Abstract: A method of monitoring a dicing tape tension is described. The method includes acquiring tension data indicative of the dicing tape tension by automated optical inspection of a dicing tape.

Abstract: A drive apparatus which controls a speed or a torque of a servo motor of a processing machine according to a command obtained by converting an external command input from outside includes a machine learning apparatus which learns appropriate conversion from the external command to the command. The machine learning apparatus includes: a state observing unit which observes the external command, the command, and a state of the processing machine or the servo motor as state variables that represent a present state of an environment; a determination data acquiring unit which acquires determination data indicating an evaluation result of processing by the processing machine; and a learning unit which learns the external command and the state of the processing machine or the servo motor, and the command, in association with each other using the state variables and the determination data.

Abstract: A compact string tensioning tuning assembly for a stringed instrument comprising two or more worm gear tuners where the tuner worm gears are in axial alignment and individual tuners are rotationally positioned around the worm gear axis such that the tuner knobs are separated from each other and finger access to individual tuner knobs is improved.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a control device for a dynamometer system, with which, by a simple method, an unloaded state can be reproduced highly accurately when a test piece is started. A dynamo control device 6 is provided with: an integral control input computation unit 611 for computing the integral value of axle torque deviation, and multiplying the sum thereof and a correction value by an integral gain to compute an integral control input; a correction value computation unit 612 for multiplying an inertia compensation quantity Jcmp by the dynamo rotation frequency to compute a correction value; a non-integral control input computation unit 613 for designating, as a non-integral control input, the output of a prescribed transmission function Ge0(s) having axle torque deviation as input; and a totaling unit 614 for totaling the integral control input and the non-integral control input in order to generate a torque current command signal to the dynamometer.

Abstract: The inventive device relates to musical instruments. Use of this invention in a stringed instrument ensures a simpler apparatus allowing for sounding a string of the stringed instrument in the same way as a musician does. The apparatus for sounding a string of stringed instrument comprises: a first servo motor designed for securing a mediator to an output shaft thereof and for rotating the mediator in opposing directions for ensuring an interaction of the mediator with the string; a guide disposed substantially orthogonally to the string plane of the stringed instrument and designed for moving, along one side thereof, the first servo motor from or to the string; a second servo motor mounted at the reverse side of the guide; a transmission mechanism which first end being coupled with an output shaft of the second servo motor and which second end being connected to the first servo motor.

Abstract: A manual operating unit for a furniture control, which is provided in particular for seating or lounging furniture, has a housing with a top side and a bottom side. A first and a third operating panel are defined on the top side and a second and a fourth operating panel are defined on the bottom side, which are located opposite to the first and third operating panels. Actuating the first and second operating panels triggers a first operating signal in each case, whereas actuating the third and fourth operating panels triggers a second operating signal in each case. The housing is movably mounted over push-buttons arranged in the housing at least in the region of the first and third operating panels in such a way that a first of said push-buttons is actuated by moving the housing in the region of the first operating panel and a second of said push-buttons is actuated by moving the housing in the region of the third operating panel.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system for automatically tuning a stringed instrument. An initial height of a first string of an instrument having a plurality of strings and a floating bridge is determined. The height of the plurality of strings is determined using a bridge sensor. The floating bridge is locked. A frequency of the first string is analyzed. In response to determining the frequency of the first string does not match a predetermined frequency, a tuning peg servo motor to adjust a tuning peg, thereby adjusting a string tension of the first string. The one or more bridge servo motors adjusts a spring tension until the spring tension of the one or more springs equals the string tension of the first string. In response to determining the first string is tuned, the floating bridge is unlocked.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system for automatically tuning a stringed instrument. An initial height of a first string of an instrument having a plurality of strings and a floating bridge is determined. The height of the plurality of strings is determined using a bridge sensor. The floating bridge is locked. A frequency of the first string is analyzed. In response to determining the frequency of the first string does not match a predetermined frequency, a tuning peg servo motor to adjust a tuning peg, thereby adjusting a string tension of the first string. The one or more bridge servo motors adjusts a spring tension until the spring tension of the one or more springs equals the string tension of the first string. In response to determining the first string is tuned, the floating bridge is unlocked.

Abstract: A position control device for driving one control target, using two drive shafts, has position control units provided to the respective drive shafts.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system for automatically tuning a stringed instrument. An initial height of a first string of an instrument having a plurality of strings and a floating bridge is determined. The height of the plurality of strings is determined using a bridge sensor. The floating bridge is locked. A frequency of the first string is analyzed. In response to determining the frequency of the first string does not match a predetermined frequency, a tuning peg servo motor to adjust a tuning peg, thereby adjusting a string tension of the first string. The one or more bridge servo motors adjusts a spring tension until the spring tension of the one or more springs equals the string tension of the first string. In response to determining the first string is tuned, the floating bridge is unlocked.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system for automatically tuning a stringed instrument. An initial height of a first string of an instrument having a plurality of strings and a floating bridge is determined. The height of the plurality of strings is determined using a bridge sensor. The floating bridge is locked. A frequency of the first string is analyzed. In response to determining the frequency of the first string does not match a predetermined frequency, a tuning peg servo motor to adjust a tuning peg, thereby adjusting a string tension of the first string. The one or more bridge servo motors adjusts a spring tension until the spring tension of the one or more springs equals the string tension of the first string. In response to determining the first string is tuned, the floating bridge is unlocked.

Abstract: An adjustment and testing device for a load-limiting hoist is disclosed, comprising a frame, a variable frequency motor reducing mechanism, an adjusting turntable operating mechanism and an electric control system. The variable frequency motor reducing mechanism comprises a reducing motor and a torque sensor. The torque sensor is connected with a transmission shaft. The upper end of the transmission shaft is connected with a driving shaft. The driving shaft is connected with a driving wheel. The driving wheel is connected with a driven wheel. The driven wheel is internally connected with a driven shaft. The upper end of the driven wheel is connected with a turntable. The upper end of the turntable is equipped with a load limiter member. The adjusting turntable operating mechanism comprises a locking device, a quick safety block and an adjusting spanner. The electric control system comprises a tool kit, an inverter and a time relay.

Abstract: A servo motor controller includes a speed command generating unit for generating a speed command value of the servo motor, a speed detecting unit that detects a speed of the servo motor, a torque command generating unit for generating a torque command value, a sine wave generating unit for generating a sinusoidal disturbance value, a frequency response calculating unit for calculating a frequency response when the sinusoidal disturbance value has been input to a speed control loop, a resonance frequency detecting unit for detecting a resonance frequency at which a gain is maximized, a resonance frequency storing unit for storing the resonance frequency, at least one filter for attenuating a specific frequency band component included in the torque command value, and a resonance frequency comparing unit for measuring stiffness of a machine tool based on the resonance frequency and adjusts the filter with respect to the resonance frequency.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for autotensioning conductors of transmission lines. In one embodiment, among others, an autotensioner system includes tensioning assemblies coupled between a structure and corresponding conductors and a tension controller that controls a tensioning assembly to adjust a tension of the corresponding conductor to within a predefined tolerance of a corresponding tension setpoint. In another embodiment, a method includes receiving a current conductor tension for each of multiple conductors and adjusting the conductor tension of one of the conductors by remotely controlling a corresponding tensioning assembly. The adjustment may be based at least in part upon the current conductor tensions and a tension setpoint.

Abstract: A device for quickly stopping a medical or dental drilling tool includes a drilling tool having a body extending between a connection end and a working end and having a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis of the drilling tool. The drilling tool has a hollow outer shell in which a probe is held that can be moved along the longitudinal axis so that a part of the probe can be moved out of the shell through an opening. The probe is designed as an elongated pin, and its first end facing the connection end is held in the interior of the shell. An electromagnetic sensor for detecting relative movement between the shell and the probe is arranged along the longitudinal extension of the body. The drilling tool has a channel for a treatment fluid extending along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Apparatuses for positioning and moving an object are provided. One apparatus positions/moves the object within a two-dimensional space having the shape of a convex polygon. Another apparatus positions/moves the object within a three-dimensional space having the shape of a convex polyhedron. Yet another apparatus separately positions/moves two different attachment points on the object within the bounds of the lateral faces of a three-dimensional space having the shape of a convex prism.

Abstract: A motor control device includes: a feedforward computing section for computing a motion reference value and a feedforward driving force based on a motion command; a deviation compensation computing section for outputting a deviation compensation driving force by a control computation for reducing a control deviation; a driving-force command synthesizing section for outputting a driving-force command based on the feedforward driving force and the deviation compensation driving force; a reaction-force compensation computing section for computing a motion correction value based on a predetermined reaction-force reference value and the deviation compensation driving force; and a control-deviation computing section for computing the control deviation based on a deviation between the motion reference value and a motor motion detection value, and the motion correction value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping device (1), for example swing tensioners (1), bracing elements, machine vises or block cylinders, with a movable clamping element (2) for clamping a workpiece with a defined clamping force, and with an electric motor (10) for mechanically driving the clamping element (2), also with a control unit that controls the electric motor (10). The invention provides that the control unit detects an electrical operating parameter of the electric motor (10) as a measure of the clamping force. The contact of the clamping element with the workpiece is detected in this manner. Subsequently, the electric motor (10) is then driven further by a defined number of revolutions, the number of revolutions after contact with the workpiece defining the clamping force. The invention further comprises a corresponding control method.

Abstract: A truckle for a mobile medical device is provided. The truckle includes at least one electromagnetism torque balancing motor mounted on the truckle and configured to balance out friction generated by the truckle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a controller configured to: determine a reference velocity at various intervals, receive or determine a secondary velocity based at least in part on a parameter associated with a drive mechanism motor, determine a value representative of a difference between the reference velocity and secondary velocity, adjust a speed of the motor of the drive mechanism for minimizing the difference between the reference velocity and secondary velocity, receive/determine a primary velocity based on reading information encoded on a magnetic tape, at a switching point, make the reference velocity about equal to the primary velocity, after the switching point, determine the reference velocity at various intervals, after the switching point, determine a value representative of a difference between the reference velocity and primary velocity, and adjust the speed of the motor of the drive mechanism for minimizing the difference between the reference velocity and primary velocity.

Abstract: An electrically driven mooring winch is provided. The mooring winch includes a winding drum, an AC motor configured to drive the winding drum, a frequency conversion unit connected to the AC motor, and a control unit configured to control the frequency conversion unit on the basis of an indicator for tension of the mooring rope. The control unit is configured to set a reference value of rotational speed of the AC motor to a predetermined value, drive the AC motor in one direction for a predetermined time interval, define a first value of a torque of the AC motor, drive the AC motor in an opposite direction for the predetermined interval, define a second value of the torque of the AC motor, and compute a torque estimate using the first and second values of the torque.

Abstract: In a torque motor driving device for wire cut electrical discharge machines, a voltage waveform rectified by a full-wave rectifying circuit, not using a high-capacitance electrolytic capacitor, is applied as an AC voltage to a single-phase torque motor by a bridge circuit including semiconductor switches. A PWM signal whose duty is adjusted so that the current flowing through the torque motor matches an instructed value is generated and the generated PWM signal is used for the operation of the bridge circuit.

Abstract: A system for controlling the feed of a yarn to a textile machine or a metal wire to a coil winder. The yarn or wire unwinds from its spool and cooperates with a rotary member associated with its own rotation actuator before being directed to the machine. The yarn or wire has a characteristic value of tension and/or speed and/or quantity during this feed, and the actuator has a stator and a rotor acting on an exit drive shaft, which has its own piloting arrangement. The rotary member about which the yarn or wire winds is keyed onto the exit drive shaft. This control system measures the angular position of the drive shaft and compares an instantaneous parameter of that angular position to a prefixed characteristic value of the yarn or wire Command signals are then fed to the actuator's piloting arrangement to conform the instantaneous parameter with this prefixed value.

Abstract: An electrically driven mooring includes a winding drum (101), an alternating current motor (103) arranged to drive the winding drum, a frequency conversion unit (104) connected to the alternating current motor, and a control unit (105) arranged to control the frequency conversion unit on the basis of an indicator for tension of the mooring rope. The control unit is arranged to compute a flux space vector for modelling a stator flux of the alternating current motor, to compute a torque estimate on the basis of the flux space vector and a space vector of stator currents, and to use the torque estimate as the indicator for the tension of the mooring rope. Hence, a need for a force sensor on the mooring rope and a need for a speed/position sensor on the motor shaft can be avoided.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program for controlling the tension in roll-based print media. The apparatus comprises: a motor arranged to apply torque to the roll of print media to create tension in the print media; and processing means arranged to detect first and second electrical drive parameters applied to the motor when the print media is displaced at a substantially constant velocity with a substantially zero tension and a predetermined tension created therein, respectively, and to determine a print media tension value based on a difference between the first and second detected electrical drive parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a yarn-tensioning device for producing a specific thread pull on a thread (5) that is unwound from a winding point (7) of a creel (2) and is guided to a warping machine arrangement (1). Said yarn-tensioning device comprises a rotating body (18) which is at least partially wound round by threads and an electric motor (19) which is connected to the rotation body. Said motor (19) is equipped with at least one brake transistor (20) for discharging excess energy produced when the generator of the motor is operated, said brake transistor being able to convert generator energy, arising when the generator is operated, into heat.

Abstract: Dynamic calibration of a secondary velocity signal is provided in a tape drive. In one example, a reel motor is operated to drive a reel carrying a tape in a tape drive. The motion of the tape is measured to provide a measured primary velocity signal of the tape, and in addition, the operation of the reel motor is measured to provide an estimated secondary velocity signal of the tape as a function of motor parameters and the motor operation measurements. The estimated secondary velocity signal of the tape may be calibrated as the tape is driven, as a function of the tape motion measurements and the motor operation measurements. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor, which is capable of winding and unwinding a seat belt for occupant restraint by mechanism of an electric motor, removes slack of the seat belt and controls the restraining feeling on a vehicle occupant to be as little as possible. A seat belt retractor of a seat belt apparatus to be installed in a vehicle is adapted to control a motor to perform an action of increasing seat belt tension to wind up a seat belt which is excessively unwound from the spool when a vehicle occupant wears the seat belt and to be driven according to such a setting that, at the initial stage of the action of increasing the seat belt tension, the tension increasing rate until the seat belt tension reaches a target tension is lower than a predetermined rate.

Abstract: A feeder to be able to meet the requirements of positioning accuracy, long distance conveyance, remote conveyance, controllability, high precision feeding, high speed feeding, inexpensiveness, simplicity of construction, space saving, weight reduction, measure for dusting and safety for accident for being provided for multiple utilizations. This feeder comprises a forward winder (21), a reverse winder (31), a forwardly winding liner body (51), a reversely winding liner body (61) and a reciprocating body (71). The forwardly winding linear body and the reversely winding linear body are connected to the reciprocating body. The forward winder on winding rotation and the reverse winder on rewinding rotation rotate in synchronism and phase with each other in the same or reverse direction. The amount of winding the forwardly winding linear body by the forward winder and the amount of rewinding the reversely winding linear body by the reverse winder are equal to each other.

Abstract: Method and system in connection with a motor operated tension measuring roll (1) for compensating an error in tension measuring of a continuous material web, the method comprising defining the tension Tmeas of a material web (4) by a force sensor (3) provided at the tension measuring roll.

Abstract: Dynamic calibration of a secondary velocity signal is provided in a tape drive. In one example, a reel motor is operated to drive a reel carrying a tape in a tape drive. The motion of the tape is measured to provide a measured primary velocity signal of the tape, and in addition, the operation of the reel motor is measured to provide an estimated secondary velocity signal of the tape as a function of motor parameters and the motor operation measurements. The estimated secondary velocity signal of the tape may be calibrated as the tape is driven, as a function of the tape motion measurements and the motor operation measurements. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A race car system is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the race car system includes at least one car, at least one video camera provided on the at least one car, a car transmitter/receiver connected to the at least one video camera, a remote control transmitter/receiver adapted to exchange transmission signals with the car transmitter/receiver, a remote control central processing unit having a screen connected to the remote control transmitter/receiver and a speed control unit and a steering control unit connected to the remote control central processing unit.

Abstract: A system for determining a zero position of a yarn guide (25) of a textile winding device for cross-winding yarn into cheeses via a step motor (34). The yarn guide (25), acted upon by the step motor (34), is initially displaced in the direction of its zero position (NS) and positioned at a slow speed against a defined detent (15) downstream of the zero position (NS). Then, the step motor (34) is switched off, causing the rotor (41) of the step motor (34) to drop into one of two possible stop positions (RS1, RS2). Subsequently, the step motor (34) is switched on by an electrical current supply to its stator windings (20A, 20B) such that, when switched off, the rotor (41) of the step motor (34) is in the stop position (RS2) in which the yarn guide (25) is in its zero position (NS).

