US4922161A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for improving the regulation of the speed of a motor
Assignee: GILLILAND MALCOLM T 405 DIVIDEND DR PEACHTREE CITY GA 30269
•
Filing: 1989-03-31
•
Granted: 1990-05-01
•
Expires: 2009-03-31
Abstract
Abstract An automatic braking and speed control for a device driven by an electric motor. A controller provides a pulsed output voltage having a pulse width dependent upon the load seen by the motor (16). When the drive pulses are present two diodes (52,54) and a transistor (66) serve to maintain a power transistor (56) in the off condition. When the controller is not providing drive pulses and the motor (16) is being turned by the momentum of the mechanical device or by some outside force, such as gravity, the motor (16) functions as a generator and turns on two transistors (56,67) so that two resistors (51a,51b) apply a load to the generator (16). This provides a braking action between the output pulses so that the net speed of the motor (16) and its associated mechanical device is more dependent upon the output pulses provided by the controller. A shunting diode (42), in conjunction with two resistors (51a,51c) provides a braking mechanism in the event that the motor (16 ) should begin turning in a direction reverse to that desired. A switch (64) allows reversing the polarity of the voltage provided to the motor (16) so that the motor (16) may be made to run in a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction, as desired. The result is an apparatus which can be easily retrofit onto existing systems so as to provide for automatic braking and improved speed control for a device driven by an electric motor.
Inventors
- 👤 Malcolm T. Gilliland
- 👤 II Charles L. Warner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 00:04
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02P; H02P3/00; H02P3/06; H02P3/08; H02P3/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 33
Claim 1
Independent Claim
209 words
For use with a controller and a device driven by an electric motor, said controller regulating the speed of said device by changing a drive signal provided between a first output terminal and a second output terminal of said controller, said electric motor having at least a first motor terminal and a second motor terminal for receiving said drive signal, an apparatus for improving the regulation of said speed by said controller, comprising: means connecting said first output terminal to said first motor terminal; a first diode connected between said second output terminal and said second motor terminal, said first diode being forward biased when said drive signal is sufficient to cause said motor to drive said device; a first load resistor having a first end and a second end, said first end being connected to said first motor terminal; switching means responsive to a control signal for connecting said second end of said first load resistor to said second motor terminal; a resistor connected between said first motor terminal and a node; and a second diode connected between said second output terminal and said node, said second diode being forward biased when said drive signal is sufficient; wherein said node provides said control signal for said switching means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
209 words
For use with a controller and a device driven by an electric motor, said controller regulating the speed of said device by changing a drive signal provided between a first output terminal and a second output terminal of said controller, said electric motor having at least a first motor terminal and a second motor terminal for receiving said drive signal, an apparatus for improving the regulation of said speed by said controller, comprising: means connecting said first output terminal to said first motor terminal; a first diode connected between said second output terminal and said second motor terminal, said first diode being forward biased when said drive signal is sufficient to cause said motor to drive said device; a first load resistor having a first end and a second end, said first end being connected to said first motor terminal; switching means responsive to a control signal for connecting said second end of said first load resistor to said second motor terminal; a resistor connected between said first motor terminal and a node; and a second diode connected between said second output terminal and said node, said second diode being forward biased when said drive signal is sufficient; wherein said node provides said control signal for said switching means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said switching means comprises a transistor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising: a second load resistor interposed between said first motor terminal and a second node, said second node being connected to said first output terminal and said first load resistor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising: a switch for reversing connections to said first motor terminal and said second motor terminal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising: a third diode connected between said first motor terminal and said second motor terminal, said third diode being forward biased and providing a load for said motor so that said motor provides a braking action when said motor is being turned in a reverse direction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 5 and further comprising: a third load resistor connected in series with said third diode.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
153 words
For use with a controller and a device driven by an electric motor, said controller regulating the speed of said device by changing a drive signal provided to said electric motor, said electric motor having at least a first motor terminal and a second motor terminal for receiving said drive signal, an apparatus for improving the regulation of said speed by said controller, comprising: first means responsive to said motor being driven by said device for providing a control signal; second means responsive to said control signal for connecting a load between said first motor terminal and said second motor terminal; means for providing a first signal responsive to a direction of current flow through said motor; and means for providing a second signal responsive to a polarity of voltage developed across said motor; whereby said first means is responsive to said first signal and said second signal for providing said control signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
153 words
For use with a controller and a device driven by an electric motor, said controller regulating the speed of said device by changing a drive signal provided to said electric motor, said electric motor having at least a first motor terminal and a second motor terminal for receiving said drive signal, an apparatus for improving the regulation of said speed by said controller, comprising: first means responsive to said motor being driven by said device for providing a control signal; second means responsive to said control signal for connecting a load between said first motor terminal and said second motor terminal; means for providing a first signal responsive to a direction of current flow through said motor; and means for providing a second signal responsive to a polarity of voltage developed across said motor; whereby said first means is responsive to said first signal and said second signal for providing said control signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said means for providing said first signal comprises: a resistor connected in series with said motor; and a comparator having a first input and a second input connected to a first end of said resistor and a second end of said resistor, respectively, for providing said first signal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said means for providing said second signal comprises: a comparator having a first input connected to said first motor terminal and a second input connected to said second motor terminal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first means for providing said control signal comprises an exclusive-OR gate.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said first means for providing said control signal further comprises an opto-isolator.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said second means comprises a transistor.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said second means further comprises a resistor connected in series with said transistor.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
172 words
For use with a controller and a device driven by an electric motor, said controller regulating the speed of said device by changing a drive signal provided to said electric motor, said electric motor having at least a first motor terminal and a second motor terminal for receiving said drive signal, an apparatus for improving the regulation of said speed by said controller, comprising: first means responsive to said motor being driven by said device for providing a control signal; second means responsive to said control signal for connecting a load between said first motor terminal and said second motor terminal; wherein said first means comprises a first resistor connected in series with said motor to form a first series circuit, a junction of said first resistor and said motor forming a first node, and a second series circuit, connected in parallel with said first series circuit, comprising a diode, a second node, and a second resistor, said control signal being a voltage difference between said first node and said second node.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
172 words
For use with a controller and a device driven by an electric motor, said controller regulating the speed of said device by changing a drive signal provided to said electric motor, said electric motor having at least a first motor terminal and a second motor terminal for receiving said drive signal, an apparatus for improving the regulation of said speed by said controller, comprising: first means responsive to said motor being driven by said device for providing a control signal; second means responsive to said control signal for connecting a load between said first motor terminal and said second motor terminal; wherein said first means comprises a first resistor connected in series with said motor to form a first series circuit, a junction of said first resistor and said motor forming a first node, and a second series circuit, connected in parallel with said first series circuit, comprising a diode, a second node, and a second resistor, said control signal being a voltage difference between said first node and said second node.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said second means comprises a transistor.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said second means further comprises a resistor connected in series with said transistor.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
134 words
For use with a controller and a device driven by an electric motor, said controller regulating the speed of said device by changing a drive signal provided to said electric motor, said electric motor having at least a first motor terminal and a second motor terminal for receiving said drive signal, a method for improving the regulation of said speed by said controller, comprising the steps of; (a) providing a first signal responsive to a direction of current flow through said motor; (b) providing a second signal responsive to a polarity of voltage developed across said motor; and (c) responding to said first signal and said second signal by providing a control signal; and (d) responding to said control signal by connecting a load between said first motor terminal and said second motor terminal.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
134 words
For use with a controller and a device driven by an electric motor, said controller regulating the speed of said device by changing a drive signal provided to said electric motor, said electric motor having at least a first motor terminal and a second motor terminal for receiving said drive signal, a method for improving the regulation of said speed by said controller, comprising the steps of; (a) providing a first signal responsive to a direction of current flow through said motor; (b) providing a second signal responsive to a polarity of voltage developed across said motor; and (c) responding to said first signal and said second signal by providing a control signal; and (d) responding to said control signal by connecting a load between said first motor terminal and said second motor terminal.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 17 wherein step (a) comprises the steps of: (a)(1) connecting a resistor in series with said motor; and (a)(2) providing said first signal in response to a polarity of voltage developed across said resistor.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 17 wherein step (c) comprises the step of: exclusive-ORing said first signal and said second signal to provide said control signal.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 17 wherein step (d) comprises the step of: turning on a transistor connected between said first motor terminal and said second motor terminal.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
165 words
For use with a controller and a device driven by an electric motor, said controller regulating the speed of said device by changing a drive signal provided to said electric motor, said electric motor having at least a first motor terminal and a second motor terminal for receiving said drive signal, a method for improving the regulation of said speed by said controller, comprising the steps of: (a) connecting a first resistor in series with said motor to form a first series circuit, a junction of said first resistor and said motor forming a first node; (b) providing a second series circuit of a second resistor, a second node, and a diode; (c) connecting said second series circuit in parallel with said first said series circuit; and (d) providing a control signal as a voltage difference between said first node and said second node; and (e) responding to said control signal by connecting a load between said first motor terminal and said second motor terminal.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
165 words
For use with a controller and a device driven by an electric motor, said controller regulating the speed of said device by changing a drive signal provided to said electric motor, said electric motor having at least a first motor terminal and a second motor terminal for receiving said drive signal, a method for improving the regulation of said speed by said controller, comprising the steps of: (a) connecting a first resistor in series with said motor to form a first series circuit, a junction of said first resistor and said motor forming a first node; (b) providing a second series circuit of a second resistor, a second node, and a diode; (c) connecting said second series circuit in parallel with said first said series circuit; and (d) providing a control signal as a voltage difference between said first node and said second node; and (e) responding to said control signal by connecting a load between said first motor terminal and said second motor terminal.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 21 wherein step (e) comprises the step of: turning on a transistor connected between said first motor terminal and said second motor terminal.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
220 words
For use with a controller and a device driven by an electric motor, said controller regulating the speed of said device by changing a drive signal provided between a first output terminal and a second output terminal of said controller, said electric motor having at least a first motor terminal and a second motor terminal for receiving said drive signal, an apparatus for improving the regulation of said speed by said controller, comprising: means connecting said first output terminal to said first motor terminal; a first diode connected between said second output terminal and said second motor terminal, said first diode being forward biased when said drive signal is sufficient to cause said motor to drive said device; a first load resistor having a first end and a second end, said first end being connected to said first motor terminal; switching means responsive to a control signal for connecting said second end of said first load resistor to said second motor terminal; biasing means responsive to said drive signal for providing said control signal to said switching means when said drive signal is insufficient to cause said motor to drive said device; and a second load resistor connected between said first motor terminal and a node, said node being connected to said first output terminal and said first load resistor.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
220 words
For use with a controller and a device driven by an electric motor, said controller regulating the speed of said device by changing a drive signal provided between a first output terminal and a second output terminal of said controller, said electric motor having at least a first motor terminal and a second motor terminal for receiving said drive signal, an apparatus for improving the regulation of said speed by said controller, comprising: means connecting said first output terminal to said first motor terminal; a first diode connected between said second output terminal and said second motor terminal, said first diode being forward biased when said drive signal is sufficient to cause said motor to drive said device; a first load resistor having a first end and a second end, said first end being connected to said first motor terminal; switching means responsive to a control signal for connecting said second end of said first load resistor to said second motor terminal; biasing means responsive to said drive signal for providing said control signal to said switching means when said drive signal is insufficient to cause said motor to drive said device; and a second load resistor connected between said first motor terminal and a node, said node being connected to said first output terminal and said first load resistor.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said switching means comprises a transistor.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 23 and further comprising: a switch for reversing connections to said first motor terminal and said second motor terminal.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 23 and further comprising: a second diode connected between said first motor terminal and said second motor terminal, said second diode being forward biased and providing a load for said motor so that said motor provides a braking action when said motor is being turned in a reverse direction.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 26 and further comprising: a third load resistor connected in series with said second diode.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
GB1177071A
Cited
US3582747A
Cited
US3590352A
Cited
US3599064A
Cited
US3715642A
Cited
SU714603A1
Cited
JPS5526080A
Cited
US4275341A
Cited
US4384240A
Cited
US4388573A
Cited
US4309644A
Cited
SU989718A1
Cited
US4494058A
Cited
JPS59103501A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-04-30 | 1993-10-30 | 1994-05-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-04-30 | 1997-10-30 | 1998-05-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-04-30 | 2001-10-30 | 2002-05-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |