Abstract: The present invention is directed to determining and controlling the appropriate moment at which a combined starter/alternator should transition from start-up mode to alternator/generator mode following an IC engine start-up sequence. The method relies on battery voltage or battery current monitoring to establish the timing of the transition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to determining and controlling the appropriate moment at which a combined starter/alternator should transition from start-up mode to alternator/generator mode following an IC engine start-up sequence. The method relies on starter/alternator motor phase voltage or motor phase current monitoring to establish the timing of the transition.

Abstract: An engine starting apparatus comprises a starter/alternator assembly operatively coupled to the engine and is capable of being operated in a starter mode for starting the engine and in a generator mode for generating electric power when driven by the engine. The starter/alternator assembly includes a starter/alternator machine drivingly connected to the engine, an inverter provided for controlling an output of the starter/alternator machine to selectively choose either the starting mode or the generation mode, and an electronic controller provided for controlling the starter/alternator assembly. The starting apparatus further comprises an engine speed sensor for monitoring a rotational speed of the engine that is electrically connected to the electronic controller. A method of controlling the engine starting apparatus controls transition of the starter/alternator assembly from the starter mode to the generator mode in response to the rotational speed of the engine directly sensed by the engine speed sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to determining and controlling the appropriate moment at which a combined starter/alternator should transition from start-up mode to alternator/generator mode following an IC engine start-up sequence. The method relies on either belt/chain tensioner position or the position of the belt/chain itself to determine when the IC engine has achieved self-sustaining operation and signal the starter/alternator to transition from start-up to generator mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preserving a starter/alternator in an I.C. engine system installation from repeated operation in the starter mode by detecting and preventing an I.C. engine stall by disabling the generator function of the starter/alternator. The system describes a method of comparing the detected rotational speed of the starter/alternator in generator mode with a reference rotational incipient stall speed of the system I.C. engine. If the I.C. engine speed falls below a threshold stall speed, the generator function of the starter/alternator is disabled. In addition, a second detected speed of the I.C. engine is detected following the disabling of the generator function to determine if the I.C. engine has resumed an engine speed above a second threshold speed, whereupon the generating function is restored.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting a component of an I.C. engine system by controlling a starter/alternator in response to the component's temperature. The system describes a method of comparing the temperature of the component to a predetermined threshold temperature and, if the temperature exceeds the threshold, disabling the starter/alternator. According to the present invention the temperature of the vehicle battery, starter/alternator motor and starter/alternator inverter may be protected. The starter/alternator is controlled/disabled according to mode of operation.

Abstract: A starting apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprises a starter/alternator assembly operatively coupled to the engine and capable of being operated in a starter mode for starting the engine and in a generator mode for generating electric power when driven by the engine. The starter/alternator assembly includes a starter/alternator machine drivingly connected to the engine, an inverter provided for controlling an output of the starter/alternator machine to selectively choose either the starting mode or the generation mode, and a starter/alternator speed sensor for monitoring a rotational speed of a rotor of the starter/alternator machine that is electrically connected to the starter/alternator inverter. A method of controlling the engine starting apparatus controls transition of the starter/alternator assembly from the starter mode to the generator mode in response to the rotational speed of the starter/alternator machine directly sensed by the starter/alternator speed sensor.

Abstract: A system of preserving a starter/alternator in an I.C. engine system installation from excessive operation in the starter mode is disclosed. The system describes a method of comparing the respective rotational speeds of the starter/alternator and I.C. engine in starter mode first to each other and then, if the same, to a predetermined threshold speed. If an overspeed condition is detected, disabling the starter/alternator in starter mode. In addition, if a predetermined number of I.C. engine start sequences have occurred without successful I.C. engine operation, the starter mode is disabled for a predetermined period of time. If several start failures have been detected, the starter/alternator can be disabled until a repair of the I.C. engine fault can be made. Where the respective rotational speeds of the starter/alternator and I.C.

Abstract: A starting apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprises a starter/alternator assembly operatively coupled to the engine and capable of being operated in a starter mode for starting the engine and in a generator mode for generating electric power when driven by the engine. The starter/alternator assembly includes a starter/alternator machine drivingly connected to the engine, an inverter provided for controlling an output of the starter/alternator machine to selectively choose either the starting mode or the generation mode, and a starter/alternator speed sensor for monitoring a rotational speed of a rotor of the starter/alternator machine that is electrically connected to the starter/alternator inverter. A method of controlling the engine starting apparatus controls transition of the starter/alternator assembly from the starter mode to the generator mode in response to the rotational speed of the starter/alternator machine directly sensed by the starter/alternator speed sensor.

Abstract: An engine starting apparatus comprises a starter/alternator assembly operatively coupled to the engine and is capable of being operated in a starter mode for starting the engine and in a generator mode for generating electric power when driven by the engine. The starter/alternator assembly includes a starter/alternator machine drivingly connected to the engine, an inverter provided for controlling an output of the starter/alternator machine to selectively choose either the starting mode or the generation mode, and an electronic controller provided for controlling the starter/alternator assembly. The starting apparatus further comprises an engine speed sensor for monitoring a rotational speed of the engine that is electrically connected to the electronic controller. A method of controlling the engine starting apparatus controls transition of the starter/alternator assembly from the starter mode to the generator mode in response to the rotational speed of the engine directly sensed by the engine speed sensor.

Abstract: A belt tensioner assembly for an internal combustion engine. A pair of tension members such as rollers engages the belt on opposite sides of a driving/driven member, such as a starter/alternator. The tension members are movably secured to the engine block or other device and are spring biased to engage the belt. Engaging the belt at multiple points and on either side of a driving/driven member, a floating tensioning device is created thus facilitating the ability to maintain sufficient minimum tension in the belt to prevent slippage regardless of load conditions.

Abstract: A system of preserving a starter/alternator in an I.C. engine system installation from excessive operation in the starter mode is disclosed. The system describes a method of comparing the respective rotational speeds of the starter/alternator and I.C. engine in starter mode first to each other and then, if the same, to a predetermined threshold speed. If an overspeed condition is detected, disabling the starter/alternator in starter mode. In addition, if a predetermined number of I.C. engine start sequences have occurred without successful I.C. engine operation, the starter mode is disabled for a predetermined period of time. If several start failures have been detected, the starter/alternator can be disabled until a repair of the I.C. engine fault can be made. Where the respective rotational speeds of the starter/alternator and I.C.