Abstract: A hybrid powertrain has an internal combustion engine, a power transmission and an electric drive. The electric drive includes a stator secured in the housing of the power transmission and a rotor secured to the outer periphery of the torque converter of the power transmission. Both the rotor and the impeller of the torque converter are directly connected with the engine. A torque converter clutch is disposed for selective engagement between the impeller and turbine of the torque converter.

Abstract: An uninterrupted power supply (UPS) system provides power to an electrical load when utility line power fails. When the utility line power is normal a synchronous dynamo serves as a motor, and a first variable-ratio transmission arrangement is combined with a differential gear box to drive a flywheel with very low losses. When the utility line power fails, further variable-ratio transmission components are activated to assist the first transmission in conducting power from the flywheel to the dynamo. The dynamo now acts as a generator to supply power to the load. The invention is characterized by high standby efficiency and by a capability to run the flywheel down to a very low speed before it is unable to continue driving the dynamo.

Abstract: An inductor-alternator provides highly efficient conversion between mechanical and electrical energy. The inductor-alternator produces increased output by providing armature coils in a single air gap formed between two halves of a toothed rotor. In preferred embodiments, field coils of a magnetic circuit are energized with DC drive current that creates homopolar flux within the rotating rotor. Airgap armature coils are mounted with the field coils to form a stationary assembly that is placed within the single air gap in the rotor so that the changing flux density (due to the rotating teeth) induces an output voltage in the armature coils. The rotor and stationary assembly are mounted in a housing by bolts that may also be used as terminals for the armature coils to reduce assembly complexity and production cost. The combined assembly provides high energy and power density because tip speed of the rotor is maximized and the use of air gaps is minimized.

Abstract: A hybrid drive system for a motor vehicle, including an engine, a motor/motor, an automatic transmission disposed between the engine and a vehicle drive wheel, a regenerative braking device for applying to the vehicle a regenerative braking force corresponding to an amount of electric energy generated by the motor/generator during an operation of the motor/generator by a kinetic energy of the running vehicle, and at least one of (a) a shift inhibiting device for inhibiting a shifting action of the automatic transmission during an operation of the regenerative braking device so as to prevent a change of an engine braking force applied to the vehicle, (b) a braking shift control device which is operated when the regenerative braking device is inoperable to provide the required regenerative braking force, for changing the speed ratio of the automatic transmission to increase the engine braking force, or operated prior to the operation of the regenerative braking device, for controlling the speed ratio of the tra

Abstract: While a ring gear shaft 126 linked with a drive shaft rotates, a power output apparatus 110 applies a torque to a first motor MG1 attached to a sun gear shaft 125, thereby abruptly increasing a revolving speed of an engine 150, to which a fuel injection is stopped. A torque generated by a frictional force of, for example, a piston in the engine 150 and working as a reaction is applied as a braking torque to the ring gear shaft 126 via a planetary gear 120. The magnitude of the braking torque depends upon the frictional force of, for example, the piston and can be controlled by regulating the revolving speed of the engine 150 by means of the first motor MG1. This control procedure enables the energy consumed by the engine 150 to be output as a braking force to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A speed regulating circuit for a motor of a power coping saw includes a DC voltage circuit, a manual speed regulating circuit, a feedback controlling circuit and a motor driving circuit. The DC voltage circuit includes a diode, a resistor, a capacitor, and a Zener diode. The manual controlling circuit includes a Zener diode and a resistance. The feedback controlling circuit includes an amplifier, a transistor, a pulse transformer. The motor driving circuit includes an SCR and a diode. The manual controlling circuit may first be set with a reference voltage signal corresponding to the intended rotational speed of the motor. The reference voltage signal is sent to the feedback controlling circuit to get a rotational speed controlling signal of a motor with respect to the variation of loads. A DC current is then supplied to the motor driving circuit for constantly rotating the DC motor despite the variation of the load.

Abstract: The cooling for large track laying type vehicles is provided by a fan which circulates air through the powertrain compartment and a radiator. The fan speed is varied to reduce the power requirement when maximum air flow is not needed. The speed of the fan is modulated relative to the engine speed by a separate drive mechanism. The electrical generator speed can also be modulated simultaneously with the fan drive. To provide a compact arrangement, the fan input shaft and generator input shaft are coaxially disposed such that the fan structure surrounds the outer periphery of the generator.

