Abstract: A vehicle, in the form of a forklift truck, includes a running mechanism, a work mechanism, a master unit, a slave unit, and a communication interface. The running mechanism is used for running of the vehicle, and the work mechanism is used for a work by the vehicle. The master unit controls the running mechanism, and the slave unit controls the lifting mechanism. The communication interface carries out establishment and release of electric connection between the master unit and the slave unit.

Abstract: An adaptive motion controller for driving a servo motor. The adaptive motion controller includes a computer control module which stores information for configuring an amplifier to a specific servo motor. The amplifier has a chip which will configure the amplifier for a specific servo motor upon receiving the stored information. A computer control module receives the stored information and delivers it to the chip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to allow compatible speed operations and physical coupling of decoder equipped locomotives to locomotives without decoders when operating on conventional track power. The improvements utilize mechanisms added to improve decoder fault protection, and that can also be usefully additionally employed to allow voltage accurate mode-conversion using a novel, cost reduced and simplified mode-switching arrangement. Additionally, a convenient automation of the mode switching arrangement is shown by using different relay switch configurations controlled by the decoder logic.

Abstract: An electric vehicle accessory motor drive power supply system (40) that utilizes a single power supply design to provide efficient variable speed motor control to both brushless and brush-type DC motors (42,44). The power supply system includes at least one of each type of motor along with a first DC-DC converter (46) that provides operating power to the brushless motor (42) and a second DC-DC converter (48) that provides operating power to the brush-type motor (44). Both converters (46,48) have a power input (52) connected to the electric vehicle's high voltage bus (50) and each includes a data input (54) for receiving a speed control signal (SC) indicative of desired motor speed, as well as an output (56) for providing a motor drive signal to its associated DC motor (42,44).

Abstract: A power steering system and induction motor load compensation algorithm or processing method for use in a vehicle. The power steering system comprises a power supply, a power steering motor, a steering subsystem, and a power steering controller coupled to the power supply. The controller processes a frequency command input corresponding to the power steering frequency requested by the steering subsystem and data contained in one or more software lookup tables to adjust the output frequency produced by the power supply to control the speed of the power steering, motor. The lookup tables are generated empirically and characterize the output power of the power supply at different system pressures over a range of motor speeds. The software lookup tables provide a power band that implements a power limiting state machine.

Abstract: A stage apparatus for moving a table, on which a work is carried, of a semiconductor producing equipment or the like on a base by way of a driving shaft and positioning the table at a predetermined position. The stage apparatus comprises a guide mechanism for guiding and supporting the table on the base; a linear motor provided between the base and the table along a direction in which the table is fed; and controlling means for controlling, for a predetermined period before the table is stopped, stopping operations of the driving shaft and the linear motor in a mutually associated relationship in accordance with predetermined controlling conditions.

Abstract: A motor control system includes a processor having a clock output terminal for outputting clock pulses in desired cycles, a plurality of motors, and a plurality of motor drivers which are provided one for each motor and drive the corresponding motors on the basis of the clock pulses input into the motor drivers through their respective clock input terminals. The clock input terminals of the motor drivers are connected to the clock output terminal of the processor in common with each other.

Abstract: A contactorless multi-motor controller is described which comprises a contactorless pump motor starter and a contactorless, reversible traction motor controller. The two controllers are mutually interactive. When the pump motor has ramped up to full voltage, a function block on-board said pump motor control circuit detects this condition and enables the tramming operation of the traction motor.

Abstract: A stage system includes a stage movable along a path, a first driving mechanism for accelerating or decelerating the stage on the basis of a resilience force of a resilient member, a first holding mechanism for holding a resilience force being accumulated through compression of the resilient member of the first driving mechanism, and a second holding mechanism for holding a resilience force being accumulated through extension of the resilient member of the first driving mechanism, wherein resilience energy of the resilient member is used for stage acceleration, which is very effective to prevent large heat generation, and wherein resilient energy accumulated in the resilient member during deceleration is used for subsequent stage acceleration, which is very effective for energy efficiency and for heat generation suppression.

Abstract: An energy-saving and high-efficiency electric vehicle which uses a set of accumulator batteries as a power source and is driven by multiple motors of different powers, each motor having its own circuit system and switching device. When greater resistance is encountered by the vehicle, such as when it starts or is going uphill, the large and small power motors are actuated simultaneously to provide a resultant force. After starting, when inertial force increases and resistance relatively decreases, the small power motor alone can be actuated, but the maximum r.p.m. it can impart to the driving shaft should be higher than that imparted by the large power motor. In this way it is possible to save energy, thereby lengthening the time and distance of continuous travel of the vehicle. At the same time, the vehicle is of lower cost, is convenient to drive, and does not pollute the environment.

Abstract: At least two components that use DC power to drive at least two motors, such as DC armatures, field windings, etc., collectively referred to as DC driving devices, are connected together by switching components which can be operated to selectively connect the driving devices either in parallel or series or, in the case of more than two DC driving components, in mixed parallel and series configurations. The switching components can be solid state or electromagnetic switching components, including components that have variable resistances so as to allow continuously variable control of the series/parallel connections between the elements, and can be switched by modulation of control or trigger pulses. When the DC power driving devices are in the form of DC armatures, the series and/or parallel connection effects can also be further modulated by shunt field control of the armature currents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a downsized vehicle control apparatus which is capable of controlling two DC separately excited motors. An armature of a first motor, an armature of a second motor and an armature chopper element for controlling the drive of the motors which is common to both of those motors are connected in series between the ends of a battery, and a drive circuit turns on/off the common armature chopper element for controlling the drive of the motors and a plurality of field chopper elements for the respective first and second motors to control the armature currents and the field currents in the first and second motors, respectively, thereby driving both of the motors with the desired rotational frequency or torque.

Abstract: In a servo system having a controller such as a numeric controller for multi-axes control and a plural number of drive-unit-built-in servo motors, a branching circuit (2) is provided between the controller and the drive-unit-built-in servo motors to communicate through branching of the signals from the branching circuit (2) to the drive-unit-built-in servo motors (3). A constant voltage is output from the drive units and charged on the resistors (14) in the branching circuit (2) with resistance values different from one another in each shaft and the shaft numbers are identified through the detection of the currents flowing out at that time by the drive units in the drive-unit-built-in servo motors (3). The servo system realizes the reduction in wiring, the enhanced reliability and the elimination of hardware settings.

Abstract: The network (N) links control modules (CM) of a device (M) on the basis of a common instruction and of a quantity measured by a sensor (S) associated with a measurement module (MM). The instruction is formulated in the measurement module and broadcast over the network by the measurement module together with the measurement value.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to carry out control and enable an engine to output a desired power, thereby preventing unexpected charge or discharge of storage battery means. A power output apparatus of the present invention sets energy Pe to be output from an engine, in order to cancel a deviation .DELTA.Pb of a charge-discharge electric power Pb of a battery from its target value Pb* , and controls operation of the engine to output the energy Pe. The energy Pe output from the engine is subjected to torque conversion by means of a clutch motor and an assist motor and output to a drive shaft as a required power. In case that the converted energy is not equal to the required power, the battery is charged with the surplus electric power or is discharged to supplement the shortage of electric power. Namely regulation of the energy Pe results in controlling the charge-discharge electric power Pb of the battery.

Abstract: A pair of DC motors, each having a shunt-connected field winding, are interconnected such that current supplied to the shunt field winding of one of the motors is proportional to the armature current in the other of the two motors when the speed of the other motor is between predetermined maximum and minimum speeds.

Abstract: A trolling motor system comprises a trolling motor having a propeller rotatably driven thereby. The motor is connected to a rotating tube or column mounted to the boat. A control head is mounted at the upper end of the column. A steering motor in the control head controls rotational position of the trolling motor. The control head houses a control circuit for controlling speed of the trolling motor as well as position of the steering motor to steer the boat. A foot pedal is positioned in the boat in proximity to the control head. The foot pedal includes a plurality of user actuable switches for commanding operation of the steering motor and trolling motor. The commands are transmitted via radio frequency to a receiver in the control head. The receiver decodes the commands and transfers the command to the control circuit.

Abstract: A power output apparatus (20) of the present invention includes a clutch motor (30), an assist motor (40), and a controller (80) for controlling the clutch motor (30) and the assist motor (40). The clutch motor (30) includes an outer rotor (32) linked with a crankshaft (56) of a gasoline engine (50) and an inner rotor (34) connecting with a drive shaft (22). The assist motor (40) includes a rotor (42) connecting with the drive shaft (22). An electric current flowing through three-phase coils (36) in the clutch motor (30) enables the outer rotor (32) to be coupled with the inner rotor (34) with a certain slip. Electrical energy corresponding to the certain slip is recovered as an electric power via a first driving circuit (91). The assist motor (40) is controlled with the electric power via a second driving circuit (92) so as to apply a torque to the drive shaft (22).

Abstract: An automated drafting system particularly suitable for drafting textile strands of sliver is provided. The automated drafting system includes a synchronous drive sliver drafting roller system utilizing toothed gears in the preferred embodiment operatively connecting a pair of drafting rollers with one of the rollers being directly driven by a motor to thereby cause identical rotation of both rollers. The automated drafting system also includes a system for securing and pressuring together upper and lower sliver drafting rollers wherein the lower roller of a pair of drafting rollers is preferably maintained in a fixed but rotational position while the upper roller of the pair is pressured towards the lower roller and controllably restricted as to both horizontal and vertical movement during the drafting process.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically controlling a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit of a vehicle includes multiple electric motors for actuating multiple respective doors directing air flow through the HVAC unit and temperature of the air flow. A plurality of sensors sense a plurality of temperatures. A controller determines a desired temperature and desired direction of air flow based on the plurality of temperatures. The controller also controls the multiple electric motors so that their respective doors move at the same time while preventing preselected doors from operating at the same time based on the desired temperature and desired direction of air flow.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for transmitting very fast digital DC signals over the track for remote control in a model railroad layout, by selecting positive and negative lobes from the applied AC track power signal. This method allows digital transmission at 120 Hz rate that can be used within a 60 Hz AC system. This is fast enough to be used for Digital Command Control (DCC) and also capable of delivering large power output efficiently without the expense of filtering or exotic electronic control circuits. This method also has low sensitivity to electrical noise and does not generate significant noise during operation. We describe methods of transmitting and receiving positive and negative lobes and methods to extend this technology. We also describe other areas where this technology can be applied such as remote control of appliances connected to any AC power environment such as home or industrial electric power systems.

Abstract: Position apparatus for controlling the movement of a table, on which a semiconductor work is carried along a unidirectional path in rectangular coordinate system. The table is driven in a single plane by x and y coordinate drive control means. The position apparatus includes guide means for supporting the table on the base; first drive means for driving the table in a first direction, a second drive means for driving the table in a second direction opposite to the first direction and controller means for controlling the first and second drive means to cause the table to stop without causing table vibration and without overshoot.

Abstract: A pulsing drive system delivers pulsed power signals to the driven wheels of a vehicle for improving the efficiency internal combustion or an electric motor driven vehicles. A controller receives signals such as velocity and demand, and communicates to a means for selectively communicating energy wherein the means for selectively communicating energy converts the pulse signal to a correspondingly conditioned power pulse for powering the vehicle. When combined with a plurality of motors sized with optimal horsepower ranges according to a binary array, an arrangement of such motors provides for an optimally efficient operation of the vehicle by bringing on-line strategically selected combinations of the motors. A control system selectively brings on-line the multiple motors.

Abstract: A pulsing drive system delivers pulsed power signal of the driven wheels of a vehicle for improving the efficiency internal combustion or an electric motor driven vehicles. A controller receives signals such as velocity and demand, and communicates to a means for selectively communicating energy wherein the means for selectively communicating energy converts the pulse signal to a correspondingly conditioned power pulse for powering the vehicle. When combined with a plurality of motors sized with optimal horsepower ranges according to a binary array, an arrangement of such motors provides for an optimally efficient operation of the vehicle by bringing on-line strategically selected combinations of the motors. A control system selectively brings on-line the multiple motors.

Abstract: Functional element units are fixedly mounted on a circuit board, and unit-side connectors are electrically wired to base-board-side connectors. A predetermined wiring circuit has been formed on the circuit board, with the result that the wiring work is simplified as much, and the disused connectors can be disposed of, so that the number of connectors is reduced. In addition, the electrical connection of the functional element units through those connectors, provides the following effects: the wiring is orderly and reasonable, the number of wires is small, the occurrence of wiring errors is prevented, and in addition the application of external noises to the wires is prevented. That is, the operation of the motor control system high in reliability.

Abstract: A redundant active hand controller system has first and second motors connected to a common shaft. A compensator which differentiates a motor command signal from a first proportional and integral controller, differentiates a motor command signal from a second proportional and integral controller and subtracts the first differentiated motor command signal from the second differentiated motor command signal to provide a correction signal. The correction signal is summed with the error signal into the first proportional and integral controller to correct for slight differences in the integral control function of the first and second proportional and integral controllers.

Abstract: A drive system for a probe of the type containing a first tubular housing within a second tubular housing which first tubular housing is advanced into and retracted from a conduit to take measurements of fluid within the conduit has a stepper motor for advancing the first tubular housing precisely controlled distances into and within the conduit. The stepper motor is connected to the first tubular housing through a friction drive roller which presses against the first tubular housing. Additionally, a rotational motor is connected to the outer tubular housing through a timing belt which extends around the second tubular housing. Sensors may be provided for measuring linear and rotational movement.

Abstract: A rotary actuator derives its power from a synchronous motor preferably of the AC type providing constant output speed, and from a non-synchronous motor, preferably of the DC type, in a helper capacity to provide additional torque for a load. Use of certain types of non-synchronous motors to provide a portion of the maximum torque is cheaper than using a synchronous motor whose size is adequate for the maximum torque requirement. A torque limiting clutch which couples the non-synchronous motor output to the synchronous motor output allows the non-synchronous motor to run compatibly with the synchronous motor. A hysteresis coupling type of torque limiting clutch is preferred. In a preferred embodiment, both of the motors drive a gear train, with the non-synchronous motor coupled to the gear train by the torque limiting clutch.

Abstract: A system and method for initializing a plurality of mechanical elements of a machine includes a plurality of housings and an uncoordinated motion controller. The housings are coupled to the mechanical elements and include at least a motor controller electrically connected to a motor. Each of the motor controllers have an associated position sensing component for sensing the position of the associated mechanical element along one axis. The uncoordinated motion controller instructs the motor controllers to operate its associated motor until the associated mechanical element reaches an initialization position. The velocity and acceleration profile of the respective motors are independent of each other, such that each of the motors moves its associated mechanical element in uncoordinated motion until each mechanical element reaches its initialization position. A multi-node daisy chained data bus electrically connects the uncoordinated motion controlling means and the motor controllers in series.

Abstract: A disk playback apparatus designed such that the linear velocity of the disk is stabilized during a short period corresponding to one to several revolutions of the disk and occurrence therein of vibration and noise is suppressed is disclosed. The apparatus is characterized in that the revolving axis of the turntable on which the disk is mounted is driven by a low-torque spindle motor and the wheel effect of the revolving axis or the spindle motor is made larger.

Abstract: A container crane driving control system having a main hoisting mode, a travel mode, a boom hoisting mode and a trolley mode comprises a first inverter main circuit unit, a first inverter control unit, a second inverter main circuit unit and a second inverter control unit. The first inverter main circuit unit is selectively controlled by a first V/F constant-control circuit or a first vector control circuit. As a result, a main hoisting squirrel-cage induction motor is vector-controlled and a plurality of traveling squirrel-cage induction motors are V/F constant-controlled. The second inverter main circuit unit is selectively controlled by a second V/F constant-control circuit or a second vector control circuit. As a result, a boom hoisting squirrel-cage induction motor is vector-controlled and at least one trolley squirrel-cage induction motor is V/F constant-controlled.

Abstract: A heat engine operates an alternator that supplies electrical power to an electric continuously variable transmission for driving at least one ac motor through a differential to multiple wheels or to multiple independent ac wheel motors in an automobile, bus or truck. A heat engine control operates in a closed-loop power mode and decouples heat engine speed from motor speed, allowing the heat engine to produce required power at an operating speed and throttle position, or fuel injector duty cycle, that maximizes fuel economy and minimizes engine emissions. An energy storage unit (e.g., a battery, flywheel, ultracapacitor, superconducting magnetic energy storage device, or combination thereof) provides electrical energy to the electric drive system during vehicle accelerations and further reduces peak power demands on the heat engine. Advantageously, energy is recovered during vehicle deceleration and braking; and the recovered energy is used to recharge the energy storage unit.

Abstract: A control circuit for a model railroad utilizes a digital counter to control the modes of motor operation. To select a mode of operation a switch is used to repeatedly ground the base of a transistor circuit, causing pulses to be sent to a counter. By using the switch to hold the base of the transistor to ground, the counter sequencing is locked and prevented from further sequencing until the track power is turned off for a defined minimum amount of time. Release of this switched ground places the circuit under track control where short power interrupts cause the counter to sequence to the next count and therefore to sequence the modes of motor operation.

Abstract: A vehicular sun roofing apparatus including a roofing panel (3) for tilting up and sliding and a sunshade member (4) for sliding is provided to open/close an opening (2) formed on a vehicular roof (1). The panel (3) is operated by an electrical means in response to input acts on a panel open/close switch (19, 20), and the sunshade (4) is operated by an electrical means in response to input acts on a sunshade switch (21, 22), wherein control devices (23, 40) for actions of the panel (3) and sunshade (4) are provided, and an ON act on the panel opening switch (19) causes not only opening action of the panel (3), but also selective opening action of the sunshade (4) to arrive at a predetermined point, depending on a location of the sunshade (3) at the switched moment.

Abstract: A motion controller, which is adaptable to a variety of different motors, provides motor control signals to the motors of a multi-axis coordinated system as a function of position and velocity commands from a host computer. The motion controller configures the motor control signals to be compatible to the particular motors being driven based upon motor identification instructions from the host computer.

Abstract: In a numerical control system for controlling a machine tool or a robot, control loops that are not used for the control of drive systems of the tool or robot are utilized to actuate other digital or analog devices. The actual value inputs of these control loops are preferably set to a constant value, such as zero, so that the control loop will switch specified control data through to its output as control signals. The control signals are converted by means of digital-to-analog converters into control voltages.

Abstract: A rotary actuator uses a two degree of freedom gear train with three torque members to provide torque to the output element from a first torque member. The torque is supplied to a second torque member from a drive motor. A torsion spring on the third torque member is normally wound tight and held wound by a brake which locks the third torque member during normal operation when electrical power is available for the drive motor. When power is lost, the brake releases the third torque member, allowing the spring to apply torque to the third torque member to drive the output element through the first torque member to a return position. This allows loads such as valves to be returned to a safety condition upon loss of electrical power to the system of which the load and the actuator are a part.

Abstract: A biaxial rotary drive unit drives an antenna Ant on a vehicle for rotation in both azimuthal and elevational directions. A first axis Y represents a vertical axis, and an azimuth turntable 120 is rotatable about the first axis. The second axis X represents a horizontal axis, and the antenna Ant is mounted on the turntable so as to be rotatable about the second axis in the elevational direction. The turntable 120 represents a gear of an increased diameter, which is meshed by a gear 144 of a reduced diameter to be driven thereby for rotation. A cylindrical shaft 116 extends through the center of the larger diameter gear 120. The cylindrical shaft 116 carries a ring gear meshing with a pinion gear 154, which serves driving the cylindrical shaft 116 up and down. The vertical movement of the cylindrical shaft 116 is transmitted through a link 115 to drive the antenna Ant for rotation in the elevational direction.

Abstract: An active gravitation compensation device, in which the weight of a driven member is supported substantially in a gravitation-free state by the output of a servo-actuator, and a small-sized torque motor is directly coupled to the driven member to control the operation of the driven member with the output of the torque motor.

Abstract: A controller for an automated apparatus includes a plurality of operating units which operate independently while cooperating with one another, each operating unit driving a plurality of input/output elements. The controller includes a program control device for programmatically controlling the plurality of operating units, a direct designating device which, when the program control device controls the plurality of operating units independent from an external unit, is for directly designating individual input/output elements by an exclusive first set of numbers within the automated apparatus, an external interface device for interfacing an external unit, and an indirect designating device which, when the program control device communicates with the external unit via the interface device, is for indirectly designating individual input/output elements by a mutually exclusive second set of numbers within each of the operating units.

Abstract: Control arrangement for an electric motor having a control arrangement which, in accordance with at least one nominal value fed thereto, controls at least one power control element to be connected to an electrical network and the motor, including data transmission apparatus in the form of a computer device for applying to the control arrangement data received by the computer device from at least one of a device for determining the data and a memory wherein the data are stored.

Abstract: A sewing machine speed control device comprising: memory means for storing speed data representing the sewing speeds suitable for various types of sewing machines, sewing-machine-type selecting means for selecting a desired one of the various types of sewing machines and providing a sewing-machine-type selection signal for the selected type of sewing machine, data selecting means for reading the speed data of the selected type of sewing machine from the memory means in response to the sewing-machine-type selection signal, and speed control means for controlling the sewing speed of the selected sewing machine according to the speed data outputted by the data selecting means.

Abstract: A rear-view mirror system for a motor vehicle comprises a mirror housing, a reflective member mounted in the housing, electrically operated drive means for varying the orientation of the reflective member, a position sensor for producing a signal indicating the actual position of the reflective member, and a data processor comprising means for storing a value indicating a pre-selected orientation for the reflective member and means for comparing said value with the signal from the position sensor and producing a control signal for the drive means. The data processor includes a decoder and is located in the housing and is connected to an encoder at a central location, the encoder being arranged to send a multiplicity of data signals to the processor on a common data transmission line.

Abstract: A motor velocity control apparatus according to the present invention has at least one of the following is included with a servoamplifier: a current feedback gain changeover circuit; a velocity feedback gain changeover circuit; a velocity loop gain changeover circuit; a changeover circuit for a current loop amplitude and phase table storage circuit. Accordingly, the invention is well-suited for changeover control of a plurality of spindle motors of different ratings in a machine tool.

Abstract: A safety device for use in a recording apparatus controls the on/off operation and prevents the malfunction of motors for driving a gear flange to rotate a light sensitive drum and for driving an actuating gear and other driving members in accordance with a signal indicative of the reference rotational frequency received from an oscillator and a signal indicative of the rotational frequency of each motor. A motor control circuit is used including motor drivers for controlling the operation of said motors and a fault detection circuit for detecting the malfunction of said motors by comparing an adder output indicative of said motors' rotational frequencies with threshold values in a comparator, thereby ascertaining the long-term use of the light sensitive drum.

Abstract: A method of controlling a pair of hoist motors comprises delaying one about to raise a load while allowing the other to lower its load until a steady speed is reached, and then raising the load with the first motor. The regenerative current from the motor lowering its load at steady speed is offset against the drive current required for the motor raising its load.

Abstract: The hoist, lifting apparatus or the like of our invention comprises at least one hoist motor, a protective controller for the hoist motor, and an overload safety device operating on the protective controller, wherein the overload safety device has a cable load force pick-up with a tension measuring bridge, an analyzer, and a mechanism for suppression of load peaks in periodic load fluctuations. The tension measuring bridge is connected with two connecting conductors to a bridge supply generator and has two output conductors for transmission of the output signal of the tension measuring bridge. The analyzer acts on the protective controller for the hoist motor. Between the analyzer and the tension measuring bridge is a frequency converter with associated frequency generator which changes the output signal of the measuring bridge into a periodic signal.

Abstract: In vehicular electric door lock arrangement the running time of a first adjusting unit is longer than the worst possible running times of the other adjusting units. The first adjusting unit operates a switching unit via which the running time of the other adjusting units is preset. The separate timing element for the control of the various adjusting units used in prior systems can be omitted, because this timing function is provided by one of the adjusting units.

Abstract: An improved drive circuit for steering a motorized wheelchair. A control mechanism produces right and left drive signals to respective right and left wheel drive motors. These right and left drive signals are amplified by right and left amplifiers to provide the necessary magnitude power signal to the motors. The input to the amplifiers are cross-coupled so that each amplifier will amplify its own input signal plus a portion of the cross-coupled input signal.

Abstract: In a system having a plurality of electric motors which are rated at different voltages, a voltage control circuit enables the electric motors to be connected to a common power supply. The voltage control circuit determines a first voltage appearing between the positive bus of the power supply and the motor and a second voltage appearing between the negative bus and the motor. One voltage is inverted and then summed with the non-inverted voltage to provide an average voltage. The average voltage is compared to a reference voltage and when the average voltage exceeds the reference voltage, a limit signal is generated. The limit signal is used to prevent higher voltages from being applied across the motor.