Abstract: An electric rotating machine, which can be operated as either a motor or generator, utilizes material exhibiting a Hall effect to replace the normal slip rings or mechanical commutation devices. Preferably, a slab of Hall effect material is curved to extend circumferentially around the rotor between the rotor and stator, and the rotor is adapted to create a magnetic field. When used as a motor, a source of electrical power is connected to the Hall effect material to cause a primary current to flow therein. The combination of the rotor magnetic field and the primary current flowing in the Hall effect material produces a Hall effect current which creates a torque on the rotor causing it to rotate. When used as a generator, the rotor is rotated and induces a primary current to flow in the Hall effect material. The combination of the rotor magnetic field and the induced primary current produces a Hall effect voltage and current that can be connected to power an electrical load.

Abstract: A brushless generator exciter employs a hybrid full-wave rectifier in which at least some of the rectifying diodes are controllable according to an external signal for adjusting the total exciter power fed to the generator rotor. An optical transmission technique is employed for communicating gate and sync signals between stationary and rotating components.

Abstract: A self-regulating energy storage system including: an a.c.

Abstract: A brushless tachometer in which output signal switching is achieved using field effect transistors and which is capable of achieving linearity over a broad range, particularly the zero speed region. According to a preferred embodiment, the brushless tachometer is operated in a current mode as part of the servo loop to substantially reduce tachometer voltage switching requirements. A ROM can be used to control commutation switching. Commutation is preferable line-to-neutral to reduce ripple.

Abstract: A tachometer generator comprising a generator section for producing rectangular polyphase alternating voltages having a peak value which is proportional to the speed of the rotor, and a commutator section including contactless change-over switches for successively transferring the alternating voltages from the generator section, and sensors for producing switching signals which actuate the change-over switches in accordance with the rotational position of the rotor of the generator section. In the commutator section the sensors are equivalent in number to the change-over switches and comprise Hall devices arrayed about a rotary shaft which is coupled to the generator section. The alternating voltages which are obtained successively from the coils of the generator section as the rotary shaft rotates, are transferred in order by the change-over switches to produce a speed signal, in analog form; which is proportional to the rotating speed of the rotor.

Abstract: The control signal generator contains two Hall effect generators which are shifted relative to each other by 90.degree. electrically and magnetically, alao a gating circuit which derives from the Hall signals control signals for the switching elements of the commutating device. In order to make it possible to drive the motor digitally, the invention provides that the gating circuit comprise a combinatorial circit and, succeeding it, a 1-of-4 logic circuit. The combinatorial circuit furnishes two digital drive signals whose switching instants are shifted correspondingly .+-.45.degree. electrically relative to the zero crossings of the Hall signals.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing permanent magnets such as in a generator or alternator embodied in a fly wheel. The apparatus includes a testing head on which the fly wheel is placed for the purpose. The fly wheel has a circular series of permanent magnets, and the head has a corresponding circular series of electro magnets, with Hall Generators between the electro-magnets, the Hall Generators having an element (bismuth) the resistence of which is affected by a magnetic field. The apparatus includes an electrical circuit embodying the Hall Generators, and the electro-magnets are charged, and the voltage set up through the Hall Generators indicates the voltage condition of the permanent magnets and is the voltage which is tested by the apparatus. The apparatus can also be used for motors as well as generators and alternators.

Abstract: A speed sensing tachometer is built into the end bracket or end bell of a variable speed dynamoelectric machine such as a DC motor. The tachometer is completely recessed and close to the bearing supporting the shaft to occupy a minimum of longitudinal space in the machine. Multiple poles are provided on the rim of the tachometer rotor fastened to the machine shaft and these poles cooperate with first and second Hall effect switches. An electrical circuit is also provided in the same recess in the end bracket and connected to the Hall switches so that the output from the stator of the tachometer includes both a digital and an analog signal output with rotational direction sensing. Such built-in tachometer permits the DC motor to be a double shaft extension motor so that a load, fan or brake may be mounted at each end.

Abstract: A signal generating mechanism for producing a pulsed DC electrical voltage signal having a frequency proportional to the angular velocity of a rotating shaft. The signal generating mechanism may be used in the distributor of a breakerless ignition system for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, in which case the frequency of the pulsating voltage signal is equal to the rate at which ignition sparks are to be generated. The signal generating mechanism includes a baseplate and a bushing through which the rotating shaft passes. A stator assembly is formed by a hub and lower and upper plates affixed thereto, the stator assembly being rotatable about the bushing and further including at least one Hall effect sensor and integrated circuit mounted in a nonmagnetic supporting structure secured to the upper plate. A permanent magnet also is attached to the supporting structure and is radially spaced from the Hall effect sensor and integrated circuit.