Hydraulic roadbed electricity generating apparatus and method
First Claim
1. A generator for a roadbed having a driving surface comprising:
- a surface element at least partially moveable relative to the roadbed;
a mechanical collector positioned below the driving surface and being actutated by the surface element; and
a generator coupled to the mechanical collector to convert mechanical movement of the mechanical collector into electrical energy.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A generator for a roadbed having a driving surface comprising:
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a surface element at least partially moveable relative to the roadbed;
a mechanical collector positioned below the driving surface and being actutated by the surface element; and
a generator coupled to the mechanical collector to convert mechanical movement of the mechanical collector into electrical energy. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A generator for a roadbed, comprising:
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a surface element hingedly secured to the roadbed;
a piston engaging the surface element to be actuated thereby;
a cylinder receiving a portion of the piston, the piston being slidable within the cylinder; and
a hydraulic generator in fluid communication with the cylinder. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for collecting electricity from travel over a roadbed, the method comprising:
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providing a roadbed collector positioned within the roadbed;
providing a generator coupled to the roadbed collector to receive kinetic energy therefrom and convert the kinetic energy to electrical energy;
passing a vehicle over the roadbed collector, the roadbed collector directly engaging a portion of the vehicle; and
actuating the generator to generate electrical energy. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification