Abstract: An assembly module for tubular electric accumulators is disclosed. The assembly module comprises support elements made of insulating material, having arrangements of openings for receiving and holding a group of accumulators in a parallel configuration. Sheets of electrically conductive material extend on surfaces of the support elements. The sheets are welded to the respective terminals of the accumulators and form electrical contact surfaces with the accumulators. Similar assembly modules are arranged in series with complementary arrangements of fastening elements between the adjacent support elements of the modules.

Abstract: A resistance-measuring device mountable to a component of a current-carrying transmission line. The device includes a body having a base and two arms with interconnected first ends and spaced-apart second ends. The arms define a gap therebetween. Each arm has an inner portion facing the gap. The body is displaceable to mount the body about the component and position the component within the gap. The body has an abrading mechanism mounted to the arms. The abrading mechanism has an electrically-conductive abrading element disposed along the arm and facing inwardly toward the gap. The abrading element rubs against an outer surface of the component upon displacing the body to mount the body about the component. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly module for tubular electric accumulators is disclosed. The assembly module comprises support elements made of insulating material, having arrangements of openings for receiving and holding a group of accumulators in a parallel configuration. Sheets of electrically conductive material extend on surfaces of the support elements. The sheets are welded to the respective terminals of the accumulators and form electrical contact surfaces with the accumulators. Similar assembly modules are arranged in series with complementary arrangements of fastening elements between the adjacent support elements of the modules.

Abstract: A resistance-measuring device mountable to a component of a current-carrying transmission line. The device includes a body having a base and two arms with interconnected first ends and spaced-apart second ends. The arms define a gap therebetween. Each arm has an inner portion facing the gap. The body is displaceable to mount the body about the component and position the component within the gap. The body has an abrading mechanism mounted to the arms. The abrading mechanism has an electrically-conductive abrading element disposed along the arm and facing inwardly toward the gap. The abrading element rubs against an outer surface of the component upon displacing the body to mount the body about the component. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bidirectional charging system for an electric vehicle including a bidirectional terminal connected to the electrical network, a cable for connection to an electric vehicle, a control panel accessible from the terminal and a means of communication to the control system of the electrical network, the vehicle includes a bidirectional charger, said bidirectional charger allows the transfer of electrical energy from the terminal to the battery of the vehicle and vice versa, wherein the user of said vehicle can specify the minimum level of charge of the battery through the terminal of the control panel.

Abstract: A first aspect of the present invention is concerned with a series hybrid drive train for a vehicle comprising a traction motor, an electric generator, a three-position clutch (20) and a controller. The three-position clutch allows the generator to be connected to an internal combustion engine (12) of the vehicle, to the traction motor or to remain freewheeling. In a second aspect of the present invention, a four-position clutch is used to further allow the internal combustion engine to be connected directly to the wheels to thereby yield a series/parallel drive train. A third aspect of the present invention is concerned with a method of operating such a hybrid drive train.

Abstract: A system and method for starting an ICE of a hybrid vehicle, the hybrid vehicle having a generator with a rotor rotating at an angular speed and a clutch provided between the ICE and the rotor. The method includes steps of disengaging the clutch so that the rotor and the ICE can operate independently; increasing the angular speed; upon the angular speed reaching a predetermined speed, engaging the clutch; allowing the ICE to crank; and starting the ICE.

Abstract: A first aspect of the present invention is concerned with a series hybrid drive train for a vehicle comprising a traction motor, an electric generator, a three-position clutch (20) and a controller. The three-position clutch allows the generator to be connected to an internal combustion engine (12) of the vehicle, to the traction motor or to remain freewheeling. In a second aspect of the present invention, a four-position clutch is used to further allow the internal combustion engine to be connected directly to the wheels to thereby yield a series/parallel drive train. A third aspect of the present invention is concerned with a method of operating such a hybrid drive train.

Abstract: A system and method for starting an ICE of a hybrid vehicle, the hybrid vehicle having a generator with a rotor rotating at an angular speed and a clutch provided between the ICE and the rotor. The method includes steps of disengaging the clutch so that the rotor and the ICE can operate independently; increasing the angular speed; upon the angular speed reaching a predetermined speed, engaging the clutch; allowing the ICE to crank; and starting the ICE.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating two switches connecting respectively a load to power source terminals in response to a switch control signal. The invention detects a signal indicative of current direction through the load to identify one of the switches as an active switch. If the switch control signal is for opening the active switch, an opening gate signal is sent to the active switch and a predetermined time period is triggered. If the switch control signal is for closing the active switch, an opening gate signal is sent to the other switch, a predetermined time period is triggered, and a closing gate signal is sent to the active switch when the predetermined time period of the timer associated with the other switch has elapsed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rotating electric motor system capable of vibrating and a method for operating a rotary electric motor capable of vibrating. The system comprises an electric motor having a rotor and a stator, the rotor and the stator forming a unit vibrating within an audio frequency range; a power amplifier powering the electric motor, the power amplifier having a passband including at least the audio frequency range; and a signal generator generating a signal controlling the power amplifier. The signal generator comprises at least the audio frequency range. The control signal has a continuous component for rotating the rotor with respect to the stator, and an alternating component for inducing mechanical vibration in the unit capable of vibrating.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rotating electric motor system capable of vibrating and a method for operating a rotary electric motor capable of vibrating. The system comprises an electric motor having a rotor and a stator, the rotor and the stator forming a unit vibrating within an audio frequency range; a power amplifier powering the electric motor, the power amplifier having a passband including at least the audio frequency range; and a signal generator generating a signal controlling the power amplifier. The signal generator comprises at least the audio frequency range. The control signal has a continuous component for rotating the rotor with respect to the stator, and an alternating component for inducing mechanical vibration in the unit capable of vibrating.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rotating electric motor system capable of vibrating and a method for operating a rotary electric motor capable of vibrating. The system comprises an electric motor having a rotor and the stator, the rotor and the stator forming a unit vibrating within an audio frequency range; a power amplifier powering the electric motor, the power amplifier having a passband including at least the audio frequency range; and a signal generator generating the signal controlling the power amplifier. The signal generator comprises at least the audio frequency range. The control signal has a continuous component for rotating the rotor with respect to the stator, and an alternating component for inducing mechanical vibration in the unit capable of vibrating.

Abstract: The method and the apparatus are for starting up a synchronous machine having a rotor and a stator provided with a winding. The rotor has an initial position with respect to the stator.