US3672244A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flywheel automotive vehicle
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-04-08
•
Granted: 1972-06-27
•
Expires: 1990-04-08
Abstract
Abstract An automotive system employing a high velocity, moderate mass flywheel capable of storing and rapidly dissipating large supplies of kinetic energy coupled with a transmission adapted to permit the smooth release of stored kinetic energy from the flywheel to the vehicle wheels, and a charging means for supplying kinetic energy to the flywheel at relatively low energy levels. The system provides substantial fuel economy and pollution relief through an efficient energy-conversion system.
Inventors
- 👤 Algirdas L Nasvytis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 19:29
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60K; B60K6/00; B60K6/08; B60K6/10; B60K6/105; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/60; Y02T10/62
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
In combination in a vehicle having driving wheels, a flywheel mounted on said vehicle for rotation about a substantially vertical axis, motor means drivingly connected to said flywheel via a one-way clutch, transmission means infinitely variably drivingly interconnecting said flywheel to said driving wheels to provide a range of transmission input to output ratios from infinity through one, means for varying the ratio of said transmission, and means responsive to the speed of said flywheel for increasing the output of said motor when the speed of the flywheel falls below a predetermined minimum speed, and thereby charge said flywheel, and decreasing the output of said motor when the speed of the flywheel increases to a predetermined maximum to thereby stop charging said flywheel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
123 words
In combination in a vehicle having driving wheels, a flywheel mounted on said vehicle for rotation about a substantially vertical axis, motor means drivingly connected to said flywheel via a one-way clutch, transmission means infinitely variably drivingly interconnecting said flywheel to said driving wheels to provide a range of transmission input to output ratios from infinity through one, means for varying the ratio of said transmission, and means responsive to the speed of said flywheel for increasing the output of said motor when the speed of the flywheel falls below a predetermined minimum speed, and thereby charge said flywheel, and decreasing the output of said motor when the speed of the flywheel increases to a predetermined maximum to thereby stop charging said flywheel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein the flywheel axis is pivotally supported for limited pivotal motion about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The structure set forth in claim 1 including containing means housing said flywheel, means reducing the atmospheric pressure in said container, said flywheel including a clutch within said container providing selective engagement or disengagement of said flywheel from said transmission.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
79 words
In combination in a vehicle having driving wheels, an energy-storing flywheel mounted on said vehicle for high speed rotation about a vertical axis, infinitely variable transmission means inter-connecting said flywheel to said driving wheels through a ratio range from infinity through one, and a foot pedal on said vehicle connected to said transmission means to decrease the ratio of the transmission upon Depression of the foot pedal and to increase the transmission ratio upon release of the foot pedal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
79 words
In combination in a vehicle having driving wheels, an energy-storing flywheel mounted on said vehicle for high speed rotation about a vertical axis, infinitely variable transmission means inter-connecting said flywheel to said driving wheels through a ratio range from infinity through one, and a foot pedal on said vehicle connected to said transmission means to decrease the ratio of the transmission upon Depression of the foot pedal and to increase the transmission ratio upon release of the foot pedal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The structure set forth in claim 1, wherein electric motor means is drivingly connected to said flywheel.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-06-27 | 1975-12-27 | 1976-06-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-06-27 | 1979-12-27 | 1980-06-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-06-27 | 1983-12-27 | 1984-06-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |