Abstract: A fan controller includes an input module and an output module. The input module is used for receiving a power supply signal from a power supply which is used for providing power to a fan, and outputting a trigger signal when the power supply signal when the power supply turns off. The output module is used for providing power for the fan when the power supply turns off. The output module includes a timer circuit and an integrator circuit. The timer circuit is coupled to the input module, and is used for receiving the trigger signal, and providing the power for the fan according to the trigger signal for a predetermined amount of time. The integrator circuit is used for providing a threshold voltage for the timer circuit, the threshold voltage tripping termination of the power provided by the timer circuit.

Abstract: A control system for nursing care beds contains additional current and state (switch-on, switch-off) monitoring of the motors to sense potential thermal overload conditions. In an embodiment of the invention, if the control system detects that a motor has remained switched-on longer than a predetermined time and current is also flowing during this time, the control transitions to a blocking state to prevent thermal overloading of the motors.

Abstract: The blind arrangement can be controlled by means of a preprogrammed control device and is powered by a power supply such as for instance a battery. According to the invention, the blind arrangement comprises a timing device, an operating member for opening and closing the blinds and a motor for driving the operating member wherein the operating member is activated at predetermined times to open and close the blinds and a power supply for driving the motor.

Abstract: A system and a method for adjusting a dead-time interval between de-activating a first transistor and activating a second transistor in a motor control circuit are provided. The method includes determining a plurality of commanded torque values associated with a motor based on a received signal over time. The method further includes setting the dead-time interval value equal to a first value when one commanded torque value of the plurality of commanded torque values is within a first torque range. The method further includes decreasing the dead-time interval value as other commanded torque values of the plurality of commanded torque values increase over time within a second torque range. The second torque range is greater than the first torque range. The dead-time interval value is indicative of a desired dead-time interval.

Abstract: When an oil-flooded screw compressor is started up in a cold environment after a long halt, start-up torque increases due to the increased viscosity of the oil that has long stayed inside the working chambers of the compressor. This has necessitated drive means with a larger capacity than that required for normal operation. An oil-flooded screw compressor according to the invention comprises: a casing; a pair of rotors each having screw-thread-shaped groove and being housed in the casing; an electric motor for rotationally driving the pair of rotors; a control device for controlling the electric motor; an oil feeding mechanism for feeding oil into working chambers formed by being enclosed by the casing and the pair of rotors in which teeth thereof are meshed to each other; and an oil separating mechanism for separating the oil from compressed gas discharged from the working chambers.

Abstract: The hatch cover manager product monitors hatch cover conditions and can move the cover to a closed position when the cover is left open and the hatch opening is not in use. The product minimizes the probability that the person using the walking surface will accidentally step into the uncovered hatch opening and fall to the surface below.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting and alleviating the pinching of an object in a window of a vehicle having a drive unit motor controlling a window based upon current signals received from a control switch, security system remote control, or security system controller. The detection method includes determining a current threshold for the motor, determining time required to close the window, monitoring drive unit motor current draw during a window close operation, and determining if the current threshold is reached before window close time has elapsed. The alleviation method includes determining a current threshold, determining window close time, monitoring drive unit motor current draw during a window close operation, determining if current threshold has been reached before window close time has elapsed, and positioning the window so the drive unit motor current is less than the current threshold. The methods can be programmed into a window control module.

Abstract: The present invention has a communication connection means (21) which mutually connects communicatably control units (Ca, Cb) for individually controlling operations of robots (Ra, Rb) to constitute a network, input means (37a, 37b) which are respectively installed in the control units and input operation instructions of the robots, and timing signal generation means (69a, 69b). The control units are selectively set to any one of an independent function execution mode, a master function execution mode, and a slave function execution mode, and among the control units, the control unit (Ca) to perform a master operation is set to the master function execution mode, and the residual control unit (Cb) is set to the slave function execution mode, and by correcting a minimum interruption period (Ts(b)) of the slave side control unit (Cb), a control time (ta11, ta12, ta13) to the master robot (Ra) of the master side control unit (Ca) is delayed by a predetermined time (T) to perform the cooperative operation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a wiper for removing material impacting a surface of a vehicle are provided. An event indicating that the material has stopped impacting the surface of the vehicle is detected. A first number of wipe cycles are performed with the wiper if movement of the wiper between the detecting of the event and the wiper being moved into a predetermined position is less than a predetermined portion of a wipe cycle of the wiper. A second number of wipe cycles are performed with the wiper if movement of the wiper between the detecting of the event and the wiper being moved into the predetermined position is not less than a predetermined portion of the wipe cycle of the wiper.

Abstract: A backward pedaling detection circuit has a charging/discharging circuit for charging and discharging the external capacitor to meet the threshold voltage required by the hysteresis comparator, based on the input from the hall sensor. An internal pull-down circuit, based on the pedal speed, keeps the circuit from false triggering. A comparator with hysteresis (Schmitt trigger) sets the upper and lower threshold voltage and eliminates the effect of noise. AND gates act like switches to allow the selected signal to pass through.

Abstract: A method of controlling movement of a device includes the steps of actuating a motor to move the device; measuring the motor current; and controlling movement of the device in response to the motor current exceeding a motor current threshold.

Abstract: A control method can stop motor operation reliably when a mirror rotator is mechanically locked at a driven end of the mirror rotator. The control method operates a motor 18 according to battery voltage. The motor 18 is operated with an operating time set and is stopped after a lapse of the set operating time, where the operating time is a time required for the motor 18 to drive the mirror rotator 14 from the retracted position or the working position to the working position or the retracted position at which the mirror rotator 14 is locked by a stopper. The control method detects the battery voltage, and decreases the set operating time of the motor 18 when the detected battery voltage is high or increases the set operating time of the motor 18 when the detected battery voltage is low.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, includes an image forming unit, a driver having a driving unit as a driving source of the image forming unit, a detector which detects driving information of the driving unit, and a controller which controls the driver to operate with a delay time corresponding to a difference between the detected driving information and a reference value.

Abstract: In order to prevent a short circuit of top and bottom arms of a motor driving IC when noise is added to six control signals for controlling six switching elements, there is provided a semiconductor device for driving a motor, being sealed with resin as one package and comprising: six switching elements for driving a three-phase motor; three output terminals for outputting voltages to the three-phase motor; at least one driving circuit for driving the six switching elements; three control signal input terminals; and a function) of generating six control signals for control of the six switching elements based on three control signals inputted through the three control signal input terminals.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes: a timer member that clocks time on the basis of the power supplied from a power source. A power supply member supplies the power to an electric motor of the electronic apparatus and to the timer member from the power source and interrupts the power supply thereto. A heat storage calculating member calculates heat storage of the electric motor and calculates heat storage of the electric motor after stop of the drive on the basis of the time clocked by the timer member. A controller controls the electric motor and controls the power supply member by initiating power-on and power-off operations. This is performed so as to maintain the power supply to the timer member and the heat storage calculating member during a predetermined time, even after the power-off operation of the operation member.

Abstract: The inventive method makes it possible to feed an alternating current electric motor used for operating a rolling shutter in a building by means of a gear whose performance substantially varies when a movable element drives or is driven by the rolling shutter. The electric motor is supplied, in certain phases, at a reduced tension, wherein the motor slipping measuring a relative speed deviation with respect to a zero running torque speed remains less the motor slipping when the rotor thereof ruts at a nominal speed at least if the rolling shutter does not meet obstacles. The drive for the rolling shutter for carrying out said method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for identifying an operational phase of a motor may include obtaining a first value of a signal that is indicative of the operational phase of the motor and obtaining a second value of the signal after a period of time has expired. The method further includes identifying a first operational phase of the motor if the second value exceeds the first value by a non-negative first threshold value. A second operational phase of the motor is identified if the second value does not exceed the first value by the first threshold value. The first and second operational phases may correspond to relative positions of a motor's rotor and stator, such that periods of energization may be identified for producing motoring or regenerative torque.

Abstract: A fan system includes a connecting device, a controlling device and a fan device. The connecting device includes a first pin receiving at least one driving signal, and a second pin receiving a start signal, wherein a length of the first pin is greater than a length of the second pin. The controlling device is electrically connected with the connecting device and includes an enabling unit. The enabling unit generates at least one first enabling signal according to the start signal, and the controlling device outputs the driving signal and the first enabling signal. The fan device is electrically connected with the controlling device and includes at least one fan. The fan device transmits the driving signal to the fan and drives the fan according to the first enabling signal.

Abstract: A fan system includes a connecting device, a controlling device and a fan device. The connecting device has a plurality of pins receiving at least one driving signal and a start signal. The control device is electrically connected to the pins of the connecting device and has a start control unit. The start control unit generates a first enabling signal in accordance with the start signal. The control device synchronously outputs the first enabling signal and the driving signal. The fan device is electrically connected to the control device and has a plurality of fans. The fan device synchronously transmits the driving signal to the fans and synchronously drives the fans to rotate in accordance with the first enabling signal.

Abstract: The mobile element is a vehicle window pane, panel, movable seat or similar, conveniently guided, and driven by a DC electric motor with a permanent magnet, and the method comprises a step of detecting an entrapment or collision situation of the mobile element by means of a first fuzzy logic algorithm, which inputs are the mobile element's position and the increments that may occur in the intensity of the current demanded by said motor, which is evaluated from the relative increase of the current intensity at one turn of the motor and after one next, subsequent turn of the motor. A second fuzzy logic algorithm is used to control the mobile element's velocity, in close loop.

Abstract: The present invention provides wireless and direct wired methods and devices for automatically closing electrically-driven roll-down storm shutters in the presence of rain on one or more rain sensors.

Abstract: A a raindrop sensor outputs a measurement signal, which corresponds to a quantity of raindrops in a predetermined sensing range in a wiping range on a windshield. A prohibited time period setting arrangement sets a time period, during which a wiper blade is predicted to pass through the predetermined sensing range, as a raindrop quantity sensing prohibited time period based on an elapsed time from a time point of supplying a drive command signal to a wiper motor, which drives the wiper blade. The determining arrangement determines the quantity of raindrops on the windshield based on the measurement signal outputted from the raindrop sensor in a raindrop quantity sensing execution time period, which is outside of the raindrop quantity sensing prohibited time period.

Abstract: A driving apparatus for driving a functional body mounted on a vehicle comprises a power supply, an electric motor, and a driving means. The electric motor is connected to the power supply and is started by a power feed from the power supply. The driving means has a spring motor and is connected to the electric motor and the functional body. The driving means accumulates an urging force by winding up the spring motor by the electric motor and driving the functional body by the urging force. This driving apparatus can automatically drive the functional body, can be manufactured inexpensively, and accumulates a driving force to the functional body without giving burdens to an occupant.

Abstract: The hatch cover manager product monitors hatch cover conditions and can move the cover to a closed position when the cover is left open and the hatch opening is not in use. The product minimizes the probability that the person using the walking surface will accidentally step into the uncovered hatch opening and fall to the surface below.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator having a microprocessor (10) or other programmable platform will automatically work in a safe and appropriate manner both with and without safe-operation sensors (13). Once a safe-operation sensor is detected, the operator will thereafter function in a fashion that requires the continued presence of such sensor. In one embodiment, the operator state can be purposely reset to the initial operating state.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an obstacle to a power regulated window, which can detect existence of an obstacle by a method of differential current at low rotating speed of a motor and reduce a force of biting an obstacle and prevent from detecting an obstacle unexpectedly at high rotating speed, includes current detecting means for detecting a value of load current flowing through the motor, reference-value generating means for generating a reference value correspondingly to rotating speed of the motor for judging when the value of load current exceeds a predetermined value of over-load current, and comparing means for judging whether or not the value of load current exceeds the reference value.

Abstract: A method for controlling a motorized barrier operator after detecting an obstruction includes the steps of providing a motorized barrier operator that moves a barrier between limit positions and providing at least one control switch that upon actuation moves the barrier in a direction toward one of the limit positions. Actuation of the at least one control switch during movement of the barriers at least causes the barrier to stop. If an obstruction is detected by the motorized barrier operator during movement of the barrier, the operator allows only uni-directional movement of the barrier, regardless of actuation of the at least one control switch, after the detecting step.

Abstract: A control subsystem for an electric motor determines whether power was interrupted, and delays torque production if power was interrupted. The control subsystem may employ two separate non-volatile memory locations, or alternatively a single non-volatile memory location.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator having a microprocessor (10) or other programmable platform will automatically work in a safe and appropriate manner both with and without safe-operation sensors (13). Once a safe-operation sensor is detected, the operator will thereafter function in a fashion that requires the continued presence of such sensor. In one embodiment, the operator state can be purposely reset to the initial operating state.

Abstract: A motor drive apparatus which drives a motor by controlling conduction/non-conduction of a drive transistor for causing a current to flow through a drive coil of the motor based on a pulse signal indicating a relative position between the rotor and stator of the motor, generated by a position detector, and on a rotation speed setting voltage for setting the rotation speed of the motor. The apparatus comprises a control circuit that generates a pulse-delayed signal by delaying the pulse signal by delay time according to the voltage level of the rotation speed setting voltage.

Abstract: A motor drive circuit which have a first source-side transistor and a first sink-side transistor connected in series; a second source-side transistor and a second sink-side transistor connected in series; and a control circuit supplying the first source-side transistor, the first sink-side transistor, the second source-side transistor, and the second sink-side transistor with control signals for supplying a current in one direction or the opposite direction to a coil connected between a connection point of the first source-side transistor and the first sink-side transistor and a connection point of the second source-side transistor and the second sink-side transistor based on a plurality of input signals that complementarily change at a predetermined frequency. The control circuit, during each time period between timings of complementary switching of the plurality of input signals, outputs control signals for turning on and off the transistors in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A digital interface for driving at least one complementary pair of first and second power elements connected in an inverter configuration between first and second voltage references is provided. The digital interface includes a first input terminal for receiving a PWM input signal, a first counter stage connected to the first input terminal, and a second counter stage connected to an output of the first counter stage. A toggle stage is connected to the first input terminal and to an output of the second counter stage. A first output terminal is connected to an output of the toggle stage, and is to be connected to a control terminal of the first power element. A second output terminal is connected to the output of the first counter stage for receiving a delayed PWM output signal therefrom, and is to be connected to a control terminal of the second power element. The toggle stage generates a second PWM output signal for the first output terminal.

Abstract: A driver monitor for a driver system. A driver monitor includes a driver monitoring unit for monitoring the fastening operation of the driver based on pre-determined fastening information. A rotation start signal and a rotation stop signal are used to determine whether the fastening operation is appropriately completed or not. An information signal is generated based on a result of monitoring. An operation processing unit outputs the result information signal from the driver monitoring unit to external peripheral apparatus and receives an operation information signal from the external peripheral apparatus in order to cooperate with the external peripheral apparatus. A display unit receives the information signal from the driver monitoring unit and displays the information signal.

Abstract: An electrical rotating apparatus comprises an inverter system that outputs more than three phases. The apparatus further includes a stator electrically coupled to the inverter system, and a rotor electromagnetically coupled to a magnetic field generated by the stator. A signal generator generates a pulse modulated drive waveform signal, that has a frequency synchronized with the rotational frequency of the rotor, and the pulse modulated drive waveform signal drives the inverter system. The pulse modulated drive waveform signal has a pulsing frequency. Additionally, the inverter system may be fed by a pulse modulated drive waveform signal that is fed through at least one signal delay device. Alternatively, the system may also be fed selected harmonic components, such as the third harmonic, up until the number of phases in the apparatus.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.

Abstract: A driver monitor for a driver system is disclosed. A driver monitor includes a driver monitoring unit for monitoring the fastening operation of the driver based on pre-determined fastening information, the rotation start signal and the rotation stop signal in order to determine whether the fastening operation is appropriately completed or not, generates information signal based on a result of monitoring; an operation processing unit for outputting the result information signal from the driver monitoring means to external peripheral apparatus and receiving operation information signal from the external peripheral apparatus in order to cooperate with the external peripheral apparatus; and a display unit for receiving the information signal from the driver monitoring means and displaying the information signal.

Abstract: An appliance includes a rotating position switch and a selector switch. The rotating position switch has a first position associated with a first appliance function and a second position associated with a second appliance function. The second appliance function modifies the first appliance function. The selector switch has an actuated state configured to generate a signal representative of a selection of the first appliance function when the rotating position switch is in the first position. The actuated state is further configured to generate a signal representative of a selection of the second appliance function when the rotating position switch is in the second position.

Abstract: A period adjustment circuit of disconnection and restart IC comprises a second capacitor, which is connected to a resistor and a transistor connected in parallel. One end of the resistor is connected between the disconnection and restart IC and the first capacitor. When lockup of a fan motor occurs, in addition that an IC current source charges the first capacitor, the second capacitor also charges the first capacitor via the resistor until the voltage of the first capacitor reaches a disconnection voltage. The IC then enters into the disconnection state, and the voltages of the two capacitors are equal so that the second capacitor no longer charges the first capacitor. Next, the IC current source simultaneously charges the first and second capacitors until the voltage of the first capacitor reaches a system reset voltage. The first capacitor is then discharged to a restart voltage by the IC.

Abstract: A control circuit controls a coffee grinder having a grinder motor. The control circuit includes a timer portion and a first switch. The first switch functions as a two-condition switch to place the control circuit in one of (1) an off condition when the first switch is open and the timer portion and the grinder motor are de-energized and (2) a run condition when the first switch is closed, the timer portion is energized, and the grinder motor is energized once in the run condition, the control circuit remaining in the run condition until the timer portion times out or until the first switch is re-opened thereby returning the control circuit to the off condition.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.

Abstract: A mechanism by which a single switch can either unlock one or more doors or release the trunk or hatch of an automotive vehicle. The switch can be mechanically or electrically associated with a door unlock button mounted on the door the automotive vehicle. Depressing the unlock button causes the switch to become active, and the door can be unlocked if switch is active for a time T1. The trunk can be opened if the switch is held in the active position for a predetermined period of time T2, provided the car is in park and the door associated with the switch is open.

Abstract: An pinching detecting method for use in a power window apparatus, capable of preventing a malfunction even if a normal pulse edge interval is unobtainable, and of preventing a force exceeding a reference value from acting on an object pinched into a window. The power window apparatus is made up of a window opening and closing motor, a motor driving section, a pulse generator, a micro control unit and a switch device, and a timer is incorporated into the micro control unit. The micro control unit obtains a corresponding pinching decision time from a reference value at that time whenever a pulse edge of pulses outputted from the pulse generator arrives at the micro control unit and updates a set time of the timer. If one pulse edge arrives but the next pulse edge does not arrive after the elapse of the pinching decision time, the micro control unit ceases a decision on the occurrence/no occurrence of the pinching in the window and stops the drive of the motor or drives the motor in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator having improved safety and energy efficiency features automatically detects line voltage frequency and uses that information to set a worklight shut-off time. The operator automatically detects the type of door (single panel or segmented) and uses that information to set a maximum speed of door travel. The operator moves the door with a linearly variable speed from start of travel to stop for smooth and quiet performance. The operator provides for full door closure by driving the door into the floor when the DOWN limit is reached and no auto-reverse condition has been detected. The operator provides for user selection of a minimum stop speed for easy starting and stopping of sticky or binding doors.

Abstract: A process for operating an electric-motor drive is proposed for adjusting a sliding-lifting roof (16) in a motor vehicle by means of a signal processing arrangement (20), with a microprocessor (21) to which is fed an adjusting command (23) of an operating control (22) for a reference position of the sliding-lifting roof (16) as an actual state signal and at least one additional actual state signal of at least one arrangement (26, 32, 34, 52, 54) for detecting the actual position of the drive (10) and/or of the sliding-lifting roof (16), and which microprocessor (21) controls or regulates the drive (10) for moving the sliding-lifting rood (16) to its reference position, wherein the actual state signals are detected cyclically by the microprocessor (21) and a response is read out of a storage depending on the signal combination, wherein the response determines whether or not, and in what manner, the possible adjustments of the operating control (22) lead to a change in the present drive behavior via the signal

Abstract: An electronic device has a heat producing component thermally coupled to a heat dissipation structure. The electronic device further has control circuitry connected to a temperature sensor that senses the component temperature of the heat producing component. The control circuit is further connected to a cooling device also thermally coupled to the heat dissipation structure. The control circuit varies the cooling rate in a manner that cancels out a lag time which occurs during a change from a steady state condition of the component temperature. The cooling rate of the cooling device is varied by the control circuit in proportion to variation in sensed component temperature from the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A motor drive apparatus for driving a motor with power derived from a main power source, including a signal input device configured to input a start signal and a stop signal to initiate starting and stopping of the motor; a voltage regulator configured to output regulated electric power to the motor; and a semiconductor switching device disposed between the main power source and the voltage regulator, coupled to the signal input device, and configured to switch electric power from the main power source to the voltage regulator in accordance with the start signal input from the signal input device, and to shut off the electric power to the voltage regulator in accordance with the stop signal input from the signal input device.

Abstract: An intelligent wiper system and method for wiping a windshield is disclosed having a microprocessor which controls the operation of a motor and which is capable of setting a baseline delay time using one or more wipe times, with the baseline delay time generally corresponding to a time interval between consecutive wipes of at least one wiper blade. The system and method automatically adjusts the baseline delay time in response to the second wipe time if the second wipe time is not substantially the same as a function of the first wipe time, wherein the function includes a predetermined constant which is at least one hundred percent of a first wipe time. An upper baseline wipe time threshold and a lower baseline wipe time threshold may be established such that the delay time is not adjusted if a current wipe time falls between such thresholds.

Abstract: A method and circuit for controlling a motor and reducing and/or eliminating mid-velocity instability in the motor are provided. The method includes the step of receiving a decay time indicative signal that is indicative of the current decay time in a phase coil of the motor after current commutation. The decay time indicative signal assumes a first polarity proportional to the current decay time in the phase coil. The method further includes the step of calculating a delay time corresponding to the amount of time the decay time indicative signal has the first polarity. Finally, the method includes the step of controlling the direction of current in the phase coil or another phase coil of the motor responsive to the delay time and a current direction signal generated by a translator. The inventive method and circuit enable reduction and/or elimination of mid-velocity instability even when the motor is operated in a microstepping mode.

Abstract: Backward movement of a heavy motorcycle is assisted by a starter motor for cranking an engine of the motorcycle. A backward drive control system includes a pulse width modulation circuit for supplying operating current to the starter motor in a controlled manner and a device for estimating operating temperature of the starter motor based on the current supplied to the starter motor. When the estimated temperature reaches a predetermined maximum temperature, the operation of the starter motor is compulsorily stopped and prohibited for a certain period or until the starter motor is cooled down to a certain temperature level. Overheating of the starter motor is effectively prevented without using a temperature sensor for measuring the operating temperature.Moreover, chattering of the starter motor does not occur because its operation is prohibited for a certain period after the starter motor is once compulsorily stopped.