Inertial energy system for vehicles

Claim 2

In combination with an operator controlled vehicle having a power plant to impart motion to the vehicle drive wheels, that improvement which comprises: a. a flywheel mounted for rotation on the vehicle independent of the power plant and the drive wheels, b. a machine element for driving said flywheel, c. first means selectively operable to connect said element to said power plant to impart rotation to said flywheel to store kinetic energy therein and alternatively to impart kinetic energy from said moving vehicle to said flywheel, d. second means selectively operable to connect said element to said drive wheels to impart stored kinetic energy to said wheels and motion to said vehicle, e. means to relate said connecting means wherein each operates selectively and alternately with respect to the other, f. said first means including a pressure operated brake and a pressure system to operate said brake, and g. means in said system to block pressure to said brake in response to a predetermined flywheel speed.

Claim 3

In combination with an operator controlled vehicle having a power plant to impart motion to the vehicle drive wheels, that improvement which comprises: a. a flywheel mounted for rotation on the vehicle independent of the power plant and the drive wheels, b. a machine element for driving said flywheel, c. first means selectively operable to connect said element to said power plant to impart rotation to said flywheel to store kinetic energy therein and alternatively to impart kinetic energy from said moving vehicle to said flywheel, d. second means selectively operable to connect said element to said drive wheels to impart stored kinetic energy to said wheels and motion to said vehicle, e. means to relate said connecting means wherein each operates selectively and alternately with respect to the other, and f. said first and second means being operated by fluid pressure, and a fluid pressure system associated with said vehicle comprising a firsT cylinder for operating said first means, a second cylinder for operating said second means, a third pressure cylinder responsive to brake pressure of a brake pedal, a fourth cylinder responsive to accelerator pressure of an acceleration pedal, and connecting lines between said first and third cylinders and between said second and fourth cylinders, whereby actuation of said brake cylinder causes response in said first cylinder, and actuation of said accelerator pedal causes a response in said second cylinder.

Claim 4

In combination with an operator controlled vehicle having a power plant to impart motion to the vehicle drive wheels, that improvement which comprises: a. a flywheel mounted for rotation on the vehicle independent of the power plant and the drive wheels, b. a machine element for driving said flywheel, c. first means selectively operable to connect said element to said power plant to impart rotation to said flywheel to store kinetic energy therein and alternatively to impart kinetic energy from said moving vehicle to said flywheel, d. second means selectively operable to connect said element to said drive wheels to impart stored kinetic energy to said wheels and motion to said vehicle, e. means to relate said connecting means wherein each operates selectively and alternately with respect to the other, and f. said first and second means being operated by fluid pressure, and a fluid pressure system associated with said vehicle comprising a firsT cylinder for operating said first means, a second cylinder for operating said second means, a third pressure cylinder responsive to brake pressure of a brake pedal, a fourth cylinder responsive to accelerator pressure of an acceleration pedal, and connecting lines between said first and third cylinders and between said second and fourth cylinders, whereby actuation of said brake cylinder causes response in said first cylinder, and actuation of said accelerator pedal causes a response in said second cylinder.

Claim 5

a second pressure developing unit responsive to up pressure on an accelerator pedal,

Claim 6

a second pressure developing unit responsive to up pressure on an accelerator pedal,

Claim 7

a third pressure developing unit responsive to brake pedal pressure,

Claim 8

a third pressure developing unit responsive to brake pedal pressure,

Claim 9

A system as defined in claim 2, in which a control valve is provided responsive to clutch pressure of a clutch mechanism, said valve controlling the connecting lines between the second and fourth cylinders whereby actuation of said clutch pedal blocks the response of said second cylinder to operation of said accelerator pedal.

Claim 10

a fourth pressure developing unit responsive to manifold vacuum,

Claim 11

a fourth pressure developing unit responsive to manifold vacuum,

Claim 12

A system as defined in claim 2 in which a fifth pressure cylinder connected in said lines is responsive to manifold pressure of an internal combustion engine driving said vehicle to actuate said first cylinder and said first means in response to no-load conditions of said engine.

Claim 13

a fifth pressure developing unit responsive to absence of manifold vacuum,

Claim 14

a fifth pressure developing unit responsive to absence of manifold vacuum,

Claim 15

A system as defined in claim 2 in which a speed responsive means influenced by means reflecting the speed of said flywheel is operative on said first cylinder to effect a connection between said power plant and said flywheel at speeds of said flywheel below a predetermined rate.

Claim 16

In combination with an operator-controlled vehicle having an internal combustion engine power plant to impart motion to the vehicle drive shaft and drive wheels, that improvement which comprises: a. a flywheel mounted for rotation on the vehicle independent of the power plant and the drive wheels, b. a vehicle drive shaft connectable to said engine and said wheels, c. a first clutch means engageable to connect said drive shaft to said flywheel to impart rotation to said flywheel, d. a second clutch means engageable to connect said flywheel to said drive shaft to impart rotation to said shaft from said flywheel, e. a control system for said vehicle which operates said clutch means selectively to distribute inertial energy of said wheel and said vehicle, and f. said control system cooperating with a brake pedal, an accelerator pedal, and a manifold vacuum source and comprising a fluid pressure system including,

Claim 17

In combination with an operator-controlled vehicle having an internal combustion engine power plant to impart motion to the vehicle drive shaft and drive wheels, that improvement which comprises: a. a flywheel mounted for rotation on the vehicle independent of the power plant and the drive wheels, b. a vehicle drive shaft connectable to said engine and said wheels, c. a first clutch means engageable to connect said drive shaft to said flywheel to impart rotation to said flywheel, d. a second clutch means engageable to connect said flywheel to said drive shaft to impart rotation to said shaft from said flywheel, e. a control system for said vehicle which operates said clutch means selectively to distribute inertial energy of said wheel and said vehicle, and f. said control system cooperating with a brake pedal, an accelerator pedal, and a manifold vacuum source and comprising a fluid pressure system including,

Claim 18

first means to actuate said first clutch means,

Claim 19

first means to actuate said first clutch means,

Claim 20

second means to actuate said second clutch means,

Claim 21

second means to actuate said second clutch means,

Claim 22

A combination as defined in claim 6 in which a control means responsive to the speed of said flywheel is operatively associated with said second, third, and fourth pressure developing units to effect operation of said first clutch means under conditions of speed of said flywheel below a predetermined kinetic energy storage condition.

Claim 23

A combination as defined in claim 7 in which said control means comprises a valve system operable to close pressure from said means to actuate said first clutch means under said predetermined conditions.

Claim 24

means connecting said second, third, and fourth pressure developing units to said first means, and

Claim 25

means connecting said second, third, and fourth pressure developing units to said first means, and

Claim 26

means connecting said first and fifth pressure developing units to said second means, wherein said clutch means are operated sequentially in the normal operation of the vehicle to transfer kinetic energy to and from the flywheel and to and from the vehicle.

Claim 27

means connecting said first and fifth pressure developing units to said second means, wherein said clutch means are operated sequentially in the normal operation of the vehicle to transfer kinetic energy to and from the flywheel and to and from the vehicle.

Claim 28

A combination as defined in claim 6 in which a foot clutch pedal in the vehicle is provided, and a control valve operable by disEngagement motion of said clutch pedal in a line leading to said ''''second means to actuate said second clutch means'''' to block operation of said second clutch means when said foot clutch pedal is depressed.

Claim 29

A combination as defined in claim 2 in which a by-pass emergency pressure line is interposed between said third pressure developing unit and a brake line responsive to predetermined operator pressure to effect vehicle braking independently of flywheel speed.

Claim 30

In combination with an operator-controlled vehicle having a power plant to impart motion to the vehicle drive wheels, that improvement which comprises: a. a flywheel mounted for rotation on the vehicle independent of the power plant and the drive wheels, b. a machine element for driving said flywheel, c. first means selectively operable to connect said element to said power plant to impart rotation to said flywheel to store kinetic energy therein and alternatively to impart kinetic energy from said moving vehicle to said flywheel, d. second means selectively operable to connect said element to said drive wheels to impart stored kinetic energy to said wheels and motion to said vehicle, e. means to relate said connecting means wherein each operates selectively and alternately with respect to the other, f. said first means including a pressure operated brake and a pressure system to operate said brake, g. means in said system to block pressure to said brake in response to a predetermined flywheel speed, and h. a by-pass emergency circuit response to a predetermined operator signal to conduct pressure to said pressure operated brake independent of said flywheel speed.

Claim 31

In combination with an operator-controlled vehicle having a power plant to impart motion to the vehicle drive wheels, that improvement which comprises: a. a flywheel mounted for rotation on the vehicle independent of the power plant and the drive wheels, b. a machine element for driving said flywheel, c. first means selectively operable to connect said element to said power plant to impart rotation to said flywheel to store kinetic energy therein and alternatively to impart kinetic energy from said moving vehicle to said flywheel, d. second means selectively operable to connect said element to said drive wheels to impart stored kinetic energy to said wheels and motion to said vehicle, e. means to relate said connecting means wherein each operates selectively and alternately with respect to the other, f. said first means including a pressure operated brake and a pressure system to operate said brake, g. means in said system to block pressure to said brake in response to a predetermined flywheel speed, and h. a by-pass emergency circuit response to a predetermined operator signal to conduct pressure to said pressure operated brake independent of said flywheel speed.

Claim 32

In combination with an operator controlled vehicle having a power plant to impart motion to the vehicle drive wheels, an accelerator lever for controlling the speed of the power plant and a brake pedal for controlling pressure to a brake line, a. a flywheel mounted for rotation on the vehicle independent of the power plant and the drive wheels, b. a machine element for driving said flywheel, c. first means selectively operable to connect said element to said power plant to impart rotation to said flywheel to store kinetic energy therein and alternatively to impart kinetic energy from said moving vehicle to said flywheel, d. second means selectively operable to connect said element to said drive wheels to impart stored kinetic energy to said wheels and motion to said vehicle, e. a mechanism to actuate said second means, f. a motion developing means responsive to advance accelerator lever action to impart a motion to said mechanism upon acceleration motion of said lever to cause transfer of stored kinetic energy to said wheels, and g. means connected to said motion developing means to effect retraction of said mechanism following a predetermined time lapse.

Claim 33

In combination with an operator controlled vehicle having a power plant to impart motion to the vehicle drive wheels, an accelerator lever for controlling the speed of the power plant and a brake pedal for controlling pressure to a brake line, a. a flywheel mounted for rotation on the vehicle independent of the power plant and the drive wheels, b. a machine element for driving said flywheel, c. first means selectively operable to connect said element to said power plant to impart rotation to said flywheel to store kinetic energy therein and alternatively to impart kinetic energy from said moving vehicle to said flywheel, d. second means selectively operable to connect said element to said drive wheels to impart stored kinetic energy to said wheels and motion to said vehicle, e. a mechanism to actuate said second means, f. a motion developing means responsive to advance accelerator lever action to impart a motion to said mechanism upon acceleration motion of said lever to cause transfer of stored kinetic energy to said wheels, and g. means connected to said motion developing means to effect retraction of said mechanism following a predetermined time lapse.

Claim 34

In combination with an operator-controlled vehicle having a power plant to impart motion to the vehicle drive wheels, an accelerator lever for controlling the speed of the power plant and a brake pedal for controlling pressure to a brake line, a. a flywheel mounted for rotation on the vehicle independent of the power plant and the drive wheels, b. a machine element for driving said flywheel, c. first means selectively operable to connect said element to said power plant to impart rotation to said flywheel to store kinetic energy therein and alternatively to impart kinetic energy from said moving vehicle to said flywheel, d. second means selectively operable to connect said element to said drive wheels to impart stored kinetic energy to said wheels and motion to said vehicle, e. a pressure responsive mechanism to actuate said second means, f. a pressure developing means responsive to advance accelerator lever action to impart a pressure to said pressure responsive mechanism upon advance motion of said lever to cause immediate transfer of stored kinetic energy to saId wheels, and g. means connected to said piston-cylinder combination to relieve developed pressure therein following a predetermined time lapse.

