Abstract: An alternator regulator includes a status sensor connected to monitoring the connection of a voltage sensor to the alternator and a separate current limited monitor unit to regulate the output in accordance with the alternator current output. The sensor monitor unit includes a continuity circuit detector coupled to the voltage sensor and operable to continuously monitor the state of the connection to the alternator. A fault in the circuit connection such as a loose terminal, a broken lead or other such faults, opens the continuity circuit and generates a signal which drive the regulator off and terminates operation of the alternator, thereby protecting the alternator from possible destruction. A voltage/current mode selector receives a voltage related signal and a current related signal. A signal comparator is coupled to the voltage related signal and the sensed current related signal and generates a logic control signal applied to the selector to transmit one of the two signals.

Abstract: A method of carbonylation of formaldehyde is disclosed. In the method, an aqueous formaldehyde concentrate comprising between about 60% by weight and about 85% by weight formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and sulfuric acid are brought together in the absence of an effective amount of added Group IB cocatalyst in a reaction zone under a carbon monoxide partial pressure in the reaction zone of not greater than about 1.72.times.10.sup.7 N/M.sup.2. A carbonylation reaction is thereby effected in which a carbonylation product is produced comprising at least about 2% by weight sulfuric acid and a mixture of compounds of the formula:HO(CH.sub.2 COO).sub.n Hwherein n is a positive integer of at least 1. Also disclosed is a method for preparation of an alkyl glycolate by esterification of the carbonylation reaction mixture.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for a diesel engine driven alternator includes speed dip control permitting engine recovery, and a voltage signal circuit and a speed signal circuit producing a linear volts per hertz signal for controlling the RMS voltage of the alternator. A speed sensor is connected to the output of the permanent magnet generator. The signal is a filtered square wave with an accurate 50% mark-to-space ratio and converted to a pulse train coincident with the zero crossovers. A ramp circuit followed by a threshold detector and filter produces a linearly increasing voltage with decreasing speed. A level amplifier produces an output at a selected level. A rate amplifier responds to a derivative of the speed signal and clamps the level amplifier off at speed changes below a selected rate. A large and rapid speed change creates an output signal coupled to the reference side of an error amplifier to unload the alternator. The degree and rate of unloading is limited.

Abstract: A permanent magnet generator and rectifier is connected to the exciter of an alternator and a separate rectifier provides a D.C. voltage supply to a voltage regulator. A thyristor is connected in series with a second fuse across the exciter rectifier to short circuit the supply in series with a main external fuse. If the main fuse fails to open, the second fuse opens. The second fuse is potted in the regulators to prevent tampering. An overexcitation and a low voltage demand signal are sensed. The two signals are coupled to a NAND logic gate to produce an output shut-down signal. If either even is established and the first produces a signal, a shut-down signal is generated to a second comparator amplifier of latch circuit. A delay circuit connects the shut-down signal to a triggered oscillator for firing the thyristor.

Abstract: An automatic voltage regulator comprises means for monitoring the voltage of an alternator with a voltage crossover detector and a pulse generator so that a train of output control pulses are produced which are controlled in their mark to space ratio by the output of a circuit which senses the amplitude of the alternator output voltage.