US3851232A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electric vehicle propulsion system
Assignee: ABB Inc USA
•
Filing: 1973-04-04
•
Granted: 1974-11-26
•
Expires: 1993-04-04
Abstract
Abstract A plurality of electrical devices are coupled by circuit means, including switching contactors, in series in one switching mode, and in parallel in another switching mode for current flow sense in one of the devices in a reverse direction. The devices may be dynamoelectric machines, which may be separately excited, and one of which is coupled to a rotatable apparatus such as an inertial device adapted selectively to absorb and equivalently store mechanical power output from or to equivalently restore and furnish mechanical power input to the device to which it is coupled. The arrangement is advantageously utilized in an electrically motivated vehicle such as an electrical propulsion system for rapid transit cars or trains. Conveniently, the switching circuit may selectively couple the traction motors to the power supply conductors for regenerative braking or to conventional power absorbing brake resistors for dynamic braking.
Inventors
- 👤 K Chirgwin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 11:11
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60L; B60L3/00; B60L3/0023; B60L3/0061; B60L50/00; B60L50/30; B60L50/50; B60L50/52; B60L7/00; B60L7/02; B60L7/04; B60L7/10; B60L7/12; B60L7/22; H; H02; H02P; H02P5/00; H02P5/68; B60L2200/00; B60L2200/26; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/60; Y02T10/64; Y02T10/70
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 111
Claim 1
Independent Claim
126 words
In an electrical propulsion system for a vehicle adapted to operational modes from stationary-poised mode through running modes, said vehicle being provided with at least one traction dynamoelectric machine for motive power and conductors providing a source of electrical power: a. an energy pack on said vehicle, said pack including an auxiliary dynamoelectric machine adapted selectively to transform electrical power into mechanical power and mechanical power into electrical power, said pack further including rotatable means coupled to said auxiliary machine for selectively absorbing power from or restoring power to said auxiliary machine; and b. control circuit means coupling said auxiliary machine to said conductors during said stationary-poised mode for maintaining an idling speed of said energy pack and an idLing energy storage in said rotatable means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
126 words
In an electrical propulsion system for a vehicle adapted to operational modes from stationary-poised mode through running modes, said vehicle being provided with at least one traction dynamoelectric machine for motive power and conductors providing a source of electrical power: a. an energy pack on said vehicle, said pack including an auxiliary dynamoelectric machine adapted selectively to transform electrical power into mechanical power and mechanical power into electrical power, said pack further including rotatable means coupled to said auxiliary machine for selectively absorbing power from or restoring power to said auxiliary machine; and b. control circuit means coupling said auxiliary machine to said conductors during said stationary-poised mode for maintaining an idling speed of said energy pack and an idLing energy storage in said rotatable means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 1 in which said auxiliary dynamoelectric machine has running current windings and a separately excited field winding.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 2 in which said running current windings are coupled to said conductors and energized thereby during said stationary-poised mode.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 2 in which said running current windings are coupled to said conductors and energized thereby during an acceleration portion of said running mode.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 2 in which said running current windings are coupled to said conductors and energized thereby during said stationary-poised mode and an acceleration portion of said running mode.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 1 in which said traction dynamoelectric machine has running current windings and separately excited field windings.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 6 in which said running current windings are coupled to said conductors and energized thereby during said stationary-poised mode.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 1 in which both said dynamoelectric machines have running current windings and separately excited windings.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 8 in which said running current windings of said auxiliary dynamoelectric machine are coupled to said conductors and energized thereby during said stationary-poised mode.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 8 in which said running current windings of said auxiliary dynamoelectric machine are coupled to said conductors and energized thereby during an acceleration portion of said running mode.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 8 in which said running current windings of said auxiliary dynamoelectric machine are coupled to said conductors and energized thereby during said stationary-poised mode and an acceleration portion of said running mode.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 8 in which said running current windings of said traction dynamoelectric machine are coupled to said conductors and energized thereby during said stationary-poised mode.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
53 words
The system of claim 8 in which all said running current windings are coupled to said conductors and energized thereby during said stationary-poised mode. 14. The system of claim 8 in which all said running current windings are coupled to said conductors and energized thereby during an acceleration portion of said running mode.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 8 in which all said running current windings are coupled to said conductors and energized thereby during said stationary-poised mode and an acceleration portion of said running mode.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 8 in which said control circuit means couples said running current windings of one of said machines in series with said running current windings of the other of said machines for one vehicle operational mode.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
39 words
The system of claim 8 in which said control circuit means couples said running current windings of one of said machines in parallel with said running current windings of the other of said machines for one vehicle operational mode.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system of claim 8 in which said control circuit means couples said running current windings of one of said machines in series with said running current windings of the other of said machines for one vehicle operational mode followed by coupling in parallel for a succeeding operational mode.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 18 in which said parallel coupling effects a reversal of current flow sense in said running current windings of said auxiliary dynamoelectric machine.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
59 words
The system of claim 18 in which said control circuit means comprises switch means to cause a closure of a portion of said circuit means to effect the change of coupling of said running current windings from series to parallel, said change of coupling being effected where the voltage across said portion of said circuit means is substantially zero.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
54 words
The system of claim 20 in which said switch means is arranged to subsequently open said portion of said circuit means to effect a reversionary change of coupLing of said running currents windings from parallel to series, said reversionary change of coupling being effected when the current through said switch means is substantially zero.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
147 words
In an electrical propulsion system for a vehicle having a plurality of traction dynamoelectric machines arranged for coupling to conductors providing a source of electrical power: a. an energy pack including an auxiliary dynamoelectric machine; b. circuit means coupling said traction and auxiliary dynamoelectric machines to said power source conductors; and c. control means associated with said circuit means for commanding vehicular propulsion modes by said machines from a stationary-poised vehicle mode through an acceleration mode in which said stationary mode is characterized by operation of said energy pack at a reference speed, whereafter upon a command to start said vehicle through at least an initial portion of the acceleration mode said control means effects an application of power to said traction machines from said conductors and effects an acceleration of the speed of said energy pack by the application of additional power thereto from said conductors.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
147 words
In an electrical propulsion system for a vehicle having a plurality of traction dynamoelectric machines arranged for coupling to conductors providing a source of electrical power: a. an energy pack including an auxiliary dynamoelectric machine; b. circuit means coupling said traction and auxiliary dynamoelectric machines to said power source conductors; and c. control means associated with said circuit means for commanding vehicular propulsion modes by said machines from a stationary-poised vehicle mode through an acceleration mode in which said stationary mode is characterized by operation of said energy pack at a reference speed, whereafter upon a command to start said vehicle through at least an initial portion of the acceleration mode said control means effects an application of power to said traction machines from said conductors and effects an acceleration of the speed of said energy pack by the application of additional power thereto from said conductors.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
50 words
The propulsion system of claim 22 in which said energy pack is adapted, upon reaching a substantially higher speed imparted thereto by said additional power from said conductors, to thereafter restore and furnish said additional power to said traction machines whereupon said energy pack decelerates to about said reference speed.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
59 words
The propulsion system of claim 22 in which said auxiliary dynamoelectric machine is separately excited by a field winding and said control means effects speed control of said auxiliary machine in said stationary-poised mode of said vehicle, said control means comprising means for varying the current in said field winding upon initiation of said acceleration mode of said vehicle.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
The propulsion system of claim 24 in which said traction machines are separately excited by field windings.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
38 words
The propulsion system of claim 22, in which said circuit means couples said machines in series across said power source conductors with the running current for said auxiliary machine simultaneously traversing said traction machines in said stationary-poised mode.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
42 words
The propulsion system of claim 22 in which said circuit means couples said machines in series across said power source conductors with the running current for said traction machines simultaneously traversing said auxiliary machine in said initial portion of said acceleration mode.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
41 words
The propulsion system of claim 22 in which said circuit means couples said machines in series across said power source conductors with the running current traversing said machines in both said stationary poised mode and initial portion of said acceleration mode.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
95 words
An electrical system comprising: a. a plurality of electrical devices, one of which comprises a dynamoelectric machine adapted to motoring and generating modes interchangeably; b. conductor means arranged for coupling to a source of electric power; and c. circuit means for coupling said devices in series to said conductor means, said circuit means including control means arranged for a power input to said devices from said conductor means and to cause said one machine to vary between said motoring and generating modes while said devices are coupled to said conductor means and said power source.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
95 words
An electrical system comprising: a. a plurality of electrical devices, one of which comprises a dynamoelectric machine adapted to motoring and generating modes interchangeably; b. conductor means arranged for coupling to a source of electric power; and c. circuit means for coupling said devices in series to said conductor means, said circuit means including control means arranged for a power input to said devices from said conductor means and to cause said one machine to vary between said motoring and generating modes while said devices are coupled to said conductor means and said power source.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
29 words
The electrical system of claim 29 in which said devices are dynamoelectric machines, said one dynamoelectric machine providing electrical power to the others when operating in said generating mode.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
53 words
The electrical system of claim 29 in which said one dynamoelectric machine is coupled to rotatable apparatus adapted to absorb and equivalently store mechanical power from said one machine when operating in said motoring mode, and to equivalently restore and furnish mechanical power to said one machine when operaTing in said generating mode.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
15 words
The electrical system of claim 31 in which said rotatable apparatus comprises an inertial mass.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
29 words
The electrical system of claim 31 in which said rotatable apparatus comprises a dynamoelectric machine coupled to said conductor means and adapted to operate in motoring and generating modes.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
29 words
The electrical system of claim 31 in which said rotatable apparatus is accelerated when said one dynamoelectric machine is motoring and is decelerated when said one machine is generating.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
25 words
The electrical system of claim 31 in which said rotatable apparatus operates at a substantially constant speed when said one machine is motoring and generating.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
106 words
An electrical system comprising: a. a plurality of electrical devices; and b. circuit means including coupling means, for selectively coupling said devices in series in one circuit mode with current flow sense therein in one directional sense, and selectively coupling said devices in another circuit mode with current flow sense in at least one of said devices in a reverse directional sense relative to the current flow sense therein in said one circuit mode, said one of said devices being a dynamoelectric machine, said coupling means being operable to selectively couple said devices in said another circuit mode with said dynamoelectric machine producing a generated voltage.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
106 words
An electrical system comprising: a. a plurality of electrical devices; and b. circuit means including coupling means, for selectively coupling said devices in series in one circuit mode with current flow sense therein in one directional sense, and selectively coupling said devices in another circuit mode with current flow sense in at least one of said devices in a reverse directional sense relative to the current flow sense therein in said one circuit mode, said one of said devices being a dynamoelectric machine, said coupling means being operable to selectively couple said devices in said another circuit mode with said dynamoelectric machine producing a generated voltage.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 36 in which said another circuit mode is a parallel coupling of said devices.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 37 in which two of said devices are dynamoelectric machines.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 37 in which all said devices are dynamoelectric machines.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 36 in which one of said circuit means comprises switch means.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
115 words
The system of claim 36 in which said circuit means comprises first and second coupling means, one terminal of a first one of said devices being coupled by said first coupling means to one terminal of a second one of said devices, one terminal of a third one of said devices being coupled by said second coupling means to another terminal of said second one of said devices, said system further comprising third means for coupling another terminal of said first one of said devices to one side of a source of electrical power and fourth means for coupling another terminal of said third one of said devices to another side of said current source.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 41 in which said first and second coupling means are first and second conductor means, respectively, and said coupling means comprises switch means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system of claim 42 in which said switch means comprises a first contactor adapted to couple said first conductor to said another terminal of said third one of said devices, and a second contactor adapted to couple said second conductor to said another terminal of said first one of said devices.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
50 words
The system of claim 42 in which said switch means comprises a first contactor means adapted to couple said one side of said current source to said second conductor means, and a second contactor means adapted to couple said another side of said current source to said first conductor means.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
141 words
An electrical system comprising: a. first, second and third electrical apparatuses coupled in series arrangement with one terminal of said first apparatus arranged for coupling to one side of a source of electrical power, the other side of which is arranged for coupling to one terminal of said third apparatus; and b. circuit means including switch means for coupling the other terminal of said third apparatus to the said one side of said source and the said other side of said source to the other terminal of said first apparatus, whereby when said switch means is actuated said apparatuses are thereby coupled in parallel arrangement across said source with current flow through said second apparatus in reverse sense, said switch means being actuated to couple said apparatuses in sAid parallel arrangement when the voltages across said switch means are substantially zero.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
141 words
An electrical system comprising: a. first, second and third electrical apparatuses coupled in series arrangement with one terminal of said first apparatus arranged for coupling to one side of a source of electrical power, the other side of which is arranged for coupling to one terminal of said third apparatus; and b. circuit means including switch means for coupling the other terminal of said third apparatus to the said one side of said source and the said other side of said source to the other terminal of said first apparatus, whereby when said switch means is actuated said apparatuses are thereby coupled in parallel arrangement across said source with current flow through said second apparatus in reverse sense, said switch means being actuated to couple said apparatuses in sAid parallel arrangement when the voltages across said switch means are substantially zero.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 45 in which said switch means is actuated to uncouple said parallel arrangement when the current through said switch means is substantially zero.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 45 in which said first and second apparatuses comprise dynamoelectric machines.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 47 in which in one system operational mode said second apparatus is functioning as a motor to absorb electrical power from said system and in another operational mode is functioning as a generator to restore electrical power to said system.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 45 in which said first and third apparatuses comprise dynamoelectric machines.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 45 in which all said apparatuses comprise dynamoelectric machines.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 45 in which said second apparatus comprises a dynamoelectric machine coupled to rotatable apparatus adapted selectively to absorb and equivalently store power from or to equivalently restore and furnish power to said second apparatus.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 51 in which said rotatable apparatus comprises an inertial load adapted in one mode of operation of said system to absorb power from said second apparatus and in another mode to restore and furnish power to said second apparatus.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 52 in which said inertial load comprises flywheel means.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
179 words
A power system for operational modes of a dynamic mechanical entity comprising: a. a first power shaft drivingly coupled with the entity; b. a first dynamoelectric machine having a first motive power winding drivingly coupled to said first shaft; c. a second power shaft; d. a second dynamoelectric machine adapted for motoring or generating and having a second motive power winding drivingly coupled to said second shaft; e. rotatable apparatus drivingly coupled with said second shaft and arranged to interchangeably absorb and equivalently store or restore and furnish rotational energy from or to said second machine; and f. circuit means including conductors arranged for coupling to a source of electrical power, said circuit means adapted to coupling both said power windings with said conductors in a first operational mode with said first shaft stationary and said apparatus driven by said second shaft at a reference idling speed with a basic rotational energy storage in said apparatus, whereafter during at least one of said operational modes said circuit means effects an increase upwardly from idling speed of said second shaft.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
179 words
A power system for operational modes of a dynamic mechanical entity comprising: a. a first power shaft drivingly coupled with the entity; b. a first dynamoelectric machine having a first motive power winding drivingly coupled to said first shaft; c. a second power shaft; d. a second dynamoelectric machine adapted for motoring or generating and having a second motive power winding drivingly coupled to said second shaft; e. rotatable apparatus drivingly coupled with said second shaft and arranged to interchangeably absorb and equivalently store or restore and furnish rotational energy from or to said second machine; and f. circuit means including conductors arranged for coupling to a source of electrical power, said circuit means adapted to coupling both said power windings with said conductors in a first operational mode with said first shaft stationary and said apparatus driven by said second shaft at a reference idling speed with a basic rotational energy storage in said apparatus, whereafter during at least one of said operational modes said circuit means effects an increase upwardly from idling speed of said second shaft.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
62 words
The power system of claim 54 in which said circuit means are adapted to effect a reactive excitation of said first machine to initiate a second operational mode of said first shaft, both said machines motoring and accelerating said first and second shafts during at least an initial portion of said second operational mode to impart additional energy storage to said apparatus.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
62 words
The power system of claim 55 in which said initial portion of said second mode is followed by a subsequent portion in which said second machine transfers from motoring to generating and said apparatus restores and furnishes rotational energy to said second machine for generation of power to be utilized by said first machine for acceleration thereof during said second operational mode.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
15 words
The power system of claim 54 in which said rotatable apparatus is an inertial mass.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
38 words
The power system of claim 57 in which said inertial mass is a flywheel adapted to the acquisition of kinetic energy that is a fraction of the total kinetic energy imparted to said entity by said first shaft.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
31 words
The power system of claim 58 in which the fractional energy acquired by said flywheel is of the order of about 3 percent of the total kinetic energy of said entity.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
30 words
The power system of claim 54 in which said circuit means couples said first and second motive power windings in series And to said conductors for said first operational mode.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
26 words
The power system of claim 60 in which said circuit means maintains said series coupling of said windings from said first mode through said second mode.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
33 words
The power system of claim 61 in which said circuit means couples said first and second motive power windings in parallel and to said conductors upon the completion of said second operational mode.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
30 words
The power system of claim 54 in which said circuit means couples said first and second motive power windings in series and to said conductors for said second operational mode.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
117 words
A traction vehicle motive power system comprising: a. first and second dynamoelectric machines having respective first and second motive power windings; b. rotatable apparatus coupled to said first winding and arranged for selective absorption and equivalent storage or equivalent restoration and furnishing rotational energy from or to said first machine, said second winding being drivingly coupled with the vehicle; c. conductor means providing a source of electrical power, d. circuit means arranged for coupling said motive power windings to said conductors with the current flow sense in said windings in one directional sense; and e. circuit switching means for one of said motive power windings to effect a reversal of directional sense of current flow sense therein.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
117 words
A traction vehicle motive power system comprising: a. first and second dynamoelectric machines having respective first and second motive power windings; b. rotatable apparatus coupled to said first winding and arranged for selective absorption and equivalent storage or equivalent restoration and furnishing rotational energy from or to said first machine, said second winding being drivingly coupled with the vehicle; c. conductor means providing a source of electrical power, d. circuit means arranged for coupling said motive power windings to said conductors with the current flow sense in said windings in one directional sense; and e. circuit switching means for one of said motive power windings to effect a reversal of directional sense of current flow sense therein.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
32 words
The traction vehicle motive power system of claim 64 in which said first dynamoelectric machine comprises a separate excitation winding coupled to said circuit means and arranged for coupling to said conductors.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
32 words
The traction vehicle motive power system of claim 64 in which said second dynamoelectric machine comprises a separate excitation winding coupled to said circuit means and arranged for coupling to said conductors.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
31 words
The traction vehicle motive power system of claim 64 in which both said dynamoelectric machines comprise separate excitation windings coupled to said circuit means and arranged for coupling to said conductors.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
40 words
The traction vehicle motive power system of claim 64 in which said rotatable apparatus comprises a third dynamoelectric machine having a third motive power winding coupled to conductors arranged to absorb power from or furnish power to said third winding.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
28 words
The traction vehicle motive power system of claim 68 in which said third winding is coupled to said source conductors furnishing power to said first and second windings.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
23 words
The traction vehicle motive power system of claim 69 in which said rotatable apparatus is controlled to run at a substantially constant speed.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
18 words
The traction vehicle motive power system of claim 64 in which said rotatable apparatus comprises an inertial mass.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
17 words
The traction vehicle motive power system of claim 71 in which said inertial mass is a flywheel.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
137 words
A motive power system for operational modes of a vehicle comprising: a. first and second dynamoelectric machines having respective first and second motive power windings; b. rotatable apparatus coupled to said first winding and arranged for selective absorption and equivalent storage or equivalent restoration and furnishing rotational energy from or to said first machine, said second winding being drivingly coupled with the vehicle; c. conductor means providing a source of electrical power; and d. circuit means for continuously coupling said motive power windings with said conductors and controlling the current flow therein during the operational modes whereby in one operational mode of said vehicle both said windings are absorbing power from said conductors, and in a subsequent operational mode one of said windings is restoring power to said circuit means and to the other of said windings.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
137 words
A motive power system for operational modes of a vehicle comprising: a. first and second dynamoelectric machines having respective first and second motive power windings; b. rotatable apparatus coupled to said first winding and arranged for selective absorption and equivalent storage or equivalent restoration and furnishing rotational energy from or to said first machine, said second winding being drivingly coupled with the vehicle; c. conductor means providing a source of electrical power; and d. circuit means for continuously coupling said motive power windings with said conductors and controlling the current flow therein during the operational modes whereby in one operational mode of said vehicle both said windings are absorbing power from said conductors, and in a subsequent operational mode one of said windings is restoring power to said circuit means and to the other of said windings.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
18 words
The motive power system of claim 73 in which said one of said windings is said first winding.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
17 words
The motive power system of claim 74 in which said rotatable apparatus comprises an inertial flywheel mass.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
32 words
The motive power system of claim 75 in which both said dynamoelectric machines comprise separate excitation windings with the current in one of said windings being regulated during said one operational mode.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
21 words
The motive power system of claim 76 in which the current in the excitation winding of said first machine is regulated.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
26 words
The motive power system of claim 76 in which the current in the excitation winding of said second machine is regulated during said subsequent operational mode.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
189 words
An energy pack system comprising: a. first rotatable apparatus adapted selectively to transform electrical power into mechanical power and mechanical power into electrical power; b. second rotatable apparatus coupled to said first apparatus and adapted selectively to absorb and equivalently store mechanical power from or to equivalently restore and furnish mechanical power to said first apparatus; c. circuit means for continuously coupling said first apparatus to electrical conductor means; said conductor means being adapted to furnish electrical power to or absorb electrical power from said first apparatus; and d. control means in said circuit means for effecting controlled modes for said system in which in a first mode said first apparatus is absorbing electrical power from said conductor means and transforming it into a mechanical power input into said second apparatus, and in a second mode said first apparatus is absorbing mechanical power from said second apparatus and transforming it into electrical power furnished to said conductor means, said control means being adapted to effect a reversal of the current flow through said first rotatable apparatus without effecting a discontinuity of said continuous coupling thereof to said conductor means.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
189 words
An energy pack system comprising: a. first rotatable apparatus adapted selectively to transform electrical power into mechanical power and mechanical power into electrical power; b. second rotatable apparatus coupled to said first apparatus and adapted selectively to absorb and equivalently store mechanical power from or to equivalently restore and furnish mechanical power to said first apparatus; c. circuit means for continuously coupling said first apparatus to electrical conductor means; said conductor means being adapted to furnish electrical power to or absorb electrical power from said first apparatus; and d. control means in said circuit means for effecting controlled modes for said system in which in a first mode said first apparatus is absorbing electrical power from said conductor means and transforming it into a mechanical power input into said second apparatus, and in a second mode said first apparatus is absorbing mechanical power from said second apparatus and transforming it into electrical power furnished to said conductor means, said control means being adapted to effect a reversal of the current flow through said first rotatable apparatus without effecting a discontinuity of said continuous coupling thereof to said conductor means.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
17 words
The energy pack apparatus of claim 79 in which said second rotatable apparatus comprises an inertial mass.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
15 words
The energy pack apparatus of claim 80 in which said inertial mass comprises a flywheel.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
27 words
The energy pack apparatus of claim 79 in which said second rotatable apparatus comprises a dynamoelectric machine having a motive power winding coupled to said conductor means.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
22 words
The energy pack apparatus of claim 82 in which said first and second rotatable apparatuses are governed at a substantially constant speed.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
182 words
An electrical system comprising: an electrical device operable to absorb electrical power in response to one polarity of voltage applied thereto and to restore at least some of the absorbed electrical power in response to another polarity of voltage applied thereto; a dynamoelectric machine for converting electrical power into mechanical power, said machine being connected to a load to thereby accelerate said load to a predetermined speed in response to the application of electrical power to said machine; and, control circuit means operable to apply electrical power to said dynamoelectric machine and to said electrical device and to selectively apply said one polarity of voltage to said electrical device during an initial acceleration period of said load and said another polarity of voltage to said electrical device during a subsequent acceleration period of said load, said electrical device absorbing at least a portion of the electrical power applied to said dynamoelectric machine with said one polarity of voltage applied thereto and restoring at least some of the absorbed electrical power to said dynamoelectric machine with said another polarity of voltage applied thereto.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
182 words
An electrical system comprising: an electrical device operable to absorb electrical power in response to one polarity of voltage applied thereto and to restore at least some of the absorbed electrical power in response to another polarity of voltage applied thereto; a dynamoelectric machine for converting electrical power into mechanical power, said machine being connected to a load to thereby accelerate said load to a predetermined speed in response to the application of electrical power to said machine; and, control circuit means operable to apply electrical power to said dynamoelectric machine and to said electrical device and to selectively apply said one polarity of voltage to said electrical device during an initial acceleration period of said load and said another polarity of voltage to said electrical device during a subsequent acceleration period of said load, said electrical device absorbing at least a portion of the electrical power applied to said dynamoelectric machine with said one polarity of voltage applied thereto and restoring at least some of the absorbed electrical power to said dynamoelectric machine with said another polarity of voltage applied thereto.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 84 wherein said electrical device is a separately excited, auxiliary dynamoelectric machine drivingly connected to an inertia device, said voltage of said one and another polarities being applied to said auxiliary dynamoelectric machine to separately excite said auxiliary dynamoelectric machine.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
83 words
The system of claim 85 wherein said auxiliary dynamoelectric machine is operable in a motoring mode when separately exciTed by said one polarity of voltage and is operable in a generating mode when separately excited by said another polarity of voltage, said auxiliary dynamoelectric machine absorbing said at least a portion of the electrical power applied to said dynamoelectric machine in said motoring mode and restoring said at least some of the absorbed electrical power to said dynamoelectric machine in said generating mode.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
87 words
The system of claim 86 wherein said control circuit means includes means for selectively applying said electrical power to said dynamoelectric machine and said auxiliary dynamoelectric machine in series in one circuit mode with current flow therein in one directional sense and selectively applying said electrical power to said dynamoelectric machine and said auxiliary dynamoelectric machine in parallel in another circuit mode with current flow sense in said dynamoelectric machine in a reverse directional sense relative to the current flow sense therein in said one circuit mode.
Claim 97
Independent Claim
102 words
A method for accelerating a dynamoelectric machine with a coupled load to a predetermined speed comprising the steps of: applying power from a power source to the dynamoelectric machine to accelerate the machine and its load; absorbing at least a portion of the power applied to the dynamoelectric machine in associated energy absorbing apparatus during the acceleration of the machine to a first speed below the predetermined speed; and, restoring at least a portion of the power absorbed in the associated energy absorbing apparatus to the dynamoelectric machine during the acceleration of the machine from the first speed to the predetermined speed.
Claim 98
Independent Claim
102 words
A method for accelerating a dynamoelectric machine with a coupled load to a predetermined speed comprising the steps of: applying power from a power source to the dynamoelectric machine to accelerate the machine and its load; absorbing at least a portion of the power applied to the dynamoelectric machine in associated energy absorbing apparatus during the acceleration of the machine to a first speed below the predetermined speed; and, restoring at least a portion of the power absorbed in the associated energy absorbing apparatus to the dynamoelectric machine during the acceleration of the machine from the first speed to the predetermined speed.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 88 wherein at least a portion of the applied power is absorbed by: connecting the dynamoelectric machine electrically in series with an auxiliary dynamoelectric machine running at a predetermined idling speed; and increasing the speed of the auxiliary machine as the dynamoelectric machine is being accelerated.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method of claim 88 wherein at least a portion of the applied power is absorbed by: connecting the dynamoelectric machine electrically in series with a separately excited, auxiliary dynamoelectric machine running at a predetermined idling speed and having an exciting voltage of one polarity applied thereto; and increasing the exciting voltage to increase the speed of the auxiliary dynamoelectric machine as the dynamoelectric machine is being accelerated.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 90 wherein at least a portion of the absorbed power is restored by: reversing the polarity of the exciting voltage at a first speed of the auxiliary dynamoelectric machine above the idling speed.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 91 including the step of: disconnecting the auxiliary dynamoelectric machine from in series with the dynamoelectric machine at a second speed of the auxiliary dynamoelectric machine below the first speed.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
114 words
In a method for controlling a propulsion system of a vehicle from a stationary-poised mode to a running mode, the steps of: maintaining an auxiliary dynamoelectric machine at an idling speed during the stationary-poised mode; accelerating the auxiliary machine from the idling speed to a higher speed during a first portion of the running mode to absorb power from the propulsion system during the first portion of the running mode; and decelerating the auxiliary machine from the higher speed to approximately the idling speed during a subsequent portion of the running mode to restore at least a portion of the absorbed power to the propulsion system during the subsequent portion of the running mode.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
114 words
In a method for controlling a propulsion system of a vehicle from a stationary-poised mode to a running mode, the steps of: maintaining an auxiliary dynamoelectric machine at an idling speed during the stationary-poised mode; accelerating the auxiliary machine from the idling speed to a higher speed during a first portion of the running mode to absorb power from the propulsion system during the first portion of the running mode; and decelerating the auxiliary machine from the higher speed to approximately the idling speed during a subsequent portion of the running mode to restore at least a portion of the absorbed power to the propulsion system during the subsequent portion of the running mode.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 93 wherein the vehicle propulsion system includes a plurality of traction dynamoelectric machines and including the steps of: connecting the auxiliary dynamoelectric machine electrically in series with the traction dynamoelectric machines during the first and subsequent portions of the running mode; and thereafter disconnecting the auxiliary dynamoelectric machine from in series with the traction dynamoelectric machines.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
134 words
In a method for operating a motive power system including a first dynamoelectric machine and an auxiliary dynamoelectric machine each having a plurality of windings, the method comprising the steps of: coupling a first winding of each of the machines in series with a source of power; energizing a second winding of each of the machines to operate all of the machines as motors and to accelerate all of the machines; reversing the energization of the second winding of the auxiliary machine to operate the auxiliary machine as a voltage generator and to decelerate the auxiliary machine; and coupling the first winding of each of the machines in parallel with the source of power when a predetermined relationship exists between the voltage generated by the auxiliary machine and the voltage across the first machine.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
134 words
In a method for operating a motive power system including a first dynamoelectric machine and an auxiliary dynamoelectric machine each having a plurality of windings, the method comprising the steps of: coupling a first winding of each of the machines in series with a source of power; energizing a second winding of each of the machines to operate all of the machines as motors and to accelerate all of the machines; reversing the energization of the second winding of the auxiliary machine to operate the auxiliary machine as a voltage generator and to decelerate the auxiliary machine; and coupling the first winding of each of the machines in parallel with the source of power when a predetermined relationship exists between the voltage generated by the auxiliary machine and the voltage across the first machine.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 95 wherein the predetermined relationship exists when the voltage generated by the auxiliary machine is approximately equal to the voltage across the first machine.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method of claim 95 wherein the first winding of each machine is an armature winding and wherein the second winding of each machine is a field winding, the method including the step of applying a predetermined voltage to the field winding of the auxiliary machine to operate the auxiliary machine at a predetermined idling speed prior to accelerating all of the machines.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 97 wherein the predetermined relationship exists between the voltage generated by the auxiliary machine and the voltage across the first machine when the auxiliary machine is decelerated to approximately the predetermined idling speed.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 97 wherein the predetermined relationship exists when the voltage generated by the auxiliary machine is approximately equal to the voltage across the first machine.
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) | 1977-11-25 | 1978-05-27 | 1978-11-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-25 | 1982-05-27 | 1982-11-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-25 | 1986-05-27 | 1986-11-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |