Adaptable sensorless end of stroke detection system and method
AssigneeGOJO Industries, Inc.
InventorsChip W. Curtis, Jackson W. Wegelin, Shelby J. Buell
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Abstract
Embodiments of methods of controlling a motor for driving a load are disclosed herein. Exemplary methods include providing energy to a motor, sensing a parameter indicative of current. Determining the end of an inrush current and a start point that is after the inrush current and that is at about the beginning of a main current draw. Determining an end point at about the end of the main current draw. Continuing to provide energy to the motor for a time period that is a function of the time from the start point to the end point and de-energizing the motor.
Claims22
A method of controlling a motor for driving a load comprising:
- providing energy to a motor;
- sensing a parameter indicative of current;
- determining the end of an inrush current;
- determining a start point that is after the inrush current and that is at about the beginning of a main current draw;
- determining an end point at about the end of the main current draw;
- continuing to provide energy to the motor for a time period that is a function of the time from the start point to the end point;
- and
- de-energizing the motor.
The method of claim 2 wherein the parameter indicative of current is a function of the voltage.
A method for stopping a device at the end of its motion comprising:
- energizing a motor;
- sensing a parameter indicative of a main current draw;
- measuring the length of time from about a beginning of the main current draw to about the end of the main current draw;
- allowing the motor to be energized for an additional time period that is a function of the time of main current draw;
- and
- de-energizing the motor.
An end of stroke detection system comprising;
- a motor;
- a sensor for sensing a parameter indicative of a current;
- a processor;
- logic stored on a processor readable medium for determining a first time period indicative of a main current draw wherein the main current draw occurs between a point where the in-rush current decreases and a point where the current draw levels off;
- logic stored in the processor readable medium for continuing to provide power to the motor for a second time period that is a function of the first time period.
A method of inactivating an electric dispenser if an unauthorized refill is installed in the dispenser comprising:
- providing an electronic dispenser having
- a motor to drive a pump;
- a processor;
- memory having one or more pump load profiles stored in the memory;
- and
- a receiver for receiving a refill unit that includes a pump;
- providing power to the motor to drive the pump of a refill unit;
- measuring one or more parameters indicative of the pump load on the motor;
- comparing the measured pump load to the one or more stored pump load profiles;
- determining whether the measured load profile is related to a stored pump load profile;
- disabling the electronic dispenser until a new refill unit is installed if the measured load profile is not related to a stored pump load profile;
- and
- enabling operation of the electronic dispenser if the load profile is related to a stored pump load profile.
A refill for an automatic dispenser comprising:
- a container for holding a fluid;
- a pump connected to the container for pumping the fluid;
- the pump having a housing and a load profile;
- and
- the load profile causing a measurable characteristic to occur during an operation cycle,
- wherein the measurable characteristic is detectable by a dispenser during the operation cycle and the dispenser continues to operate if the measureable characteristic occurs and does not operate if the measurable characteristic does not occur during the operation cycle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.