Abstract: To reduce the cost of insulation in a high-voltage power supply capable of constant current or constant power operation, the power supply includes an optical self-powered feedback circuit from its high-voltage section to the low-voltage section to control the output of the power supply. The feedback circuit includes within the high-voltage section of the power supply: (1) a sensing circuit for obtaining an amplitude modulated signal related to current flowing through at least certain output terminals; (2) a voltage-to-frequency converter for converting the amplitude modulated signal to a frequency modulated signal; (3) a pulse shaper for generating pulses having a duration of less than 3 microseconds to reduce power consumption; and (4) a light emitting diode. Light from the diode is transmitted to a low-voltage section where it is utilized in the feedback network. The high-voltage feedback circuitry utilizes less than 75 microamps.

Abstract: A switching power supply using a step-up transformer whose impedance viewed from its primary side is different from the impedance viewed from its secondary side whereby the inductance of its primary and secondary windings are settable independently of each other.

Abstract: A rotor for an electric motor, energized by a permanent magnet, has an essentially cylindrical rotor body (1), with shaft sections (7, 8) coaxially distant from the rotor body (1). Permanent magnets (21) are fastened to the outer periphery (16) of the rotor body (1). In order to counterbalance the rotor, balance weight rings (6), in which weights (26) are inserted and which are disposed on seat sections (5) formed on the rotor body (1), are mounted on the rotor body (1).

Abstract: A generator voltage regulator circuit is provided with a switching circuit for alternatively connecting or disconnecting a generator exciter field winding to a DC power source. A discharge circuit is provided for conducting current, produced by a collapsing magnetic field in the exciter winding following disconnection of the winding by the switching circuit, in a revese direction through the DC power source. A driving circuit controls the switching circuit with a series of turn-on pulses. Each of the turn-on pulses is initiated in response to a transition in a clock signal and is terminated alternatively when the current in the exciter field winding reaches a predetermined magnitude or when a second transition occurs in the clock signal. This invention also encompasses a method of regulating exciter field current performed by this circuit.

Abstract: To increase the output voltage of a conventional rectifier bridge, one winding of an autotransformer is connected across a pair of a-c input terminals of the bridge through a thyristor which is turned on only when an output voltage increase is desired, and an extra diode is used to connect the other autotransformer winding to one of the d-c output terminals so that the boost voltage induced in the latter winding is added to the input voltage.

Abstract: An electric generating system having a discharge circuit for a DC filter capacitor includes an electric power source for producing a DC voltage on a pair of conductors and a DC filter capacitor electrically connected between the conductors. A voltage indicating signal, representative of the actual output voltage of the generator, is combined with a reference signal to obtain a control signal which varies in proportion to the difference between the desired output voltage of the power source and the actual output voltage. Power source output voltage is controlled in response to the control signal. A branch circuit with a solid state switching device is connected across the DC filter capacitor. The solid state switching device is turned on for a limited time in response to a change in the magnitude of the control signal resulting from an increase in the actual output voltage of the power source, thereby discharging the DC filter capacitor.

Abstract: Instability resulting from the presence of reactive components in the output filter of regulated power supplies of the general type in which regulation is obtained by feeding back the output voltage to the regulator circuitry is eliminated by deriving a feedback signal from the output voltage which includes not only a direct component, but also separately derived first and second derivative components referenced to the reactive characteristics of a series output choke and parallel output capacitor of the output filter circuit. The amplitude ratios of the feedback signal components and the elements of the local feedback loop of the regulator error amplifier are selected in accordance with key aspects of the invention to eliminate the output filter (including the effective series resistance of the output filter capacitor) from the characteristic equation of the power supply to thereby eliminate instability whatever its source.

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: A circuit configuration in complementary MOS technology for generating a reference voltage independent of temperature with the aid of a bandgap circuit includes first and second bipolar transistors having first and second base-to-emitter threshold voltages and interconnected base connections, and first and second field effect transistors. A first series circuit includes the output circuit of the first bipolar transistor, a first resistor being connected to the first bipolar transistor and defining a first connecting point therebetween, and the output circuit of the first field effect transistor being connected between terminals of a supply voltage source. A second series circuit which is parallel to the first includes the output circuit of the second bipolar transistor, series-connected second and third resistors defining a second connecting point therebetween, and the output circuit of the second field effect transistor.

Abstract: The two bearing brackets (4, 5) of a small motor are clamped by means of stud screws (2, 3) against the respective end face of the motor casing (1). The stud screws (2, 3) extend axially by free bolt ends (21, 31) beyond one bearing bracket (5). Onto these free bolt ends (21, 31), a holding frame for the small motor is placed and is fixed against the bearing bracket (5) by means of a holding nut to be screwed onto the free bolt ends (21, 31). The screw heads (22, 23) provided at the stud screw ends are held positively in the one bearing bracket (4) to prevent their rotation with respect to the casing and onto the other, axially projecting free bolt end (21, 31) an attachment nut (23, 33) is screwed applying firmly against the other bearing bracket (5).

Abstract: A combined support and end cover for electric motors, and for small permanent magnet dc units in particular, which is molded in one piece from insulating plastic material and formed essentially as a flat disk of which the inner surface affords a central socket serving to support the corresponding end of the rotor shaft, a set of slotted holders for the brush contacts, and a number of posts projecting perpendicularly from the periphery of the disk between which the permanent magnet pole pieces are supported.

Abstract: The output rotary shaft of a starter has a pinion slidably mounted so as to engage with the engine ring gear. The output shaft axis intersects that of the armature rotary shaft of the motor. The two shafts are engaged with each other through bevel gears so that the rotation of the armature rotary shaft is transmitted through the output rotary shaft to the pinion, thereby to rotate the engine ring gear. By this structure, the motor can be positioned farther from the gear box casing without an effect on the starter manufacturing cost and efficiency.

Abstract: A dynamoelectric machine includes a stator assembly and a rotor assembly, including a rotatable shaft ad a rotor affixed to and rotatable with the shaft. The stator and rotor assemblies are assembled into a motor and the motor has the stator and rotor insulated from electrical contact with other objects. Because of its construction and design, the motor does not require electrical grounding prior to use so that it is not a hazard to persons coming into contact with it in its application.

Abstract: Electrical component equipped with contacts for its electrical connection with its electrical environment. It is provided with two sets of contacts interconnected electrically by groups of two contacts belonging respectively to these two sets. One of these sets of contacts is constituted by contacts adapted to ensure electrical connections by simple pressure contact on respectively oppositely situated conducting spots, mechanical fastening means being also provided to fix the electrical component mechanically to a support associated with said conducting spots. The other of these sets of contacts is constituted by contacts adapted to be connected mechanically, particularly by welding, to respective conducting members or conducting spots.

Abstract: Low voltage semiconductor devices are integrated monolithically with a high voltage semiconductor device on an electrically conductive substrate. The substrate forms an electrode of the high voltage device and is connected in use to the high voltage terminal of a power supply. The low voltage devices operate from a regulated low voltage supply, which is regulated with reference to the high voltage supply voltage, and not with reference to ground. This reduces the need to isolate the low voltage devices from the conductive substrate. An intelligent power switch circuit constructed in accordance with the invention is suitable for use in automotive and lighting applications.

Abstract: A computer D.C. power supply comprises an AC-DC converter for converting alternating-current power from an external A.C. power source to direct-current power. A rectifier is connected to the A.C. power source to supply a D.C. voltage to a first light-emitting diode to cause it to emit light to a phototransistor, which is connected in the AC-DC converter for activating it in response to that light. A photo-thyristor is also connected to the rectifier and is optically coupled with a second light-emitting diode for establishing a low-impedance path across the first light-emitting diode in response to light from the second light-emitting diode. A switching circuit, connected to the output terminals of the AC-DC converter, is responsive to a shutdown command signal applied from a computer for activating the second light-emitting diode to cause light to be emitted therefrom to the photo-thyristor.

Abstract: A starter comprising an electric motor which produces torque for staring an engine has a hollow outer member included in a one-way clutch and supported by a cover so as to be rotated together with the hollow armature shaft of the motor; a hollow inner member included in the clutch and surrounded by rollers is provided inside the outer member. A pinion shaft with a pinion capable of being engaged with the ring gear of the engine is engaged with the inside of the inner member by splines so that the pinion shaft is movable in the axial direction thereof; and an electromagnetic switch applies electricity to the motor and moves the pinion shaft in the axial direction thereof.

Abstract: An input supply voltage is coupled via a primary winding of a flyback transformer to a collector of a chopper transistor switch that operates at a given frequency. During a portion of each period when the chopper transistor switch is conductive, a second switch applies a short-circuit across a secondary winding of the transformer at a controllable instant that causes the emitter current of the chopper transistor switch to increase at a significantly higher rate. When the emitter current exceeds a predetermined threshold level, a one-shot arrangement is triggered. Consequently, a pulse is produced that turns off the chopper transistor switch and that maintains it nonconductive for the duration of the pulse. A flyback pulse produced in a winding of the transformer is rectified to produce a DC output supply voltage.

Abstract: A vibration control system for damping vibration of an body to be isolated against vibration. The body is supported on a movable base through the medium of vibration-damping supporting structure. The control system comprises a vibration sensor for detecting vibration of the movable base. An inverse vibration signal generating circuit includes a digital sensor and in supplied with a detection signal outputted from the vibration sensor for generating a signal with a waveform to cancel out the vibration of the body through interference therewith. An actuator is connected operatively to the movable base and the inverse vibration signal generating circuit for converting the signal derived from the latter into a mechanical vibration to be applied to the body.

Abstract: A color organ display device is operable to produce a unique display of light emanations in response to sound inputted thereto. The color organ display device utilizes a plurality of light bulbs arranged in discrete groups and projecting outwardly beyond a reflective backing so that the light bulbs cast a distinct image to the observer. Each group of light bulbs is illuminated in response to the existence of audio input present in a corresponding frequency range with the brightness of the light bulb illumination being directly proportional to the amplitude of the signal from the corresponding frequency channel and, therefore, directly proportional to the volume of sound in that particular frequency range. The color organ display device can be supported in a frame adaptable for mounting on a wall or for mounting on a stand. The display device can also be incorporated into a table to provide visual entertainment corresponding to the music being heard by the users of the table.