Phase synchronization system with start-up sequencing and automatic shut-down

Abstract

A system for providing a predetermined phase relationship between signals representing the operation of first and second moveable members, the operation of said first moveable member being regulated in accordance with the operation of said second moveable member. The phase relationship is determined by comparison means which produces a pulse signal indicative of said phase relationship. Signal storage means, responsive to the pulse signal, produces an analog signal, the amplitude thereof varying at a first rate, the maximum amplitude attained by said analog signal being proportional to said phase relationship. The output of said signal storage means is coupled to signal generating means comprising variable gain means, said variable gain means being adjusted to correspond to a predetermined gain, said signal generating means generating an analog signal proportional to the signal stored by said storage means. Feedback means is controlled by the analog signal to modify the operation of the first moveable member whereby said first moveable member is urged into said predetermined phase relationship with said second moveable member. If the predetermined phase relationship is attained within a predetermined period, control means causes the analog signal produced by said storage means to vary at a second rate different from said first rate, and said variable gain means is adjusted to a gain different from said predetermined gain. If the predetermined phase relationship is not attained within said predetermined period, apparatus incorporating said system is automatically shut down. Upon reactivation of the apparatus, the analog signal produced by said storage means varies at said first rate and said gain means is adjusted to said predetermined gain.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.