U.S. patent application number 17/137901 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-22 for power supply system and method for a movable vehicle within a structure.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hyperloop Technologies, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Hyperloop Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Brogan BAMBROGAN, Filip FINODEYEV, Joshua GIEGEL, Kaveh HOSSEINI, George O'NEAL.
Application Number | 20210114470 17/137901 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005316038 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-22 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210114470 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FINODEYEV; Filip ; et
al. |
April 22, 2021 |
POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A MOVABLE VEHICLE WITHIN A
STRUCTURE
Abstract
System for transmitting energy to a moving vehicle. The system
includes at least one moving vehicle; at least one energy source to
supply energy toward the at least one moving vehicle; and a
receiver that is movable relative to the at least one energy
source, that receives the supplied energy from the at least one
energy source and converts the received energy to at least one of
charge a battery or to impart thrust to the at least one moving
vehicle.
Inventors: |
FINODEYEV; Filip; (Laguna
Niguel, CA) ; GIEGEL; Joshua; (Hawthorne, CA)
; BAMBROGAN; Brogan; (Los Angeles, CA) ; O'NEAL;
George; (Scotts Valley, CA) ; HOSSEINI; Kaveh;
(Pasadena, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hyperloop Technologies, Inc. |
Los Angeles |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hyperloop Technologies,
Inc.
Los Angeles
CA
|
Family ID: |
1000005316038 |
Appl. No.: |
17/137901 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15689860 |
Aug 29, 2017 |
10906411 |
|
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17137901 |
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15007974 |
Jan 27, 2016 |
9764648 |
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15689860 |
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62243903 |
Oct 20, 2015 |
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62113511 |
Feb 8, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60L 50/53 20190201;
Y02T 10/70 20130101; B60L 50/90 20190201 |
International
Class: |
B60L 50/90 20060101
B60L050/90; B60L 50/53 20060101 B60L050/53 |
Claims
1. A system for transmitting energy to a moving vehicle,
comprising: at least one moving vehicle; at least one energy source
to supply energy toward the at least one moving vehicle; and a
receiver that is movable relative to the at least one energy
source, that receives the supplied energy from the at least one
energy source and converts the received energy to at least one of
charge a battery or to impart thrust to the at least one moving
vehicle.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the receiver is located
on or in the vehicle.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one moving
vehicle moves along a guideway and the at least one energy source
is located at a fixed location along the guideway.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one energy
source transmits microwave energy toward the at least one moving
vehicle via a microwave waveguide.
5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the at least one energy
source comprises a plurality of energy sources positioned at spaced
apart locations along a path of the at least one moving
vehicle.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the receiver includes a
compressor and turbine, the turbine being driven to at least one of
generate electricity or thrust.
7. The system according to claim 1, further comprising lenses
arranged to focus the energy from the at least one energy source
into an internal waveguide in the at least one moving vehicle.
8. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a ramjet
engine coupled to the receiver, the ramjet engine having inlet and
outlet nozzles configured as converging type, diverging type or any
converging-diverging combination of nozzles.
9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one moving
vehicle comprises a dielectric shell located on at least one end of
the at least one moving vehicle, the dielectric shell being
structured to be invisible to the energy transmitted from the
energy source.
10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the receiver comprises
rectennae configured to receive the energy transmitted from the at
least one energy source.
11. An energy transmission system comprising: at least one energy
source; and a receiver that is movable relative to the at least one
energy source; wherein the at least one energy source is arranged
to supply energy toward the relatively moving receiver, and wherein
the energy supplied is prevented from being dispersed over a
distance from the at least one energy source to the receiver.
12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the at least one
energy source transmits microwave energy.
13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the microwave energy
is transmitted via a microwave waveguide.
14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the receiver is
movable within the microwave waveguide.
15. The system according to claim 11, further comprising a vehicle
in which the receiver is located, and lenses arranged to focus the
energy from the at least one energy source into an internal
waveguide in the vehicle.
16. The system according to claim 11, further comprising a ramjet
engine coupled to the receiver, the ramjet engine having inlet and
outlet nozzles configured as converging type, diverging type or any
converging-diverging combination of nozzles.
17. The system according to claim 11, further comprising a vehicle
in which the receiver is located, wherein the vehicle comprises a
dielectric shell located on at least one end of the vehicle, the
dielectric shell being invisible to the energy transmitted from the
energy source.
18. The system according to claim 11, wherein the receiver
comprises rectennae configured to receive the energy transmitted
from the at least one energy source.
19. The system according to claim 11, wherein the at least one
receiver comprises a heat exchanger.
