A system for extracting energy from the passing wheels of a railcar, converting the energy to into rotation of a shaft in first and second directions, converting the rotation of the shaft into electrical energy, and storing any excess generated electricity. A pivoting member includes a shaft, first and second arms extending from the shaft, and contact elements at the ends of the arms. The vertical reaction force imparted to the wheels of a passing railcar may be minimized by, among other techniques, orienting the pivoting member so that the contact elements move in a horizontal plane and by coupling the contact elements to the ends of the pivoting member arms via respective journal bearings.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of the Aug. 26, 1999 filing date of copending provisional application serial No. 60/150,779, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
A method for slowing a vehicle upon a roadway. The method including: providing a movable surface upon which the vehicle travels, the movable surface being movable in two opposite directions; converting a kinetic energy of the vehicle traveling in either of the two opposite directions into potential energy upon movement of the vehicle over the movable surface; and storing the potential energy in the movable surface to thereby slow the vehicle.
A construct from which a flexing road surface may be produced. A flexing road surface provided in accordance with the invention enables a vehicle to pass over the road surface relatively smoothly, while simultaneously imparting a reciprocating motion to the road surface. This reciprocating motion may be extracted at a takeoff point on the construct, and used as motive means for operating an electrical generator, air compressor, pump, or other useful mechanical device.
A system embedded in a road surface generates power from the passage of motor vehicles. It activates only when vehicles with axles overpass it in the prescribed direction. The power generating device includes a grill and actuating arms, actuating buttons, and a vehicle sensing device for ensuring the system does not activate when motorcycles pass over it. The actuating arms are connected to shafts and gears for transferring vehicular movement into rotational energy to a turbine placed at the side of the road. A speed brake, flywheel and transmission regulate the rotation speed of the generator motor for optimal production of electricity.
A roadway upon which a vehicle travels is provided in which the vehicle is decelerated. The roadway includes: a movable surface extending in a direction of the vehicle's travel; and a potential energy storage mechanism operatively connected to the movable surface for converting a kinetic energy of the vehicle into potential energy upon movement of the movable surface thereby slowing the vehicle. Also provided is a roadway upon which a wheeled vehicle travels in which the vehicle is accelerated. The roadway includes: a movable surface extending in a direction of the vehicle's travel; and a potential energy transfer mechanism operatively connected to the movable surface for transferring a stored potential energy associated with the movable surface into kinetic energy upon movement of the movable surface thereby propelling the vehicle.
