US4094377A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrically powered vehicle
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-04-15
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Granted: 1978-06-13
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Expires: 1996-04-15
Abstract
Abstract A battery powered drive system for vehicles comprising a pair of electrical storage batteries designed to be connected alternately to an electric motor which propels the vehicle. A steam engine having a shaft drives a generator also designed to be alternately connected to the storage batteries for recharging, and a steam boiler supplies the steam engine and itself receives energy either from a solar heater, burner or electrical heaters provided for that purpose.
Inventors
- 👤 Herbert W. Biggs
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:52
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60K; B60K1/00; B60K3/00; B60L; B60L50/00; B60L50/50; B60L50/60; B60L50/61; B60L50/62; B60L58/00; B60L58/10; B60L58/18; B60L58/21; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/60; Y02T10/62; Y02T10/70; Y02T10/7072
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
A battery powered drive system for vehicles comprising an electric drive motor and drive shaft adapted to propel a vehicle, a pair of electrical storage batteries, circuit means for selectively connecting one or the other of said batteries to said motor, a steam engine having a shaft and a generator mounted on said shaft, a steam boiler, a solar heater mounted in operative relation to the boiler for heating liquid in the boiler to generate steam, a duct connected between the boiler and the engine for conveying steam generated by the boiler to the steam engine and returning the exhaust of the steam engine to the boiler, switching means connected between the generator and the batteries for selectively connecting the generator to one or the other of said batteries for recharging the batteries, gas burners disposed immediately adjacent the boiler for heating liquid in the boiler, a gas container connected to the burners, and means for selectively operating the burners to heat the liquid in the boiler.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
167 words
A battery powered drive system for vehicles comprising an electric drive motor and drive shaft adapted to propel a vehicle, a pair of electrical storage batteries, circuit means for selectively connecting one or the other of said batteries to said motor, a steam engine having a shaft and a generator mounted on said shaft, a steam boiler, a solar heater mounted in operative relation to the boiler for heating liquid in the boiler to generate steam, a duct connected between the boiler and the engine for conveying steam generated by the boiler to the steam engine and returning the exhaust of the steam engine to the boiler, switching means connected between the generator and the batteries for selectively connecting the generator to one or the other of said batteries for recharging the batteries, gas burners disposed immediately adjacent the boiler for heating liquid in the boiler, a gas container connected to the burners, and means for selectively operating the burners to heat the liquid in the boiler.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
A system as described in claim 1 further characterized by said solar heater including a parabolic reflector, said steam boiler being mounted at the focal point of said reflector to receive solar energy directly from the reflector.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system as described in claim 2 further characterized by said burners being mounted in the reflector to heat the liquid in the boiler.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
52 words
A system as described in claim 1 further characterized by a condenser in the duct between the exhaust of the steam engine and boiler for condensing the lower pressure steam which leaves the steam engine, and a pump connected to the duct for moving the liquid in the condenser into the boiler.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
A system as described in claim 1 further characterized by control means connected to the circuit means and switching means for selectively connecting one of the batteries to the motor and the other of the batteries to the generator.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system as described in claim 5 characterized by a transformer and service plug connected to the batteries for energizing them from an A.C. outlet.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-06-12 | 1981-12-12 | 1982-06-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-06-12 | 1985-12-12 | 1986-06-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-06-12 | 1989-12-12 | 1990-06-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |