The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 11, 2000
Filed:
Mar. 31, 1997
Oliver Burnus, Gross Oesingen, DE;
Hans Reichmeyer, Grafing, DE;
STMicroelectronics GmbH, Grasbrunn, DE;
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.