Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically determining which of at least two forces to apply to a paint container in a mixing apparatus that is capable of clamping various sized paint containers. A clamp motor drives a clamping apparatus toward a paint container and a current rise signals engagement of the clamp with the container, whereupon a selection is made from a predetermined set of forces to apply to the container based on the time of energization and voltage applied to the clamp motor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling an automatic barrier movement system, particularly for beginning movement of a barrier which has been stopped between an open and closed position of the barrier. The receipt of a barrier movement command will generally start movement of the barrier toward the open position, however, when predetermined conditions are met the barrier may be started in a direction determined by a preprogrammed algorithm. The predetermined conditions may include that the barrier has been stopped for less than 5 minutes and/or that the barrier was stopped in response to an obstruction during travel toward the open position. The preprogrammed algorithm may be to move the barrier toward the closed position or move the barrier in a direction determined from other sensed conditions.

Abstract: A method for determining the position of an element drivable by a motor within a travel segment between first and second positions. The method includes energizing a motor to drive the element along the travel segment. Current ripples contained in an armature current signal of the motor are counted as the motor drives the element. The position of the element along the travel segment is determined as a function of the counted current ripples. The motor is de-energized once the position of the element is within a certain distance of the first position if the element is to be driven into the first position. The motor is then re-energized to drive the element into the first position. The counted current ripples is set to a reset value after the element has been driven into the first position such that the reset value corresponds to the first position.

Abstract: A system for moving a load toward a setpoint includes an actuator connected to the load and a controller capable of controlling the operation of the actuator. The actuator can generate an input energy that is transferred to the load to move the load toward the setpoint, and the controller can control the operation of the actuator to move the load. The controller is also capable of determining a command distance based upon the setpoint and a current position of the load. Based upon the command distance, then, the controller can determine a pulse duration based upon the command distance. The controller can then apply an input pulse to the actuator for the pulse duration such that the actuator generates the input energy. Advantageously, the input pulse is applied such that the input energy equals an amount of energy lost by the load in moving the load toward the setpoint.

Abstract: An electric tilt and/or telescopic steering column apparatus comprises a steering shaft having a steering wheel mounted on a rear end thereof, a steering column for rotatably supporting the steering shaft, an electric actuator for adjusting the tilt and/or telescopic position of the steering shaft by driving this steering column, and position detecting means for detecting the position of the steering shaft in a non-contact manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a numerical controlling unit that includes: a instructing part that provides a command acceleration for a servomotor, a parameter storing part that stores a threshold parameter about a load of the servomotor, and a load measuring part that measures the load of the servomotor. The load measured by the load measuring part and the threshold parameter are compared by a load comparing part, and an acceleration adjusting part changes the command acceleration for the servomotor based on a result compared by the load comparing part. A controlling part controls the servomotor based on the changed command acceleration. According to the invention, the command acceleration for the servomotor is suitably changed based on the result of comparing the load measured by the load measuring part and the threshold parameter. Thus, it can be prevented that the servomotor is subjected to an overload while using the maximum performance in feeding a work piece.

Abstract: A control system for a door or gate which is movable between an open position and a closed position by an automated operator, comprising a door travel organizer which divides the door travel into a plurality of segments and each segment into a plurality of sectors; a sensor to sense at each sector, the resistance of the door or gate against opening and closing whilst moving between the open position and the closed position over a predetermined number of open close cycles, and to generate at least one signal representative of that resistance in each segment over the open close cycle, a recorder connected to the sensor to receive each representative signal and to store such a signal; a comparator to compare each signal with a resistance trip point set for each segment and generate a resistance profile for the door or gate over an open close cycle of the door or gate; a calculator to calculate the resistance trip point for the door or gate for each segment based upon the highest resistance encountered in any sec

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for adjusting a motor vehicle part between at least two positions, the motor vehicle part being driven by an electric motor, pulse signals being generated according to the rotary motion of the electric motor and being supplied to a control unit for controlling the electric motor, in the first computation (50) with a first parameter set the first value for the instantaneous force acting on the motor vehicle part is determined from the acquired pulse signals at certain first instants. Parallel to the first computation, in at least the second computation (52) with a second parameter set which differs from the first parameter set the second value for the instantaneous force acting on the motor vehicle part is determined from the acquired pulse signals at certain second instants, the two values being considered for the instantaneous action of the force in order to decide whether the electric motor is turned off or reversed or not.

Abstract: A drive circuit including a motor for positioning a damper from a rest position to a stalled position and protect the drive mechanism from damage due to increased current to the drive motor when the damper stalls by including a current limiter to prevent the current in the motor from exceeding a predetermined value.

Abstract: An activation device for a functional component of motor vehicle equipment having an electric motor includes a transmission device connected on the one hand to an output shaft of the motor and on the other hand to said functional component, so that the transmission device and the motor exert mutual forces upon one another, and a safety device adapted for modifying the electrical supply of the motor according to an operating parameter significant of said mutual forces. The motor is mounted on the equipment with at least one degree of movement with respect thereto, and the safety device has means of measuring the movement of the motor delivering measurement signals which determine the operating parameter. The activation device is particularly applicable to electric window winder or sun-roof systems.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically closing a moveable panel, such as a vehicle window. A power drive mechanism is controlled by a controller. The controller determines if the user has issued an “express up” command. Only if the panel is beyond a predetermined proximity of its fully closed position when the “express up” command is issued, is the panel is powered to the fully closed position under its normal circumstances. If the panel is within the predetermined proximity, however, exception processing occurs.

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 method for determining the position of a movable element to be driven by a direct current motor between first and second positions includes counting ripples contained in a motor current signal as the motor rotates to drive the element. The position of the element is determined based on the counted ripples. The motor actuates, until the current signal is void of ripples, to move the element into the first position when the element is to be moved out of the first position towards the second position. The counted ripples is reset to a reset value after the motor has been actuated to move the element into the first position such that the reset value corresponds to the position of the element being in the first position. The motor actuates to move the element towards the second position after the counted ripples has been reset.

Abstract: A pulse generating circuit for motor rotation of a direct current motor which is capable of pulse generation following the variation of the motor rotation condition and of stable ripple pulse generation. The pulse generating circuit for motor rotation includes a filter for varying a cut-off frequency fc by the signal from outside and for removing the noise based on the input signal from the direct current motor, a pulse forming circuit for forming the ripple pulse in accordance with the motor rotation of the direct current motor based on the output from the filter, a clock generating circuit for varying the cut-off frequency fc of the filter by providing the clock signal fCLK which is generated based on the rotational condition signal of the ripple pulse and the direct current motor to the filter, and a pulse correction circuit for generating the corrected ripple pulse when the frequency ratio between the ripple pulse and the clock signal fCLK is deviated.

Abstract: A method (100) for closing a motor-driven window comprises the steps of determining (102) a window gap, and raising (104) the window at a speed dependent upon the window gap. The speed is selected based on the window gap and is reduced as the window gap approaches a pinch region such that the pinch-force is limited to a safe value. A vehicle power-window system (400) comprises a window assembly (410), a battery (420), an electric motor (430), a mechanical assembly (440), and a control circuit (450). Control circuit (450) monitors the window gap and supplies drive voltage to the electric motor in dependence on the window gap, so as to control the speed of the window in accordance with the disclosed method (100). Preferably, control circuit (450) includes a regulator circuit (460) and a processor (470), and the drive voltage is substantially unaffected by at least some changes in the battery voltage.

Abstract: A pulse generating circuit for motor rotation of a direct current motor which is capable of pulse generation following the variation of the motor rotation condition and of stable ripple pulse generation. The pulse generating circuit for motor rotation includes a filter for varying a cut-off frequency fc by the signal from outside and for removing the noise based on the input signal from the direct current motor, a pulse forming circuit for forming the ripple pulse in accordance with the motor rotation of the direct current motor based on the output from the filter, a clock generating circuit for varying the cut-off frequency fc of the filter by providing the clock signal fCLK which is generated based on the rotational condition signal of the ripple pulse and the direct current motor to the filter, and a pulse correction circuit for generating the corrected ripple pulse when the frequency ratio between the ripple pulse and the clock signal fCLK is deviated.

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 pan also be set during a learn operation upon installation of the unit.

Abstract: A device for determining a rotational number of an electric dc motor which drives a moving body of an automobile accessory such a sunroof, or a glass pane of a power window includes a switched capacitance filter for eliminating noise from the motor, a cutoff frequency of the switched capacitance filter being dependent on a clock input thereof; a pulse shaping circuit for generating a ripple pulse signal indicative of the rotational number of the motor by wave-shaping an output of the switched capacitance filter; and a pulse generating circuit providing an output pulse signal so as to establish a condition wherein the frequency of the ripple pulse signal is equalized to the cutoff frequency of the a switched capacitance filter.

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 safety device for a power window in which window glass of a vehicle is made to undergo an opening or closing operation by a driving motor, and which effects safety control against the nipping of a foreign object by detecting the opening and closing positions of the window glass, comprises: a position sensor for detecting the position of an angle of rotation of the driving motor; a detector the opening or closing position of the window glass based on an output of the position sensor; and a controller for effecting safety control against the nipping of the foreign object based on the detector.

Abstract: A steering mechanism (17) in which axial motion of an optical structure (12) is constrained electrically through a closed loop servo control system. The steering mechanism includes three magnetic actuators (19a, 19b, 19c) each having a push rod (20a, 20b, 20c) magnetically coupled thereto for being translated by the magnetic actuator along a translation axis (A). Each of the push rods has an end coupled to a peripheral region (1a, 1b, 1c) of the optical structure for exerting a displacing force thereon in response to the push rod being translated along the translation axis. A non-contact displacement sensor (10c) provides a feedback signal for the closed loop servo control system.

Abstract: A gate operator with an extensible actuating arm adapted for light to moderate gate passing traffic. The operator comprises a small drive unit, such as an electric motor drive, and a rotatable drive shaft, such as a worm shaft driven through operation of the motor. An extensible shaft or so-called ball race shaft, cooperates with the rotatable shaft and extends inwardly or outwardly in response to rotation of the rotatable shaft. A microprocessor operated control circuit is used with or forms part of the operator, and measures a number of counts generated by magnetic elements rotatable with the worm shaft, and which are equivalent to distance units of measurement. In this way, the distance on the opening and closing movement is measured and stored in the microprocessor, so that on subsequent movements, the gate can open and close to precisely the open and closed positions without stopping short of or banging into such end positions.

Abstract: A display device for sequentially displaying multiple sets of image pixels formed on a transparent mosaic through an aperture pattern formed in a substantially opaque mask. An AC gear motor and drive assembly is employed to move the mosaic through a predetermined travel path relative to the mask to sequentially register the image sets with the aperture pattern. A control system is employed to temporarily deactivate the gear motor at predetermined precise positions to display the various images through the aperture pattern.

Abstract: A control device controls an open/close movement of an automotive window pane which is driven by an electric motor. The device comprises a first switch for, when taking ON position, energizing the motor to drive the closure in a first direction toward a pull-opened position and a second switch for, when taking ON position, energizing the motor to drive the closure in a second direction toward a full-closed position. A determining device is provided for determining an energization stopping position which is taken by the closure before taking the full-opened position when moved in the first direction. The energization stopping position and said full-opened position are separated by a given distance. A controller is further provided which stops energization of the motor when the closure comes to the energization stopping position during movement in the first direction.

Abstract: A power window system equipped with a "one-touch-down" feature for a motor vehicle includes provisions for programming the system to enable and/or disable the one-touch-down feature. The programming is done via a sequence of commands provided to the controller of the one-touch-down feature from various switches on the motor vehicle. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, all such commands are issued from devices already on the vehicle to perform functions other than programming of the "one-touch-down" feature.

Abstract: An improved folding trailer includes a base member supported by a pair of wheels with a top member movably connected to the base member. A plurality of extendable support units is mounted on the base member and can be hydraulically driven to extend the top member. The hydraulic system is connected to the extendable support units through pulleys and cables and includes a pressure-compensated flow control valve system for hydraulically limiting the retraction rate of these extendable support units.

Abstract: A power window apparatus for carrying out a safety control operation when an object is caught in the window, which apparatus is capable of setting a safety control mode disabling region to within the required distance exactly. The power window apparatus includes a motor rotation sensor for sensing a state of rotation of the motor, and a window movement sensor for sensing the amount of movement of the window. The object-caught state is detected on the basis of the rotational rate of the motor, and the absolute position of the window is detected on the basis of the detected amount of movement of the window. The safety control mode is disabled in response to the detected absolute position of the window. A reference value for detecting the object-caught state may be varied as the window approaches its fully closed position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning a drape covering for a window comprise an electric stepper motor and an automated control for actuating the electric stepper motor to move the drape to any selected position at any selected time and in any selected sequence of drape movements.

Abstract: A self-adjusting motor positioning system comprises a motor including a shaft extending therefrom, a disc coupled to the motor shaft and having at least first and second notches, rotating apparatus coupled to the motor shaft whereby the rotating apparatus is intermittently driven by the motor, a sensor adjacent the disc for detecting the first and second notches, and a control processor coupled to the sensor and the motor for receiving detection signals from the sensor and for turning the motor on and off. The control processor includes memory for storing a time delay count representing a time delay for the control processor to turn off the motor after the second notch is detected by the sensor. The rotating apparatus includes a starting position from which the rotating apparatus begins. The first notch in the disc corresponds to the starting position of the rotating apparatus. The control processor turns the motor off when the time delay expires after the sensor detects the second notch.

Abstract: The present invention is an automatic door operator which includes an obstruction detector for at least stopping the motor when the detected motor speed indicates a motor torque greater than the selected closing torque limit while closing the door, and for at least stopping the motor when the detected motor speed indicates a motor torque greater than the selected opening torque limit while opening the door. The motor speed is detected based upon a predetermined count of electrical pulses corresponding to motor shaft rotation in order smooth noise. Selection of the number of pulses per rotation enables the same controller to control motors operating on either 60 Hz or 50 Hz power. A travel count of rotation pulses permits identification of a plurality of regions in the opening and closing travel of the door and corresponding adaptive torque limits. The travel counter may also be employed for detection of the fully opened and fully closed limits.

Abstract: A memory mirror system having a mirror 19 mounted within concave-shaped mirror movement boundaries, two constant speed motors 16, 18 each controlling an axis of mirror movement, position feedback signals 26,28 from each motor, push button inputs 12 and an electronic controller 10, is provided with automatic mirror repositioning that drives the mirror from a start position to a memory position in minimum time without colliding with any mirror movement boundaries by driving the mirror position toward the target along the axis farthest from the target and driving the mirror toward the origin along the other axis until the mirror position is within a predetermined safe region along that axis or the current position is 45 degrees from the target, then driving the mirror in the direction of the target along an axis for which the distance to the target is not less than the distance to the target along the other axis or in which the direction toward the target is also toward the origin.

Abstract: Apparatus for activating a safety device hingedly mounted on a shool bus to swing it out to an outstretched position when the bus door is opened and to return the device to its retracted position when the bus door is closed. The system includes a control switch which is caused to close when the door is opened and to open when the door is closed. Associated with the control switch is a control circuit for connecting a DC power supply to a unidirectional DC motor operatively coupled through an eccentric drive and a link arm to the safety device whereby in the course of a single cycle of motor rotation, during one half of the cycle the device is caused to swing out to its fully outstretched position, and during the other half, the device is caused to return to its fully retracted position.

Abstract: A pan and tilt mechanism for a surveillance camera that can pan through two full revolutions. A bell crank has one arm in the path of rotation of a pair of switches, and the bell crank can be shifted to extend the opposite arm. Each arm can be shifted by one switch, but will actuate the other switch to reverse the pan motor. The electrical cord for the mechanism and the camera is wound about the axis of rotation so the cord stays neat and undamaged through all rotation of the mechanism.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the position of a movable member, especially an aircraft control surface member, includes an operational amplifier and a capacitor connected in parallel to the amplifier. The control arrangement further includes a detector which detects the restoration of the supply of electric power following its interruption and generates a limited-duration pulse. This pulse is then used to close a switch, which is interposed between an input terminal of the capacitor and the ground, for the duration of this pulse, so that the capacitor is charged much more rapidly than otherwise. The output signal of the combination of the operational amplifier and the capacitor is supplied to an actuator for the movable member so that the extent of excursion of the movable member out of its desired position after the electric power supply has been restored is minimized.

Abstract: In order to obtain very long operating autonomy without maintenance, with low power consumption and low wear and tear, both the energizing and de-energizing of a DC motor are controlled by an electronic switching circuit providing bounce-free switching. A switching-on control circuit actuates the switching circuit, causing it to energize the motor. A switching-off control device, comprising a rotary component connected to the motor shaft and including contact elements responsive to the position of the rotary component, actuates the switching circuit to cut off the power supply to the motor after the rotary component has rotated through a predetermined angle. The arrangement is advantageous for driving apparatus which is not easily accessible and lacks reliable mains power. Another useful particularity consists in a multiple plug device whereby the rate of intermittent driving may be varied within the range of 1 day to 31 days.

Abstract: A motor driven winding mechanism suitable for a vehicle panel or the like, said window being movable by means of a raising and lowering mechanism (41) having an operating shaft (50) thereon which is rotatable to effect raising and lowering of the window, includes a reduction gear unit (10-30) drivingly coupled to the motor and to be mounted on the operating shaft for rotating that shaft, and sensing means (52-62; 72-80) for sensing rotation of the gear unit about that shaft due to reactive torque produced in the gear unit during operation and controlling operation of the motor in accordance therewith, for example, by de-energizing or reversing the motor upon a predetermined rotation being sensed. The sensing means senses predetermined displacement of the reduction gear unit around the operating shaft axis against the action of a spring (60, 80) resulting from reactive torque produced therein.

Abstract: A control device for a small press is provided with means preventing overloading of the drive motor, a timer for detecting when an operational cycle of the press has exceeded a normal value, and a position detector which notes the position of a cam of the press. The power switch of the drive motor is tripped to suspend the flow of current to the motor upon an indication of the foregoing, e.g., a detected over-current, an excessive cycle time, or an operation end position of the cam.

Abstract: This control device for an electric motor-reduction unit is designed to permit the accurate adjustment of the point at which it is desired to stop the rotation of the unit. For this purpose, it comprises a slide controlling during its movement in one direction and during a first time period the movement of beaks of a rocker in a direction in order to open the motor control switch when said beaks are engaged in notches of cam means. In a second time period, the slide causes a two-armed sliding lever supporting the notched-cam shaft to pivot in a direction, each notched cam being rigidly associated with a heart-shaped cam and with a toothed wheel adapted, when inoperative, to mesh with toothed drive pinions. In a third time period, the slide causes the beaks of the aligning lever to bear against the heart-shaped cams in order to align the notches with the beaks. The pinions remain radially fixed.

Abstract: An automated tire inspection system employs penetrative emanation such as X-radiation to inspect the integrity of portions of tires fed sequentially along a feed path through a centering station and into a shielded enclosure where an inspection station is defined. An inspection apparatus within the shielded enclosure includes an X-ray emitting tube and an imaging system for producing signals representing the pattern of X-rays directed through the tire by the X-ray tube. A control apparatus for the system includes:(1) A protection apparatus for preventing overtravel of movable components of the system, including apparatus for sensing the positions of the movable components and controlling elements for moving the movable components and responding to the sensing apparatus to limit movement of the movable components to within a first predetermined range of positions.

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: The device comprises for each window an electric driving motor and a selector which is adapted to ensure the selective supply of current to the motor, in one direction or the other, through a control circuit acting on a supply source. The supply source is of the type capable of delivering at least two distinct energy levels. The control circuit comprises means for applying to an input of the supply source an energy level control signal which produces, as a function of the position of the selector, the application of a torque to the motor when raising the window which is higher than the torque applied when descending the window.

