Electrical connection device for electric vehicles
OwnerBryan Richardsinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An electrical connection device for an electric vehicle includes an arm, attached to a moving vehicle, and an air-bearing electrical-pickup device, disposed at a distal end of the arm. The air-bearing electrical-pickup device is positionable adjacent to an electric-powered guideway and configured to receive electrical power therefrom. The air bearing electrical-pickup device includes an air inlet positioned to provide a flow of air between the guideway and the air bearing device, and an induction loop, configured to sense ferromagnetic material in the guideway.
Claims19
An electrical connection device for an electric vehicle, comprising:
- an arm, attached to a moving vehicle;
- and
- an air-bearing electrical-pickup device, disposed at a distal end of the arm, positionable adjacent to an electric-powered guideway and configured to receive electrical power therefrom, the air bearing electrical-pickup device including:
- an air outlet positioned to provide a flow of air between the guideway and the air bearing device;
- and
- an induction loop, disposed in the electrical pickup device, configured to sense ferromagnetic material in the guideway.
An electric vehicle for use with a guideway, comprising:
- an extensible and retractable arm, attached to the vehicle;
- and
- an electrical connection device, positioned at a distal end of the arm, having an air bearing device, having
- means for providing a flow of air between the air bearing device and the guideway, including at least one air outlet in the air bearing device, oriented to direct the flow of air between the air bearing device and the guideway;
- means for transferring electrical power from the guideway to the vehicle;
- and
- means for tracking a position of the electrical connection device with respect to the guideway.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.