Abstract: This power supply system for a D.C. electrical load, such as an illuminated sign, is normally energized by batteries. A central processing unit monitors the battery voltage and when it falls below a predetermined magnitude, the central processing unit then activates a starter motor which cranks an engine coupled to it. The central processing unit also actuates a valve and fuel pump to pass fuel to the engine. The engine drives an alternator which produces A.C. voltage which is then rectified by aa rectifier to recharge the batteries. When the batteries are fully charged the central processing unit stops the engine. The central processing unit employs a microprocessor chip to control operations of the system.

Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle having an electric hybrid power system comprising a battery powered electric motor connected to drive the wheels of the vehicle and a combustion engine which may be releasably coupled mechanically to the electric motor. When so coupled the combustion engine may drive the vehicle and the electric motor may act as a generator to maintain a desired charge level in the batteries. In operation the power train is automatically controlled by a process controller to produce maximum fuel economy for the engine and to maintain the batteries at an acceptable charge level. Means are provided to apply the combined power of the electric motor and the combustion engine to the drive wheels for short duration peaking power. Means are also provided whereby the combustion engine may drive the electric motor to function as a generator and charge the batteries when the vehicle is stationary.

Abstract: A portable manually cranked electrical generator apparatus has a stirrup separated from the generator by a rigid support member. The support member may be adjusted vertically or angularly to accommodate differences in operator size and height while the stirrup is anchored by the operator's foot. A brace or clamp is fastened to an operator for steadying the apparatus for ease of use.

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.

Abstract: A control circuit for a vehicle electrical system which is operative when the vehicle engine is running but the vehicle is not in motion to sense vehicle storage battery voltage and, when that voltage is below a predetermined threshold, to enable an electrically controllable device to open somewhat the engine throttle raising engine speed and increasing the output of an engine driven electrical source. The control circuit finds particular utility in emergency vehicles such as ambulances and the like where that vehicle may remain at an emergency site for an extended period of time with the engine idling and with numerous electrical demands on the vehicle electrical system to increase the engine speed when those electrical demands have sufficiently exceeded the output of an engine driven alternator with the engine running at idle.

Abstract: A transmission drive has a flywheel component and includes an electrical machine in the transmission path having an armature adapted for independent rotation with the driving side of the transmission drive and an independently rotatable field structure rotatable with the driven side of the transmission drive. In a vehicle drive train the field structure of the transmission drive is connected to a rotatable shaft driven by a heat engine operated at constant RPM and speed variation is effected by electrical control means connected to the armature which regulates the armature current during relative movement of the field structure and the armature thereby varying the power transmitted to the driving side.

Abstract: The voltage of the vehicle battery is checked to see whether the voltage is below a predetermined value or not. When the battery voltage is below the predetermined value, the engine crankshaft rotational speed is raised by increasing the amount of air fed to the engine so that the rotational speed of the alternator driven by the engine increases resulting in an increase in the charging current.

Abstract: Combustion of fragmented slow-burning solid fuel, such as wood fragments, in the combustion chamber of a portable combustion receptacle or pressure vessel mounted on the rear of a hybrid vehicle, is initiated by igniting in the combustion chamber combustible starting fluid gas, such as propane gas from an external source and ignited by a glow plug. Air is supplied by an air compressor driven by a prime mover such as a turbine or electric motor. As soon as combustion of the solid fuel has become self-sustaining, the supplying of this starting gas is terminated. Meanwhile, the pressurized gas emitted from the burning solid fuel in the combustion receptacle is discharged into a power turbine by way of a controlled throttle valve. The output shaft of the turbine drives a speed-reducing transmission which in turn drives an alternator of my electric vehicle propulsion system identified herein.

Abstract: Hydrogen evaporating in a liquid hydrogen tank is fed to a fuel cell generating electrical energy used to drive a cooling unit which cools the tank.

Abstract: A method of starting the engine of a vehicle, such as an automobile, over a wide range of ambient temperatures, such as in cold temperatures below 32.degree. F. and warm temperatures above 32.degree. F. The method includes the steps of energizing the starter motor of the vehicle from the vehicle battery only and starting the vehicle at warm temperatures, and providing an auxiliary battery connected in combination with the vehicle battery for starting the vehicle at cold temperatures. The invention comprehends maintaining the auxiliary battery warm separate from the vehicle during low ambient temperature conditions when the vehicle is not in use. Alternatively, the invention comprehends utilizing a small, low capacity battery which may be incapable of starting the vehicle when the battery is at the cold temperature, but which may itself start the vehicle when the battery is at warm temperatures.

Abstract: A method for controlling the charging of fast discharge and recharge type propulsion battery components of engine-electric hybrid drive systems for road vehicles, wherein the control objectives are to, minimize discharge of gas through battery cell vents, minimize fuel use, allow employment of a small battery, and provide for long discharge-recharge cycle life, and the control method consists in the steps of,1--providing so that, if not earlier terminated as a result of operator termination of braking, or a drop in vehicle speed, termination of regenerative braking will be initiated at a point in time determined by a control system generated indication of state of charge just prior to initiation of braking, and the subsequent history of cell current,2--providing so that, following a partial battery discharge, when and as motor speed allows, supplementary engine implemented battery charging will take place prior to the next advent of regenerative braking, with charge termination made responsive to attainment o

Abstract: Device for regulating the source of electric energy on a hybrid electric vehicle comprising at least an electric motor for driving the driving wheels of the vehicle and supplied with current by said source of energy and a generating set comprising a heat engine with which there is associated a current generator supplying current to said source of electric energy. This device comprises a circuit for determining the state of charge of the source of electric energy, a circuit for controlling the excitation winding of the generator of the generating set in accordance with the state of charge of said source, and a logic circuit for operating and stopping the heat engine and controlled by said circuit determining the state of charge of said source of electric energy.

Abstract: An internal combustion-electric motor hybrid power plant for an automotive vehicle. The power plant includes an internal combustion engine and a direct current electric motor generator which are connected to a drive shaft for the vehicle. A clutch mechanism is provided to connect the internal combustion engine, the direct current electric motor generator and the drive shaft for selectively engaging and disengaging the drive shaft with the internal combustion engine and the motor generator. A storage battery is electrically connected to the motor generator to supply current to and receive current therefrom. Thermoelectric semi-conductors are arranged to be heated by the waste heat of the internal combustion engine. These thermoelectric semi-conductors are electrically connected to the battery to supply current thereto.

Abstract: A power equipment includes a rotor containing a storage battery or an assembly of storage batteries, a main driving electric motor, and a generator. The rotor does a fly-wheel's function. An inertia force of the rotor gained is efficiently utilized for driving of a car and moreover the excessive inertia force is converted into electric energy and stored in the storage batteries supplying efficiently an automobile with power.

Abstract: A system includes a prime mover, such as an automobile engine, having operative and inoperative states; an electrical load; an accumulator or battery for operating the load; and a control system for the battery. The control system includes: a self-holding keeping relay having contacts in circuit between the battery and the load and having a resetting coil to control energization of the load from the battery; a warning device; a detecting device and a detecting switch controlled thereby responsive to a fault condition in the battery; and a changeover switch responsive to the operative state of the prime mover for operating the detecting switch. The control system is responsive to a fault condition in the battery, such as overdischarge or low electrolyte, to prevent energization of the load when the prime mover is inoperative and to enable energization of the load and operation of a warning signal device when the prime mover is operative.

Abstract: An automatic monitoring and recharging system adapted to continuously monitor the terminal voltage of a D.C. storage battery and, whenever the terminal voltage falls below a first preselected value, to automatically initiate an engine-driven A.C. generator which is utilized to recharge the storage battery. The recharging interval is terminated when the recharging current attains a second preselected value whereupon the system is automatically returned to a voltage monitoring status.The monitoring and recharging system of the present invention finds particular utility with respect to storage batteries used in association with recreational vehicles.

Abstract: A lift truck energized from a battery to supply pressurized fluid to elevate a load-supporting carriage has an energy recovery system for converting kinetic energy of the elevated carriage into battery charging current including a fluid motor through which fluid from the lift ram is exhausted when the carriage is descending, an alternator driven by the fluid motor, a rectifier between alternator and battery, a transistor having its emitter-collector circuit in series with the field winding of the alternator, and a rate-of-descent adjusting potentiometer for selectively varying base drive to the transistor to thereby regulate field excitation of the alternator and the regenerative braking of the fluid motor.