20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the heat exchanger
comprises an absorber configured to absorb the received energy to
generate heat.
21. The system according to claim 20, wherein the absorber
comprises a plurality of air channels and the at least one receiver
further comprises a compressor configured for supplying pressurized
air into the air Channels and a turbine for receiving heated
pressurized air from the absorber, which imparts rotational energy
to the turbine.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a Continuation of Non-provisional
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/689,860 filed Aug. 29, 2017,
which is a Continuation of Non-provisional U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/007,974 filed Jan. 27, 2016 claiming the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/243,903 filed Oct. 20, 2015 and
claiming the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/113,511
tiled Feb. 8, 2015. The disclosures of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 15/689,860, U.S. application Ser. No. 15/007,974, U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/243,903 and U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/113,511 are expressly incorporated by reference
herein in their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a power supply system for a
transport vehicle. In particular, the power supply system can be
used to supply power to running systems such as life support,
controls, compressor, and/or propulsion.
2. Discussion of Background Information
[0003] Moving vehicles in transportation systems, e.g., railway or
bus systems, can use an onboard power supply for running systems
such as controls, compressor, and/or propulsion. The power can come
from an energy storage device located in or on the vehicle, such as
a battery. However, it can be advantageous to use external sources
to avoid the mass of any device or system employed to generate or
store energy. Such external sources, however, require a
transmission method. In practice, vehicles such as buses and trains
have utilized external sources to draw power via electric
conduction, e.g., via a catenary system or an electrified rail
system.
[0004] It has also been sought to transmit power in a manner that
eliminates the need for transmission of energy via physical
contact. One such transmission system has been achieved through
inductive coupling. Such systems require a minimalized distance
between the transmitter and receiver for maximum efficiency.
[0005] Microwave transmission systems have been used in an attempt
to transmit power to unmanned aerial vehicles. However, as these
attempts have been in the context of open air transmission, these
systems suffer from signal dispersion with distance.
[0006] Additionally, vehicles with on-board propulsion capability
have been sought. Self-propel led vehicles can add flexibility and
robustness to a system. This is particularly true for utility
vehicles, such as rescue pods, or any vehicle that may need to move
inside the system without being strictly constrained by external
propulsion sources. Electromagnetic propulsion, which requires a
power supply and on-board energy storage in batteries, results in
increased vehicle mass. Three-phase electric motors, including
induction motors, can be driven by variable frequency drives
(VFDs), which accept incoming electrical power, and then output a
three-phase alternating current at whatever frequency is necessary
to drive the motor. However, such an on-board VFD will also likely
be quite heavy and increase the mass of the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0007] In a high speed, high efficiency transportation system, a
low pressure environment can be utilized in order to reduce drag on
a vehicle at high operating speeds. In this manner, the
transportation system achieves the benefit of allowing a greater
potential vehicle speed while lowering energy costs associated with
overcoming drag forces. Preferably, these systems use a near vacuum
within a tubular structure and the vehicles operating within the
tube require an onboard power supply for running systems such as
life support, controls, compressor, and/or propulsion. Preferably,
the power can come from an energy storage device located in or on
the vehicle, such as a battery, or from an external source.
[0008] In a high speed scenario, because physical contact between a
vehicle transported at a velocity of up to and in excess of 300 m/s
and a stationary object may be undesirable because of the
associated drag and rapid wear of contact surfaces, it would be
advantageous to achieve an external source solution by which
onboard power is supplied for running systems such as life support,
controls, compressor, and/or propulsion while reducing vehicle
weight and avoiding physical contact between the vehicle and the
external source.
[0009] Embodiments include a microwave source, e.g., a gyrotron,
kleistron or magnetron, injecting microwaves into a structure,
e.g., a tube, within which a vehicle (or pod) travels. The tube can
be configured to act as a waveguide, which keeps the microwave
energy from dispersing over distance. The vehicle has a receiver
that absorbs the microwaves and converts the energy into electrical
current to power onboard systems. The use of the tube as a
waveguide maintains power density over tens of kilometers, which
makes it practical for powering vehicles over those ranges.
[0010] In another embodiment, the vehicle has a system of lenses,
waveguides, and mirrors to route impinging microwaves to an
absorber. The absorber is made from a substance that absorbs
microwaves well and can withstand high temperatures. The absorber
converts the energy of the microwaves into heat. The absorber also
has air channels in it. A compressor mounted on the vehicle ingests
air from the tube, and increases its pressure. The compressor
pushes air into the absorber. The absorber heats the incoming air,
thus adding energy to it. The absorber routs air into a turbine.
