Abstract: A charge display circuit for indicating the charging state of an automotive electrical system in which the brightness of the charge display lamp is increased while reducing the average power consumption of the circuit. A rectifier circuit having first and second DC output terminals and an AC input terminal is connected to the output winding assembly of an AC generator with the first DC output terminal connected to one terminal of the battery to charge the battery. A charge display lamp is connected through a key switch between the second DC output terminal and the charging terminal of the battery. A resistor having a positive temperature coefficient is connected between the connecting point of the charge display lamp and second DC output terminal and a ground terminal. The resistor may be implemented as a plurality of resistors having positive temperature coefficients connected in parallel with one another, or as a fixed resistor connected in parallel with a resistor having a positive temperature coefficient.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting the occurrence of a shorted diode in the rotating rectifier of a brushless alternator. A sensing circuit is responsive to the direction of current flow through the exciter field winding. A reversal of the current indicates that there is a shorted rectifier diode.

Abstract: An improved charging generator controlling circuit which is capable of detecting failures which could not be detected with prior art such circuits, thereby providing greater security of the electrical system in the vehicle in which the circuit is employed. A full-wave rectifier rectifies the AC output of the armature coils of the generator, the rectifier including first and second rectifier output terminals and a ground terminal. The field coil is coupled to be excited by the output provided at the second rectifier output terminal of the rectifier. A battery is coupled to an output provided at the first rectifier output terminal of the rectifier to be charged thereby. A voltage regulator controls the application of exciting current to the field coil, thereby to maintain the output voltage from the generator at a first predetermined value. A charge display lamp is connected through a keyswitch between the battery and the ground terminal.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting the occurrence of a shorted diode in the rotating rectifier of a brushless alternator. A comparator has connected to it signals representing the base drive to the voltage regulator output transistor and the voltage at the terminal of the generator field winding connected with the collector-emitter circuit of the output transistor. The occurrence of a field winding terminal voltage of the order of the voltage at the anode of the diode which shunts the voltage regulator output transistor, in the absence of a drive signal to the transistor, indicates that there is a shorted rectifier diode.

Abstract: Current flowing through the field coil of a charging generator is turned on and off to control an output voltage of the charging generator. A charging indicator lamp is used to indicate malfunctions such as wire breakage in an exciter circuit, detachment of a terminal of a storage battery, and the uncontrolled operation of a control circuit, for preventing the storage battery from being excessively charged or discharged. The energization of the charging indicator lamp 6 is controlled by controlling a switching element between the charging indicator lamp and ground with a signal indicative of a detected malfunction.

Abstract: According to the method, current blocks of the stator currents are transformed into square waves of constant amplitude and the current blocks of the stator currents are extended to 180.degree. el. Fundamental components are filtered out from the stator voltages and the phase of the fundamental components are shifted lagging 90.degree. el. The phase-shifted fundamental components are connected into square waves of constant amplitude, at least one square wave of the currents is multiplied by the square wave of the voltage phase following the current phase, and the mean value thereof is formed. There is also an apparatus for implementing the method.

Abstract: A starting circuit, intended for an alternator with auxiliary rectification bridge feeding a regulator that controls the excitation winding by a transistor, while a warning light is connected in series with the contact key, makes it possible to have a high excitation current, as soon as the key is turned on for starting the engine. For this purpose, a stabilized power supply is connected by a diode to a point (A) located between the warning light and a transistor for control of the latter from a comparator; this point (A) is connected by a resistor to the auxiliary terminal (+A) of the alternator, which is connected by another resistor to the base of the transistor for controlling the excitation winding which is connected between the main terminals of the alternator. The base of this transistor is also connected to the regulating comparator fed by said stabilized power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling electric generation for vehicles for use in an electric generating apparatus for a vehicle having a battery comprising a generator and an electric generation display device comprises: a first comparator circuit for comparing a detection value of the battery voltage with a first reference control voltage so as to charge the battery appropriately; an electric generation display control circuit for driving the electric generation display device in response to an output signal of a second comparator circuit for comparing a detection value of an electric generation voltage of the generator with a second reference control voltage; a third comparator circuit for comparing the detection value of the electric generation voltage of the generator with a third reference control voltage which is higher than the second reference control voltage; and means for driving an exciter circuit of the generator which receives the output signals of the first and third comparator circuits and operates to

