Method of and apparatus for controlling a plurality of mutually communicating actuators
US6014304A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jan 11, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T70/65
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for controlling a plurality of mutually communicating actuators, each of the actuators having at least one signal sensor for determining the state of the actuator, with at least one control apparatus generating, in accordance with the state of at least one of the actuators, control signals used for driving controllers of the actuators. In order to avoid overheating of the individual actuators or the control apparatus in case of a large number of actuations by a user, it is provided to determine the temperature of the actuators and the control apparatus cooperating with the actuators and, in case a predetermined temperature threshold value is exceeded in an actuator or the control apparatus, to generate a control signal for non-driving the controllers of the actuators until the excessive temperature detected drops below the temperature threshold value by a defined temperature value. Preferably, a safety actuation of the actuators is possible after the temperature threshold value has been exceeded.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.