Abstract: The present invention provides an improved alternator system in which the magnetic flux modulating sleeve is carried by the rotor and rotates with the rotor. The position of the sleeve on the rotor is adapted to be adjusted during operation of the alternator while the rotor and sleeve are rotating. The repositioning of the sleeve on the rotor during rotation beneficially provides a more constant voltage output during load and speed variations. Concurrent rotor and sleeve rotation reduces eddy current losses in the magnetic circuit and increases alternator efficiency. The alternator of the invention is estimated to provide a constant voltage for a 10:1 variation in either electrical load (in OHMS) or rotor angular velocity (revolutions per minute, RPM), or a combined 10:1 variation of electrical load and rotor angular velocity.

Abstract: A battery charger assembly comprising a charging network and four charging units for charging four major cell types of rechargeable batteries having desired different charging rate currents is disclosed. The battery charger assembly further comprises at least a pair of terminal for accepting a fifth major rechargeable battery. The battery charging assembly selectively and simultaneously provides the desired charging rate to any of the five major rechargeable cell types.

Abstract: A. Power supply comprising an AC to DC power supply and a DC to DC power supply and a DC battery charging circuit within a single device, which device provides continuous DC power to a load regardless of the presence or absence of the AC power source.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a discharge indicating means for a storage battery (B) in which a choke (L) and a first transistor (T1) are connected to the storage battery via a switching device (S). The base of a second transistor (T2) arranged between the base of the first transistor (T1) and reference potential is controlled such that the circuit arrangement will start oscillating and an indicating device connected in parallel with the first transistor (T1) will light when the battery voltage (UB) has dropped below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle electrical system includes dual alternator/battery sets separately connected to separate non-critical electrical loads, and both connected through a diode circuit to a critical electrical load. A starter switch connects both batteries to the engine starter motor.

Abstract: A charge control circuit for a battery charger has a sensor circuit for sensing the temperature of a battery being charged and providing an output indicative thereof. A differentiator circuit converts the output of the sensor circuit into an instantaneous time derivative of thereof which is indicative of a corresponding temperature gradient of the battery. When the time derivative is determined by a judging circuit to be below a predetermined threshold indicative of the battery reaching its full charge state, the judging circuit responds to provide a first control signal, causing the battery charger to charge the battery at a high rate. Once the time derivative exceeds the threshold, the judging circuit provides a second control signal, causing the charger to terminate the high rate charge and change to a trickle charge or zero rate charge.

Abstract: A voltage regulation system for automotive charging generator comprising an armature winding, a field winding for supplying magnetic fluxes to the armature winding, a diode rectifier for converting the AC output of the armature winding linearly, a power MOS FET switching element connected in series with the field winding for turning on and off the field current, a storage battery charged by the output of the diode rectifier, and a voltage detection circuit for detecting the voltage applied to the storage battery to turn on the power MOS FET switching element when the detected voltage is lower than a predetermined voltage and to turn off the switching element when the voltage applied to the storage battery is higher than the predetermined voltage.

Abstract: A portable power tool for forming wire wrap type connections includes an electric motor, a torque transmitter and a casing for enclosing the electric motor and the torque transmitter. Removably mounted to the casing is a battery pack. The battery pack mounts both rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries so that the battery charger may not be recharged in a physically compatible battery pack when non-rechargeable batteries are contained within the battery pack.

Abstract: An intrinsically safe battery circuit for connection between a battery and a load, such as a hand held transceiver, referred to as "HT's". The circuit includes a minor current path through a switching transistor and a major current path through a SCR. The circuit is a hybrid circuit which includes an integrated circuit timer which provides a delay in establishing the major current path subsequent to the minor current path being established, and mounts on a small printed circuit board.

Abstract: An electric cell having a membrane of fast ion-conducting material each side thereof having different ionic concentrations therein creating ionic movement from the side of higher ion concentration to the side of lower ion concentration, such membrane disposed in a magnetic field generally perpendicular to the direction of such ionic movement creating an electric potential at the side of said membrane perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field and direction of ionic movement and method of producing electricity with such cell.

Abstract: A dual voltage motor vehicle electrical system wherein a pair of batteries are connected in series across the direct voltage output terminals of a bridge rectifier that is connected to a polyphase output winding of an alternating current generator. First and second groups of controlled rectifiers are connected between a junction of the batteries and the generator output winding. In low speed operation of the generator the groups of controlled rectifiers are alternately biased conductive. The time period of conduction of the groups of controlled rectifiers is controlled as a function of the difference in the voltages across the respective batteries. The phase voltages of the output winding are summed by a summing amplifier to provide a control signal. The system includes means responsive to the control signal for preventing simultaneous conduction of the groups of controlled rectifiers.

Abstract: A controller for a battery charger terminates battery charging operation as a function of a time derivative of measured battery voltage. The controller has analog and digital embodiments. A controller with means for determining a time derivative of the measured battery voltage, determining a change in slope of the time derivative, and using said change in slope as a control function for the battery charger.

Abstract: An assembly of battery cables for use in coupling a live battery to a dead battery for engine-starting purposes. The assembly includes a circuit comprised of a solenoid which, when energized, closes a current path between two cables to thereby couple the batteries together. The solenoid is energized when a manual switch is closed and when the residual voltage of the dead battery provides a bias voltage for a circuit element in series relationship with the coil of the solenoid. In one form of the invention, the component receiving the bias voltage includes a silicon-controlled rectifier. In another embodiment of the invention, the component is comprised of a transistor, such as a Darlington transistor. The assembly includes a normally closed switch which is opened to interrupt the current flow through the coil of the solenoid when the cables are to be removed from the batteries after the engine associated with the dead battery has been started.

Abstract: In an improved charging set for the regenerative recharging of dry batteries that consists principally of a hollow insulating case (1) provided with an inner hole (13) for removably receiving standardized types of dry batteries, with mains contact pins (21, 22) for applying the charger set to nearly all standardized types of mains sockets, and of a charger rectifier circuitry, the improvement according to the invention is characterized in the charging rectifier comprising passive electric circuit elements only and no charger transformer, and simultaneously, the casing (1) being designed and shaped so as to be absolutely shock-proof by excluding access to any naked area of the inserted dry battery and all naked live contactors (30) and component parts of the charging rectifier while the mains contact pins (21, 22) and thus, the charging set are being applied to the mains for normal operation.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a methjod for charging a rechargeable battery. In this method, the open voltage of the battery is measured and the number of cells estimated. The state of charge of the battery is then tested by supplying a controllably varying charging current to the battery and testing for evolution of gas. If no gas is evolved, the battery is charged until the voltage equals the estimated number of cells multiplied by a voltage which is characteristic of the battery. The foregoing steps are repeated alternately until gas evolution occurs. The true number of cells is then determined and the battery is charged at any charge rate until the voltage equals the true number of cells multiplied by a predetermined voltage. The battery is then charged at that voltage until the charge current decreases to a predetermined low value followed by charging at that predetermined current at any voltage for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The remaining battery life of a battery powered device is predicted by monitoring the immediate past history of battery life and employing this immediate past history as a basis for subsequent predictions of the useful life of the battery. By this approach, the present invention is able to take into account the deterioration of battery life which occurs during the life-time of a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A three position slidable switch for use in a portable, rechargeable electrical device includes ON, OFF, and CHARGE positions. In the ON position a rechargeable battery is coupled in circuit with the device for the operation thereof. In the OFF position the battery is electrically decoupled from the device which is in an OFF state. In the CHARGE position the battery is coupled to a pair of prongs adapted to be plugged into an electrical outlet. Displacement of the switch to the CHARGE position rotates the prongs to an extended position to permit the battery to be recharged by means of a conventional AC outlet. In the ON and OFF positions of the switch, the prongs are retracted within the switch assembly. The switch includes detent means in each of the three aforementioned positions to reduce the possibility of inadvertent re-positioning of the switch and to provide a tactile indication to the user of the switch position.

Abstract: A dual voltage motor vehicle electrical system. First and second batteries are series connected across the output terminals of a battery charging generator. A converter is provided that can charge the first battery from the second battery or charge the second battery from the first battery. The voltages across the batteries are sensed and the battery with the lower voltage is charged from the other battery. The system has current limit and temperature limit controls for protecting semiconductor switches that are utilized in the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the cyclical trickle charging of a chargeable battery intended for emergency operation. The charging voltage used for this purpose is the output voltage from a source of d.c. voltage providing a variable level of output voltage. A characteristic feature of the invention is the fact that charging from a starting mode (1) is executed in accordance with a cyclical charging program (10) which is repeated until the battery has been found to be fully charged. A rest mode (13) then occurs during which the battery is not charged, but the battery voltage is measured continuously. The rest mode (13) is interrupted immediately, and the aforementioned charging program (10) is re-started if it is noted in the course of measuring the voltage that the battery voltage has dropped below a first pre-determined value.

Abstract: An alternate energy interface control for implementation with utility derived power sources and alternate power sources such as are provided by solar panels, windmills, and the like employed with systems utilizing storage batteries. The system monitors the current level of photovoltaic solar panels within intervals during such panels are connected with the battery storage source and further monitors the voltage levels developed by such panels during normal open circuit conditions thereof. A logic control is provided which monitors alternate source currents and voltage as well as storage battery voltage levels to prioritize the use of available alternate energy sources. Battery charging during periods of alternate power source availability is with a pulsed technique to enhance battery lifespans.