US5625276A — Controller for permanent magnet generator

Claim 1

Independent Claim 100 words

A control system for a generator, said generator having a plurality of substantially magnetically independent windings generating electricity and a connector for connecting a load to the windings, comprising: a plurality of switches, wherein each of said switches is connected between one of the generator windings and the load connector such that said switch may connect and disconnect the windings to the load connector; and a controller connected to said plurality of switches for selectively activating and deactivating said switches to vary the number of windings connected to the load connector in accordance with an operating parameter of the generator.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 100 words

A control system for a generator, said generator having a plurality of substantially magnetically independent windings generating electricity and a connector for connecting a load to the windings, comprising: a plurality of switches, wherein each of said switches is connected between one of the generator windings and the load connector such that said switch may connect and disconnect the windings to the load connector; and a controller connected to said plurality of switches for selectively activating and deactivating said switches to vary the number of windings connected to the load connector in accordance with an operating parameter of the generator.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 34 words

The control system of claim 1, further comprising a sensor responsive to the operating parameter of the generator for generating indicia of said operating parameter, wherein said controller is responsive to said sensor indicia.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 17 words

The control system of claim 2, wherein said operating parameter is the output voltage of the generator.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 17 words

The control system of claim 2, wherein said operating parameter is the output current of the generator.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 18 words

The control system of claim 2, wherein said operating parameter is temperature of a portion of the generator.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 91 words

A control system for a generator having a plurality of windings generating electricity and a connector for connecting a load to the windings to receive the electricity, comprising: a plurality of switches, wherein each of said switches is connected to selectively effect a current path between respective windings and the load connector; and a controller connected to said plurality of switches for selectively activating and deactivating said switches wherein said controller varies the sequence of said selective activation and deactivation of said switches to distribute heat generation among the generator windings.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 91 words

A control system for a generator having a plurality of windings generating electricity and a connector for connecting a load to the windings to receive the electricity, comprising: a plurality of switches, wherein each of said switches is connected to selectively effect a current path between respective windings and the load connector; and a controller connected to said plurality of switches for selectively activating and deactivating said switches wherein said controller varies the sequence of said selective activation and deactivation of said switches to distribute heat generation among the generator windings.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 19 words

The control system of claim 6, wherein at least one of said switches comprises a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR).

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 12 words

The control system of claim 6, wherein said controller includes a microprocessor.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 29 words

The system of claim 8 wherein at least some of the windings are selectively connected across by-pass diodes, the by-pass diodes effectively connected to the load connector in series.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 21 words

The system of claim 8 wherein at least some of the windings are effectively connected to the load connector in parallel.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 44 words

The system of claim 8 wherein the plurality of windings comprise a plurality of groups of stator windings disposed such that rotation of the rotor induces current in the stator windings, the plurality of groups of windings being substantially magnetically independent from each other.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 51 words

The system of claim 8 wherein: the windings comprises a plurality of three-phase windings; the switches constitute part of at least one controlled rectifying circuit cooperating with each winding group; and the system further comprises a respective supplemental diode connected across each rectifying circuit, the supplemental diodes being connected in series.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 20 words

The system of claim 12 wherein the switching circuit further includes a capacitance connected in parallel with the output terminals.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 47 words

The system of claim 8 wherein the windings include a first set of individual groups of windings arranged for selective connection in parallel, and a second set of individual groups of windings arranged for selective connection in parallel, the first and second sets being connected in series.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 78 words

The system of claim 11 wherein: the generator includes a rotor and a stator; the rotor has a predetermined number of poles; and the stator includes a soft magnet core having a crenelated inner periphery with a predetermined number of equally spaced teeth and slots, equal to a predetermined multiple of the number of rotor poles times the number of phases, with a predetermined number of said windings wound through the slots about predetermined numbers of the teeth.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 15 words

The system of claim 8 wherein the switches constitute a portion of a controlled rectifier.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 13 words

The system of claim 16, further including an inverter cooperating with the rectifier.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 11 words

The system of claim 8 wherein the controller comprises a microcomputer.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 54 words

The system of claim 8 wherein: the generator includes a rotor and a stator; and the stator includes a soft magnet core having a crenelated inner periphery with a predetermined number of equally spaced teeth and slots, with a predetermined number of said windings wound through the slots about predetermined numbers of the teeth.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 71 words

The system of claim 19 wherein the rotor comprises a predetermined number of poles and the windings comprise groups of respective phase windings connected together at one end in a star configuration, and the winding corresponding to each phase wound about a predetermined number of teeth corresponding to a rotor pole, with each successive phase winding shifted by one slot, and wound in the opposite direction from the preceding phase winding.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 121 words

The system of claim 19 wherein the rotor comprises: a core having a surface proximate to the stator with insets and portions between the insets forming respective consequence poles, each consequence pole having a predetermined surface area proximate to the stator; and a plurality of permanent high energy product magnets mounted in the insets separated from adjacent consequence poles by a predetermined distance, the magnets having a predetermined surface area proximate to the stator greater than the surface area of the consequence poles proximate to the stator, separated from the stator by a predetermined gap distance such that relative motion of the rotor and stator causes magnetic flux from the magnets to interact with and induce current in the stator windings.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 52 words

The generator of claim 21 wherein the surface area of the permanent magnets proximate to the stator is greater than the surface area of the consequence poles proximate to the stator by the ratio of the flux density produced by the permanent magnet to the allowed flux density of the consequence pole.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 20 words

The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the magnets have a flux density of at least on the order five kilogauss.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 29 words

The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the distance separating the magnets from the consequence poles is greater than the predetermined gap distance separating the rotor surface from the stator.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 50 words

The system of claim 8 further comprising at least one sensor for generating indicia of a control parameter, and wherein the control circuit, responsive to said indicia, generates control signals to the switches to vary the number of windings connected to the load connector in accordance with the control parameter.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 17 words

The system of claim 25, wherein the control parameter is the speed of rotation of the rotor.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 54 words

The system of claim 11 further comprising at least one sensor for generating indicia of a control parameter, and wherein the control circuit, responsive to said indicia, generates control signals to the switches to vary the number of individual groups of stator windings connected to the load connector in accordance with the control parameter.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 17 words

The system of claim 27, wherein the control parameter is the speed of rotation of the rotor.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 54 words

The system of claim 8 further comprising at least one sensor for generating a feedback signal indicative of a control parameter, and wherein the control circuit, responsive to said feedback signal, generates control signals to the switches to vary the number of windings connected to the load connector in accordance with the control parameter.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 20 words

The system of claim 29, wherein the control parameter is the magnitude of the current drawn at the load connector.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 19 words

The system of claim 29, wherein the control parameter is the magnitude of the voltage at the load connector.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 11 words

The system of claim 29 wherein the controller comprises a microcomputer.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 81 words

The system of claim 29 wherein the controller comprises: a voltage divider with a predetermined number of steps, having a signal indicative of the control parameter applied thereto; and, a respective comparator associated with each step of the divider, the comparator generating an output signal indicative of a comparison of the voltage at the associated divider step and a predetermined reference voltage associated with the step; the output signals of the comparators being applied as the control signals to the switches.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 18 words

The system of claim 33 wherein the predetermined number of steps corresponds to the number of stator windings.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 21 words

The system of claim 33 wherein the controller further comprises means for altering the sequence in which the windings are activated.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 60 words

The system of claim 11 further comprising at least one sensor for generating a feedback signal indicative of a control parameter, and wherein the control circuit, responsive to said feedback signal, generates control signals to the switches to vary the number of individual groups of stator windings with current paths to the load connector in accordance with the control parameter.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 20 words

The system of claim 36, wherein the control parameter is the magnitude of the current drawn at the load connector.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 19 words

The system of claim 36, wherein the control parameter is the magnitude of the voltage at the load connector.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 81 words

The system of claim 36 wherein the controller comprises: a voltage divider with a predetermined number of steps, having a signal indicative of the control parameter applied thereto; and, a respective comparator associated with each step of the divider, the comparator generating an output signal indicative of a comparison of the voltage at the associated divider step and a predetermined reference voltage associated with the step; the output signals of the comparators being applied as the control signals to the switches.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 18 words

The system of claim 39 wherein the predetermined number of steps corresponds to the number of stator windings.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 21 words

The system of claim 39 wherein the controller further comprises means for altering the sequence in which the windings are activated.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 11 words

The system of claim 36 wherein the controller comprises a microcomputer.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 195 words

The system of claim 25 wherein the control circuit comprises: a microcomputer, generating an output signal indicative of a count, incremented at predetermined intervals, and responsive to interrupt signals, generating control signals to the switching circuit to vary the number of individual groups of stator windings with current paths to the output terminals; a resistor ladder; a bus selectively coupling the microcomputer to the resistor ladder and to the switching circuit; the resistor ladder, responsive to the microcomputer count, generating a ramp reference signal reflecting that count; and at least one comparator, responsive to the ramp reference signal and to indicia of the control parameter, for generating a microcomputer interrupt signal in accordance with a comparison of the control parameter with the ramp signal, the instantaneous value of the microcomputer count when the parameter indica and reference ramp signal voltage are equal being indicative of the value of the control parameter; the microcomputer generating control signals to the switching circuit to vary the number of individual groups of stator windings with current paths to the output terminals in accordance with the value of the control parameter indicated by such instantaneous value of the microcomputer count.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 13 words

The system of claim 43 wherein the comparator is internal to the microcomputer.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 23 words

The system of claim 43 further including means for selectively applying indicia of one of a plurality of control parameters to the comparator.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 31 words

The system of claim 43 further including respective input switches for providing operator input to the microcomputer, and a latch, connected to the bus, for capturing the state of the switches.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 70 words

The system of claim 43 wherein the controller further comprises: at least one output register having a respective bit corresponding to each of the switches, the register being selectively receptive of input signals from the microcomputer; and an output latch corresponding to each output register, responsive to control signals from said microcomputer and selectively receptive of indicia of the contents of the output register, providing control signals to the switches.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 40 words

The system of claim 47 wherein: the output register is a serial-input-parallel-output register; and the microcomputer provides a bit pattern corresponding to the desired states of the switches as serial data, and a load command signal to the output register.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 130 words

The system of claim 43 wherein: the controller includes a plurality of serial-input-parallel-output registers having respective bits corresponding to an associated group of switches; and the microcomputer provides a serial bit pattern, corresponding to the desired states of a group of switches, applied as data inputs to all of the output registers; and serial data clock signals, selectively provided synchronously with the serial data, the serial data clock signals being applied to a selected one of the output registers to select, and load the data into, the such register; and a latch control signal, applied to each of the output registers, subsequent to the serial bit pattern data, to load the accumulated pattern into a corresponding output latch, and hence, apply the bit pattern as control signals to designated switches.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 112 words

Apparatus for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy at respective output terminals, comprising: a rotor, adapted for selective rotation; a stator, including a plurality of groups of stator windings disposed such that rotation of the rotor induces current in the stator windings, the plurality of groups of windings being substantially magnetically independent from each other; a switching circuit, responsive to control signals applied thereto, selectively completing current paths between individual groups of stator windings and the output terminals; and a control circuit for generating control signals to the switching circuit to vary the number of individual groups of stator windings with current paths to the output terminals to achieve a desired output.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 112 words

Apparatus for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy at respective output terminals, comprising: a rotor, adapted for selective rotation; a stator, including a plurality of groups of stator windings disposed such that rotation of the rotor induces current in the stator windings, the plurality of groups of windings being substantially magnetically independent from each other; a switching circuit, responsive to control signals applied thereto, selectively completing current paths between individual groups of stator windings and the output terminals; and a control circuit for generating control signals to the switching circuit to vary the number of individual groups of stator windings with current paths to the output terminals to achieve a desired output.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 13 words

The apparatus of claim 50 wherein the switching circuit comprises a controlled rectifier.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 57 words

The apparatus of claim 50 further comprising at least one sensor for generating indicia of a control parameter, and wherein the control circuit, responsive to said indicia, generates control signals to the switching circuit to vary the number of individual groups of stator windings with current paths to the output terminals in accordance with the control parameter.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 52, wherein the control parameter is the speed of rotation of the rotor.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 61 words

The apparatus of claim 50 further comprising at least one sensor for generating a feedback signal indicative of a control parameter, and wherein the control circuit, responsive to said feedback signal, generates control signals to the switching circuit to vary the number of individual groups of stator windings with current paths to the output terminals in accordance with the control parameter.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 20 words

The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the control parameter is the magnitude of the current drawn at the output terminals.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 19 words

The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the control parameter is the magnitude of the voltage at the output terminals.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 83 words

The apparatus of claim 56 wherein the control circuit comprises: a voltage divider with a predetermined number of steps, having a signal indicative of the output voltage applied thereto; and, a respective comparator associated with each step of the divider, the comparator generating an output signal indicative of a comparison of the voltage at the associated divider step and a predetermined reference voltage associated with the step; the output signals of the comparators being applied as the control signals to the switching circuit.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus of claim 57 wherein the predetermined number of steps corresponds to the number of stator windings.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus of claim 57 wherein the control circuit further comprises a respective buffer circuit electrically interposed between the voltage divider steps and associated comparators.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 38 words

The apparatus of claim 57 wherein the control circuit further comprises a Zener diode of pre-determined breakdown voltage corresponding to the divider input voltage indicative of a maximum permitted output voltage, connected in parallel with the voltage divider.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 16 words

The apparatus of claim 57 wherein the control circuit further comprises means for providing over-current protection.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 38 words

The apparatus of claim 57 wherein the control circuit further comprises a second voltage divider, including a manually adjustable potentiometer, and connected to an internal, substantially constant voltage and ground, for generating the reference voltages to the comparators.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus of claim 57 wherein the control circuit further comprises means for altering the sequence in which the windings are activated.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 12 words

The apparatus of claim 50 wherein the control circuit comprises a microcomputer.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 12 words

The apparatus of claim 52 wherein the control circuit comprises a microcomputer.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 195 words

The apparatus of claim 52 wherein the control circuit comprises: a microcomputer, generating an output signal indicative of a count, incremented at predetermined intervals, and responsive to interrupt signals, generating control signals to the switching circuit to vary the number of individual groups of stator windings with current paths to the output terminals; a resistor ladder; a bus selectively coupling the microcomputer to the resistor ladder and to the switching circuit; the resistor ladder, responsive to the microcomputer count, generating a ramp reference signal reflecting that count; and at least one comparator, responsive to the ramp reference signal and to indicia of the control parameter, for generating a microcomputer interrupt signal in accordance with a comparison of the control parameter with the ramp signal, the instantaneous value of the microcomputer count when the parameter indica and reference ramp signal voltage are equal being indicative of the value of the control parameter; the microcomputer generating control signals to the switching circuit to vary the number of individual groups of stator windings with current paths to the output terminals in accordance with the value of the control parameter indicated by such instantaneous value of the microcomputer count.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 13 words

The apparatus of claim 66 wherein the comparator is internal to the microcomputer.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus of claim 66 further including means for selectively applying indicia of one of a plurality of control parameters to the comparator.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 31 words

The apparatus of claim 66 further including respective input switches for providing operator input to the microcomputer, and a latch, connected to the bus, for capturing the state of the switches.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 86 words

The apparatus of claim 66 wherein the switching includes at least one switching device for each group of windings, and the controller further comprises: at least one output register having a respective bit corresponding to each of the switching devices, the register being selectively receptive of input signals from the microcomputer; and an output latch corresponding to each output register, responsive to control signals from said microcomputer and selectively receptive of indicia of the contents of the output register, providing control signals to the switching devices.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 40 words

The apparatus of claim 70 wherein: the output register is a serial-input-parallel-output register; the microcomputer provides a bit pattern corresponding to the desired states of the switching devices as serial data, and a load command signal to the output register.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 134 words

The apparatus of claim 66 wherein: the controller includes a plurality of serial-input-parallel-output registers having respective bits corresponding to an associated group of the switching devices; and the microcomputer provides a serial bit pattern, corresponding to the desired states of a group of switching devices, applied as data inputs to all of the output registers; and serial data clock signals, selectively provided synchronously with the serial data, the serial data clock signals being applied to a selected one of the output registers to select, and load the data into, the such register; and a latch control signal, applied to each of the output registers, subsequent to the serial bit pattern data, to load the accumulated pattern into a corresponding output latch, and hence, apply the bit pattern as control signals to designated switching devices.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 101 words

The apparatus of claim 52 wherein the switching circuit includes at least one switching device for each group of stator windings and the control circuit comprises: a voltage divider with a pre-determined number of steps corresponding to the number of groups of stator windings, having applied thereto a voltage indicative of the control parameter; for each step, an associated buffer, an associated comparator, and an associated interface circuit, receptive of the comparator output, for generating control signals to the switching devices to selectively complete current paths between the respective winding groups to the output terminals in accordance with the control parameter.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 15 words

The apparatus of claim 73 wherein the control parameter is the level of output voltage.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus of claim 50 wherein the switching circuit selectively connects individual groups of stator windings in parallel.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 35 words

The apparatus of claim 50 wherein the switching circuit comprises: a capacitance and a at least one controlled rectifying circuits cooperating with each winding group, the rectifying circuits being connected in parallel to the capacitance.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 50 words

The apparatus of claim 50 wherein: each independent group of windings comprises a plurality of three-phase windings, and the switching circuit comprises: at least one controlled rectifying circuit cooperating with each winding group; and a respective supplemental diode connected across each rectifying circuit, the supplemental diodes being connected in series.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 20 words

The apparatus of claim 77 wherein the switching circuit further includes a capacitance connected in parallel with the output terminals.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus of claim 50 wherein the switching circuit selectively connects individual groups of stator windings in series.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 46 words

The apparatus of claim 50 comprising a first set of individual groups of stator windings arranged for selective connection in parallel, and a second set of individual groups of stator windings arranged for selective connection in parallel, the first and second sets being connected in series.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 53 words

The apparatus of claim 80 including a first output terminal, associated with the first set of individual groups of stator windings for providing a first regulated DC rail voltage, and a second output terminal associated with the second set of individual groups of stator windings for providing a second regulated DC rail voltage.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 21 words

The apparatus of claim 81 further including an inverter deriving power from at least one of the regulated DC rail voltages.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 43 words

The apparatus of claim 81 further including a third set of individual groups of stator windings, respective rectifiers cooperating with the third set of windings to generate an independent inverter rail voltage, and an inverter deriving power from the independent inverter rail voltage.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 16 words

The apparatus of claim 50 further comprising an energy source disposed to selectively rotate the rotor.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 84 wherein the energy source comprises an internal combustion engine.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 82 words

The apparatus of claim 85 wherein the engine includes an output shaft and a throttle, the output shaft, in operation, rotating at a speed in accordance with the setting of the throttle and the apparatus further includes: a circuit for generating indicia of the output of the stator; an electromechanical actuator, responsive to control signals applied thereto, for controlling the setting of the throttle; said control circuit, responsive to the indicia of the stator output, generating the control signals to the actuator.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 12 words

The apparatus of claim 86 wherein the control circuit comprises a microcomputer.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 29 words

The apparatus of claim 86 wherein the circuit for generating indicia of the output of the stator comprises a zero crossing detector cooperating with one of the stator windings.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus of claim 84 wherein the energy source and stator are mounted on a common frame.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 16 words

The apparatus of claim 85 wherein the engine and stator are mounted on a common frame.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 13 words

The apparatus of claim 85 wherein the stator is mounted to the engine.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 13 words

The apparatus of claim 50 wherein the rotor is a permanent magnet rotor.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus of claim 85 wherein the engine has an output shaft, and the rotor is mounted for rotation with the engine shaft.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 30 words

The apparatus of claim 93 wherein the stator is mounted to the engine coaxially disposed with the rotor, such that the rotor is rotated in close proximity to the stator.

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 24 words

The apparatus of claim 93 wherein the stator is generally annular with a central aperture, disposed such that the rotor rotates within the aperture.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 121 words

The apparatus of claim 50 wherein the rotor comprises: a core having a surface proximate to the stator with insets and portions between the insets forming respective consequence poles, each consequence pole having a predetermined surface area proximate to the stator; and a plurality of permanent high energy product magnets mounted in the insets separated from adjacent consequence poles by a predetermined distance, the magnets having a predetermined surface area proximate to the stator greater than the surface area of the consequence poles proximate to the stator, separated from the stator by a predetermined gap distance such that relative motion of the rotor and stator causes magnetic flux from the magnets to interact with and induce current in the stator windings.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 52 words

The generator of claim 96 wherein the surface area of the permanent magnets proximate to the stator is greater than the surface area of the consequence poles proximate to the stator by the ratio of the flux density produced by the permanent magnet to the allowed flux density of the consequence pole.

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 20 words

The apparatus of claim 96 wherein the magnets have a flux density of at least on the order five kilogauss.

Claim 102

Dependent Claim 29 words

The apparatus of claim 96 wherein the distance separating the magnets from the consequence poles is greater than the predetermined gap distance separating the rotor surface from the stator.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 33 words

The apparatus of claim 96 wherein the distance separating the magnets from the consequence poles is at least five times greater than the predetermined gap distance separating the rotor surface from the stator.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 33 words

The apparatus of claim 50 wherein the apparatus provides a predetermined power output, and the ratio of the power output to the weight of the rotor is greater than 150 watts per pound.

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 33 words

The apparatus of claim 50 wherein the apparatus provides a predetermined power output, and the ratio of the power output to the weight of the rotor is greater than 200 watts per pound.

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 33 words

The apparatus of claim 50 wherein the apparatus provides a predetermined power output, and the ratio of the power output to the weight of the rotor is greater than 500 watts per pound.

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 33 words

The apparatus of claim 50 wherein the apparatus provides a predetermined power output, and the ratio of the power output to the weight of the rotor is greater than 700 watts per pound.

Claim 108

Dependent Claim 33 words

The apparatus of claim 50 wherein the apparatus provides a predetermined power output, and the ratio of the power output to the weight of the rotor is greater than 800 watts per pound.

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 73 words

The apparatus of claim 50 wherein: the rotor has a predetermined number of poles; and the stator includes a soft magnet core having a crenelated inner periphery with a predetermined number of equally spaced teeth and slots, equal to a predetermined multiple of the number of rotor poles times the number of phases, with a predetermined number of said independent groups of windings wound through the slots about predetermined numbers of the teeth.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 73 words

The apparatus of claim 86 wherein: the rotor has a predetermined number of poles; and the stator includes a soft magnet core having a crenelated inner periphery with a predetermined number of equally spaced teeth and slots, equal to a predetermined multiple of the number of rotor poles times the number of phases, with a predetermined number of said independent groups of windings wound through the slots about predetermined numbers of the teeth.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus of claim 106 wherein the number of slots is equal to the number of rotor poles times the number of phases.

Claim 112

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus of claim 106 wherein the apparatus has 3 phases, the rotor has 12 poles, and the stator core includes at least 36 slots.

Claim 113

Dependent Claim 24 words

The apparatus of claim 106 wherein the predetermined number of independent groups of windings is an integer fraction of the number of rotor poles.

Claim 114

Dependent Claim 69 words

The apparatus of claim 106 wherein the apparatus has 3 phases, the windings of the groups comprise respective phase windings connected together at one end in a star configuration, and the winding corresponding to each phase is wound about a predetermined number of teeth corresponding to a rotor pole, with each successive phase winding shifted by one slot, and wound in the opposite direction from the preceding phase winding.

Claim 115

Dependent Claim 60 words

The apparatus of claim 106 wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one sensor for generating indicia of a control parameter, and wherein the control circuit, responsive to said indicia, generates control signals to the switching circuit to vary the number of individual groups of stator windings with current paths to the output terminals in accordance with the control parameter.

Claim 116

Independent Claim 169 words

A system for generating an electrical output signal responsive to a wide range of input rotational drive speeds, the system comprising: a rotor, adapted for selective rotation responsive to the input drive; a stator, including a plurality of groups of stator windings disposed such that rotation of the rotor induces current in the stator windings, each of the plurality of groups of windings being substantially magnetically independent from the other groups of windings; respective regulators, one associated with each winding group, the regulators including a respective switching device, responsive to control signals applied thereto, associated with each phase, a predetermined number of said regulators being connected in series; a first sensor for generating a signal indicative of a predetermined system parameter; and a controller, responsive to the signals indicative of output voltage, and indicia of phase, for generating control signals to the regulator switching devices to effectively connect and disconnect respective windings in the operative circuit and adjust the relative firing angles of the regulators to control output voltage.

Claim 117

Independent Claim 169 words

A system for generating an electrical output signal responsive to a wide range of input rotational drive speeds, the system comprising: a rotor, adapted for selective rotation responsive to the input drive; a stator, including a plurality of groups of stator windings disposed such that rotation of the rotor induces current in the stator windings, each of the plurality of groups of windings being substantially magnetically independent from the other groups of windings; respective regulators, one associated with each winding group, the regulators including a respective switching device, responsive to control signals applied thereto, associated with each phase, a predetermined number of said regulators being connected in series; a first sensor for generating a signal indicative of a predetermined system parameter; and a controller, responsive to the signals indicative of output voltage, and indicia of phase, for generating control signals to the regulator switching devices to effectively connect and disconnect respective windings in the operative circuit and adjust the relative firing angles of the regulators to control output voltage.

Claim 118

Dependent Claim 67 words

The system of claim 113, further including: a predetermined number of regulators connected in parallel with said series connected regulators; and a second sensor for generating a signal indicative of output current level; the controller, responsive to the signals indicative of output current, generating control signals to the 3-phase regulator switching devices to effectively connect and disconnect respective windings in the operative circuit to control output current.

Claim 119

Dependent Claim 23 words

The system of claim 113, further including: a power converter, cooperating with at least one of said regulators, for generating an AC signal.

Claim 120

Dependent Claim 50 words

The system of claim 113, further including: AC output terminals; and means, responsive to control signals applied thereto, for selectively effecting and disabling connections between the output of at least one of said regulators and said AC output terminals to create a predetermined wave form simulating the desired AC signal.

Claim 121

Dependent Claim 203 words

The system of claim 115 wherein said regulators provide at least a positive and a common DC rail, and the power converter comprises: first and second converter output terminals; a first power switch circuit, electrically connected to the positive DC rail, and to the first converter output terminal, disposed to, responsive to control signals applied thereto, selectively effect a current path between the positive DC rail and the first converter output terminal; and a second power switch circuit, electrically connected to the positive DC rail, and to the second converter output terminal, disposed to, responsive to control signals applied thereto, selectively effect a current path between the positive DC rail, and the second converter output terminal; a third power switch circuit, electrically connected to the common DC rail, and to the first converter output terminal, disposed to, responsive to control signals applied thereto, selectively effect a current path between the common DC rail and the first converter output terminal; and a fourth power switch circuit, electrically connected to the common DC rail, and to the second converter output terminal, disposed to, responsive to control signals applied thereto, selectively effect a current path between the common DC rail and the second converter output terminal.

Claim 122

Dependent Claim 31 words

The system of claim 117 wherein the first and second power switch circuits are isolated power switch circuits and the third and fourth power switch circuits are non-isolated power switch circuits.

Claim 123

Dependent Claim 34 words

The system of claim 117 wherein each power switch circuit comprises a power switching device and a firing circuit for turning the power switching device on and off in accordance with the control signals.

Claim 124

Dependent Claim 14 words

The system of claim 119 wherein the power switching device is a power transistor.

Claim 125

Dependent Claim 46 words

The system of claim 119 wherein the firing circuits for the first and second power switch circuits comprise means for quickly driving the associated power switching device into a saturated state when the associated control signal changes state to minimize power dissipation during the switching interval.

Claim 126

Dependent Claim 58 words

The system of claim 113, further including: a single phase control winding disposed on the stator, physically wound with one of the phases of a winding group; and a zero crossing detector, for generating a signal indicative of zero crossings in the signal induced in the control winding for use as the indicia of phase to the controller.

Claim 127

Dependent Claim 16 words

The system of claim 122 further including a single phase regulator, cooperating with the control winding.

Claim 128

Dependent Claim 47 words

The system of claim 122 further including a single phase regulator, cooperating with the control winding, the single phase regulator including a switching device, responsive to control signals applied thereto, for adjusting the relative firing angle of the single phase regulator to control the output voltage thereof.

Claim 129

Dependent Claim 62 words

The system of claim 124 wherein the input rotational drive speed ranges from a predetermined minimum operational value to a predetermined maximum operational value, and the control winding is configured to generate, at the minimum operational value, and with the firing angle of the single phase regulator at a predetermined maximum value, a DC output signal having predetermined voltage and current levels.

Claim 130

Dependent Claim 21 words

The system of claim 125 wherein the predetermined minimum operational input rotational drive speed value equals the input drive idle speed.

Claim 131

Dependent Claim 29 words

The system of claim 123 further including at least one regulator device cooperating with the single phase regulator to provide a stable regulated DC outputs at a designated level.

Claim 132

Dependent Claim 77 words

The system of claim 113, wherein the input rotational drive speed ranges from a predetermined minimum operational value to a predetermined maximum operational value, and: the windings are configured such that, at the minimum operational value, with a first predetermined number of winding groups connected in the operative circuit, and firing angles of the respective phases of the regulator at a predetermined maximum value, a DC output signal having predetermined voltage and current levels is generated thereby.

Claim 133

Dependent Claim 34 words

The system of claim 128, wherein the first predetermined number of winding groups connected in the operative circuit is all of the winding groups, and the predetermined maximum firing angle value is full on.

Claim 134

Dependent Claim 21 words

The system of claim 128 wherein the predetermined minimum operational input rotational drive speed value equals the input drive idle speed.

Claim 135

Dependent Claim 77 words

The system of claim 113, further including: at least one further group of stator windings, disposed on the stator such that rotation of the rotor induces current in the stator windings; a further regulator, associated with the further winding group; respective converter output terminals; and a power converter, responsive to signals from the controller, for selectively applying the output of the further regulator to the converter output terminals to generate an output signal with a predetermined waveform.

Claim 136

Dependent Claim 203 words

The system of claim 131 wherein said regulators provide at least a positive and a common DC rail, and the power converter comprises: first and second converter output terminals; a first power switch circuit, electrically connected to the positive DC rail, and to the first converter output terminal, disposed to, responsive to control signals applied thereto, selectively effect a current path between the positive DC rail and the first converter output terminal; and a second power switch circuit, electrically connected to the positive DC rail, and to the second converter output terminal, disposed to, responsive to control signals applied thereto, selectively effect a current path between the positive DC rail, and the second converter output terminal; a third power switch circuit, electrically connected to the common DC rail, and to the first converter output terminal, disposed to, responsive to control signals applied thereto, selectively effect a current path between the common DC rail and the first converter output terminal; and a fourth power switch circuit, electrically connected to the common DC rail, and to the second converter output terminal, disposed to, responsive to control signals applied thereto, selectively effect a current path between the common DC rail and the second converter output terminal.

Claim 137

Dependent Claim 31 words

The system of claim 132 wherein the first and second power switch circuits are isolated power switch circuits and the third and fourth power switch circuits are non-isolated power switch circuits.

Claim 138

Dependent Claim 34 words

The system of claim 132 wherein each power switch circuit comprises a power switching device and a firing circuit for turning the power switching device on and off in accordance with the control signals.

Claim 139

Dependent Claim 46 words

The system of claim 134 wherein the firing circuits for the first and second power switch circuits comprise means for quickly driving the associated power switching device into a saturated state when the associated control signal changes state to minimize power dissipation during the switching interval.

Claim 140

Dependent Claim 14 words

The system of claim 134 wherein the power switching device is a power transistor.

Claim 141

Dependent Claim 202 words

The system of claim 113, further including: a further plurality of groups of stator windings, disposed on the stator such that rotation of the rotor induces current in the stator windings; the further plurality of groups of windings being substantially magnetically independent from each other; a further set of regulators, one associated with each of the further plurality of winding groups, the regulators including a respective switching device, responsive to control signals applied thereto, associated with each phase; the further set of regulators being electrically interconnected to provide an inverter DC rail signal; an inverter, responsive to the inverter DC rail signal and control signals applied thereto, for generating an AC output signal; a first sensor for generating a signal indicative of AC output voltage; the controller, responsive to the signals indicative of AC output voltage, and indicia of rotor cycle phase, generating control signals to the regulator switching devices to effectively connect and disconnect respective windings in the operative circuit and adjust the relative firing angles of the respective phases of the further set of regulators to control the inverter DC rail signal voltage; the controller, responsive to indicia of AC output phase, further generating the control signals to the inverter.

Claim 142

Dependent Claim 33 words

The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the switching circuit comprises at least one controlled rectifier, and the apparatus further includes: a power converter, cooperating with said controlled rectifier, for generating an AC signal.

Claim 143

Dependent Claim 66 words

The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the switching circuit comprises means for generating a DC signal between first and second DC rails, and the apparatus further includes: AC output terminals; and means, responsive to control signals applied thereto, for selectively effecting and disabling connections between the first and second DC rails and said AC output terminals to create a predetermined waveform simulating a desired AC signal.

Claim 144

Dependent Claim 209 words

The apparatus of claim 138 wherein the switching circuit comprises means for generating a DC signal between a first and a second DC rail, and the power converter comprises: first and second converter output terminals; a first power switch circuit, electrically connected to the positive DC rail, and to the first converter output terminal, disposed to, responsive to control signals applied thereto, selectively effect a current path between the positive DC rail and the first converter output terminal; and a second power switch circuit, electrically connected to the positive DC rail, and to the second converter output terminal, disposed to, responsive to control signals applied thereto, selectively effect a current path between the positive DC rail, and the second converter output terminal; a third power switch circuit, electrically connected to the common DC rail, and to the first converter output terminal, disposed to, responsive to control signals applied thereto, selectively effect a current path between the common DC rail and the first converter output terminal: and a fourth power switch circuit, electrically connected to the common DC rail, and to the second converter output terminal, disposed to, responsive to control signals applied thereto, selectively effect a current path between the common DC rail and the second converter output terminal.

Claim 145

Dependent Claim 31 words

The apparatus of claim 140 wherein the first and second power switch circuits are isolated power switch circuits and the third and fourth power switch circuits are non-isolated power switch circuits.

Claim 146

Dependent Claim 34 words

The apparatus of claim 140 wherein each power switch circuit comprises a power switching device and a firing circuit for turning the power switching device on and off in accordance with the control signals.

Claim 147

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus of claim 142 wherein the power switching device is a power transistor.

Claim 148

Dependent Claim 45 words

The apparatus of claim 142 wherein the firing circuits for the first and second power switch circuits comprise means for quickly driving the associated power transistor into a saturated state when the associated control signal changes state to minimize power dissipation during the switching interval.

Claim 149

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus of claim 140 wherein the controller comprises a microprocessor and further generates the control signals to the power switch circuits.

Claim 150

Dependent Claim 99 words

The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the switching circuit comprises means for generating an intermediate DC rail signal between an intermediate DC rail and a common rail, and a high DC rail signal between a high DC rail and the common rail, and the apparatus further includes: AC output terminals; and means, responsive to control signals applied thereto, for selectively effecting and disabling connections between the intermediate and common DC rails and said AC output terminals, and between the high and common DC rails and said AC output terminals, to create a predetermined waveform simulating a desired AC signal.

Claim 151

Dependent Claim 235 words

The apparatus of claim 146 wherein the power converter comprises: first and second converter output terminals; a juncture node, receptive of the intermediate DC rail signal; a first power switch circuit, electrically connected to the juncture node, and to the first converter output terminal, disposed to, responsive to control signals applied thereto, selectively effect a current path between the juncture node and the first converter output terminal; and a second power switch circuit, electrically connected to the juncture node, and to the second converter output terminal, disposed to, responsive to control signals applied thereto, selectively effect a current path between the juncture node, and the second converter output terminal; a third power switch circuit, electrically connected to the juncture node, and to the high DC rail, disposed to, responsive to control signals applied thereto, selectively effect a current path between the high DC rail and the juncture node; a fourth power switch circuit, electrically connected to the common DC rail, and to the first converter output terminal, disposed to, responsive to control signals applied thereto, selectively effect a current path between the common DC rail and the first converter output terminal; and a fifth power switch circuit, electrically connected to the common DC rail, and to the second converter output terminal, disposed to, responsive to control signals applied thereto, selectively effect a current path between the common DC rail and the second converter output terminal.

Claim 152

Dependent Claim 79 words

The system of claim 113 wherein the controller comprises: a microcomputer; at least one output register having a respective bit corresponding to each of the switching devices of said regulators, the register being selectively receptive of input signals from the microcomputer; and an output latch corresponding to each output register, responsive to control signals from said microcomputer and selectively receptive of indicia of the contents of the output register, providing control signals to the switching devices of said regulators.

Claim 153

Dependent Claim 40 words

The system of claim 148 wherein: the output register is a serial-input-parallel-output register; the microcomputer provides a bit pattern corresponding to the desired states of the switching devices as serial data, and a load command signal to the output register.

Claim 154

Dependent Claim 132 words

The system of claim 148 wherein: the system includes a plurality of serial-input-parallel-output registers having respective bits corresponding to an associated group of the switching devices; and the microcomputer provides a serial bit pattern, corresponding to the desired states of a group of switching devices, applied as data inputs to all of the output registers; serial data clock signals, selectively provided synchronously with the serial data, the serial data clock signals being to a selected one of the output registers to select, and load the data into, the such register; and a latch control signal, applied to each of the output registers, subsequent to the serial bit pattern data, to load the accumulated pattern into a corresponding output latch, and hence, apply the bit pattern as control signals to designated switching devices.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2000-04-28	2000-10-28	2001-04-29	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2004-04-28	2004-10-28	2005-04-29	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2008-04-28	2008-10-28	2009-04-29	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Controller for permanent magnet generator

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