Overhead power grid for mobile mining machines
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system for providing electrical power to a vehicle, the system comprising:
- a first track including a first conducting portion carrying a current having a first phase configuration;
a second track including a second conducting portion carrying a current having a second phase configuration different from the first phase configuration;
a trolley movable sequentially along the first track and the second track, the trolley including a contact, the contact in electrical communication with the first conducting portion while the trolley moves along the first track, the contact in electrical communication with the second conducting portion while the trolley moves along the second track, the contact conditioned to receive current having the first phase configuration while the contact is in electrical communication with the first conducting portion; and
a connector positioned between the first conducting portion and the second conducting portion, wherein when the contact of the trolley engages the connector, the contact is conditioned to receive current having the second phase configuration when the contact is positioned in electrical communication with the second conducting portion.
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Abstract
A vehicle is provided that connects to an power structure for powering and guiding the vehicle. The power structure includes a trolley, a track along which the trolley runs, a power source connected to the track, and a cable connected to the trolley and configured to attach to the vehicle moving on a surface. The vehicle includes a chassis and a cable connected to the chassis and configured to mechanically and electrically connect the vehicle to the power structure. The chassis includes a connector rotatable 360 degrees, and the cable connects to the chassis through the connector.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for providing electrical power to a vehicle, the system comprising:
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a first track including a first conducting portion carrying a current having a first phase configuration; a second track including a second conducting portion carrying a current having a second phase configuration different from the first phase configuration; a trolley movable sequentially along the first track and the second track, the trolley including a contact, the contact in electrical communication with the first conducting portion while the trolley moves along the first track, the contact in electrical communication with the second conducting portion while the trolley moves along the second track, the contact conditioned to receive current having the first phase configuration while the contact is in electrical communication with the first conducting portion; and a connector positioned between the first conducting portion and the second conducting portion, wherein when the contact of the trolley engages the connector, the contact is conditioned to receive current having the second phase configuration when the contact is positioned in electrical communication with the second conducting portion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A power structure for a vehicle, the power structure comprising:
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a first track portion including a plurality of first electrical conductors, each of the plurality of first electrical conductors including a first end; a second track portion including a plurality of second electrical conductors, each of the plurality of second electrical conductors including a second end; and a plurality of connectors, each of the plurality of connectors disposed on at least one of the first end of the first electrical conductors and the second end of the second electrical conductors, each of the plurality of connectors being electrically non-conductive such that the connectors form a dead zone between the first electrical conductors and the second electrical conductors. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A power structure for a vehicle, the power structure comprising:
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a first track portion including a plurality of first electrical conductors, each of the plurality of first electrical conductors including a first end; a second track portion including a plurality of second electrical conductors, each of the plurality of second electrical conductors including a second end; and a plurality of connectors, each of the plurality of connectors disposed on at least one of the first end of the first electrical conductors and the second end of the second electrical conductors, each of the plurality of connectors being electrically non-conductive such that the connectors form a dead zone between the first electrical conductors and the second electrical conductors, wherein the plurality of first electrical conductors receive a first electrical current from a first three-phase alternating current source, the first electrical conductors including three conduits, the first electrical current having a first phase configuration such that a current in each of the three conduits is approximately 120 degrees out of phase with the current in each of the other conduits. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification