MINIMALIST APPROACH TO ROADWAY ELECTRIFICATION
First Claim
1. A method of commerce for electricity sales and distribution to roadway vehicles comprising:
- a. a roadway containing a means for distributing electricity to traveling vehicles,b. a plurality of independently owned and operated vehicles each comprising (1) an electric motor for traction, (2) electricity collectors for connecting with and drawing from the distributed electricity, (3) an electricity metering device for measuring electricity usage, (4) an electricity switch for enabling or disabling electricity use, (5) an intelligent processing module, with a unique digital identifier and a wireless communications module for monitoring said meter, manipulating said switch, and communicating with a controlling host computing site to request use authorization and report usage while traveling on said roadway,c. a controlling host computing site with wireless communication for communicating with and authorizing electricity use of said vehicles and billing said independent operators for reported usage on behalf of the proprietor of the electricity source,whereby electricity is accurately billed and accounted for and drivers are presented with a safe and easy to use transportation environment.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Method of commerce and system components that enable the sale of electricity on-request to independent vehicle operators for propulsion. Electricity could be delivered by conventional roadway overhead electric line components (see FIG. 2). Vehicles would be equipped with a computer-like component that contains an electricity meter, flow switches, and wireless communications capabilities (see FIG. 14) to communicate with an operations (12) computer site. Site would have customer credit profiles for approving distribution, wirelessly requested from customer vehicles. Vehicles would be additionally equipped with a robotic collector module (51). If implemented on a highway, the driver would request service while driving in an electrified lane via a user interface and, if approved, the robotic collector module (51) handles engaging electrical contact and disengaging when needed. Customer would be electronically billed for the electricity used. There is a continuous roadside monitoring network for improved safety and vehicle authentication (see FIG. 11, 12).
44 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method of commerce for electricity sales and distribution to roadway vehicles comprising:
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a. a roadway containing a means for distributing electricity to traveling vehicles, b. a plurality of independently owned and operated vehicles each comprising (1) an electric motor for traction, (2) electricity collectors for connecting with and drawing from the distributed electricity, (3) an electricity metering device for measuring electricity usage, (4) an electricity switch for enabling or disabling electricity use, (5) an intelligent processing module, with a unique digital identifier and a wireless communications module for monitoring said meter, manipulating said switch, and communicating with a controlling host computing site to request use authorization and report usage while traveling on said roadway, c. a controlling host computing site with wireless communication for communicating with and authorizing electricity use of said vehicles and billing said independent operators for reported usage on behalf of the proprietor of the electricity source, whereby electricity is accurately billed and accounted for and drivers are presented with a safe and easy to use transportation environment. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A vehicle with robotic current collector for drawing electricity used for traction comprising:
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a. a programmable controller apparatus, b. a first pole with a current collector contact device at one end and with the other end attached to a first multi-axis turret assembly with base mounted to vehicle, c. a first actuator connected to turret and said first pole for raising and lowering said first pole based on instruction from said programmable controller apparatus, d. a second actuator connected to turret and turret foundation for rotating turret with respect to vehicle based on instruction from said programmable controller apparatus, e. a means of image detecting wherein image data is communicated to said programmable controller apparatus for identifying the overhead lines and their position relative to the vehicle, f. a means of interfacing with the vehicle operator by said programmable controller apparatus for activating and controlling operation, Whereby programmable controller apparatus analyses image data to calculate distances and cause actuators to move the poles side to side, and up and down, until actual contact is made with electricity lines. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification