Other

Perry D Laffoon

John A Shannon

Robert L Boettcher

An electrical receptacle is connected to the alternator of an automotive vehicle to permit connection thereto of a power tool. A switching circuit senses the presence of an electric current through the tool to actuate relays in the switching circuit to cause the alternator to operate in a high voltage mode wherein the alternator provides power at a voltage level suitable for operating the tool at such times that the engine of the vehicle is operating. A unidirectional current path is provided between the battery of the vehicle and the receptacle to enable operation of the switching circuit at such times that the engine is not operating while isolating the battery from electrical power generated by the alternator in the high voltage mode of operation thereof. A first starting relay is actuated by closure of a set of normally open contacts of a relay in the switching circuit to supply power to the ignition system of the vehicle engine from the battery when the switching circuit is caused to operate by connecting a power tool to the receptacle and switching the power tool on at such times that the engine of the vehicle is not operating. A second starting relay is actuated by closure of another set of normally open contacts of a relay in the switching circuit to supply power to the starter motor of the vehicle engine so that the engine can be started by means of a power tool connected to the receptacle.

Engine starting apparatus

An electric power generator incorporating an automobile alternator operable in a high voltage mode suitable for providing power for hand power tools and in a low voltage mode suitable for maintaining the charge of a battery which provides a field current for the alternator. A switching circuit, manually or automatically actuable to place the generator in the high voltage mode of operation, interposes a voltage regulator in the field current circuit and connects the output of the alternator to the battery to charge the battery when the generator is operated in the low voltage mode and interposes a variable resistor in the field current circuit and disconnects the battery from the output of the alternator to permit adjustment of the output voltage of the alternator when the generator is operated in the high voltage mode.

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Yukon, OK, United States of America

Perry D Laffoon