Abstract: The present invention provides method and apparatus to control a plurality of DC motors each having an encoder by a sole microcomputer. The actual rotating speed of each DC motor is detected in response to the signal from the encoder. A pulse width of a voltage which is applied to each motor is controlled due to the deviation between the actual speed and a preset speed. The output signals from the encoders regarding a specific DC motor to the other DC motor are sequentially selected by a selection signal, thereby controlling the speed measurements and calculations regarding a plurality of DC motors and the duties of electric powers which are applied to the DC motors.

Abstract: A plural motor changeover control system for using a plurality of motors (1a, 1b), the power outputs of which differ, by successively switching among the motors. A conversion table (32a, 32b) corresponding to a motor designated for operation from among the plurality of motors (1a, 1b) is selected, and an amplitude command is fetched from the selected conversion table, which command corresponds to a velocity error, which is a difference between an actual velocity of the designated motor and a commanded velocity. The amplitude command is applied to the servo control circuit to control the designated motor.

Abstract: A drive system for a group of brushless A.C. motors (15) which have mutually different working characteristics, for example mutually different voltages or frequencies, and which are arranged to be supplied with electric energy from a static converter (4). The system is characterized in that all motors (15) are arranged to be connected electrically, one at a time, to one and the same converter, and in that an identifying means (10, 13) which is individual to each motor is arranged to be connected to a control input (8, 9) on the converter in order to regulate the converter so that it generates electric energy with the necessary supply parameters to the motor. The invention also covers a hand-tool to be used in the system.

Abstract: A torque-sensing rotary tool for use in bottle-capping, and other such applications. The tool (10) is characterized by independent motors (30 and 40) means for gripping and rotating bottles or the like and a rotation-counter which forms means, with associated circuitry (FIG. 9), to determine when an object, e.g. a bottle cap, may be safely lifted by automatic machinery, e.g. by robot means.

Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for controlling the power applied to two remote loads energized from a common ac line. An example is a circuit for controlling fan speed and lamp brightness, both loads being installed in a common ceiling fixture, and requiring only a two conductor interconnection to a wall mounted control circuit. An exemplary control circuit employs two conventional controllers, each having a bidirectional, semiconductor switch, (e.g., a triac) having a manually adjustable conduction duty cycle for power control. The control circuit includes shunt and series diodes for mutual isolation of the controllers and for allocating one controller to one load and the other controller to the other load. The arrangement simplifies installation costs in requiring only a two conductor control connection, and is economic in its selection of components for the control function.

Abstract: In textile machinery wherein two or more loads--such as transport rollers of a tension frame and a bank of spindles carrying take-up spools--are driven by respective three-phase motors of the asynchronous (induction) type at speeds which are different from each other but are to be mutually correlated during an entire operating cycle including a startup and a cutoff period, the motor with the shorter acceleration time is slowed down during startup to let it reach its operating speed substantially at the same time as the other motor whereas the motor with the longer deceleration time is braked during cutoff in order to reach standstill substantially simultaneously with the other motor. The slowdown during startup and the braking during cutoff can be controlled by a comparator which determines deviations of the speed ratio of the two motors from a predetermined reference value.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling a ceiling-type fan includes a switch or relay for controlling the fan, connectable to the fan. A logic circuit produces an output signal for controlling the switch or relay from an input signal generated by momentarily interrupting the power applied to an input to the logic circuit. A diode and capacitor isolate the power supply connections of the circuit to maintain the supply voltage during the momentary power interruptions.In one embodiment the control circuit controls the on-and-off switching of the fan, as well as its speed, together with on-and-off switching of a light associated with the fan. In one embodiment the forward and reverse directions of the fan are controlled as well.

Abstract: An X-ray table base, an intermediate support mounted on the base for moving bidirectionally, and a carriage with a patient cradle on it mounted for moving bidirectionally on the support. There are individual servomotors for driving the support and cradle, respectively. Each servomotor drives an analog tachometer. The tachometer signals are compared with ramp signals. When, for example, the intermediate support nears the limit of its forward travel, its servo amplifier receives a decreasing ramp signal and the servo amplifier for the cradle motor receives a concurrent increasing ramp signal such that the support decelerates to zero velocity at a predetermined rate and the cradle accelerates to the previous constant velocity of the support at a rate that results in the cradle moving at a constant rate relative to the base.

Abstract: Two DC motors are driven by switching pulse drive circuits, and the switching on times of drive pulses are made to be out of phase with each other at the two switching pulse drive circuits. One of the two DC motors rotates rotary video heads, and the other drives a capstan of a video tape recording and/or reproducing apparatus. The drive pulses are preferably synchronized with horizontal synchronizing pulses of a video signal to be handled by the video tape recording and/or reproducing apparatus in order to avoid pulse noises.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously and independently controlling a plurality of electric motors from a number of dispersed stations. The system operates by transmission of duty cycle modulated selected frequencies superimposed on a DC track voltage on a common power line servicing the motors. The modulation is variable and determines the speed of the motors. Transmitters are portable and designed removably to plug into a common signal transmission cable anywhere along its length without interaction. Receivers, each tuned to a specific frequency and associated with and controlling a motor, are coupled to the common power line.

Abstract: A drive apparatus has at least two electric motors. There is also a central control common to all motors which lie in series in a closed-circuit energy supply. Each motor has an individual control unit which can be turned on and off from the central control via a control line by an address. Each motor also contains a short-circuit device lying in parallel with its connecting terminals.

Abstract: A plurality of permanent magnet DC motors are grouped into two banks. One side of each motor in one bank is connected to a first common supply conductor while one side of each motor in the other bank is connected to a second common supply conductor. Independently operable switches are provided for connecting the other sides of respective ones of the motors in the first and second banks to a third common supply conductor. Three additional power switches are provided for reversibly connecting a source of potential across either bank of motors. By proper switch selection one or more motors in either of the banks may be operated in a selected direction of rotation.

Abstract: Control circuitry for producing signals to control motors which propel a ile platform for a standing paraplegic. Logic circuits connect a 3-axis joy stick controller to four permanent magnet DC motors mounted on the platform such that the platform follows in the direction of the displacement of the joy stick. The joy stick outputs are taken as inputs to several differential amplifiers. Each of a plurality of velocity servo amplifiers receives one input signal from the differential amplifier output and another from a tachometer feedback signal derived from each motor. Comparators receive the velocity servo amplifier outputs as well as a triangular wave input. Each comparator comprises a pulse width modulator which generates pulse outputs whose duty cycle is a function of the voltage inputs to each comparator. The comparator outputs then control motor rotation such that the platform moves in the direction of displacement of the joy stick.

Abstract: A cable extending onto a drum-cutter loader mining machine has divided branch cable sections to supply electrical current to the individual drive motors for each of two cutting drums. A branch switch coupled in each divided branch cable section and a thyristor controller is coupled in one branch cable section before the switch therein. Crossover lines bridge the branch switches in each divided branch cable section. Bridge switches in each of the bridging crossover lines are used together with the branch switches to deliver electrical current from the controller to either or, if desired, both of the separate drive motors.

Abstract: A switching control circuit for an electrically adjustable patient chair that utilizes a relay control circuit comprised of a plurality of switching control relays connected in a binary switching arrangement which in the preferred embodiment herein, permits the use of only three control relays to control six motor adjustment functions.

Abstract: Power control system comprising an intermittent device for applying intermittent voltage between intermittent voltage terminals; the intermittent device having a DC input terminal and at least one pair of intermittent terminals; a plurality of pairs of reverse series connected devices comprising control electrical valves and other electrical valves; said connected devices being connected in parallel between the intermittent voltage terminals; and a plurality of loads which are respectively connected to the series junctions of the plurality of pairs of reverse series connected devices.

Abstract: An improved second order gyroscopic attitude and heading reference system including separate variable time constant accelerometer integrators for independently controlling the velocity error signals associated with respective east and north acceleration signals to provide velocity damped output signals so that a high acceleration input signal of dubious accuracy will have minimal precessional authority while a lower acceleration input signal of greater accuracy will retain nominal control.

Abstract: A multi-line chemical injection system for injecting chemicals into two or more independent systems including a pressure tank, a pump to supply chemicals to the pressure tank, a pressure control switch to regulate the pressure within the pressure tank and a plurality of cam operated solenoid valves to regulate chemical injection from the pressure tank.

Abstract: Automatic guiding apparatus has first and second drive wheels which are driven from a common source for effecting feeding of a workpiece in a straight line through a machine. For effecting steering of the workpiece along a line parallel to the edge, a sensor senses the edge, a computer calculates the speed differential required to be imparted to the two drive wheels for steering about the center of curvature of the edge, and an adding device superimposes additional positive or negative speed on one of the drive wheels. The adding device can be mechanical, such as a differential gearbox, where the wheels are driven from a common motor, or a frequency shifter where the wheels are driven by separate stepper motors supplied with pulses from a common oscillator. Automatic speed control is incorporated for negotiating sharp corners. The drive wheels are parallel to each other.