The hot pressurized air expands through the turbine, imparting
rotational energy to it. The turbine, absorber, and compressor are
designed such that the turbine liberates enough energy from the hot
air stream to power the compressor via a shaft, other mechanical
linkage or an electrical generator. The hot air that exits the
turbine has enough energy to impart thrust to the vehicle and
compensate for drag. Some of the rotational energy from the turbine
can also drive an alternator to provide electrical power for
onboard systems.
[0011] In another embodiment, the system is designed such that it
injects extra air in the path of the vehicle. Thrust that the
system can generate increases linearly with air density. Thus,
increasing the pressure in the tube to an extent that doubles the
air density in the tube, will roughly double the thrust. Drag
increases at the square of velocity. Therefore, at low speeds, the
thrust to drag ratio can be much higher than at top speed. Maximum
thrust is limited by density (pressure) and available thermal
power. The system can be configured such that parts of the route
where acceleration is required can introduce more microwave power
and air into the pipe when a vehicle goes by. As the vehicle enters
this acceleration region, it will have both higher thrust to drag
ratio and higher maximum thrust than during cruise legs of the
route.
[0012] Another embodiment provides the ability to brake. If the pod
could increase its cross-section area ratio to the tube, by either
increasing its cross-section area or the tube shrinking its
cross-section area, then a plug of air would be pushed in front of
the pod. This will create a high density region in front of the
pod. When the pod must accelerate again, the situation will be the
same as described in the above paragraph, assuming a sufficient
source of microwave power is available. Thus, the pod will convert
some of the kinetic energy that it must shed by braking into stored
energy in the air.
[0013] An embodiment converts microwave power directly into thermal
power, thus optimizing transmission efficiency. The thermal
absorbers in accordance with embodiments can achieve, e.g., 1,000
kW/m.sup.2, which is substantially higher than other devices
conventionally used with microwave power transmission. This means
that less vehicle surface area is needed to receive power, or more
power can be ultimately transmitted to each vehicle. However, as a
thermal cycle is run, all related heat rejection takes place at
very high temperatures, in the form of the exhaust, with no
radiators needed.
[0014] Air injection and compression give vehicles the ability to
accelerate and decelerate without linear induction motors. This can
reduce the number of propulsion stations (linear induction motors)
needed to operate a system, with great potential cost savings. This
embodiment would displace a burden from costly linear induction
motors onto cheaper vacuum pumps.
[0015] Another embodiment includes a vehicle that contains a
plurality of rectennae and a linear induction motor. On the track
side, there is at least one microwave power transmission station.
The microwave power transmitters operate in different frequencies,
and the rectennae are substantially tuned to those frequencies.
Thus, with a plurality of operating frequencies and a plurality of
rectennae tuned to those frequencies, modulating the power output
on the frequencies will result in a plurality of independent phases
of current on the vehicle. Rectennae are lighter than a
conventionally used variable frequency drive and thus represent a
substantial mass reduction for a pod with onboard propulsion.
[0016] Moreover, this embodiment allows a vehicle to change its
velocity at any point in the route. The vehicle-side propulsion
system can also act as a supplement to a corresponding track-side
propulsion system, and work together to allow the vehicle to
independently control acceleration, including coming to a complete
stop and then accelerating again in any part of the system, which
is impossible for an equivalent stationary track-side system. Given
the greater than linear scaling of track-side propulsion, it may be
more economical to have some limited thrust capability on the
vehicle.
[0017] In embodiments, the receiver can include a heat exchanger.
The heat exchanger and the absorber can be built into one single
device or two separate and distinct devices. In further
embodiments, the vehicle or pod can include a ramjet engine with
inlet and exit nozzles. The absorber and/or heat exchanger can be
placed between the inlet and exit nozzles of the ramjet engine.
Moreover, the inlet and exit nozzles can be of converging type,
diverging type, or any converging-diverging combination. The inlet
and outlet nozzle can also be of variable geometry. The inlet can
provide compressed air to the absorber/heat exchanger, the
absorber/heat exchanger can increase the temperature of the air,
and the exit nozzle can expand the air at high pressure and/or high
velocity.
[0018] In accordance with embodiments, the absorber and heat
exchanger can perform a function similar to a combustion chamber
commonly found on turbojet and ramjet engines. As such, the
compressed air may be fed into the absorber/heat exchanger using
either a compressor, a ramjet inlet nozzle or a combination of the
two. The absorber/heat exchanger increases the temperature of the
air before it is expanded through a turbine, a ramjet exit nozzle,
or a combination of the two. In embodiments, the absorber/heat
exchanger can fully replace a combustion chamber and remove the
need for the combustion of hydrocarbon fuel altogether. In another
embodiment, the absorber/heat exchanger can work in conjunction
with a conventional combustion chamber.