Abstract: A servo drive with high speed wrapping function is applied for servo control of wrapping wire and method for the same. The servo drive includes a wrapping mechanism, a rotation control unit for controlling rotation of the wrapping mechanism, a lateral motion control unit for controlling lateral movement of the wrapping mechanism, a potentiometer, and an upper-layer controller. The lateral motion control unit of the servo drive cooperates with a command processor such that an inverter command of an inverter is calculated by wrapping parameter, external activating signal and a thickness detection signal. The induction motor is activated to drive the wrapping mechanism and an encoder linked with the induction motor moves the wrapping mechanism for lateral movement such that the wire is guided between two ends of wrapping cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a controller for restraining vibration of a driven element driven by a servomotor. The driven element driven by the servomotor is provided with acceleration detecting means. A correction value is obtained by multiplying a detected acceleration value detected by the acceleration detecting means by a coefficient. Correction is made by subtracting the correction value from a velocity command, and velocity feedback control is executed in a velocity control processing section to obtain a current command. Further, the servomotor is driven by current control processing, whereupon the driven element is moved. If the detected acceleration value is increased by vibration of the driven element, the velocity command is corrected to restrain the vibration, so that the vibration of the driven element can be restrained.

Abstract: A model train on-board microprocessor provides basic lighting and motor operation and control. A socket provides a seamless instant remote control upgrade using industry standard remote control devices. The device provides new and useful functions and features for more prototypical operation by augmenting the industry standard remote control device capabilities. These new functions and features are made accessible from the remote control device companion transmitter with unique keypad sequences.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for stabilizing the motion of an articulated chain of a chain block, especially to prevent the formation of resonance oscillation of the chain, in which an articulated chain is led across a polygonal chain wheel with non-uniform pitch, which is driven by an electric motor. In order to create a method to prevent the formation of a resonance oscillation of the articulated chain, it is proposed that a periodic and/or stochastic and dampening actuating variable is superimposed on the velocity of the chain wheel (4) and the dampening actuating variable produces a change in the chain velocity so as to prevent a formation of a resonance oscillation. The chain drive with reduced polygon effect is characterized in that an electronic damper (8) is hooked up in front of the electric motor (2), which produces a control of the electric motor (2) such that a formation of a resonance oscillation of the articulated chain (5) is prevented.

Abstract: A method of dynamically controlling the tension of a moving web material. A web material is transported with an apparatus. A modulus-of-elasticity-analog value is determined for the web material. The modulus-of-elasticity-analog value is used to adjust an instantaneous gain of the web control system. The instantaneous gain is used in the control calculation of the control system. The control calculation is used to control the speed of a web handling drive. Controlling the speed of at least one appropriate web handling drive controls the tension of the web.

Abstract: A control system for a weld motor for a strapping machine is based upon the number of rotations of the weld motor. The system is used in a strapping machine of the type having a body, an anvil mounted to and movable relative to the body, a sealing member disposed for oscillating movement relative to the anvil and a motor operably connected to the sealing member to provide oscillating movement to the sealing member. Movement of the sealing member seals overlying courses of strapping material to one another. The control system includes a sensed element located on a rotating portion of the motor, a sensor for generating a signal at each instance of sensing the sensed element, a counter operably connected to the sensor for counting the instances of the sensed element and a controller for controlling operation of the motor based upon the counting of the instances of the sensed element. A method for controlling a motor is also disclosed.

Abstract: Drivers (12a,12b) drive respective DC brushless motors (8a, 8b) having rotor position detecting Hall-effect devices. A CPU (18) detects the numbers of rotations of the respective motors (8a, 8b) in response to the detection of the positions of the rotors by the Hall-effect devices, and causes the driving of the motors (8a, 8b) by the drivers (12a, 12b) to stop when the detected number of the rotations attains a preset value.

Abstract: This invention pertains to processing continuous webs such as paper, film, composites, and the like, in dynamic continuous processing operations. More particularly, it relates to accumulating limited lengths of such continuous webs and to controlling tension in such continuous webs during the processing operation. Both tension control and limited accumulations are achieved in festoon systems by connecting corresponding movably mounted festoon rolls to an actuator, sensing parameters such as position, tension, velocity, and acceleration related to the web and the festoon, and providing active force commands, in response to the sensed variables, to cause translational movement, generally including a target acceleration, in the movably mounted festoon rolls to control tension in the web while providing limited accumulation of a length of the web. The festoon control system can be used to attenuate tension disturbances, in the alternative to create controlled tension disturbances.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the controlled dynamic braking of a DC motor in a tape transport device are provided. A PWM state device includes a plurality of state transition paths, each path having an initial state, representative of a tape profile, including a predetermined range of tape velocities, relative amounts of tape on each reel and an initial tape tension, and at least one subsequent state. When a low power event is detected, one of the state transition paths is selected, based upon a current tape profile, and an associated PWM signal is transmitted to the motor. An energy storage device provides power to the PWM state device during the low power event. The PWM signals follow the selected transition path to modulate the current generated by the motion of the motor and thereby create a decelerating force while substantially maintaining the initial tape tension.

Abstract: An induction actuated container includes a container body, a container cover, a drive and an induction element. The drive includes a driven operating member and a driving member. The induction elements includes a sensor and an actuating controller for the driving member. One end of the driven operating member is transmissively connected with the container cover, the other end is transmissively connected with the driving member, and the sensor is electrically connected with the actuating controller for the driving member, and the actuating controller for the driving member is connected with a controlling end of the driving member. A signal caused by the approaching of a human or object is received by the sensor and is converted into an electrical signal. Then, the actuating controller for the driving member controls the driving member to perform a corresponding mechanical action.

Abstract: A feedback controlled tension applying system includes a corrugated fin processing device that processes a fin material in continuous sheet form while applying a tension to the fin material, a tension applying device that applies the tension to the fin material, an encoder that measures a moving amount of the fin material, and a control device that feedback-controls the tension applying device based on a measurement result of the encoder so that the moving length amount per predetermined time of the material becomes a set value that is set in advance.

Abstract: Verification system logic operates PWM motor drivers for DC motors of a tape drive, and verifies the on time duty cycle period and offset of the PWM motor drivers; verifies DAC current reference and amplifier sense signals against thresholds; and verifies Hall sensor state sequence of the DC motors during rotation. If the verifications are successful, the logic rotates the DC motors, and, for each motor, verifies the time of acceleration at a desired torque; verifies a computed velocity based on a measured velocity to a reference velocity; and verifies an actual rotation rate to a computed velocity.

Abstract: A control and motor arrangement for use in a model train includes a control arrangement integrally constructed with a motor. The control arrangement receives rotational speed and positional information from the motor and uses this information to determine how much power to supply to the motor, thus controlling the rotational speed of the motor. In this way, the control arrangement maintains a constant motor speed, if desired. In addition, the speed and positional information is optionally provided to a sound control arrangement for use in selecting appropriate sound effects.

Abstract: The invention is a non-contact optical tape tension sensor for a tape drive. A light source directs an incident beam to the tape in a region of the tape path near where the tape bends. The amount of divergence of the reflected light is related to the curvature of the tape, and thus to the tape tension. The reflected light is passed through an aperture to a photodetector that detects the amount of the divergent beam passing through the aperture. The photodetector output is input to the tape drive controller that controls the currents to the supply and take-up motors to thereby maintain the tape tension within the desired range.

Abstract: A motor retractor system includes a first winding device having a motor for driving a shoulder belt in a winding direction, and a second winding device having a tension-applying device for always applying a tension in a winding direction to a lap belt extending from the shoulder belt through a through-tongue. A control unit controls the motor to drive when the through-tongue coupled to the buckle is released from the buckle. Therefore, the shoulder belt can be smoothly pulled out. When the through-tongue is buckled up, an occupant can be restrained by the seat belt with a comfortable force and no slack. When the through-tongue is released from the buckle, the seat belt can be promptly withdrawn to the first winding device.

Abstract: The invention is a non-contact optical tape tension sensor for a tape drive. A light source directs an incident beam to the tape in a region of the tape path near where the tape bends. The amount of divergence of the reflected light is related to the curvature of the tape, and thus to the tape tension. The reflected light is passed through an aperture to a photodetector that detects the amount of the divergent beam passing through the aperture. The photodetector output is input to the tape drive controller that controls the currents to the supply and take-up motors to thereby maintain the tape tension within the desired range.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the state of relay contacts is especially useful for controlling motor windings in air conditioning systems. When a first relay switch, which is operative to supply power to a first motor winding does not open as desired, a switch monitoring module responsively controls the second relay switch energization to prevent the second relay switch from being closed. This prevents power that would be supplied to a second motor winding from being also supplied to the first motor winding and causing potential damage to the first motor winding. A disclosed example includes an opto isolator that is energized only when the first relay switch is open as desired. The opto isolator controls an output signal to a second relay control portion, which only operates the second relay if the first relay has opened as required.