US4516647A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solar powered vehicle
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1982-02-08
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Granted: 1985-05-14
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Expires: 2002-02-08
Abstract
Abstract In a bicycle having an electric motor drive including a battery power source, an apparatus for automatically recharging the battery comprising at least one photovoltaic panel secured to the wheel of the bicycle. The conductors of the photovoltaic panels are electrically connected to annular rings secured to the wheels so that a plunger supported adjacent the annular ring can transfer the charge applied to the ring to appropriate wire conductors at a junction box which applies the current to the battery and the electric motor.
Inventors
- 👤 Thaddeus Novak
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 02:21
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62M; B62M6/00; B62M6/40; B62M6/75; B60; B60L; B60L50/00; B60L50/20; B60L50/50; B60L50/53; B60L50/60; B60L50/66; B60L53/00; B60L8/00; B60L8/003; B62M6/80; B62M6/85; B62M6/90; B60L2200/00; B60L2200/12; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/60; Y02T10/70; Y02T10/7072; Y02T90/00; Y02T90/10; Y02T90/14; Y10; Y10S; Y10S136/00; Y10S136/291
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
47 words
A vehicle comprising: a frame, a wheel rotatably mounted to said frame, an electrical load secured to said frame, means for converting solar energy to electrical energy secured to said wheel, and means for electrically connecting said converting means to said load despite rotation of said wheel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
47 words
A vehicle comprising: a frame, a wheel rotatably mounted to said frame, an electrical load secured to said frame, means for converting solar energy to electrical energy secured to said wheel, and means for electrically connecting said converting means to said load despite rotation of said wheel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said converting means comprises at least one photovoltaic panel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
75 words
The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said photovoltaic panel includes first and second conductors, and wherein said connecting means comprises an annular rim secured to said wheel, said annular rim having a first electrically conducting annular portion and a second electrically conducting annular portion, means for electrically insulating said first portion from said second portion; and second means for electrically connecting said first and second conductors to said first and second portions, respectively.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein said second electrical connecting means means comprises a plunger, means for supporting said plunger adjacent said rim, and resilient means for urging said plunger against said rim.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said panel is secured to said wheel at an angle with respect to a vertical plane perpendicular to the axis of said wheel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said wheel comprises a wheel having spokes, and wherein said panel is secured to said spokes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said vehicle comprises a bicycle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said converting means comprises a plurality of photovoltaic panels circumferentially spaced around said wheel.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said electric load comprises an electric motor means for driving said vehicle.
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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) | 1988-05-13 | 1988-11-12 | 1989-05-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-05-13 | 1992-11-12 | 1993-05-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-05-13 | 1996-11-12 | 1997-05-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |