Abstract: A multipurpose device used in fermenting wine as a filter for hydrometer testing, siphoning, and a cap punch is disclosed. The filtering device includes a perforated vessel, tubular in shape, with a flange which floats on the cap of the must or fermenting wine and stabilizes the filtering device within the primary fermenter, while the submersed portion of the vessel, below the flange, fills through perforations with liquids free of debris for testing, siphoning, or sampling; a multi-ringed siphoning attachment inserts into the tubular shaped vessel of the filtering device, snaps into place on the rim of the vessel, and securely holds a siphon hose in place within the primary fermenter for siphoning; and a handle which, when snapped into place on the rim of the filtering device, converts the foot of the filtering device to a cap punch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an electric machine (2) subjected to some extent to a reluctance moment in the event of a fault, said method involving the steps of detecting (S1) a degree of demagnetization (10) of the electric machine (2) in the event of a fault, adjusting (S2) a target value generation for controlling the electric machine (2) on the basis of the degree of demagnetization (10), and controlling (S3) the electric machine (2) on the basis of the adjusted target value generation. The invention further relates to a corresponding apparatus (1).

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing spark generation in an ignition coil of an internal combustion engine at low rotational speeds of the flywheel. The method and system monitor the rotational speed of the flywheel and, when the rotational speed of the flywheel is below a threshold rotational speed, the system and method supplies voltage pulses to the primary winding. The timing of the voltage pulses supplied to the primary winding are triggered off of voltage transitions in pulses induced in the primary winding upon rotation of the flywheel. Once the internal combustion engine has started, the switching device transitions into a second condition to disconnect the electrical storage device from the primary winding. The spark generation system of the present disclosure allows for starting of an internal combustion engine upon slower initial rotational speeds.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mechatronic assembly for positioning a member including a control unit and an actuator, the control unit including a control algorithm and a power bridge, the algorithm controlling the power bridge, the power bridge outputting a two-wire electric signal, the actuator including a polyphase brushless electric motor having N phases (N being or higher), binary probes for detecting the position of the rotor of the motor, and power switches suitable for supplying the N phases of the motor from the two-wire electric signal, and states of the power switches is controlled directly by a signal emitted by the detection probes.

Abstract: A engine control unit comprises: a three-phase bridge circuit that has a first end connected to the first end of the first load and a second end connected to a ground, the three-phase bridge circuit performing commutation control on an alternating-current power supplied from the motor generator or driving the motor generator; a DC-DC converter connected between the first end of the three-phase bridge circuit and a second end of the control switch; a diode that has an anode connected to the battery connecting terminal and a cathode connected to the second end of the control switch; a voltage detecting circuit that detects a voltage of the battery connecting terminal; a first switch element connected between a second end of the coil and the ground; a second switch element connected between a second end of the first load and the ground; and a control circuit.

Abstract: An engine system for starting a gas turbine engine is provided. The system includes a starter generator coupled to the gas turbine engine and configured to provide torque to the gas turbine engine and a controller coupled to the starter generator and configured to provide a command signal to the starter generator. The starter generator provides the torque to the gas turbine engine based on the command signal, and the controller is configured to command the starter generator at a dwell speed until ignition.

Abstract: A starter control system is disclosed. In one example, the starter control system allows both automatic and manual control over an engine starting sequence. The starter control system can enhance starter control system flexibility.

Abstract: A series type hybrid electric vehicle that controls an internal combustion engine, generator, and electric motor for reducing the load applied to the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is restarted, lowers the thermal stresses to the internal combustion engine when the engine is turned off and is able to remove excess fuel when turning off the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: In a brushless direct-current drive with a synchronous motor (10), which has a stator (12) that supports a multi-phase stator winding (15) and a rotor (13) equipped with permanent magnet poles (20), and with a switch unit (11), which precedes the stator winding (15), for commutating the stator winding (15), in order to produce a fail-silent behavior, a field excitation winding (21) is disposed in the rotor (13), which winding can be supplied with current in the event of a malfunction so that it generates a magnetic flux oriented in the opposite direction from the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet poles (20).

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: The invention relates to a drive assembly of a motor vehicle, having a internal combustion engine and an electrical machine coupled or capable of being coupled to a crankshaft of the engine, wherein the electrical machine can be switched to motor and generator modes, and having an electronic control unit for controlling direct injection and ignition of the engine. It is provided that at the start of the engine (12) the crankshaft (16) can be put in a predeterminable starting position via the electrical machine (22) switched for motor operation, and upon attaining the starting position of the crankshaft (16), the ignition of the fuel injected into a starting cylinder (14) is effected, and via the electrical machine (22), a torque can be exerted on the crankshaft (16) during the entire starting operation.

Abstract: A starter cutoff control apparatus and method for a starter/generator used on an engine includes a circuit for detecting starter/generator armature current during an engine start operation, comparing the armature current to an armature current setpoint to produce an error signal; using the error signal to produce a field weakening control signal; and a circuit for producing a starter cutoff signal as a function of the field weakening control signal.

Abstract: An automotive device for inhibiting engine ignition in response to operation of an ignition switch in a manner inconsistent with a prescribed routine which varies unpredictably. The device has two operational modes for impairment detection and theft deterrence, the respective modes being enabled by a plurality of switches. A gauge warning light is energized in response to the ignition switch being turned to a first active position. After a variable interval of time the gauge warning light dims. Following the initiation of dimming, the operator must turn the ignition switch to a second active position within a "window of time", whereby the operator's reflexes and concentration are tested. Failure of the operator to turn the ignition switch within the "window of time" results in disablement of the starter.

Abstract: A modular power plant comprises an internal combustion engine coupled to an electrical machine. The electrical machine may be used to start the engine and to generate electrical energy. The power plant is provided with an electronic control and protection system comprising an electronic processing and control unit arranged to operate in a first mode when the power plant is used alone, and in a second mode when the power plant is used together in a coordinated manner in an installation comprising a further n power plants. In this second mode of operation the processing and control unit may act as a master unit for controlling and coordinating the operation of the processing and control units of the other n power plants in a predetermined manner, or as a slave unit controlled by another control and processing unit of one of the other n power plants. Means are provided for assigning the roll of master unit to one of the control and processing units of the n+1 power plants.

Abstract: A power-generating installation comprises a plurality of modular power plants each comprised of an internal combustion engine connected to an electric machine. The electric machine is used to start the engine and thereafter operates as a generator supplying power to an electrical network common to all the modular plants. The installation has a control and protection system comprising a plurality of control modules each associated with a respective plant, and a central unit passing control signals to the modules to control starting and stopping of the individual power plants. Upon the detection of abnormal operation or failure of its associated power plant, each control module transmits an alarm signal back to the central unit which thereupon stops, or prevents the starting, of the corresponding power plant. Parameters monitored by each control module include generated current and inter-winding leakage current of the electric machine.

Abstract: A starting apparatus for a gas turbine-generator mounted on an electric motor driven motorcar includes a gas turbine and an A.C. generator with A.C. output terminals coupled directly to the turbine. A rectifier with D.C. output terminals is connected to the A.C. output terminals of the A.C. generator. A battery device is connected to the D.C. output terminals of the rectifier. An inverter has D.C. input terminals connected to the floating battery device in parallel and A.C. output terminals from which an A.C. output is derived. A control circuit is connected to the inverter for controlling the speed of the motorcar. At least one A.C. motor energized by the A.C. output of the inverter for driving the motorcar is provided. A switching device connects the A.C. output terminals of the inverter to the A.C. output terminals of the A.C. generator when the gas turbine is started and connects the A.C. output terminals to the A.C. input terminals of the A.C. motor after the gas turbine is started.