Abstract: A control apparatus for a sliding vehicle mounted roof panel controls the movement of the sliding roof panel between fully opened and fully closed positions within a window opening in the vehicle and predetermined intermediate, partially opened positions. The control apparatus includes a sensor for detecting the position of the sliding roof panel and a control apparatus, responsive to the output from the sensor, for activating or de-activating the drive motor controlling the movement of the sliding roof panel. A plurality of sensors may be spaced longitudinally along the longitudinal edge of the roof opening to provide a plurality of intermediate, partially opened stop positions for the sliding roof panel between the fully opened and fully closed positions.

Abstract: An assembly is described for accurately and precisely controlling the position of a plunger in a syringe to deliver precise fluid volumes. The assembly includes a motor coupled to a lead screw that drives a bearing block along a linear guide rod to move the plunger of the syringe in a linear fashion. The position of the plunger is accurately controlled by attaching a digital encoder to the rotating motor shaft. The encoder and associated electronics output to a controlling processor that generates a series of regular pulses, typically 300 to 500 responsive to each motor revolution. Utilizing appropriate gear ratios of the motor and the lead screw, the number of pulses per full syringe stroke in typical applications can be on the order of one hundred thousand. The final position and the motion of the plunger (velocity and acceleration) can be controlled to within a few encoder pulses, thus precisely controlling the rate of delivery of the fluid and the volume of the fluid actually delivered by the syringe.

Abstract: Position of an object is detected by a position detector (10) and position data detected by this position detector is stored in a memory circuit (11). A time data supply section (21) supplies time data (.DELTA.t) as a lead compensation parameter. A compensation circuit (22) reads out position data (Dx (-.DELTA.T)) for a preceding time corresponding to the supplied time data (.DELTA.t) from the memory circuit (11) and corrects at least one of present position data (Dx) and target position data (Sx) in accordance with the difference between the read out position data and the present position data detected by the position detector thereby performing lead compensation. A control signal relating to the position of the object is generated in accordance with the present position data corrected by the compensation cirucit and the target position data and the positioning control is made by this control signal.

Abstract: A servo system having a circuit for developing an error signal representing the deviation of a load condition from a desired condition represented by a command signal and forward and feedback paths at least one of which includes an impedance therein represented by a transfer function comprises a limiter receiving the command signal and connected to the error signal developing circuit for controllably limiting the command signal wherein the limiter has a variable saturation point and a circuit coupled to the limiter and to the impedance for controlling the saturation point of the limiter in accordance with the transfer function of the impedance to enable fast response without damage to an output device controlled by the servo system.

Abstract: A drive and position sensor having a drive shaft for positioning a driven part and connected to a magnetic core by a reduction gear to position the core axially relative to a primary and secondary coil so that the voltage in the secondary coil is a measure of the position of the driven part.

Abstract: Apparatus for opening and closing a convertible top of a motor vehicle includes an electric drive for moving the top between fully opened and fully closed position, electrically powered locking mechanisms for locking the top into the fully closed position, position sensors for sensing the locked and unlocked positions of the locking mechanisms, and a control circuit for the top drive system and locking mechanisms. The control circuit prevents the top drive system from attempting to open or close the top when the locking mechanisms are in other than a fully unlocked position. The system further includes limit switches located in the proximity of the locking mechanisms for indicating to the control circuit when the top is in the fully closed position, a terminal switch for providing a signal to the control circuit when the top is in the fully opened position, and a manually operated key for initiating unlocking/opening and closing/locking operations.

Abstract: The programmable control apparatus includes an absolute position transducer capable of being mechanically coupled to a machine and electrical circuitry for generating signals indicative of and related to the machine position, a programming unit including a microcomputer, visual display device, program input circuitry, one or more programmable memory position output devices (PMPODs) each of which includes a non-volatile memory, latching circuitry and output interface circuitry, and terminal blocks for interconnection of the absolute position transducer to the programming unit or the PMPOD.

Abstract: A cruise control system of the type utilizing an electrically operated DC servo motor to move an element that varies the fuel-air mixture of a motor vehicle engine to control the speed of the motor vehicle is provided with apparatus for detecting the limit positions of the element and to modify the electric current supplied to the motor accordingly.

Abstract: A vehicle to loading dock releasable locking unit includes a hook for engaging a coupling on the vehicle, a motorized drive system for rotating the hook back and forth between locked and unlocked positions, and a hook position sensor for sensing whether the hook is in the locked, the unlocked or an unsafe position between the locked and unlocked positions. The automatic control system includes a hook position selector for generating lock or unlock signals in response to a hook position command selected by an operator and for storing the selected hook position command. A first actuator control unit energizes the hook actuator to reposition the hook into the locked position in response to the lock signal. A second actuator control unit energizes the hook actuator to reposition the hook into the unlocked position in response to the unlock signal.

Abstract: A numerical control apparatus wherein a stored stroke limit range is displayed (S1) on a graphic display unit. An NC machining program is read out block by block to draw a locus of a tool on the graphic display unit (S2, S3, S4). The drawing is stopped and a message is displayed (S8) when the locus of the tool falls outside (S5) the stored stroke limit range.

Abstract: A drive circuit for servomotors that eliminates the need for microswitches to protect the motor when the system is driven to its limits of travel. The circuit monitors the current to the motor, identifies overload currents and terminates current flow to the motor when an overload occurs. The current flow is restored only when a reverse rotation command signal is received by the drive circuit.

Abstract: Motor control apparatus is disclosed for a motor driven vehicle power window mechanism including a flexible drive element, such as a drive tape, adapted to drive the window in a predetermined direction by being placed in tension by the motor. The tension of the flexible drive element is relieved by automatically reversing motor direction for a short time when the window reaches the desired position. The reverse motor rotation is accurately controlled to an amount sufficient to relieve drive tension but insufficient to produce unwanted reverse movement of the window by detecting the pulses of the armature ripple current as the successive commutator bars pass the brushes during reverse motor rotation, integrating these pulses and stopping the reverse motor operation when the integrated value reaches a predetermined reference.

Abstract: A motorized drawer is moved from a fully closed to a fully open position, or vice versa, in response to user activation of a single pole double throw switch. The motor moving the drawer is connected to the user activated control switch and to a limit switch. Whenever the drawer reaches one of the end positions, a limit switch opens the circuit through which the motor was energized to move the drawer to that position. At the same time, the limit switch partially completes the circuit for energizing the motor in the opposite direction. The latter circuit is completed when the user again activates the control switch, i.e. completes the circuit allowing current flow through the motor in the direction required to drive the drawer to the other end.

Abstract: A voltage supply for a servomotor (9) is effected via a wiper (10) which slides on two conductive paths (5, 6) which are displaceable in longitudinal direction. The conductive paths (5, 6) have, at their opposite ends, a driver (15, 17) against which the wiper (10) can come in its end positions upon further displacement, in order to be able to carry the corresponding conductive path (5, 6) along with it. Directly before the driver (15, 17) is reached, no voltage is tapped off from the corresponding conductive path (5, 6), so that the servomotor (9) then stops.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic servo control system responsive to a load acceleration or velocity command input signal wherein the input command signal is integrated and compared with position feedback from the valve actuator and load to obtain an error signal which controls the actuator. The velocity command input may be multiplied by an exponential factor to compensate for system following error. Another modification contemplates resetting of command signals to compensate for following error and to eliminate dead time upon change of direction of the load by the operator.

Abstract: In a numerical control system, a machine tool with an automatic tool changer is provided with an origin detector for generating an origin signal when an NC drive axis for effecting relative movement between a spindle head and a work table in an axial direction of a tool spindle is returned to a machine origin. A numerical controller is connected to the NC dirve axis, the tool changer and when operated in accordance with a numerical control program, controls them so that a series of machinings can be selectively performed on a workpiece on the work table. The numerical controller executes an emergency returning control program when a manual switch is depressed to instruct the returning of the NC drive axis to the machine origin.

Abstract: In a grinder, the table carrying the workpiece to be ground reciprocates to carry it past a grinding wheel. The table moves armatures oppositely into and out of respective coils, inducting voltage therein for driving the reversible motor that moves the table. Remote coils with manually settable armatures therein oppose the first coils for determining the range of movement of the table. A control circuit includes right and left halves corresponding to the directions of movement of the table. Right and left SCR's control the current from first coils to the drive motor, transistors control the gating current to the SCR's; triacs control the current from the transistors, and other triacs control the current from the main source to the drive motor.

