Abstract: A high intensity lighting system comprises a plurality of high intensity discharge lamps electrically connected to a polyphase alternator and a prime mover mechanically connected to the alternator. An inherent impedance characteristic of the alternator permits the lamps to be reliably started and energized without any separate ballast or comparable impedance element. The alternator comprises a stator having teeth extending from a backiron. The teeth consist of the alternator phases, and the coils encircle the respective teeth of each pair and are wound in opposite sense and connected in series. The machine is preferably an axial airgap device wherein the stator assembly has a magnetic core made from low loss, high frequency material. A high pole count permits the electrical device to operate at high commutating frequencies, with high efficiency, high power density and improved performance characteristics.

Abstract: A high intensity lighting system comprises a plurality of high intensity discharge lamps electrically connected to a polyphase alternator and a prime mover mechanically connected to the alternator. An inherent impedance characteristic of the alternator permits the lamps to be reliably started and energized without any separate ballast or comparable impedance element. The alternator comprises a stator having teeth extending from a backiron. The teeth consist of the alternator phases, and the coils encircle the respective teeth of each pair and are wound in opposite sense and connected in series. The machine is preferably an axial airgap device wherein the stator assembly has a magnetic core made from low loss, high frequency material. A high pole count permits the electrical device to operate at high commutating frequencies, with high efficiency, high power density and improved performance characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for reducing the allowed output current from an electrical device such as a high output capacity vehicle alternator in response to a sensed over temperature condition. In one embodiment, a thermistor is attached to the housing of an alternator to provide temperature sensing capability. As temperature exceeds a temperature set point established by a resistor bridge, op-amps, in combination with a power FET in series with the alternator field windings, act to reduce the allowed current output from the alternator in proportion to the extent the set point temperature has been exceeded. As the alternator temperature returns to below the set point, the output current restriction is reduced such that the allowed current flow is maximized without exceeding the temperature set point.

Abstract: A marine integrated starter alternator troller device (ISAT) includes a stator portion and a rotor portion connected to a drive shaft. The ISAT is incorporated into an engine assembly power train which includes an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft connected to an electric clutch. The electric clutch is operable to connect or disconnect the drive shaft and the crankshaft. Thus, the ISAT may be connected to or disconnected from the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. When connected to the engine by the electric clutch, the ISAT device is operable to receive electrical power from a battery and act as a cranking motor to provide starting torque to the internal combustion engine. The ISAT may also be driven by the internal combustion engine and act as a generator to provide power to re-charge the battery or drive other electrical devices.

Abstract: An alternator having a sensorless power angle control includes a three phase stator winding and three stator winding outputs connected to a controlled full wave rectifier bridge with a dc output. The controlled full wave rectifier bridge includes upper MOSFET switches and lower MOSFET switches with body diodes. Operation of the alternator results in a three phase back EMF generated in the stator windings and phase voltages across each of the stator windings. The output of the alternator is increased by introducing a phase shift between the back EMF and the phase voltages, resulting in an optimized power angle. In order to provide a reference for the phase of the back EMF, a zero crossing detector is provided which monitors the zero voltage crossings across the body diodes of the lower MOSFET switches. The negative to positive zero voltage crossings across the body diodes of the lower MOSFET devices correspond to the negative to positive zero crossings of the three phase back EMF.

Abstract: A board game comprising a game board having a planar playing surface, a goal at each opposite longitudinal end of the game board, a ramp at each opposite longitudinal end of the game board, a large target ball, a plurality of smaller projectile balls and a railing supported above the playing surface around the outer peripheral edges of a playing field. A network of channels and troughs under the game board channel the balls to desired reservoirs. Projectile balls are rolled down the ramps, onto and across the playing surface with the object of striking the target ball and driving it into the opposing goal.