Abstract: A conveyor unit (2) including a driving roller (5), a motor (30) for powering the driving roller (5), and a controller (10) adapted to adjust the motor (30) so as to control the driving roller (5), the motor (30) including a permanent magnet and an armature having a plurality of armature coils (32a–32c), and the controller (10) having an interrupter (15) adapted to repeat shunting and deshunting of at least one of the coils (32a–32c) and a rotation detector (17) adapted to detect an externally forced rotation of the motor (30) in response to an electromotive force induced in at least one of the coils (32a–32c), wherein in the case that the motor (30) is not driven, the controller (10) maintains operations of the interrupter (15) and outputs a presence signal by determining conveyance of an article (W) into an area powered by the motor (30) upon detection of the rotation of the motor (30) by means of the rotation detector (17).

Abstract: The device according to the invention has a sensor (5) for generating and detecting an electromagnetic field situated in the vicinity of a moving part (1) that should not be touched. The device according to the invention also has an evaluation unit (8) that is connected to the sensor (5) in order to evaluate sensor signals that can be generated by the sensor (5), wherein the evaluation unit (8) can generate an evaluation signal. Finally, a control unit (9) connected to the evaluation unit (8) is provided, which is designed and can be operated so as to control the movement of the part (1) as a function of the evaluation signal.

Abstract: A motor control device having memory for storing data indicative of a control mode and a pulse width modulation (PWM) value and logic that applies the pulse width modulation value to a voltage provided to a motor if the data indicative of the control mode indicates voltage mode. The logic further controls the voltage applied to the motor based upon a motor set point value representative of the data indicative of the pulse width modulation value when the data indicative of the control mode indicates current mode.

Abstract: Insulation condition monitoring systems and methods for a rotating DC electric machine, the method comprising: measuring a first set of values for an instantaneous differential current and an instantaneous voltage during operation of the rotating DC electric machine; calculating a value for a phasor current and phasor voltage based upon the first set of values of the instantaneous differential current and the instantaneous voltage, respectively; calculating an angular relationship between the phasor current and the phasor voltage; and determining insulation condition based on the angular relationship.

Abstract: A vehicle door driving system includes a driving power source for generating a driving force, a clutch mechanism adjusted to be engaged and disengaged, and controlling means for controlling the clutch mechanism to be engaged and disengaged, the controlling means controlling the driving power source to generate the driving force. The controlling means judges whether the vehicle is at a vehicle driving recognition state, and the controlling means controls the clutch mechanism to be engaged when the controlling means identifies the vehicle driving recognition state.

Abstract: A sensing system that includes a plurality of LEDs situated at the trailing edge of an automobile power window. The LEDs are activated when the power window is closing. The light emitted by the LEDs propagates through the window is emitted from the leading edge of the window as the window is closing. An array of detectors sense the light and transmit a signal indicating detection to a logical circuit. The logical circuit performs a logical analysis, and it transmits a signal to a controller or to the motor of the power window. A sensing method that includes transmitting light through an automobile window and detecting the signal as the window is moving to a closed position. When the signals indicate that an object is present, deactivate the motor to avoid injury or damage to an object in the line of movement of the window.

Abstract: A device to protect fans from overheating and overloading with driving current. The fan protection device of the present invention monitors the temperature and current change of the operating fan. When the temperature or the current float surpasses a predetermined value, the protection device cuts off the fan's power supply and avoids damage to the unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trapping protector capable of detecting the presence of an object in a sensing region when connected with a device for creating input signals and evaluating output signals. Said trapping protector comprises a body portion, at least one ground electrode, at least one sensor electrode arranged spaced apart from said ground electrode and embedded in said body portion, and a zone of reduced rigidity between said at least one ground electrode and said at least one sensor electrode. Said zone reduces the force required for triggering said trapping protector.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing motor noise in a motor driven system (12) has a sensor (22) coupled to the system that generates an electrical signal indicative of a system operating parameter. A controller (24) is coupled to the motor (14) and the sensor (22). The controller (24) drives the motor (14) with a pulse width modulated signal having a variable duty cycle. The controller (24) monitors the electrical signal and varies the pulse width modulated signal from a low duty cycle corresponding to a low noise operation of the motor (14) to a higher duty cycle in response to an increased demand as indicated by the sensor.

