltage or connection to ground. Three operating modes are effected while minimizing the number of wires needed to control the multiple terminal load.

Abstract: An electric actuator having an output member movable into and out of a force-exerting position, electric motor means operable both to move the output member to and from its force-exerting position and, when the output member is in that position, to control a spring system to generate a required output force on the output member, and means for withholding the spring system from generating a force on the output member until the output member is determined as being in its force-exerting position.

Abstract: An electric actuator having an electric motor operable to determine the output force generated on an output member by a spring system, and an adjustable stop by which can be limited the maximum value of the output force, the position of the adjustable stop being variable in accordance with variation of the required maximum value of the output force to be exerted by the output member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electric actuator having an output member movable from a first variable position to a second variable position; an electric motor operable to control a spring system to exert an output force on the output member when in its second position; a device for generating an electrical signal when the output member is about to leave the second position as it returns to the first position; and a motor-control electrical circuit which recognizes the generation of the electrical signal and thereafter operates the electric motor to a pre-determined degree to move the output member a corresponding pre-determined distance back to the first position so that there is preserved a substantially constant distance between the first and second positions.

Abstract: An electric actuator which comprises an electric motor operable to a varying degree correspondingly to cause a spring to generate on an output member an output force which varies in accordance with the varying degree of operation of the electric motor.

Abstract: A driving and braking system having solid state switches for use with an electric motor. A first switch in series with a motor armature carries current from a power supply to the motor during the driving operation. A second switch couples a voltage from the motor armature to the first switch to render the first switch nonconductive and place the motor in a braking mode in response to a braking signal. The first switch provides armature current and couples a voltage from the motor armature to the second switch to render the second switch nonconductive and place the motor in a driving mode in response to a driving signal. The motor can be switched between the braking mode and the driving mode without bringing the motor to a stop.

Abstract: An electric actuator which comprises an electric motor operable to a varying degree correspondingly to cause a spring to generate on an output member an output force which varies in accordance with the varying degree of operation of the electric motor.