Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for the synchronized control of a plurality of stepping motors SM1, SM2 . . . SMn which serve as drives in a feed system, wherein the stepping motors SM1, SM2. . . SMn are controlled with a base frequency fa and a cycle of the base frequency fa is proportional to a given step length SL.

Abstract: The invention concerns an improvement of a drive system of a color image forming apparatus. The color image-forming apparatus includes a plurality of image-forming elements; a plurality of first driving motors, each of which corresponds to each of the image-forming elements, to drive the plurality of image-forming elements; an intermediate transfer element that is disposed opposite the plurality of image-forming elements; a second driving motor to drive the intermediate transfer element; and a controlling section to control the plurality of first driving motors and the second driving motor. In the color image-forming apparatus, the controlling section controls the plurality of first driving motors and the second driving motor independently of each other, so that a first peripheral speed of each of the image-forming elements coincides with a second peripheral speed of the intermediate transfer element.

Abstract: The present invention provides an active control system for coupling the movements of a pair of independently operated manual input devices such as dual flight control sticks operated by a pilot and co-pilot flying an aircraft. Each input device is configured to receive manual input data in the form of angular displacement of the device about one or more rotational axes. The active control system provides desired tactile feedback to an operator who displaces one of the manual input devices in the form of a restorative centering force. If an external system such as an auto-pilot system is engaged, the restorative force may be in a direction necessary to reconcile manual displacement of the input device with a position commanded by the external system, rather than directed toward the center position. The system also acts to reflect manual displacement of each input device as a force applied to the other.

Abstract: A gear pump having two meshing gears which are each assigned to a shaft and which are each driven by a driving unit. The driving units are controllable by a control unit such that the shafts rotate at a definable angular velocity. The control units have a symmetrical construction, and a control device provided in each control unit, each control device being connected to the other by way of a data line.

Abstract: A plural motor assembly includes a first motor generating a parameter, a control circuit electrically connected to the first motor for detecting the parameter and outputting a switch signal while the parameter is abnormal, and a second motor electrically connected to the control circuit and operating in response to the switch signal. Thus, when one motor is damaged, the speed of rotation of the other motor is increased to maintain normal operation.

Abstract: An open/close body control system for a vehicle can stabilize outputs of a pair of electrically operated motors (M1, M2) which drive an open/close body for a vehicle. Speeds of the electrically-operated motor (M1, M2) are synchronously controlled such that predictive positions (XLt+1, XRt+1) of electrically-operated motor (M1, M2) after a lapse of a unit time gradually approach a target position (XTRG) calculated based on present positions (XLt, XRt) and a target speed (&Dgr;XTRG) of the electrically-operated motors (M1, M2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit for operating a plurality of bi-directional motors, each motor having a pair of terminals disposed across the motor. The circuit includes a common half bridge for providing one of power and ground to one of the pair of terminals across each motor. A plurality of particular or individual half bridges, one particular half bridge for each motor, provide the other of power and ground to the other of the pair of terminals across each motor. A controller selectively controls the common half bridge and the particular half bridges to supply power in either direction across the pair of terminals of one or more of the motors. In a preferred embodiment, the controller selectively controls the common half bridge and the particular half bridges to independently pulse width modulate power in either direction across the pair of terminals of one or more of the plurality of motors.

Abstract: Apparatus, such as a wheelchair (10) is proportionally controlled by output signals produced by an X-Y input device (26, 58, 90, 100, 110, 360, or 370), which may be attached to head (90), a hand (112) or some other body component, and which may be actuated by tilting. The output signals are conditioned prior to application to the wheelchair (10).

Abstract: Two motor fans are driven by two 4-pole direct current motors, respectively. Rotational speed of the two motors is controlled in three stages, namely low speed, intermediate speed and high speed. Specifically, at the time of low speed operation the two motors are connected in series with four poles, at the time of intermediate speed operation the two motors are connected in parallel with three poles, and at the time of high speed operation the two motors are connected in parallel with four poles.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant electromechanical actuating device for converting an electrical actuating signal into a mechanical output actuating value for use in vehicles, having two mutually independent control loops. Each loop has at least one controller and at least one electric motor which is driven by this controller and which, in each case via a self-locking transmission, drives the input to a summing transmission, which superimposes the actuating values of the actuating motors to form the output actuating value. The fault tolerance or reliability of the actuating device is ensured by a comparator controller, which monitors the functions of the other controllers. Interfaces between the controllers and between the subsystems ensure stringent isolation of electrical potential.

