Abstract: In one aspect, a movable barrier operator system is provided that includes a motor configured to be coupled to a movable barrier. The motor has a power rating indicative of a minimum power to be supplied to the motor in order for the motor to move the movable barrier. The system further includes an external power supply configured to connect to an electrical outlet. The external power supply has a plurality of outputs each having a power rating indicative of a maximum power the output supplies, the output power rating being less than the motor power rating. The movable barrier operator system includes combiner circuitry configured to combine power from the outputs of the external power supply and provide the combined power to the motor. The system further includes a monitoring circuit configured to detect a fault condition of any of the outputs of the external power supply.

Abstract: A steering wheel locking control apparatus may include: a power supply switch configured to receive power from a battery when an ignition switch of a vehicle is turned off; and a switch unit connected to a motor, turned on when power is received through the power supply switch, and configured to lock a steering wheel through a closed circuit formed by shorting phases of the motor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an anti-pinch control system. The anti-pinch control system includes a motor configured to generate driving force for moving a seat of a vehicle, a current measurement sensor configured to measure a value of the current generated by the motor, a database unit configured to store the values of current measured by the current measurement sensor, and a controller configured to vary an anti-pinch value of the seat based on an average of a plurality of values of current measured every preset measurement period for a predetermined time, stored in the database unit, wherein the plurality of values of current is values of current measured before the predetermined time based on a current time.

Abstract: A measurement circuit that is configured to provide a torque reading to a motion controller includes an offset controller and an amplifier. The offset controller is configured to read a temperature signal and to generate an offset voltage in response to receiving the temperature signal. The amplifier is configured to read a differential voltage from a differential sensor and to receive the offset voltage from the offset controller. The amplifier is also configured to add the offset voltage to the differential voltage after applying a gain to the differential voltage to generate an adjusted voltage. The amplifier is then configured to transmit the adjusted voltage.

Abstract: A memory device includes a memory array including a plurality of memory cells arranged in rows and columns. A closed loop bias generator is configured to output a column select signal to the memory array. A current limiter receives an output of the closed loop bias generator. The current limiter is coupled to a plurality of the columns of the memory array.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a magnetic disk device includes a magnetic disk, a magnetic head that accesses the magnetic disk, a motor that moves the magnetic head, a ramp, a motor driver, and a processor. When a voltage value of a power supply voltage falls below a first threshold, the motor driver starts a retract operation of retracting the magnetic head to the ramp by controlling a voltage applied to the motor. When the voltage value of the power supply voltage falls below a second threshold larger than the first threshold, the processor transmits an instruction related to applying a brake to the movement of the magnetic head to the motor driver.

Abstract: A device for supplying power to an inductive load, including an H-bridge switching structure, the switching structure being designed to drive a current in the inductive load through a first control output and a second control output, an anomaly detector designed to generate an item of anomaly detection information about the detection of an anomaly at the switching structure, the anomaly detector including a first voltage generator, a second voltage generator, a first current measuring device, a second current measuring device designed to measure a current at the output of the second voltage generator, a third current measuring device, a fourth current measuring device, a fifth current measuring device and a sixth current measuring device, the current measuring devices being designed to respectively measure the currents of the switches.

Abstract: A robotic system and methods for performing spine surgery are disclosed. The system comprises a robotic manipulator with a tool to hold a screw and to rotate the screw about a rotational axis. The screw is self-tapping and has a known thread geometry that is stored by one or more controllers. A navigation system tracks a position of a target anatomy. Movement of the robotic manipulator is controlled to maintain the rotational axis of the surgical tool along a planned trajectory with respect to the target anatomy based on the tracked position of the target anatomy. In autonomous or manual modes of operation, the rotational rate of the screw about the rotational axis and/or an advancement rate of the screw linearly along the planned trajectory is controlled to be proportional to the known thread geometry stored in the memory.

Abstract: A motorized window shade system may comprise a shade tube in a pocket; a window shade attached to the shade tube; a motor configured to rotate the shade tube; an internal temperature sensor configured to measure a first temperature of the motor; an external temperature sensor configured to measure a second temperature of the pocket; and a controller configured to adjust a mode of the system from an override mode to an automated mode.

