Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a patient anxiety management system for managing patient anxiety during a dental procedure. In one example, a patient anxiety management system is presented. The patient anxiety management system includes a control module that a patient can use to disactivate a medical device used by a dental professional by way of a trigger mechanism. Upon deactivating the medical device, a recording device, in communication with the control module, plays a recorded message to the patient during a programmable timeframe. Once the patient is calm, the system resets the medical device to an initial operation state by reconnecting but not reactivating the medical device so that the dental professional may resume the procedure when it is safe to proceed.

Abstract: A foot pedal system for controlling a surgical robotic system, the foot pedal system comprising a foot pedal assembly movably coupled to a foot pedal assembly platform. The foot pedal assembly having a foot pedal base, a foot pedal pivotally coupled to the foot pedal base, and a foot pedal platform, the foot pedal base operable to slide across the foot pedal platform along an x-axis and a y-axis to an arrangement of activation positions. The foot pedal platform operable to translate and rotate with respect to the foot pedal assembly platform to any position along the foot pedal assembly platform, and the foot pedal platform is operable to engage or disengage with the foot pedal assembly platform at the any position along the foot pedal assembly platform.

Abstract: An embodiment of this invention relates to a motor driving control apparatus for a moto-assisted vehicle, which includes a driving unit configured to drive a motor, and a controller configured to determine a regeneration amount based on a first speed of a vehicle that moves by the motor driven by the driving unit, and control the driving unit according to the regeneration amount, wherein the first speed is a speed at a first timing when it is detected that a brake of the vehicle is changed to OFF, or is determined based on temporal change in an acceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A foot pedal with a treadle that pivots up and down to vary its pitch, and/or side to side to vary its yaw. The pivot range of motion is divided into a plurality of zones, each zone configured to correspond to a respective virtual switch. When the treadle is pivoted into one of the zones, the corresponding virtual switch is activated. The virtual switch controls an operatively coupled device such as a handpiece used in a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Embodiments of medical carts and associated apparatuses and methods are disclosed herein. A medical cart configured in accordance with one embodiment includes a cart base assembly, a work platform, and a height adjustment assembly carrying the work platform above the cart base assembly. The cart base assembly includes an upper portion and a touch-sensitive foot panel generally below the upper portion. The touch-sensitive foot panel includes a resilient cover having a contact surface and a contact switch underlying the resilient cover. The contact switch is operably coupled to the height adjustment assembly, and the contact switch is configured to detect for operator foot contact at the contact surface and to raise or lower the work platform via the height adjustment assembly when the operator foot contact is detected.

Abstract: A wireless control device for controlling, with a human foot, an apparatus for multiple surgical functions. The device includes a base having small dimensions, at least two modules mounted on the base for generating specific control signals for each of the surgical functions, a transmitter for transmitting the control signals, a receiver receiving the control signals, a source of electricity for supplying the transmitter with electrical current, and two actuators, actuated by the human foot and pivotally mounted to act simultaneously on the corresponding module, the transmitter, and the source of electricity. The actuators are pivotally mounted around respective axes that are perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A housing is constructed of a transmission case and an oil pan and has a space therein. A through hole passes through the transmission case. A pressure control unit is housed in the housing and controls hydraulic pressure supplied to a transmission mechanism by the operation of a solenoid valve. An internal cable is housed in the housing and is electrically connected to the solenoid valve of the pressure control unit. An external cable is electrically connected to an engine control unit outside the housing. A connector is arranged in such a way as to pass through the through hole and is electrically connected to the internal cable and the external cable. The connector has an external exposed portion, which is exposed outside the housing, formed in such a way as to be able to pass through the through hole.

Abstract: Flight control systems and methods for rotorcraft are provided. The flight control system includes a user input device and a motor in operable communication with the user input device. The motor includes a plurality of winding sets and an armature coupled to the plurality of winding sets. The armature includes multiple magnets. The winding sets and the armature are configured such that when one or more of the plurality of winding sets are selectively energized, the armature moves relative to the one or more of the plurality of winding sets.

Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a pressure adjusting unit that controls hydraulic pressure supplied to a transmission mechanism by the operation of a solenoid valve. A housing has a heat radiating portion for radiating heat to the outside and houses the pressure adjusting unit. A first connector is so arranged as to pass through the housing and has a control circuit unit electrically connected to the solenoid valve of the pressure adjusting unit. A second connector is electrically connected to an engine control unit outside the housing and engages with the first connector and the heat radiating portion. The second connector is electrically connected to the control circuit unit and presses the first connector onto the heat radiating portion.

Abstract: A trolling motor control system includes plurality of modules that are connected to a communication bus to transmit and receive data used in controlling operation of a trolling motor. Based upon data transmitted over the bus, trolling motor speed, steering, and trim can be controlled. The modules can include motor controller modules, foot pedal modules, compass and GPS modules, RF modules for wireless control, battery metering modules, diagnostic modules, accessory device driver modules, power trim controller modules, and power steering controller modules.

Abstract: A wireless foot control system includes a receiver and at least one transmitter. The transmitter includes a medium generator for emitting a communication medium, a power supply and at least one foot pedal. The power supply includes a power source, a capacitor bank having a discharge current capacity sufficient to power the medium generator, and a current limiter. The current limiter connects the power source to the capacitor bank, charging the capacitor bank from the power source over a period of time. The foot pedal selectively energizes the medium generator from the capacitor bank. The receiver includes a medium collector for collecting the emitted medium and an electronic circuit. The electronic circuit includes a converter for converting the collected medium to an input control signal and a microprocessor in communication with the converter, the microprocessor having an operating system for generating an output control signal commensurate with the input control signal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power tool including a wireless remote stop for terminating the flow of electricity to an electric motor. The electric motor is configured for operating a working element assembly of a power tool, such as an arbor/circular saw blade included a table saw. In an embodiment, a remote stop is a hand-held fob, having a housing and a button. Alternatively, the remote stop may be implemented as a foot pedal apparatus, for being disposed on a shop floor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power tool including a wireless remote stop for terminating the flow of electricity to an electric motor. The electric motor is configured for operating a working element assembly of a power tool, such as an arbor/circular saw blade included a table saw. In an embodiment, a remote stop is a hand-held fob, having a housing and a button. Alternatively, the remote stop may be implemented as a foot pedal apparatus, for being disposed on a shop floor.

Abstract: A foot controller connection error detection device of the present invention includes a foot controller to output a start/stop instruction and a rotation speed instruction of a sewing machine motor to a control unit to control the sewing machine motor, a plug to disconnectably connect the foot controller to the control unit and a contact failure detection unit to detect a contact failure of the connector between the plug and the control unit.

Abstract: In a method of wirelessly controlling a sewing machine, a wireless receiver module receives an initial signal transmitted wirelessly and continuously from a speed control module in response to a treading action thereon, and stores a preset security code portion of the received initial signal therein. Thereafter, the wireless receiver module receives an incoming control signal transmitted wirelessly from the speed control module in response to a treading action thereon, and controls operation of a motor unit in accordance with a speed control code portion of the received incoming control signal upon detecting that an identification code portion of the received incoming control signal matches the security code portion stored therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor for an adjustable system of a vehicle. The sensor is utilized to facilitate monitoring of adjustment positions with respect to a reference in the system. The sensor comprises a mechanical interface that allows for the input of movement and an electrical device coupled to the mechanical interface that is capable of changing an electrical signal in relation to the movement of the mechanical interface. The electrical signal, which is proportional to the movement input to the mechanical interface, is utilized by a control unit for control purposes, such as to control the positioning of vehicle control pedals, control the positioning of an adjustable seat of a vehicle, or to control the temperature adjustment in a vehicle HVAC system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor for an adjustable system of a vehicle. The sensor is utilized to facilitate monitoring of adjustment positions with respect to a reference in the system. The sensor comprises a mechanical interface that allows for the input of movement and an electrical device coupled to the mechanical interface that is capable of changing an electrical signal in relation to the movement of the mechanical interface. The electrical signal, which is proportional to the movement input to the mechanical interface, is utilized by a control unit for control purposes, such as to control the positioning of vehicle control pedals, control the positioning of an adjustable seat of a vehicle, or to control the temperature adjustment in a vehicle HVAC system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor for an adjustable system of a vehicle. The sensor is utilized to facilitate monitoring of adjustment positions with respect to a reference in the system. The sensor comprises a mechanical interface that allows for the input of movement and an electrical device coupled to the mechanical interface that is capable of changing an electrical signal in relation to the movement of the mechanical interface. The electrical signal, which is proportional to the movement input to the mechanical interface, is utilized by a control unit for control purposes, such as to control the positioning of vehicle control pedals, control the positioning of an adjustable seat of a vehicle, or to control the temperature adjustment in a vehicle HVAC system.

Abstract: A universal surgical power tool pedal apparatus comprising a first pedal platform having at least one pedal configured to be movable between a depressed position and a released position. At least one outlet, configured to releasably receive a power plug of a surgical power tool, is in communication with the first pedal platform. The pedal apparatus receives power from a power supply and conducts the power to the plug that is in communication with the outlet when the operational pedal is disposed in the depressed position, thereby powering the surgical power tool.

Abstract: Some automobiles have mechanisms for adjusting the height of accelerator and brake pedals, and any clutch pedal, so that drivers large and small can adjust the pedals to the best height. All pedals are adjusted by a single reversible electric motor having a shaft connected directly or by a flexible shaft to the adjusting mechanisms. If any fault develops in any mechanism, the pedals may not be adjusted to the same height, which is hazardous to the driver. A safety switching system detects any serious misalignment of the pedals and de-energizes the motor. The system comprises separate switches which are operable by adjustment of the pedals, and are electrically connected in series with the power supply circuit for the motor. When the pedals are aligned, the bridging contactors of the switches are aligned and are effective to maintain the electrical continuity of the motor circuit. Each contactor has three contact sliders which successively engage staggered tabs on contact strips for the respective pedals.

Abstract: An adjustable pedal system 10 for an automotive vehicle. The system 10 substantially ensures that adjustable pedals 20 are not adjusted when any one or more of the pedals 20 are depressed and/or when the vehicle is being driven.

Abstract: An accelerator device is used for electromotive vehicles which has an electric motor adapted to cause the vehicles to move forwards and backwards. The accelerator device includes an accelerator pedal depressible to swing between a rest position and a most depressed position. Operatively connected to the pedal is an elongated pliable strip which is slidable along a predefined moving way and carries a permanent magnet. A plurality of magnetoelectric sensors are arranged along the moving way of the strip with a substantially equal spacing from one another, each of the sensors capable of generating, when left deactivated, a pedal position signal of first logic level and activatable by the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet to produce a pedal position signal of second logic level as the permanent magnet moves over and above the respective one of the sensors.

Abstract: A key element for the control of electromotors, especially for cranes and other hoisting equipment. The key element includes a key switch pestle, a permanent magnet attached to the key switch pestle and a Hall sensor. The key switch pestle and permanent magnet are moveable both towards and away from the Hall sensor. As the permanent magnet approaches the Hall sensor, a flux density is sensed which triggers the generation of a control signal. In order to create a key element which can be installed in the smallest possible space, in controls and the like, the electronic circuit which includes a permanent magnet positionable toward the Hall sensor is integrated into the key element housing.

Abstract: An electronic control system and apparatus is provided for controlling the operation of an industrial machine, such as a sewing machine. A body actuated apparatus is mounted in a spaced apart relationship from ground level and in approximate adjacency to the sewing machine. The body actuated apparatus has an elongated control bar pivotally mounted to the body actuated apparatus along a longitudinal axis of the elongated control bar for actuation of a force sensor when a body of an operator pressingly engages the elongated control bar in a direction towards the sewing machine. Electronic means for controlling the speed of a motor of the sewing machine is provided which includes monitoring means for monitoring sensor input produced by the force sensor, and controlling means responsive to the monitoring means for varying the speed of the motor of the industrial machine by outputting control signals to the motor.

Abstract: A manipulating foot pedal device used with a video game machine or the like is operable to provide a three-dimensional operation. The device includes a base member movable in a forward/backward direction relative. A rotatable member is mounted on a top of the base member and rotatable about a first axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the forward/backward direction; a pivotal member mounted on a top of the rotatable member and pivotable about a second axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the first axis. The device further includes first, second, and third detectors operable to detect a moved amount of the base member, a rotated amount of the rotatable member, and a pivoted amount of the pivotal member.

Abstract: A unit for controlling the operation of the electric motor is provided together with a control device, electrically connected to the body of the operator, to act on the control unit via a relay means in such a manner as to halt and reverse the rotation of the electric motor following conductive contact between the operator's body and the metal component. For receiving and supporting the feet of the operator, two conductive plates insulated from the ground are provided in such a position that the operator rests his feet via conductive shoes on them when working with the machine. The plates are connected to the control device, and the metal component is electrically connected to earth. The support plates are electrodes for the passage of low voltage electric current from one plate to the other via the body of the operator. The control device stops the motor following conductive contact between the operator's hands and the metal component.

Abstract: An automobile is provided with a speed control system operably connected to a drive system of the automobile. The speed control system includes an accelerator pedal assembly having an accelerator pedal movably connected to a frame of the assembly, an actuator rod connected to the accelerator pedal, and an induction sensor stationarily connected to the frame. The sensor is adapted to generate an electrical output signal corresponding to the position of the actuator rod relative to the sensor without the actuator rod contacting the sensor. The accelerator pedal assembly is connected to the chassis of the automobile as a substantially modular unit.

Abstract: In a system including clock pulse data such as a network for sequencing music or multi-media data, a man/machine interface is provided which can be driven either by the operator or by a motor and transmission system. The man/machine interface contains encoders for producing tempo clock data which can be varied by the operator. Based on the comparison of the output signals of the encoders, the motor is accelerated or decelerated to eliminate the difference between the outputs of the encoders. The man/machine interface can be operated in the slave mode in which tempo clock data generated in the network is used to control the speed of operation of the man/machine interface or in the master mode when the man/machine interface determines the timing. The man/machine interface is preferably a foot-pedal.

Abstract: A control unit for an electric drive motor of industrial processing machinery includes a control arrangement which drives a pair of magnets generating a magnetic flux and a Hall effect sensor disposed between the magnets so as to be swept by the magnetic flux rotatively with respect to each other; the Hall effect sensor outputs an electric signal which varies consistently with the position setting of the control arrangement and drives the electric motor accordingly; the movement of the control arrangement is resisted by springs having different degrees of stiffness from one another; proper interaction can thus be established between the operator and the machine.

Abstract: A control system for a variable input device 2 having a slider 14 has a box 1 housing a trigger 3 capable of moving in translation between two positions relative to the box. One of the two positions constitutes a rest position. Springs 13 apply a resilient force to the trigger to urge it towards the rest position. A coupling element 45 couples the trigger with the slider 14. A foot lever 9 is mounted for rotation relative to the box about a first horizontal axis 17. The rotary motion of the lever is translated into translation motion of the trigger by a sliding block 31 mounted within the box so as to move in translation relative to the box. One end 37 of the sliding block comes into contact with the trigger. A translation control device 10 controls the extent of translation motion of the sliding block 31.

Abstract: A method is provided for the operation of phacoemulsifier apparatus in the performance of a phacoemulsification in which three modes of operation are required. The method for the establishment of an angular range of foot pedal operation to each of the modes of the operation and assigning a linear relationship between the angular position of the foot pedal within the range and an output signal from the foot pedal within each range. The foot pedal control sensitivity is obtained by adjusting the range of position of the foot pedal within each of the selected modes.

Abstract: Circuitry is provided capable of converting input motor speed control signals from one of two sewing machine motor speed switches into output signals adapted to control the speed of a particular type motor used to drive a sewing machine. Values are preset by the user to identify the motor and coordinate the signal conversion accordingly.

Abstract: The electric motor and the needle locating device of a sewing machine are adjusted by a pivotable treadle controlling a radiation directing member which is located in the path of radiation issuing from one end of one or more first optical fibers the other end or ends of which receive radiation from a suitable source, and the member controls the amount of radiation entering the adjacent end or ends of one or more second optical fibers which convey the radiation to an optical detector. The latter selects the speed of the motor in dependency on the amount of radiation which is transmitted into the second optical fiber or fibers and selects the position of the needle when the motor is off. The radiation directing member can constitute a glass plate which is rotatable or performs translatory movements between the first and second optical fibers and includes portions of different radiation transmissivity or reflectivity.

Abstract: A functional control device (1), designed to be used in primarily textile machines (20), in which the speed must be varied in a simple fashion. Its function involves a conversion of a pressure of a gaseous or liquid medium to a code, which is adapted to the machine. When speed control means, having plates (2, 3), designed to be depressed, e.g. in a sewing machines (20), are used, one of the pedals corresponds to a forward depressing movement and the other a backward depressing movement. When a nozzle (4) is used, said functions can also be provided. The so-called forward depressing movement comprises a presser foot downwards and 12 speed steps, from zero to a maximum rotational speed, which can be as high as 400-9,000 rev./min. A backward depressing movement comprises a presser foot as well as a cutting/locking function. The function of the pressure error interface can be varied in a simple way, for various types of machine control means, and for varying pressure sensitivities.

Abstract: A position programmable adjustable chair particularly useful in dental and medical procedures. The chair is hydraulically powered and controlled by microprocessors which enable chair seat and back positions to be memorized and automatically captured upon command by use of a single control button. The control button may be located either on the chair or on a footswitch. A sealed omnidirectionally operable footswitch is provided which is particularly suited for use in combination with the chair.

Abstract: In the pedal assembly of a sewing machine drive device, a potentiometer operating member is guided by a mounting stand secured to the pedal stand, to control the slide shaft of a direct acting type potentiometer, and a speed changing pedal including a depressing board to depress the potentiometer operating member with its one end portion is coupled to the pedal stand with the other end portion. When the speed changing pedal is stepped on, a signal is outputted to change the speed of rotation of the sewing machine according the movement of the pedal thus stepped on. The pedal stand may have an opening with which the pedal is swingably engaged. In addition, signal pedals may be arranged in alignment with the speed changing pedal with the same mounting means provided at the position of those pedals, so as to allow the pedals to swap in position with one another.

Abstract: A sewing machine is disclosed having an electric circuit divided into a first high-voltage section and a second low voltage section. The second section is supplied via a step-down transformer connected to the first section. The second section has a rectifier connected to the output of the transformer for dispensing DC power to the functional elements of the machine. The first circuit section, the transformer and some elements of the second section are contained in a remote housing which is separate from the machine and is linked to it by a cable. A foot pedal for actuating the machine is integral with the housing.

Abstract: A sewing machine comprises a pedal position detector for detecting the position of the manually operated foot pedal of the machine and generating therefrom a pedal position indicating digital signal comprising a set of a predetermined number of binary digits. The sets of binary digits are organized into a plurality of command signals each comprising a plurality of sets of binary digits corresponding to adjacent positions of the pedal for indicating a specified operating condition of the sewing machine. The sewing machine is operated in response to the command signal.

Abstract: A control apparatus for electric vehicles by using a chopper circuit which turns on or off a d-c drive motor responsive to the instruction of a microcomputer.The control apparatus of the present invention is characterized by the provision of a protection device. The protection device comprises means for generating a predetermined signal, means for adding the predetermined signal to a signal which varies depending upon the stepped-in amount of the accelerator pedal, means for comparing the added signal with an output signal of a current detector which detects a current that flows into the d-c drive motor, and means which sets the microcomputer when the output signal of the current detector is greater than the added signal and which permits the microcomputer to start again its operation after a predetermined period of time has passed.

Abstract: An accelerator control for field-controlled DC motors, or other applications requiring non-linear response to linear control input. The control uses a photodetector detecting light reflecting from a movable vane connected to the control input.

Abstract: Device to control the speed of an electric motor from a pneumatic pedal, characterized in that it includes an element deformable with the pressure controlled by the pneumatic pedal, an element of magnetic material forming a mechanical unit with the element deformable with the pressure and capable of modifying the inductance of a coil incorporated into an electronic control circuit for the current of the electric motor the speed of which is to be controlled.

Abstract: A speed control device for a sewing machine which is adapted to control a speed of the machine motor. The device includes a plurality of photo-conductive fibers arranged in two sets, one set being optically positioned opposite to another. The device also includes a light source which transmits the light to the photo-conductive fibers, a photo-conductive element which receives the light from the fibers and a phase-controlling element connected to the photo-conductive element and to the machine motor. An interrupting plate secured to a step plate of the sewing machine is provided in the device which is adapted for reciprocable movement between the optically sensitive ends of aforementioned two sets of the photo-conductive fibers.

Abstract: A speed control device for a sewing machine having a drive motor, includes a foot controller with a variable resister and a depressable operating plate; depending upon the extent to which the plate is depressed the variable resister provides a variable resistance value for the motor. The controller also has manually operable push buttons each sewing to selectively connect one of several different fixed-value resistors in circuit with the drive motor. A changeover switch connects the variable resistor into the motor circuit when the plate is depressed and disconnects the variable resister from the circuit while connecting the fixed resistors into the circuit, when the plate is not depressed.