Abstract: A synchronous control device according to the present invention completes an origin matching between a master section and a slave section without causing a phase difference even when a deceleration device is employed in the master section or in the slave section so as to perform an accurate synchronous control. The synchronous control device constantly detects the phase of a shaft of a master electric motor by a phase detector of the master electric motor according to the outputs of a master rotary encoder, and the phase of a shaft of the master machine by a phase detector of the shaft of the master machine according to the outputs of a master rotary encoder and an origin detector of the shaft of the master machine.

Abstract: An automotive steer-by-wire system is disclosed that includes a first network. The first network connects a first set of controllers for controlling a first set of motors. The steer-by-wire system further includes a second network that is independent of the first network and connects a second set of controllers for controlling a second set of motors. The steer-by-wire system includes a third network that connects the first set of controllers and the second set of controllers for controlling the first or second set of motors if the first or second network is inoperative, whereby information is transmitted via the third network independent of the first network and the second network.

Abstract: A combined drive circuit for a split brake system of a motor vehicle has a switched reluctance motor and a brush motor. The switched reluctance motor has multiple phase windings. The combined drive circuit includes a DC power source with first and second supply buses. A SR motor driver supplies current to the switched reluctance motor. The SR motor driver has a first capacitor coupled to the phase windings for storing energy from the phase windings and a second capacitor coupled to the first capacitor and a third supply bus, thereby developing a third supply bus voltage across the second capacitor. A brush motor driver is coupled to the first and second capacitor. The SR motor driver is adapted to supply current to the brush motor. The brush motor driver includes first, second, third and fourth switching elements coupled to the brush motor.

Abstract: An electromagnetic automotive motor system for providing energy efficient automotive drive capabilities with minimal pollution. The electromagnetic automotive motor system includes a modular engine system for converting electrical current into rotational kinetic energy, a battery storage system electrically coupled to the modular engine system used for providing electrical current to said modular engine system and a drive train output system mechanically coupled to the modular engine system adapted for transferring rotation from the modular engine system to a drive shaft of an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: An electric vehicle accessory motor drive power supply system (40) that utilizes a single power supply design to provide efficient variable speed motor control to both brushless and brush-type DC motors (42,44). The power supply system includes at least one of each type of motor along with a first DC-DC converter (46) that provides operating power to the brushless motor (42) and a second DC-DC converter (48) that provides operating power to the brush-type motor (44). Both converters (46,48) have a power input (52) connected to the electric vehicle's high voltage bus (50) and each includes a data input (54) for receiving a speed control signal (SC) indicative of desired motor speed, as well as an output (56) for providing a motor drive signal to its associated DC motor (42,44).

Abstract: A driving mechanism for holding and shifting a part to be driven. The mechanism has at least three carrying elements for carrying the part elastically by exerting force upon the part in directions generally perpendicular to an axis of the part, at least one of the carrying elements being of a actuating type including a frictional actuator, the frictional actuator having a contact face for contacting the part under the pressure, the contact face oscillating at high frequency so as to make the part move in a direction almost rectangular to that of exerting the force upon the part.

Abstract: A control device for a plurality of rotating electrical machines has a single current control device with an inverter, gate driver, and a motor controller, which supplies a control current to each rotating electrical machine allowing rotation control in response to the rotational phase of the rotor. In this control device, the current control device determines the control current of each rotating electrical machine based on the target torques and rotational angular velocities of all rotating electrical machines, and supplies a composite current obtained by combining the determined control currents for each rotating electrical machine to all rotating electrical machine.

Abstract: A seat adjusting system having a motor assembly with an integrated sensor and control electronics assembly for adjusting a vehicle seat. The integrated electronics assembly performs electronic memory seat module functions. The integrated electronics assembly includes a multiplex link for communicating data between the integrated sensor and control electronics assembly and an external switch. The integrated electronics assembly further includes motor control relays positioned between the motors of the motor assembly for controlling the motors to adjust the seat. The integrated electronics assembly also includes seat position sensors for monitoring the position of the seat. In contrast to typical seat adjusting systems having an external electronic memory seat module, the seat adjusting system needs only a minimal set of wires connecting the seat adjusting system to an external switch as the integrated electronics assembly performs electronic memory seat module functions.

Abstract: In a controller where a contour machining is performed through a synchronous control between a mechanically movable portion (servo axis) driven by a servo motor and a main shaft (spindle axis) driven by a spindle motor, the position of the servo axis and the position of the spindle axis are collected at the same timing for each predetermined cycle and are stored. The position data of the servo axis and the spindle axis stored are converted to obtain a machining contour shape data, and the shape obtained is displayed on a display device of a personal computer or the like.

Abstract: A motor system utilizes a master three-phase induction motor driven by a single-phase power supply which the motor has six-windings connected in a symmetrical double DELTA or double WYE configuration with appropriate running capacitors to provide when the motor is running a balanced three-phases of voltage potentials. The potentials have been tapped off to run satellite three-phase induction motors.

Abstract: An electronic system (101/102) for use in a car has an electronic control unit (10) and, in the alternative, either a passive load (11) or an active logic (12) attached thereto. The control unit (10) comprises a push-pull arrangement (20) which can provide drive signals for the load (11) as well as for the logic (12), a multiplexer (45) to alternatively forward a load drive signal of a bus signal to the arrangement (20), and a register (90) to store a mode signal. Further, the control unit (10) automatically determines whether either the load (11) or the logic (12) is attached by analyzing electrical parameters.

Abstract: In an elevating device used in, for instance, a wheelchair, having a plurality of elevating assemblies at several positions and using compact brushless motors for driving the elevating assemblies. A run signal or a stop signal is sent to each of the brushless motors via a synchronous operation circuit. Whether a signal is a run signal or a stop signal is determined by comparing the pulse signals corresponding to rotations of the brushless motors with each other; and when the pulse signal of one brushless motor is larger than the pulse signal of another brushless motor, the brushless motor having the larger pulse signal stops.

Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus for a hybrid vehicle having an engine, first and second power distributors, and first and second motors includes a rotation transmitting unit for transmitting a drive power of the second motor to a power output shaft at a speed reduction ratio &agr;1 greater than a speed reduction ratio &agr;2 at the first power distributor and a speed reduction ratio &agr;3 (<&agr;2) at the second power distributor, a second clutch assembly for selectively connecting an output shaft of the first motor to the first power distributor and an output shaft of the engine, and a first clutch assembly for selectively connecting an output shaft of the second motor to the second power distributor and the rotation transmitting unit. A controller controls operation of the clutch assemblies and the motors depending on an operating state of the hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: The motor driving apparatus comprises a plurality of motors for displacing the position of the control object member, semiconductor switch pairs, a plurality of motor driving units for connecting the motors to the power supply and a control unit for ON/OFF controlling the semiconductor switch pairs. The motors form two sets of motors with each set being formed of two motors. One end of the motors and forming each set is connected to the common motor driving unit having the semiconductor switch pair and the other end of the motors and forming each set is connected to the motor driving units having the semiconductor switch pairs in each set. When the motors of each set are driven simultaneously, the control unit turns ON and OFF two semiconductor switch pairs and drives the motors of each set on the time division basis to provide inverse output polarities of the two semiconductor switch pairs connected to the motors of each set.

Abstract: A wheelchair having a seat and a plurality of wheels for rolling the wheelchair along a ground surface. A plurality of legs are provided for supporting the seat. Each of the legs is positioned between the seat and one of the wheels. A plurality of struts are also provided. Each of the struts couples a first of the legs to a second of the legs. Each of the legs bears only compressive force in supporting the seat, and each of the struts bears only tensile force. A foldable wheelchair formed from a seat bottom and a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat bottom. The seat back is movable between a folded position and an unfolded position. The seat bottom has a back end formed from a first curved shape, and the seat back has a bottom end formed from a second curved shape. The first curved shape of the seat bottom is sized to mate with the second curved shape of the seat back when the seat back is in the unfolded position.

