Electrical energy producing platform and method of use

• US 6,172,426 B1
• Filed: 11/09/1999
• Issued: 01/09/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 10/05/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: John P. Galich
• Original Assignee: Thomas P. Galich
• Inventors: Galich, Thomas P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ponomarenko, Nicholas
• Application Number:
  US09/437,030
• Time in Patent Office: 427 Days
• Field of Search: 290/1.R, 290/1.A, 290/1.E, 290/54, 310/12, 310/13, 310/14, 310/15, 310/23
• US Class Current: 290/1.00R
• CPC Class Codes: F03G 7/08 recovering energy derived from swinging, rolling, pitching or like movements, e.g. from the vibrations of a machine

Abstract

An energy platform system for generating electrical energy from the weight of a moving vehicle. The system comprises a fluid bed containing a volume of fluid which is compressible by the weight of the moving vehicle driven thereover. A circulation system is in fluid communication with the fluid bed for receiving the fluid forced from within the bladder. The circulation system is operable is operable to translate the energy of the fluid circulated therethrough into mechanical energy. The platform system additionally comprises a generator cooperatively engaged to the circulation assembly and operable to convert the mechanical energy of the circulation system into electrical energy. It is further contemplated that electricity may be produced by the movement of a vehicle over a platform mechanically coupled to a linear generator. Accordingly, the linear generator moves in relation to the movement of the platform such that the linear generator is operative to generate an electrical current thereby.

Claims

1. An energy platform system to generate electrical energy from the weight of a moving vehicle, the system comprising:

a platform which is movable from the weight of a vehicle driven thereover; and

a linear generator mechanically coupled to the platform and operative to move in response to the movement of the platform, the linear generator comprising;

an elongate, tubular cylinder having an exterior surface and a hollow interior;

a coil wrapped about the exterior surface of the cylinder;

an elongate rod disposed within the interior of the cylinder; and

a magnet slidably attached to the rod and disposed within the interior of the cylinder such that the movement of the magnet within the cylinder produces an electrical current within the coil.

2. The energy platform system of claim 1 further comprising a lever arm mechanically coupled to the platform and the linear generator and operative to move the linear generator in response to the movement of the platform.

3. The energy platform system of claim 1 further comprising:

at least one spring mechanically coupled to the platform to normally bias the platform upwardly; and

at least one pilot pin mechanically coupled to the platform to maintain the platform in a prescribed horizontal position.

4. A method of generating electrical energy form a moving vehicle comprising the steps of:

a) driving the vehicle over a platform which is mechanically coupled to a linear generator having;

i) an elongate, tubular cylinder having an exterior surface and a hollow interior;

ii) a coil wrapped about the exterior surface of the cylinder;

iii) an elongate rod disposed within the interior of the cylinder; and

iv) a magnet slidably attached to the rod and disposed within the interior of the cylinder;

b) moving the linear generator in response to the movement of the platform; and

c) generating electrical energy with the linear generator.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein step (b) comprises moving the linear generator in a see-saw motion to produce electrical energy.