Abstract: Apparatus for adapting a common dc motor for use in a typewriter to drive the ribbon lift and advance functions. The motor is coupled by means of a set of gears to a shaft on which are mounted the ribbon advance gear and ribbon lift cams. Also mounted on the shaft is a slotted disk. As the motor and disk rotate, an optical sensor outputs a signal for each slot. A processor then computes the motor speed from the slot timing and issues modulated pulses to the motor to regulate its speed.

Abstract: A control device for a reversible D.C. electric motor to protect it against damage upon reversal has a input switch circuit for reversing the flow of current through the motor's armature for reversing the direction of rotation of the motor, a first control circuit for preventing flow of current via the input switch circuit to the armature initially upon current reversing and a second control circuit for periodically interrupting the flow of current while the motor gains rotational speed after being reversed in relation to the magnitude of the flow of current through the armature. The first control circuit includes a detector circuit for determining the voltage drop existing across the armature and an automatic switch unit for (1) blocking flow of current from the input switch means to the armature until the voltage drop is determined by the detector circuit to be in a predetermined range and (2) allowing flow of the current while the voltage drop is determined to be within the range.

Abstract: A pulsating current electromotor without commutator comprises a permanent magnet type or electromagnetic type rotor keyed on a rotating shaft and having the poles diametrically opposite to one another relative to the shaft on which they extend for the greater part of its circumference. The poles have opposite polarity with respect to one another and face a stator member which is formed by a substantially cylindrical hollow body, within which the rotor is arranged. Formed in the stator body are stator slots uniformly spaced from one another, each of which is arranged to contain stator bifilar windings which, at the outlet from each slot are directed half in one direction and half in the opposite direction. Further provided are optical detector systems detecting the angular position of the rotor, connected to electronic controlling circuits which control distribution members for distributing the power to the stator windings as a function of the angular displacements of the rotor.

Abstract: A robotic sensor incorporates an array of closely spaced force sensors which are carried on a mounting plate. The front surface of this mounting plate is brought into contact with the object under inspection. A plurality of optical fibers are attached to the rear one end; the opposite ends of the fibers are connected to optical detectors. Actuation of any of the force end of the force sensor to impinge on and reduce the light flow through a corresponding optical fiber. Analysis of the data indicating which of the optical fibers and their light output reduced will result in an analysis of the dimensions and orientation of the object.

Abstract: An automatic device for actuation of components for cleaning motor vehicle glass which includes a system for detection of the dirtiness of the glass, made up of a measuring photosensitive element receiving light directly through the glass and a reference photosensitive element isolated from any direct light and influenced only by the light transmitted through the interior of the glassing and an electronic circuit to receive and compare the responses of the two photosensitive elements and means to control the cleaning components automatically when the difference is response of these elements exceeds a certain threshold.

Abstract: A position detecting apparatus provided with a lighting unit 13 for lighting an object 14 to be detected, an image-formation unit 15 for imaging the object 14, a detecting unit 16 comprising a plurality of photoelectric converters disposed on the image-formation plane to detect brightness of the image and disposed two-dimensionally, a scanning unit 17 for allowing the relative position of the image to the photoelectric converters to move one-dimensionally in the image-formation plane, a selecting unit 19 for selecting the plurality of detected signals of the detecting unit, and a decision means 18 for deciding the one- and two-dimensional positions of the center, corner and edge of the object by means of the detected signal of the detecting unit, a selected signal of the selecting unit and a scanning signal of the scanning unit, so that the images formed are moved slantwise with respect to the plurality of photoelectric converters disposed two-dimensionally and the selecting unit selects the detected signals

Abstract: An electronic control system for windshield wipers on motor vehicles for initiating wiping action in response to the occurrence and level of precipitation on the windshield. A sensor unit comprising a block containing an array of photo-sensors arranged in a bridge configuration and a corresponding array of light sources is mounted on the inside surface of the windshield at a location traversed by the path of the vehicle's windshield wiper blades. The photo-sensor elements are oriented to normally receive light reflected back from the glass/air interface at the outside windshield surface from the photo-emitters, but when rain is present on the windshield, the light rays are scattered to create an unbalanced condition. The unbalancing of the bridge creates a signal which is demodulated in a synchronous demodulator and then applied via an automatic gain control (AGC) circuit to a window comparator.

Abstract: A remote control system for bidirectionally rotating an electric motor, such as for opening and closing a blind or the like, comprises a hand-held transmitter including a transmitting circuit capable of developing a forward rotation command signal and a reverse rotation command signal, and a transmitter responsive to each of the command signals for producing a corresponding, predetermined number of infrared pulses for a predetermined amount of time. A receiver and drive unit is operatively coupled with the motor and comprises a receiver responsive to the infrared pulses for developing a corresponding received command signal, a discriminator circuit for determining whether the received command signal corresponds to the command signal for normal rotation or reverse rotation and for producing a corresponding forward rotation or reverse rotation control signal, and a drive circuit responsive to the control signal for causing rotation of the electric motor in the corresponding direction.

Abstract: A slot detecting apparatus comprises a sensor for detecting a slot of a workpiece, comparators, and a discriminating circuit. The sensor moves over the workpiece so as to traverse the slot and produce an output having a waveform which is substantially an M-shape. The comparators compare the level of the output of the sensor with a plurality of threshold levels which are mutually different, and each produce a comparison result for each of the plurality of threshold levels. The discriminating circuit discriminates the position of the slot based on a comparison result which indicates that the output of the sensor has a waveform which is substantially an M-shape, from among a plurality of comparison results which are obtained from the comparators for the plurality of threshold levels.

Abstract: X-Y position measurement apparatus is employed with feedback controlled X-Y positioning apparatus for positioning a workpiece stage at a desired X-Y coordinate position in response to signals indicative of the actual position and the desired position of the workpiece stage. A normalization circuit is employed for gain correction of the signals indicative of the actual position of the workpiece stage.

Abstract: A power window control apparatus has a transmitter, detachably mounted to a fixed member in a compartment, for transmitting coded infrared ray signals corresponding to opening/closing operations of right and left windows of a vehicle and a receiver fixed in the compartment, the receiver being provided with a manual switch for driving the relay circuit independently of the signal from the transmitter, a reset circuit for resetting the decoder for a predetermined period of time after an ignition switch is turned on, and a braking circuit for braking a corresponding one of motors when a driver releases a transmitter switch.

Abstract: An automotive wiper control apparatus has an infrared emitting unit outside an occupant compartment, a photodetector unit inside the compartment in optical alignment with the infrared emitting unit, and an electric control for automatically controlling the wiper operation in dependence on the state in which infrared rays emitted by the infrared emitting unit through a predetermined area of the windshield are received by the photodetector unit. The photodetector unit has an infrared transmission plate formed of an infrared transmissive material and carrying infrared shielding layers applied in a striped pattern to one surface of the plate. The infrared transmission plate is disposed in front of a plurality of photodetectors so that a contrast is produced on the photodetectors by the infrared rays passing through the uncoated zones of the plate which are free from the infrared shielding layers. The contrast is varied with variation in the quantity of raindrops on the predetermined area of the windshield.

Abstract: A light valve has a pair of rotating vanes for controlling the cross section of a light beam passing between the vanes. The vanes rotate on corresponding shafts, each controlled by its own integral motor. Separate feedback control systems produce electrical control signals to each motor for rotating each shaft independently of the other to control the desired phase angles of the vanes. In one embodiment, both motors are permanent magnet direct current servo motors in which the wound armature is an integral part of each shaft. A stationary magnetic field generated by permanent magnets is common to both motors. Power is supplied to each armature by a pair of thin, parallel, flexible, electrically conductive strips extending from an end of each shaft. The conductive strips reduce the torque on the shaft when twisted during operation. In one embodiment, the control system produces a calibrated digital control signal from a PROM representing the desired phase angles of the rotating blades.

Abstract: An object sensing apparatus includes a plurality of light emitting diodes for illuminating a region of space and a plurality of closely arranged light detectors for receiving light reflected from an object. The apparatus is particularly useful in connection with automatically operated doors.

