Abstract: In the embodiment of the present invention, a method for balancing charges of a plurality of batteries coupled in series includes determining actual or estimated rates of self-discharge of the batteries and individually shunting across one or more of the batteries to cause shunt currents which at least partially compensate for differences in the rates of self-discharge between batteries. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a method for balancing charges of a plurality of batteries coupled in series comprises measuring temperatures of the batteries and individually shunting across one or more of the batteries to cause shunt currents from those batteries which are functions of the temperatures of those batteries. A third embodiment of the present invention provides a method for balancing charges of a plurality of batteries coupled in series, the batteries furnished to store and provide energy for use in propelling an electrically-propelled vehicle.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a fault detection system for a dynamometer includes circuitry for measuring the armature voltage of the dynamometer. The voltage can used as an indicator of dynamometer speed to prevent reverse rotation of the dynamometer and to prevent overspeed operation of the dynamometer.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an electrical generating system includes a flywheel having an electrical generator rotor portion. The flywheel is at least partially enclosed by a housing. One or more electrical generator stator portions are mounted in opposition to the electrical generator rotor portion such so as by attaching the electrical generator stator portions to extend through the housing. The electrical generator stator portions each have a direct-current output, the direct-current outputs capable of being coupled together in parallel. Where a variable number of electrical loads are available on a given model of motor vehicle, a variable number of electrical generator stator portions may be provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting an electrical conductivity leakage path in a vehicle having a plurality of batteries coupled in series and having a chassis ground. The method comprises the step of (a) providing a voltage divider for each of the batteries, each voltage divider having an output having a voltage at a potential between the potentials of the positive and negative terminals of the voltage divider's respective battery. The method also includes the step of (b) providing a plurality of electrical connections, each switchable between open and closed, each between a voltage divider output and chassis ground. Furthermore, the method comprises the steps of (c) closing the switchable electrical connection between the first voltage divider output and chassis ground.

Abstract: A short circuit protection system that reacts to a voltage across an electrical load to prevent overdissipation of a semiconductor switch in the event of a short circuit. The system includes a capacitor having a charge state. When the capacitor is charged, the electrical load is turned ON via a transistor. The system automatically latches the electrical load ON until a short circuit occurs or until the capacitor discharges. When a short circuit occurs, the system automatically turns the load OFF.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling an induction motor. The method comprises determining an input impedance of the motor at an operating point; determining an input electrical power to the motor at the operating point; and estimating a slip or shaft speed of the motor at the operating point from the input impedance and input electrical power.

Abstract: A wiper-washer system for vehicles comprises at least one wiper drivable by a wiper motor and a washer device which includes a water reservoir and a water pump motor. The wiper and water pump motors are activated through a switching arrangement. The wiper motor is in the form of a direct current motor with a gearbox, designed for only a single rated speed. In addition a hybrid electronics unit provided with a control, a driver and a power output stage is fitted directly on or in the housing of the wiper motor. It is advantageous that the direct current motor for the wiper is of simpler construction and operates at more favourable working conditions than a two-speed direct current motor conventionally used. By means of the hybrid electronics unit the working current is supplied to the wiper motor in the absence of mechanical contact devices. Compared with conventional wiper-washer systems the outlay on cabling is reduced. Advantageous embodiments of the system are also described.

Abstract: An alternator for use with a motor vehicle including a housing. A separator plate is positioned within said housing to define front and rear air control volumes. A plurality of fans draw air through the respective front and rear air control volumes to cool the alternator during operation.

Abstract: A linear motor armature includes a sealed metal case having a central chamber formed therein. A lamination stack is disposed within the central chamber and includes a coil assembly disposed within the lamination stack. The central chamber is flooded with an electrically nonconductive fluid, such as oil, for cooling the coil. The cooling oil is flowed in opposing directions to facilitate bidirectional cooling of the coil.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for measuring fluid level use a sensor comprising a first plate having continuous electrically conductive material and a second plate having electrically conductive material disposed in segments, the electrically conductive material of the first plate in opposition to the electrically conductive material of the second plate. The method comprises immersing the sensor in the fluid with at least one segment completely immersed in the fluid and at least one said segment completely out of the fluid. The method also includes sequentially energizing the segments. Further, the method includes detecting times of voltage transitions of a first signal at the first plate, relative to the sequential energizing of the segments, as an indication of fluid level.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an inductor comprises a core defining a first electromagnetic path, a second electromagnetic path and a third electromagnetic path, the third electromagnetic path substantially closing the first and second electromagnetic paths. The inductor also includes a first electrical coil wound about at least a portion of the first electromagnetic path and a second electrical coil wound about at least a portion of the second electromagnetic path. Another embodiment of the present invention uses the inductor in an electrical system such as a DC-to-DC converter. Inductors constructed according to the present invention can be used to provide "common mode" inductance and "differential mode" inductance in a single inductor.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an electric assist power steering system includes steerable wheels and a polyphase induction motor mechanically coupled to provide assistance in steering the wheels. Additionally, the system includes a DC power source such as a vehicle battery or an alternator. The system also includes an inverter to convert the output voltage of the DC power source into AC phase voltages for the induction motor, the AC phase voltages having line-to-line amplitudes less than or equal to the output voltage of the DC power source. Another embodiment of the present invention includes an induction motor designed to have rotor back iron thinner than stator back iron. Such a motor will have a rotor of reduced diameter, minimizing the rotational inertia of the rotor. The present invention enables a practical electric assisted power steering system and the numerous advantages derived from an electric assisted system.

Abstract: A voltage regulation system for an automobile comprises a voltage regulator and a powertrain control module. The powertrain control module has a quartz crystal as its time base, while the voltage regulator has a less-expensive, though more environmentally robust resistive-capacitive (RC) oscillator. The voltage regulator and powertrain control module communicate between one another using pulse-width modulation. Drift in the frequency of the RC oscillator in the voltage regulator is recognized through the powertrain control module's measurement of the frequency of the signal sent by the voltage regulator. The powertrain control module adjusts the frequency of the signal it sends to the voltage regulator, assuring that the drift in frequency of the RC oscillator does not inhibit accurate PWM communications between the two devices.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a fluid level sensor includes a resistive element and a float coupled to a contact. The float moves in response to the fluid level, causing the contact to follow a path on the resistive element. The resistive element includes a layer of resistive material disposed on an insulating substrate. The resistive element also includes a layer of conductive material disposed on the layer of resistive material. The conductive material is disposed in segments along the path followed by the contact. This embodiment of the present invention provides a high-durability fluid level sensor which further provides low electrical noise.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an electrical generating system for a motor vehicle includes a first alternator and a second alternator. The first alternator includes a first plurality of electrical power output windings, a first field winding in electromagnetic communication with the first plurality of electrical power output windings and a voltage regulator. The voltage regulator further includes an electrical driver coupled to the first field winding to control a current through the first field winding. The second alternator includes a second alternator further including a second plurality of electrical power output windings and a second field winding in electromagnetic communication with the second plurality of electrical power output windings. The said second field winding is coupled to the electrical driver for control of electrical current through the second field winding by the electrical driver.

Abstract: A power module has a metallic base plate layer and a substrate layer that has a first metallic layer, a dielectric layer, and a second metallic layer. A solder layer thermally and electrically connects the second metallic layer to the base plate. A plurality of silicon dice are mounted to the first metallic layer of the substrate. The solder layer has a void development region which after a predetermined number of thermal cycles does not significantly increase. The silicon dice are oriented on the substrate layer so that the silicon dice are not aligned over the void development region corresponding to the useful life of the module. The metallic base plate may also be mounted to a heatsink through a thermal grease layer. The heatsink may comprise the outer covering of the power module.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a system is provided or measuring the voltages of the traction batteries of an electric vehicle. The system includes switches provided to switchably couple the batteries individually to an amplifier. The system also includes switches provided to assure that the same polarity is always provided to the amplifier; a single-ended amplifier can thus be used. The system includes an analog-to-digital converter coupled in communication with the output of the amplifier, and an optical coupler which couples the output of the analog-to-digital converter to the low-voltage portion of the electric vehicle's electrical system.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle sliding door driven by an electric motor. The method includes generating a periodic signal representing a door position, measuring first and second pluralities of signal periods such that errors in the periodic signal are minimized, comparing the first and second pluralities of signal periods, and generating a motor control signal operative to deactivate the motor when the second plurality of signal periods exceed a selected percentage of the first plurality of signal periods. A system for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a "one-touch-up" power window system is provided for a motor vehicle. The system includes a controller which controls the power window motor. One function of the controller is to determine whether an obstruction impedes travel of the power window. The controller takes a plurality of samples of the electrical current drawn by the power window motor. If the last sample varies by more than a predetermined amount from any of the past samples taken over a predetermined distance of travel of the window, the controller concludes that an obstruction impedes the travel of the window. The controller then stops or reverses the power window motor to stop or reverse travel of the power window. In this embodiment of the present invention, distance of travel of the window can be inferred from rotations of the power window motor.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a vapor management system for the fuel system of a motor vehicle includes two carbon canisters for the capturing of fuel vapor from the vehicle's fuel tank. A fuel vapor control valve allows loading of the fuel vapor into the canisters in series and subsequent purging in parallel to the air intake of the vehicle's engine.