US4429232A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for generating electricity within a pneumatic wheel assembly
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1982-05-24
•
Granted: 1984-01-31
•
Expires: 2002-05-24
Abstract
Abstract A generator characterized by a circular track attached to the relieved circumferential surface of a wheel, a carriage coupled to the track by rotary bearings, a generator supported by the carriage, and a clutch wheel coupling an armature of the generator to the track. The track, which preferably has a T shaped cross section, has a driving surface which causes the clutch wheel to rotate when there is relative motion between the track and the carriage and/or between the carriage and the air within the tire.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen E. Thomas
- 👤 Mark S. Thomas
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 20:32
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02K; H02K7/00; H02K7/18; H02K7/1807; H02K7/1846; B; B60; B60C; B60C23/00; B60C23/02; B60C23/04; B60C23/0408; B60C23/041
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
58 words
An apparatus for generating electricity within a pneumatic wheel assembly including a wheel having a relieved circumferential surface, and a tire mounted on said wheel, said apparatus comprising: a circular track attached to said relieved circumferential surface; a carriage coupled to said track; a generator supported by said carriage; and clutch means coupling said generator to said track.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
58 words
An apparatus for generating electricity within a pneumatic wheel assembly including a wheel having a relieved circumferential surface, and a tire mounted on said wheel, said apparatus comprising: a circular track attached to said relieved circumferential surface; a carriage coupled to said track; a generator supported by said carriage; and clutch means coupling said generator to said track.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said clutch means includes a clutch wheel attached to an armature of said generator in proximity to a driving surface of said track.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said clutch wheel is adapted to frictionally engage said track.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said said clutch wheel is operationally disposed proximate said track, whereby airflow above a threshold level between said clutch wheel and said track causes said clutch wheel to rotate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said clutch wheel is provided with aerodynamic ribs such that said clutch wheel may be driven by the relative motion of the air within said tire.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said clutch means further comprises magnetic coupling means between said clutch wheel and said track such that relative motion between said track and said clutch wheel causes said clutch wheel to rotate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 6 wherein said magnetic coupling means includes a pattern of ferromagnetic materials attached to said track, and a ferromagnetic material attached to said clutch wheel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein said carriage is supported by low friction bearings such that the combination of bearing resistance force and clutch resistance force is less than the gravitational force exerted on the mass of the apparatus.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 7 wherein said track has a T shaped cross section having a pair of inner race surfaces for said low friction bearings, and an outer surface comprising said driving surface.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising a telemetry unit attached to said carriage.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US3699367A
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US4160234A
Cited
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Cited
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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) | 1987-01-30 | 1987-08-01 | 1988-01-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-01-30 | 1991-08-01 | 1992-01-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-01-30 | 1995-08-01 | 1996-01-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |