US3783795A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Propulsion systems using squirrel cage induction motors to operate from an ac or dc source
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-06-19
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Granted: 1974-01-08
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Expires: 1992-06-19
Abstract
Abstract A mechanical load is coupled to an AC drive motor via a planetary gear transmission controlled by a magnetic torque convertor such that speed of the load is variable while speed of the motor is constant. A magnetic coercive force clutch is arranged to brake the load while the motor runs continuously. The system may be energized by alternating or direct current. A DC to AC inverter provides alternating current to run the AC motor when direct current is supplied to the system. The converter and clutch are supplied with direct current via rectifiers connected to a transformer energized by alternating current. Alternatively, the transformer is energized by alternating current which may be supplied by the inverter.
Inventors
- 👤 R Helmer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 10:45
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60L; B60L9/00; B60L9/16; B60L9/30; B60L2200/00; B60L2200/26; B60L2210/00; B60L2210/20; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/60; Y02T10/72
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
A propulsion system for driving an axle of a rail guided vehicle comprising: a source of electrical power; an AC squirrel cage induction vehicle motor; a mechanical transmission means coupled to said motor for transmitting torque to said axle to drive the vehicle said transmission means comprising a planetary gear set mechanically connected to said motor and, an electromagnetic energy absorbing apparatus connected to said gear and, transmitter and converting means for transmitting AC power to said motor and DC power to said electromagnetic energy absorbing apparatus whereby the speed of said motor is constant and the rotational speed of said axle is controlled by said DC power.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
108 words
A propulsion system for driving an axle of a rail guided vehicle comprising: a source of electrical power; an AC squirrel cage induction vehicle motor; a mechanical transmission means coupled to said motor for transmitting torque to said axle to drive the vehicle said transmission means comprising a planetary gear set mechanically connected to said motor and, an electromagnetic energy absorbing apparatus connected to said gear and, transmitter and converting means for transmitting AC power to said motor and DC power to said electromagnetic energy absorbing apparatus whereby the speed of said motor is constant and the rotational speed of said axle is controlled by said DC power.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
64 words
A propulsion system as defined in claim 1 wherein said planetary gear set comprises: a sun gear coupled to said motor; a plurality of planet gears each of which is angularly spaced around said sun gear and meshed therewith and; a ring gear surrounding said planet gears and meshed therewith and; wherein said electromagnetic energy absorbing apparatus is rigidly connected to said ring gear.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A propulsion system as defined in claim 2 wherein said electromagnetic energy absorbing apparatus absorbs energy from said ring gear in the form of heat.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A propulsion system as defined in claim 2 wherein said electromagnetic energy absorbing apparatus absorbs energy from said ring gear in the form of electrical current.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A propulsion system as defined in claim 2 wherein said electromagnetic energy absorbing apparatus means holds said ring gear stationary for maximum speed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A propulsion system as defined in claim 1 wherein said transmitting means includes a rectifier and said source of electrical power is an AC power source.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
A propulsion system as defined in claim 1 wherein said transmitting means includes a chopper invertor for providing alternating current to said motor and wherein said source of electrical power is a DC source.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
107 words
A propulsion system as defined in claim 1 wherein said transmitting means comprises: a power conducting rail connected to said source of electrical power; an electromechanical sensing mechanism having an input connected to said power conducting rail and an output connected to said motor and; a chopper invertor connected to said mechanical sensing mecHanism whereby when said source of electrical power is AC, the current therefrom is conducted through said mechanical sensing mechanism to said AC motor and when said source of electrical power is DC, the current therefrom is conducted through said mechanical sensing mechanism to said chopper to provide AC current for driving said motor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
A propulsion system as defined in claim 1 further including another electromagnetic energy absorbing apparatus connected to said load for controlling the braking thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
44 words
A propulsion system as defined in claim 9 wherein said motor is continuously running when said vehicle is in use and said vehicle''s motion of starting and accelerating are accomplished by controlling the amount of DC power applied to said electromagnetic energy absorbing apparatus.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
48 words
A propulsion system as defined in claim 10 further comprising a rheostat having two variable resistors connected in circuit with said transmitting means for adjusting current flow through said electromagnetic energy absorbing apparatuses and thereby control the rotational drive speed of said vehicle and the braking thereof respectively.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
44 words
A propulsion system as defined in claim 1 wherein said induction motor is reversible to drive in either one of two directions selectively and means for selectively applying said AC power to the field windings of said induction motor for reversing its driving direction.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
A propulsion system as defined in claim 1 wherein said electromagnetic energy absorbing apparatus is a coercive force clutch.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
A propulsion system as defined in claim 1 wherein said electromagnetic energy absorbing apparatus comprises an alternator.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
30 words
A propulsion system as defined in claim 2 wherein said electromagnetic energy absorbing apparatus permits said ring gear to rotate and provide an infinitely variable output speed of said load.
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) | 1977-01-07 | 1977-07-09 | 1978-01-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-07 | 1981-07-09 | 1982-01-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-07 | 1985-07-09 | 1986-01-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |