Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention provide a vacuum valve apparatus and method to provide a vacuum to equipment. The vacuum valve can include an air port tube, a vacuum port tube, a motor, and a control arm coupled to the vacuum port tube and the motor. The motor can cause the control arm to move in an arc in order to flex the vacuum port tube and selectively create the vacuum and vent the vacuum provided to the equipment.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a motor connected to a power device having a reduced current rating. The motor can include an increased torque constant and/or an increased back electromagnetic force constant in order to decrease a peak current in relation to the reduced current rating of the power device. The method can include increasing a length of time the motor can operate at the peak current without overheating. A phase angle of the motor can be advanced in order to achieve a continuous operating point with the power device having the reduced current rating.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention provide a vacuum valve apparatus and method to provide a vacuum to equipment. The vacuum valve can include an air port tube, a vacuum port tube, a motor, and a control arm coupled to the vacuum port tube and the motor. The motor can cause the control arm to move in an arc in order to flex the vacuum port tube and selectively create the vacuum and vent the vacuum provided to the equipment.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention provide methods of controlling a motor, such as a servo motor. One method can include monitoring a current temperature of the motor and a power stage of the motor substantially continuously and substantially in real-time. This method can include determining optimum settings for a first time interval to remove power and the second time interval to provide power in order to deliver maximum output while remaining below the maximum rated temperature of the motor. One method can include pulsing power to the motor for a second time interval after a first time interval has elapsed and tailoring pulse shapes of the power provided to the motor for the second time interval. One method can include calculating a maximum phase current based on the rotor shaft torque for each real-time speed of the motor that correlates to the maximum allowable current draw from the power supply.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention provide a fire-extinguishing system for injecting foamant into a stream of water. The system can include a flow meter determining a flow rate of the stream of water and a foam pump having an inlet coupled to a supply of foamant and an outlet coupled to the stream of water. The system includes a servo motor driving the foam pump. The servo motor includes a sensor used to determine a rotor shaft speed and/or a rotor shaft torque. A controller can control an operating speed of the servo motor using closed-loop control depending on the How rate and the rotor shaft speed and/or the rotor shaft torque.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention provide a pump assembly and a method for assembly the pump assembly. The pump assembly includes a stator assembly, a lower pump housing, an upper pump housing, a rotor assembly, and an isolation cup. The method includes coupling the stator assembly to the lower pump housing, overmolding an overmold material over the stator assembly and the lower pump housing, positioning the isolation cup over the overmold, and positioning the rotor assembly inside the isolation cup. The method further includes placing the upper pump housing over the rotor assembly and coupling the upper pump housing to the lower pump housing.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention provide a control system for a garage door. The control system can include a motor, a pulley, a synchronous drive member, a carriage, and an operator. The pulley can be coupled to and driven by the motor. The synchronous drive member can be coupled to the pulley and driven by the pulley. The carriage can be coupled to the synchronous drive member and to a bottom edge of a garage door. The operator can be coupled to the motor and can control the motor. The operator can be mounted vertically adjacent to the garage door when the garage door is in a closed position.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention provide a machine that blends liquids and/or shaves ice. The machine includes a motor and a control system with an integrated power factor correction circuit and a drive circuit. The integrated power factor correction circuit receives input power from a mains power line, reduces noise transmitted to the mains power line, and provides a boosted, regulated output voltage. The drive circuit is connected to the motor and uses the regulated output voltage in order to control an effective voltage applied to the motor substantially independent of the voltage and frequency of the input power.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention provide methods of controlling a motor, such as a servo motor. One method can include monitoring a current temperature of the motor and a power stage of the motor substantially continuously and substantially in real-time. This method can include determining optimum settings for a first time interval to remove power and the second time interval to provide power in order to deliver maximum output while remaining below the maximum rated temperature of the motor. One method can include pulsing power to the motor for a second time interval after a first time interval has elapsed and tailoring pulse shapes of the power provided to the motor for the second time interval. One method can include calculating a maximum phase current based on the rotor shaft torque for each real-time speed of the motor that correlates to the maximum allowable current draw from the power supply.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention provide a fire-extinguishing system and method for injecting foamant into a stream of water. The system can include a flow meter determining a flow rate of the stream of water and a foam pump having an inlet coupled to a supply of foamant and an outlet coupled to the stream of water. The system includes a servo motor driving the foam pump. The servo motor includes a sensor used to determine a rotor shaft speed and/or a rotor shaft torque.