Abstract: A security timer for a powered overhead garage door causes the garage door to close after it has been opened for a selected time interval. The security timer includes an oscillator that provides pulses. A counter counts the pulses and provides a binary output. A timer switch is engaged by the door when the door is fully open. Engagement of the timer switch signals the oscillator and counter to begin. When the desired number of pulses has been counted, a relay switch is closed for signaling the operator unit of the door to close the door.

Abstract: An induction type positioning system which accurately stops a movable part without a contact and holds it in the stopped position without depending on the friction force of mechanical contact is disclosed. A primary core consisting of a main pole, an auxiliary pole, and a single phase AC magnetic field generation coil, and a conductive plate which moves relative to this primary core, generate a holding force for suppressing the relative movement between the primary core and the conductive plate by use of the eddy current which is induced on the conductive plate by the field generated by the main pole at the position where the conductive plate is placed on the auxiliary pole and simultaneously the edge of the conductive plate is placed on the main pole, and by use of the eddy current which is induced on the conductive plate by the field generated from the auxiliary pole.

Abstract: A power screwdriver that is equipped with a spring coupling between the motor drive and the tool spindle, a signal that indicates that a certain value of torque has been overstepped, at which the screwdriver must be sopped, first causes reversal of the motor, but before the motor appreciably turns in the reverse direction, powers shut-off, allowing the motor to coast. After another brief interval, power is reapplied to the motor in the original direction, again briefly. In this way it is possible for the final shut-off to occur when the motor is stopped and the spring is unstressed, avoiding oscillations of the motor-spring system. A triac bridge circuit makes possible quick reversals and brief applications of power. In such a bridge circuit, precautions must be taken to be sure one pair of triacs is extinguished before the other pair is ignited.

Abstract: An improvement in door activating control apparatus including a short delay between the time the door is stopped during its closing direction of travel and starts moving in the opening direction when any one of any switch or button for opening the door is activated, prevents the stress incurred when the door is required to instantly reverse its direction of travel while closing, demonstrates a distinct advantage especially when controlling large heavy doors, or for door openings that require a high volume of traffic and in emergency situations, includes a means to by-pass the delayed reversing when the door is in the closed position. Features a novel means of using a single pole double throw switch which will serve to defeat a safety edge device and by-pass the delayed reversing, embodied in a single enclosure along with the door closing limit switch, all actuated by a single mechanical actuating device at the door closed position, demonstrates distinct advantages in door operator design.

Abstract: Apparatus for an electrically moved sliding window used in automotive applications, having a built-in safety device is described. This detector is a proximity detector which detects the approach of a portion of a human body, e.g. a gloved hand. This detector is advantageously comprised of a capacitive pickup carried along the upper edges of the window, connected to a detector stage which, as a function of the rate of change in the signal appearing across the pickup, acts, via an amplifier, to remove the electrical power supplied to the drive motor of the window.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for accurately moving a body in accordance with a predetermined motion. An embodiment of the invention relates to an optical scanning system in which the movement of an intermittently tilting mirror is required to be extremely linear. The positions of the mirror at predetermined points are compared with the required positions and correction signals generated for use on subsequent movement cycles. Because of the high speed of movement of the mirror, it is preferred to make only one comparison per movement cycle and it may be necessary for a number of comparisons to be made for any one predetermined point until a satisfactory correction is achieved.

Abstract: A control arrangement and method for a motor driven adjustable bed which has mattress supporting portions, a frame for supporting the mattress supporting portions, and a position controlling mechanism operatively interconnecting the mattress supporting portions and the frame and including a plurality of motors. In accordance with the present invention, an operator of the bed may generate command signals indicative of selected bed positions and a processor responsive to command signals and to control signals stored in a programmable memory actuates at least one of the motors for moving the frame toward an allowed, selected bed position. In accordance with the present invention, the motors may be actuated in selected combinations and sequences so as to achieve particular bed positions as described more fully in the accompanying description.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator and valve are used for the control of fuel to a burner. The actuator is energized to open the valve through a manual start switch and a manual reset switch to prevent the manual start switch from being held in either accidentally or intentionally to overcome a safety monitoring control, such as a flame safeguard programmer.

Abstract: A drive circuit for a wiper device includes reversible driving motors for alternately driving a pair of wiper assemblies in first and second directions. Each driving circuit includes a switching means and a means for detecting both ends of the wiper blade motions in the first and second directions. The switching means is operative to switch the direction of electric current supplied to an electric motor when the detecting means detects the end of wiper blade motion. Each driving circuit is connected to both of switching means so that it can reverse the current supplied to the driving motor when both of switching means detect the ends of the wiper assembly motion.

Abstract: A position controlling device including a shielding plate which can be moved by a motor, three pairs of light emitting elements and light receiving elements arranged on both sides of the shielding plate and a motor controlling circuit which can control the normal rotation, reverse rotation and stop of the motor with output signals from the light receiving elements and a foot switch or centering switch simple in the formation and making no misoperation with a noise.

Abstract: A seat position automatic adjusting device used for an automotive vehicle motor-powered front seat comprises a single reversible motor for actuating the adjusting mechanism to adjust each seat member to a desired position. A control circuit counts and stores the number of rotations of the reversible motor and outputs a control signal by calculating the difference between the current seat position data from the stored value and the original seat position data. A drive circuit drives the reversible motor to automatically return the current seat position to the original seat position to the original seat position in response to the control signal from said control circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in a method of sensing a position of a movable body by directly or indirectly converting a unit movement of the movable body into digital pulse signals and an apparatus therefor. A reference position is selected at a point, at which said movable body abuts against and presses a stopper provided at a specific position within the moving range thereof. The pulse signals are counted as the movable body moves from the stopper using the reference position as a reference number. The coincidence of the number of the pulse signals counted with a first predetermined pulse number corresponding to a predetermined position is sensed so as to sense the fact that the movable body has reached a predetermined position and position sensing signals are emitted.

Abstract: On a work machine such as a milling machine having a main spindle for chucking a tool and a mobile transfer arm assembly for replacing the tool under control by a numerical control device, a chucking repeat controller including a chucking repeat fixer, which is given in the form of either a counter or a time-limit timer, automatically repeats chucking operation by the main spindle upon detection of any failure in chucking operation, and intercepts all further operation of the main spindle and the transfer arm assembly for maintenance purposes when failure in the chucking operation has been repeated in succession for prescribed number of times, preferably with concurrent generation of some visible and/or audible alarm for operators' attention.

Abstract: A motor for driving a garage door is controlled by a control unit, which counts the time required for the garage door to move between an upper limit switch and a lower limit switch. The control unit sets a comparison reference time on the basis of the time thus counted, and controls the motor in such a manner that the motor driving does not continue for a period of time longer than the comparison reference time.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling an element of a power vehicle, such as a safety belt, window pane, and the like, has a displaceable member connectable with a power vehicle element to be controlled and displaceable together with the latter from a first end position to a second end position in a predetermined direction, a drive unit for driving the displaceable member, and a safety device arranged to interrupt a power flux to the displaceable member when a resistance acts upon the latter in a direction opposite to the first-mentioned direction with exceeding of a predetermined limiting value, wherein the safety device includes a safety member arranged withdrawable between the drive unit and the displaceable member and retained in the power flux by a force adjustable in correspondence with the limiting value.

Abstract: A positioning servomechanism, which is liable to damage, or positions other equipment which is liable to damage if extremeties in its positioning locus are encountered at speed, is protected against uncontrolled and catastrophic acceleration towards these extremeties by the provision of apparatus which shuts off power to the servomechanism in the event of its drive output exceeding a predetermined limit, indicative of saturation, for more than a predetermined time period, power being restored by the application of an external signal.

Abstract: A door operator includes a motor-driven mechanism to move a door between an open position and a closed position in response to activation of an improved control circuit. The improved control circuit includes circuitry to initialize the sequence of operation of the motor upon connection of power after installation of the door operator or upon restoration of power after a power outage. Obstruction detection circuitry is also included in the control circuit to stop or reverse the motor if the door encounters an obstacle during movement between the open and closed positions. Time delay circuitry cooperates with the obstruction detection circuitry so as to prevent stopping or reversing the motor due to the inertia of the door and of the drive mechanism as the door starts to open or close upon activation of the control circuit. During the time delay period, however, further manual activation of the control circuit is operative to stop and/or reverse movement of the door.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling operation of at least one operating element of a loom on the basis of a reference signal are disclosed. A rotational position signal developed during each weaving cycle of the loom is compared with the reference signal to issue a rotational angle signal indicating an angle through which the loom has been rotated with respect to a reference angular position. By utilizing this rotational angle signal, the timing of the operation of any operating element can be determined.

Abstract: A logic control and safety circuit for an electrically actuated gate, or the like. Upon command, a counter directs pulses from a free running oscillator of selective frequency to timer and motor control circuitry, effecting sequential gate operations. The normal gate sequence includes open, pause, and close cycles. Electro-mechanical and electrical safety features are included should the gate encounter an obstruction during either the open or the close cycles, or fail to complete a cycle for any reason. Automatic reset circuitry advances the gate through a "close" cycle following a power failure.

Abstract: A motor reversing control circuit for a motor vehicle windshield wiper has a motor driven cam with a first lobe defining a park position for the wiper and a second lobe defining, in relation to the first, a wipe angle. A park switch is actuated by either lobe to reverse the output of a flip-flop which controls motor direction. The motor is activated in response to one or more of (a) a main switch, (b) the unactuated park switch and (c) the flip-flop output signalling wiper movement toward the park position. An optional timer effective to delay the motor activation in response to the main switch provides a pause in the park position.

Abstract: A control system for rigidly stopping the spindle of a machine tool at a prescribed angular position when a tool is to be changed, without the use of a mechanical brake. Provided for this purpose is an orientation control circuit adapted to produce an output signal of zero potential when the spindle is at a prescribed stopping position, and an output signal of a potential proportional to the amount of angular deviation when the spindle is displaced from the prescribed stopping position. To stop the spindle at a prescribed stopping position, the output signal from the orientation control circuit is delivered in place of a speed command signal to a speed control loop of the type which limits to zero the difference between the speed command signal and a speed feedback signal. When the spindle is at rest, the feedback function of the speed control loop holds the rotary shaft of the spindle motor rigidly at the stopping position as if a mechanical brake were applied thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a slidable and pivotally movable cover for use with an automobile roof opening comprises a control element, e.g. a disc, driven by an electric motor. A plurality of switch cones are preferably secured at equal radial distances from the rotational axis of the control disc. An actuating plunger is radially displaceable by each cam to move a biased actuating element which then operates a switching member of a control switch. This switches off the motor when specific portions of the cover are reached.In a first position of the actuating element, in which it is held against its bias by energized electromagnetic means, the actuating element is operable to displace the switch pin to switch off the motor. In a biased second position of the actuating element, with the electromagnetic means de-energized in consequence of the motor being switched off, the actuating element holds the switching member in its displaced position until the energizing circuit is again energized.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a DC motor driven screw feed which moves the table of a machine tool into prescribed positions including a plurality of limit switches which detect the position of the table, a rate change control circuit which receives signals from the limit switches and changes the rate of revolution of the DC motor when the table has reached prescribed rate change positions and a current limiting circuit which supplies the DC motor with a prescribed constant current and keeps the output torque of the DC motor at a prescribed level when the table has reached a prescribed dwell position.

Abstract: Safety control unit using a self-starting single-phase synchronous a.c. motor with a register closure.

Abstract: A position memory device for a reclining seat to memorize tilted positions of a seat back. The memory device includes a memory wheel adapted to be rotated with movements of the seat back, a reset cam integrally formed with the memory wheel, and a reset lever urging against the reset cam so as to rotate the memory wheel relative to the seat back. Two memory switches adapted to engage respective ends of a recessed portion of the memory wheel to sense when the memory wheel is rotated to a determined position with the seat back in the memorized position, thereby improving the accuracy of returned positions of the seat back and decreasing operative forces of the reset lever.

Abstract: A speed control system for a motor comprises a main motor circuit for supplying the motor current to the motor from an AC power supply via a main switch, a full-wave rectifier circuit and a semiconductor element with a control electrode, variable voltage setting means connected to the full-wave rectifier circuit, charge-discharge element connected to the variable voltage setting means and impressed with a voltage set by the variable voltage setting means, and a trigger voltage supply element conducted for releasing the charges charged in the charge-discharge element to the control electrode of the semiconductor element as a trigger voltage when the charge voltage of the charge-discharge element reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A windshield wiper motor control circuit is described which is directed to controlling a reversible motor. A reversing switch is switched by a relay which is controlled via switches characterizing the end positions of the wiper blade traverse of the windshield. A delay interval may be provided prior to each time the motor direction is reversed to provide intermittent operation.

Abstract: A damper blade control for regularing the flow of conditioned air through a supply air duct and into a zone. The control comprises an electric motor for use with a source of electrical energy for moving the damper blade between a minimum air flow position and a maximum air flow position, and a thermostatic switch electrically positioned between the motor and the source of electrical energy for connecting the motor thereto to change the position of the damper blade in response to changes in the temperature of the zone. The control further comprises maximum and minimum flow switches disposed outside the supply air duct for disconnecting the motor from the source of electrical energy when the damper blade reaches, respectively, the maximum and minimum air flow positions.

Abstract: A garage door opener includes a radio receiver and a push button each operable to initiate a pulse for effecting a switching device which in turn energizes a latching relay. Operation of the latching relay completes an energizing circuit to the appropriate winding of a reversible motor which moves the door toward an open or closed position. A sensing circuit is operable for effecting the reversal of the latching relay to change the direction of motor operation in the event the door engages an object in its path. A foot switch may also be provided for positively sensing an obstacle and reversing the drive motor. A transmitter may be provided with an impulse circuit to limit the duration of the system actuating signal regardless of how long the transmitter push button is depressed.

Abstract: A motorized headlamp position adjusting circuit for adjusting the angular position of a vehicular headlamp includes two motor position switches and an operating switch interconnected such that the number of wires to the control switch is reduced.

Abstract: A control circuit for an electrically adjustable patient chair that is adapted when actuated by the momentary depression of a start button, to automatically return the chair to its fully down and tilt forward position. The control circuit includes a multiple-pole relay that is latched in the closed position to energize both motor windings by a solid state switching device that is gated to the on state by a current transformer that senses the load current in a conductor that passes through the core of the transformer. The adjustment motors remain energized until a pair of limit switches are opened upon the chair attaining its exit position. The resulting current drop to zero in the load line is sensed by the current transformer which turns off the solid state switching device which in turn unlatches the relay.

Abstract: An apparatus to produce accurately limited angular or pivotal movements of a shaft of a DC motor with a control circuit to supply appropriate signals to control the operation thereof. Position indicators are provided to detect the shaft position and a second indicator is located to detect a rearward pivot position. Means are provided to establish a direction signal to indicate direction of rotation of the shaft, and the direction signal means and the position indicators produce outputs which are connected to the control circuit. The DC motor has a motor drive which receives signals from the control circuit during movement of the motor between forward and rearward pivot positions. The control circuit produces, first, an acceleration current and then a deceleration and finally a correction current with the current dropping to "zero" when the desired angular position has been reached by the shaft.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling variations in position of automatic equipment for spraying coating products, such as, for example, automatic sprayers of paints, enamels, fibres, etc., mounted on reciprocators which give them a to-and-fro movement. The carriage carrying the sprayer also carries springs which strike the stops at the end of the path of travel. While the said springs are being compressed and released, the electrical supply of the motor is cut off by limit switches.

Abstract: An electrically driven linear actuator has a housing with a plurality of bus bars mounted within the housing. An electric motor is positioned in the housing and is in driving relationship with a linearly movable actuator member. The actuator member carries a contact which moves along and in contact with the bus bars. There is an electrical connection between the bus bars and the motor with the flow of current through this connection being controlled by the movable contact.

Abstract: A driver's seat is automatically adjustable for height in response to the weight of the person sitting in it. The seat is carried by a spring suspension which is displaceable by a reversible servo-motor. Scanning means for controlling the motor comprise an actuating member and two vertically spaced sensors, either the actuating member or the sensors being secured to the seat for movement therewith and the other being stationary. If the seat carries a lightweight person, the spring suspension permits it to descend to a position where the actuating member and the upper sensor co-operate to activate the servo-motor to displace the suspension for lowering the seat still further, whereas in the case of a heavy person the actuating member and the lower sensor are effective to raise the seat.

Abstract: This invention relates to a driving signal control circuit, in which at least four detecting points (or detectors) are arranged for detecting the position of the working table, which is repeatedly reciprocated between the detecting points.

Abstract: The upper channular frame supporting the venetian blind houses a rotary shaft parallel to the slats of the blind and from which the slats are suspended by a pair of nylon ladders. The shaft is driven by a small D.C. motor and gear reduction unit having an output governed by limit switches selectively operable to provide a predetermined limit of angular slat movement. The limit switches are incorporated in parallel branches directly in one of the power lines to the motor, with individual diodes controlling the direction of the current through the corresponding branches.

Abstract: An ophthalmic refracting chart projector having rotary slide discs, the images on which are projected on a screen, having remote operating controls permitting selective showing of the slides in selectable sequence.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the opening and closing of windows in a greenhouse or other structure which includes temperature sensing means for producing a control signal, means for producing a second control signal corresponding to a temperature at which the windows are to be opened, means actuated by the windows for producing a third control signal, means comparing the third signal with the first and second signals to produce a comparison signal which functions to operate motors to open and close said windows.

Abstract: A rotary tap changer or switch is rotated by a motor to a plurality of contactor positions by a control system having a cam that rotates to activate limit switches respectively corresponding to contactor positions. The activation of the limit switches causes operation of a relay which, after a selected time delay, operates to discharge a capacitor across the motor to apply dynamic braking and stop the motor. When starting the motor to rotate the tap changer, energization is applied through the limit switches to select rotation in a forward or reverse direction determined with some modification by the shortest distance of rotation to the new selected position.

Abstract: A programmed pusher machine and coke guide machine are provided with interlocks, and ovens are each provided with identifying means that can be sensed by means on each of the machines, to insure that the scheduled oven in a coke oven battery is safely pushed.

Abstract: A television tuner drive system includes a bidirectional electric motor coupled to a rotatable channel selector. A carryover cam and switch coupled to the motor causes the motor power to be decoupled at each broadcast channel position. A plurality of cams are supported by a rotating drum coupled to the channel selector and coact with a cam follower and single pole switch to override the carryover switch and maintain power coupling to the motor. The drum-supported cams are positionable to selectively coact or clear the cam follower permitting programming of channel stop positions.

Abstract: An improved garage door operator of the motor-driven chain-and-sprocket type comprising a molded plastic gear case assembly supporting an output shaft for rotation relative thereto. A molded plastic worm wheel is loosely disposed on the shaft for limited rotation relative thereto and is driven by a reversible electric motor through a worm. Camming surfaces on the worm wheel and a second element which is fixedly disposed on the shaft form a low-torque coupling such that under normal conditions the motor drives the shaft to move the garage door. If the door encounters an obstacle and is unable to move, continued rotation of the motor drives the cam surface of the second element up the cam surface of the wheel so as to axially shift the second element relative to the gear case to trip a reversing switch. Up and down limits are established by means of a small threaded shaft which is driven off of the worm wheel and which produces linear displacement of a limit switch actuator traveler.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a safety device for use in a garage door opening and closing system of the type which includes an impulse actuated reversible motor which opens and closes the garage door and wherein the safety device automatically actuates the motor for closing the door should the door be inadvertantly opened or accidentally remained open. The safety device includes a detector for detecting the open or closed condition of the door, a counter for keeping time responsive to the detector detecting that the door is open, and a logic circuit for providing repetitive impulses to the motor to actuate the motor for closing the door. The counter terminates keeping time and is reset by the detector when the detector detects that the door is closed. The safety device additionally includes an indicator responsive to the repetitive impulses for indicating that the logic circuits have actuated the motor for closing the door.

Abstract: A rotating disc driven in synchronism with the reciprocating movement of the needle of a sewing machine has a plurality of cutaway arc-shaped sections having different arcs to produce a pulse train of frequency related to the motor speed. A photoelectrical device responds to intermittent light the interceptions being caused by the rotating disc. The pulse train comprises pulses of different pulse lengths, each corresponding to the lower and upper dead points of the needle. First and second pulse length detectors are provided to detect sequentially each of the pulse lengths in a controlled manner by the operator manipulation of a treadle so that the motor is decelerated from a preselected speed to a standstill with the needle at its lower or upper dead point.

Abstract: A positioning drive with an electronic regulator for controlling the r.p.m. of a working shaft has a regeneratively coupled amplifier with variable negative feedback adjustable from a normally high value to a minimum value for the final braking action, whereby the shaft is abruptly brought to rest at a predetermined angular position.

Abstract: A cutting feed starting position control device for machine tools is capable of automatically shifting a cutting feed starting position in the machine tool toward a work a distance corresponding to a variation in size of a tool such as a grinding wheel due to dressing or truing, and again returning the shifted cutting feed starting position to an original position when it is desired such as a replacement of wheels, thereby completely removing various kinds of difficulties in a numerical machine tool control due to the variation in size of tools.

Abstract: An electronic door control system is disclosed having a d.c. motor rotatable in one direction for opening a door and in the opposite direction for closing the door. One or more semiconductor devices (preferably SCR's) supply d.c. power to the motor from an a.c. power source when rendered conductive. A polarity selecting circuit controls the polarity of d.c. power supplied to the motor and thus its rotational direction. A sensor (e.g. floor mat) senses body pressure near the door to enable conduction of the semiconductor device and provide a first d.c. power polarity for a predetermined period to open the door. A circuit reverses the polarity after the door is opened, thereby closing the door. A speed control circuit responsive to counterelectromotive force developed by the motor effectively controllably varies the conductivity of the semiconductor device in a sense tending normally to cause motor rotation, and thereby door movement, at a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A material transfer apparatus which includes a carriage whose movement is controlled along a path between specified locations thereon. The carriage includes means for dynamically indicating its present location on the path which is compared with a specified new location to provide a difference drive for moving the carriage as required.

Abstract: There is provided a passive seatbelt system which is actuated by an electric motor. The seatbelt system comprises command switch means for generating seatbelt activation and deactivation signals, switch means for detecting the position of a seatbelt, and a control circuit for controlling the motor. The control circuit further comprises a driving circuit for driving the motor and a computing circuit for controlling the driving circuit in accordance with the output signals of the two switch means. The driving and computing circuits included in the control circuit are constructed using hybrid integrated circuits (IC) and the thus miniaturized control circuit can be made integral with the electric motor.