An electric motor-driven parking brake of a motor vehicle can be released in an emergency by applying emergency current from a parallel emergency current source to the motors controlling the parking brake. The direction of the emergency current is selected to reverse the motors, i.e., release the parking brake.

In inverter control for supplying power to a motor, a power conversion device includes a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the inverter, a voltage sensor for detecting a voltage between terminals of a capacitor that smooths the voltage between terminals between the power source and the inverter, an inverter controller for controlling the inverter, a rotation speed sensor for detecting a rotation speed of the motor, an electric current sensor for detecting electric current supplied to the motor and a discharge determination instruction controller for giving an instruction for discharging electric charges accumulated in the capacitor, in which, control of reducing the rotation speed of the motor and discharge control of the capacitor are performed in accordance with the temperature of the inverter, the rotation speed of the motor and the electric current supplied to the motor.

A system includes a converter operatively connected to an alternating current (AC) power source and a direct current (DC) bus, an inverter operatively connected to a motor and the DC bus, and a controller. The converter includes a first plurality of switching devices in selective communication with each phase of the AC power source and the DC bus. The inverter includes a second plurality of switching devices in selective communication with each phase of the motor and the DC bus. The controller is operable to command dropping of a brake through a passive delay circuit responsive to an emergency stop condition for a load driven by the motor and reduce a voltage on the DC bus by dropping at least one phase of the AC power source and/or using a dynamic braking resistor prior to the brake physically dropping.

A method for monitoring the performance of a mechanical brake for a linear electromagnetic motor, the linear motor having a linearly moveable output shaft, comprising monitoring travel of the output shaft over the duration of actuation of the mechanical brake and comparing said travel with a predetermined travel threshold.

A method for controlling a braking system of an electromagnetic motor, the electromagnetic motor having a moveable output shaft, comprising the steps of: receiving a velocity signal and/or an acceleration signal based on movement of the output shaft, said velocity signal and/or acceleration signal having a respective frequency spectrum; identifying an event from the velocity and/or the acceleration signal using the respective frequency spectrum, wherein said event corresponds to an uncontrolled movement of the output shaft and has a characteristic frequency spectrum.

A mechanical brake for arresting movement of the output shaft of a linear electric motor, comprising a pivotally mounted plate having a space for receiving the output shaft of the motor; an electrically operated holding device contacting a free end of the plate and arranged to hold the plate in a condition to permit movement of the output shaft and to permit the plate to pivot to a jamming position; wherein the electrically operated holding device comprises a solenoid to control the movement of the plate.

A mechanical brake for arresting movement of the output shaft of a linear electric motor, comprising a pivotally mounted plate having a space for receiving the output shaft of the motor; an electrically operated holding device contacting a free end of the plate and arranged to hold the plate in a condition to permit movement of the output shaft and to permit the plate to pivot to a jamming position; wherein the electrically operated holding device comprises a solenoid to control the movement of the plate.

A method for preventing motion of an output shaft (401), of an electromagnetic motor comprising a coil assembly, when a mechanical brake (400) is released, comprising the steps of: determining the position of the output shaft (401); correlating the position of the output shaft (401) with a current such that when applied in the coil assembly induces a force on the output shaft (401) to prevent motion of the output shaft (401) when the mechanical brake (400) is released.

A method for preventing motion of an output shaft (401), of an electromagnetic motor comprising a coil assembly, when a mechanical brake (400) is released, comprising the steps of: determining the position of the output shaft (401); correlating the position of the output shaft (401) with a current such that when applied in the coil assembly induces a force on the output shaft (401) to prevent motion of the output shaft (401) when the mechanical brake (400) is released.

A drive for a leaf of a door, window, or the like, comprising at least one mechanical energy store, which is charged by an opening movement of the leaf and discharged by a closing movement of the leaf, at least one electric motor, which is operatively connected to the leaf via at least one motor shaft and can be operated as a generator in order to dampen the leaf movements, and a control and/or regulator electronics unit for controlling the electric motor. The control and/or regulator electronics unit comprises means via which the drive behaviour can be variably specified repeatedly by a respective user and/or via which the drive behaviour can be variably adjusted repeatedly in accordance with the behaviour of a respective user.