Abstract: In a charging circuit, a current correcting circuit is provided which includes a transistor, the collector current of which is permitted to flow through a resistor for setting up a reference voltage for a comparator circuit. The current correcting circuit is arranged such that when the output voltage of the charger goes below a predetermined level, the transistor is rendered conductive to compensate for the decrease in the reference current, thereby preventing the current from being decreased which flows through the resistor of the comparator circuit.

Abstract: Multi-solar cell panel powered trickle chargers are provided for lead acid batteries with the solar cell panel power connected to a DC to AC inverter multi-vibrator having a center tap and opposite end connections to a primary coil of a transformer. The secondary coil of the transformer has opposite end connections to two opposite terminals of a four diode rectifier bridge. The other opposite connections of the four diode AC to DC rectifier bridge are connected to like polarity terminals of a battery with connection via an insert into a cigarette lighter holder in a vehicle, or into a receptacle with two wires with end clips connectable to the terminals of a battery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the condition of a plurality of electrochemical cells and controlling the output of said cells upon detection of a cell having a lower capacity than the others.

Abstract: An output voltage control system for an electric generator having two field windings, wherein a rotary shaft of the generator is rotated by a power source such as an engine, for producing an output voltage. According to the invention, the control system includes a first control unit for supplying an electric current inversely proportionate to the output frequency of the generator to one of the field windings of the generator to produce a substantially constant output voltage for a stationay (fixed) load, and a second control unit for supplying an electric current derived from a portion of the output voltage produced at the generator output to the other of the field windings of the generator in the event of fluctuations in the generator load.

Abstract: A variable-speed power generating system comprises a variable-speed generator electrically connected at its primary winding to an electric power system and its secondary winding to the electric power system through a frequency converter and mechanically coupled to a driver driving the secondary side thereof, a phase detector generating an output signal representing a slip frequency in response to the application of a first input having a frequency component of an output generated from the primary winding of the variable-speed generator and a second input having a frequency component corresponding to the rotation speed of the driver, a controller controlling the frequency converter on the basis of a reference phase provided by the output signal of the phase detector, and regulating means for controlling the frequency converter so that, when the variable-speed generator is disconnected from the electric power system, the frequency applied to the secondary winding of the variable-speed generator may not deviate

Abstract: Accessory for a motor vehicle alternator which is delta wound and has a full wave rectifier bridge to provide output selected from normal operation of vehicle electrics, arc welding, fast battery charging and high voltage supply to extraneous appliances. A double pole single throw switch selects either normal voltage regulated shunt excitation or disables voltage regulation, provides battery excitation and charge warning via a light which indicates not only alternator failure but also supply for welding, fast charging or extraneous appliances.

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: 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: A method and system for maintaining a substantially constant output of electrical power includes an engine for operating upon receipt of a signal, an electric motor, a flywheel mounted to rotate when either the engine or the motor is operated, a generator for producing electrical power when operated, and a hydraulic coupling system for driving the generator when the flywheel is rotated. A control unit allows application of power from a conventional power source to the electrical motor so long as the output power level from the conventional power source is adequate and thus the flywheel is rotated and the generator is driven to provide output power to a load. The control unit also allows application of power directly from the power source to the load. Upon interruption of power from the conventional power source, the control unit causes cut-off of power from the source to both the motor and the load, and applies a signal to the engine to start the engine.

Abstract: A scheme for stabilizing a synchronous alternating current generator through the excitation control to dampen generator oscillations includes a power system stabilizer responsive to signals representing the generator output voltage and output current to provide an oscillation signal which represents the instantaneous magnitude of the generator oscillations. A modulator means is included which develops a signal, representing the generator voltage with respect to neutral, and this latter signal is multiplied by the oscillation signal to provide a control signal which controls the excitation of the generator.

Abstract: A charging control apparatus comprising a switching circuit for controlling a charging current from a charging power source to a storage battery. A reference voltage is provided which increases with a ramp corresponding to a value equal to, or more than, the maximum ramp value of the charging characteristic of the battery and a reference voltage is also provided which increases with time with a ramp corresponding to a value equal to, or less than, the minimum ramp value of the charging characteristic. The terminal voltage of the battery is sensed by a voltage sensor. A first comparator compares the reference voltage and a first sensed voltage from the voltage sensor. The ramp of the reference voltage is switched in accordance with the output of the first comparator. A second comparator compares the reference voltage and a second sensed voltage from the voltage sensor. The switching circuit is controlled by the output of the second comparator.

Abstract: A battery charging circuit includes a thermostat sensing the temperature of the battery as it is charged, a silicon controlled rectifier which when conductive enables charging of the battery and when non-conductive prevents charging of the battery, and a transistor which renders the silicon controlled rectifier non-conductive when the temperature of the battery reaches a predetermined level corresponding to complete charging and is adapted to render the silicon controlled rectifier conductive responsive to a temperature of the battery below the predetermined temperature. When the temperature of the battery is lowered below the predetermined level after the battery has been completely charged, the transistor is rendered non-conductive to ensure that the silicon controlled rectifier is not brought again to the conductive state.

Abstract: Pulsations in an electrical parameter on the output of a synchronous generator powered by a Diesel engine at a frequency which differs from that of the synchronous generator's natural frequency are smoothed out, whereby, a controlled variable (X) corresponding to the pulsation is tapped from the stage formed by the Diesel engine (5), the generator (3), and the network (4). From this controlled variable (X) and a reference input (W), a control difference (.DELTA.) is calculated, by means of which a correcting variable (y) is set in the stage indicated for the purpose of control.

Abstract: A hybrid battery which provides back-up energy for a main power source to a load. The hybrid battery comprises a rechargeable nickel cadmium battery, a primary lithium battery and a power transistion circuit for controlling the supply selection to the load based on the highest voltage available. The hybrid battery further comprises a charge controller circuit for recharging the nickel cadmium battery from the main power source. Both the power transition circuit and the charge controller circuit isolate each of the energy sources from one another preventing draining whenever one or more of the power sources are off.

Abstract: A system for sequentially charging a plurality of batteries initially interrogates each battery to determine the battery type and the level of charge. The charging system prioritizes the batteries to be charged from most to least fully charged and charges the batteries in that order. The charging is provided by pulsed current during sequential portions of periodic intervals to charge the batteries in a short period of time and utilize the battery charger to full or nearly full capacity.

Abstract: In a device where a load (R.sub.1) is powered by a battery (6), if a detection means (10) detects a battery voltage below a first threshold value (V.sub.1) defined by an adjustable voltage source (20), a first time-measurement means (40, 50) measure the time interval during which the load 6 is powered by the battery (6), at a voltage below the first threshold value. If subsequently, the load is switched off and is not connected to the AC supply voltage via a power-supply circuit (1), the battery is discharged by a discharger (30). Second time-measurement means (40, 60) measure the time interval during which the discharger is operative until the detection means detect a battery voltage below a second threshold value (V.sub.2), which is defined by a voltage source (25) and at which the battery may be regarded as fully discharged or drained.

Abstract: When boosting a battery, a direct current boosting voltage is applied between the positive and negative terminals of the battery via a pair of cables of predetermined length. In order to supply a boosting voltage of predetermined constant value, a direct current voltage source supplies the boosting voltage to the battery not only through the pair of the cables, but also through a high current adjustable load. Of course, the direct current voltage source supplies a voltage of value higher than the boosting voltage predetermined value. A voltage controller detects the voltage between the ends of the two cables adjacent to the voltage source, and the voltage drop in the pair of cables, and varies the high current adjustable load in response to the detected voltage and voltage drop so as to adjust the boosting voltage at the predetermined constant value.

Abstract: A battery charger supplies to a battery an output voltage having a desired temperature coefficient of voltage. The charger includes an operational amplifier having a summing junction to which a reference current and a feedback signal derived from the amplifier output are supplied. The V.sub.be multiplier circuit includes a bipolar transistor which is biased into its active region so that the charging voltage supplied by the amplifier is temperature corrected in accordance with a negative coefficient of voltage characteristic of the transistor.

Abstract: A flashlight battery charger is provided for charging batteries contained within a flashlight. The charger includes a casing which receives an end portion of the flashlight in position to permit recharging. The casing includes a main case having a generally hollow interior and brace supports on opposite sides of the interior of the case. A cover is provided for enclosing the main case, the cover having a support brace projecting inwardly toward the hollow interior of the main case. A printed circuit board is held in position within the casing between the brace supports of the main case and the support brace on the cover. An electrical output terminal is supported on the casing for engaging and electrically coupling with the flashlight. A transformer supported within the casing has a primary winding which is connected with an input, such as a cordless plug, for connection with a source of a.c. power and a secondary winding which is connected with a rectifier so that d.c.

Abstract: A universal battery charger and recharger for electric batteries having different charging characteristics. The battery charger includes a microprocessor receiving inputs from current, voltage and temperature sensors for controlling the battery charging profile. A replaceable memory may be included to provide an appropriate charging profile for the battery to be charged. The supply current is varied responsively to the voltage across the battery which is measured when the supply current reaches a predetermined level or after a predetermined time.