Abstract: An electric actuator is provided having the same configuration whether used as an ordinary electric actuator or as an electric actuator having an emergency shutoff function. A relay connector is provided in an electric actuator. When a module for supplying power during a power failure is connected, a first drive output signal generated by a motor drive circuit is relayed to the module and a motor power switching circuit is provided in the module. When the AC power supply does not fail, the first drive output signal sent from the electric actuator is selected; when the AC power supply fails, the second drive output signal generated by the motor drive circuit is selected and is sent to the AC motor of the electric actuator, via the relay connector.

Abstract: An electric actuator is provided having the same configuration whether used as an ordinary electric actuator or as an electric actuator having an emergency shutoff function. A power failure detection circuit, a portion for supplying power during a power failure, a motor power supply switching circuit, a power failure control signal generation circuit, and a control signal switching circuit are provided in a module detachably coupled to the electric actuator. When failure of the primary power is not detected, the motor power supply switching circuit and the control signal switching circuit send the primary power and a signal indicative of a setting of an aperture of a valve of the electric actuator, respectively, to the electric actuator. When failure of the primary power is detected, the motor power supply switching circuit and the control signal switching circuit send the secondary power and the signal indicative of the setting of the aperture during a power failure to the electric actuator.

Abstract: An electric actuator is provided having the same configuration whether used as an ordinary electric actuator or as an electric actuator having an emergency shutoff function. A portion for supplying power during a power failure, a power failure detection circuit, and a motor power supply switching circuit are provided in a module detachably coupled to the electric actuator. When failure of primary power is not detected, the power is sent to the electric actuator by the motor power supply switching circuit. When failure of the primary power is detected, secondary power is sent to the electric actuator by the motor power supply switching circuit. In addition, notification of the power failure is sent from the module to the control board of the electric actuator, via a relay connector.

Abstract: An electric vehicle controller includes a speed sensorless vector controller for estimating the rotating speed of an AC motor from an output voltage command and an output current from a VVVF inverter, and controlling the VVVF inverter based on the estimate. An overhead wire current detector detects the current flowing through an overhead wire. A wrong action sensor senses an abnormality in the speed sensorless vector controller from the sign of the current flowing through the overhead wire and detected by the overhead wire current detector when the VVVF inverter is in operation. A gate stop circuit stops the VVVF inverter when the wrong action sensor senses an abnormality.

Abstract: An electric power steering device includes: an electric power source for supplying first current; a controller for setting a current instruction value; multiple electric power converters for converting the first current to second current corresponding to the current instruction value; multiple pairs of windings for generating a driving force of a motor; and a failure detection element for detecting failure of the electric power converters and the windings. The controller reduces the current instruction value to be equal to or smaller than a predetermined instruction value of a normal operation when the failure detection element detects the failure. The controller controls the electric power converter in a normal state to supply the second current to a corresponding winding.

Abstract: A door drive control apparatus capable of an accurate detection, without misidentifying an inverse overrun condition, and a door drive control method that improves safety. The door drive control apparatus includes a power converter that supplies power to a door drive linear motor, and operates the power converter by feedback control using a speed detection value and a speed command value of the door, and controls a speed of the door. The door drive control apparatus includes a speed trouble determiner, which outputs a door inverse direction speed trouble signal in the event that the speed command value of the door exceeds either a positive or negative first setting speed, and the speed detection value exceeds a second setting speed of a polarity opposite to that of the speed command value.

Abstract: An adjustment device for a motor vehicle seat that includes an electric motor, a gear connected to the electric motor, a mechanical adjustment unit connected to the gear and a control circuit, at least one sensor being associated with the control circuit for detecting a critical situation of the motor vehicle and the control circuit providing an operating voltage for the electric motor, characterized in that the control circuit provides as an alternative, in addition to the normal operating voltage, an overvoltage for supplying the electric motor, that the normal operating voltage applies in a normal driving condition of the motor vehicle in which the sensor does not deliver any signal, that the overvoltage applies at the electric motor in a driving condition after the sensor has delivered a signal indicating that the driving condition is no longer normal and that the overvoltage is at least 150% of the value of the normal operating voltage, more specifically at least 200% of the value of the normal operating

Abstract: A control device for controlling a recovery from a locking of a motor includes: a switching unit which supplies a motor current from a current supplying unit to the motor; and a driving control unit which supplies a PWM control signal to the switching unit to control a driving of the switching unit. The driving control unit supplies the PWM control signal with a low duty ratio lower than a regular duty ratio to the switching unit when the locking of the motor is detected depending on a variation in temperature of the switching unit. The driving control unit supplies the PWM control signal with the regular duty ratio to the switching unit when a cancel of the locking of the motor is detected depending on a variation in inter-terminal voltage of the motor.

Abstract: An opening-and-closing member drive control apparatus for a vehicle for driving the opening-and-closing member so as to be opened or closed by means of a driving force of a motor after an idling period or an idling section of the motor includes a moving speed detecting member, calculating means for calculating a moving speed changing value, a determining means for determining a sandwiching of an object on the basis of a relationship between the calculated moving speed changing value and a threshold value, a temperature estimating means for estimating a temperature of the motor on the basis of a rotational speed of the motor, detected in the idling period or the idling section, and correcting means for correcting the threshold value so that a determination sensitivity of the sandwiching of the object becomes greater when the estimated temperature of the motor is low than when the estimated temperature of the motor is high.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid drive system including a main drive power source, an electric generator, a wheel-side output shaft, a power distributing mechanism for distributing the drive force of the main drive power source to the electric generator, the wheel-side output shaft and an automatic transmission, and an electric motor connected to the wheel-side output shaft through the automatic transmission, the control apparatus including a motor-output limitation control device for implementing an output limitation of the electric motor according to a requirement for the output limitation, and a motor-output limitation inhibiting device to inhibit the output limitation of the electric motor by the motor-output limitation control device, during a shift-up action of the automatic transmission, or a motor-output increasing device to control the electric motor to increase its output so as to offset the output limitation of the electric motor implemented by the motor-output limitation control device according t

Abstract: A method is provided for the electrical protection of an electrical household appliance that is used to prepare food. The appliance includes an electric pump which is supplied with alternating current in order to convey a liquid through a conduit, and a heating element to raise the temperature of the liquid. The instantaneous value of the current I supplied to the pump is measured at regular time intervals. The method includes calculating the average value ?n of m current I measurements taken over a pre-determined time period T; comparing the average value ?n with a reference value ?ref calculated as the average value of the current I measurements taken over an earlier period of the same length; and opening the pump's power supply circuit when the difference between the average values ?ref and ?n exceeds a pre-determined threshold value ?1 for at least two successive time periods T as a result of low average current indicative of dry running.

Abstract: Controlling and adjusting of the operation of a device actuated by an electric motor are carried out by shutting down the electric power supply of said electric motor at a plurality of time intervals during the motor operation, measuring in the time interval the voltage supplied by the electric motor, comparing the value of the measured voltage with a reference value and, if required on the basis of said comparison, varying at least one parameter related to the functioning of the device in order to compensate possible deviations.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved system and method for sensing both hard and soft obstructions for a movable panel such as a sunroof. A dual detection scheme is employing that includes an optical sensing as the primary means and electronic sensing of motor current as a secondary means. The secondary means utilizes system empirical precharacterization, fast processing algorithms, motor parameter monitoring including both current sensing and sensorless electronic motor current commutation pulse sensing, and controller memory, to adaptively modify electronic obstacle detection thresholds in real time without the use of templates and cycle averaging techniques.

Abstract: Calibration of a motorized roller shade is accomplished by calculating a radius of a roller tube and thickness of a shade fabric rotatably supported by the roller tube. First, a lower edge of the shade fabric is moved to a first position at a first linear distance from a predetermined position. Second, a first number of revolutions of the roller tube between the first position and the predetermined position is determined. Next, the lower edge of the shade fabric is moved to a second position at a second linear distance from the predetermined position and a second number of revolutions between the second position and the predetermined position is determined. Finally, the tube radius and the fabric thickness are calculated from the first and second linear distances and the first and second numbers of revolutions. The tube radius and the fabric thickness are used to control the linear speed of the lower edge of the shade fabric.

Abstract: The rotating speed of an output shaft of a door opening and closing motor actuating a sliding door is monitored, and whether a fluctuation value of the rotating speed is equal to or more than a first determination threshold value is determined (step S310). A second determination threshold value having a pinching detecting sensitivity that is higher than the first determination threshold value is set. When it is determined that the shift lever of the transmission is in a P position, or a foot brake is operating, or a parking brake is operating, whether the fluctuation value of the rotating speed is equal to or more than the second determination threshold value is determined (step S360). If the fluctuation value of the rotating speed is equal to or more than each of the determination threshold values, the sliding door is actuated in an opening direction (step S320).

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling and sensing a closure member (20) movable between an open position and a closed position, more particularly an electrically powered window pane (20) of a motor vehicle (10) is provided with a sensor. The sensor comprises a sensor electrode (40) generating an electric field (F) in an opening range of the closure member (20) and a controller (22) connected to the sensor which senses any change in capacitance of the sensor electrode (40) in providing a control signal. For detecting a film of moisture (23) formed by condensation on the closing member (20) by simple and relatively low-cost means, the controller (22) detects a change in capacitance of the sensor electrode (40) caused by the presence of a film of moisture (23) on the closure member (20).

Abstract: A motor control device is disclosed that reduces the shock caused by torque increase during switching output of a motor's power generator from PWM wave voltage driving to square-wave voltage driving. Switching of PWM wave voltage driving and square-wave voltage driving is determined based on rotation speed of the motor and a torque instruction value. When switching from PWM wave voltage driving to square-wave voltage driving occurs, the voltage output of the power generator is reduced. When generated voltage V drops below a specified threshold voltage, PWM wave voltage driving is switched to square-wave driving.

Abstract: A vector controller for a permanent magnet synchronous motor uses current command values and detected currents of the d-axis and q-axis, a calculated frequency, and motor constant settings to control the output voltage of a power converter; the motor constants are identified by use of active or reactive power obtained from the output voltage and detected current of the power converter, the calculated frequency, and the detected current immediately before or during an actual operation.

Abstract: A system for sensing short circuits and open circuits prior to operation of a motor (i.e., while the motor is in a static state), thereby sparing the electrical system from destructive effects of these electrical problems. In addition, the system may detect a short circuit during operation of the motor (i.e., while the motor is in a dynamic state). Still yet, the system may detect an open circuit at the motor. The motor may be any electromechanical motor, such as a direct current (DC) motor, used in a vehicle or otherwise for controlling motion of a mechanical device.

Abstract: An electric engine starting system includes a permanent magnet motor that is used to start the engine and then to generate power for powering a load while the engine is running. A disclosed system includes a first phase controlled rectifier in series with a power converter and a second phase controlled rectifier. During an engine starting operation, the first phase controlled rectifier is switched to couple the permanent magnet motor to a power source for starting the engine. Once the engine is running, the first phase controlled rectifier is switched off and the second phase controlled rectifier is switched on. The second phase control rectifier converts variable AC power from the motor into DC power. The power converter converts the DC power into an appropriate power for driving the load. One disclosed example includes a filter between the power converter and the load to ensure that the load receives a selected quality of power.

Abstract: A control device for controlling a recovery from a locking of a motor includes: a switching unit which supplies a motor current from a current supplying unit to the motor; and a driving control unit which supplies a PWM control signal to the switching unit to control a driving of the switching unit. The driving control unit supplies the PWM control signal with a low duty ratio lower than a regular duty ratio to the switching unit when the locking of the motor is detected depending on a variation in temperature of the switching unit. The driving control unit supplies the PWM control signal with the regular duty ratio to the switching unit when a cancel of the locking of the motor is detected depending on a variation in inter-terminal voltage of the motor.

Abstract: A motor control device is disclosed that reduces the shock caused by torque increase during switching output of a motor's power generator from PWM wave voltage driving to square-wave voltage driving. Switching of PWM wave voltage driving and square-wave voltage driving is determined based on rotation speed of the motor and a torque instruction value. When switching from PWM wave voltage driving to square-wave voltage driving occurs, the voltage output of the power generator is reduced. When generated voltage V drops below a specified threshold voltage, PWM wave voltage driving is switched to square-wave driving.

Abstract: A method of controlling a motorized window treatment provides for continued operation of the motorized window treatment during an overload or low-line condition. The motorized window treatment is driven by an electronic drive unit having a motor, a motor drive circuit, and a controller. The controller controls the motor drive circuit to drive the motor with a pulse-width modulated signal generated from a bus voltage. The controller is operable to monitor the magnitude of the bus voltage. If the bus voltage drops below a first voltage threshold, the controller stops the motor or reduces the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulated signal to allow the bus voltage to increase to an acceptable magnitude. When the bus voltage rises above a second voltage threshold, the controller begins driving the motor normally once again. During an overload or low-line condition, the controller is prevented from resetting, while driving the motor with minimal interruption to the movement of the motorized window treatment.

Abstract: A door drive control apparatus capable of an accurate detection, without misidentifying an inverse overrun condition, and a door drive control method that improves safety. The door drive control apparatus includes a power converter that supplies power to a door drive linear motor, and operates the power converter by feedback control using a speed detection value and a speed command value of the door, and controls a speed of the door. The door drive control apparatus includes a speed trouble determiner, which outputs a door inverse direction speed trouble signal in the event that the speed command value of the door exceeds either a positive or negative first setting speed, and the speed detection value exceeds a second setting speed of a polarity opposite to that of the speed command value.

Abstract: A square wave voltage having an amplitude equal to an output voltage of a converter is applied to an AC motor by a square wave control block. Torque control of the AC motor is performed basically by changing the voltage phase of the square wave voltage according to the torque deviation. When the motor revolution is suddenly changed, a instruction value correction unit sets a voltage instruction value of the output voltage of the converter according to a change ratio of the motor revolutions. This improves control of the motor current by changing the voltage applied to the motor in accordance with the sudden change of the motor revolutions without waiting for torque feedback control having a low control response.

Abstract: A control signal value, such as a duty cycle value for a Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) generator output, for controlling and/or powering a fan may be calculated using an autofan function configured with dynamic hysteresis control (DHC). As part of the DHC, the PWM duty cycle value may be determined by applying a hysteresis component at every point of the autofan function relating the PWM duty cycle to temperature. The PWM duty cycle value may be computed based on two functions, each function relating the PWM duty cycle to temperature, the first function applied when the temperature is increasing, and the second function applied when the temperature is decreasing. When a newly computed PWM duty cycle value falls within a range of duty cycle values defined by the hysteresis value, the current duty cycle of the PWM generator output may remain unchanged, minimizing noise resulting from the fan changing speed.

Abstract: The mobile element is a vehicle window pane, panel, movable seat or similar, conveniently guided, and driven by a DC electric motor with a permanent magnet, and the method comprises a step of detecting an entrapment or collision situation of the mobile element by means of a first fuzzy logic algorithm, which inputs are the mobile element's position and the increments that may occur in the intensity of the current demanded by said motor, which is evaluated from the relative increase of the current intensity at one turn of the motor and after one next, subsequent turn of the motor. A second fuzzy logic algorithm is used to control the mobile element's velocity, in close loop.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a controller, an object sensor, and a motor. The motor receives power from a power source upon receiving a panel control signal. The motor moves a movable panel of the vehicle along a path between opened and closed positions when the motor receives power from the power source. The object sensor is operable for detecting objects in the path of the panel without monitoring the motor. The object sensor generates an object signal indicative of an object being detected in the panel path. The controller is operable for transmitting a panel control signal to the motor to move the panel. When the panel is moving in a closing direction the controller transmits a panel control signal to the motor to reverse movement of the panel to an opening direction upon receiving the object signal to prevent the panel from entrapping an object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide a state observer control system 600 for a motor 106 that uses an extended Kalman filter 330 to predict initial rotor position and afterwards accurately predict rotor position and/or speed under variable types of loading conditions. A control system model 300 is generated that allows variable setting of an initial rotor position to generate estimated rotor position and speed as outputs. The control system model 300 includes an EKF (extended Kalman filter) estimator 330, speed controller 322, a current controller 324, and a variable load component 310. During operation, EKF estimator 330 estimates rotor speed 327 and position 333 based on reference voltages 402, 404 and currents 1325 generated by speed and current controllers 322, 324 and input from frame transformers 326, 328.

Abstract: A control CPU generates, in response to a signal STON from a start key, a signal SE at H level and outputs the generated signal to a relay to render system relays ON. Accordingly, a DC power supply is connected between respective neutral points of three-phase coils. When a terminal-to-terminal voltage of a capacitor that is detected by a voltage sensor becomes equal to or higher than a voltage of the DC power supply that is detected by a voltage sensor, the control CPU generates a signal PWMPC1 or PWMPC2 and outputs the generated signal to an inverter. The inverter increases the output voltage of the DC power supply according to the signal PWMPC1 or PWMPC2 to precharge the capacitor to a predetermined voltage or higher.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a way to accurately detect the position of a spindle motor. In a spindle motor startup process according to one embodiment, a parameter setup section acquires from a parameter table a sense time value corresponding to an input voltage that is acquired from an ADC. The parameter setup section sets the sense time value in a register. A position determination section, which is within an SPM driver, performs an induced voltage detection process for rotor position detection purposes during the time corresponding to the sense time value that is set in the register. Even when the input voltage is decreased, rotor position detection can be properly achieved by changing the sense time value in accordance with a change in the input voltage.

Abstract: A phase change memory device includes a switch and a storage node connected to the switch. The storage node includes a first electrode, a phase change layer and a second electrode. The phase change layer is formed of an InSbTe compound doped with Ge. In a method of operating a phase change memory including a switch and a storage node, the switch is maintained in an on state, and a first current is applied to the storage node.

Abstract: Latch control methods and systems are disclosed, including a latch that receives power from a motor associated with a latch. A sensor can be provided for monitoring the current consumption of the motor. A microcontroller can control the latch and/or the motor, based on the current consumption data received from the sensor concerning the current consumption of the motor. Monitoring of the current waveform of the motor therefore provides speed and direction feedback data for control of the latch. Additionally, a microprocessor can process instructions for controlling the interaction of the motor, the latch, the sensor and/or the microcontroller. Such a current monitoring control system is made possible by variation in current consumption of the motor during rotation as a result of commutation, which can be interrogated by measuring the voltage drop across the motor or a shunt resistor, or through the use of other current sensors, such as, for example, a Hall-effect type current sensor.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present technique provides a reduced current field-oriented-control scheme. For example, the present technique provides a method of controlling an induction device in which a predetermined reduction factor is employed to reduce the flux-current vector of a field-oriented-control scheme. By reducing this vector, less current and less power are drawn by the induction device, in turn reducing resistive heating and stator core losses, for instance.

Abstract: This rotation driving apparatus includes a torque generating circuit 72 for generating a torque of a servo motor 30 with voltage supply from a power source 71 and a motor control circuit 73 for controlling rotation of the motor. In the torque generating circuit 72, a condenser 76 is arranged to detect a level of the supplied voltage and a period of voltage drop. A voltage-drop information detected by the condenser 76 can be transmitted to a host controller 70. The host controller 70 previously memorizes a power-recovery information having a voltage drop and a time under an instantaneous blackout capable of recovering within a predetermined period and a rotation control pattern information of the motor corresponding to the power-recovery information and further compares the voltage-drop information, the power-recovery information and the rotation control pattern information of the motor with each other. Based on a control signal, the controller 70 controls the rotation of the servo motor 30.

Abstract: An electrical machine is controlled without using a physical rotor position detector. When the demanded torque output is low, a control method causes the machine to operate on fewer than all the phases, thus increasing the phase current and improving the resolution of the position detection algorithm. The method can include sampling the phase current of the machine, determining whether the phase current is above a predetermined threshold, reducing the number of active phases, and then deriving the value of rotor position from the increased phase current in the remaining phases.

Abstract: An anti-pitch assembly is used in combination with a closure device of a motor vehicle. The closure device includes a closure panel, i.e., a windowpane or door, and a motor for moving the closure panel between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the closure panel covers an aperture, i.e., a window or door opening, of the motor vehicle. The anti-pinch assembly includes a position sensor that is disposed adjacent the motor or the closure device. The position sensor generates a position signal indicative of the position of the closure panel. A capacitive sensor measures the capacitance of a field extending through the aperture. The capacitive sensor generates a signal therefrom. A controller is electrically connected to the position and capacitive sensors.

Abstract: A method for operating a doubly-fed machine by determining its rotational speed (nact), forming a rotational speed reference (nref), measuring network voltage and current, and calculating network active power (Pact) and reactive power (Qact). Thereafter, calculating shaft torque (T) based on active power (Pact) and rotating speed (nact), forming a frequency reference (Fref) for the inverter based on machine rotating speed (nact), rotating speed reference (nref), shaft torque (T), and the known pole pair number and network frequency, forming a reactive power reference (Qref) for the machine.

Abstract: A work table is described, having a frame (2) which is adjustable especially with respect to its height and for the adjustment of which at least one electric motor (4) with a control device (7) is provided. In order to provide simple constructional conditions it is proposed that the control device (7) which is connected to transducer (10) for the motor load reverses the direction of rotation of the electric motor (4) depending on the determined variable and/or change of the motor load and cuts off the same after a thus caused reverse rotation.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to inhibit the axial displacement caused by the insufficiency of a control response angular frequency of a frequency arithmetic unit of a synchronous motor and realize high-precision torque control also in acceleration/deceleration. To achieve the object, the axial displacement of the synchronous motor caused by the insufficiency of the control response angular frequency of the frequency arithmetic unit is estimated in consideration of the control response angular frequency and input ??c3 (=??c1+??c2) including an estimated value ??c2 in addition to an axial displacement operated value ??c1 to the frequency arithmetic unit is acquired. Hereby, even if the frequency arithmetic unit has an insufficient control response angular frequency, the quantity of axial displacement which will be caused by the insufficiency is estimated as a second axial displacement signal ??c2, is added and input.

Abstract: An operational check of the safety unit or the safety circuit takes place within the delay time of the relay, assigned to each motor, caused by the pick-up delay or the release delay. Also, the control unit can be equipped such with at least one safety component and/or safety circuit for controlling the control unit that an operational check of the control unit takes place between the operation of an operating element of the hand switch and the starting of the motor or motors. The operating time and the release time of the relay may be delayed by a suitable component so that sufficient time is available for the operational check.

Abstract: A power window driving device includes a reference-current generator, generating a reference current having a level which corresponds to the size of a motor current flowing into a drive motor for driving a power window, a first current generator, generating a first current having a level which corresponds to a variable mount value of the motor current, a second current generator, generating a second current equalized to the reference current by adding to the first current, a comparison signal generator, generating a comparison signal by converting the first current into voltage, a comparator, comparing the comparison signal with a reference voltage signal generated on the basis of the comparison signal, and a reverser, stopping or reversing the drive motor based on a result of the comparator which determine that a steep current increase is occurred in the motor current.

Abstract: A control system (10) actively limits the power drawn from a main power distribution bus (20) by one or more electric loads (30). The system (10) includes circuitry (14) for determining a maximum permissible current magnitude that may be supplied to the loads (30) based on a signal representative of the voltage magnitude supplied to the loads (30). Additional circuitry (18, 34) limits the power drawn from the main power distribution bus (20) to the maximum permissible current magnitude from exceeding a predetermined maximum power level. As a result, the required design capacity of power generation components and the power distribution system can be reduced in size, weight, and cost.