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a charging generator having armature coils and a field coil includes a rectifier for rectifying an a.c. output induced in the armature coils, the rectifier having a first rectifier output terminal, a second rectifier output terminal, and a ground terminal. The control apparatus has a storage battery chargeable with an output from the first rectifier output terminal, a voltage regulator for turning a current flowing from the second rectifier output terminal to the field coil on and off to control an output voltage from the charging generator to a first preset value, and a charging indicator lamp and a switch device which are connected in series between the storage battery and the second rectifier output terminal through a key-operated switch.

Abstract: The determination of specific faulty components in an automotive type DC voltage regulator is accomplished by detecting the presence or absence of harmonic frequencies, of the base operating frequency of an associated DC voltage generator, on terminals of the regulator in its operating environment.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a charging generator capable of detecting a non-generating state, an uncontrolled state, and a state in which there is a break in connection at the primary output terminal of the generator. A bridge rectifier coupled to the outputs of the armature winding of the charging generator provides the output voltage on first and second output terminals. A voltage regulator controls the amount of current flow in the field coil of the generator in response to the voltage produced on the first output terminal. A diagnostic circuit detects conditions of the non-generating state, the uncontrolled state, and a break in connection at the first output terminal, while a start-up detecting circuit detects the start-up condition of the generator.

Abstract: A switching element is connected between the connection point of an indicator lamp and a diode and ground and is turned on to allow battery current to pass through the lamp to light the same when it is detected that a rectifier output terminal has fallen to a voltage indicative of the lack of generator output, to thereby indicate a failure or open circuit in a coil energization circuit.

Abstract: In a roadway vehicle having a storage battery and an engine-driven alternator, the battery voltage is controlled by a voltage regulator which has a first voltage detector for detecting when the battery voltage reduces below a higher reference level at which the battery voltage is normally controlled, and a second voltage detector for detecting when the battery voltage reduces below a lower reference level. A third voltage detector detects when the alternator voltage rises above a predetermined level. A logic gate circuit responds to outputs from the second and third voltage detectors by generating a warning signal.

Abstract: A portable load bank for loading a generator during a generator test has a set of low resistance coils mounted side by side in a housing and air cooled by a bank of fans. A switching network is provided for testing generators at three discrete load levels. An interlock circuit is provided for safety.

Abstract: A generation indicating apparatus for a vehicle alternator in a generating and charging system includes an indicator lamp connected in series with an electric load and the series circuit of the indicator lamp and the electric load is connected to a battery through a key switch. A series circuit of an electric load drive transistor and an indicator lamp drive transistor is connected in parallel with the series circuit of the indicator lamp and electric load and a junction point between the indicator lamp and the electric load is connected through a line to a junction point between the two drive transistors. Either the load drive transistor or the lamp drive transistor is made conductive depending upon whether a voltage built up by the alternator has reached a predetermined level or not.

Abstract: The protection system includes an over-temperature warning lamp in addition to the usual charge indicator lamp. Both lamps light at ignition as a test, then both go out. If the alternator should fail, both lamps again light. If the alternator overheats, only the warning lamp is lighted and current to the field coil is removed.

Abstract: A device for detecting current imbalance between phases of a polyphase alternating current generator. A detector responds to the maximum peak current in the generator, and detecting means generates an output for each phase proportional to the peak current of each phase. Comparing means generates an output when the maximum peak current exceeds the phase peak current.

Abstract: A charging system for a vehicle battery comprises a voltage detecting circuit having at least one element, such as a Zener diode, having an impedance variable in accordance with a voltage from an auxiliary rectifier connected to the armature coils of the alternator of the system. When the generating voltage is low at the initial operating period, the impedance of the voltage detecting circuit is kept high, and thus the generated current from the auxiliary rectifier is all supplied to the field coil of the alternator without being consumed by a driving circuit of a charge-indicating lamp. As the voltage from the auxiliary rectifier exceeds a predetermined voltage, the impedance of the detecting circuit lowers to cause the driving circuit to energize the lamp. The voltage detecting circuit may be constructed of one or more than one Zener diode, or of a plurality of diodes connected in the forward direction.

Abstract: An in situ self-diagnostic automotive alternator battery charging system is disclosed. Included are: a battery; voltage regulator sensing battery voltage and generating an excitation signal; and an alternator driven by a vehicle engine provide a rectified electrical signal to charge the battery in response to the excitation signal. Electronic circuit status detectors, variously coupled to the battery, voltage regulator and alternator, maintain a first logic state when a corresponding signal characteristic is within a predetermined range and a second logic state when the corresponding characteristic is outside the predetermined range. Combinatorial logic means respond to a logic state sequence from the detectors to identify predetermined sequences of the logic states resulting in the identification of faults in the charging system.

Abstract: To provide a visible output indication, for example by an indicator light on a controller supervisory panel of the vehicle, of proper functioning of the voltage regulator power transistor, monitoring circuits are provided which sense the electrical condition of current flow through or the voltage condition of the field winding or output bus respectively by including a light emitting diode (LED) in an indicator circuit, for example by connecting it in series to the coupling resistor. In one form, a Zener diode Z (FIG. 1) is connected across the output bus with the LED in series, so that the LED will light if the output bus reaches a voltage which might damage the battery, for example due to short circuit or alloying-through of the output transistor T of the voltage regulator; in another form, an LED which preferably is green, LDg (FIG.

Abstract: A device of indicating the charging state of a battery including a series combination of a diode and an indicating lamp connected between an output terminal of a rectifying means of an alternator and a battery. A first switching means activates the indicating lamp when the battery voltage is less than a first lower predetermined value. A second switching means turns the first switching means off when the battery voltage rises above the first predetermined value. A third switching means reactivates the indicating lamp when the battery voltage exceeds a second higher predetermined value.

Abstract: A voltage regulator of a generator for vehicles includes an excitation control circuit for controlling the initial excitation of the generator and the full excitation succeeding to the initial excitation. The excitation control circuit also includes an indication lamp for indicating whether the generator is in a generating state or not. A generator output detecting circuit has a single input terminal to receive an output voltage developed in a stator winding of the generator and compares the output voltage respectively with a first reference level corresponding to an initial voltage build-up and a second reference level higher than the first reference level.

Abstract: A generation control apparatus for vehicles comprises a voltage regulator circuit for controlling the generation of power by a vehicle generator. The power is supplied to the voltage regulator circuit through a first circuit including an ignition switch and a second circuit not including the ignition switch. The supply of power through the second circuit is dependent upon the generating condition of the generator thus allowing the control of the power generation by means of the current flowing through a charge indicator even if the detection of the power generation is prevented. In this way, even if a fault such as a break occurs in the first circuit, the generating operation is maintained until the engine is turned off and the generator has stopped.

Abstract: A voltage control system for vehicles includes a power supply control circuit which allows power to be supplied to a voltage regulator circuit from a battery through a voltage detection line only when a key switch is turned on. The voltage regulator circuit controls the energization of a generator depending on the terminal voltage of the battery detected through the voltage detection line. The power supply control circuit includes a voltage divider circuit for detecting a voltage developed at an output terminal of an auxiliary rectifier associated with the generator when the connection of the output terminal to the battery is completed upon closing the key switch.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for the battery charging generator of a motor vehicle battery charging system. The regulator is capable of detecting various fault conditions and under certain conditions will latch a fault indicator to a latched energized state. The regulator utilizes a Zener diode as a voltage reference and is arranged to accommodate Zener diodes of varying break down voltages by trimming a resistor of the regulator voltage sensing circuit. The regulator includes an internal voltage regulating device having a regulated output voltage applied to fault detecting comparators. The output voltage of the internal regulating device is a function of the particular break down voltage of the Zener diode.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for the battery charging generator of a motor vehicle battery charging system. The regulator is capable of detecting various fault conditions and under certain conditions will latch a fault indicator to a latched energized state. The regulator utilizes a Zener diode as a voltage reference and is arranged to accommodate Zener diodes of varying break down voltages by trimming a resistor of the regulator voltage sensing circuit. The regulator includes an internal voltage regulating device having a regulated output voltage applied to fault detecting comparators. The output voltage of the internal regulating device is a function of the particular break down voltage of the Zener diode.

Abstract: Faulty excitation of the generator-regulator unit in the electrical system of a motor vehicle with resultant changes in the regulator output is indicated by the lighting of a light-emitting diode connected between the ignition switch and a Zener diode furnishing a constant reference voltage. A voltage divider is connected from the ignition switch to the negative battery terminal. One voltage divider tap is connected to the regulator input. When the regulator is underexcited, the voltage drop across the LED is sufficient to cause it to light. Alternatively, a first LED can be provided for indicating underexcitation of the generator and a second one for indicating overexcitation. For this purpose, the first LED is connected between the ignition switch and the regulator input terminal, while the second one is connected between the Zener diode and the regulator input terminal.

Abstract: Desynchronization of a synchronous machine is predicted by detecting a phenomenon of radical variation of the magnetic flux in the gap of a synchronous machine immediately before falling into an asynchronous state. For example, each functional value of the direct axis flux and the quadrature axis flux in the gap is detected for comparing the variation of each functional value with a predetermined reference level to predict desynchronization of the synchronous machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for determining the power angle in electrical AC machines. The invention includes means for determining the synchronous rotating magnetic field of the AC machine and means for determining the angular velocity of the machine's rotor. The value of the angular velocity of the machine's rotor is subtracted from the value of the synchronous rotating magnetic field. The difference between the synchronous rotating magnetic field of the machine and the value of the angular velocity of the machine's rotor is multipled by a predetermined constant to produce an accurate measure of the power angle of the machine being tested.

Abstract: A detector monitoring the function of the stator and rectifying diodes in a multiphase alternator battery charging system is disclosed. A circuit combines individual phase signals from the alternator to form an artificial neutral at which a normally symmetric wave signal is present. A first comparison means detects deviations in the normally symmetric wave signal greater in value than a first threshold voltage level. A second comparison means detects deviations in the normally symmetric wave signal lesser than a second threshold voltage level. Means coupled to the first and second comparators produce an output signal whenever the normally symmetric wave signal deviates above the first threshold voltage level or below the second threshold voltage level. The detection of assymmetry in the normally symmetric wave signal indicates a fault in the stator or rectifying diodes of the alternator.

Abstract: In a battery charging control system for vehicles having an energization resistor connected to the output terminal of an auxiliary rectifier for the purpose of providing a current path from a battery through a key switch, a warning lamp and the energization resistor to indicate a failure of a generator by the lamp, an energization control circuit is provided to form the current path through the energization resistor only when a voltage developed at the output terminal of the auxiliary rectifier reaches a specified voltage level thus blocking the current path during initial excitation of the field coil of the generator.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for the battery charging generator of a motor vehicle battery charging system. The regulator is capable of detecting various fault conditions and under certain conditions will latch a fault indicator to a latched energized state. The regulator utilizes a Zener diode as a voltage reference and is arranged to accommodate Zener diodes of varying break down voltages by trimming a resistor of the regulator voltage sensing circuit. The regulator includes an internal voltage regulating device having a regulated output voltage applied to fault detecting comparators. The output voltage of the internal regulating device is a function of the particular break down voltage of the Zener diode.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for continuously monitoring the air gap torque acting on the rotor of a 3-phase electrical generator by sensing certain of the output voltages and currents produced by the generator as it supplies power to a connected load. In a preferred form of the invention, signals representing the three generator output voltages and two of the three line currents are conditioned and combined in electrical circuitry to produce a single output signal which is indicative of the air gap torque. The torque signal so produced is in a form easily handled by conventional means such as computers and recorders, and is appropriate for use by operating personnel in making decisions regarding generator operation.

Abstract: A generation control apparatus for a vehicle generator includes an energization circuit consisting of an energization path forming resistance element and switching means and provided between the output terminal of a rectifier circuit of the generator and the ground, and an oscillator circuit responsive to the voltage at the output terminal of the rectifier circuit to always oscillate and control the energization circuit, whereby an energization path is intermittently provided in response to the output signal of the oscillator circuit. If a generation fault condition is detected, current is caused to flow from a battery through a key switch, indicator means and the energization path forming resistor intermittently and the driver of the vehicle is alerted to the generation fault of the generator or a break in an excitation circuit by a flashing of the indicator means.

Abstract: A fault indicating circuit for an automobile alternator battery charging system is disclosed. The charging system comprises an alternator providing a rectified battery charging signal in response to alternator field coil excitation which is controlled by a voltage regulator that senses battery voltage. The fault indicating circuit comprises a low voltage detector circuit which provides constant DC excitation for an indicator lamp in response to low alternator output voltage and a high voltage detector circuit which provides intermittent excitation for the lamp in response to an excessively high alternator output voltage, the lamp being maintained in a de-energized state in response to the normal alternator output voltage.

Abstract: A detector monitoring the voltage ripple in the rectified electrical output signal of an alternator in a multiphase alternator battery charging system is disclosed. A circuit monitors the undulating alternator output signal and produces a signal level in response. To correct the detector operation for various magnetic phenomena present in the alternator, a first circuit measures the rotational speed of the rotor and produces a proportional signal. A second circuit determines the excitation current supplied to the field coil. The measurement and determination are separately weighted and combined to form a corrected comparison threshold value. A variable threshold circuit combines the signal proportional to the rotational speed of the rotor and the determined field coil excitation current to produce a combined signal level.

Abstract: A generation control apparatus for vehicle generator normally controls the energization of the vehicle generator in response to a terminal voltage of a battery which is charged by the generator through a rectifier. The generation control apparatus includes a fault detection circuit to detect an abnormal condition of the terminal voltage of the battery or the output voltage of the generator, and if the abnormal condition is detected, a changeover circuit effects the control of the energization in accordance with the output voltage of the generator instead of the battery terminal voltage.

Abstract: A detector monitoring the operational status of the field coil circuit in a multiphase alternator and voltage regulator battery charging system is disclosed. Circuit means monitor a first signal at a first terminal of the field coil circuit. Means generate sampling intervals on a repetitive basis. Circuit means interrupt the excitation signal supplied to the field coil by the voltage regulator during the sampling intervals. A second signal is measured during sampling intervals at a second terminal of the field coil circuit. Comparator means compare the first and second signals and produce an output signal when the comparison varies from a predetermined value.

Abstract: An AC generator charges a storage battery through a full-wave rectifier. The battery energizes a field generator coil through an indication lamp and two Darlington-connected transistors in their conducting state due to a flow of base current through them via a base resistor connected to the battery until a voltage across the generator reaches a predetermined magnitude. At that time, a Zener diode conducts to turn the two transistors off. The field coil is also connected to an intermediate voltage rectifier output terminal to be energized with a voltage from that terminal even if the filament of the charge indicating lamp is broken.

Abstract: A generation control apparatus for a vehicle generator detects the output voltage of an excitation current supplying rectifier circuit of the generator. When the output voltage is lower than a predetermined value, a switching element is turned on and a current for operating an indicator lamp is caused to flow through a resistor connected to the switching element, thus detecting a break in the generator circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for monitoring torsional vibration in the rotor of a dynamoelectric machine by detecting electrical quantities available at the output terminals of the machine. For at least one phase of the machine, output voltage and current are detected and a composite signal is formed therefrom in signal processing circuitry. The composite signal is in synchronous phase with the mechanical angle of the rotor and may be demodulated to obtain the torsional vibration information.

Abstract: A device for indicating the rate of charge in an AC generator with a contactless type voltage regulator having an exciting diode for supplying electric current to a field coil of the AC generator. The device includes a relay coil connected to an output end of the exciting diode, a relay contact responsive to an excitation of the relay coil and a charge warning means responsive to the relay contact thereby preventing malfunction of the charge warning means.

