Abstract: A generator device provides a controlled electric output current to a load, and comprises a source of mechanical energy, a gear train connected to the source, a generator connected to the output of the gear train, and a control circuit connected to the output of the generator to control the output level thereof, the control circuit being such that the feedback generated by the control circuit alone is sufficient to prevent uncontrolled release of the energy in the power source.

Abstract: A spring motor utilizes a series arrangement of alternately-wound coiled springs coupled to one another at common ends. The spring motor is coupled to a generator through a gear mechanism to provide a portable and reusable supply of electric power. In addition, the spring motor may be used in a vehicle to recapture wasted energy due to lost momentum during braking. The spring motor is coupled to a winding mechanism for driving the spring motor in response to application of the vehicle's brakes.

Abstract: An electricity generating device for generating electricity by using energy stored in a power spring. The electricity generating device includes a control circuit for monitoring a supply voltage supplied from a supply portion, a mechanical control portion, a voltage boosting portion, a power consuming portion and an electricity generating portion. The rotating speed of the electricity generating portion is controlled by the mechanical control portion, the voltage boosting portion and the power consuming portion. When the supply voltage is higher than a reference voltage, the rotating speed of the electricity generating portion is reduced and thus the unwinding speed of the power spring is decreased. Consequently, an amount of the energy of the power spring, which is matched with the power supplied from the supply portion, is consumed.

Abstract: The converter described comprises a generator (2) having a rotor (3) driven by a spring (1) via a gear-train (4), and means (11) for electrically braking the rotor (3). In one form of embodiment of the converter, the mean rotational speed of the rotor (3) is adjusted to a predetermined set speed by a control circuit (12) which periodically cuts out the braking means (11) in response to a reference signal having a period equal to the ratio between a predetermined rotational angle of the rotor (3) and the set speed. The control circuit (12) cuts the braking means (11) in again after a length of time which varies in response to a signal generated by a circuit (26, 27) for comparing the real angular position of the rotor (3) at the beginning of each period of the refernce signal with the angular position it should be in when running at the set speed.The converter may for instance be used in a timepiece having hands (9) that are also driven by the spring (1).

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

Abstract: Described herein is a device for converting such forms of mechanical energy that comprise even slow and random movements, such as the waves of the sea, the flow of a river, the blowing of the wind, and the thermal expansion caused by the radiation of the sun, to a more useful form of high-speed rotation. The device comprises a shaft member rotatable in one direction only in relation to a frame and comprising a crank. A longitudinal actuating member is at one end connected to the shaft member and arranged to rotate the shaft member by means of its movements in relation to the frame. A spring connected at one end to the frame and at the other end to the crank stores the potential energy caused by the movements of the actuating member and releases it by causing the crank to turn the shaft member into rotation when the crank has passed a dead point determined by the actuating direction of the spring.

Abstract: A battery charging device which is driven by a torsional spring. A gear train driven by the spring is coupled with a wheel having peripheral teeth. A control lever is reciprocated pivotally by a small spring to engage the teeth of the wheel in a manner to control its rotation. The wheel in turn applies impulses which help to keep the lever in motion. The gear train is also coupled with an alternator such that the intermittent movement of the gear train is used to drive the alternator. The electrical current produced by the alternator is used to recharge a battery. An electric motor operates in combination with the switch mechanism to automatically wind up the torsional spring when it has been unwound below a preselected tension level.

Abstract: In the operation of a generator by a source of mechanical power such as a spring motor delivering a variable amount of power to the generator a feedback circuit may be used to monitor the output of the generator. The feedback circuit is employed to provide an input back into the generator which serves to control the speed of rotation of the generator so that such speed is substantially constant. In the preferred embodiment disclosed the generator is an alternator and the frequency of the output of the alternator is monitored in the course of providing input back to the alternator.

Abstract: A battery charging mechanism which is driven by a coil spring. A gear train driven by the spring includes a wheel having peripheral teeth. A control lever is reciprocated pivotally by a small spring to engage the teeth of the wheel in a manner to control its rotation. The wheel in turn applies impulses which help to keep the lever in motion. Links connected with the lever turn gears which drive alternators in order to deliver charging current to the battery. An electric motor acts to automatically wind up the drive spring when it has uncoiled below a preselected tension level.

Abstract: A self-contained alarm signal apparatus is disclosed which comprises an electrical signal generator, and encoder connected to receive the output of the generator and to encode a message to be delivered to a transmitter, a source of stored mechanical energy, and connector means for intermittently applying energy from the energy source to the generator for production of an electrical signal. Also provided are first and second input devices for delivering mechanical inputs to the connector means, each of the mechanical inputs operative to cause the connector means to apply energy to the generator. The first input device comprises manually actuable means and the second input device is automatically operable and comprises a timer and means to deliver a mechanical input to the connector means at predetermined time intervals.