Abstract: A three-phase motor protector uses two toroids to monitor all three phases of a three-phase motor. Current and phase loss are monitored directly in phases A and B while the phase C current level is determined by analysis of the phase A and B relationship. Current is induced into the phase A and B toroids from the motor supply lines with the resulting wave fed to an input of high-gain inverting amplifiers to provide A and B square waves which are inputted to separate channels of a microprocessor (U3). The square waves are processed by an AND gate providing an output square wave with a 16.66 percent duty cycle for normal operation. Upon loss of phase C the ANDed result is a digital low since the individual waves of phases A and B become an inverse of one another. In order to prevent nuisance tripping an AND output of less than 2 percent duty cycle is treated as a phase loss.

Abstract: An apparatus for parking a read/write head during power interruptions and methods of operating the same result in a hard disk drive apparatus that reduces the time to steady state the operating hard disk drive. The apparatus for reducing the time to steady state the operating disk drive having an actuator arm coupled to a voice coil for latching the actuator arm when power is interrupted comprises a Y-winding spindle motor having a first winding, a second winding, and a third-winding, and a spindle motor controller coupled to the Y-winding spindle motor configured to dynamically short the first winding and the second windings to produce a retarding force against the Y-winding motor and to direct power produced by the third winding in series with the first two windings in parallel to the voice coil for moving the actuator arm to a latched position and to maintain sufficient power to the spindle motor to provide greater operating range (headroom).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an electric motor pump. The method includes the acts of providing an AC power signal having a positive half cycle and a negative half cycle, measuring the voltage of the AC power signal and generating a first two-state output signal that is in a logic high state when the measured voltage is on the positive half cycle and that is in a logic low state when the measured voltage is on the negative half cycle, and measuring the current of the AC power signal and generating a second two-state output signal that is in logic high state when the measured current is on the positive half cycle and that is in a logic low state when the measured current is on the negative half cycle.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator includes a wall control switch module having a learn switch thereon. The switch module is connectable to a control unit positioned in a head of a garage movable barrier operator. The head unit also contains an electric motor which is connected to a transmission for opening and closing a movable barrier such as a garage door. The switch module includes a plurality of switches coupled to capacitors which, when closed, have varying charge and discharge times to enable which switch has been closed. The control unit includes an automatic force incrementing system for adjusting the maximal opening and closing force to be placed upon the movable barrier during a learn operation. Likewise, end of travel limits can also be set during a learn operation upon installation of the unit.

Abstract: A wakeup signal generating circuit is connected to an input of an electrically driven motor having a drive shaft that is mechanically coupled to a power sliding door or power lift gate of an automobile. The motor is normally responsive to a motor drive signal to control door/lift gate movement via rotation of the motor drive shaft. In the absence of the motor drive signal, the motor is responsive to rotation of the drive shaft, via manual movement of the door or lift gate, to produce a back electromotive force (EMF) signal at the input of the motor. The wakeup signal generating circuit is responsive to the back EMF signal to produce a wakeup signal. In one embodiment, the wakeup signal is used to cause a control circuit controlling the overall operation of the motor to wake up from a reduced-function, power conserving sleep mode of operation and operate in a full-function, full power wakeup mode of operation.

Abstract: A squeeze protection system for movable parts of a vehicle, includes an operating switch for one or several parts to be moved, one or several actuators assigned to the operating switch, a control device for the actuator or the actuators which receives a signal from the operating switch, and a device for determining an irregularity during the movement of the movable part which device is coupled with the control device. In order to ensure a secure closing of the movable part also in the event of an operating disturbance, it is provided that, when the operating switch is activated and an irregularity is detected during the movement of the movable part, the movement is first interrupted and is then continued at a higher switch-off threshold.

Abstract: A combination circuit breaker/motor starter includes a circuit breaker trip unit having a microprocessor and at least one removably connectable contactor or other functional module. The functional module is encoded with an identifier, such that the microprocessor can determine the type of functional module and appropriate configuration parameters, such as trip times, for the particular application of the functional module. Power is supplied continuously to the trip unit during motor overload or short circuit conditions.