Hydraulic roadbed electricity generating apparatus and method

a technology of hydraulic generator and electric roadbed, which is applied in the direction of in situ paving, roads, construction, etc., can solve the problems of difficult electrical power supply and inability to directly charg

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-01-25
ADAIR SARAH
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In such regions, it is costly and difficult to provide electrical power to provide lighting and services that may be necessary o...

Method used

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  • Hydraulic roadbed electricity generating apparatus and method
  • Hydraulic roadbed electricity generating apparatus and method
  • Hydraulic roadbed electricity generating apparatus and method

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, in a typical highway environment vehicles 10 move along lanes 12, 14 headed in opposite directions along a roadbed 20. In one embodiment of the present invention, mechanical collectors, or roadbed collectors 30, are positioned within the lanes 12 and 14 and mechanically collect kinetic energy from the vehicles 10. Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment of a roadbed collector 30, a surface plate 40 mounts to the roadbed 20 by means of a hinge 50 and typically forms part of the surface over which the vehicles 10 drive. The surface plate 40 and hinge 50 are typically formed of steel and have sufficient strength to withstand the impact of vehicles at high speeds. The hinge 50 is typically positioned such that a vehicle will first encounter the hinged edge of the surface plate 40 and then the free end. Inasmuch as the surface plate 40 and hinge 50 form part of the surface of the roadbed 20, the hinge 50 and hinged edge of the surface plate 40 are typically flu...

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PUM

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Abstract

A roadbed generator provides a roadbed collector positioned within a roadbed. The roadbed collector engages passing vehicles collecting kinetic energy therefrom, which is converted to electrical energy that is collected and passed to a load for use. In one embodiment a roadbed collector is a piston positioned below a hinged surface plate that forms part of the roadbed. Passing vehicles drive the plate and piston down into a cylinder containing hydraulic fluid, driving the hydraulic fluid from the cylinder to a hydraulic generator. A return spring coupled to the surface plate force the plate back into an elevated position after a vehicle has passed on. In some embodiments an expansion tank interposed between the cylinder and generator forces fluid back into the cylinder causing the piston to move upwardly in preparation for engaging another vehicle.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for generating electricity and, more specifically, to apparatus and methods for generating electricity using hydraulic generators. [0003] 2. Background of the Invention [0004] The United States has over 2.4 million miles of paved roads traveled daily by millions of automobiles. Typical automobiles weigh over two tons and therefore contain large amounts of kinetic energy as they move at high speed down the highway. At the same time many auxiliary systems associated with the roadways require electrical energy to operate. For example, many lighting systems are involved, such as street lights, semaphores, warning lights, construction lights, and the like. Other auxiliary systems are services that are provided specifically to motorists, such as emergency telephones, rest areas, weigh stations, and customs inspection stations at State and international borders. [0005] The natio...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): E01C7/00
CPCE01F11/00
Inventor ADAIR, SARAH
Owner ADAIR SARAH
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