Abstract: A traction device including a ring member, a carrier, and a sun member and an electric motor, wherein the electric motor is coupled to at least one of the ring member, the carrier, and the sun member.

Abstract: An autonomous workhorse vehicle includes a main body including a platform to support a plurality of objects, a tracking sensor to detect a location of the main body relative to a leading vehicle, and an input/output port to receive an identifier of the leading vehicle. The autonomous workhorse vehicle further includes a power source to provide power to propel the main body, a steering actuator designed to adjust an orientation of the main body, and an ECU. The ECU is designed to receive the identifier of the leading vehicle. The ECU is further designed to determine a following time to begin following the leading vehicle. The ECU is further designed to control the power source and the steering actuator to move the main body to follow the leading vehicle at the following time based on the detected location of the main body relative to the leading vehicle.

Abstract: An electrical machine comprises a longitudinally movable device and an intermediate rotor. A first arrangement of magnets is disposed on a first surface of the longitudinally movable device, and a second arrangement of magnets is disposed on a first surface of the intermediate rotor. The longitudinally movable device is movable in a first direction. The intermediate rotor's first surface is held adjacent the first surface of the longitudinally movable device such that it cannot move in the first direction. The intermediate rotor is, however, rotatable about an axis and the arrangement of the first and second arrangements of magnets translates movement of the longitudinally movable device into rotation of the intermediate rotor about the axis.

Abstract: An engine starter system includes a starter including a multi-phase brushless electric motor and an electronic commutator assembly. A controller includes an instruction set that is executable in response to a command to execute an engine starting event. Operation includes determining a desired starting profile, controlling the starter to engage a rotatable member of the engine, and monitoring the rotational speed of the electric motor via a rotor position sensing circuit. The starter inverter is dynamically controlled to control the electric motor to spin the rotatable member of the internal combustion engine responsive to the desired starting profile, including dynamically controlling the starter inverter to control the electric motor to control the spin of the engine responsive to the desired starting profile to prevent occurrence of an engine speed flare event during the engine starting event.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine is provided in which fuel is withdrawn from a high-pressure accumulator and injected into a combustion chamber of at least one cylinder of the internal combustion engine, the method including the steps of detecting under conditions of angular synchronism a pressure of the fuel in the high-pressure accumulator during a first injection into the at least one cylinder and during a later, second injection into the at least one cylinder; ascertaining a gradient of the detected pressure; ascertaining a frequency-transformed spectrum of the detected pressure and a frequency-transformed spectrum of the ascertained gradient; correcting the frequency-transformed spectrum of the detected pressure by the frequency-transformed spectrum of the ascertained gradient; and ascertaining a cylinder-individual injection quantity of fuel, which was injected into the at least one cylinder, from the corrected frequency-transformed spectrum of the detected pressure.

Abstract: A buoyant energy device is disclosed. Differing specific gravities between various materials are used to drive turbine blades to create energy by cycling the materials through a turbine activation area. The materials include water, oils, gasses (lighter than air and ambient air), or various other materials as circumstances may require. The device produces electricity that may be stored or used immediately. It is contemplated that the device could be used to power a missile, a torpedo, static mines, or the like.

Abstract: A method of starting an aircraft having at least a first starter/generator (S/G) and a second S/G using at least one inverter/converter and at least one of an AC power source and a first DC power source, the method includes selectively starting at least one of the first S/G or second S/G in an AC start mode and in a DC start mode.

Abstract: A more-electric engine (MEE) system configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes includes a first power generating sub-system and a second power generating sub-system. The first power generating sub-system is configured to output electric power to a first power bus. The second power generating sub-system is configured to output electric power to a second power bus. The MEE system further includes an electronic source/load management and distribution (SLMD) module in power and signal communication with each of the first power generating sub-system, the second power generating sub-system, and the plurality of electrical sub-systems. The electronic SLMD module is configured to selectively operate the MEE system in one of a first operating mode or a second operating mode among the plurality of operating modes. The first and second operating modes adjust the delivery of the first and second electric power to the first and second power buses.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for an electric bike includes a hollow housing body, an internal ring gear fixed to the housing body, and a main shaft. At least two motor units are mounted in the housing body. Each motor unit includes a support bracket and a number of motors mounted on the support bracket. Each motor drives the internal gear through a transmission mechanism to rotate the housing body about the main shaft. The motors share one controller. Peaks of the motor cogging torque can be staggered.

Abstract: A vehicle control device includes a diesel engine, a motor configured to drive a vehicle, a generator configured to generate alternating-current power with an output of the diesel engine, a power storage device configured to charge and discharge direct-current power, a converter configured to convert the alternating-current power generated by the generator into direct-current power and output the direct-current power, and an inverter configured to convert the direct-current power discharged by the power storage device or the direct-current power output by the converter to drive the motor. The converter operates as an inverter during a breakdown of the inverter and drives the motor.

Abstract: A spring operated generator includes a pair of torsion spring banks and a pair of elongate shafts extending through respective spring banks and operatively connected to respective generators. A starter motor is connected to each respective spring bank for initially winding each spring bank. When actuated, the primed spring bank is allowed to unwind. A clutch coupled to the elongate shaft is configured to engage a respective generator, transferring energy from shaft rotation to the generator which produces electricity. As one spring bank unwinds, the other spring bank is wound in like manner as the first. When the initial spring bank is unwound and the other spring bank is sufficiently wound, the cycle is repeated, thereby causing the other generator to produce electricity.

Abstract: An engine generator having a high-rigidity rigid skeletal member. A bottom cover supports the engine/generator unit. A wall-shaped vertical frame is disposed transversely of the engine generator in a front section of the bottom cover and rising from the bottom cover front section. A T-shaped center frame extends between a rear section of the bottom cover and the vertical frame. The skeletal member includes the bottom cover, the vertical frame and the center frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric starting device (1) for an internal combustion engine (5), which electric starting device (1) comprises an electric starter (4) and a starter-generator (2) which is assigned to a traction mechanism drive (3). The starting of the internal combustion engine (5) may take place by means of the electric starter (4) or the starter-generator (2) in each case individually or in a combination of the two units. Also provided is a start-stop device of the internal combustion engine (5), in which a controlled supply of power to the starter-generator (2) is provided in synchronization with a start by means of the electric starter (4).

Abstract: A method of generating and controlling power for an alternating current (AC) motor by means of at least one controlled permanent magnet machine (PMM) with a permanent magnet (PM) rotor and a stator with a magnetic flux diverter circuit for controlling the output of the PMM, comprises the steps of: rotating the PM rotor at a velocity sufficient to develop a high frequency alternating current (HFAC) power output from the stator; transforming the HFAC output to produce a variable low frequency alternating current (AC) motor control output for the motor; sensing desired motor control parameters; generating a control signal responsive to the sensed parameters; and applying the control signal to the magnetic flux diverter circuit to control the motor control output.

Abstract: The engine equipped with a generator is provided. The stator fixed to the crankcase includes a plurality of iron cores arranged in the circumferential direction about the crankshaft, and coils that are wrapped around the plurality of iron cores. The rotor includes a flywheel that is fastened to the crankshaft by a fixing mechanism, and a plurality of permanent magnets fixed to the flywheel. The fixing mechanism mounts the flywheel on the crankshaft in a position in which the center of one permanent magnet among the plurality of permanent magnets coincides with the center point between two mutually adjacent iron cores among the plurality of iron cores when the piston is at the top-dead-center or the bottom-dead-center.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a combustion chamber having a spark plug arranged thereat. A crankcase supports a crankshaft. An intake for introducing fuel and combustion air into the combustion chamber is provided. An exhaust for exhausting combustion gases from the combustion chamber is provided. A piston is connected to the crankshaft and drives the crankshaft in rotation. A wheel member is connected to the crankshaft and rotates with the crankshaft. An alternator driven by the crankshaft supplies electric power to a consumer. The alternator is arranged within a radial boundary of the wheel member and external to the crankcase. The alternator has a stator and a rotor, wherein the crankshaft penetrates the stator and wherein the rotor is fixedly connected to the wheel member.

Abstract: An electricity-generating backpack that is substantially lighter in weight, has the multiple springs replaced with one large spring whose spring constant can be adjusted in the field in seconds, and replaces a DC generator with a brushless AC generator that permits approximately 70% generator efficiency and the generation of up to 20 W of electrical power by converting mechanical energy to electrical power. A device is provided that always removes some electricity, but not too much, as necessary to extract large levels of the electricity while controlling damping by providing electrical damping circuits including a DC-DC converter designed to emulate a desired load at its input terminals. Additional electricity generating E-MOD devices may be used for generating additional power by hooking an E-Mod device to a generator and to the backpack belt at the wearer's hip and includes a wand that fits against the wearer's femur so as to move through a range of motion as the patient walks.

Abstract: In a method of operating a starting system coupled to a crankshaft of a vehicle engine, during engine starting, torque supplied by the starting system to the engine is continuously adjusted to provide more than two levels based on operating conditions of the vehicle or engine.

Abstract: A cogeneration system that is operated in system connection is disconnected from the system and operated independently at a power failure of the system. A power generator 1 driven by an engine E is connected to a system 9. A water-cooling device 13 recovers exhaust heat of the engine E. When an operating switch 20 is switched, to its independent operation mode for an independent operation apart from the system 9, the upper limit of the target rotation speed Ntgt of an electronic governor 16 is increased over that at system connection operation, thereby the engine speed can be increased, and the maximum output point of the power generator 1 is increased for operation.

Abstract: A control device for a motor-driven 4WD (four-wheel-drive) vehicle includes a 42v alternator (motor-generator) driven by an engine to generate three-phase AC power with 42 volts, a step-up and step-down inverter rectifying and stepping down three-phase AC power, generated by the 42v alternator, to DC power with 14 volts, and a 14V battery supplied with and charged with DC power with 14 volts outputted from the step-up and step-down inverter. A diode bridge circuit rectifies AC power with 42 volts, generated by the 42V alternator, to DC power by which a motor is rotationally driven to render the vehicle operative in 4WD drive mode.

Abstract: A device for supplying voltage to the loads of an onboard electrical system of a motor vehicle includes a first generator, a regulator allocated to the first generator, a second generator, a regulator allocated to the second generator, and a control apparatus. The control apparatus is connected to at least one, and possibly to both, of the regulators, and the control apparatus supplies these regulators with control signals on the basis of which the loading of the generators is compensated.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the operation of power conditioners (10) for supplying the generated power to an external power system such as a commercial power system, in which power conditioners (10) are interconnected to an external power system, the power conditioners (10) are interconnected through information exchange means, at least one of the power conditioners (10) monitors the reverse power flow, and the power conditioners (10) exchange the monitor information with information of the other power conditioners (10), thereby equalizing the outputs of all the power conditioners (10). A generator (42) has armature windings (60), and an inverter circuit (13) of the power conditioner (10) provided for each of the armature windings (60) is controlled by cable or radio.

Abstract: A positioning pin is knocked onto a crankshaft of an engine and a key way is formed in a boss of a first flywheel. When an outer rotor type generator is connected with the engine, the boss of the first flywheel is fitted over the crankshaft so as to adjust the positioning pin to the key way. When an inner rotor type generator is connected with the engine, a rotor shaft on which a rotor of a generator is mounted is fitted to a second flywheel so as to adjust the positioning pin to a key way formed in the second flywheel. The ignition angle of the engine is determined by fitting the positioning pin to the key way.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power and start system for use with an aircraft engine having a shaft, systems requiring AC power and systems requiring DC power. The system includes an AC/DC starter/generator mechanically coupled to rotate in response to rotation of the engine shaft while the engine is operating in generate mode. Rotation of the starter/generator produces AC and DC power and operates to rotate the shaft of the engine when the engine is in start mode. The system includes a generator control unit which is electrically coupled to the AC/DC starter generator. The generator control unit is also electrically coupled to the systems requiring DC power. A start inverter is configured to be coupled to a DC power source. The start inverter is coupled to the AC/DC starter/generator to provide power for start mode operation. The disclosed system provides multiple levels of redundancy when in the event of a failure to any one or combination f components.

Abstract: A drive system for an industrial truck, comprising an internal combustion engine, a three-shaft epicyclic gearing adapted to be connected to the shaft of the internal combustion engine, a first electric motor which is mechanically coupled to the second shaft of the epicyclic gearing and is connected to an onboard network of the industrial truck, a change-speed gearing coupled to the third shaft of the epicyclic gearing, a summing gearbox coupled to the change-speed gearing the other input shaft of which is connected to a second electric motor which is electrically connected to the onboard network and the output shaft of which is coupled to at least one driven wheel of the industrial truck, a clutch (A) between the first and second shafts of the epicyclic gearing, at least one consumption unit for an additional function of the industrial truck that is coupled to one of the shafts of the epicyclic gearing, a sensor device which measures the speeds of the internal combustion engine, the first and second electric

Abstract: The inertially aided electric generator may efficiently produce electrical energy. An electric generator may have a rotatable generator shaft with a first pulley attached. There may be a rotatable shaft having a shaft pulley attached and a shaft belt disposed on the first pulley and the shaft pulley. A second pulley may be attached to the generator shaft. A motor may have a rotatable motor shaft with a motor pulley attached and a motor belt may be disposed on the second pulley and the motor pulley. A power source may be in electrical communication with the motor.

Abstract: In an engine starter of the present invention, a driving shaft to output a rotating force and a crankshaft of an engine are linked continuously. The engine starter comprises a one-way clutch to prevent an overrun of an armature after the engine starts. In the one-way clutch, a connecting rotation number in which an inner ring and an outer ring change from a disconnected state to a connected state in a decreasing process of engine revolutions is set above a lower limit of the engine revolutions above which the engine under suspension of the fuel supply is able to get restarted by itself by resuming of fuel supply. Therefore, the engine is always able to get restarted quickly even in a low-rotation range.

Abstract: A device for starting a gas turbine in an aircraft includes an electrical power supply delivering a direct current and a drive electric motor connected to the power supply, independent of the turbine to be started and having an output shaft mechanically coupled to an input shaft of the turbine to rotate with it. The drive electric motor is a three-phase alternating current synchronous motor and is controlled by an inverter connected to the power supply. Applications include situations in which the turbine to be driven is a high-power turbine.

Abstract: A hill-holding arrangement for an electrically driven vehicle includes a vehicle with a "gas pedal" which generates a torque command signal T.sub.CMD. A switch (314) couples T.sub.CMD to a motor controller (316, 14) which drives the motor (40) and therefore the vehicle. When the "gas pedal" calls for zero torque, and the vehicle speed is zero, the switch responds to logic (FIG. 5), and substitutes a position-holding torque command signal T.sub..theta. for the operator-controlled torque command signal T.sub.CMD. Position controlling torque command T.sub..theta. is generated by a controller (312) which receives a position signal representative of the angular position .theta. of the rotor. The position-holding torque control loop then produces such torque as may be required to prevent the rotor of the motor from moving from its commanded position.

Abstract: An electric power generating system comprises a low reactance, large airgap permanent magnet generator driven by a hydraulic motor to generate a poly-phase AC output voltage. Because the permanent magnet generator is a low reluctance, large airgap machine, the output voltage regulation is low over the desired loading range of the system. The output voltage is controlled within acceptable limits by trimming the output speed of the hydraulic motor through the use of a servovalve. The control for the servovalve senses a parameter of output power and generates a speed control signal to compensate for deviations in the generator output. The system includes protection circuitry which monitors at least one parameter of the output power. This protection circuitry generates an output protection signal in response to a deviation in the monitored parameter which exceeds predetermined limits.

Abstract: In a one way clutch of a starter having an outer member, inner member and rollers, a planet carrier is formed integrally with the outer member and through holes are formed avoiding cam chambers for rollers so as not to interfere with cam chambers formed in the inner circumferential surface of outer member. At one end portion of outer member, limiting portion for limiting the axial shifting of rollers is integrally formed, and at the other end surface, a limiting plate for limiting the axial shifting of rollers is provided and press-fitted into pins. The limiting portion may be replaced by another limiting plate. Through holes for the through holes are formed at locations where the outer member is radially thick, e.g., between circumferentially adjacent two of the cam chambers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a floater energy generator which includes a sealable water tank to create inside the water tank a water and an air pressure smaller than an external atmospheric pressure, such that water inside the tank will not overflow the tank from a lower manifold. Floaters are sent into the water tank via the lower manifold and are allowed to float and stay in a space left in a top portion of the water tank, such that when an upper outlet of the tank is opened, the floaters are allowed to fall out of the tank to impact on blades of a blade wheel disposed below the water tank, causing the blade wheel to rotate continuously and generates kinetic energy output. The floaters and water in the water tank can be recovered for repeated use.

Abstract: A non-railbound vehicle in which at least one driving wheel is coupled with an electric motor which is supplied with electric current via power electronics influenced by an electronic control depending on the power requirement selected by the driver via an accelerator pedal. The current is produced by a generator (2) which is coupled with an internal combustion engine. The current for driving the generator is supplied with an operating voltage in the medium-voltage range. Additionally, there is a vehicle power supply in the low-voltage range which ensures the supply of power to accessory electrical consumers. The low-voltage power supply has a vehicle battery and is supplied with current obtained by transforming a portion of the mechanical energy generated by the internal combustion engine. The generator can also be operated as an electric motor for starting the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An electric continuously variable drive system includes an ac motor, an alternator for supplying electrical power to the ac motor via a rectifier and an inverter, a heat engine for driving the alternator, an energy storage device for providing electrical energy to the electric continuously variable drive system, and a combination cranking inverter and boost converter. The combination cranking inverter and boost converter is coupled in series between the alternator and the energy storage device and coupled substantially in parallel with the rectifier in a series hybrid drive.

Abstract: Disclosed is an engine starting apparatus which suppresses engine vibrations and noises during engine cranking and reduces consumption of electric power supplied for engine cranking. When an engine starts to rotate to produce its torque, electric power supplied to a starter motor for engine cranking is reduced gradually so that a sum of torques produced by the starter motor and the engine may be prevented from increasing excessively. In the case a generator/motor is used for engine starting, operation of the generator/motor is switched from motor operation to generator operation for suppressing excessive speed rise when engine starting is completed.