Abstract: A control method performed in response to the occurrence of an abnormal sensor output during the operation of monitoring the output signal of a sensor and controlling the operation of an automobile device such as a wiper. A microcomputer detects the presence or absence of an abnormal value of the sensor output signal converted to digital form so that when the abnormal value is detected, the operation of the automobile device is selectively controlled in accordance with an engine operating condition indicative signal applied to the microcomputer.

Abstract: Mechanism for automatic swing doors including three motion detectors, two associated with the approach side of the door and one on the swing side of the door, with the detectors on the approach side effective, when activated, to open the door and the detector on the swing side effective, when activated, to slow down the moving door.

Abstract: An object sensing apparatus includes a plurality of light emitting diodes for illuminating a region of space and a plurality of closely arranged light detectors for receiving light reflected from an object. The apparatus is particularly useful in connection with automatically operated doors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling a moving object and particularly for automatically stopping the moving object in a predetermined position and direction. The apparatus comprises a pair of photoelectric sensors having a light emitting element and a light receiving element for the moving object, and a pair of reflectors at predetermined positions opposing the photoelectic sensors. The moving object is stopped when the received light outputs of the photoelectric sensors are balanced with each other preferably in a vehicle in an automated factory.

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: A remote control circuit for a hard wired remote control controlling multiple functions in a multiple motor device has a reduced number of wires extending between the hand held control and the motor control circuit. The circuit includes a rectifier for generating a positive control voltage and a negative control voltage which are separately supplied along individual wires to the hand held control, and a single wire extending between the hand held control and the control circuit for each function, the voltage appearing along the wire designating the direction of movement of the function. A pair of parallel connected LEDs sense the polarity of the voltage and energize a triac corresponding to the polarity of the voltage appearing along the control wire to energize the proper winding of a reversible motor.

Abstract: A d.c. motor positions printing mechanisms. A circuit arrangement is provided in which a scanner disc, having peripheral slots, is arranged on the shaft of the motor and the slots are scanned by a scanner and counted in the positive direction and in the negative direction by a counter so that the position of the printing mechanism is determined. When the d.c. motor is decelerated and a generator voltage arises, the direction is determined by a rotation direction discriminator which evaluates the generator voltage and the zero transition thereof in the event of a change in the rotation direction of the d.c. motor. To control the direction of counting of the counter.

Abstract: For use in a motor vehicle having a windshield, a control system comprises a raindrop sensor which emits a beam of radiation into a section of the windshield from the inner surface thereof at such an angle of incidence that the beam reflects off the outer surface and detects the reflected beam to convert it into a first signal. The first signal is compared with a reference value to generate a second signal. A motor control circuit is responsive to the second signal for closing a window of the vehicle.

Abstract: A windshield wiper control device for use on a vehicle includes a light-emitting unit mounted on the vehicle outside of a compartment for emitting a ray of infrared radiation, a photodetector unit mounted on the vehicle within the compartment and having a slit plate for producing an image of a striped pattern with bright and dark areas in response to exposure to the ray of electromagnetic radiation through the windshield and an array of photodetectors for sensing the bright and dark areas of the striped image and generating signals indicative of the bright and dark areas, and an arithmetic circuit arrangement for computing a contrast of the bright and dark areas based on the signals from the photodetectors and controlling the speed and/or period of operation of the windshield wiper based on the computed contrast.

Abstract: The equipment for maintaining the spacing of track-bound vehicles (1) shall prevent collisions of the vehicles (1). For this, light emitters radiating rearwardly and laterally in desired directions are provided at the rear on the vehicles (1) and light receivers receiving from in front and from the sides in desired directions are provided at the front on the vehicles (1). A drive control reduces the speed of a vehicle (1) with increasing received light intensity, i.e. with decreasing spacing from the vehicle (1) travelling immediately ahead. The equipment is usable for floor conveying plants with vehicles (1) travelling at small spacings one behind the other. An embodiment of the equipment is suitable for vehicles (1) travelling forwardly and rearwardly. A further embodiment of the equipment is suitable for vehicles (1) on neighboring travel paths. Special measures are provided for compensation of the influences of ambient light.

Abstract: A motor driven drapery closure is provided with means for operating the closure between defined opened and closed positions without the use of limit switches. Means are also provided to stop the operation of the motor and back it up slightly if a significant resistance is met by the closure at a point midway of its travel or as a result of coming to the designed end of its travel. Additional means are provided for operating the closure in response to means for sensing an outside ambient condition such as the level of infrared light.

Abstract: An object sensing apparatus includes a plurality of light emitting diodes for illuminating a region of space and a plurality of closely arranged light detectors for receiving light reflected from an object. The apparatus is particularly useful in connection with automatically operated doors.

Abstract: A control circuit for a windshield wiper motor which utilizes a plurality of infrared emitters that emit a chain of infrared pulses towards a plurality of infrared sensors. When rain passes between the infrared emitters and the infrared sensors, it will interrupt the flow of pulses therebetween. A control circuit senses the missed pulses and selectively energizes a low-speed, mid-speed and high-speed winding associated with the wiper motor for varying the speed of the windshield wipers. The device automatically controls the operation of the windshield wipers of a vehicle.

Abstract: A rapidly-spinning motor-driven disc is quickly brought to a halt by utilizing the motor in a controlled current dynamic feedback mode. An electrical signal is provided to cut off the motor braking current when the rotating motor shaft reaches substantially zero velocity, thereby avoiding any residual rotation of the disc. As the disc slows at a constant deceleration rate, the apparatus measures the relative time durations of two consecutive pulses which represent equal displacement arcs on the disc. From these data the time at which zero velocity will be achieved is computed, and the motor current cutoff signal is generated at the proper instant.

Abstract: A motor speed control is disclosed herein. The speed control includes a photoelectric array and a control member situated within a housing. The photoelectric array provides a discreet, regulated voltage in accordance with the position of the control member, and a control circuit sets the motor speed based upon the level of the regulated voltage.

Abstract: A light emitting element and a photo detector are disposed opposite each other in an outer housing of a centrifuge. When an angle rotor is mounted on a motor shaft, light emitted from the light emitting element is received by the photo detector without being intercepted by the angle rotor and, by the output of the photo detector, a permissible maximum revolving speed of the angle rotor is set high. When a swing rotor is mounted on the motor shaft, the light from the light emitting element is intercepted by the swing rotor, and hence is not received by the photo detector and, by the output of the photo detector, a permissible maximum revolving speed of the swing rotor is set low.

Abstract: Apparatus for precise positioning of a movable stage such as a microscope stage including a light source and a self-scanning array of photodiodes for receiving light from the light source. An opaque shade is adapted to be moved with the shade and block at least a portion of the light which otherwise would impinge on the self-scanning photodiode array. The self-scanning photodiode array is adapted to emit an electrical signal proportional to the number of photodiodes on which light impinges. A digital comparator is adapted receive this signal in digitized form and compare the same with a positioning program digital input. In the event of a difference a responsive signal is emitted to a bi-directional motor drive which effects corrective movement of the stage. The apparatus may also function as a tachometer.

Abstract: In an X-Y addressable workpiece positioner the workpiece to be positioned, such as a semiconductive wafer to be aligned with a mask image, is coupled to move with a work stage moveable in the X-Y direction and having a two-dimensional array of positioning indicia affixed thereto for movement therewith. An enlarged image of a portion of the positioning array is projected onto a relatively stationary sensor stage to derive an output determinative of the X and Y coordinates of the positioning array relative to the position of the sensor. The sensed X and Y coordinates of the positioning array are compared with the X and Y coordinates of a reference positioning address to derive an error output. The work stage is moved in response to the error output for causing the workpiece to be positioned to the reference address.

Abstract: A servo control arrangement is provided that accurately controls the positioning of a movable member. The movable member is controlled by a motor through a drive train. A coded member is carried either by the drive train or the controlled movable member so as to move in accordance with the controlled movable member. The coded member includes an array of apertures with each of the apertures corresponding to a controlled position of the controlled movable member. In a preferred arrangement, the controlled movable member is a rotary turntable that carries a slide tray for projection apparatus. In that arrangement, each of the apertures corresponds to one of the slide positions of the rotary turntable and slide tray. Feedback information representing the position of the coded member is provided by alternately energized light sources and a single photodetector device.

Abstract: In elevator systems where the stop and/or slowdown operations are preset for maximum car velocity the stopping and/or slowdown operations are delayed in proportion to the variation from maximum car velocity in order to compensate for the shorter stopping distance required when the car is moving slower than that maximum velocity. Motor speed is sensed within a revolution to provide a signal which manifests the motor speed. This signal is referenced to a second signal which reflects the motor speed for maximum car velocity. The difference between the two signals is a third signal which is used to control delay circuits which delay transmission of stop and/or slowdown signals to the brake and motor in a prescribed relationship to the magnitude of the difference between the two signals.

Abstract: A speed controlled conveyor system in which the motor driving an input conveyor is speed regulated to control the axial product pressure. This pressure is measured by the outward bowing of the column of articles as it moves along a downwardly curving chute connecting the conveyor and the loading device. A photocell arrangement measures the degree of displacement of the column and transmits a corrective electrical signal to a motor speed control device.

Abstract: An infrared transmitter and control circuit for a load such as a ceiling fan which is capable of starting and regulating the speed of the ceiling fan as well as reversing the direction of the ceiling fan, controlling a light. The apparatus allows the selective control of a single one of a plurality of ceiling fans such that operation of the control does not cause all of the ceiling fans to change speed. The apparatus eliminates the need for running wiring between the ceiling fan and a switch and saves substantial installation costs.

Abstract: A motor starter includes a line contactor having a coil connected to a control circuit. The control circuit includes one or more remote pushbutton stations which are connected in a control loop by fiber optic tubes. Operation of the motor can be controlled separately from each pushbutton station.

Abstract: Control apparatus for controlling windscreen wiper apparatus of a vehicle. An infra-red radiating device directs infra-red radiation from the interior of the vehicle through the windscreen to be reflected from the outer surface of the windscreen back into the vehicle where it is detected by a detector. The apparatus is responsive to variations in infra-red radiation incident on the detector to control the wiper apparatus to set the vehicle wipers in operation when dust or water is detected on the windscreen. Also, the windscreen washer apparatus is automatically operated when dust is detected. The control apparatus also operates in response to detection of a decrease in the ambient light level to operate the vehicle lights.

Abstract: A device for controlling tension in an elongated article arranged along a path, and a tape recording and/or reproducing apparatus including such a device, in which a control circuit influences the tension in the article, such as a tape, responsive to an electrical signal which is related to a moveable tension sensor. The electrical signal is varied by moving a metal part arranged as a damping element for a single coil only, so as to vary the quality factor (Q) of the coil.

Abstract: A digital control circuit for use in automatic-focus cameras is disclosed, which is suitable for use in self-focusing systems which determine focus by means of triangulation. The system corrects for motor oscillation about a state of proper focus, defocusing caused by inertia, and for an inability to evaluate proper state of focus caused by large distances between the camera and a subject.

Abstract: A commutator is manufactured of a printed circuit board having a circular shape. A plurality of terminals are evenly spaced around the periphery of the printed circuit board, and may be connected to junction points in an armature winding. Phototransistors are mounted on the printed circuit board in order to connect selected pairs of terminals to contacts, to which contacts a source of power may be connected. The commutator disclosed herein can be incorporated in an electric motor in which a fixed light source illuminates groups of phototransistors individually, so as to properly direct current flow in the armature winding of the motor. As the commutator rotates, the phototransistors are turned on and off in a sequence, to maintain proper current flow in the armature winding as a function of commutator position with respect to the light source.

Abstract: An automatic control system for a vehicle windshield wiper system which includes a plurality of sensors which are activated in response to various degrees of moisture precipitation or rain and an electronic control circuit adapted to be activated by the sensors to start and stop the wiper mechanism and also to operate it intermittently and at low or high speed in accordance with the degree of rain or moisture precipitation.