Abstract: In a generator assembly, outside air, taken from a suction hole into a fixed soundproof housing, is sucked into a portable engine generator covered by a soundproof case to operate an engine and cool the interior of the fixed soundproof housing. The exhaust gas of the engine and the cooling air of the soundproof case are exhausted outside through the exhaust air hole of the soundproof case and the external exhaust hole of the fixed soundproof housing without leaking into the fixed soundproof housing. Therefore, the portable engine generator can be operated while it remains housed within the fixed soundproof housing. The exhaust air duct of the portable engine generator and the communicating duct of the fixed soundproof housing are communicated in a state of close contact, at the time that the portable engine generator has been positioned by a positioning member provided in the fixed soundproof housing.

Abstract: Electrical hybrid vehicle propulsion system in which a generators run directly from the drive shaft are employed to provide trickle charging of the battery when the vehicle is in operation. Mounted on the drive shaft is a rubber base molded adaptor with conical end walls and rubber wheels extending from the generators to engage the adaptor.

Abstract: A motor housing for a variable speed scroll saw or other operating tool is disclosed. The motor housing includes a motor as well as a printed circuit board mounted in the motor housing adjacent the motor. A switch is attached to the printed circuit board and extends outside of the motor housing. The switch is also attached to the motor housing. A switch lock-out is operably associated with the housing for disabling the switch until the switch lock-out is disengaged. Preferably, the switch lock-out is a releasable locking mechanism such as a padlock.

Abstract: A controller 20 for a vehicle powertrain, the powertrain comprising an electric motor 16 powered by a battery and an engine 14 powered by fossil fuel. The engine 14 is typically an internal combustion petrol engine. The controller 20 is operative to use maps stored in memory to control the torque contributions from the engine and the motor so as to maintain a desired relationship between the contributions of the electric motor 16 and the engine 14 towards the powering of the vehicle, and the controller is adaptive in that it is arranged to adapt said maps by altering one or more values stored therein to obtain a desired relationship.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, a multi-speed automatic transmission, and an electric machine operable in a motoring mode and a generating mode. A compound planetary gear set operatively couples the engine, transmission and electric machine. The electric machine is operable during periods of vehicle launch to provide a reaction torque for the planetary gearset such that torque is supplied to the input of the transmission and the reaction torque energy is converted to electrical energy for storage in a vehicle battery pack battery. The method employs a combination of open loop torque control and closed loop speed controls responsive to rotational parameters of the vehicle drivetrain including engine speed, electric machine rotor speed and transmission input speed to control the generator torque of the electric machine to thereby produce the reaction torque for accelerating the vehicle and for producing electrical power during the vehicle launch.

Abstract: An electric energy storage and distribution system for a fluid-driven propeller, the propeller being connected to drive an AC generator, includes a planetary gear system by means of which rotation of the propeller is transferred to the AC generator motor, via a ring gear and a sun gear attached to a DC generator/motor, the DC generator/motor being connected to a battery. When the speed of the propeller is insufficient to drive the AC generator at a desired frequency and voltage, the DC motor is driven by the battery to either assist rotation of the propeller or the propeller can be braked such that the DC motor alone drives the AC generator. When an excess propeller speed is obtained, the propeller drives both the AC generator and the DC generator, the DC generator charging the battery. Conversely, when excess power is available through the power grid, the AC generator can be used as a motor to drive the DC generator via the ring gear, planetary gear, and sun gear to charge the battery.

Abstract: An electrical generating system is driven by a variable speed prime mover through a constant speed drive. A speed control, as a proportional integrator responsive to frequency error, controls the constant speed drive. Stability and speed of response of the system are improved by the inclusion of one or more of the following in the speed control: a lead/lag filter between the output of proportional integrator and the constant speed drive; an adaptive gain circuit for the frequency error signal ahead of the proportional integrator; an adaptive integrator for delaying integrator operation on occurrence of a load current change; a nonlinear gain circuit in parallel with the proportional integrator to increase the control signal as the error signal increases; or load current or input speed bias signals added to the control signal to reduce the range of integrator output.

Abstract: A power supply system for developing electrical power from variable-speed motive power produced by a prime mover includes a differential speed summer having a first shaft coupled to the prime mover and further having second and third shafts coupled to first and second generators, respectively, a power conditioner coupled to the second generator for conditioning the power developed thereby and means for regulating the conditioned power developed by the second generator so that the first generator develops constant-frequency AC power.

Abstract: A speed trimming integrated drive generator 18 includes a differential 24 having inputs coupled to a prime mover 20 and to a wild frequency generator 48, the output thereof being coupled to a main generator 14. In order to control main generator speed, and thus the frequency of the power generated by the main generator 14, resistive load management for the wild frequency generator 48 is utilized. Particularly, a generator control unit 58, responsive to the main generator frequency, selectively couples resistive loads 56 to an output 52 of the wild frequency generator 48 to provide trimming power. Fine tuning of the trimming power is provided by controlling the output voltage from the wild frequency generator 48 responsive to sensed frequency.

Abstract: A method and system for maintaining a substantially constant output of electrical power includes an engine for operating upon receipt of a signal, an electric motor, a flywheel mounted to rotate when either the engine or the motor is operated, a generator for producing electrical power when operated, and a hydraulic coupling system for driving the generator when the flywheel is rotated. A control unit allows application of power from a conventional power source to the electrical motor so long as the output power level from the conventional power source is adequate and thus the flywheel is rotated and the generator is driven to provide output power to a load. The control unit also allows application of power directly from the power source to the load. Upon interruption of power from the conventional power source, the control unit causes cut-off of power from the source to both the motor and the load, and applies a signal to the engine to start the engine.

Abstract: An electrically compensated constant speed drive which is speed limited so that power flow through the speed compensation link is unidirectional includes a permanent magnet generator which is interconnected with a permanent magnet motor by a power converter. The permanent magnet generator and the permanent magnet motor are controlled by first and second independent control loops. The power converter includes an AC/DC converter coupled to electrical power windings of the permanent magnet generator, a filter coupled to the output of the AC/DC converter and an inverter coupled between the filter and electrical power windings of the permanent magnet motor. The permanent magnet generator, AC/DC converter, filter and the first control loop together develop a voltage on a DC bus.

Abstract: A turbine helper drive apparatus includes a turbine for driving a load, a motor coupled to the turbine, and a power converter for controlling an output from the motor based on a predetermined power reference. The power converter controls the motor so that the motor performs either a motoring operation, wherein the motor drives the load together with the turbine, or a regenerating operation, wherein the motor serves as a load for the turbine to generate an electric power.

Abstract: A system for providing a regulated low voltage DC source and a regulated higher voltage AC source at a preselected frequency, such as 60 Hz. from the same windings of an alternator rotated at variable speeds including a phase WYE connected engine driven alternator providing three output posts and a neutral post and having a field circuit, a half-wave rectifier connected to each of the output posts of the alternator providing a low voltage DC source, a cycloconverter having a three phase input connected to the posts of the alternator and providing a single phase output at the preselected frequency, a resonating transformer having the primary connected to the output of the cycloconverter and having a capacitor in the secondary providing a resonant frequency at the desired AC frequency, such as 60 Hz., and a clock circuit providing an AC control voltage at a preselected frequency, such as 60 Hz.

Abstract: An electrically compensated constant speed drive includes controllable gear boxes in the speed compensation link of the drive which permit the overall speed ranges of the permanent magnet machines to be controlled, thus leading to a desirable decrease in size and weight of the machines.

Abstract: A bi-directional DC/DC converter includes a first switch coupled to a first input/output of the converter, a first input/output energy storage element coupled to the first input/output of the converter, a second input/output energy storage element coupled to a second input/output of the converter, an intermediate energy storage element coupled between the second input/output and the first switch and a second switch coupled to the intermediate energy storage element and to the first switch. A pulse width modulator operates the first switch between on and off states while the second switch is maintained in an off state to operate the converter as a buck converter, during which time the power is transferrred from the first input/output to the second input/output.

Abstract: An electrically compensated constant speed drive (ECCSD) according to the present invention includes a pair of power transmission paths between the prime mover and a load wherein each power transmission path includes a mechanical differential having a first input coupled to the output of the prime mover and an output coupled to the load. A second input of each of the differentials is coupled to a permanent magnet machine and a power converter interconnects the electrical power windings of the permanent magnet machines. In operation, one of the permanent magnet machines is always operated as a generator while the other permanent magnet is operated as a motor so that power flow through the power converter is unidirectional. The ECCSD of the present invention results in a substantial reduction in the maximum control power and hence efficiency is increased and complexity is reduced.

Abstract: A speed control unit for an aircraft generator includes a continuously variable gear ratio drive device through which the generator is driven by a shaft of the engine and which is responsive to an error signal indicative of a difference between desired and sensed generator speeds. A control circuit prevents the error signal from being applied to the drive device until a predetermined speed of the generator is reached and a ramp generating circuit increases the rise time of the error signal after the generator has reached the predetermined speed.

Abstract: Difficulties in precisely and easily adjusting the relative position of two rotors, 72, 104, 206, 226 in a dual permanent magnet generator are avoided in a structure including first and second side by side armatures 92, 108, 218, 230 with the rotors 72, 104, 212, 226 journalled therewithin. A common drive 10, 206 is provided for the rotors 72, 104, 212, 226 and there is further included a control device 80, 250, for angularly shifting at least one of the rotors 72, 104, 212, 226 relative to the common drive 10, 206.

Abstract: An electrically-compensated constant speed drive according to the present invention includes a speed summer having first and second input shafts and an output shaft at which constant speed motive power is developed wherein the first input shaft is coupled to a prime mover output shaft. A speed-compensating permanent magnet machine includes a motive power shaft coupled to the second input shaft of the speed summer and electrical power windings. A control permanent magnet machine includes a motive power shaft coupled to either of the first or output shafts of the speed summer and also includes electrical power windings.

Abstract: An electromechanical constant speed drive generating system is provided with a mechanical differential having first, second and third rotatable shafts, wherein the speed of the second shaft is equal to the speed of the first shaft multiplied by the first contant plus the speed of the third shaft multiplied by a second constant. The first shaft is coupled to an external engine and is driven at a variable speed ranging between predetermined lower and upper limits. A constant speed generator is connected to the second shaft for producing a constant frequency output.

Abstract: An electrically-compensated constant speed drive according to the present invention includes a speed summer having first and second input shafts and an output shaft at which constant speed motive power is developed wherein the first input shaft is coupled to a prime mover output shaft. A speed-compensating permanent magnet machine includes a motive power shaft coupled to the second input shaft of the speed summer and electrical power windings. A control permanent magnet machine includes a motive power shaft coupled to the output shaft of the speed summer and also includes electrical power windings.

Abstract: An emergency power generating system according to the present invention includes an emergency power converter which is selectively coupled to the output of a permanent magnet machine forming a part of a constant speed drive in the event of a failure of a main generator so that the permanent magnet machine and the emergency power converter provide emergency power to one or more loads.

Abstract: An alternating current electrical power generating system in which the generator is driven by a prime mover, such as a fluid-driven turbine, whose speed may vary, the generator rotor being coupled to the output shaft of a differential drive unit, one input of which is coupled to the prime mover and the other input of which is coupled to a synchronous generator whose output is fed to a thyristor controlled variable load.

Abstract: The electrical supply system on aircraft may employ a constant speed drive (CSD) to convert variable engine speed to constant speed for operation of synchronous 400 Hz electrical generators. The heart of these devices is a differential which mechanically sums the input of two shafts and outputs this sum to a third shaft. Connected to this third shaft is a constant speed synchronous generator. Connected to one of the input shafts is the turbine generator (most likely through gearing). The second input shaft is connected to a speed compensating drive which accounts for engine speed changes. The speed compensating device disclosed herein is an electrically compensating motor/generator arrangement. Bidirectional power flow in the electric compensation link uses two high-speed, permanent-magnet, three-phase machines interconnected by a power conditioning network. One machine is operated as a brushless dc machine, while the other functions as a variable speed synchronous machine.

Abstract: A stand-by electrical energy source for equipment to be operated with substantially continuous current supply, comprising three components one of which is at least one electric rotary machine, another of which is a flywheel and the third of which is an auxiliary energy source. Planetary gearing is provided, comprising a central shaft on which is mounted a sun gear, a planet gear and a ring gear, each of the three components being connected with a respective one of these gears. Two of the three components are interconnected by a drive with an infinitely variable transmission. In one embodiment, the electric rotary machine is connected to the planet gear, the flywheel is connected to the sun gear and the auxiliary energy source is connected with the ring gear. In another embodiment, the electric rotary machine is connected to the sun gear, the flywheel is connected to the ring gear, and the auxiliary energy source is connected to the planet gear.

Abstract: The invention is an "electric" constant speed/variable speed drive/generator assembly (10), which finds use in aircraft, and in particular, in "all-electric" aircraft. The assembly (10) includes a planetary differential (20) whose output is controlled by a "make-up" induction motor (12). The induction motor (12) includes a squirrel-cage rotor (14) which is rotatable about a rotor-shaped stator (16). The assembly also includes a primary power generator (30) which includes a permanent magnet rotor (18) and an output winding (22). The rotor (18) is co-axial with and rotatable about, the outside of the rotor (14). The outer rotor (18) is driven by the planetary differential (20) in such a manner that the planet-carrier (24) is driven by the aircraft's engine, the ring-gear (26) drives the generator (30), and the sun-gear (32) is connected to the induction motor (12).

Abstract: An electrical alternator system is capable of being driven by either of two prime movers and of being automatically transferred therebetween without substantial variation in the electrical output of the alternator. A planetary gear system having two mechanical drive inputs and one output is interposed between the normally used prime mover and an alternator. One mechanical input to the planetary gear system is provided with a controlled variable speed input N.sub.R from the prime mover which is controlled so as to compensate for speed variations in the other mechanically input N.sub.E from the prime mover thus maintaining the output speed N.sub.S substantially equal to a desired reference speed N.sub.O.

Abstract: A frequency control system for an n-phase induction machine having an input shaft and at least one output line, where n is an integer. The system includes a generator that provides an electrical frequency control signal, f.sub.e, which is representative of the difference between the phase of the voltage on the output line and the phase of a reference signal. The system further includes a generator for providing a mechanical frequency control signal which is representative of the frequency of rotation of the input shaft to the induction generator. Another generator provides a torque generator control signal which is representative of the difference between the electrical frequency control signal and the mechanical frequency control signal. A torque generator, such as an internal combustion engine, is adapted to be responsive to the torque generator control signal for applying a torque to the input shaft of the induction machine, where the applied torque is related to the torque generator control signal.

Abstract: The invention is an aircraft power generation system which utilizes an induction-machine (G.sub.1) as a primary generator of variable-voltage/variable-frequency power. The induction-machine (G.sub.1) is directly driven by the engine (14) and is excited by an excitation-generator (G.sub.2) such that the induction-machine (G.sub.1) operates in a generating mode. A variable-speed drive (20), shown as a toroidal drive (30), controls the excitation frequency of the induction-machine (G.sub.1) such that the negative slip-frequency is controlled as a function of the input speeds (N.sub.1), (N.sub.2) and the electric load on the generator. Control of the toroidal drive (30) and thus speed (N.sub.2) is accomplished by a negative-slip control circuit which includes a drive control logic circuit (36), a proportional actuator (34), a control-start panel (48), and a steering mechanism (32).In another aspect of the invention, the induction-machine (G.sub.1) operates in a start-mode to start the engine (14).

Abstract: A method for attenuating oscillations of a rotating system.Acceleration and deceleration of the system are sensed. In dependence on an acceleration, an eddy-current brake is applied to the rotating system. In dependence on a deceleration, rotational energy is supplied to the system from a rotational energy source.

Abstract: An electric generator arrangement comprises a generator and a continuously-variable ratio drive, whereby the generator can be driven at a constant speed over a range of speeds applied to an input shaft. The drive comprises an epicyclic differential gear having a planet gear carrier driven by the input shaft, a sum gear coupled to coupled to the generator and a ring gear. The ring gear can be driven at varying speeds by hydraulic units to vary the ratio of the speeds of the input shaft and the sun gear. The hydraulic units are driven by the input shaft and the speed of the ring gear is controlled by an electro-hydraulic control system which is responsive to the frequency of an output signal from a part of the generator. Fluid under pressure for the hydraulic units and the hydraulic control system is provided by a combined pump and de-aerator on the shaft of another part of the generator.

Abstract: An automatic output control method and dynamo equipment for generating sets using automobile wheel friction drive, which, in relation to generating sets using automobile wheel friction drive and consisting of a base plate with a jack attached and a dynamo which is removable from the said base plate and tiltable so that its shaft bears upon an automobile wheel driven by the automobile engine to achieve electricity generation over long periods of time with good efficiency and stability by utilizing the said automobile engine power, features the use of a tapered drum having a parallel section for the dynamo drum driven by friction with an automobile wheel, arranged so that the said tapered drum, sliding freely in the axial direction along a screw groove notched along the shaft, and so that a coil spring fits around the said shaft in such a manner that the tapered drum may be pressed always in the direction of the smaller diameter section by the elastic tension, that the revolution of the tapered drum may be tran

Abstract: Energy, from road bed jolts, expended against the wheels and axle or axle housing of either a self-propelled or a trailer vehicle so as to cause the axle to rise and fall is transmitted to a rotatable shaft through a reciprocatory-to-rotary motion transformer including elongated double rack housings containing compression springs engaging relatively-sliding shorter double racks which through their delayed actions due to their inertia and the time required for them to compress their respective springs cause the motion of the racks to lag behind the road-shock induced motions of their respective rack housings, whereupon the thus-compressed springs expand and push their respective racks into the end spaces so opened up within their respective housings, whereupon the thus-tardily moving racks belatedly rotate their respective pinions provided with oppositely-acting unidirectional clutches. The consequent intermittent rotation of the shaft is rendered continuous by a flywheel on the shaft.