Abstract: A D.C. charging and starter circuit for a vehicle includes a microcomputer which monitors the state of battery switch units, a pair of charging generators and a starter switch, and operates to control various switching elements and the like to prevent accidental discharge of the batteries, and to prevent damage to either the electrical load or the generator rectifier circuits.

Abstract: A DC-link, variable speed constant frequency power system is provided with an auxiliary DC output. The system includes a variable speed generator for producing a DC voltage on a pair of DC-link conductors. When the generator is operated in its normal speed range, an inverter converts the DC voltage to a constant frequency AC voltage. When the generator is operated at a speed which is below its normal speed range or when an external auxiliary output command signal is received, the DC-link conductors are switched to an auxiliary output line and the DC-link voltage is regulated to maintain the desired auxiliary output voltage level.

Abstract: An inductor generator for welding in which: a plurality of generator elements are combined and incorporated in a single generator and respectively provided with excitation windings to render the generator elements self excitable; a constant-current control circuit is inserted between each excitation winding and corresponding field winding in order to stabilize the field current which has been once set. The constant-current control circuits are so mutually connected that compensation operation is possible so that, when the field current of any of the generator elements is varied, fluctuations of the output values of the other generator elements are prevented, these fluctuations otherwise being due to various effects acting mutually between the generator elements, particularly magnetic effect, in spite of the fact that the field currents of the other generator elements are being maintained at their set values. As a result the above described problems of the prior art are overcome.

Abstract: A single alternator having multiple isolated windings provides multiple outputs as for charging 12 and 24 volt batteries. A main regulator controls the field coil current and a secondary regulator controls the charging current for the second battery by controlling the second rectifier.

Abstract: A multivoltage electrical system for a motor vehicle that has a pair of storage batteries which, in a first charging mode are charged in series from the direct voltage output terminals of a bridge rectifier connected to an alternating current generator. In a second charging mode, only one of the batteries is charged and this takes place when a plurality of controlled rectifiers connecting the generator and a common junction of the batteries are gated conductive. The switching between modes is a function of the voltage of one of the batteries and the voltage of a triangular voltage waveform generator operating at a fixed frequency. The system is maintained in the second mode when generator speed is below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A generator adapted to be driven by rotational forces applied to the wheel of an automotive vehicle or the like comprising a stator coupled to the vehicle frame and a rotor which includes wheel mounting structure so that the rotor is adapted to be effectively driveably coupled to the wheel. The rotor includes a cup-shaped body telescopically received over the stator coaxially with the axis of rotation, with a plurality of axially spaced circumferential arrays of magnets being mounted internally of the cup-shaped rotor body. A plurality of core assemblies are mounted on the stator in axially spaced positions corresponding to the circumferential magnet arrays. A disc brake flange projects from the rotor body and is adapted to cooperate with disc brake calipers carried by the vehicle frame for applying braking forces to the wheel.In a charging system for the energy storage batteries of an electrically powered vehicle or the like, the batteries comprise individual low voltage batteries connected in series.

Abstract: The same electrical machine geared to the fly-wheel of a vehicle engine serves as the starter and as the generator. This machine is excited by permanent magnets on a rotor and its stator is wound with two phase windings offset from each other by 90.degree. electrical. Half-bridge rectifiers are utilized in a circuit cooperating with the center tap of each winding for charging the battery in generator operation, cooperating with a unit including at least one MOSFET for regulating the charging current. In motor operation the winding center taps are connected to one pole of the battery and the common connection of the MOSFETs is connected to the other pole of the battery so that these devices can operate as d.c. to a.c. converter elements for providing pulses in proper sequence to the erstwhile generator to make it operate as a motor.

Abstract: The alternator comprises an induction winding sub-divided into two half-windings (1, 2) each connected to the input terminals of a respective double half-wave rectifier circuit (3, 4). It further includes thyristors (14) each of which connects a terminal (A, B, C) of one half winding (1) to a non-homologous terminal (C',A',B') of the other half-winding (2) such that, when the thyristors (14) are triggered, the electromotive forces generated in the two said half-windings (1, 2) are added in phase with each other. When the speed of rotation of the engine of the motor vehicle is less than a predetermined value, the said thyristors (14) are triggered and hence the two half-windings (1, 2) are connected in series with each other. If the speed of rotation of the engine surpasses this predetermined value, the thyristors (14) are not triggered, and the two half-windings (1, 2) are connected in parallel with each other.

Abstract: To utilize the full power capacity of alternators 1, the alternator phases are connected through a transformer 9 to the rectifier 4 which provides rectified output to a battery 8. The transformer 9 has tapped windings, the taps being placed in circuit with the alternator-rectifier network in dependence on a speed control signal, for example derived from the frequency of the alternator, to effect tap changing and matching of the internal impedance of the alternator 1 to the battery 8/load L combination. In accordance with one feature (FIGS. 2, 3), the taps are on the primary, and a-c switches such as triacs 15 are selectively energized as the speed of the generator changes; in accordance with another embodiment (FIGS. 4, 5), the taps are on the secondary of the transformer, and unilaterally conductive switches, such as thyristors or SCRs 48, can be used, in parallel with the rectifier diodes 47 of the rectifying array, and selectively fired as a function of speed.

Abstract: The laminated stator core for an engine ignition system includes in addition to that ignition system an arrangement for charging the storage battery of an internal combustion engine powered device during engine operation with a charging coil surrounding one leg of the ignition stator core and a rectifier coupling to the charging coil for conveying a varying unidirectional current to the battery. The ignition system may be of the type having a three legged E-shaped laminated stator core and a flywheel supported permanent magnet with charging coils being positioned on each of the outer E legs with diodes in series with each charging coil and means connecting the two coil-diode series circuits in parallel with one another and to the battery for providing a pair of sequential primary charging current pulses to the battery during each revolution of the flywheel. A fourth laminated stator core leg supporting a charging coil may be employed in some circumstances.

Abstract: The laminated stator core for an engine ignition system includes in addition to that ignition system an arrangement for charging the storage battery of an internal combustion engine powered device during engine operation with a charging coil surrounding one leg of the ignition stator core and a rectifier coupled to the charging coil for conveying a varying unidirectional current to the battery. The ignition system may be of the type having a three legged E-shaped laminated stator core and a flywheel supported permanent magnet with charging coils being positioned on each of the outer E legs with diodes in series with each charging coil and means connecting the two coil-diode series circuits in parallel with one another and to the battery for providing a pair of sequential primary charging current pulses to the battery during each revolution of the flywheel. A fourth laminated stator core leg supporting a charging coil may be employed in some circumstances.

Abstract: In an emergency vehicle having dual batteries, one of which is employed for supplying power to the electrical system of the vehicle chassis and the other of which is employed for supplying power to the emergency equipment, dual alternators driven by the engine are provided for charging the batteries. The output of each alternator is connected to the input of its regulator and to both batteries whereby both alternators will be on at all times when the engine is running and will share the load on either or both batteries.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for regulating the supply of power by a fixed field A.C. generator which generates current to charge a battery, including an openable and closeable current charging path being connectable between the fixed field A.C. generator and the battery, a circuit which senses battery voltage and generates control signals in response to the voltage being above or below a predetermined level, and a circuit, responsive to the control signals, which opens and closes the current charging path and which reduces the power supplied by the generator when the current charging path is opened. The voltage regulator also has an over-current protection circuit, and circuits for indicating over-voltage and under-voltage battery conditions.

Abstract: A multi-winding a-c electric power supply is connected to a d-c load circuit via a power rectifier assembly comprising at least two legs connected in parallel across the load circuit. Each leg has at least four serially interconnected unilaterally conducting devices. A first one of the power supply windings is connected between the two rectifier legs at points between first and second devices thereof, and a duplicate winding (voltages of both windings are in-phase and of equal amplitude) is connected between the legs at points between third and fourth devices thereof, whereby the windings are effectively connected in parallel. The respective junctures of the second and third devices in all of the rectifier legs are interconnected by switching means which, upon switching to a closed circuit state, short circuits these junctures and thereby changes the connection of the windings from parallel to series.

Abstract: In an emergency vehicle, a feedback system for dual alternators employed to charge two batteries and wherein one battery is employed to supply power for the vehicle chassis electrical system and the emergency equipment load is supplied with power directly from the outputs of the two alternators. A separate regulator is provided for each alternator for regulating the voltage applied to its alternator. The output of each alternator is connected to the input of its regulator by way of a diode.

Abstract: A solid state control circuit is connected to the output of an engine or motor driven alternator to provide a direct current output primarily for welding purposes. The control circuit includes gate controlled thyristors (SCRs) which are gated on at precise times within each cycle in order to provide an output having desired characteristics, such as constant current or constant voltage. Synchronizing windings associated with the alternator provide signals used to control the time of gating for the SCRs. Circuit means are included to insure that the control signals will be unaffected by any disturbances generated within the synchronizing signals due to the operation of the SCRs, and one such means includes an amplifier having a feedback circuit providing a hysteresis greater than any voltage change in the synchronizing signal caused by the operation of the SCRs.

Abstract: Auxiliary windings wound in close juxtaposition to the respective phase windings of a three-phase alternator are connected in series with the star-connected phase windings at one end and at the other end to the diodes of a separate rectifier bridge for the current supplied to the exciter winding of the alternator. This makes possible operation of the exciter winding at higher voltage and lower current than in the case where the excitation voltage is generated only by the main phase windings of the alternator. Since the excitation windings carry only the exciter current, they may be made of finer wire than the main phase windings, but they should be wound close to the main phase windings so as to be cut in the same way by the lines of force of the rotating field.

Abstract: A rotary, permanent magnet, electrical generator has a stator in which a voltage is induced by a rotor having permanent magnet pole pieces arranged in two rows. An actuator can cause relative rotation of the rows of pole pieces to maintain a substantially constant output voltage from the stator. The actuator is responsive to a servo pressure signal from a valve which is, in turn, responsive to rotor speed. The stator may include a saturating winding for maintaining the output voltage substantially constant under varying external loads.

Abstract: In a device for starting an AC load powered by an AC generator and designed so that, prior to starting the load, the magnetic circuit of the generator is saturated to prevent an abrupt large drop of terminal voltage thereof when starting the load, and that in this state the load is started. A starting device comprising a coil for saturating the magnetic circuit of the generator and a starter coil both of which are wound in a same direction around a common closed magnetic path to couple these two coils magnetically, and operative so that, after saturating the magnetic circuit of the generator by the saturating coil, the connections of the two coils are switched over to start the load, and that by the reverse voltage induced in the starter coil by the energized saturating coil, the surge current which is produced, when the load is started, at the time of switching the coil connections is suppressed.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for an AC generator which supplies power to multiple loads at different voltage levels. The magnitude of the multiple voltages and other controlled variables such as per unit current are sensed and individual field currents are generated. A single field current is selected from the individual field currents as a function of the magnitude of a selected voltage and the per unit current and applied to the exciter field of the generator for accurate control of the output voltages.

Abstract: To supply intermittently required high-power loads, such as heater applications in an automotive vehicle, a dual armature winding three-phase alternator has a first or main winding connected to a first or main rectifier bank to supply power to vehicular loads, for example at 12 V nominal level; an auxiliary winding is connected to a rectifier which can be switched to operate as a half-wave rectifier, in parallel with the main winding and main rectifier to supply the ordinary loads when high-power loads are not connected; or to be switched in a full-wave bridge rectifier configuration to provide additional power at elevated voltage, added to the voltage of the rectifier receiving current from the main windings, for example providing 16.multidot..sqroot.3=28 V added to the nominal supply voltage of 12 V=40 V voltage to the heater load.

Abstract: The stator windings of a dynamo electric machine include three phase and single phase output windings for generating alternating current output power at different voltages. The machine output voltage is kept relatively constant by means of a brushless exciter having control and compounding field windings which are energized through stationary rectifier circuits. The rectifier circuit for energizing the field windings of the exciter is connected to or near the neutral leads of the stator windings to maintain a low voltage between the diodes of the rectifier and ground. The energization of the compounding field winding is controlled by means of a variable resistor in dependence upon whether the load connected to the dynamo electric machine is supplied with single phase or three phase current.

Abstract: The power supply of the present invention comprises a power takeoff shaft driven by mechanical electrical or other means and a magnetic field of the permanent magnet together with a first winding for generating a first output voltage proportional to the shaft RPM. A second winding is coupled to the shaft and positioned within the magnetic field of the permanent magnet for generating a second output voltage proportional to the shaft RPM. The first and second windings are designed so that the first output voltage will exceed and be directly proportional to the second output voltage. A control circuit is coupled to the first and second windings to selectively connect the first and second windings to produce an output voltage as close as possible to a predetermined value as the RPM of the driving shaft varies. Voltage regulator circuitry is coupled to the output of the control circuit to regulate the output voltage therefrom.

Abstract: An electrical power unit adapted to increase the DC power output of an electrical generating system of the type including a DC storage battery and an alternator which delivers AC voltage to the generating system. The AC voltage is stepped down and rectified to produce a first DC voltage. A voltage regulator having a field output connected to the field winding of the alternator, and an input connected to the battery and the first DC voltage, is operative to control the field winding of the alternator to maintain the first DC voltage at a relatively constant level. The first DC voltage may be applied to the battery to supply power thereto and to any load which may be connected to the battery. Increased power is provided when the regulator forces the alternator to produce AC voltage at a higher than normal voltage. When this higher voltage is stepped down and rectified to provide normal system DC voltage, greater than normal DC power is provided.

Abstract: A first and a second full-wave rectifying network are respectively connected with both ends of generating coils of a generator for respectively generating alternating current thereat. A switching device has normally closed contacts for making voltage differences among the input terminals of the second full-wave rectifying network zero, whereby the coils act as a star-connected current generating winding so long as the contacts are held closed. The switching device also has an energizing coil for actuating the normally-closed contacts to open when the rotational speed of the generator exceeds a predetermined value. When the normally-closed contacts are opened, the coils no longer act as the star-connected winding but an independently generating winding, to thereby increase the output current from the generator even when the generator operates at a relatively high rotational speed.

Abstract: Alternators are disclosed having plural sets of windings connected in parallel to reduce the cross section of the winding wire for a given output current level. The reduction in the cross section of the wire facilitates winding of the wire, and is believed to provide a more efficient alternator structure. Various shunt-type regulators are disclosed in combination with alternators having plural sets of windings which incorporate means for reducing the current through the shunt regulating circuit to reduce the current rating requirements of the regulating circuit switching elements.

Abstract: The alternating current output potential of an alternator is rectified by a main rectifier circuit to provide a first charging potential and by an auxiliary rectifier circuit arrangement of the type that is enabled only in response to the presence of electrical enabling signals to provide a second charging potential. The first charging potential is applied across two series connected storage batteries and the second charging potential is applied across only a selected one of batteries. The enabling signals for the auxiliary rectifier circuit arrangement are initiated by a free-running oscillator circuit and circuitry responsive to the potential across the two batteries in series and to the potential across the selected battery is arranged to disable the oscillator circuit when the potential across the selected battery is of magnitude greater than one-half that of the potential across the two series connected batteries.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for use with a polyphase magneto generator and in combination with a rectifier circuit provided to rectify the output of the generator to charge a battery, comprises at least two thyristors having the anodes respectively connected to the output terminals of the generator having phases adjacent to each other, having the cathodes connected to the negative output terminal of the rectifier circuit, and having the gates connected to each other. A trigger device is adapted to supply gate signals to the gates of the thyristors when the voltage of the output terminal having a phase in advance of the phases of the output terminals to which the anodes of the thyristors are connected exceeds a predetermined value. As the battery terminal voltage is excessive the thyristors are rendered conductive to short-circuit the output of the generator.

Abstract: A dual wound stator for a multiphase alternator operating at varying speeds and supplying rectified current at constant voltage with variable output. By combining windings having many turns of smaller wire with windings having fewer turns of larger wire, a compound curve of output is obtained, combing low cut-in speed with high maximum output and increased efficiency.

Abstract: To simplify connection of a starter motor to a 24V supply with a normal on-board network of 12V, an auxiliary rectifier and an auxiliary battery are connected in parallel to the output of an automotive alternator. The starter relay switch contacts are so arranged that, only upon operation of the starter switch, the two batteries are connected in series and then to the starter motor. The supply connections to the batteries are left undisturbed, feedback being prevented by the rectifiers which are connected to the output of the alternator.

Abstract: A battery charging system includes a pair of alternators having rectified outputs which are connected in parallel. The field currents of the respective alternators are controlled by respective oscillatory switching circuits which are responsive to rectified output voltages from the respective alternators. Each respective switching circuit is coupled to an output voltage sensing circuit of the other alternator, so that oscillatory switching of one switching circuit causes oscillatory switching of the other switching circuit.

Abstract: To provide for automatic charging of two batteries which are series connected, particularly to supply the on-board network of an automotive vehicle from a main battery and to supply additional higher surge voltage output to the vehicle starter, a three phase alternator has output rectifiers connected to two phases, and the rectifier to the main battery, the third phase with its rectifier being connected to the auxiliary battery. The third phase rectifier may, instead of diodes, include a diode-transistor combination, the transistor being controlled by voltage of the second battery to, selectively, charge the second battery or connect the third phase for charging of the main battery. The phase windings of the alternator may all be identical, the lighter loading of the phase connected to the additional battery providing the higher output voltage required thereby.

Abstract: A three-phase alternator has tapped armature windings, the tap points being connected to provide 12 V output and to a main battery. The end terminals of the armature windings are connected to an auxiliary rectifier, the output of which is connected to an auxiliary battery which is serially connected to the main battery, so that the two batteries are serially connected like the serial connection of the armature winding portions. A single voltage regulator, which may be connected to the auxiliary rectifier, or can be separately supplied by separately rectified current controls current flow through the field. The voltage regulator can be connected to the end terminals of the armature windings so that the field will be energized at the higher voltage level corresponding to the series voltages of both batteries, and permitting use of the auxiliary rectifier also as a field rectifier.

Abstract: A generator has a stator which is provided with a multipole main winding and with an auxiliary winding, which is separate from and has the same number of poles as said main winding and a coil width not in excess of one-half of the pole pitch of said main winding. An exciter has a field-exciting winding. A controller is connected between said auxiliary winding and said field-exciting winding to energize the latter.

Abstract: A pulse generator for the generation of pulses which are synchronously associated with the movement of a mechanical part comprises a toothed element, the teeth of which run past a pick-up head, the pick-up head comprising a first winding fed by a carrier frequency, which produces a field which is modulated by the teeth of the element and a second winding in which a voltage is induced by the modulated field, the induced voltage is supplied to a phase discriminator which produces a pulse sequence having a keying ratio proportional to the relative phase position of the induced voltage and the carrier frequency and the pulse sequence is fed to an integration element which produces a voltage signal proportional to the keying ratio.

Abstract: To provide a-c output at a voltage substantially higher than normal automotive voltage of 12-24 V, for example output voltage in the 80 to 90 V range to operate windshield and other glass pane heaters, a three-phase alternator is star-connected and has two armature windings which, for example, may be serially connected or may be separately wound, on the same stator, one winding being of comparatively few turns of heavy wire and connected to a rectifier to provide normal d-c on-board voltage for the vehicle, stored in a battery, the voltage being controlled by a voltage regulator connected to the d-c output terminals; the other winding, for example of a much larger number of turns of finer wire providing the high-voltage output at terminals adapted for connection to the heater wires in the windshield, or rear windows, or other window panes.

Abstract: To provide a dual-voltage network for the on-board electrical system of automotive vehicles, for example to provide a higher voltage for starting of the vehicle and a normal on-board voltage for operation of vehicle appliances such as lamps, fans, motors, and the like, while using only a single voltage regulator to control the charge voltage for the vehicle battery, a voltage doubler circuit is provided which is connected to the on-board network by a diode and a coupling capacitor connected to an a-c output of a vehicle alternator, the diode being connected between the d-c output and the rectifier connected to the alternator and the capacitor so that a voltage regulator, connected to the d-c output, can accurately control the output voltage of the alternator.

Abstract: A brushless tachometer utilizing four stator windings and series connected field effect transistor commutation switches to provide an input to a summing amplifier. Connection of the field effect transistor switches to the summing junction of the amplifier and use of series resistance and back-to-back clamping diodes on the winding side of the field effect transistors permits commutation switching with a minimum of transient voltage changes due to interruption of the stator winding current.

Abstract: In a computer peripheral device having a controllable element and control means coupled to the controllable element and operative in response to a power supply voltage of a predetermined level for controlling the controllable element, an improved power supply means coupled to the control means for supplying said power supply voltage to the control means. The improved power supply means comprises a motor capable of being driven at a predetermined rate of speed, means coupled to the motor and responsive to the motor being driven at the predetermined rate of speed for generating the power supply voltage, and means coupled to the means for generating for supplying the power supply voltage to the control means.

Abstract: An improved digital-controlled power amplifier for low frequency, high power applications. The circuit consists of an alternator with stator windings rewound in a binary sequence for generation of primary power, whereupon pulsed semi-conductive controlled rectifiers are digitally controlled to turn on selected binary combinations of the stator output voltages for summation to produce an output voltage of selected amplitude versus duration; and further, the summed voltage output is switched by a polarity switching bridge to enable generation of a bi-polar output to the circuit load.

Abstract: A motor vehicle electrical system which is capable of supplying both 12 and 24 volt loads. A pair of 12 volt batteries are permanently connected in series and are charged in series under certain conditions of operation from a 24 volt charging system including an alternating current generator and a bridge rectifier. The output voltage of the 24 volt charging system is maintained substantially constant by a voltage regulator connected with the field of the generator which senses and responds to the output voltage of the bridge rectifier that is applied to the series connected batteries and other 24 volt loads. An auxiliary charging circuit is provided connected between one of the phase windings of the generator and the junction of the series connected batteries for, at times, supplying current to one of the batteries that supplies the 12 volt loads. This circuit includes a series connected silicon controlled rectifier and inductance.

Abstract: A multiple voltage electrical supply system continuously connected for individually charging a plurality of battery supplies continuously connected in series with one another to supply a plurality of load circuits having differing d.c. input voltage requirements and, typically, also having differing expected electrical power consumption rates. The system includes an alternator having electrically isolated generating windings disposed so as to insure that the magnetic flux linking each of the generating windings bears a substantially constant ratio to that linking the other of the generating windings. The exemplary embodiment has generating windings of different characteristic resistance per unit length such that there is an increased internal voltage drop in the winding intended to supply the lighter electrical load. The resultant voltage regulation characteristics are such that a single voltage regulator is sufficient to maintain both of the output voltages at a substantially constant predetermined ratio.

Abstract: A first and a second full-wave rectifying network are respectively connected with both ends of phase coils of a current generator for respectively generating alternating current thereat. A first and a second additional diode are respectively connected between both positive and negative direct current terminals of the first and second full-wave rectifying network. A switching device has normally closed contacts connected across the positive and negative terminals of the second full-wave rectifying network, whereby the phase coils act as a star-connected current generating winding so long as the contacts are held closed. The switching device also has an energizing coil for actuating the normally-closed contacts to open by the electromotive force thereof when the rotational speed of the generator exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: Separate three-phase windings are connected to individual rectifiers arranged for series-parallel switching to improve the current-voltage output characteristic. The common exciter winding is fed through a voltage regulator. The switching of the rectifiers is controllable in response to alternator frequency, output current, temperature or efficiency and may be provided with a manual override switch.

Abstract: To supply electrical power to small motor vehicles such as motorcycles, motor scooters, snow-mobiles and the like, which do not have a battery, to energize separate loads such as headlights and tail-lights, a permanent magnet field generator having a plurality of armature windings has loads, for example the main headlight connected, in series with a control switch, across all the armature power supply windings; one of those power supply windings has, additionally, the tail-light connected in series therewith, and in advance of the switch connection, so that upon burn-out of the main load (for example the headlight) no excess voltage peaks will develop which also destroy the other load, for example the tail-light.