Abstract: The information processing device includes a first device (31) supplied with power and a second device (32) supplied with power from the first device (31) when connected to the first device (31). The information processing device includes a detection portion (121-1, 121-n, 221-1, 221-n) detecting the attachment/detachment of the second device (32) and a supply portion (121-2, 221-2) supplying power to the second device (32), and the first device (31) includes a control portion (151) controlling the supply of the power by the supply portion (121-2, 221-2) according to the result of detection by the detection portion (121-1, 121-n, 221-1, 221-n). As the supply of the power by the supply portion (121-2, 221-2) is controlled according to the result of the detection by the detection portion (121-1, 121-n, 221-1, 221-n), the electric shock on an internal circuit of the second device (32) at the time of attachment/detachment of second device (32) can be prevented.

Abstract: The invention provides a control apparatus for an engine driving motor having a function of driving a crankshaft of an engine and another function of generating electric power from power from the crankshaft by which an engine can be started up efficiently in a short time.

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 pair of capacitors are provided at a window sash or a window glass edge. Each capacitor is connected to two variable phase delay generators in parallel. Selectors are inserted between the capacitors and variable phase delay generators. Each selector alternates the connection between the capacitor and two variable phase delay generators. Upon insertion of human bodies, two variable phase delay generators reverse relative phase delays of the output signal from the two variable phase delay generators. If one of the relative phase delays is reversed, the human bodies are detected to be inserted into the window opening.

Abstract: A conventional motor controlling circuit is adapted to control an inverter that drives a permanent magnet generator as a motor to spin an engine to a speed sufficient to permit the engine to start. The commutation frequency is adjusted as a function of speed utilizing an automatic commutation frequency adjustment circuit. This circuit has multiple commutation frequency ranges that overcome a large initial bearing drag during low speed operation while still permitting high speed operation. The automatic commutation frequency adjustment circuit preferably generates first and second voltage ramps that overcome the initial bearing drag and accelerate the generator at a rate fast enough for sufficient back EMF to be generated for a closed-loop commutation phase. A speedup circuit operates during the closed-loop commutation phase to achieve the high speeds typically necessary for engine starting. The inventive circuits even permit a turbine type engine to be successfully started.

Abstract: The electrically powered actuator includes a capacitor for supplying supplemental electrical power to a motor in response to a loss of power to the motor from a main power source in order to enable the motor to overcome the magnetic resistance of the motor and a frictional resistance of a gear train in order to bias a positioning device into a retracted fail-safe position. The supplemental electrical power supplied to the motor supplements the biasing force of a spring or the like for biasing the positioning device from an extended position into the retracted fail-safe position. The capacitor is connected to the electrical circuit of the motor so as to be charged during normal operation of the motor and for delivering a pulse of reverse polarity power to the motor in response to a loss of power to the motor from the main source of power.

Abstract: An automatic open-and-close system for a vehicle slide door includes a slide door being moved for its opening/closing along a guide track provided on a vehicle body by a slide door moving mechanism, a clutch device for intermittently transmitting a power from a drive source to a slide door moving mechanism, a controller for intermittently controlling the clutch device, and a select circuit for forcibly operating the clutch device when a vehicle engine stops by applying a power source voltage to the clutch device.

Abstract: A method and device for sensing the distance between a first object and a second object so as to activate or facilitate predetermined actions when the distance has attained a certain value. A person (1) (first object) holds a handle (2) of a power tool, the handle being connected to a function generator (6) for a signal in turn connected to a unit (7) for encoding or modulating the signal. A capacitance (C1) exists between the hand of a person (1) and the handle (2). A capacitance (C2) exists between the person (1) and the active portion (4) (second object) of the tool connected to a demodulator or tone decoder (8) in turn connected to a control unit (9) incorporating the control circuitry. The control unit (9) controls the security system (10) in turn controlling the protective measures such as braking or power cut-off (11). The control unit (9) also controls an alarm and self-testing circuitry (11a).

Abstract: An apparatus (20) controls a seat positioning motor (32) and a seat heater (44) of an occupant seat (22). The apparatus includes common switches (62, 70) electrically connected to both the motor (32) and the seat heater (44). The common switches permits connection of the motor and the seat heater to a source of electric energy (B+). A controller (38) is connected to the common switches for selectively controlling actuation of the motor and the seat heater through the common switches.

Abstract: A tap-changer transformer operated by the step-by-step principle in which its motor drive receives a signal to raise or lower the tap, has a voltage regulator in which the switching delay times and sensitivity values are freed matrix-like the respective tap changes. The actual voltage value of the transformer is compared with the preselected voltage setpoint and, based upon the control deviation, a value pair of delay and sensitivity are read out. This allows asymmetric response of the system as contrasted with the symmetrical response required by earlier systems.

Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus (20) attached to a crankshaft (56) of an engine (50) includes a clutch motor (30), an assist motor (40), and a controller (80) for controlling the clutch motor (30) and the assist motor (40). When detecting an ignition switch in a starter position, the controller (80) makes a constant current flow through three-phase coils (44) of the assist motor (40) to fix a drive shaft (22) and makes a current flow through three-phase coils (36) of the clutch motor (30) to enable the clutch motor (30) to apply a starter torque TST to the crankshaft (56). This results in cranking the crankshaft (56). Concurrently with the cranking process, fuel injection into the engine (50) and spark ignition are controlled to start the engine (50).

Abstract: A safety device includes a wire loop embedded in the glass of a passenger car window and routed near the closing leading-edge of the window. The wire loop carries microwave pulses around the loop to and from a transceiver with separate output and input ports. An evanescent field only and inch or two in radius is created along the wire loop by the pulses. Just about any object coming within the evanescent field will dramatically reduce the energy of the microwave pulses received back by the transceiver. Such a loss in energy is interpreted as a closing area blockage, and electrical interlocks are provided to halt or reverse a power window motor that is actively trying to close the window.

Abstract: A system for controlling actuating members in the doors of motor vehicles has at least one electromotive actuating drive and at least one actuating element (switch, button) in the door of the motor vehicle, as well as a control unit located in the vehicle itself. The system employs only a two-wire connection between control unit and actuating drive. The control unit, in addition to an ordinary pole-reversing and evaluation circuit, furthermore contains a source of alternating voltage as well as means for connecting the alternating voltage and a decoder. At least two passive components (resistor, capacitor, coil) of different size are provided to be connected by the actuating element in parallel with the actuating drive into the two-wire connection.

Abstract: A system (20) for controlling deceleration of a motor (22) during an abrupt power-off condition includes a processor (40), a motor control circuit (50), and a secondary power source (70). During normal power-on operation and based on currently prevailing operation parameters, processor (40) routinely generates a contingent motor-governing deceleration signal for potential use in governing motor (22) should the power-off condition occur. In response to the occurrence of a power-off condition, motor control circuit (50) controls motor (22) in accordance with the contingent motor-governing deceleration signal to achieve orderly deceleration. Secondary power supply circuit (70) provides power to motor control circuit (50) during the power-off condition.

Abstract: A proximity responsive toy includes a motor-driven drive unit for propelling the toy, and a variable frequency oscillator unit including a capacitor plate for sensing approach of a capacitive body and having a frequency output that decreases in response to proximity of the capacitive body from the toy. A programmable frequency divider receives and divides the frequency output by a predetermined factor.

Abstract: A method and system and associated circuitry for controlling and stopping the motion of dangerous moving parts such as power saw blades substantially instantaneously in response to body or human capacitance produced by an operator coming with a predetermined critical distance from the moving part. This method includes, and this system provides for, among other things, connecting an antenna to the moving part and then coupling a tunable circuit to the antenna so that the antenna provides a variable lumped capacitance parameter (dependent upon human body capacitance) within the tunable circuit. This lumped capacitance parameter is variable in response to body or human capacitance produced when an operator comes within a predetermined critical proximity to the moving part.

Abstract: A power window of a vehicle is disclosed wherein a window motor adapted for opening and closing a window of the vehicle is connected to a power source through a window switch for opening and closing the window and a main switch adapted to to be opened and closed in accordance with the opened and closed states of an ignition switch for an engine of the vehicle. The power window of the vehicle is controlled by a window sensor for detecting whether the window is opened or closed and for generating an output signal when the window is open. A detection circuit generates an output signal when the window sensor generates the output signal and the main switch is opened and an auto-close circuit, actuated by the output signal from the detection circuit, operates the window motor in a direction to close the window.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatic lapping control, based on imbedding an electrode in a lap plate of a lap machine and including at least one piezoelectric wafer in the lap load. Connected with the electrode is an automatic control circuit used for sensing the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric wafer and for terminating lapping when the resonance frequency reaches a presetable target frequency. Also connected with the electrode is an impedance comparator circuit used for sensing the presence and absence of a piezoelectric wafer at the electrode face and for activating the automatic control circuit in the presence of a wafer and deactivating the control circuit in the absence of a wafer.

Abstract: An offset compensated electronic current sensor and controller for automatically controlling the extension and retraction of a power antenna with the energization and de-energization of an automobile electronic search tune radio receiver.

Abstract: A relay system maintains an emergency door opening device circuit open so that a door of a structure remains closed as long as an electrically energized ventilation system of the structure is supplied with electrical energy from a commercial power source. When the power fails, the relay system closes the emergency door opening device circuit, which includes its own power source, to operate a door opening device which opens a door to the structure to provide emergency ventilation for the structure.