Abstract: A motor control circuit controls the speed of a single-phase split capacitor or shaded pole electric motor, and permits operation of the motor over a wide range of speeds without stalling. A first gated bilateral switch such as a triac is connected in series with the motor, and is fired by an integrating circuit through a second bilateral switch such as a diac. The integrating circuit charges through the start winding of the motor and a potentiometer which adjusts the rate of charging of the integrating circuit for the minimum speed setting desired. The motor control circuit also includes a temperature sensing bridge which becomes unbalanced as a function of increasing temperature. A light emitting diode connected to the bridge emits light as a function of the unbalance of the bridge.

Abstract: A reel mechanism for use in a playing device comprises a DC motor having a rotor formed with an outer apron on which are displayed a plurality of substantially equally spaced symbols which are to be sequentially displayed in a visual field. The rotor rotates about the stator with the rotor having permanent magnetic poles which interact with the stator. The apron has a plurality of perforations or recesses associated with the individual symbols which are scanned by a plurality of photo-transistor scanning devices so as to generate for each symbol upon its passing of a particular position unique information scanning signals which identify each of the symbols.

Abstract: To reliably turn OFF a pulse-controlled thyristor in series with a battery supplied motor circuit, in case of malfunction of the control circuit, or even of the supervisory circuit itself, the voltage across the thyristor is sensed and, if an ON condition of the thyristor, as represented by sensed voltage, is determined while the pulse source does not provide an ON command, a disabling control signal is applied to the pulse source to provide an OFF command; in case of failure of the sensing element, an additional voltage is supplied, through a time delay circuit to the disabling input. Time delay circuits are interposed between the respective sensed signal and command signal and applied through a logic circuit to prevent spurious operation of the monitoring and safety circuit.

Abstract: When the user presses a touch-activated switch a first time, a first digital storage device becomes set and furnishes a platter-motor-start signal to the control electronics of the platter drive motor. If the touch-activated switch is pressed a second time, the first digital storage device becomes reset, and the signal commanding that the platter drive motor operate terminates. A second digital storage device likewise assumes its set and reset states in response to the first and second pressing of the touch-activated switch. Sensors ascertain various operating conditions during the course of turntable operation, such as the swinging of the tone arm to the position corresponding to the lead-in groove of a phonograph record. The states of the digital storage devices are additionally dependent upon the conditions sensed by the sensors. Logic circuitry interprets the combinations of states of the digital storage devices and causes the requisite turntable operations to be performed, e.g.

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: A web former for a textile card or the like in which fibers in an air stream are delivered into a housing divided by a perforated plate into two chambers. The fibers fall to the bottom of one chamber and are formed into a web by three rollers. The plate is shaken by a motor to avoid build-up of fibers at the perforations and ensure that the fibers fall. A disc having sixty radial black bars is mounted for rotation on one roller to periodically interrupt the path between a light source and phototransistor to produce a pulse train which is applied to a counter and a monostable multi-vibrator. A logic flip-flop connects the counter and multivibrator to a relay controlling the shaker motor for delaying turning on the motor until the counter reaches a predetermined count but turning off the motor when the multi-vibrator times out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the absence of a coded overspeed disk used to indicate the maximum design speed of a rotor which is rotatably connected to a high speed centrifuge. Two donut-shaped coded disks, one mounted on the drive shaft on the centrifuge and the other mounted on the centrifuge rotor are utilized. Optical emitter sensor assemblies are used to produce speed control and overspeed signals. By sensing the light reflected back to the optical sensor from the drive system hub, the rotational speed of the centrifuge is indicated. By sensing the light reflected back to the optical sensor from the overspeed disk mounted on the rotor, the rotation of the rotor is detected. In the absence of an overspeed disk, the speed control frequency will exceed that of the overspeed disk.

Abstract: A power-up circuit for an electric motor uses an electronic start-up circ which increases the applied power in a predetermined fashion. An electronic timer is used to switch the motor circuit from start to run conditions after a desired time interval. Photo-electric coupling devices isolate the control circuitry from transient signals after accompanying motor operation.