Abstract: A control system configured to control a rotating electrical machine of a battery electric vehicle (BEV), having one or more microprocessors that execute a low-efficiency mode of operation for the BEV, such that the low-efficiency mode of operation includes determining a high-efficiency mode current command corresponding to operation at a determined physical rotor angular velocity of a rotor of the rotating electrical machine at a commanded torque value, and increasing current supplied to the rotating electrical machine to a level corresponding to operation at an angular velocity higher than the determined physical angular velocity of the rotor at the commanded torque value.

Abstract: A recording device includes: a recording unit configured to perform recording by liquid to a recording medium; a support unit configured to support the recording medium subjected to printing and transported in a transport direction; a drying mechanism including a heated air blower including a heat source and a blowing unit; a number of rotations detecting unit configured to detect a number of rotations of the blowing unit; and a control unit configured to control the drying mechanism. The support unit and the heated air blower are disposed sandwiching a transport path of the recording medium at a position downstream of the recording unit in the transport direction. The control unit controls the number of rotations of the blowing unit based on an output of the number of rotations detecting unit in a state in which a constant power is applied to the heat source.

Abstract: Power tools described herein include a tool output, a motor driving the tool output, a battery pack interface, a power switching network coupled between the battery pack interface and the motor, and a controller coupled to the power switching network to control operation of the motor. The controller is configured to operate the motor at a no-load speed at startup and detect a load state of the power tool. The load state indicates whether the power tool is in a loaded state or an unloaded state. The controller is also configured to incrementally ramp up a speed of the motor from the no-load speed to a selected speed when the power tool is in the loaded state and incrementally ramp down the speed of the motor from the selected speed to the no-load speed when the power tool is in the unloaded state.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a vehicle that includes an electric machine as a propulsion source. In one example, a motor stall assessment level is generated based on an amount of time that the motor is stalled and an amount of torque that is generated by the motor. Mitigating actions may be performed if the motor stall assessment level exceeds a threshold level or value.

Abstract: An electric power tool includes a body, a driver, a manipulation section, a load sensor, and a controller. To the body, a tool is attachable. The driver is configured to drive the tool to rotate, the tool being attached to the body. The manipulation section is configured to receive an operation for causing operation of the driver. The load sensor is configured to measure a load caused when the driver operates. The controller is configured to: set an upper limit value of a rotation speed of the driver in accordance with the load measured by the load sensor; and control driving of the driver to rotate based on the upper limit value.

Abstract: A motor control device includes an energization control unit and an excessive return determination unit. The energization control unit controls energization to a motor. The excessive return determination unit determines whether or not there is a possibility of an excessive return exceeding an allowable return position, when a non-energization return control is performed to return a motor in a direction away from a movable limit position by an external force generated in the rotation transmission system by turning off the energization to the motor after driving the motor to the movable limit position where the drive is restricted by the drive limiting portion. When it is determined that there is no possibility of the excessive return, the energization is continuously turned off, and when it is determined that there is a possibility of the excessive return, a stop control configured to stop the motor by energizing is performed.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus includes: a heat-source-side device that heats or cools a heat medium; a pump that sucks and transfers the heat medium; use-side heat exchangers; a heat medium circuit; flow rate control devices; indoor-side pressure sensors; a pump inlet-side pressure sensor and/or a pump outlet-side pressure sensor; a flow rate detection device that detects a pump flow rate; and a controller that performs a first operation in which the flow rate control devices are individually opened or closed and data regarding a flow passage resistance at a path related to each of the heat exchangers is obtained, and a second operation in which heat is supplied to indoor air, and calculates calculate flow rates of the heat medium that flows through the heat exchangers in the second operation, from pump flow rates and pressures detected by the pressure sensors in the first and second operations.

Abstract: An electric tool includes an AC motor (an electric motor) and a control unit. The AC motor includes a permanent magnet and a coil. The control unit is configured to perform control on operation of the AC motor. The control performed by the control unit includes field weakening control. In the field weakening control, the control unit causes a flux-weakening current to flow through the coil. The flux-weakening current is a current that generates, in the coil, a magnetic flux that weakens a magnetic flux of the permanent magnet.

Abstract: The invention refers to a housing assembly for an electric drive or an electric drive unit, in particular of a motor vehicle, comprising a housing, a cooling fluid and an inverter, the housing forming a cooling circuit for receiving the cooling fluid with at least one first recess and the inverter having at least one capacitor assembly which is provided for arrangement in the first recess of the housing. The capacitor assembly is formed with at least one capacitor, in particular a wound capacitor, a shell for receiving the capacitor and a thermal conduction element, in particular a thermally conductive resin, for embedding the capacitor in the shell. The capacitor assembly can be coupled directly to the shell. Furthermore, the invention refers to a motor and a vehicle.

Abstract: A surge suppression device includes a plurality of series circuits each of which is composed of a resistor and a capacitor, a case in which a plurality of the resistors and a plurality of the capacitors are placed, wherein respective ends of the plurality of series circuits on the capacitor side are electrically connected to each other via a connection electrode provided on the case. A motor wiring component includes a plurality of conductive wires connected to stator coils of the motor, wiring terminals that are provided at ends of the plurality of conductive wires on a side opposite to the side connected to the stator coils and are connected to electrodes of a terminal block, and the surge suppression device.

Abstract: A surge suppression circuit is used in a rotating electrical machine system including a switching circuit composed of a plurality of switching elements and a rotating electrical machine connected thereto via an electrically conducting path comprising a plurality of electrically conductive bodies. The surge suppression circuit suppresses surge voltage generated in a plurality of connecting lines connecting the plurality of electrically conductive bodies to windings of plural phases of the rotating electrical machine. The surge suppression circuit includes a plurality of upper diodes with anodes respectively connected to the plurality of connection lines, a plurality of lower diodes with cathodes respectively connected to the plurality of connection lines, an upper line connected to respective cathodes of the plurality of upper diodes, a lower line connected to respective anodes of the plurality of lower diodes, and a voltage holding circuit connected between the upper line and the lower line.

Abstract: A boost circuit is arranged to reduce rise and fall times of pulsed power used for pulsed control operation of electric machines. Magnetic energy present in the electric machine at the end of a pulse is extracted by the boost circuit to reduce the pulse fall time. The energy is stored by the boost circuit and then applied at the beginning of a subsequent pulse to reduce the rise time. By reducing rise and fall times compared to not using such a boost circuit, machine efficiency is improved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a motor control apparatus and a motor control method to estimate a stator resistance of a motor for sensorless control of the motor.

Abstract: A control device includes: an angular velocity detection unit that detects an angular velocity of a motor; a vibration component removal unit that removes a vibration component in a predetermined band from the angular velocity detected by the angular velocity detection unit by filtering; and a current command calculation unit that calculates a current command value of a drive current for driving the motor according to a torque command value and the angular velocity from which the vibration component has been removed by the vibration component removal unit.

Abstract: A motor control unit for a vehicle comprising an electric drive motor, the motor control unit comprising a first processor, a second processor and a third processor, in which: the third processor is configured to: receive an actuation demand for the vehicle; calculate a torque for the motor in dependence on the actuation demand; and provide the calculated torque to the first processor; the first processor is configured to: receive the calculated torque and a control input of the vehicle; and determine a first control output for the electric drive motor in dependence on the calculated torque and the control input; and the second processor is configured to: receive the first control output from the first processor and the control input of the vehicle; calculate a second control output for the motor in dependence on the control input; and validate the first control output by comparison to the second control output.

