US3732949A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Spring drive apparatus and method
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-06-22
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Granted: 1973-05-15
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Expires: 1991-06-22
Abstract
Abstract A wound spiral spring employed as a mechanical power source includes a regulated fluid circulating means to control the energy released as the spring unwinds to drive a power consuming device such as a vehicle, lawn mower and the like.
Inventors
- 👤 C Williams
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 09:11
CPC Classifications
F; F03; F03G; F03G1/00; F03G1/02; F03G1/022; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S185/00; Y10S185/01
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
185 words
The method of winding and releasing energy in a spring driven motOr system consisting of: a. securing one end of a spiral wound spring and connecting the other end to a rotatably mounted power shaft; b. connecting said power shaft to an external drive arrangement to turn such power shaft in a direction adapted to wind said spring in some predetermined amount. c. connecting said power shaft to a power train which includes a fluid pump having a pump shaft and a connected pipe loop adapted when the pump shaft is driven to circulate a predetermined amount of fluid in a closed fluid circuit which includes the pump, the pipe loop and a fluid flow control means acting as a valve; and d. allowing said spring to unwind and drive said fluid pump shaft as well as said power shaft and during the unwinding of said spring using said flow control means to control the rate of fluid flow in said circuit whereby to control the rate at which said pump shaft may be driven as a means of controlling the rate of such unwinding.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
185 words
The method of winding and releasing energy in a spring driven motOr system consisting of: a. securing one end of a spiral wound spring and connecting the other end to a rotatably mounted power shaft; b. connecting said power shaft to an external drive arrangement to turn such power shaft in a direction adapted to wind said spring in some predetermined amount. c. connecting said power shaft to a power train which includes a fluid pump having a pump shaft and a connected pipe loop adapted when the pump shaft is driven to circulate a predetermined amount of fluid in a closed fluid circuit which includes the pump, the pipe loop and a fluid flow control means acting as a valve; and d. allowing said spring to unwind and drive said fluid pump shaft as well as said power shaft and during the unwinding of said spring using said flow control means to control the rate of fluid flow in said circuit whereby to control the rate at which said pump shaft may be driven as a means of controlling the rate of such unwinding.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
186 words
A spring motor system which includes, in combination: a. a spiral wound spring having an outer end fixedly secured and an inner end connected to a power shaft adapted to rotate in one direction when winding said spring and in an opposite direction when driven by said spring; b. a power train connected to said power shaft and adapted to rotate said power shaft in one direction and thereby wind said spring and to be driven by unwinding of said spring when said power shaft rotates in an opposite direction; c. a fluid pump having a pump shaft, piping connected in a closed loop therewith and a valve arranged to control the rate of fluid flow in the loop, said pump shaft being adapted to be driven by said power train during unwinding of said spring whereby said valve may control said rate of flow and thereby control the rate at which said pump shaft is driven to control the rate of said unwinding; and d. means to open and close said fluid control means whereby to control the rate of energy release from said spring.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
186 words
A spring motor system which includes, in combination: a. a spiral wound spring having an outer end fixedly secured and an inner end connected to a power shaft adapted to rotate in one direction when winding said spring and in an opposite direction when driven by said spring; b. a power train connected to said power shaft and adapted to rotate said power shaft in one direction and thereby wind said spring and to be driven by unwinding of said spring when said power shaft rotates in an opposite direction; c. a fluid pump having a pump shaft, piping connected in a closed loop therewith and a valve arranged to control the rate of fluid flow in the loop, said pump shaft being adapted to be driven by said power train during unwinding of said spring whereby said valve may control said rate of flow and thereby control the rate at which said pump shaft is driven to control the rate of said unwinding; and d. means to open and close said fluid control means whereby to control the rate of energy release from said spring.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system as claimed in claim 2 including means to remotely control said valve.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-05-14 | 1976-11-13 | 1977-05-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-14 | 1980-11-13 | 1981-05-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-14 | 1984-11-13 | 1985-05-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |