Abstract: A control system for an operable system such as a flow control system or temperature control system. The system operates in a control loop to regularly update a model with respect at least one optimizable input variable based on the detected variables. The model provides prediction of use of the input variables in all possible operation points or paths of the system variables which achieve an output setpoint. In some example embodiments, the control loop is performed during initial setup and subsequent operation of the one or more operable elements in the operable system. The control system is self-learning in that at least some of the initial and subsequent parameters of the system are determined automatically during runtime.

Abstract: Methods are presented which include moving a self-stabilizing platform assembly with product disposed on a deck of the self-stabilizing platform assembly. The self-stabilizing platform assembly includes multiple torque-generating devices, a stability control system to control operation of the multiple torque-generating devices, and the deck to support the product being moved. The methods also include adjusting, by the stability control system, operation of one or more torque-generating devices of the multiple torque-generating devices to produce during the moving a stabilization torque within the self-stabilizing platform assembly to facilitate stabilizing the self-stabilizing platform assembly and product during moving of the self-stabilizing platform assembly and product.

Abstract: A harvester capable of autonomous travel in a field includes: a harvesting unit that harvests a crop from the field; a conveyance device that conveys, toward the rear of a harvester body, a whole culm of the harvested crop harvested by the harvesting unit; a detection sensor that detects a drive speed of the conveyance device; and a clog determining unit that determines a clog of the harvested crop in the conveyance device on the basis of the drive speed. The clog determining unit outputs a vehicle stop command that stops the harvester body when the drive speed becomes lower than a pre-set first threshold during the autonomous travel.

Abstract: A control system for a lift truck comprises: human-control devices generating manual-guidance signals for actuators of the vehicle, said devices including a hydraulic steering system, a control module (1) including an automatic-control submodule generating autonomous-guidance signals intended for one or more actuators of the vehicle, depending on setpoint signals, a switching module (2) designed to select one or more manual guidance signals and/or one or more autonomous-guidance signals, and an electrohydraulic valve enabling the conversion of a guidance signal stemming from the automatic-control module into a signal intended for the hydraulic steering system The system includes, in addition, a servo controller of the electrohydraulic valve, comprising a proportional-integral controller, an on/off controller and means for activation of one or other of the PI and ON/OFF controllers, depending on a speed threshold of the lift truck.

Abstract: A variable-frequency ultrasonic machining system for a computer numerical control milling machine including a cutting force detection unit, a temperature sensing unit and a processor. The processor receives sensing signals of the cutting force detection unit and the temperature sensing unit, processes the received sensing signals according to a set program, and sends control signals to an ultrasonic drive power supply and a corresponding servo motor, respectively. By adjusting the ultrasonic vibration frequency or the frequency of the frequency converter of the CNC milling machine in the machining process, the system ensures the continuity of ultrasonic-assisted milling of a part with a complex curved surface in case of uneven cutting allowance, and improves efficiency of ultrasonic machining.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control system comprising a controller arranged to provide an output signal on the basis of an input signal. The controller comprises a linear integrator, a linear gain and a selector. The linear integrator is arranged to provide a first control signal. The linear gain is in parallel to the linear integrator and is arranged to provide a second control signal. The selector is arranged to switch between an integrator mode in which the first control signal is used as the output signal of the controller and a gain mode in which the second control signal is used as the output signal of the controller. The selector is arranged to switch to the integrator mode when the value of the second control signal passes zero, and to switch to the gain mode when: eu<kh?1u2, wherein e is the input signal of the controller, u is the output signal of the controller, and kh is the gain of the linear gain.

Abstract: A control apparatus records commands and information about execution time of industrial machinery. The control apparatus analyzes a program, and when a command that requires preparation time exists in the program, then calculates advanced preview command time by subtracting the preparation time from time to start the execution of the command based on the execution time previously recorded. The control apparatus outputs in advance the command requiring the preparation time when the advanced preview command time comes, so as to shorten the preparation time.

Abstract: An electric rolling stock control device includes a voltage controlling unit for controlling an output voltage of an inverter and a speed estimating unit for calculating a rotation speed estimation value of an electric motor. The speed estimating unit includes an initial speed estimating unit for outputting an initial speed estimation value, a steady speed estimating unit for outputting a steady speed estimation value, a correction coefficient calculating unit for calculating a correction coefficient based on the steady speed estimation value and a backup speed, and a correction speed calculating unit for storing the correction coefficient in a storage unit and calculating a correction speed by multiplying the correction coefficient by the backup speed.