Abstract: An electric working machine in one aspect of the present disclosure includes a driving device, a controller, a control power source, and an operation state determiner. The control power source includes a first converter and a second converter. The control power source transitions to a first conversion state when the operation state determiner determines that the controller is in a control operation state. The control power source in the first conversion state supplies a first control current to the controller. The control power source transitions to a second conversion state when the operation state determiner determines that the controller is in a low power operation state. The control power source in the second conversion state (i) stops operation of the first converter, and (ii) supplies a second control current to the controller.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a motor driving device includes an output part that supplies an exciting current to an exciting coil, a position detection part that detects a rotational position of a rotor, and a driving control part that produces a driving signal that is based on a detection signal from the position detection part and supplies it to the output part. The position detection part has first, second, and third detection elements that are integrally integrated together with the driving control part and detect rotational positions of the rotor.

Abstract: One or more multiphase power converters are connected to a positive electrode and a negative electrode of a power supply via a high potential line and a low potential line, respectively, convert DC power of the power supply into multiphase alternate current power by operations of a plurality of inverter switching elements, and apply a voltage to each of phase windings of a multiphase winding set. A DC rotating machine switch including switches on a high potential side and a low potential side connected in series via a DC motor terminal connected to a second terminal that is an end of the DC rotating machine on an opposite side to a first terminal. The DC rotating machine switch generates a voltage of the DC motor terminal variable by switching. A control unit controls operations of the inverter switching elements and the DC rotating machine switch.

Abstract: An example vehicle comprises: (i) a source of direct current power, (ii) at least one electronically-commutated electric motor configured to drive a wheel of the vehicle, and (iii) a voltage bus connecting the source of direct current power with the electronically-commutated electric motor.

Abstract: The invention discloses an air conditioner and an electric heating control method and a control device thereof. An electric heating module and an indoor fan are arranged in an indoor unit of the air conditioner, the electric heating module comprises an electric heating unit and an electric heating control circuit, and an auxiliary fan is further arranged in the indoor unit; the electric heating control method comprises the following steps that when an electric heating starting condition is met, and the electric heating unit and the auxiliary fan are operated; after the auxiliary fan operates, heat generated by the electric heating unit is blown out from an air outlet of the indoor unit. According to the electric heating control method, the normal start of electric heating can be ensured to the maximum degree, and the requirement for auxiliary heating by electric heating is met.

Abstract: An electric drive system, method and apparatus includes a rechargeable energy storage unit, a power inverter, and a rotary electric machine. Transfer of electrical power between the rechargeable energy storage unit and the rotary electric machine is governed by a pulse width modulation (PWM) switching frequency, which is one of a non-six-step switching mode or a six-step switching mode. Executable instructions determine a rotational speed, a torque command, a torque direction, a bus voltage, and a hysteresis band, determine a modulation index command in response to the rotational speed, the torque command, the torque direction, and the bus voltage, and command operation of the rotary electric machine in one of the non-six-step switching mode or the six-step switching mode employing the modulation index command.

Abstract: A power tool includes a housing, a brushless motor disposed inside the housing, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive power-off signals and power-on signals. Upon receiving a power-on signal, the controller is further configured to receive a time signal indicative of a time interval from the last power-off signal to the current power-on signal. The controller is further configured to determine whether the time interval is greater than or equal to a first time threshold and less than a second time threshold, and brake the motor before start-up if the time interval is greater than or equal to the first time threshold and less than the second time threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed is a motor control apparatus, a motor control system, and a motor control method that estimate a stator resistance and a rotor position for sensorless control of a motor.

Abstract: The pinch detector includes a first portion that, in a first situation in which the member is being closed in a first closing movement but is stopped in an intermediate position not completely closed, obtains a reference value of a measured physical quantity of the motor, when braking the motor is ordered to stop the member, said reference value representing the physical quantity of the motor just before motor braking; a second portion that, in a second situation following the first situation and in which the member is moved in a second closing movement from said intermediate position not completely closed, compares current values of the measured physical quantity of the motor to a threshold value depending on said reference value in order to detect a pinch at closing member based on a comparison result.

Abstract: There is provided a working vehicle with increased safety by preventing deterioration of a battery due to over-discharge of the battery caused by an operator not noticing occurrence of a malfunction in driving by connected to an external power source. The working vehicle includes a charger, the battery, a sensor, a drive unit, a controller, a display unit, a battery management system, and a switch, in which the battery management system is configured to control the working vehicle to be switched to the driving by connected to the external power source when the switch is turned on after the charger is connected to an external power source and a valid signal for driving by connected to the external power source is received.

Abstract: There is provided a controller for magnetic levitation equipment comprising a plurality of current source modules for connecting to at least one power supply for direct current, DC, and said current source modules comprising current channels for actuating coils of the magnetic levitation equipment, and a controller device connected to the current source modules by a control connection for controlling switching of electric current by the current source modules to the current channels. The current source modules combine discrete components for amplifying and switching electric current to the current channels into a single package. In this way, manufacturing and maintenance of the controller is facilitated, since manufacturing and maintenance may be based on the current source modules instead of discrete components, e.g. gate drivers, IGBTs, power mosfets and diodes.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for modulating undesired electric-motor braking. Based upon the detection of an inverter degradation event, one of a first gate driver and a second gate driver (e.g., a high gate driver and a low gate driver, such as for one phase of an inverter) may be asserted in an alternating manner while the other of the first gate driver and a second gate driver is de-asserted, and the first gate driver and second gate driver may then be provided to a power switch circuitry. The alternating assertion of the one of the first gate driver and the second gate driver may be associated with a higher-speed state, and the de-assertion of both the first gate driver and the second gate driver may be associated with a lower-speed state.

Abstract: A motor controller comprises a switch circuit and a control unit. The switch circuit is coupled to a motor for driving the motor. The control unit generates a control signal to control the switch circuit. The motor controller determines a non-excitation time. When the motor is in a locked state, the motor controller enables the non-excitation time to be a variable value. The motor controller utilizes the non-excitation time to achieve a lock protection function. The motor controller determines whether the motor is in the locked state by detecting a rotor speed or a rotor temperature. Moreover, the motor controller further comprises a driving signal, where the driving signal has the non-excitation time.

Abstract: Systems and methods may be used to measure a frequency of a power delivery system and/or of a supply signal transmitted to a load. A system may record an input waveform, determine a frequency of the input waveform at a present time based at least in part on the input waveform and a derivative of the input waveform, and control an operation of a power delivery system based at least in part on the determined frequency.

Abstract: A rotational valve includes a valve closure element, a shaft, at least one detection element, at least one detection engagement means, at least one first stop and at least one second stop. The shaft is linked to the valve closure element and the shaft can rotate between a closed position and a fully open position. Each detection element comprises an aperture and an indicator element, the shaft extends through the aperture of at least one detection element, and each detection element is in sliding engagement with the shaft. The shaft can rotate relative to the detection element, each indicator element can move between a first and a second indicator position, each indicator element abuts a first stop when in the first indicator position and abuts a second stop when in the second indicator position.

Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine of a snowmobile is disclosed. The method comprises actuating a start switch of the snowmobile; in response to the start switch being actuated, sensing a temperature; in response to the sensed temperature being above a predetermined temperature, starting the engine using a motor-generator; and in response to the sensed temperature being below the predetermined temperature, starting the engine using a recoil starter.

Abstract: The internal temperate of a transistor is determined by detecting a voltage though a terminal of an integrated circuit that is also used by an overcurrent detection circuit of the integrated circuit for detecting an overcurrent condition of the system. The overcurrent detection circuit is coupled to a current electrode of the transistor through the terminal of the integrated circuit. A determination of internal temperature is based on a voltage measurement taken from the terminal during an on phase of the transistor. The voltage measurement is converted to a digital value and is used to determine an internal temperature of the transistor.

Abstract: The pinch detector includes a torque estimator that estimates a motor torque from current values of physical quantities of the motor including a motor voltage, a motor current and a motor speed, using coefficients of an approximation function that calculates an energy conversion efficiency of the motor as a function of the motor torque; a converter that calculates a first estimation of a pinch force exerted by the opening and closing member on a pinched object by converting the estimated motor torque into an estimated pinch force using a torque to force conversion coefficient; a comparator that compares the estimated pinch force with a predetermined force limit in order to detect a pinch based on the comparison result.