Abstract: A method is provided for driving a motor apparatus having a first motor, a second motor, and a motor power supply commonly used for the first motor and the second motor. The first motor is a brushless motor. An electrical power is supplied from the motor power supply to driving circuits of the first motor and the second motor through a common motor power supply line. The first motor is driven by a direct PWM driving method, and the second motor is driven by a method different from the direct PWM driving method. A reverse regeneration current generated in the first motor is flown to the second motor through the common motor power supply line.

Abstract: A control system controls the movement of an object based on desired position data. The control system includes a first regulator configured to regulate the position of the object, a feed forward control configured to feed the desired position data forward to a second regulator at a lower level than the first regulator, and a modeling filter configured to receive the desired position data and to provide the desired position data to the first regulator with a predetermined time delay.

Abstract: A servo controller capable of driving a single movable member by two motors with high loop-gain setting to obtain a quick response. A servo controller includes two position controllers associated with respective motors and a damping controller. Each of the position controllers has a position control section to output a velocity command based on an identical position command from a host controller and a position feedback value from an associated position detector, a velocity control section to output a current command based on the velocity command and a velocity feedback value from an associated velocity detector, and a current control section to output a voltage command based on the current command and a current feedback value from an associated current detector. The damping controller outputs a current command correction value for compensating an interference between the two motors based on the velocity feedback values from the velocity detectors for the two motors.

Abstract: The transmission includes a planetary gearing mechanism including an input member adapted for connection to an engine, a member connected to a first electric machine operable as a motor or a generator, a member connected to a second electric machine operable as a motor or a generator, and an output member, the first and second electric machines and the members connected thereto being respectively rotatable for controlling a torque acting on the output member. The present control and associated method includes a first controller for controlling the rotation of the first electric machine and a second controller for controlling the rotation of the second electric machine, the first and second controllers being connected in electrical communication by a conductive link and controllable by first and second torque command signals, respectively.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a plurality of electrical devices (6) the system including a central controller (2) for controlling functions of the devices, a network (4) coupled between the central controller (2) and the devices, the network including a plurality of device drivers (10) for providing drive signals to the electrical devices, the number of drivers being less than the number of devices characterized in that the network includes intelligent devices (8) which enable communication through the network from the central controller (2) to the devices (6).

Abstract: A motor control system includes a processor having a clock output terminal for outputting clock pulses in desired cycles, a plurality of motors, and a plurality of motor drivers which are provided one for each motor and drive the corresponding motors on the basis of the clock pulses input into the motor drivers through their respective clock input terminals. The clock input terminals of the motor drivers are connected to the clock output terminal of the processor in common with each other.

Abstract: A plural motor assembly includes a first motor generating a parameter, a control circuit electrically connected to the first motor for detecting the parameter and outputting a switch signal while the parameter is abnormal, and a second motor electrically connected to the control circuit and operating in response to the switch signal. Thus, when one motor is damaged, another motor is started for maintaining a normal operation.

Abstract: The motor driving apparatus comprises a plurality of motors 11 to 14 for displacing the position of the control object member, semiconductor switch pairs 4 to 8, a plurality of motor driving units 21 to 23 for connecting the motors 11 to 14 to the power supply and a control unit 3 for ON/OFF controlling the semiconductor switch pairs 4 to 8. The motors 11 to 14 form two sets of motors with each set being formed of two motors. One end of the motors 11 to 12 and 13 to 14 forming each set is connected to the common motor driving unit 23 having the semiconductor switch pair 8 and the other end of the motors 11 to 12 and 13 to 14 forming each set is connected to the motor driving units 22, 23 having the semiconductor switch pairs 4 to 5, 6 to 7 in each set.

Abstract: In a mobile type X-ray apparatus, an input shaft of a cyclo-decelerator is connected to one end of a rotational shaft of a motor, and the other end of the rotational shaft is connected to an encoder and an electromagnetic brake. The cyclo-decelerator is attached to a frame. Also, a bearing is fitted in the frame, and a wheel hub is fitted between the bearing and a motor output shaft. A wheel is fixed to the wheel hub. By the cyclo-decelerating mechanism, a transmission of power is carried out among contact surfaces of an eccentric cam, epitrochoid teeth and rollers, so that the apparatus has a compact structure with a low noise and no backlash.

Abstract: An ink jet printer which is designed to control the motions of horizontal and vertical drive motors collectively and thereby allow only one motor to be driven at time for the reduction of peak power consumption includes: a vertical drive motor for feeding and discharging a print paper; a horizontal drive motor for driving a carriage to carry an ink cartridge to a print position; an ASIC circuit section corresponding to a logic circuit for controlling the operations of the horizontal and vertical drive motors; an EEPROM saving initial setting values required to control the ASIC circuit section and a program for a system; a driver circuit for controlling the operations of the drive motors; and a converger for managing tasks requested by the driver circuit in a collective manner so as to prevent simultaneous driving of the vertical and horizontal drive motors.

Abstract: In a tape transport for recording and/or reproducing signals by means of a recording medium using separate winding motors for driving the winding plates, the drive of the winding motors servo units is constructed as open-loop control devices and/or closed-loop control devices. Such servo units can advantageously be used for open-loop control and/or closed-loop control of the drive of the winding motor even during a braking operation.

Abstract: The present invention is an integral-type IC for multiple-axis position control to provide highly integrated and modular design for the positioning control of automatic system. The inventive IC comprises a plurality of digital differential analyzers (DDA) with output pulse circuit which convert the position command to pulse form, a plurality of servo motor position closed loop control positioning circuit, and a plurality of counters that works with motor encoder to precisely control the rotation speed and motion position of the motor. Thus the invention the position control function in a single IC.

Abstract: A controller for a work transfer system, capable of performing precise positioning of feed bars during sole driving of the transfer system and simplified in structure to contribute to savings in installation space and cost. The controller has a cam angle detector mounted on a cam shaft for feed cams and controls servo motors for respective lift bars according to information which is related to cam angle of the feed cams detected by the cam angle detector and looked up in a motion table set by a transfer controlling PLC serving as a motion table setting means.

Abstract: In a drive unit for a hybrid vehicle, a generator-motor is arranged on a first axis and a drive motor is arranged on a second axis in parallel with the first axis. A drive unit casing houses the generator-motor, the drive motor, an inverter unit for the generator-motor and the drive motor and a smoothing condenser for smoothing power source voltage of the inverter unit. The inverter unit is attached to the drive unit casing and is diametrically disposed relative to the generator-motor and the drive motor. The smoothing condenser is attached to the inside of the drive unit casing from which an end portion thereof projects. The inverter unit can be attached to the drive unit casing as a subassembly. By the invention, the drive unit can be made more compact, and the wiring can be simplified.

Abstract: A motor driving system comprises a plurality of motor driving control units each for controlling a motor and a controller for issuing a control command to a motor driving control unit. The controller and each of the motor driving control units have communication interfaces for infrared communications capable of transreceiving the signals. A loop communication using infrared rays is executed between the controller and one of the motor driving control units and also among the motor driving control units.

Abstract: A system for operating a plurality of motors with a single controller is disclosed. This system includes a first motor, a second motor that is matched to the first motor but has a lower power rating than the first motor and a controller electrically driving the first and second motors with a modulated voltage at one frequency selected from one or more frequencies over a complete range of frequencies. The controller generates a frequency of the modulated voltage from the range of frequencies which is proportional to the desired speed for the first and second motors. A method for building such a system is also disclosed. This system and method have particular application to HVAC systems.

Abstract: A double pole, double throw switching arrangement for effecting dynamic rotor braking of user controlled operation of a reversible direct current servo motor. Two columns of stationary center and oppositely disposed side contacts are disposed in spaced parallel arrangement on the switch base. One side contact in one column is connected to the opposite side contact in the other column and to the B+ supply. The remaining side contacts in each column are connected to a ground strap having a portion disposed for wiping contact. A pair of commonly user actuated moveable contact members are disposed for sliding contact with each column of contacts. The center contact in each column is connected to one end of a separate forward and reverse motor coil. In the neutral position both motor coil contacts are grounded. User movement of the common actuator in one direction simultaneously causes the moveable contact members to keep one motor coil grounded and connect the other motor coil to B+.