Abstract: A positioning control system wherein variations in the robot coasting distance are substantially eliminated by stopping the command pulse signals simultaneously with a generation of the origin pulse signal from the incremental encoder. The deviation between the final robot position and the origin is minimized by driving the motor in its backward direction to back up the robot by an amount approximately equal to the coasting distance. The robot moving distance during the time period from the beginning of origin return operation (i.e., backup) to a generation of the first spike in the origin pulse signal after beginning backup to the above first stoppage of the robot is found. If the found distance is different from the coasting distance then this difference is handled as an error.In one aspect of the present invention, the number of spikes appearing in the output pulse signal from the incremental encoder can be easily increased as necessary to thereby improve the resolution power of the incremental encoder.

Abstract: An electronic landing device for controlling the movement of an elevator car during the final several inches of travel approaching a floor. The device provides a smooth transition from run (deceleration) mode to landing mode within a wide range of speeds at the transfer point. A digital computation is performed on a speed signal generated at the transfer point, to provide optimum time-to-landing and decelaration profile during the landing mode.

Abstract: A system for controlling the reciprocation of a scanning apparatus includes scanning device for scanning an original from a home position across the original to a scanned position and returning it from the scanned position back to the home position, a D.C. motor for driving the scanning device, and a switching circuit for providing electric power to the D.C. motor. A control device is coupled to the switching circuit for controlling the speed of the scanning device such that: the scanning device scans across the original at a predetermined constant speed; when it reaches the scanned position, the scanning device starts to return back towards the home position by application of a constant supply of power having a predetermined level; and thereafter it is gently returned back to the home position with less deviation.

Abstract: A system for controlling the reciprocation of a scanning apparatus which includes a scanning device for scanning an original from a home position across the original to a scanned position and returning it from the scanned position back to the home position, a D.C. motor for driving the scanning device, and a switching circuit for providing electric power to the D.C. motor. The system further includes a home switch for detecting when the scanning device is in the home position, a counter for counting a distance of movement of the scanning device, and a speed detector for detecting the speed of the scanning device. A control device is coupled to the switching circuit for controlling the movement of the scanning device such that during the return of the scanning apparatus, a braking action is initiated when the scanning device returns to a preselected position, and the braking lasts until the returning speed is reduced to a predetermined low speed as detected by the speed detecting device.

Abstract: A method of returning a movable top guide to the original point as defined by a frame of a machine body. The method comprises the steps of first moving in one direction the top guide to the frame at a high speed, moving the opposite direction the top guide away from the frame at an intermediate speed for a prescribed length of time after an overrun switch set at a point a little beyond the original point is rendered non-conductive, moving in one direction the top guide to the frame at a low speed and stopping the movement of the top guide when the original point switch provided at the original point is rendered nonconductive.

Abstract: Damaging head crashes are prevented in a disk drive system by providing a specially chosen RC network between the head position control servo and the head actuator. The values of the RC network are chosen in conjunction with the servo output voltage so that, without detracting from head access time, the maximum head velocity will be limited to a value which will prevent damaging head crashes even when a fault occurs in the system.

Abstract: A control device for loading and unloading mechanism adapted to be incorporated in a fork lift truck comprises a sensor unit 100 including a lifting height sensor 102, a control unit 200 comprising a control command producing circuit 240 constituted by a microcomputer 230 producing a control command on the basis of comparing calculation between the output of the sensor unit 100 and the concerned data stored in the microcomputer 230, and a driving unit 300 producing a driving output signal so as to the lifting height of the fork 18 in accordance with the control command fed from the control unit 200. The control device includes a component operable for inhibiting storage of sampled lifting height data when the actual lifting height data are not within an allowed range, thereby to prevent erroneous operation based on erroneous data and to effect smooth follow-up speed control to the target height when automatic lifting height control is effected.

Abstract: An electrical device for controlling the stroke length of a reciprocating tool carrier of a honing machine by controlling the stroke reversal points of the carrier includes a first compensating circuit for correcting deviations from a predetermined lower reversal point and a second compensating circuit for correcting deviations from a predetermined upper reversal point, the compensating circuits supplying respective reversal point signals to a comparator for comparison with a voltage representing the instantaneous position of the carrier along a stroke path.

Abstract: A flight control system increases the automatic control authority over, preferably, a helicopter yaw axis. A limited authority series servo is complemented with a full authority parallel servo. The parallel servo is driven by a combination of a trim command signal and a signal representing the excess of the yaw command signal over the amplitude limited drive signal to the series servo.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the positions of switch members such as a deceleration limit switch installed on a machine tool in a numerical control system for controlling the machine tool on the basis of numerical control data and for executing predetermined numerical control processing on the basis of signals produced by the switch members. When the switch member such as a limit switch is actuated, a display device displays the current position of a movable member on the machine tool, or a numerical value corresponding to the current position of the movable member. Whether the switch member is installed on the machine tool at the correct position is determined on the basis of the displayed current position or numerical value corresponding thereto. When it is determined that the switch member is installed at an incorrect position, the switch member is positionally adjusted on the basis of the indication given by the display device.

Abstract: A motor driving a garage door is controlled by a controller, and the rotation of the motor in the normal and reverse directions is normally controlled in response to an actuating signal applied to the controller from a main push button switch. In a specific-mode in which an actuating signal is applied to the controller from an emergency push button switch, a mat switch or a fire sensor, the latter signal has priority over the former signal, and the motor is driven to move the garage door to its full-open position.

Abstract: Pulses indicating movement distance are frequency divided to a desired resolution and then counted in a microprocessor in accordance with the direction of movement. The position count value addresses a data memory storing switch output data corresponding to desired detection positions.

Abstract: In a servoactuator system for an aircraft, a strapdown series servoactuator having an external linkage assembly is coupled between the pilot's control stick and a control surface member. The external linkage assembly includes a differential link and servo link having specially tapered stop surfaces adapted to be varied in dimensions to accommodate a wide variety of installations, which stop surfaces cooperate with fixed stops on the servoactuator housing whereby to provide a variety of pilot authority limits and series servo authority limits depending upon particular installation requirements.

Abstract: A control device for a small press is provided with means preventing overloading of the drive motor, a timer for detecting when an operational cycle of the press has exceeded a normal value, and a position detector which notes the position of a cam of the press. The power switch of the drive motor is tripped to suspend the flow of current to the motor upon an indication of the foregoing, e.g., a detected over-current, an excessive cycle time, or an operation end position of the cam.

Abstract: A position controlling device including a shielding plate which can be moved by a motor, three pairs of light emitting elements and light receiving elements arranged on both sides of the shielding plate and a motor controlling circuit which can control the normal rotation, reverse rotation and stop of the motor with output signals from the light receiving elements and a foot switch or centering switch simple in the formation and making no misoperation with a noise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in a method of sensing a position of a movable body by directly or indirectly converting a unit movement of the movable body into digital pulse signals and an apparatus therefor. A reference position is selected at a point, at which said movable body abuts against and presses a stopper provided at a specific position within the moving range thereof. The pulse signals are counted as the movable body moves from the stopper using the reference position as a reference number. The coincidence of the number of the pulse signals counted with a first predetermined pulse number corresponding to a predetermined position is sensed so as to sense the fact that the movable body has reached a predetermined position and position sensing signals are emitted.

Abstract: A positioning servomechanism, which is liable to damage, or positions other equipment which is liable to damage if extremeties in its positioning locus are encountered at speed, is protected against uncontrolled and catastrophic acceleration towards these extremeties by the provision of apparatus which shuts off power to the servomechanism in the event of its drive output exceeding a predetermined limit, indicative of saturation, for more than a predetermined time period, power being restored by the application of an external signal.

Abstract: A valve position monitoring and control system incorporates a proximity sensor positioned near a movable valve element to detect the operational position of the valve and includes circuit means coupled to a valve actuating solenoid for deactivating the solenoid in the event the valve fails to respond to command signals for positioning the valve in a predetermined position. In one embodiment, the system incorporates a pair of series connected valves used in presses which valves in turn are operated by solenoid actuated pilot valves. In the event either one of the valves do not operate either by opening within a predetermined time after actuation or closing within a predetermined time after their deactuation, the system of the present invention will not permit further operation of the valves until the system has been manually reset.

Abstract: An automated tire inspection system employs penetrative emanation such as X-radiation to inspect the integrity of portions of tires fed sequentially along a feed path through a centering station and into a shielded enclosure where an inspection station is defined. An inspection apparatus within the shielded enclosure includes an X-ray emitting tube and an imaging system for producing signals representing the pattern of X-rays directed through the tire by the X-ray tube. A control apparatus for the system includes:(1) A protection apparatus for preventing overtravel of movable components of the system, including apparatus for sensing the positions of the movable components and controlling elements for moving the movable components and responding to the sensing apparatus to limit movement of the movable components to within a first predetermined range of positions.

Abstract: Strapdown, multifunction actuator apparatus comprising one or two integral units adapted for installation in an aircraft, particularly a helicopter, and coupled between the pilot's control stick linkage and the aircraft control surface (or surface servo boost) linkage to perform the functions of series actuation, trim actuation, artificial feel, control position sensing, and control authority limits. The apparatus includes a series actuator installed in the vehicle and connected to the vehicle control linkages in the conventional parallel actuator manner; that is, it is secured directly or strapped down to the airframe and therefore greatly simplifies control system installation and reduces problems such as those associated with control rod vibration resonances normally encountered with conventional integral-with-linkage series actuator installations.

Abstract: An electronic safety device circuit is disclosed. This circuit includes two integrated circuit operational amplifiers, the first connected as an operational amplifier and the second connected as a follower. The output pin of the first amplifier is connected to the positive input pin of the second amplifier through a diode. The positive input pin of the second amplifier is connected to a memory capacitor. The output pin of the second amplifier is connected to the negative input pin of the first amplifier. A switching network is provided for grounding the positive input pin of the first amplifier and discharging the memory capacitor.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a DC motor driven screw feed which moves the table of a machine tool into prescribed positions including a plurality of limit switches which detect the position of the table, a rate change control circuit which receives signals from the limit switches and changes the rate of revolution of the DC motor when the table has reached prescribed rate change positions and a current limiting circuit which supplies the DC motor with a prescribed constant current and keeps the output torque of the DC motor at a prescribed level when the table has reached a prescribed dwell position.

Abstract: A numerically controlled transfer machine comprises a rotary index table having thereon a plurality of jig tables for holding workpieces, and a plurality of working units are disposed in spaced relation around the index table so that rotary indexing of the index table successively positions the jig tables opposite different ones of the working units. Each working unit includes a positioning feed mechanism for controlling the feeding and return movements of the working unit to enable a working operation to be carried out on the workpieces. Each working unit has a position detector comprised of a microswitch mounted on a slide member slidably mounted on the working unit.

Abstract: A control system for the stroke limitation of a machine tool element in which the element is connected with the slider of a potentiometer so that the voltage on the potentiometer slider varies in a respective direction with each direction of movement of the tool element. A pair of adjustable resistors are provided which form voltage sources with voltages conforming substantially to that of the potentiometer slider at the desired points of reversal of the tool element. The slider voltage is compared with the voltage at the adjustable resistors and the tool element is reversed when the slider voltage bears a predetermined relation to the voltage with which it is compared. A selectively adjustable delay could also be provided to delay the reversing of the tool element at at least one of the limits of travel thereof.

Abstract: The servo apparatus includes a series resistor string connected in parallel with the body of the servo slidewire resistor. Upscale and downscale travel limit voltage points, corresponding to upscale and downscale travel limit positions for the slidewire contact, are established along the resistor string. The limit voltages on the limit voltage points are separately compared with the slidewire contact voltage, and appropriate motor drive signal interrupting signals are produced when the slidewire contact voltage exceeds the upscale limit voltage or drops below the downscale limit voltage. The interrupting signals effect their motor drive signal interrupting action by reversing the output polarity of motor drive comparators which produce the motor drive signals under the control of an error amplifier which compares the apparatus input voltage to the slidewire contact voltage.

Abstract: A multiple-purpose, closed-loop, automatic control system comprising:a system controlled;a detecting means for detecting a controlled variable output from the system controlled and converting the controlled variable into an electrical feedback signal;a signal converting means for receiving the feedback signal and converting said signal into an angular displacement corresponding to the feedback signal;a comparing means for comparing the controlled variable with a preset desired value and selectively opening or closing a forward or a reverse controlling circuit;a controlling means including the forward and the reverse controlling circuit selectively opened or closed by said comparing means, a braking control circuit and a driving mechanism responsive to said forward and reverse control circuits and said braking control circuit for automatic control over the system controlled to keep the controlled variable within the preset desired value.

Abstract: A motor driven valve control circuit includes an electronic switch element biased to conduct by a resistor connected by diodes to both poles of a switch. A relay controlled by one pole of the switch determines the direction of connection of the motor in series with the element. A thyristor connected to shunt the bias current away from the switch element is gated by a voltage comparator comparing the voltage across a motor current sensing element with a reference voltage, so as to fire the thyristor when the motor current exceeds a set limit. The circuit eliminates the need for latching limit switches usually employed in motor driven valve controls.

Abstract: Disclosed is a brake timing control method and apparatus for use with a press machine including a press slide driven through a crank shaft by a variable speed motor to stop the moving press slide at its top dead center regardless of the speed of rotation of the crank shaft. The motor speed is detected and converted into a voltage proportional to the motor speed which is then integrated as a first voltage. A second voltage is provided in accordance with a line or curve representing as a function of motor speed the approximation of the slip angle through which the crank shaft will continue to rotate after braking is initiated. The first and second voltages are additively combined and compared with a reference voltage to provide a stop signal for initiating braking on the press machine when the sum of the first and second voltages reaches the reference voltage.

Abstract: A first signal representative of the position of a movable member, such as a machine tool slide, is generated. A plurality of second signals each representative of one or more positions and one of a plurality of actuatable output switches is stored in an addressable memory. The first signal is compared with each of the plurality of second signals stored in the memory. Responsive to the comparison, the output switch represented by one of the plurality of second signals is actuated when the one or more positions represented by such one of the plurality of second signals coincides with the position represented by the first signal.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing sections of accurate weight or volume which includes the providing of a computer which receives various signals including the length, weight and density of a sheared off section and in response to such conditions varies the position of a length stop to insure that sections of accurate weight and volume are continuously obtained. The length stop mechanism is regulated by controlling the movement of a plurality of clamping devices which operate in conjunction with the axial movement of the material to be severed. The clamping devices are hydraulically operated.

Abstract: A movement controlling device for the movement of a movable member such as a table in a machine tool which is capable of doing a rapid feeding, a normal feeding for cutting, and a rapid returning. The movable member is driven by a fluid pressure cylinder and engaged, at a predetermined position in the forward movement stroke, with a rack which is linked to a motor by way of the gearing mechanism including a worm and a worm-wheel. The motor is so driven, due to a signal from a sensor for sensing the engagement between the rack and the movable member, as to shift the rack at the speed of cutting feed in the same direction as that of the forward movement of the movable member, and the movable member which is driven by the fluid pressure cylinder is also shifted in response to the shift of the rack.

Abstract: An automaton comprising a fixed frame, a horizontal guiding member carried by the frame, a carrier movable along said guiding element, and a gripping member carried by the carriage and movable in a vertical direction relative to the carriage. There is provided a single motor fixed on the frame, transmission means for achieving from the motor either the horizontal movement of the carriage or the vertical movement of the gripping member, an electronic control device for the motor and transmission means, and means for measuring the angular displacement of the motor shaft connected to the electronic device.

Abstract: In electrical discharge machining, an electrode is displaced towards a workpiece at a rate controlled as a function of the sparking conditions. The relative position of the electrode and workpiece is measured and, beyond a preset .[.reference.]. relative position, advance of the electrode is slowed as a function of the displacement past the reference position, or is stopped at the reference position, while continuing sparking and allowing withdrawal of the electrode if necessitated by the sparking conditions.