Abstract: Systems and methods of opening a vehicle liftgate based on an interior radar sensor that may be used to detect a user outside the rear of the vehicle are provided. The interior radar sensor may be installed behind the center line of a headliner of the vehicle, and detect the user's head and/or an upper-body gesture through the rear window of the vehicle. e.g., upon detection of a key fob carried by the user outside the vehicle. Upon detection of a valid gesture, e.g., a predetermined pattern of movement, by the user, the liftgate may be actuated to open.

Abstract: A power tailgate detection system is provided including a vehicle, a sensing system, and a control unit. The vehicle includes a bumper and a tailgate moveable between a closed position and an open position. The sensing system is disposed on an exterior surface of the tailgate and includes at least one emitter and at least one receiver. The emitter is positioned to emit radiation in a direction parallel to the exterior surface of the tailgate. The receiver is positioned to receive the radiation emitted by the emitter. The control unit is configured to control operation of the tailgate between to prohibit movement of the tailgate toward the open position when an object interferes with the radiation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a steering control system for a vehicle, a vehicle comprising such a steering control system and a method for operating such a steering control system for a vehicle. The steering control system comprises a frequency filter unit, a first control unit, and a second control unit. The frequency filter unit comprises a high pass filter and a low pass filter. The frequency filter unit is configured to receive a request for a steering angle and filter the request into a low-pass filtered request and a high-pass filtered request. The first control unit is configured to determine a first controlling torque based on the low-pass filtered request the second control unit is configured to determine a second controlling torque based on the high-pass filtered request. The first control unit is different of the second control unit.

Abstract: A motor controller comprises a switch circuit, a pre-driver, a duty cycle control circuit, a current limit circuit, a pulse width modulation control unit, and a resistor. The motor controller is configured to drive a motor, where the motor has a motor coil and a maximum rated current. The switch circuit is configured to supply a motor current to the motor coil. The pre-driver generates a plurality of driving signals to control the switch circuit. The current limit circuit may store a current limit graph. The motor controller attains a function of maintaining a fixed output power by a plurality of current limit values, where each of the current limit values is less than or equal to the maximum rated current.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling electric motors are disclosed. In addition, such apparatus and methods for starting and controlling electric motors and controlling electric motors switching from a PWM control to six step method of control. Methods and apparatus are further included to provide for robust control of an electric motor operating in a six-step running mode.

Abstract: A direct power conversion device includes a control unit. tb=1/|fdc?n×fL|. fdc is a frequency twice as high as a frequency of an AC power supply, fL is a frequency of periodic load fluctuations, and n is a positive integer that maximizes tb. In a half period of power supply during a period of tb, the half period including a timing at which peaks of a fundamental wave of load torque and an absolute value of a power supply voltage substantially coincide with each other, the control unit being configured to control the switching elements so that two or more local maximum points appear in the half period of power supply, in a waveform obtained by combining a second harmonic, a fourth harmonic, and a sixth harmonic of a power supply frequency contained in a waveform of an absolute value of a motor current vector.

Abstract: A steering device includes: a mechanism configured to turn turning wheels of a vehicle; a motor configured to generate drive force that is applied to the mechanism; and a controller configured to control the motor in accordance with a steering state. The controller includes a determination circuit configured to determine whether or not one of the turning wheels is in contact with an obstacle based on at least a value of electric current that is supplied to the motor and a vehicle speed. The controller is configured to, when one of the turning wheels is in contact with the obstacle, notify a driver that one of the turning wheels is in contact with the obstacle.

Abstract: A power tool includes a three-phase DC motor, a power switching network, a power source, and an electronic processor. A first phase of the motor is connected between a first low side electronic switch and a power source electronic switch, and connected to the power source via a first high side electronic switch in parallel with a diode. The electronic processor is configured to receive an indication to stop the motor during operation of the motor and activate the first low side electronic switch and a second low side electronic switch for a first predetermined time responsive to receiving the indication such that a back-electromagnetic force generated by the motor is stored in the first phase. The electronic processor is configured to deactivate the second low side electronic switch after the first predetermined time such that a first regenerative current is provided to the power source via the diode.