Abstract: A method for implementing active deadtime control of an inverter associated with an electric motor is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes receiving a command voltage signal indicative of a desired load to be driven by the motor. Based upon the value of the command voltage signal, a determined value of deadtime is applied to switching circuitry in the inverter, wherein the value of deadtime relates to an amount of time in which the switching of a device in the switching circuitry is delayed so as to prevent a short circuit condition within the inverter.

Abstract: In an air conditioner having a control unit receiving a power from a switching power supply, a supplied voltage for the control unit is reduced to a possible lowest voltage for the unit to operate. This arrangement provides the air conditioner with less electromagnetic wave noise of the switching power supply, with a quick check and repair, and with having a motor-driven compressor quick start.

Abstract: A wiper control device in which an abnormal condition of a FET is detected by distinguishing an action of an overheat-cutting protective function normally difficult to be detected with measuring the drain voltage of the FET and by which the control of the pertinent FET is restrained upon the detection of abnormality so as to prevent a short circuit in the wiper control device from occurring. When an FETB (Qb) is set on, whether or not a drain voltage Vd is lower than Vpe ({fraction (l/2)}VG) is judged (step S5), and if lower, it is judged that the drain and ground is short-circuited, that is, an overheat-cutting protective function is acted, and “1” is added to the number of times of short circuit detection Perror (step S7). It is judged whether or not the added value of the number of times of short circuit detection Perror reaches a reference value (step S11).

Abstract: This invention comprises a DC motor driving circuit for use with a solar powered heating system and other applications such as solar powered irrigation or pumping. The circuit, in addition to functioning as a DC-to-DC converter between a photovoltaic (PV) power source and a motor, also contains a short term energy storage capability that is used to provide a jolt of current to a stopped motor. The circuit is designed to maximize motor runtime, and to be applicable to the varying internal resistances and pumping loads of a variety of motors.

Abstract: In a load driving arrangement, electric power is supplied from an auxiliary battery to a main power supply when the power stored by charging in the main power supply is scarce at the startup of the system. The power is supplied to the main power supply by closing relays to connect the auxiliary battery to the neutral point of an auxiliary motor, operating a switching transistor of a bottom arm of an auxiliary-related inverter based on a command from a control circuit, stepping up the voltage from the auxiliary battery by using a coil of the auxiliary motor as a reactor, and supplying the step-up voltage to the main power supply thereby charging the main power supply. At this time, a drive-related inverter and a DC/DC converter are stopped. When the main power supply is charged to a sufficient degree, the relays are opened to drive each load.

Abstract: A motor controlling device for an AC/DC driven motor is used for an AC and DC motor. The motor controlling device comprises an AC/DC converting unit, a voltage stabilizing unit, a phase detecting/controlling unit, and a high voltage driving unit. The AC/DC converting unit receives an AC power source to convert the AC power source into a high voltage DC voltage. The voltage stabilizing unit receives the high voltage DC voltage to convert it into a low voltage DC voltage. The phase detecting/controlling unit detects a polarity of the permanent magnet to output a first detecting and a second detecting signals accordingly, so as to provide automatically a shut down protection when the motor is locked. The high voltage driving unit receives the first detecting and the second detecting signals to drive the motor accordingly.

Abstract: An electronic circuit and software control methodology tracks motor position in a motor drive system. High power consumption position transducers, such as inductive sensors or optical encoders, can be controlled in a variable active duty cycle mode to reduce power and yet maintain motor position information while the main power is off. A lower power battery backup circuit is implemented as a secondary power source, and is automatically brought in operation when the main power supply is disabled. A dedicated control circuit operates during AC power outages, and the circuit average power can be controlled to a minimal rate, based on the rate of change of motor position. The motor can be externally driven, up to a defined limit speed, without losing its actual position information.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and system (300) supplying a regulated voltage of sufficient magnitude to enable de-latching of a head carriage from a latching device. In at least one embodiment, providing a voltage source for the voice coil motor (14) includes a regulator (310) having an input for receiving a first voltage potential and operably configured to provide a second voltage potential to an output selectively coupled to the voice coil motor (14) by a switch (345). A current source (315) is operably configured to provide a predetermined limited current via a pass transistor (325) associated with the regulator is also included. Further included is a capacitor (335) coupled to the regulator output and operably configured for charging by the current source via the current limited pass transistor.

Abstract: Power from a high voltage battery (10) (for example 36V) is supplied through an inverter (12) to a motor generator (14). A low voltage battery (20) (for example 12V) is connected through a reactor (18) to the neutral point of the motor generator (14). A voltage ratio of the low voltage battery (20) to the high voltage battery (10) is preferably from 1:2 to 1:4. In order to set the neutral point voltage to a desired charging voltage into the low voltage battery (20), the inverter (12) is controlled so as to follow a current distortion phenomenon. In this way, in a dual-power source system with a voltage ratio of a low voltage battery (20) to a high voltage battery (10) between 1:2 and 1:4, voltage switching means for use in charging a charge voltage of a high voltage side into a low voltage source can be implemented at low cost.

Abstract: An electronic circuit and software control methodology tracks motor position in a motor drive system. High power consumption position transducers, such as inductive sensors or optical encoders, can be controlled in a variable active duty cycle mode to reduce power and yet maintain motor position information while the main power is off. A lower power battery backup circuit is implemented as a secondary power source, and is automatically brought in operation when the main power supply is disabled. A dedicated control circuit operates during AC power outages, and the circuit average power can be controlled to a minimal rate, based on the rate of change of motor position. The motor can be externally driven, up to a defined limit speed, without losing its actual position information.

Abstract: In an air conditioner having a control unit receiving a power from a switching power supply, a supplied voltage for the control unit is reduced to a possible lowest voltage for the unit to operate. This arrangement provides the conditioner with less electromagnetic wave noise of the switching power supply, with a quick check and repair, and with having a motor-driven compressor start quickly.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner operates via power supplied from either an on-board battery or an AC power outlet. When the vacuum cleaner is operating by using the battery a controller monitors the voltage level in the battery and automatically shuts down the vacuum cleaner when the battery voltage has decreased below a preset level. This prevents a full drainage of the battery and increases its longevity. The controller that monitors the battery voltage level can be used with batteries of different voltages. The controller automatically determines which type of battery is being used and shuts down power to the vacuum cleaner motor after the appropriate amount of battery drainage.

Abstract: A power supply system of an electronic switching electric motor for air-conditioning devices is described, said power supply system is intended to be installed in the motor vehicles and comprises a solar panel (13), which is an integral part of the vehicle and supplies electric energy to the motor (4, 52). The electric motor (4, 52) can be further powered by the vehicle battery (54), in a way that no specific equipment is needed to convert the energy, nor converting devices are needed between the motor (4, 52) and the solar panel (13). Solar panels (13) can be used with a higher voltage output than that of the vehicle battery, in such a way as to draw the available electric energy at a voltage and current level suitable to achieve a significant decrease of the dissipation of energy in the system, with the same sections of wiring or in accordance with the known techniques of the low voltage solar panels.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for applying a power-supply voltage to the voice coil control circuit provided in a disk drive and designed to drive the head actuator provided in the disk drive. The power supply circuit of the disk drive outputs a voltage that corresponds to the power-supply voltage applied from a host system. A voltage step-up circuit is provided, which increases the output voltage of the power supply circuit. A switching circuit is provided, which selects the increased voltage output from the voltage step-up circuit when a large current needs to be supplied to the voice coil motor incorporated in the disk drive. The switching circuit selects the output voltage of the power supply circuit when a relatively small current needs to be supplied to the voice coil motor.

Abstract: A disk drive is connectable to a power supply having a fixed DC voltage. The disk drive includes a voice coil motor (VCM) and a spindle motor having a plurality of windings and a rotor rotatable at a variable spin-rate. A spindle motor driver is coupled to the fixed DC voltage and at least one of the windings for controlling the spin-rate of the rotor. The rotor has permanent magnets that induce an AC voltage across the windings while the rotor is rotating. A rectifier circuit rectifies the AC voltage across at least one of the windings to produce a rectified DC voltage. A first switch provides the rectified DC voltage to a first node. A second switch provides the fixed DC voltage to the first node. The first node has a first node DC voltage that is determined by the rectified DC voltage provided by the first switch and the fixed DC voltage provided by the second switch. The first node DC voltage is greater than the fixed DC voltage during a track seeking operation in the disk drive.

Abstract: A power circuit of an air conditioner for electric vehicles includes a high voltage power source, a drive circuit for driving a compressor motor, and a capacitor connected between a positive side coupling and a negative side coupling to the high voltage power source. The power circuit comprises a diode provided in the positive side coupling and a switching element provided in the negative side coupling. The capacitor is charged by the pulsed operation of the switching element which is controlled by an operation control device. The capacitor may be quickly charged in a stable condition without burdening the devices in the power circuit. Consequently, the air conditioner may be quickly started.

Abstract: An electrical connector for configuring the supply voltage of rotary electric machines, particularly electric motors, having a plurality of electrical windings. The connector includes an electrical terminal block mountable in a bell housing of the rotary electric machine. The terminal block includes a socket having a plurality of female electrical connectors coupled to a corresponding plurality electrical windings. A male electrical connector having a plurality of jumper pins matably engageable with the female electrical connectors of the socket in a first and second configurations to electrically configure first and second winding portions of each electrical winding in parallel or in series. The connector also includes a visual electrical configuration indicator to indicate whether the male electrical connector and socket are in the first or second configurations.

Abstract: Turbine aircraft engine starter systems and controllers for use therewith, and methods of starting turbine aircraft engines are described. A starter is operably connected with an aircraft engine and configured to initiate an engine start cycle which includes engine rotation and a fuel ignition point. A power source is connected with the starter and is configured to provide power thereto in accordance with at least first and second settings which apply different magnitudes of voltage to the starter. The first setting initiates the engine start cycle and the second setting accelerates the engine through the start cycle after the fuel ignition point. A controller is operably connected with the starter and the power source and is configured to monitor the engine start cycle and responsive to a controller-determinable time during the engine start cycle changes the first setting to the second setting.

Abstract: The present invention provides the following rotation control method for reducing energy consumption of a motor driving a disk. In a constant speed mode, a supply voltage V1 for driving the motor at a constant speed N1 is selected; however, at a lower constant speed N2, a supply voltage V2 lower than V1 is selected. In an acceleration mode for accelerating the motor speed from N2 to N1, a higher supply voltage than V1 is selected just before starting acceleration, and then V1 is selected after the acceleration. In a speed deceleration mode for decelerating the motor speed from N1 to N2, a lower supply voltage than V1 is selected just before starting deceleration, then the supply voltage V2 is selected after the decleration.

Abstract: A motor driving circuit coupled to a motor having a plurality of phases of coils includes a standard power source generating a first power supply voltage, and a step-up power source for generating a second power supply voltage greater than the first power supply voltage. A selecting circuit selects either the first power supply voltage or the second power supply voltage in response to a selecting signal. A motor driving circuit causes currents to flow in the phases of the motor in accordance with motor driving signals respectively related to the phases in a state in which a selected power supply voltage output by the selecting circuit is applied to one or more phases. A switching unit generates the selecting signal on the basis of the motor driving signals and a voltage signal corresponding to a current flowing through at least one of the phases of the motor so that the second power supply voltage is selected first and the first power supply voltage is selected second with respect to each of the phases.

Abstract: A motor control device for controlling the driving and regenerative operation of a motor includes CPU, ROM, RAM and a back-up RAM. An electric power is normally supplied from a subsidiary battery through a second regulator to the back-up RAM. An electric power is also supplied to the CPU, the ROM and the RAM through a main switch and a first regulator, on the one hand, and through the first regulator and a transistor which is turned ON when the number of revolutions of the motor becomes equal to or larger than a predetermined value, on the other hand. Therefore, even if the main switch is opened during traveling of a vehicle at a high speed, the counter-electromotive force of the motor can be decreased by the motor control device which is supplied with the electric power through the transistor to maintain its function, thereby preventing damage to an inverter.

Abstract: A single chip integrated circuit includes a boost regulated DC-to-DC converter and gate drive circuits integrated on the same die with a micro-processor, along with high density digital logic functions, analog functions, etc. The gate drive circuits are used to drive external power FETs, particularly high side NMOS. The micro-processor may also be some type of micro-controller or digital signal processor. By being able to place these functions on a single integrated circuit, a motor or actuator control system can be placed on a single chip. With appropriate sensors to provide feedback to the integrated circuit, a system which is capable of executing actuator move functions, such as position, velocity, velocity profile, torque, etc., and sequencing these events as well is included.

Abstract: A power drive control device of an automatic door, including a gear box having a shell; and a motor drive, the motor drive having a front cover integrally made with the shell of the gear box together, and a back cover covered on the front cover to hold a motor shaft, a stator coil around the motor shaft, a light chopper, and a photoelectric pick-up device, the front cover having a receiving chamber, two recessed holes and one screw hole formed in the receiving chamber and adapted for securing the photoelectric pick-up device in place, the light chopper being mounted around a bearing around the motor shaft to act with the photoelectric pick-up device, enabling the photoelectric pick-up device to monitor the operation of the motor shaft.

Abstract: A motor controller includes a power source VG for driving a motor 1, a power source VRG for regenerating energy generated in the motor 1, and a power converter for transferring energy from the power source VRG to the power source VG. Windings of the motor are connected, at their opposite ends, to the power source VG and collectors of transistors TR1 to TR3, respectively. Diodes D1 to D3 are connected to nodes of the windings and the transistors TR1-TR3 such that magnetic energy generated in the motor 1 is supplied to the power source VRG. This configuration enables the motor controller to have a reduced number of transistors for driving the windings, and the power sources to be effectively utilized. Further, the motor controller can use a discharge circuit of small power consumption type, which can reduce heat generated in the motor controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray apparatus, comprising a circuit arrangement for accelerating and decelerating the rotary anode of a rotary-anode X-ray tube in which phase-shifted alternating voltages can be applied to the stator windings of the drive motor for the rotary anode in an acceleration mode and a direct voltage acts on at least one of the windings in a deceleration mode, and also comprising a control device for the acceleration mode and the deceleration mode.

Abstract: A compressor control circuit adapted to a refrigerator comprises a compressor including a brushless DC motor, a power circuit for separating an AC power source from a DC power source to drive the brushless DC motor, a voltage adjustment switching circuit for selecting the voltage of a power source circuit responsive to the load condition, and a motor control circuit including a two phase control circuit for varying the operation speed of the brushless DC motor in response to the temperature of a freezing chamber, an operation control circuit for enabling the on-off operation of the brushless DC motor to be continued according to the on-off operation of a load sensor in the freezing chamber, and an over-load protecting circuit for stopping the brushless DC motor and cutting off the power source under the overload or binding condition for the compressor.

Abstract: A rotary-compressor control system for electric refrigerators using rotary compressors for cooling the inside of the refrigerators, in which a battery for feeding direct-current power, an inverter power section for converting direct-current (d-c) power from the battery into a low-voltage three-phase alternating-current (a-c) voltage, a low-voltage three-phase induction motor for driving the rotary compressor with the low-voltage three-phase a-c power obtained in the inverter power section, and a control circuit for controlling the inverter power section on the basis of a control command signal given from the outside, so that the rotary compressor is driven by the three-phase induction motor that operates with a low voltage of the order of battery voltage.

Abstract: A motor having a capacitor in series with its coil permits the motor to operate at a higher voltage or range of voltages over its design voltage. A method determines the correct value of a capacitor to change the design voltage of a motor to a different operating voltage. A receptacle can be used to receive capacitors of different values to vary the operating voltage of a motor. The receptacle is provided with a capacitor holding device which is marked with the operating voltage set by the capacitor. A timer clock has a motor of a design voltage which can be changed to a plurality of operating voltages. The timer clock can have the receptacle accessible from the exterior with a cover having the operating voltage marked thereon.

Abstract: A method of control and a control circuit for use in connecting all or sub-parts of a battery supply to a battery driven motor includes relays connected between a motor and each sub-part of a battery supply; a timer having a predetermined time period and which changes its output condition at the end of each time period; a motor speed selector for selecting either full motor speed or a portion thereof; and a switch arrangement which interconnects the relays, timer and motor speed selector. The switch arrangement provides for a first sub-part of the battery supply to be connected to the motor when the selector is in a less than full speed position and when the timer has one output condition. A second sub-part of the battery supply is connected to the motor when the selector is in a less than full speed position and the timer has a second output condition. The relays connect the full battery supply to the motor when the selector is in a full speed position.

Abstract: Motor protection relay is taught in which a microprocessor is utilized in conjunction with a reduced voltage motor starter and the electrical motor system which it operates upon to cause the motor to start in stages. The microprocessor-based system infers a start by the presence of a minimal amount of electrical current flowing in the three-phase system which supplies power to the motor starter and thence to the motor. After the start has been inferred, the microprocessor controlled protection device will issue a transition command for the second stage of the start operation where higher voltage is placed across the motor terminals when the in-rush current has fallen to a predetermined programmable value which approximates full load current, for example. An "incomplete sequence" feedback line is provided which is supplied from the auxiliary contacts of the low voltage starter to the microprocessor.

Abstract: A child's battery-powered riding toy includes a floorboard with two spring-biased switches that must be closed by the child operator to place the vehicle in self-powered motion and can only be reached simultaneously of the child operator is safely aboard. The battery power supply is capable of providing high or low voltage to the motor drive, but a reversing switch is connected between the battery power supply and the motor drive, and it must be in its "forward" position to receive the high battery voltage. In its "reverse" position, the reversing switch separately connects the motor drive to only the low battery voltage. The spring-biased switch connected directly to the reversing switch has a dynamic braking load connected to it to be placed across the motor drive when the reversing switch is in its "forward" condition and the latter spring-biased switch is allowed to be under the control of its biasing spring.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of water includes a capacitance sensor coupled to a windshield to detect capacitance changes. A multivibrator is coupled to the sensor to translate the detected capacitance change to the frequency domain. A phase-locked loop coupled to the multivibrator produces a phase pulse in response to water causing a change in capacitance and, in turn, a change in the frequency of the multivibrator.

Abstract: A wiper driving apparatus comprises a speed reduction gear train mounted on a drive shaft of a motor which drives reciprocally and pivotally a wiper blade; a pin member operatively engaged with said gear train so as to move once every rotation of the gear train; a relay switch driven by a relay coil and including a moving contact and fixed contacts disposed opposite sides of the movable contact; an operating lever member for transmitting the movement of the pin member to the movable contact of the relay switch and retaining contact of the movable contact with one of the fixed contacts; and a control circuit including the relay switch and the operating lever member for controlling the driving, intermittent, and automatic stop operations of the wiper blade.

Abstract: A motor vehicle powered by a DC motor has a pedal which is depressed by the driver to increase speed by actuating a tapping switch which has two sets of moving contacts cooperating with stationary contacts to progressively connect with the motor batteries from one or the other end of a bank of series connected batteries. An alternate action relay connected between said motor and the switch determines which of the two sets is connected in circuit with the motor. The relay has two positions to alternately connect one or the other of the tapping switch contact sets in circuit with said motor. A main solenoid switch is connected in series with the relay and the tapping switch. When the pedal is depressed, a foot switch operated by the pedal is operative to close a circuit enabling energization of the alternate action relay and the main solenoid switch. A microprocessor controls operation of the relay and the main solenoid.

Abstract: A special control circuit for a golf cart or like vehicle powered by a plurality of storage batteries. The batteries are connected circuitwise to a DC motor by speed control contactors to select battery connections in parallel, parallel/series and series for motor speed control. The speed control contactors are arranged so that their solenoids are de-energized at series battery connection and in parallel battery connection charges are normalized across the batteries. Moreover, the circuit provides different sets of parallel/series batteries for intermediate speed to equalize battery change levels. A safety circuit feature prevents the motor in reverse directional operation from being shifted from the low speed settings. Discharge of any battery below minimum operating voltage de-energizes the solenoids of the contactors to stop the vehicle.

Abstract: A childs wheeled riding toy of the three wheeled type having a front steerable wheel and a pair of rear motor driven wheels in which the child sits astride of the toy with his feet resting on opposed foot rest positions of the toy is disclosed having a pair of direct current motors, gear reduction coupled in driving relation to respective rear toy wheels and a pair of like storage batteries for powering the motors. A control circuit for selectively energizing the motors includes a switching arrangement for connecting the batteries in series and to the motors for high speed toy operation, and in parallel and to the motors for low speed operation. A second switching arrangement for disconnecting the motors from the batteries and for connecting the motors to a resistive load for dynamic braking is also included.

Abstract: A fail safe mechanism for power operated doors comprises an auxiliary power supply, an electric motor, a self operating clutch to connect the motor to the door's normal drive assembly and a relay/timer circuit to energize the motor in the event of a mains failure to enable the motor to drive the door open.

Abstract: An electrical connector for use with an electric device including first and second winding sections. The connector comprises a plug including a plurality of outwardly extending blades and a socket defining a plurality of receptacles for receiving the blades. The socket has first and second longitudinally spaced apart positions. In the first position, the receptacles receive the blades for connecting the winding sections in parallel and for connecting the winding sections to a first voltage source; and in the second position, the receptacles receive the blades for connecting the winding sections in series and for connecting the winding sections to a second voltage source.

Abstract: A control circuit for a direct current electric motor including a rectifying bridge for supplying the motor with direct current and a regulating circuit including a triac, the energizing angle of which is determined by a capacitor connected in series with a resistance network. An energy limiting circuit is provided including a resistance connectable in series with the resistance network and the capacitor when the voltage exceeds a predetermined value so that the motor can be operated on a 110 V or a 220 V supply.

Abstract: A switching motor control system that is particularly well suited for the reel motor of a tape transport system includes an energization command system commanding motor energization in response to tape buffer loop length, a feedback system indicating buffer loop length and actual motor current and a feedforward system energizing the motor to reduce the difference between commanded motor energization and actual energization as indicated by motor current. An integrator which sums the command and feedback signals with an AC reference signal outputs a triangle wave signal that is readily converted to a digital command signal by a simple transistor detector. An economical digital control circuit delays and selectively inhibits the digital command signal to control a motor drive amplifier in a switching mode which avoids power dissipation in the motor drive amplifier.

Abstract: A direct current motor control device for use in battery automobiles comprises a direct current motor to be driven by a plurality of battery groups each battery group delivering an equal voltage. The device comprises a battery change-over thyristor circuit inclusive of a chopper circuit and can control the voltage applied to the motor by means of the chopping operation of the chopping circuit and the series-parallel change-over operation for the battery groups. The series-parallel change-over operation of the battery groups is automatically effected in response to the signal for controlling the control signal of time ratio for the chopper circuit.

Abstract: A switch for speed control of an electric motor driven vehicle employs a combination of resistance switching, field weakening and voltage switching. A mechanical switch assembly has a speed switch and a voltage switch that are interconnected so that the voltage switch provides 36 volts when the speed switch is in neutral and fifth speed position and provides 18 volts when the speed switch is in first through fourth speed positions. The speed switch has an operator controlled rotor arm that successively engages a neutral contact and five driving speed contacts so that varying resistance is inserted in circuit with the motor armature in the first two speed positions and no external resistance is employed in the third and fifth speed positions. The motor field comprises pairs of first and second oppositely disposed series wound coils with the pairs of coils all connected and energized in series in all but the fourth speed position.

Abstract: A speed control system for electric vehicles for varying the applied voltage to a series wound traction motor to vary the speed thereof by dividing the main power source into a number of small units, which are then grouped and re-grouped through a series of relays actuated by a controller to provide several values of voltage from low to high voltage in an orderly progressive manner. The circuit is also provided with a ballast or surge-limiting resistor in each grouping and re-grouping, resulting in a smooth power flow and thus smooth speed change while at the same time limiting the battery drain to a safe maximum. The ballast resistor is automatically shunted out of the power circuit as the vehicle picks up speed, thereby providing an intermediate control point between each battery re-grouping step.