US4453111A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electric drive for submarines
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Filing: 1982-04-09
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Granted: 1984-06-05
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Expires: 2002-04-09
Abstract
Abstract A direct current electric motor marine propulsion system is provided with a pair of shunt wound direct current electric motors which are alternatively connected in a series/parallel circuit configuration. A forward biased diode between the motors in the series circuit, provides for smooth switching characteristics. Fine control of low speed operation is accomplished through the use of a chopper in series with the power source. A contactor connected across the diode provides for reverse current flow during regenerative braking.
Inventors
- 👤 Frank E. Acker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 10:08
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02P; H02P7/00; H02P7/06; H02P7/18; H02P7/24; H02P7/28; H02P7/281; H02P5/00; H02P5/68; H02P7/298
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
222 words
An electric motor marine propulsion system which is energized by a direct current power source, said propulsion system comprising: a positive conductor connected to one terminal of said direct current power source; a negative conductor connected to a second terminal of said direct current power source; a branch circuit connected between said positive and negative conductors; said branch circuit comprising the series connection of a first shunt wound direct current electric motor, a first diode and a second shunt wound direct current electric motor, wherein said first diode is connected between said first and second electric motors; a first pair of contacts connected between the cathode of said first diode and said positive conductor for shorting said cathode to said positive conductor; a second pair of contacts connected between the anode of said first diode and said negative conductor for shorting said anode to said negative conductor; a chopper for regulating current flow in said positive and negative conductors; a second diode connected across said first pair of contacts and being reverse biased; a third diode connected across said second pair of contacts and being reverse biased; a first starting resistor connected in series with said first motor; a second starting resistor connected in series with said second motor; means for shorting said first resistor; and means for shorting said second resistor.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
222 words
An electric motor marine propulsion system which is energized by a direct current power source, said propulsion system comprising: a positive conductor connected to one terminal of said direct current power source; a negative conductor connected to a second terminal of said direct current power source; a branch circuit connected between said positive and negative conductors; said branch circuit comprising the series connection of a first shunt wound direct current electric motor, a first diode and a second shunt wound direct current electric motor, wherein said first diode is connected between said first and second electric motors; a first pair of contacts connected between the cathode of said first diode and said positive conductor for shorting said cathode to said positive conductor; a second pair of contacts connected between the anode of said first diode and said negative conductor for shorting said anode to said negative conductor; a chopper for regulating current flow in said positive and negative conductors; a second diode connected across said first pair of contacts and being reverse biased; a third diode connected across said second pair of contacts and being reverse biased; a first starting resistor connected in series with said first motor; a second starting resistor connected in series with said second motor; means for shorting said first resistor; and means for shorting said second resistor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A marine propulsion system as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a third pair of contacts across said chopper, for shorting said chopper.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
A marine propulsion system as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a second diode connected between said positive conductor and the cathode of said first diode and being reverse biased; and a third diode connected between said negative conductor and the anode of said first diode and being reverse biased.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
A marine propulsion system as recited in claim 1, further comprising: means for allowing reverse current flow during regenerative braking.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
A marine propulsion system as recited in claim 4 wherein said means for allowing reverse current flow is a third pair of contacts connected between the anode and the cathode of said first diode.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A marine propulsion system as recited in claim 1, further comprising: means for controlling current in the shunt field windings of said first and second motors.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A marine propulsion system as recited in claim 1, wherein said direct current power source is a battery having multiple taps, said positive and negative conductors being connected to two of said taps.
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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) | 1987-06-05 | 1987-12-05 | 1988-06-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-06-05 | 1991-12-05 | 1992-06-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-06-05 | 1995-12-05 | 1996-06-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |