Abstract: An apparatus for retarding an increase in braking torque associated with connecting an electrical consumer to a power supply of a drive system of a vehicle such as an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The apparatus includes a generator operatively connected to the drive engine. The generator serves to supply one or more electrical consumers. The apparatus also includes a control system which causes the generator to subject the drive engine to a slowly increasing braking torque during engagement of one or more electrical consumers to thereby provide time for performance of an ignition or filling intervention to ensure the increased load of the added consumer(s) does not cause undesirable effects in engine performance.

Abstract: The switchgear comprises a circuit breaker having an open position for isolating a generator from the network, and a closed position for connecting the generator to the network, together with a disconnector having a fixed pole connected to the generator and a contact connected to the fixed pole and movable relative thereto to occupy, when the circuit breaker is open, a first position connecting the generator to a starter circuit and a second position connecting the generator to ground. The moving contact of the disconnector also possesses a third position in which it forms an equipotential appendix for the fixed pole when the circuit breaker is closed. The moving contact does not carry the steady electric current of the generator, thus making it possible advantageously to reduce its dimensions so that they are capable merely of withstanding transient electrical conditions when in the first and third positions.

Abstract: A generator set controller includes a dead bus sensor producing a dead bus signal indicative of a power failure on a power bus that is an input to the controller on a digital input channel. The controller also receives a voltage signal from a phase of a power bus.

Abstract: A bicycle dynamo with a rotary-current generator having a stator and a rotor which can be rotated relative to the stator. The stator or the rotor has radially extending pole fingers which are wound individually with one surrounding magnetic coil winding respectively. The ratio of the number of poles of the rotor to the number of poles of the stator is a non-integer value, and the ratio of the number of poles of the stator to the number of poles of the rotor is a non-integer value. This permits the implementation of a bicycle dynamo of a high efficiency even at a relatively low riding speed, which may be used, for example, to power bicycle lighting systems.

Abstract: A power source system for a vehecle is disclosed. The system has a generator driven by an internal combustion engine, a control equipment for controlling the generator, a battery, a heater which is heated by the generated output of the temperature detecting means for detecting generator, and a temperature of the heater. The system has a switch between the heater and between the generator and the generator and the battery. The heater and the battery are connected in parallel to each other.

Abstract: A pseudo-mechanical system in accordance with the invention comprises an electrical generator which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy to power the resistive heating of an ohmic electromechanical component, whose consequent form change is exploited to perform mechanical work.

Abstract: A circuit for regulating the charging voltage to a battery and connected to the field inductor (IND) of an alternator (ALT) which supplies that voltage.It is connected by a control cable to the battery and comprises an electric path, extending between a terminal for connection to the alternator and ground, which is only activated when the battery voltage drops below a predetermined threshold value.This electric path comprises a switch (TSW) driven from a control circuit (COMP1,T4) which sense the battery voltage, and when activated, the voltage drop across the path is substantially equal to that of the regulated voltage. The control circuit also senses breakage in the battery sensing cable, and ceases driving the alternator when this occurs.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying electric power to heating devices of a vehicle, making it possible to utilize the maximum amount of electric power generated by an alternator when a plurality of electrically heated catalysts mounted on the vehicle are to be supplied with electric power from the alternator only.

Abstract: A control system for controlling an alternator driven by an engine, for generating electric power, has a changeover switch for selectively switching destination of electric power generated by the alternator to a plurality of electric loads having respective different load voltage values. An ECU controls switching operation of the changeover switch and controls the alternator electric power, according to a direction in which the changeover switch has been switched.

Abstract: A turn-on/turn-off stage for an electronic voltage regulator operates (i) between a battery voltage and a ground, and (ii) responsively to a control signal received from an alternator, in order to (1) turn on the voltage regulator, enabling regulation of the alternator, and also to (2) turn off the voltage regulator, presenting a high impedance to a battery. For an "A"-Type Voltage Regulator ("B"-Type Voltage Regulator) the stage includes, in electrical parallel between the battery voltage and the ground, (1) a first resistor in electrical series with (2) a "two-legged" circuit. The (2) "two-legged" circuit includes (2a) a first leg consisting of a first diode forward-biased to the battery voltage in electrical series with (a second diode forward-biased to the battery voltage in electrical series with) a second resistor, in electrical parallel with (2b) a second leg consisting of a second (third) diode forward-biased to the battery voltage and a capacitor.

Abstract: In an electric power supply system including an alternator generating a low-voltage for energizing a battery and a low-voltage load and a high-voltage for energizing a high-voltage load such as a heater for a catalytic converter. Switching elements are disposed in an alternator housing to supply a low-voltage load and a high-voltage load selectively. The switching elements compose a part of rectifying unit for supplying DC output power to the high-voltage or low-voltage load.

Abstract: An automated control system for controlling lights and other electrical loads in a motor vehicle is operable with an engine-driven alternator and responsive to the operation of the engine for turning on the load whenever the engine is operating or above a selected engine speed. The vehicle loads are switched on and off automatically by the sensing of alternator output voltage, either alone or in combination with alternator frequency or sensing battery voltage, or both.

Abstract: A pseudo-mechanical system in accordance with the invention comprises an electrical generator which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy to power the resistive heating of an ohmic electromechanical component, whose consequent form change is exploited to perform mechanical work.

Abstract: In the case of an electrical wiring for a motor vehicle having a primary system which includes a voltage-controlled generator, a primary energy accumulator as well as at least one primary energy consuming device, and having a paralleled secondary system which includes a secondary energy accumulator as well as at least one secondary energy consuming device, the secondary system includes a control unit with a controllable resistor connected to the generator. The control unit monitors the charge condition of the secondary energy accumulator. As a function of the currently determined charge condition of the secondary energy accumulator, the control unit, on the one hand, controls the controllable resistor in such a manner that, during the charging of the secondary energy accumulator, the primary system is not overloaded.

Abstract: A highly reliable and low cost power supply unit for vehicles is provided which allows the control operation of a high voltage load controller to be carried out easily. When electric power is supplied from a generator 1A to a high voltage load 5, a change-over relay 4A is switched so that a battery 6a is connected to the high voltage load 5 to excite a field winding 12 of the generator. A first diode 21 and a second diode 22 are provided so that when the electric power generated by the generator the current generated by the generator is prevented from flowing into a vehicle system voltage load 6 including a battery 6a.

Abstract: A power supply system has two power supply generators connected to respective power buses, to which various loads are connected via relays. A monitor unit has a store with information about the thermo-electric performance of the generators and information relating the power drawn from the generator to the time for which that power can be drawn safely. The monitor monitors the power drawn from each generator and the time for which it is drawn and disconnects a load when power is drawn at a level and for a time that exceeds a safety limit in the store. The monitor reconnects a load when the power drawn from the generator and its thermo-electric performance indicate that this can be done safely.

Abstract: A power supply system for controlling supply of power to several inductive loads has a power monitor and a processor that determines when power consumed exceeds the capacity of the system. When overload is detected, hardware rapidly disconnects loads of low priority. A software register is loaded with software controlling staggered reconnection of the loads when power capacity becomes sufficient again. If capacity is sufficient, all the loads may be reconnected at the same time.

Abstract: A back-up electric power generating system comprises a first variable speed synchronous generator drivably coupled to a first prime mover, a second variable speed synchronous generator drivably coupled to a second prime mover, a converter having a first and a second input coupled to the first and second generators respectively, and an output, and a logic circuit in controlling communication with the converter for designating one of the first or second generators as a primary power source and one as a standby power source, exclusively. The system further comprises a primary voltage regulator selectably coupled to the primary power source generating a controlled current signal to maintain its output voltage at a given level, and a pulse exciter selectably coupled to the standby power source for verifying the operational readiness of the standby power source. This pulse exciter generates a current pulse signal to the exciter field of said standby power source and monitors the output voltage generated thereby.

Abstract: An enhanced charging system for a motor vehicle includes an alternator, a voltage regulator, and an engine controller. The voltage regulator and engine controller are connected by two circuits. One of the circuits provides the engine controller with a measure of the torque about to be applied to the engine by the alternator. The other circuit allows the engine controller to command the target voltage at which the voltage regulator is to control the alternator. The engine controller determines the target voltage based on intake air temperature, a measure of the temperature of the air at the intake of the engine. The engine controller then modifies the target voltage based on (1) whether the throttle of the engine is near wide-open-throttle; (2) whether the brakes of the vehicle are applied; and (3) whether the alternator is about to apply an increased torque to the engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for switching on and off vehicular electrical loads. The switching of these loads is controlled automatically by sensing alternator output voltage either alone or in combination with alternator frequency and or vehicle battery voltage.

Abstract: A charging control apparatus for a vehicle, which controls a power generation of an AC generator for charging a battery, comprises: a switching circuit connected in series to a field winding of the generator; a comparator for detecting a voltage of a battery and comparing the battery voltage with a sawtooth wave of a predetermined period; a memory device for storing a value regarding a duty factor of an output of the comparator at the same period as the predetermined period of the sawtooth; a control value increasing/decreasing circuit for increasing or decreasing a control value as an output, thereby making the stored value coincide with the control value; and an AND circuit to calculate AND of the control value and an output of the comparator.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle equipped with an engine senses a condition indicating the capacity of the battery of the vehicle. When the capacity is below a prescribed level, the drive current to an actuator of the vehicle is adjusted to prevent the battery from becoming excessively discharged. In one form of the invention, the drive current is decreased to decrease the load on the battery. In another form of the invention, the actuator is controlled to increase the engine speed, thereby increasing the output of a generator driven by the engine. In another form of the invention, the actuator is controlled to stop the engine. When the engine is restarted, the initial rotational speed of the engine is high enough for the generator to recharge the battery.

Abstract: The method of regulating a voltage produced by a generator with a voltage regulator according to a battery charge state includes providing a controller containing a clock and a memory able to store battery and power supply reference data, battery voltage and generator rotation speed; maintaining a regulated voltage produced by the generator at a normal value (U.sub.R) during a first time interval (t1); measuring a battery voltage (U.sub.B) and decreasing the regulated voltage (U.sub.R) during a second time interval (t2); determining the battery charge state from the measured battery voltage (U.sub.B) according to the stored battery- and power supply-reference data; and, when the battery charge state is determined to be unsatisfactory, determining an additional time interval (t4) with the controller and an amount of increase of the regulated voltage (U.sub.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling a solenoid switch connecting a power supply to a load. The apparatus constantly monitors the level of output voltage of the power supply, and accordingly controls the engagement or disengagement of the solenoid switch. Initially at the time the power switch is just turned on, the solenoid switch would not be engaged until the voltage has reached a predetermined level. After the solenoid switch is engaged and power is delivered to the load, the apparatus would disengage the solenoid switch when the voltage level of the power supply goes beyond an upper limit or below a bottom limit. Utilizing the apparatus, the power input to the load can be kept in a desired range.

Abstract: A dual state power system utilizing power drivers to switch an alternator from 12 volt to 24 volt charging. A 12-24 volt alternator regulator charges a 12 volt battery or a 24 volt battery depending on the position of a mode switch. The invention allows the use of one alternator/engine combination to charge either a 12 volt or 24 volt system. The invention uses a 12 volt mode priority to override a 24 volt charging mode. The 24 volt charging mode is interrupted to provide voltage to a 12 volt battery for a predetermined time period. A voltage controller drives a smart electrical current driver which controls the output of an alternator. A reset circuit determines from system parameters reported from system components whether the charging system to a reset error circuit whether or not the alternator is operating correctly. A sense lamp driver indicates to the user that the system is in a non functioning state.

Abstract: In a charging control apparatus for a vehicle for controlling generation of electric power from a vehicle's generator charging a battery, the rate of increase in the field current of the generator is increased when an electrical load is connected to the generator. A switch is connected in series with the field winding, and a mean conduction rate detector detects the mean conduction rate of the switch and generates an output signal having a value which is a function of the mean conduction rate of the switch. A maximum signal generator generates an output signal having a value larger by a predetermined value than that of the output signal of the mean conduction rate detector, and a comparator is enabled to operate while the maximum signal generator is generating the maximum signal. The comparator is preferably enabled again when the value of the mean output signal of the conduction rate detector exceeds a preset value.

Abstract: A battery protector/automatic ON switching device comprises a first terminal for connecting to the generator output of the vehicle and a second terminal for connecting to the input pole of the vehicle battery, and a diode serially connecting the first and second terminals to permit a charging current to flow to the battery and block current flow in the reverse direction. A third terminal for connection to a load circuit of the vehicle connects to the first terminal through an automatic switch which will switch on the ON condition only when at least a threshold voltage sufficient to excite the genertor to its full output is experienced at the first terminal. The first terminal connects directly to a dummy pole that may be gripped by a booster cable for providing a booster charge to another battery. The diode prevents current flow from the battery of the source vehicle and the inadvertent damage thereof.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration system including a refrigerant compressor which is alternatively driven by an internal combustion engine or an electric induction motor. The transport refrigeration system achieves and maintains a predetermined set point temperature in a served space by heating and cooling cycles. When additional heat is required during a heating cycle while the internal combustion engine is driving the compressor, capacitors are connected across the induction motor, to cause the motor to function as an induction generator and build up an output voltage. The output voltage is monitored, and when it is sufficient to sustain a load, resistors located to aid the heating cycle are connected to receive the output voltage.

Abstract: An electric generating system is provided and consists of a generator mechanically operated by a starter motor in which the generator operates a battery charger to recharge a battery that can operate the starter motor when the starter motor is disengaged from a remote power source.

Abstract: A motor-driven alternator including an improved remote on/off switch closure detection system capable of detecting closure of solid-state switches. Such switches are typical of appliances, tools, or other electrical load devices. A sensing signal is provided by a higher voltage ac or pulsating dc signal for overcoming the forward breakdown voltage of semi-conductors typical of such switches. A detection circuit is included which comprises an opto-isolator circuit for isolation of the power and sensing circuits.

Abstract: Electrical power for an electrically heated vehicle windshield is controlled by an arrangement utilizing a modified alternator coupled to the windshield heater via an autotransformer. In a high power mode, the vehicle battery is coupled to a center tap of the alternator, while in a normal power mode the vehicle battery is coupled to a conventional rectified output of the alternator. A microprocessor controlled silicon controlled rectifier bridge provides direct current to the windshield heater element by rectifying the output of the autotransformer. Additionally, a current sensor coupled to the heater element is utilized by the microprocessor to determine the electrical resistance of the heater element in order to take required diagnostic measures.

Abstract: A high power supply apparatus employs a high-power load such as a deicing means for deicing a windshield of the automobile. The high-power load is connected to a converter which connects the output voltage of the alternator to a predetermined voltage. During the operation of the high-power load, the alternator is disconnected from the battery through a switch, and at the same time, the rotating speed of the alternator is increased by the idle speed controller. Since the high-converter means converts the output voltage of the alternator when the rotating speed of the alternator is increased, a predetermined electric power of the alternator is supplied to the high-power load.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle electrical system has a normal operation mode and a defog or deice operation mode. In the defog operation mode, a higher output of a generator is applied to a vehicle window heater element. The defog operation mode is prevented from being activated until an engine idling gets stable even when the defog operation mode is selected, so as to improve the engine starting performance.

Abstract: A system for preventing frost from accumulating on a window of a motor vehicle has a heating element provided on the window, a temperature switch, which is closed when the temperature of the window is lower than 0.degree. C., and a humidity switch, which is closed when the humidity of air outside of the window becomes about 100%. When both the switches are closed, an electric circuit is closed to connect a battery with the heating element. At the same time, a wiper of the vehicle is operated for a short time to wipe out dew on the window.

Abstract: An automatic alternator is coupled to both a step up and a step down transformer. The outputs from the transformer are rectified and connected respectively to a windshield heater and to a circuit comprising the normal 14 volt car loads and the battery. A switch is coupled to the output of the step up transformer to control the energization of the windshield heater. Output leads from the alternator also bypass the transformer and are rectified with its DC output connected through switched to a positive temperature coefficient of resistivity heater and to the normal car load circuit.

Abstract: A regulator is responsive to an input signal proportional to the system supply voltage for adjusting the current flowing in the field windings of an electrical alternator which controls the output power thereof. The primary regulation loop of the regulator generates a pulse train having a duty cycle inversely proportional to the amplitude of the input signal while an oscillator provides a sawtooth signal at a predetermined frequency which controls the response frequency of the regulator. The regulator limits the rate of increase in the duty cycle of pulse train upon detecting a decrease in the system supply voltage by converting the duty cycle of the pulse train to a charging signal for developing a voltage across a capacitor proportional to the duty cycle of the pulse train. The voltage across the capacitor is compared to the sawtooth signal and triggers a latch which disables the output signal of the regulator as the duty cycle lengthens in response to the decrease in the system supply voltage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supplying electricity at overvoltage in an automobile.Automobile circuits comprise a main circuit (1) and an auxiliary circuit (2) requiring to be temporarily supplied at overvoltage. The main circuit is normally supplied by a battery (3) fed by an alternator (4) of which the excitation circuit is regulated by a regulator (5). In accordance with the invention, the device includes commutation means (6) controlled from the stator output of the alternator on the auxiliary load (2), the excitation of the alternator (4) following this commutation being taken via the regulator (5) to a sufficient value as a function of the state of the engine (M) for assuring a temporary supply state of the auxiliary circuits (2) at overvoltages and at reduced current.Application to supply of electric circuits of automobiles or the like.

Abstract: A supplementary heating system particularly suitable for an automotive vehicle comprises a step down transformer coupled to the stator windings of the vehicle's alternator and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) of resistivity heater electrically connected intermediate the stator windings and the transformer in parallel with the transformer. Due to the presence of the transformer the voltage regulator causes the alternator to operate at a higher than customary voltage to provide the conventional 14.4 volts for the vehicle's normal electrical loads with the high voltage used to energize the heater. The heater can be in the form of a so-called "honeycomb" having a plurality of parallely extending passages or cells disposed in the air stream going from the main heater into the passenger compartment and can be either a multiphase, single phase or direct current type.

Abstract: A voltage regulator that reduces the voltage output of a generator to make it appropriate for use with an external load. The voltage regulator includes a starting unit for use with on-demand generators to cause the on-demand generator to start without presenting a risk to the external load.

Abstract: An automotive charging apparatus employs a high voltage load, such as a deicing means for deicing a windshield of the automobile, in the line which connects a battery with an alternator. The automotive charging apparatus also employs a switch in parallel with the high voltage load so that an output voltage is supplied both to the high voltage load and to the battery when the switch member is opened and the output voltage is supplied only to the battery when the switch member is closed. The output voltage of the alternator changes to the higher level when the switch member is opened in order to maintain the battery voltage within the range of the predetermined value.

Abstract: An electrical power supply used on a motor vehicle is interconnected with the vehicle battery, alternator and regulator. The power supply includes a voltage multiplier for multiplying the rectified output voltage from the alternator, and welding sockets for facilitating a welding operation. A multi-pole switch exclusively selects the operating mode of the power supply from among normal battery charging, power appliance operation and welding.

Abstract: A single phase, multipole alternator with inertial and/or electromagnetic energy storage is disclosed. More specifically, the present invention involves a high energy pulsed alternator which is capable of generating a variety of pulse signals by ready modification of the angle between the magnetic axes of the excitation field coil and the compensating coil or conducting shield.

Abstract: The converter described comprises a generator (2) having a rotor (3) driven by a spring (1) via a gear-train (4), and means (11) for electrically braking the rotor (3). In one form of embodiment of the converter, the mean rotational speed of the rotor (3) is adjusted to a predetermined set speed by a control circuit (12) which periodically cuts out the braking means (11) in response to a reference signal having a period equal to the ratio between a predetermined rotational angle of the rotor (3) and the set speed. The control circuit (12) cuts the braking means (11) in again after a length of time which varies in response to a signal generated by a circuit (26, 27) for comparing the real angular position of the rotor (3) at the beginning of each period of the refernce signal with the angular position it should be in when running at the set speed.The converter may for instance be used in a timepiece having hands (9) that are also driven by the spring (1).

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for improving the operation of the on-board generator during use of air-conditioning in motor homes so the generator runs only when the thermostat demands the A/C unit(s) to run, as opposed to conventional motor-home A/C systems that require running of the generator even during intermittent shut-downs of the A/C unit(s). Such devices are formed of a plurality of time-delay relays connected with additional components in a unique arrangement with typical motor home electrical wiring, thermostat, A/C unit(s) and generator.

Abstract: A regulated chopped DC power supply comprising an alternator with a stator and a rotor, the alternator having a three-phase winding for providing a high voltage output (1, 2, 3) and a star-connected three-phase winding for providing a low voltage output. Also included is a control circuit (14) for controlling a rectifier (12) which is connected to the high voltage output (1, 2, 3) of the alternator to produce a regulated chopped dc output (52) for powering electrical appliances. The control circuit (14) periodically interrupts the rectifier (12) at a frequency to interrupt substantially simultaneously all of the phases of the high voltage output.

Abstract: A supplementary heating system particularly suitable for an automotive vehicle comprises a step down transformer coupled to the stator windings of the vehicle's alternator and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) of resistivity heater electrically connected intermediate the stator windings and the transformer in parallel with the transformer. Due to the presence of the transformer the voltage regulator causes the alternator to operate at a higher than customary voltage to provide the conventional 14.4 volts for the vehicle's normal electrical loads with the high voltage used to energize the heater. The heater can be in the form of a so-called "honeycomb" having a plurality of parallely extending passages or cells disposed in the air stream going from the main heater into the passenger compartment and can be either a multiphase, single phase or direct current type.

Abstract: A voltage regulator maintains an output voltage of an alternator of a vehicle to a voltage in the vicinity of a preset voltage. The voltage regulator has a microcomputer for setting the OFF duty ratio, a switching circuit for switching on or off an electric current flowing through a rotor coil of the alternator and a load sensor for detecting the operation of the intermittent load. The microcomputer sets the OFF duty ratio to a value directly proportional to the difference between the output voltage and the preset voltage before the operation of the intermittent load is started. And the microcomputer gradually decreases the OFF duty ratio set by said duty ratio setting means at the initial operation time of the intermittent load, and memorizes the OFF duty ratio when the output voltage reaches its upper limit value exceeding the preset voltage.

Abstract: A load regulator for a linear alternator driven by a free piston Stirling engine. A substantially constant output voltage is maintained across the useful load by shunting a portion of the armature output current of the alternator through a variable energy absorbing conductance and varying that conductance in proportion to changes in the output voltage of the alternator in order to maintain a constant total armature power output. The regulator may be made more efficient by forming the armature coil as a plurality of series connected coils by one or more taps and then switching the number of series coil turns in connection to the load approximately in inverse proportion to the square root of the steady state power demand of the load so that the total armature output power is switched between discrete levels while the output voltage is maintained constant for all those levels by the variable impedance.

Abstract: A load control system for controlling the field current of an alternating current generator and the idle speed control system for the engine that drives the generator. A voltage regulator senses the output voltage of the generator and controls field current by causing a semiconductor switch connected in series with the field winding to switch on and off in accordance with the magnitude of the sensed voltage. The voltage regulator is controlled to operate in a conventional manner when engine speed is higher than engine idle speed. When engine speed is in an idle speed range the duty cycle or on time of the semiconductor is controlled such that consecutive occurring on times are gradually increased to gradually increase field current when the output voltage of the generator is below a desired regulated value.

Abstract: The invention is a two-level power system for electrically powered aircraft sub-systems. An aircraft engine (2) drives a three phase generator (30) at a variable speed. The output of generator (30) is primary variable-voltage/variable-frequency (VV-VF) power which is utilized by various aircraft subsystems. A portion of the primary VV-VF power is converted to constant voltage-constant frequency (CV-CF) power by an inverter (31) which includes front end rectification. The CV-CF power is then available to selected aircraft subsystems while portions of the CV-CF power are converted by rectifier (32) and transformer-rectifier (33) into 270 vdc and 28 vdc power, respectively, which power is also then available to aircraft sub-systems.