US3733446A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Guided vehicle power supply system
Assignee: FMC Corp
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Filing: 1971-06-14
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Granted: 1973-05-15
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Expires: 1991-06-14
Abstract
Abstract A power supply system for a vehicle which is guided along a predetermined path is disclosed. The power supply system has the following makeup. A power supply structure for supplying power to the guided vehicle is located along the side of the predetermined vehicle path. An aligning structure, associated with the power supply structure, provides a guide surface. An aligning wheel is rotatably secured by first support structure to the vehicle in such a position that the wheel contacts the guide surface of the aligning structure to guide the vehicle as it passes along the predetermined path. A plurality of current collectors, for engaging the power supply structure, are secured by second support structure to the first support structure in a position adjacent the aligning wheel. This second support structure resiliently supports the plurality of current collectors in engagement with the power supply structure.
Inventors
- 👤 D Colovas
- 👤 J Logan
- 👤 R Skruch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 16:58
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60L; B60L5/00; B60L5/38; B60M; B60M1/00; B60M1/30; B60L2200/00; B60L2200/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
246 words
A power supply system for a vehicle which is guided along a predetermined path, which power supply system comprises: a support structure mounted along and generally facing inwardly toward said predetermined path of said vehicle; first and second insulating members secured to said support structure; first and second conductor elements respectively mounted along the portions of said first and second insulating members which face inwardly toward said predetermined vehicle path; a third conductor element secured to said support structure and providing a relatively smooth surface facing inwardly toward said predetermined vehicle path; an aligning wheel; first structure means including a support member for rotatably supporting said aligning wheel from said vehicle in such a horizontal position that said wheel engages said smooth surface of said third conductor element; a support structure secured to said support member of said first structure means and extendinG down a portion of the length of said vehicle path away from said aligning wheel, said support structure including electrically insulated portions; three spring arms extending from said insulated portions of said support structure down a portion of the length of said vehicle path away from said aligning wheel, each of said fingers being in juxtaposition to one of said conductor elements and having free ends flexed toward engagement with an associated conductor element; three collector brushes; and means for securing said collector brushes to said free ends of individual ones of said spring arms in facing relationship with an associated conductor element.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
246 words
A power supply system for a vehicle which is guided along a predetermined path, which power supply system comprises: a support structure mounted along and generally facing inwardly toward said predetermined path of said vehicle; first and second insulating members secured to said support structure; first and second conductor elements respectively mounted along the portions of said first and second insulating members which face inwardly toward said predetermined vehicle path; a third conductor element secured to said support structure and providing a relatively smooth surface facing inwardly toward said predetermined vehicle path; an aligning wheel; first structure means including a support member for rotatably supporting said aligning wheel from said vehicle in such a horizontal position that said wheel engages said smooth surface of said third conductor element; a support structure secured to said support member of said first structure means and extendinG down a portion of the length of said vehicle path away from said aligning wheel, said support structure including electrically insulated portions; three spring arms extending from said insulated portions of said support structure down a portion of the length of said vehicle path away from said aligning wheel, each of said fingers being in juxtaposition to one of said conductor elements and having free ends flexed toward engagement with an associated conductor element; three collector brushes; and means for securing said collector brushes to said free ends of individual ones of said spring arms in facing relationship with an associated conductor element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The power supply system of claim 1 wherein: said first and said second conductor elements are secured to the upper portion of said support structure, and wherein: said third conductor elements is secured to the lower portion of said support structure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The power supply system of claim 2 wherein: said third conductor element is an ''''I'''' beam member with its top surface facing inwardly toward said vehicle path.
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 |