Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit arrangement for electrically controlling and/or regulating the movement of an electrically driven unit (2), especially a window lifter or sliding roof of a motor vehicle, and to a method for operating said circuit arrangement. According to the invention, a jamming protection System is characterized in that a correlation variable (K) for the adjusting force of the unit (2) is measured and the adjusting movement is stopped or reversed in order to prevent jamming if the correlation variable (K) for the adjusting force exceeds a threshold value that corresponding to a predetermined jamming force. A filter (140) is used for temporally filtering the correlation variable (K) for the adjusting force of the unit. The invention is characterized in that the filter parameters (142, 143), especially the cutoff frequency (fg) and/or the order of the filter (140), can be controlled.

Abstract: An electrical machine is described including two moving elements, of which a first moving element is a stator of the electrical machine and the other moving element is a rotor of the electrical machine. Attached to one of the moving elements is a magnetic element which interacts with a magnetic flux in the electrical machine during operation. Further, a sensor is provided for measuring a vibrational quantity of the electrical machine and a control unit is configured for detecting a displacement of the magnetic element on the basis of the measured vibrational quantity. The electrical machine may be a generator or a motor.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a motorized solar protection installation (1) comprising a screen (3) that can be displaced by activation of an actuator (6) provided with an electronic position counting device (7) and means (9) of detecting an obstacle to the movement, comprising the following steps: storage of a first end-of-travel position, displacement of the screen by activation of the actuator towards the first stored end-of-travel position, continued beyond the first stored end-of-travel position as far as a position that can be assimilated to an end-stop, detected by the means of detecting an obstacle to the movement, measurement of the position difference between the first stored end-of-travel position and the position that can be assimilated to an end-stop, storage of this measurement in memory.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator having an (auto)synchronous rotary electric motor and a reversible speed-reducing gearbox coupled to the motor to be driven in rotation thereby An outlet shaft is coupled to the speed-reducing gearbox to be driven in rotation thereby A first angular position sensor and a control circuit are connected to the motor. The circuit delivers a motor power supply signal that varies as a function of a position setpoint signal applied to the control circuit and as a function of signals delivered by the angular position sensor. The gearbox has a plurality of speed-reducing each having a pair of gears mounted to rotate about two parallel axes of rotation.

Abstract: Torsional oscillation of a shaft in a swing drive system of an excavator is minimized by monitoring torsional strain of the shaft. An electric motor provides torque to the shaft in response to a drive signal provided by a converter. A compensation circuit produces a compensation signal as a function of torsional strain of the shaft. A field excitation circuit or regulator powers a converter as a function of the compensation signal such that a counter torque is provided to the shaft and torsional oscillation of the shaft is reduced.

Abstract: A system includes two counter-rotating electric fans. A cooling controller is configured to run the fans at first and second operating points responsive to a measured value of a parameter. The first and second operating points correspond to first and second different required volumes per unit time of air flow. Rotational speeds of the fans at the first and second operating points define first and second different rotational speed offsets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synchronized vibration devices that can provide haptic feedback to a user. A wide variety of actuator types may be employed to provide synchronized vibration, including linear actuators, rotary actuators, rotating eccentric mass actuators, and rocking mass actuators. A controller may send signals to one or more driver circuits for directing operation of the actuators. The controller may provide direction and amplitude control, vibration control, and frequency control to direct the haptic experience. Parameters such as frequency, phase, amplitude, duration, and direction can be programmed or input as different patterns suitable for use in gaming, virtual reality and real-world situations.

Abstract: Vibration protection in a compressor system with a variable speed compressor may include operating a variable speed compressor at a plurality of frequencies, measuring a plurality of vibration values associated with the plurality of frequencies, determining a frequency characteristic of the compressor system based on the plurality of vibration values, and identifying prohibited compressor frequencies based on the frequency characteristic.

Abstract: Embodiment of the invention relate to a container. In one respect, embodiments of the invention provide a container that is useful in advertising because of its distinctive shape and faux pull ring, and/or because it is configured to output a jingle or other stored audio. Moreover, in embodiments of the invention, the container is configured as a cooler with a thermal insulator. Such a cooler may also include an automatic lid mechanism that allows for hands-free operation by users that seek to retrieve, for instance, a cold beverage from the cooler.

Abstract: An axial gap type motor/generator is provided with a stator, a rotor and an alternating current control device. The alternating current control device executes alternating current control of a single phase or multiple phase alternating current flowing in the coils. The alternating current control device includes a superpositioning control section and a frequency component control section. The superpositioning control section produces the alternating current by superpositioning a plurality of frequency components including a first order fundamental wave component and a plurality of higher harmonic wave components that have frequencies equal to integer multiples of a frequency of the fundamental wave components and are of orders that are equal to values of the integer multiples. The frequency component control section controls a relationship among the frequency components such that two pairs of the frequency components whose orders differ by two are aligned with respect to each other.

Abstract: A method for setting a safety threshold that triggers the sending, by an acceleration or movement sensor device (20), of a safety signal that causes a safety movement of a motorized screen (11) used as a closure or as a sunshade or for privacy, said method comprising the following steps: manual shaking of the screen, recording of a signal produced by a sensor means (33) during the manual shaking step, and determination of the safety threshold from this recording.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method that can comprise, via a device that originates sub-harmonic vibrations, applying a vibration treatment, to a rotor of an electric motor for a predetermined time period. The rotor can be thermally sensitive. The vibration treatment can be adapted to reduce internal stresses in the rotor, thereby reducing a vibration level of the rotor.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an amplification spectrum for an electronic device enclosure is identified and/or determined to improve a user's audio environment, e.g., by reducing unwanted noise such as fan noise and/or by processing audio signals that have been or will be distorted by the enclosure acoustics.

Abstract: In a method and module for controlling rotation of a motorized spindle driven by a driving unit, a sensing unit is adapted for sensing vibration of the spindle and generates a voltage signal corresponding to the vibration of the spindle. A processing unit is coupled to the sensing unit for receiving the voltage signal therefrom, and outputs a control signal corresponding to the voltage signal upon detecting that the voltage signal is greater than a reference voltage corresponding to a predetermined vibration level of the spindle, such that the driving unit adjusts a rotation speed of the spindle in response to the control signal from the processing unit.

Abstract: A computing unit simulates an ideal operation of a vibration excitation actuator by using at least a model operation parameter and the vibration-excitation movable mass data and calculates a parameter corresponding to acceleration/deceleration thrust for moving the vibration-excitation movable mass. A vibration isolation controller determines a control content of a vibration isolation driving unit based on the parameter corresponding to the acceleration/deceleration thrust and controls an operation of the vibration isolation driving unit so that a force canceling a reaction force, which acts on an apparatus when a vibration-excitation movable mass is moved, acts on the apparatus by moving the vibration isolation movable unit.

Abstract: A drive system for a grid blower of a vehicle is provided. The system includes: an electrical bus, a grid of resistive elements connected to the electrical bus, the grid of resistive elements configured to thermally dissipate electrical power generated from braking of the vehicle, the electrical power being transmitted on the electrical bus to the grid of resistive elements, an electrical power modulation device configured to modify electrical power received from at least one of the electrical bus and the grid of resistive elements, and a grid blower motor coupled to an output of the electrical power modulation device, wherein a speed of the grid blower motor varies based on the electrical power that has been modified by the electrical power modulation device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating inertia wherein a load has a limited range of load travel, the method comprising the steps of identifying an intermediate position along the range of load travel that is separated from a first end of the range of load travel, with the load separated from a first end of the range of load travel, increasing a velocity of the electric motor from a first velocity, identifying when the load has reached the intermediate position, identifying the motor velocity at the intermediate position as a second velocity, detecting a first rate of velocity change from the first velocity to the second velocity and deriving an inertia value as a function of the first rate of velocity change.