Abstract: A system can include a head of a computer numerically controlled machine configured to deliver electromagnetic energy sufficient to cause a change in a material at least partially contained within an interior space of the computer numerically controlled machine. The system can further include an optical system comprising a plurality of optical elements in the computer numerically controlled machine. The plurality of optical elements can be oriented at a fixed angle to each other to deliver the electromagnetic energy from the head to the material.

Abstract: Product transport structures are provided which include a self-stabilizing platform assembly configured to support a product on a deck of the self-stabilizing platform assembly and to stabilize the product during moving of the self-stabilizing platform assembly and product. The self-stabilizing platform assembly includes multiple torque-generating devices and a stability control system. The multiple torque-generating devices are controllable to produce a stabilization torque within the self-stabilizing platform assembly, and the stability control system is configured to control operation of the multiple torque-generating devices. The stability control system is configured to adjust operation of one or more torque-generating devices of the multiple devices to produce the stabilization torque to facilitate stabilizing the product during moving of the self-stabilizing platform assembly and product.

Abstract: A steering control system for an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle includes a steering input device accessible to a driver for providing steering control of the vehicle in a manual steering mode. Also included is at least one autonomous steering assembly for providing steering control of the vehicle in an autonomous steering mode. Further included is a plurality of road wheels controlled by a blended output of the steering input device and the at least one autonomous steering assembly during a transition steering mode.

Abstract: A system for sensor fusion for autonomous driving transition control includes a sensor fusion module and a decision making module. The sensor fusion module fuses a plurality of steering sensor data from one or more sensors of a steering system with a plurality of driver state data from a plurality of driver state sensors as a plurality of fused state data aligned in time. The decision making module determines whether to transition from an autonomous driving mode to a manual driving mode based on the fused state data.

Abstract: First and second sets of data are collected in a vehicle from respective data sources. Each of the first and second sets of data are provided for determinations respectively selected from first and second categories of autonomous vehicle operations. A determination is made to take an autonomous action selected from the first category of autonomous vehicle operations. Data is used from each of the first and second data sets relating respectively to the first and second categories of autonomous vehicle operations to determine the autonomous action.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus (including configurable circuitry) and method for displaying a plurality of control parameters to carry out a process for generating at least one optimum route for use in navigation of an autonomous vehicle, receiving a plurality of weights corresponding to the plurality of control parameters to generate a route score corresponding to the at least one route, transmitting the plurality of control parameters and the plurality of weights to a server implementing an optimization algorithm to calculate the at least one optimum route using the plurality of control parameters and the plurality of weights, receiving the at least one optimum route and the route score generated by the server, and displaying the at least one optimum route and the route score to enable selection of the at least one optimum route for navigation of the autonomous vehicle from the start location to the destination.

Abstract: An information presenting apparatus is used in an autonomous vehicle capable of switching between autonomous driving control and manual driving control. The information presenting apparatus determines a response action for checking that the driver is ready to take over when the autonomous driving control is switched to the manual driving control, performs control for requesting the driver to perform the response action determined, and detects the response action performed by the driver.

Abstract: Auto-guidance of a mobile machine is provided that does not require a graphical user interface display. Human interactions with the auto-guidance system of a mobile machine are performed solely with one or more electromechanical switches of the auto-guidance system while the mobile machine is operating. A first point for auto-guidance of a mobile machine is set by an auto-guidance system in response to a first electromechanical switch input. A second point for auto-guidance of the mobile machine is set by the auto-guidance system in response to a second electromechanical switch input after movement of the mobile machine from the first point. The auto-guidance system activates auto-guidance of the mobile machine along a path defined by the first point and the second point. The setting of the first point, the setting of the second point, and the activating are performed by one or more hardware processors.

Abstract: A motor vehicle steering wheel has a display unit which is provided in the steering wheel rim and gives the driver an indication on the vehicle steering angle in the manner of a scalar display. The display unit is active at least when the motor vehicle is in an autonomous or highly automated driving move in which the steering wheel does not move, not even when the vehicle negotiates curves. The display unit can operate in a slightly anticipatory manner so as to be able to give an indication on the vehicle steering angle to be set by a control system for the autonomous driving mode on a stretch of road that lies ahead and is visible to the driver. In certain boundary conditions, the display unit can display a vehicle steering angle that is too great or too small, depending on the traveling speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for incorporating manual changes to the setpoint for a thermostatic controller into long-term programming of the thermostatic controller. For example, one or more of the exemplary systems compares the actual setpoint at a given time for the thermostatic controller to an expected setpoint for the thermostatic controller in light of the scheduled programming. A determination is then made as to whether the actual setpoint and the expected setpoint are the same or different. Furthermore, a manual change to the actual setpoint for the thermostatic controller is compared to previously recorded setpoint data for the thermostatic controller. At least one rule is then applied for the interpretation of the manual change in light of the previously recorded setpoint data.

Abstract: Disclosed is an autonomous driving device in which a threshold value for switching to manual driving which is used for switching the driving state from autonomous driving to manual driving with respect to a value indicative of a degree to which of any of a steering operation is carried out, an acceleration operation, and a braking operation by the driver is calculated by a calculation unit of the autonomous driving device according to the surrounding environment of the host vehicle recognized by an environment recognition unit. Thereby, the ease of switching the driving state from autonomous driving to manual driving conforms to a surrounding environment of the host vehicle.

Abstract: In automatic process-control systems, the integral action term in Proportional plus Integral action (P+I) control is used primarily to prevent any continued deviations from a set-point, and concomitantly to secure a bump-less transfer from manual control to automatic control. However, there are serious set-backs when using the integral action term for level controls, due to the liability of the integral action term to cause overflows from vessels, which can result in disastrous oil-spills, when a process is on automatic control. Hence, to secure a bump-less transfer without the integral action term, an alternate method is necessary. The method advocated calls for an additional term, which has been termed as a Bump-less Transfer ‘BT(t)’ term, to be included into the control algorithm.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for identifying a number of air states for a vehicle. A deflection of a control surface associated with an actuator is identified to form an identified deflection. A current in the actuator is identified to form a measured current. The number of air states for the vehicle is estimated using the identified deflection and the measured current.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus includes a sub-controller including a two-degree-of-freedom repetitive compensator and a shaping filter. The two-degree-of-freedom repetitive compensator includes a forward delay placed in a forward route of a loop and a feedback delay placed in a feedback route thereof and is configured so that a total delay time provided by the forward delay and the feedback delay is equal to the cycle of a target command or a disturbance. The shaping filter is configured so that the product of the pulse transfer function of the two-degree-of-freedom repetitive compensator and the complementary sensitivity function of a general-purpose control system has a low-pass characteristic.

Abstract: A motor controller drives and controls a motor to drive a shaft subject to gravity. The motor controller includes a PI control unit which controls the velocity of the motor, a brake which prevents the falling of the shaft in accordance with a brake signal, and a storage unit which detects the brake signal input to the brake. On the basis of the state of the detected brake signal, the storage unit stores the torque command value when the brake signal has changed from off to on, and sets the stored torque command value to an integral component of the PI control unit when the brake signal has changed from on to off.

Abstract: A motor controlling device includes an encoder to output pulse signals with a predetermined angle interval as a rotor of a motor is rotated. An energized phase of the motor is sequentially switched by detecting a rotation position of the rotor based on a value of counting the signals. An initial drive controlling portion executes an initial drive to switch the energized phase with a predetermined pattern after the device is activated so as to learn a relationship among the count value, the rotation position and the energized phase. An initial drive prohibiting portion prohibits the execution of the initial drive until a predetermined time is elapsed after the initial drive is finished.

Abstract: A numerical controller capable of performing axis reconfiguration of control axes in at least two paths without need for the paths to wait. A program block is read and it is determined whether or not the read block includes an axis detachment command. If the block includes the axis detachment command block, an action axis attribute of an control axis designated by the axis detachment command is altered to a non-action axis attribute. Further, if the read block includes an axis allocation command, it is determined whether or not an control axis designated by the axis allocation command becomes a non-action axis, and when the control axis has the non-action axis attribute, the non-action axis attribute of the control axis is altered to a designated path's action axis attribute. Thus, the axis reconfiguration processing in one path can be performed separately from axis reconfiguration processing in another path.

Abstract: When a user manually opens/closes the door of the drawer-type heating cooker, a pulse generation means attached to an electric motor generates pulses for counting the number of revolutions. A determination means determines whether the door is opened/closed manually or not on the basis of detection of the pulses. A prediction means predicts whether the manual operation is door opening or door closing in response to the status of position detection switches for detecting the position of the door. A motor control means decides the rotation direction of the electric motor in accordance with the prediction by the prediction means and controls the rotation of the electric motor on the basis of the decision. Hence the burden of door opening/closing operation is alleviated with the help of the driving force of the electric motor even when both hands of the user are occupied.

Abstract: A motor controller is provided which has a function to prevent the falling of a shaft when the power supply to a motor is turned on. The motor controller includes a PI control unit 1 which controls the velocity of a motor 4; a brake 8 which prevents the falling of the shaft in accordance with a brake signal; and a storage unit 7 which detects the brake signal input to the brake 8, and on the basis of the state of the detected brake signal, stores a torque command value T* calculated by the PI control unit 1. The storage unit 7 stores the torque command value T* when the brake signal has changed from off to on, and the storage unit 7 sets the stored torque command value T* to an integral component of the PI control unit 1 when the brake signal has changed from on to off. Thus, the falling of the shaft at the start of power application can be prevented.

Abstract: The numerical controller has function to switch between pressure control and position control, and comprises a numerical control unit and a servo control unit. While the servo control unit is controlling pressure, a servo position deviation amount corresponding to current actual speed of a control axis is set in the servo control unit. After the servo control unit switches to position control from pressure control, a number of pulses required for deceleration and stopping is output to an acceleration/deceleration processing unit of the numerical control unit according to an acceleration/deceleration time constant which is preset. The acceleration/deceleration processing unit outputs a moving amount for each distribution period to the servo control unit.

Abstract: In a method for mounting a plurality of multishaft servo-amplifier modules, each of which has an identical shape and an identical function to each other and carries semiconductor power elements, on a multishaft servo-amplifier for driving motors, a plurality of multishaft servo-amplifier modules (1) through (6) are mounted on both the surfaces of a multishaft interface substrate (7) as a base plate in parallel with the surfaces of the substrate (7) to constitute a multishaft servo-amplifier function unit for a host controller.

Abstract: A pulse distribution unit notifies a mode control/instruction unit of an output start signal Sa that notifies of the start of output of a position command signal. The mode control/instruction unit outputs a mode setting signal, a speed command signal, and a compensation pulse Sc to an axis control unit. In a position control mode, the mode control/instruction unit continues outputting the speed command signal to the axis control unit until the mode control/instruction unit receives the output start signal Sa from the pulse distribution unit, and stops, up receiving the output start signal Sa, outputting the speed command signal. The compensation pulse Sc is output to the axis control unit to cancel the difference between a spindle position and the position control start reference position of the spindle. The axis control unit adds the compensation pulse Sc to the position command signal of the spindle output from the pulse distribution unit and outputs the result to a servo control unit.

Abstract: A balancing device includes an active balancing mechanism. The active balancing mechanism maintains the balancing device in an actively balanced state within a range of the active balancing mechanism. An auxiliary balancing mechanism is configured to support the balancing device in an unbalanced state that is outside the range of the active balancing mechanism and aid a transition of the balancing device to the actively balanced state that is within the range of the active balancing mechanism.

Abstract: In a position control arrangement for controlling the rotational position of a movable unit, especially for a surveying instrument, an electric motor is arranged to rotate the movable unit around an axis of rotation, and there are controllers for enabling the motor to stop the movable unit in a desired rotational position. The motor is a direct drive motor, the shaft of which forms the axis of rotation for the movable unit, and the motor is arranged to selectively operate in either a first, normal mode for rotating the movable unit to a desired position, or in a second, friction mode for providing resistance to a forced rotation of the movable unit from a predetermined position to a new position. A control unit detects the presence of a forced rotation and automatically changes the mode of operation in response thereto.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a device such that device operates in a smooth manner. The system may switch between control architectures or vary gain coefficients used in a control loop to control the device. As the architecture or gains are switched, the control signal may be smoothed so that the device does not experience an abrupt change in the control signal it receives. In one embodiment, the control signal may be smoothed by adding a decaying offset value to the control signal to create a smoothed control signal that is applied to the device.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method of automatically operating a fan motor when a grill is used in a downdraft gas range and, more particularly, an apparatus and method of enabling a user to arbitrarily adjust the wind during automatic fan motor operation. The present invention is configured to be able to adjust the speed of the fan motor by variously operating the state of the fan switch during the use of the grill. The downdraft gas range is capable of controlling the speed of the fan motor during the automatic operation by automatically operating the fan motor even when the fan switch is open during the use of the grill and enabling the user to select the speed of the fan motor during the use of the grill.

Abstract: A control magnetic bearing device comprises a plurality of control magnetic bearings for contactlessly supporting a rotor, an electric motor for rotating the rotor, a magnetic bearing drive circuit for driving the magnetic bearings, an inverter for driving the electric motor, a main control circuit for controlling the magnetic bearing drive circuit and the inverter, and a power source unit connected to an external power source for supplying electric power to the magnetic bearing drive circuit, the inverter and the main control unit. The main control unit has software-programmable digital processing means for controlling the inverter in accordance with an input voltage value from the power source unit.

Abstract: A mechanism for retrofitting a turret that has a manual rotation system with a motorized turret rotation system includes a gear box mechanically coupled to the turret, an electrically powered prime mover unit mechanically coupled to the gear box, a user operated control device electrically coupled to the prime mover unit, and an electrical power supply electrically coupled to the prime mover unit. The turret rotates relative to a body structure. The gear box and the prime mover unit are mounted to the body structure. The control device and the electrical power supply are positioned on the turret. The power supply provides electrical power to the prime mover. The control device presents a control signal to the prime mover when the user actuates the control device, and the turret rotates in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A manual feeding device in a wire electric discharge machine in which selection between a jog feed and a step feed is made automatically without mode change. When an axis motion key is pressed, a timer measures the time for which the key is pressed. When the key is turned off before the time measured reaches a predetermined length of time on the basis of which switching to the jog feed is made, the step feed is performed, so that the axis is moved by a predetermined amount. When the key is pressed for the length of time predetermined for switching to the jog feed, the jog feed is started, so that the axis is moved at a low speed. Further, when the key is pressed for a length of time predetermined for switching to a medium speed, the feed axis is moved at the medium speed, and when the key is pressed for a length of time predetermined for switching to a high speed, the axis is moved at the high speed.

Abstract: In a control system (10) having a learning mode (20) such that performance limits can be automatically determined for subsequent use during normal operating modes (40), one or more user manipulable controls (18) are provided to allow a user to selectively adjust the previously automatically determined performance limits. In one embodiment the range of adjustment can be limited. The user control (18) can be located in various positions with respect to the control unit (15). In an exemplary embodiment, the control system (10) comprises a movable barrier operating system such as a garage door opener.

Abstract: This invention describes a bi-directional smooth transition switch with bumpless transfer. It is composed of two feedback loops. Each loop has feedback and forward-loop compensators. During loop operation, one feedback loop is active, while the other is inactive. The smooth transition switch operates in the following manner. The switch output is measured. Next, an error signal is formed as the difference between the forward-loop compensator output and the switch output. This error signal is fed to the input of a high gain feedback compensator. The output of the feedback compensator is a feedback signal. When no switching occurs, the feedback signal remains zero in the active loop, and the output signal of the inactive loop will track the output signal of the active loop. When the switchover occurs, the inactive loop will replace the original active loop and provide smooth transition switch's output.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus (1) comprises a record carrier holder (8) into which a record carrier (7) can be loaded in a loading position of the record carrier holder (8) and which is movable by hand from its loading position into a switching position. A drive motor (9) is coupled to the record carrier holder (8) via a drive transmission (10) to move the record carrier holder (8) from its switching position into an operating position. The drive motor (9) supplies at least one generator pulse (GI) when the record carrier holder (8) is moved by hand from its loading position into its switching position, which generator pulse can be detected by a comparator device (17), which in response thereto supplies activation information (AI) to a mode activation stage (20). The mode activation stage (20) is adapted to activate an active mode upon the occurrence of activation information (AI) while the recording and/or reproducing apparatus (1) is in the power saving mode.

Abstract: A control apparatus and compliance control apparatus of a robot which performs operations while switching between a position control and a compliance control. When a transition from the position control to the compliance control is made, an integration operation of a speed control system is stopped. Thereafter, an integration value of the speed control system is stored in a memory, and, at the same time, the integration value is added to a torque reference. Alternately, a gravity compensation value is added to the torque reference, the gravity compensation value being computed based on a joint angle of a robot arm and a link mass and a position of a center of gravity of the robot. When the control returns from the compliance control to the position control, a present position is dealt with an instruction position.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant control system for a magnetic bearing arrangement which maximizes dynamic response of the control system is disclosed. The arrangement includes a main digital signal processor responsive to rotor position/velocity signals to supply control signals to bearing control coils and a secondary digital signal processor responsive to accelerometer signals to provide open-loop vibration control for correction of mass imbalance of the rotor system. In addition, sources of vibration which have fundamental frequencies at some multiple of the rotor system rotational frequency can also be controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a threshold-crossing of a back electromotive force (bemf) measured in one phase of a multiple-phase motor, the one phase being set at a high impedance while at least one other phase is supplied by pulse-width modulation signal. The method includes the step of comparing the bemf with a threshold. The method includes, prior to the step of comparing, the steps of sampling the bemf during on-periods of the pulse-width modulation signal, and holding the bemf during off-periods of the pulse-width modulation signal.

Abstract: A multi-rate positioner system (50) receives unpanelized positioning commands from a database storage subsystem (64), profiles the commands (72) into a half-sine positioning signal, and further processes the signal into a low-frequency positioning signal (LFP) and a high-frequency positioning signal (HFP) for actuating respective slow (56, 58) and fast (54) positioners to target locations on a workpiece (62). The slow and fast positioners move without necessarily stopping in response to a stream of positioning command data while coordinating their individually moving positions to produce temporarily stationary tool positions (140) over target locations defined by the database. The multi-rate positioning system reduces the fast positioner movement range requirement while providing significantly increased tool processing throughput.

Abstract: A motor drive control circuit for operation in both linear and PWM modes includes a switchably connected compensation network. The compensation network has a capacitor that provides control loop compensation. To avoid transient effects during the settling time upon transitions from one mode to the other, the switch connecting the compensation network in the circuit is closed only during linear operation and not during PWM mode operation. When the switch is open, the capacitor holds a previously attained potential that is reapplied to the circuit when the switch is again closed.

Abstract: A merchandising system for holding items, such as compact discs, is disclosed. The system includes a base on which several item holders are rotatably mounted. Each item holder is configured to receive at least one and preferably a plurality of items arranged vertically. A plurality of motors rotate the items while cooperating sensors provide an output corresponding to the rotational position of the item holder. A controller is coupled between the sensors and motors to maintain alignment of rotation based on the output signals received from the sensors.

Abstract: A system for controlling autonomous operation of a vehicle in response to speed and steering angle request signals from a navigator allows manual operation of the vehicle. The system includes a machine control module, an engine control module, and a transmission control module. An auto/manual select signal indicates to the machine control module whether operation should be in a fully autonomous mode or a manual mode. In the autonomous mode, a navigator produces a speed request signal and a steering angle request signal for the vehicle. The machine control module receives the speed and steering angle request signals from the navigator. From these inputs, the machine control module produces an engine RPM (revolutions per minute) control signal for the engine control module, a transmission control signal for the transmission control module, a brake control signal, and a steering angle control signal. In the manual mode, the machine control module will not interfere with normal, manual (i.e.

Abstract: A remote control system is provided for transmitting control movement from a remote control unit to a controlled element which includes a throttle or transmission control lever on a marine propulsion unit. An operator is associated with the remote control unit and is movable between a plurality of positions. The remote control system further includes a pair of detectors, one in proximity to the remote control unit for transmitting an electrical signal to a controlling unit indicative of the detected position of the operator, and the other positioned in proximity to the controlled element for transmitting an electrical signal to the controlling unit indicative of the detected position of the controlled element.

Abstract: A voice coil motor ("VCM") control circuit controls operation of a VCM which positions a disk drive head/actuator arm assembly. A data processor is continuously updated with the current position and relative radial velocity of the disk drive head/actuator arm assembly. The data processor provides signals to a digital-to-analog converter ("DAC") of the VCM control circuit representative of the amount of energy necessary to move the head/actuator arm assembly to a parking position from a current position. The DAC generates an analog signal which is applied to a capacitor. When an undervoltage condition occurs, the signal stored in the capacitor is applied to amplifier circuitry to be used as an initial condition reference signal from which signals are generated to park the head/actuator arm assembly in a desired parking position.

Abstract: A manipulator whose economic efficiency and reliability are raised by reducing the size and weight of the system through the backup by a common specification drive circuit and actuator when a fault occurs is provided. Thus, the actuator of the end effector is made so as to have the common structure as the actuators of the multiple joints, so that they are driven by a common specification drive unit. Two systems which can be switched are provided in the actuator of the end effector and additionally, a spare drive unit is provided.