Abstract: A charge indicator circuit for a battery charging system is disclosed. The battery charging system comprises an alternator, a rectifier, a voltage regulator, and a battery. The rectifier comprises first and second rectified output terminals and a grounded rectified terminal. The field coil of the alternator is supplied by the second rectified output terminal of the rectifier. The regulator is coupled serially with the field coil and cuts off the field current when the voltage sensed at the second rectified output terminal exceeds a first predetermined level. The charge indicator circuit comprises a serial connection of a diode and an indicator lamp coupled between the second rectified output terminal and the battery, and a detector and switching network coupled between the junction between the lamp and the diode and a ground terminal.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for controlling the charging of a battery by the regulation of the output voltage of a generator. In normal operation, the voltage regulator senses the output voltage of the battery through a first sensing line, and enables or disables the energization of the generator field winding if the battery voltage is respectively below or above a desired regulated value. In the event of an interruption in the electrical connection between the battery and generator, a second sensing line, comprising a resistance, senses the generator output voltage and causes the voltage regulator to become operative to regulate the generator voltage at a predetermined upper voltage limit.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for the battery charging generator of a motor vehicle battery charging system. The regulator is capable of detecting various fault conditions and under certain conditions will latch a fault indicator to a latched energized state. The regulator utilizes a Zener diode as a voltage reference and is arranged to accommodate Zener diodes of varying break down voltages by trimming a resistor of the regulator voltage sensing circuit. The regulator includes an internal voltage regulating device having a regulated output voltage applied to fault detecting comparators. The output voltage of the internal regulating device is a function of the particular break down voltage of the Zener diode.

Abstract: A motor vehicle battery charging installation includes an alternator/rectifier combination which is controlled by a voltage regulator and is connected to the battery. A warning lamp is connected in series with the collector-emitter of a control transistor across the battery. The voltage at the base of the control transistor is determined by a resistor/capacitor/diode network connected to the rectifier output and to a phase point of the alternator to turn the lamp on whereas the alternator is producing no output. A zener diode is connected to the rectifier output and to an auxiliary input of the regulator to take control should the connection between the alternator and the battery become interrupted. Current flow through this zener diode is detected by a second transistor with its collector-emitter parallel with the first-mentioned transistor so as overridingly to illuminate the lamp in the event of the zener diode becoming conductive.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing permanent magnets such as in a generator or alternator embodied in a fly wheel. The apparatus includes a testing head on which the fly wheel is placed for the purpose. The fly wheel has a circular series of permanent magnets, and the head has a corresponding circular series of electro magnets, with Hall Generators between the electro-magnets, the Hall Generators having an element (bismuth) the resistence of which is affected by a magnetic field. The apparatus includes an electrical circuit embodying the Hall Generators, and the electro-magnets are charged, and the voltage set up through the Hall Generators indicates the voltage condition of the permanent magnets and is the voltage which is tested by the apparatus. The apparatus can also be used for motors as well as generators and alternators.

Abstract: A generator operation indicating apparatus for vehicle generators having a protective circuit against abnormal voltage, includes a drive circuit for turning an indicating device on from the time of closing of a key switch until the time that a vehicle generator attains a predetermined operating condition to indicate the generator operation and a control circuit for forcibly rendering the drive circuit inoperative in response to the occurrence of an abnormal voltage between the indicating device and the drive circuit. When the generator attains the predetermined operating condition, the indicating device is turned off and the supply of current to a load circuit is started. In this case, the drive circuit is also forced to come out of operation upon occurrance of an abnormal supply voltage.

Abstract: To permit elimination of separate exciter diodes of a vehicular three-phase alternator, and yet reliably ensure protection of the vehicular battery and provide an indication of discharge of the battery and hence possible failure of any excitation for the alternator, while additionally providing an indication of possible damage to the battery due to overvoltage conditions, the field of the alternator is separately excited from the battery through a voltage regulator connected to the main switch, and a low-voltage and high-voltage indicator is connected in parallel to the battery, preferably an LED triggered to illumination upon response of one of two threshold sensing circuits which sense undervoltage and overvoltage conditions of the battery beyond a predetermined voltage range.

Abstract: A device for indicating the rate of charge in an AC generator with a contactless type voltage regulator having an exciting diode for supplying electric current to a field coil of the AC generator. The device includes a relay coil connected to an output end of the exciting diode, a relay contact responsive to an excitation of the relay coil and a charge warning means responsive to the relay contact thereby preventing malfunction of the charge warning means.