Abstract: A hammer drill comprising a body (2) containing an electric motor (4) for driving an output (6) of the drill is disclosed. A vibration transducer (12) senses vibrations generated by the motor and produces a vibration signal dependent upon the sensed vibrations. An electronic module (10) includes a controller (10a) for controlling the rotational speed of the motor, and a signal processor (10b) for receiving the vibration signal from the vibration transducer, determining the rotational speed of the motor based on the vibration signal, and providing an output signal to the controller to cause the controller to control the rotational speed of the motor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of servo controlling an electric motor during its start-up, comprising at least one step of measuring the speed after a determined duration counting from the commencement of start-up. During a first start-up, the servo control system determines the deviation between the value of the measured speed and a preset value. During a second start-up, the servo control system modifies at least one duration parameter of the commands applied to the motor as a function of the deviation determined during the first start-up, so as to reduce this deviation in the course of this second step. Advantageously, the start-up comprises three phases making it possible to start the motor while avoiding making it too noisy. The invention also relates to an apparatus implementing the method.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method that can comprise, via a device that originates sub-harmonic vibrations, applying a vibration treatment, to a rotor of an electric motor for a predetermined time period. The rotor can be thermally sensitive. The vibration treatment can be adapted to reduce internal stresses in the rotor, thereby reducing a vibration level of the rotor.

Abstract: A battery-powered tool indicates to an operator that a torque limit has been reached. The tool comprises a driver circuit for generating motor interface driving signals, a motor interface circuit coupled to a motor to selectively couple power to the motor in accordance with the motor driving signals, a torque limit signal generator for generating a torque limit signal, a motor torque signal generator for generating a torque signal corresponding to a torque generated by the motor, and a microcontroller for comparing the motor torque signal to the torque limit signal and for generating a torque limit indicating signal in response to the torque signal being equal to or greater than the torque limit signal so the driver circuit operates the motor to vibrate to alert an operator that the torque limit has been reached.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus includes a first FG pattern for generating a first induced voltage attendant upon rotation of the rotor of a motor; a second FG pattern for generating a second induced voltage due to noise; a differential amplifier for differentially amplifying the first and second induced voltages, which are input thereto; and a motor speed control unit for controlling rotation of the motor so as to achieve synchronization between the output of the differential amplifier and a prescribed frequency signal.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular drive apparatus including an engine and a motor is provided. The control apparatus includes a controller that determines the operating point of the engine and the operating point of the motor based on the characteristic of the vehicular drive apparatus. When at least one of the operating point of the motor and the operating point of the engine is in at least one of a motor noise occurrence region and a gear noise occurrence region, the controller changes the at least one of the operating point of the motor and the operating point of the engine so that the at least one of the operating point of the motor and the operating point of the engine avoids the at least one of the motor noise occurrence region and the gear noise occurrence region. This suppresses at least one of motor noise and gear noise.

Abstract: A controller performs processing for calculating a main torque control value, processing for outputting a final control torque value based on the main torque control value and a vibration-suppression torque control value for mitigating torque fluctuation that occurs when a rotating electric machine is operated at the main torque control value, and processing for calculating the vibration-suppression torque control value. The processing for calculating the vibration-suppression torque control value includes processing for calculating an original control value serving as a source of the vibration-suppression torque control value, processing for performing guard processing for restricting the original control value by using a vibration suppression guard value, and processing for smoothing an angular portion where rate of change is discontinuous, that is generated in the torque control value that has been subjected to the guard processing.

Abstract: A method of compensating vibration of an electrical machine comprising a stator and a moving portion, said stator being subjected to magnetic forces generated by alternating electrical excitation and leading to deformation thereof. The method comprises exciting piezoelectric actuators secured at predetermined action locations on the outside surface of the stator, said piezoelectric actuators being arranged to produce controlled deformation in said stator to counter the deformation induced by the magnetic forces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retracting an awning. A sensor detects an awning acceleration caused by wind impacting the awning, and generates a signal having an amplitude corresponding thereto. When the signal exceeds a certain threshold, the awning is retracted. The signal's amplitude may be converted into a frequency, and the frequency compared to the threshold. The signal typically must exceed the threshold for a set period of time to trigger awning retraction. A second threshold may dictate a maximum instantaneous or peak acceleration; when the signal exceeds this second threshold, regardless of the duration during which the second threshold is exceeded, the awning is retracted.

Abstract: A powered system to selectively position a vehicle liftgate at a multiple of positions intermediate a fully open and a fully closed position. A controller receives commands from a remote, such as a key fob, and/or from a selector located within the vehicle to selectively operate the liftgate to move the liftgate through a multiple of liftgate positions through a combination of button presses or selector positions.

Abstract: A spatial notch filter is described that adapts in accordance with changes to an angular velocity of a rotating component within a manufacturing system. In a manufacturing system, noise may appear in feedback signals due to spatially distributed physical features in the system, such as imperfections in the components or sensors. This noise may be concentrated in a frequency band that changes as the angular velocity of rotating system components changes. The invention provides techniques for filtering this noise with one or more notch filters, and for adapting the center frequency of the notch filter as a function of angular velocity. The center frequency of the notch filter tracks the noise when the noise frequency changes.

Abstract: A garbage container includes a base section for collecting garbage and a lid section attachable to the base section. The lid section includes an access door pivotally operable therewith. The garbage container further includes a sensor connected to the top surface of the lid section and for determining when an object has reached a predetermined distance therefrom. The garbage container further includes a housing and a motor disposed therein and connected to the sensor. A plurality of arm members each have a first end portion passing through a corresponding one of a plurality of slots and are operable by the motor. The plurality of arm members each further has a second opposed end portion connected to the access door respectively. The plurality of arm members are preferably selectively pivotable about the first end portions and in a generally arcuate path to thereby move the access door between open and closed positions based upon signals transmitted by the sensor.

Abstract: A variable motor (1) having reduced audible noise. This advantage is achieved by reducing or eliminating ripple torque by making the individual phase torques follow a certain profile, so that when the torques are summed, they are substantially constant. Therefore, the motor (1) back EMF is used as a reference waveform to control the winding currents to achieve reduced ripple torque. The back EMF reference is amplified and provided to the motor windings, and may be derived in a number of ways including use of sense windings, electronic derivation, and approximation by sensing the voltage applied to the windings.

Abstract: A system for preventing a security gate from making hard contact with an object in its path is disclosed. The apparatus detects the presence of an object by use of ultra sonic detectors that use ultra sonic transceivers. When an object is detected the gate operator makes the appropriate calculations to avoid hitting the object. The system operates continuously and can determine if the object is still in the protected area or has moved beyond the protected area.

Abstract: A door operator for moving a door includes a motor for moving the door between opened and closed positions, an operator for controlling the operation of the motor, and a switch, such as a wired wall station or a remote transmitter, for enabling the operator to control operation of the motor. Pushing and releasing the switch results in the operator allowing the motor to apply a normal range of torque values, and wherein pushing and holding the switch results in the operator allowing the motor to apply a broader-than-normal range of torque values. An external safety device coupled to the operator may be used with the operator. If the external safety device is enabled and the door is closing, the motor allows application of a higher-than-normal range of torque values. The door operator may also take corrective action if excessive door speed is detected. But, this corrective action can be overridden if the switch is held closed for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A method of controlling the coordinative lifting of bottom sections of lying furniture such as a bed that has a back bottom section for lifting the back portion of a lying person and a knee bottom section for lifting his/her knee portion, in which the respective bottom sections can be lifted by the lifting mechanisms respectively provided for them, characterized in that the back bottom section is provided with an external force detecting means for detecting the external force in the sliding direction acting on the back of the lying person when the back bottom section is lifted while the knee bottom section is kept lifted, that when the back bottom section is pivotally rotated and lifted to be kept inclined from a flat state where all the bottom sections are kept down to lie flat, the knee bottom section is also adequately lifted, and that when the external force in the sliding direction acting on the back of the lying person, detected by said external force detecting means, has risen to a preset value, the kn

Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the invention provides systems and methods for controlling a physical system by generating an input to the physical system that does not excite unwanted dynamics. Briefly described, one embodiment of the system among others, can be broadly summarized by as follows. A control entity generates a desired motion command for a physical system. A command generator then produces a shaped-smooth reference command for the physical system from the desired motion command that will cause the physical system to move in the desired motion without unwanted dynamics. Methods and other systems are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing reaction forces induced in a machine frame by an oscillating tool employs a counterforce assembly which is driven to move along linear slides mounted to the machine frame. The counterforce assembly is driven with a drive signal derived from two signals: a first signal which is proportional to the acceleration of the tool, and a second signal which is directly proportional to the velocity of the oscillating tool. By properly-adjusting the acceleration and velocity components of the drive signal, the magnitude of the reaction forces induced in the machine frame by the oscillating tool can be substantially reduced. The counterforce assembly preferably includes a centering means which prevents it from moving to either end of the slide. An accelerometer is preferably mounted to the machine frame to sense its vibration, with the accelerometer output used to adjust the counterforce assembly's drive electronics to reduce vibration to a minimum.

Abstract: The device for the generation of vibrations comprises an external casing provided with means of connection to a support structure and at least one mobile internal mass housed in the casing. The device is also provided with magnetic means of guidance of the mobile internal mass with respect to the casing; means of establishing the position and/or the motion of the same mobile mass with respect to the casing, and means of automatic control of the magnetic means of guidance. Furthermore, the mobile internal mass comprises at least one magnetically active element.

Abstract: A paper feeder for use in an image forming apparatus is disclosed. The paper feeder applies vibration to paper sheets being paid out together to thereby reduce an adhering force acting between them. The paper feeder therefore reduces the simultaneous feed of two or more papers to a noticeable degree. An image forming apparatus including the paper feeder is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively controlling an electrical component is claimed. The system contains an audio detector, such as a microphone, that receives sound energy and converts the sound energy into a corresponding electrical signal. The content of the sound energy is irrelevant. Rather, it is the volume of the sound energy that is to be represented by the electrical signal. To produce an electrical signal that corresponds to noise volume, the amplitude of the electrical signal is amplified. The amplified signal is then rectified and filtered, thereby producing a D/C electrical signal that is representative of the volume of the sound energy detected. The D/C electrical signal is used to selectively regulate a current flow controller. The current flow controller controls the flow of current to the electronic component.

Abstract: A suppression circuit, in particular for suppressing the noise of the wiper motor of a motor-vehicle, is provided with at least two capacitors (4, 5), which are situated between one common (1) terminal and two separate terminals (2, 3), and it is provided with pulse limitation. For purposes of pulse limitation, each capacitor has connected to it in parallel the series circuit composed of the cathode-anode path of a diode (6, 7) and of the anode-cathode path of a Zener diode (8). The suppression circuit according to the present invention, in one advantageous application, can be embedded as a suppression module in a suppression device, which is provided in a capacitor enclosure. The capacitor enclosure has three contact terminals, which stand in a fixed spatial relationship to each other, irrespective of the number of suppression components, and it can be block-like or cuboid in shape.

Abstract: A method to operate an electronically commutated DC motor driving a centrifugal pump and comprising a stator fitted with at least one winding and a rotor fitted with permanent magnets, said method including a monitored stepping operation within which one full revolution of the rotor is constituted by a sequence of distinct individual steps, the rotor being accelerated by applying a stator field and being decelerated to a stop before the stator field is commutated.

Abstract: A reference pulse signal P is produced which is synchronized in frequency with a pulse signal S derived from a vibration source and has a predetermined duty ratio. Then, a control signal C is produced by providing at least one or more off intervals &agr;, &bgr; . . . at a random timing and random width predetermined for the reference pulse signal P to have the control amplitude correlated with the amplitude of the vibrations at the vibration source. This control signal C is used for controlling the switching action of the electromagnetic valve to have a desired level of pressure change in an air chamber 35 of a pneumatic vibrator which in turn develops a vibrating force on a mass member 20. The vibrations of the mass member can thus offset the vibrations of the chassis of a vehicle. Also, an electromagnetic vibrator can produce a similar control signal for eliminating the vibrations of the chassis.

Abstract: The flux producing current limit of the motor control is adjusted to control the vibration of a motor. The flux producing current may be profiled in relation to the speed of the motor to compensate for excessive motor vibration.

Abstract: The invention is a low-cost stepper motor drive system comprising a microstepping motor and a logic circuit. The logic circuit includes two integrated circuits for controlling one or more phases of the microstepping motor. Each one of the integrated circuits is a motor driver capable of producing up to sixteen microsteps per full step. Further, each one of the integrated circuits takes a set of analog/digital bits and a phase bit as input. Additionally, within the logic circuit, there is included a microcontroller for controlling the microstepping motor. The microcontroller comprises six control bits, which direct the controller in outputting a set of step sequences to the integrated circuits.

Abstract: An operator for opening and closing movable barriers such as garage doors comprising a pass-point limit system which is a component of an operating head. An operator for a rolling shutter or gate can be installed on either side of the opening. A dual pass-point system provides a unique pass-point regardless of direction of mounting the operator, regardless of the direction of travel for opening the barrier, and regardless of installation configuration, eliminating the need for the installer to know which direction the motor is rotating or the barrier is travelling.

Abstract: An apparatus invention relates to an apparatus and method for monitoring an interior space which is closed off by a locked and/or manually non-unlockable door, flap, sliding sunroof or the like, for example a passenger compartment or luggage compartment of a motor vehicle, with respect to living entities enclosed therein and the quality of their living environment, having a control circuit and sensor evaluation arrangements connected thereto, which arrangements each interact with at least one sensor, a first sensor evaluation arrangement outputting a first signal to the control circuit if there are living entities in the interior space, and a second sensor evaluation arrangement outputting a second signal to the control circuit if the living environment changes in the direction of life- and/or health-threatening states, at least one actuator connected to the control circuit acting on a motor-actuatable closure of the door, flap, sliding sunroof or the like, which is activated by the control circuit for the pu

Abstract: The load torque applied to the shaft of a synchronous motor is estimated based upon a correlation established between load torque and a calculated integral of a drive current value, utilizing the measured current that is applied to drive the motor. The estimated load torque is used as the basis for controlling the driving current amplitude so as to achieve increased efficiency of energy utilization. Control apparatus embodies the technique, and a synchronous motor system includes such apparatus.

Abstract: An active attenuation system for a DC motor which yields global vibration reduction of slot or other motor induced tonals at the plate on which the motor is mounted without modifying the construction of the motor. The system comprises one or more vibration sensors, a signal synchronized to the slot rate or other motor induced tonal rate, an electronic adaptive controller and the means to supply the control signal into the motor field and/or armature current.

Abstract: An obstruction detection apparatus is provided for use in closing a power driven vent, such as a window, that is located in an opening. When the vent includes a first closing edge that moves as the vent is closed and the opening includes a second closing edge that is contacted by the first closing edge when the vent is in a fully closed position, the apparatus includes a detector configured to detect an obstruction at points all along the second closing edge without requiring contact between the obstruction and the vent and to deliver a detection signal when an obstruction is detected. A controller is connected to the detector for receiving the detection signal and delivering a corresponding alarm signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for substantially reducing tonal noise and or vibration generated by a rotating machine. The power supplied to the rotating machine or motor drive signal is modulated as a function of time so that the shaft rate of the rotating machine is varied as a function of time. The motor drive signal or power signal can be modulated in an alternating current (AC) machine wherein the shaft rate is related to the power line frequency, as well as a direct current (DC) machine wherein the shaft rate is related to the DC level applied, to alter the shaft rate as a function of time. Such drive power modulation causes the drive signal energy to spread into new frequencies. As a result, the radiated tonal components are spread out such that the strength of the rotating machine's tonal radiation is substantially reduced. In addition, "beating" effects related to the operation of multiple machines can be reduced.

Abstract: An operator for opening and closing movable barriers such as garage doors comprising a pass-point limit system which is a component of an operating head. An operator for a rolling shutter or gate can be installed on either side of the opening. A dual pass-point system provides a unique pass-point regardless of direction of mounting the operator, regardless of the direction of travel for opening the barrier, and regardless of installation configuration, eliminating the need for the installer to know which direction the motor is rotating or the barrier is travelling. The operator automatically learns both the open and close limits, regardless of direction of travel and without having to press a learn switch to set the open and close limits.