Claim 35

In combination with an operator-controlled vehicle having a power plant to impart motion to the vehicle drive wheels, an accelerator lever for controlling the speed of the power plant and a brake pedal for controlling pressure to a brake line, a. a flywheel mounted for rotation on the vehicle independent of the power plant and the drive wheels, b. a machine element for driving said flywheel, c. first means selectively operable to connect said element to said power plant to impart rotation to said flywheel to store kinetic energy therein and alternatively to impart kinetic energy from said moving vehicle to said flywheel, d. second means selectively operable to connect said element to said drive wheels to impart stored kinetic energy to said wheels and motion to said vehicle, e. a pressure responsive mechanism to actuate said second means, f. a pressure developing means responsive to advance accelerator lever action to impart a pressure to said pressure responsive mechanism upon advance motion of said lever to cause immediate transfer of stored kinetic energy to saId wheels, and g. means connected to said piston-cylinder combination to relieve developed pressure therein following a predetermined time lapse.

Claim 36

A combination as defined in claim 12 including a second mechanism to actuate said first means, a motion developing means responsive to retractive acceleration lever action to impart a motion to said second mechanism to cause transfer of kinetic energy of said vehicle to said flywheel.

Claim 37

A combination as defined in claim 13 including a second pressure responsive mechanism to actuate said first means, a pressure developing means responsive to retractive acceleration lever action to impart a pressure to said second pressure responsive mechanism upon retractive motion of said lever to cause transfer of kinetic energy of said vehicle to said flywheel.

Claim 38

In combination, a. a vehicle having a power plant and drive shaft to impart motion to vehicle drive wheels and a transmission interposed between said power plant and said drive wheels to relate said shaft and said wheels in varying speed ratios, b. a one-way clutch between said power plant and said drive shaft to permit power transmission from said power plant to said shaft, c. a flywheel mounted for rotation on said vehicle independently of the power plant and the drive wheels, d. a multiple speed flywheel transmission interposed between said flywheel and said shaft and friction means associated therewith to effect through said transmission and the slipping of said friction means an infinitely variable speed ratio between said flywheel and said shaft, to impart power plant power to said flywheel and vehicle wheel motion to said flywheel, and, alternatively, to impart flywheel energy to said vehicle, and e. operator-controlled means and engine responsive means for actuating said friction means in connection with the normal operation of the vehicle selectively to effect interchange of kinetic energy between said vehicle and said flywheel including interchange of energy throughout the entire range of acceleration.

Claim 39

In combination, a. a vehicle having a power plant and drive shaft to impart motion to vehicle drive wheels and a transmission interposed between said power plant and said drive wheels to relate said shaft and said wheels in varying speed ratios, b. a one-way clutch between said power plant and said drive shaft to permit power transmission from said power plant to said shaft, c. a flywheel mounted for rotation on said vehicle independently of the power plant and the drive wheels, d. a multiple speed flywheel transmission interposed between said flywheel and said shaft and friction means associated therewith to effect through said transmission and the slipping of said friction means an infinitely variable speed ratio between said flywheel and said shaft, to impart power plant power to said flywheel and vehicle wheel motion to said flywheel, and, alternatively, to impart flywheel energy to said vehicle, and e. operator-controlled means and engine responsive means for actuating said friction means in connection with the normal operation of the vehicle selectively to effect interchange of kinetic energy between said vehicle and said flywheel including interchange of energy throughout the entire range of acceleration.

Claim 40

A combination as defined in claim 16 wherein said friction means comprises a machine element for driving said flywheel, a first clutch means for connecting said machine element and said shaft at a predetermined ratio, and a second clutch means for connecting said machine element and said shaft at another predetermined ratio.