Abstract: An overhead door operator system (1) for opening and closing an opening (2), comprising a door frame (3) comprising a first frame section (4) at a first side (7) of the opening (2) and a second frame section (6) at a second side (5) of the opening (2). The operator system further comprises a door (8) arranged to be moved between an open and closed (C) position, the door (8) being movably connected to the door frame (3) and a drive unit (10) mounted on the door (8), the drive unit (10) comprising at least one motor (11) arranged to move the door (8) from the closed position (C) to the open position (O). An elongated transmission member (19) extends along the first side (7) of the opening (2) and the first frame section (4). The drive unit (10) further comprises a driven transmission member (18) in driving connection with the motor (11).

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods and systems for wafer biasing in a plasma chamber. A method, for example, may include: generating a first high voltage by a first pulsed voltage source using DC voltages and coupling the first high voltage to a wafer in the plasma chamber via at least one direct connection, the at least one direct connection enabling ion energy control in the plasma chamber; generating one or more of low and medium voltages by a second pulsed voltage source; coupling, capacitively, the one or more of low and medium voltages to the wafer; and pulsing the first high voltage and the one or more of low and medium voltages to achieve a configurable ion energy distribution in the wafer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting an image are provided. In one example embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes obtaining data representing an image. The method includes inputting the image into a machine learned model. The method includes obtaining, in response to inputting the image into the machine learned model, an output of the machine learned model that includes an estimated tilt of the image. The method includes correcting a tilt of the image based at least in part on the estimated tilt obtained from the machine learned model.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sectional door operator system (1) for opening and closing an opening (2), comprising a door frame (3) comprising a first frame section (4) at a first side (5) of the opening (2) and a second frame section (6) at a second side (7) of the opening (2), a door (8) arranged to be moved between an open (0) and closed (C) position and comprising a plurality of horizontal and interconnected sections (9) connected to the door frame (3) at least a drive unit (10) mounted on a first section (9) of the plurality of sections (9), wherein the drive unit (10) is moveably connected to the first frame section (4) and the drive unit (10) is moveably connected to the second frame section (6), the drive unit (10) comprise at least one motor (11) connected to at least one battery (12) arranged to power the at least one motor (11), and the drive unit (10) is arranged to move the door (8) from the closed position (C) to the open position (0).

Abstract: Described herein are steer-by-wire systems and methods of operating these systems in vehicles. A steer-by-wire system comprises a steering wheel assembly, comprising a steering wheel, sensors, and a torque generator. The system comprises a rack assembly, comprising a steering rack, sensors, and a rack actuator. The steering wheel assembly and the rack assembly are communicatively coupled by a steer-by-wire system controller, without having any direct mechanical links between the assemblies. In some examples, the controller instructs the rack assembly to control the steering rack position based on the steering input, such as changes in the steering wheel position. A steering map is used to determine the desired steering rack position based on the current steering wheel position. In some examples, a steering map is selected from a steering map set based on, e.g., the vehicle speed, vehicle direction, driver preference, and the like.

Abstract: A braking control device includes a first control unit configured to execute first control for reducing a target braking force, which is either a front-wheel braking force to be applied to front wheels of a vehicle or a rear-wheel braking force to be applied to rear wheels during increasing of deceleration of the vehicle, in a case that a behavior of the vehicle is unstable as the target braking force is increased; and a second control unit configured to execute second control for reducing a rate of increase in the target braking force and increasing a rate of increase in the front-wheel braking force or the rear-wheel braking force, which is not the target braking force, prior to execution of the first control.

Abstract: A motor electric control unit (ECU) for an electromechanical power steering mechanism, which controls current through an electric assist motor in response to sensed vehicle signals, wherein the ECU comprises an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design, that implements safety and platform features in hardware.

Abstract: A method for operating a steering system for a motor vehicle, wherein the steering system has at least one steering lever and at least one electric motor for shifting the steering lever so as to cause a steering movement in the presence of a steering input, and wherein the electric motor is electrically connected to a current source via cabling. In doing so, it is provided that the electric motor is actuated and an electric current flowing between the current source and the electric motor is measured in order to check an electrical connection between the current source and the electric motor under the condition that there is no steering input present.

Abstract: Electromechanical systems using magnetic fields to induce eddy currents and generate lift are described. Magnet configurations which can be employed in the systems are illustrated. The magnet configuration can be used to generate lift and/or thrust. Arrangements of hover engines, which can employ the magnet configurations, are described. Methods of controlling translating hover engines to operate at a zero drag condition are described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a rotational orientation of an object is provided. Embodiments of the present invention utilize an electrically conductive fluid enclosed within a shell attached to the object such that the conductive fluid contacts different portions of electrically conductive nodes, located on the inner wall of the shell, depending on the rotational orientation of the shell. The electrically activated nodes in contact with the conductive fluid act as sensors and individually transmit electric signals to a microcontroller for transformation into an indicator of a rotational orientation of the object. The indicator of the rotational orientation is then output.

Abstract: One embodiment of a drive system may include a motor shaft coupled to a gear set in connection between an input shaft and an output shaft. The system may also have a direct current motor selectively holding the motor shaft in a fixed position for engaging the input and output shafts to one another in response to a sudden power loss from a main power supply. The system may further include an auxiliary power supply enabling the direct current motor to provide a resistive torque.

Abstract: A reverse rotation detection module is provided for a power tool having an electric motor intended to rotate in a first direction but not an opposite second direction. The reverse rotation detection module is comprised of: a switching arrangement having a plurality of motor switches; three position sensors; a first latch circuit; a second latch circuit; and a motor driver module that is configured to receive the shutdown signal from the second latch circuit and discontinue driving the motor in response to the shutdown signal. An overspeed protection module is provided for a handheld power tool. The overspeed protection module is comprised of: an electric motor; a switching arrangement having a plurality of motor switches; a diode pump circuit; a comparator circuit; and a motor driver module that is configured to receive a shutdown signal from the comparator circuit and discontinue driving the motor in response to the shutdown signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatus for reducing steering effort in a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method for installing a steering-assist system onto a vehicle having an electrically powered steering system is provided. The method includes placing a controller between a torque sensor and an electronic control unit (ECU) disposed on the vehicle, coupling a primary signal line from the torque sensor to be in electrical communication with the controller, and coupling a secondary signal line to the controller to be in electrical communication with the ECU, wherein, when movement is detected by the torque sensor, the torque sensor provides a primary signal to the controller and the controller provides a secondary signal to the ECU, the secondary signal being different than the primary signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of safety cutoff of an electromechanical motor vehicle power steering, in which safety switches (26, 27, 28) are provided for electrical separation of a servomotor from a control system or a vehicle electrical system, wherein the following steps are provided: a) receiving a fault signal in a control system (30); b) sending a switch-off signal via control lines (31, 32, 33) to the safety switches (26, 27, 28); c) checking the electrical voltages present on the safety switches (26, 27, 28); d) deciding whether the switch-off signal on each safety switch (26, 27, 28) has led to switch-off; e) if the switch-off signal on one or more safety switches (26, 27, 28) has not led to switch-off, switching those safety switches (26, 27, 28) back on, which could not be switched off; f) repeating steps b) to e) until all safety switches have been switched off successfully (26, 27, 28).

Abstract: Continuous monitoring and fault diagnosis of rotating machinery during variable speed operation is performed using only a position feedback signal. The position sensor generates a periodic waveform having multiple pulses per revolution of the machine. A circuit is included to detect, for example, a zero crossing or edge of the periodic waveform. At each detected zero crossing or edge, the time and position of the event is stored in memory. Other data, such as the current in the motor, may also be sampled and stored in memory. Because the sampled data is triggered by repeated feature of the position feedback signal, the sampled data is in a stationary reference frame in the position domain. Frequency analysis is performed on the sampled data, and the frequency components present in either the sampled signal are analyzed to identify the presence of a fault in the rotating machinery.

Abstract: A MG drive computer switches off system relays when a collision or a possibility of collision is detected. The computer also executes the revolution speed reduction control for reducing the revolution speed of a rotating electric machine and the discharge control for discharging a smoothing capacitor. In the revolution speed reduction control, the second control for switching on switching elements of three phases of an upper arm or lower arm of an inverter and switching off all other switching elements is performed when the revolution speed of the rotating electric machine is equal to or less than a second threshold. When the revolution speed is higher than the second threshold, the first control for switching on a switching element of one phase of the upper arm or lower arm and switching off other switching elements is performed.

Abstract: An electric motor and a control unit are juxtaposed in a speed reduction gear box. A terminal block is provided at an outer circumference of a flange proximate to a control unit of the electric motor. Terminal block surfaces of the terminal block are provided so that a plane direction faces a direction vertical to a shaft line of the electric motor. A motor side connecting terminal is held on the terminal block surface. The unit side connecting terminals provided at a position proximate to the electric motor of the control unit are arranged so as to overlap with the motor side connecting terminal on the terminal block surface to couple by a coupling portion (fixing screw).

Abstract: A method of controlling a controllable device related to a building aperture, whereby a climate related characteristic for the aperture is adjusted by the device, and whereby the device is controlled in accordance with a climate and comfort program which is dependent on a control parameter, whereby the device is controlled in accordance with a time schedule provided by the climate and comfort program.

Abstract: A method of braking a washing machine from an operational speed to a reduced non-zero speed is provided (as well as a washing machine incorporating the method) for a washing machine driven by one of a synchronous or asynchronous motor. Upon receipt of a speed reduction signal, the motor rotating magnetic fields are collapsed for a defined time period. After the defined time period, DC braking voltage is applied to the motor stator windings at a controlled ramp-up rate to an amplitude to generate a controlled ramped braking torque on the motor until the motor has slowed to a defined reduced speed. Thereafter, the amplitude of the DC braking voltage is set to 0V and the motor is soft started to an amplitude and reduced frequency needed to maintain the defined reduced speed.

Abstract: A MG drive computer switches off system relays when a collision or a possibility of collision is detected. The computer also executes the revolution speed reduction control for reducing the revolution speed of a rotating electric machine and the discharge control for discharging a smoothing capacitor. In the revolution speed reduction control, the second control for switching on switching elements of three phases of an upper arm or lower arm of an inverter and switching off all other switching elements is performed when the revolution speed of the rotating electric machine is equal to or less than a second threshold. When the revolution speed is higher than the second threshold, the first control for switching on a switching element of one phase of the upper arm or lower arm and switching off other switching elements is performed.

Abstract: A drive system is presented for controlling rotation of a sphere. The system facilitates holonomic motion of a drive with respect to a sphere such that a holonomic drive or drives may be maintained at a relative position with respect to a sphere. The motion of a sphere may be controlled by controlling the position of a drive with respect to the sphere. The drive may be controlled by way of a controller. A holonomic drive may be urged against a sphere by way magnetic interaction of the holonomic drive and a second structure. Also, a support structure is facilitated that allows a sphere to pass through a support column without breaks or interruptions in the sphere.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system can include a drive configured to adjust a tilt position of a solar collector assembly so as to tract the sun. The drive can include hardware for providing feedback control of the orientation of the solar collector assembly. A method for calibrating the drive can include moving the drive to a reference position and saving an output value from a sensor configured to detect the orientation of the drive. The reference value output from the sensor can then be used in determining the target output value from the sensor required to achieve a desired orientation.

Abstract: The rotation angle detection device detects the rotation angle of a rotary member by employing, at the least, either a sine wave signal or a cosine wave signal that is generated as the rotary member is rotated, and employs a change per unit time in the sine wave signal or cosine wave signal to determine whether an output abnormality has occurred in the rotation angle detection device. Further, this rotation angle device is employed to detect the motor angle of an electric power steering apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for the failsafe monitoring of an electromotive drive (10) without additional sensors. The apparatus comprises a drive having a three-phase control of an electric motor, means (20) for detecting the current and voltage profiles of each of the three phases (U, V, W), as they are forwarded to the motor (10) by drive electronics (12), means (26) for determining the load speed (nL) while using the detected current and voltage values, wherein the determination of the load speed (nL) takes place by calculating an observer model with reference to the detected current, to the detected voltage, to the frequency fFU preset by the control and to the characteristic data of the motor (10) and means (28) for generating a failsafe switch signal (30) for the motor (10) when the calculated load speed (nL) does not correspond to a preset desired speed within the framework of preset tolerances.

Abstract: A motor driving control method in which when the steering angular velocity is lower than a predetermined reference angular velocity, an actual motor drive current is inferred from a back electromotive voltage and an applying voltage in a three-phase brushless motor, and a limitation on the peak level of each of three-phase alternating current command waves is mitigated by permitting the interval between a pair of intersection points of a peak area of each of the three-phase alternating current command waves with a peak point neighborhood of a triangle wave to become approximately the same length as a dead time.

Abstract: A circuit for determining a direction of rotation of an electric motor, the motor having asymmetry and/or eccentricity in a profile of back electromotive force as a function of angular position of a rotor with respect to a stator, the circuit receiving a signal representing the BEMF, and use the corresponding asymmetry and/or eccentricity in the signal to derive the direction of rotation. The signal representing the back emf can be generated by a control circuit. The control circuit can have a feedback loop regulator to generate a control signal (TL or TR) to control a current drive circuit (11,12) to control an amplitude of current (iw) in the windings, the feedback loop regulator being arranged to compare the amplitude of the current (iw) in the windings with a reference value (iset), and use the control signal to provide the signal representing the back electromotive force.

Abstract: In a motor-driven power steering apparatus for converting rotation of an electric motor into a linear stroke of a rack shaft by an interposition of a power transmission mechanism and steering a tire wheel connected to the rack shaft, there is provided a motor slip detecting means for previously determining a cumulative rotational speed of the electric motor corresponding to a maximum stroke displacement amount of the rack shaft, integrating the rotational speed of the electric motor, and estimating that slip or idle running is generated in a rotational force transmission system from the electric motor to the rack shaft, where the integral rotational speed of the electric motor becomes more than a prescribed cumulative rotational speed.

Abstract: A motor is controlled by a motor control signal so that it reaches a target state, which is derived from sensor data sensed by a sensor. The motor can be put into a rest state at the occurrence of an error in simple and efficient manner by means of a safety means generating an alternative motor control signal at the occurrence of the error. Thus, the underlying idea is, instead of redundantly embodying components, to consciously accept a failure and integrate a corresponding fall-back solution into the overall concept. The failure is detected, and the motor is switched off in a user-manageable manner by a targeted shutdown.

Abstract: A circuit for determining a direction of rotation of an electric motor, the motor having asymmetry and/or eccentricity in a profile of back electromotive force as a function of angular position of a rotor with respect to a stator, the circuit receiving a signal representing the BEMF, and use the corresponding asymmetry and/or eccentricity in the signal to derive the direction of rotation. The signal representing the back emf can be generated by a control circuit. The control circuit can have a feedback loop regulator to generate a control signal (TL or TR) to control a current drive circuit (11,12) to control an amplitude of current (iw) in the windings, the feedback loop regulator being arranged to compare the amplitude of the current (iw) in the windings with a reference value (iset), and use the control signal to provide the signal representing the back electromotive force.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus which comprises: an angle detector for outputting a sine wave signal and a cosine wave signal corresponding to a rotor position of a brushless DC motor; and a torque detector for detecting a steering torque applied to a steering member, and which drives the brushless DC motor to assist steering based upon the sine wave signal and the cosine wave signal which were outputted from the angle detector and the steering torque detected by the torque detector. A sine wave signal and a cosine wave signal are squared and added to each other, and whether or not abnormality has occurred in the angle detector is detected by whether the addition result falls within a predetermined range. It is possible to detect abnormality in the angle detector at an early stage.

Abstract: A steering device for a motor vehicle comprises a stationary skeleton which has an essentially arc-shaped skeleton section, and an actuation member that is movably mounted on the skeleton section and that has two contact sections essentially opposite from each other. The actuation member surrounds the skeleton section with a ring-shaped cross section and extends between the contact sections continuously along the arc-shaped skeleton section.

Abstract: A vibration isolator includes a vibration isolation platform, a vibration sensor installed on the vibration isolation platform, and an angle sensor for sensing an inclination angle of the vibration isolation platform. A detection signal from the vibration sensor is corrected based upon an output from the angle sensor, and the corrected detection signal is used in order to suppress vibration of the vibration isolation platform.

Abstract: A problem to be solved by the present invention is that, in a conventional system for controlling electric power steering, as the number of revolutions of a motor is increased, an assist force decreases, resulting in faulty steering response.

Abstract: An electric power system having an electric motor, a speed-reduction mechanism, a power board on which components generating heat are mounted, a control board on which components generating little heat are mounted, a circuit case, and a heat sink for dissipating heat from the power board. A conductive board for wiring is insert-molded in the circuit case. The power board is brought into intimate contact with the heat sink. The circuit case is mounted to the heat sink so as to cover the power board. The control board is mounted to the circuit case. The power board, the circuit case, and the control board are stacked on top of each other in this order to constitute a controller. The motor is mounted to the heat sink by support members. The heat sink is mounted to the speed-reduction mechanism.

Abstract: A system for electronic control of an actuator of an automatic control system in a motor vehicle, has a control unit with at least one control function unit for controlling the actuator as a function of at least one operating parameter at a defined adjusting speed. The control unit has an adjusting rate limiting device assigned to at least one control function unit, for limiting the desired adjusting speed for controlling the actuator defined by the control function unit, to a defined limit value.

Abstract: A bicycle with a power assisting function has an electric motor for adding part of propulsive forces to manual forces to assist in the manual forces, a battery for supplying electric energy to the electric motor, a treading force detecting circuit for detecting manual forces applied as propulsive forces, and a control circuit for controlling operation of the electric motor depending on the magnitude of detected manual forces. The electric motor is operable as an electric generator with extra manual forces for utilizing part of regenerated electric energy to charge the battery.

Abstract: A method of recording trajectory data and sensor data for a vehicle while it is manually driven. The trajectory data comprises of the trajectory length and vehicle frame (position and orientation) that are calculated at each motion execution interval. The sensor data comprises of the trajectory length, vehicle frame, sensor frame, and sensor data that are obtained at each sensor execution interval. In particular, if the sensor is a range-finder, an estimated frame of the object that the range finder detects will be added to said sensor data. One objective of this invention is to play back the same motion the vehicle was taught by a human operator. Another objective is to generate a world map for the vehicle. Still further objective is, in the play-back mode, to correct vehicle's positional errors using the sensor data.

Abstract: In an adaptive speed control system for a vehicle, a method and system for automatically adjusting a selected following interval for the vehicle based on driving conditions is provided. The method includes determining a driving surface coefficient of friction based on a driven wheel speed of the vehicle, and adjusting the selected following interval for the vehicle based on the driving surface coefficient of friction. The system includes a receiver capable of receiving a signal indicative of a driven wheel speed of the vehicle, and a controller capable of determining a driving surface coefficient of friction based on the driven wheel speed, and capable of adjusting the selected following interval for the vehicle based on the driving surface coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A device for controlling the steering angle of a vehicle over a wide range maintaining improved control precision. The device controls the steering angle &thgr;d through a steering drive device 10 so as to come in agreement with a target angle &thgr;0. A steering angle detection device includes a first potentiometer 11 that produces a first angle detection value &thgr;1 and a second potentiometer 12 that produces a second angle detection value &thgr;2. A target torque operation means 20 includes an angle operation unit 22 for operating the steering angle based on the first and second angle detection values, and the angle operation unit 22 produces the first angle detection value as the steering angle outside the second angular range, and produces the second angle detection value as the steering angle inside the second angular range.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for limiting the hydraulic maximum pressure of a power-assisted steering system, which permits effective pressure limitation and thus protects the individual elements of the power-assisted steering system, i.e., a pressure limitation not far above the desired maximum operating pressure, but on the other hand does not require an overdimensioning of the individual segments of the power-assisted steering system.

Abstract: In an adaptive speed control system for a vehicle, a method and system for automatically adjusting a selected following interval for the vehicle based on driving conditions is provided. The method includes determining a driving surface coefficient of friction based on a driven wheel speed of the vehicle, and adjusting the selected following interval for the vehicle based on the driving surface coefficient of friction. The system includes a receiver capable of receiving a signal indicative of a driven wheel speed of the vehicle, and a controller capable of determining a driving surface coefficient of friction based on the driven wheel speed, and capable of adjusting the selected following interval for the vehicle based on the driving surface coefficient of friction.

Abstract: The present powered sliding device comprises a wire drum, a motor for rotating the drum, and a clutch means provided between the drum and the motor. The clutch means has a coupled state for rotating the drum, an uncoupled state, and a brake state. The clutch means is displaced from the coupled state to the brake state when the wire drum is rotated at an over speed. The clutch means in the brake state transmits the over speed rotation of the wire drum to the motor.

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 steering device for a motor vehicle is proposed, with an actuating member to introduce a steering movement and with a steering linkage to transfer the steering movement to the wheels.The steering device is characterized according to the invention in that the actuating member consists of a non-rotatable "steering wheel" (1), in the rim (2) of which a band-shaped or chain-like actuating ring (3), movable relative to the rim (2), and a measured value transmitter (4) for generating an electrical or electronic position signal for the actuating ring (3) are arranged, and that the steering linkage is actuated by an adjustment drive which is controllable by an electrical or electronic regulating device as a function of the position signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steering angle middle point detecting device which does not need a torque sensor, can detect a steering angle middle point with high precision without being affected by driving habits of drivers and road conditions, and can reduce memory size, and a power steering apparatus having the device. A continuous time period during which the vehicle speed is higher than a predetermined value and the steering angular velocity is lower than a predetermined value is counted, and each time the counted time has reached a predetermined time period, a detected steering angle and current are stored in a first memory.

Abstract: An electric steering system (10) includes a power source (34) and an electric motor (28) which provides an auxiliary steering force in response to a large capacity capacitor (C1) being selectively connected to the power source (34), for charging the large capacity capacitor (C1), and to the motor (28), for discharging the large capacity capacitor (C1) to drive the electric motor (28) for providing the auxiliary steering force.

Abstract: A power steering apparatus is provided, which is adapted to generate a steering assist force by a hydraulic pressure of a pump driven by an electric motor. The apparatus includes: a vehicle speed sensor for sensing a vehicle speed; and a control circuit for switching a control mode between an assist mode in which a first voltage V1 is applied to the electric motor and a standby mode in which no voltage or a second voltage V2 lower than the first voltage V1 is applied to the electric motor. The control circuit includes a threshold computation circuit for determining a threshold of a predetermined physical quantity (motor current or steering angle) as a function of the vehicle speed V sensed by the vehicle sensor, and comparison means for comparing a level of the physical quantity with the threshold determined by the threshold computation circuit. The control mode is switched from the assist mode to the standby mode on the basis of a comparison result obtained by the comparison means.

Abstract: A vehicular slide door open-close control apparatus for opening a slide door installed at a side of vehicle body by means of the drive source such as a motor and the like. The purpose of the apparatus is to reduce a burden applied to the slide door moving from its full-open position along its close direction, downsize, lighten and lower the cost. Also, reducing an operational force when the door is manually closed. The control apparatus has a drive source 54 such as motor and the like, a slide door 3 open-close-moved by a slide door open-close mechanism, a clutch means 56 transmitting intermittently a drive force of the drive source 54 to the slide door open-close mechanism, a slope judgement means 76 detecting a vehicle posture and a slide door control means 7 controlling the drive source and clutch means in order to adjust a drive force to be transferred to the slide door open-close mechanism.

Abstract: A motor direction control device id used for electromotive vehicles which has an electric motor adapted to cause the vehicles to move forwards and backwards. The motor direction control device includes a direction control level shiftable from a neutral position into forward or reverse position. Operatively connected to the direction lever is an elongated pliable strip which is slidable along a predefined moving way by the shifting operation of the direction control lever and carries a permanent magnet. First and second magnetolectric sensors are arranged in a spaced-apart relationship with each other along the moving way of the elongated strip, each of the magnetoelectric sensors capable of generating, when left deactivated, a position signal of first logic level and activatable by the permanent magnet to produce a position signal of second logic level as the direction control lever is shifted into the forward or reverse position.

Abstract: A multipole magnetic encoder is movable past two fixed analog sensors delivering sinusoidal signals (S.sub.1, S.sub.2) phase-shifted by .pi./2. A generator produces 2n sinusoidal signals (S.sub.i) of the same amplitude (A) as the signals (S.sub.1, S.sub.2), phase-shifted by .pi./n. An analog multiplexer delivers a signal (S) consisting of 2n successive portions of signals (S.sub.i). An acquisition device determines a maximum envelope (E) of the signals (S.sub.i). Two of switching thresholds (L.sub.i) and (L.sub.j) are generated proportional to the envelope (E). Two comparators compare the signal (S) with the thresholds (L.sub.i) and (L.sub.j), and deliver binary signals (A.sub.i) and (B.sub.j). Two combining devices combine the binary signals (A.sub.i) and (B.sub.j), each delivering a high resolution signal of 2m*n periods in the interval of one period of one of the sensors.