Abstract: A number N of AC machines, such as motors or generators, are independently controlled by a control system having 2N+1 phases, having N orthogonal sets of phase components. In a particular application, a hybrid vehicle including a generator and an induction motor are independently controlled by a five-phase controller having two independent sets of mutually orthogonal components. Each set of components controls one of the machines, and has no net effect on the other machine(s).

Abstract: The present invention provides a downsized vehicle control apparatus which is capable of controlling two DC separately excited motors. An armature of a first motor, an armature of a second motor and an armature chopper element for controlling the drive of the motors which is common to both of those motors are connected in series between the ends of a battery, and a drive circuit turns on/off the common armature chopper element for controlling the drive of the motors and a plurality of field chopper elements for the respective first and second motors to control the armature currents and the field currents in the first and second motors, respectively, thereby driving both of the motors with the desired rotational frequency or torque.

Abstract: A three-phase generator boost circuit for augmenting the back electromotive force produced by a spindle motor of a disk drive is disclosed. First and second nodes provide normal connection to a source of DC voltage for the spindle motor and a second motor connected between the first and second nodes. A commutator is connected to a sequencer to operate the spindle motor. In the event of catastrophic shutdown, two of the lower commutator switches are operated to short circuit the two stator coils having the highest and lowest voltages to store energy in the coils. The commutator switches are then operated to discharge current through the nodes to a storage capacitor for the second motor.

Abstract: A power output apparatus of the invention includes a clutch motor (30) and an assist motor (40) that allow energy output from an engine (50) driven at a driving point of high efficiency to be converted to energy expressed as the product of a revolving speed and a torque of a drive shaft (22) and to be output to the drive shaft (22). In case that a large torque is required, for example, when the vehicle starts on a rising slope or runs at a low speed, the engine (50) is driven at a high-energy driving point having a large torque and a high efficiency. This structure causes large electric power to be generated by excess energy greater than the energy generally consumed and enables a battery (94) to be charged with the large electric power.

Abstract: The network (N) links control modules (CM) of a device (M) on the basis of a common instruction and of a quantity measured by a sensor (S) associated with a measurement module (MM). The instruction is formulated in the measurement module and broadcast over the network by the measurement module together with the measurement value.

Abstract: This system for controlling the operation of reversible motor-speed reducer modules for adjusting in position elements of a motor vehicle seat structure is characterized in that the motor-speed reducer modules (1,2) are connected in parallel to common supply means (3), whose output voltage direction is piloted by a control module (4), and to this control module (4) through a multiplexed network (5) for the transmission of data piloting said motor-speed reducer module to permit the actuation or non-actuation, in one direction of rotation or the other, of each motor-speed reducer module (1,2) for adjusting in position each element of the seat structure.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to carry out control and enable an engine to output a desired power, thereby preventing unexpected charge or discharge of storage battery means. A power output apparatus of the present invention sets energy Pe to be output from an engine, in order to cancel a deviation .DELTA.Pb of a charge-discharge electric power Pb of a battery from its target value Pb* , and controls operation of the engine to output the energy Pe. The energy Pe output from the engine is subjected to torque conversion by means of a clutch motor and an assist motor and output to a drive shaft as a required power. In case that the converted energy is not equal to the required power, the battery is charged with the surplus electric power or is discharged to supplement the shortage of electric power. Namely regulation of the energy Pe results in controlling the charge-discharge electric power Pb of the battery.

Abstract: A motion controller generates commands to control electric motors of a multi-axis industrial machine in accordance with calculated positions set forth in a path planning table. In a method of generating the path planning table, a series of coordinates are entered into a system that correspond to positions of the machine along a complete cycle of a desired path. The coordinates are proportionally spaced based on distance, maximum speed and maximum acceleration factors. A path planning table is generated by determining the calculated positions based on a predetermined resolution using an S-curve mathematical equation that includes an alpha variable corresponding to an acceleration to jerk ratio. The value of the alpha variable is adjustable by the user during a testing procedure to allow for an optimal setting thereof.