Abstract: A cycle control device employing a parallel switching circuit to control a single or a predetermined number of cycles of a motor driven output shaft. A latching and a cycle switch in the parallel circuit are providing an overlapping switching sequence which is initiated by a latchable pushbutton and controlled further by the motor driven output shaft to the end of the cycle. An indexing arrangement is functioning to delay the unlatching and keeping the motor circuit energized until the unlatching and motor stopping can take place in a home position after a dial readable predetermined number of ratcheting steps have been completed. The control principle is applicable to a countdown version, a memory version with an automatic return or to a unit with a shaft mechanism to one or the other mode.

Abstract: A window clearing arrangement particularly for the rear window mounted on an automobile liftgate is provided, being characterized by a control circuit comprising a single relay, the single reversing contact of which enables, according to its position, either wiping by powering the motor-reducer or the stopping of the motor by short-circuiting of the armature. The relay is fed by the first wire, while the second wire powers the defogging system. All of the controls, whether momentary or not, involve one or more suitable switches, one position, however, being reserved for the impulse control of the washer by electrically powering a pump, which simultaneously activates the wiper.

Abstract: A method is provided for adjusting or setting a definite position of rest of a rotary tube, particularly of a tube mill, by switching off the drive of the tube and is particularly characterized in that, at a time T.sub.o, the angular position of the rotary tube, or of a drive part rotating with a tube, referred to a plane of comparison is established, that the idling movement of the tube is predetermined between disconnection and final standstill, and the angular position of the rotary tube and/or of the time T.sub.x at which the drive is disconnected is calculated and effected.

Abstract: A numerically controlled transfer machine comprises a rotary index table having thereon a plurality of jig tables for holding workpieces, and a plurality of working units are disposed in spaced relation around the index table so that rotary indexing of the index table successively positions the jig tables opposite different ones of the working units. Each working unit includes a positioning feed mechanism for controlling the feeding and return movements of the working unit to enable a working operation to be carried out on the workpieces. Each working unit has a position detector comprised of a microswitch mounted on a slide member slidably mounted on the working unit.

Abstract: A hoisting apparatus and a control circuit therefor comprising a reversible electric motor drivingly connected to a hoisting drum for hauling an object up and down. The control circuit includes first and second photosensitive elements each responsive to a light beam for initiating rotation of the electric motor in either direction and means for terminating rotation of the electric motor.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for metering particulate material from a source and transferring it to another location. The metering apparatus is primarily designed to supply a supplement or supplemental component to animal feed to obtain accurate control over the quantity of supplement and uniform distribution of it. The apparatus includes a bin with a gate which can be reciprocated across a discharge opening with the stroke of the gate being variable. The apparatus has an improved drive arrangement and improved controls for regulating the amount of feed which are more reliable and less subject to malfunction than those heretofore known.

Abstract: A curd-cutting tool is rotatable about an axis within an immobile curdling container, driving means being provided for rotating this tool in one direction around said axis to cut the cheese curd; and means are operatively connected to the driving means for causing interruptions in the rotation of the tool in said one direction during the cutting operation.

Abstract: An aircraft steering surface actuator has an electric motor, a reduction gear and a step-by-step control mechanism in the form of a cam-operated breaker in the electric motor power supply circuit. The breaker automatically deenergizes the electric motor when the steering surface is turned through one step, thus preventing the steering surface from inadvertent movement to the extreme position in case of trouble in the system.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the position of an antenna rotator from remote locations includes a sender unit which generates desired antenna position information and a control circuit associated with an antenna rotator. The sender includes a dial for selecting the desired antenna position, a control transmitter responsive to the position of the dial for providing an output at a first frequency containing the antenna position information and a holding circuit for continuing the output of the control transmitter until the antenna reaches the desired position. The sender also includes a receiver responsive to a signal at a second frequency from the control circuit for terminating the operation of the control transmitter.