[0019] In other embodiments, the absorber may rely on an ionized
gas to absorb microwave energy and turn it into heat. A laser, or a
very high potential field will ionize incoming gas within the
confines of the absorber. Ionized gas, or plasma, absorbs
electromagnetic waves. Microwaves directed into the absorber will
add energy to the ionized gas, thus transferring heat directly to
the gas instead of via an intermediary material.
[0020] Embodiments are directed to a system for converting
transmitted energy to vehicle movement. The system includes a
structure having an elongated tubular interior; a movable vehicle
structured and arranged to move through the elongated tubular
interior; at east one energy source arranged at a fixed location
within the elongated tubular interior to transmit energy; and a
receiver, carried by the movable vehicle, being configured to
receive the transmitted energy from the at least one energy source
and to convert the received energy into at least one of electrical
power and thrust for moving the vehicle.
[0021] In embodiments, the at least one source can include a
microwave energy source. Further, the elongated tubular interior
can be configured to act a waveguide to guide microwave energy
transmitted from the microwave source to the at least one
receiver.
[0022] According to embodiments, the system may further include at
least one vacuum source coupled to the elongated tubular structure
to maintain the elongated tubular structure at a near vacuum
pressure.
[0023] In accordance with other embodiments, the at least one
energy source may include a plurality of energy sources distributed
along a length of the elongated tubular structure.
[0024] In other embodiments, the elongated tubular structure can
include at least one section having a reduced diameter, whereby, as
the vehicle moves into the at least one reduced diameter section,
forward motion of the vehicle is impeded.
[0025] Moreover, in embodiments, the vehicle can include at least
one exterior section being outwardly extensible, whereby, as the at
least one section is extended outwardly, forward motion of the
vehicle is impeded.
[0026] According to still other embodiments, the receiver may
include a heat exchanger. Further, the heat exchanger can include
an absorber configured to absorb the received energy to generate
heat. The absorber may include a plurality of air channels and the
receiver can further include a compressor configured for supplying
pressurized air into the air channels and a turbine for receiving
heated pressurized air from the absorber, which imparts rotational
energy to the turbine. The can be configured to at least one of
rotate the compressor and generate electricity. The at least some
of the heated pressurized air can escape from the turbine to impart
thrust to the vehicle. Further, the compressor can be structured to
receive air from outside of the vehicle. In embodiments, a bypass
fan can be included for supplying air into the compressor. Still
further, a fluid supply may be coupled to supply a fluid to the
absorber. The fluid in the fluid supply can be one of nitrogen or
air. The system may also include a fluid supply structured and
arranged to selectively supply a fluid under pressure into the air
channels. Moreover, microwave lenses and an internal waveguide can
be coupled to the vehicle to receive and guide the energy
transmitted from the energy source to the absorber. Further still,
a ramjet engine may be coupled to the vehicle. The ramjet engine
can have inlet and outlet nozzles configured as converging type,
diverging type or any converging-diverging combination of nozzles.
The heat exchanger may be positioned between the inlet and exit
nozzles.
[0027] In accordance with other embodiments, the vehicle can
include a dielectric shell located on at least one end of the
vehicle. The dielectric shell may be structured to be invisible to
the energy transmitted from the energy source.
[0028] Further, the receiver may include a plurality of rectennae
configured to receive the energy transmitted from the energy source
and to convert the received energy into electrical power.
[0029] According to other embodiments, the movable vehicle can be a
capsule or pod.
[0030] Embodiments of the invention are directed to a power
conversion system movable within a waveguide. The system includes
an energy source arranged at a fixed location within the waveguide
to transmit energy within the structure; and at least one receiver,
which is configured for movement through the waveguide, being
structured to convert the transmitted energy to at least one of
electrical power and thrust for movement of the at least one
receiver.
[0031] According to embodiments, the energy source can be a
microwave source.
[0032] In accordance with still yet other embodiments of the
present invention, the at least one receiver may include a heat
exchanger. The heat exchanger can include an absorber configured to
absorb the received energy to generate heat. Further, the absorber
may include a plurality of air channels and the at least one
receiver may further include a compressor configured for supplying
pressurized air into the air channels and a turbine for receiving
heated pressurized air from the absorber, which imparts rotational
energy to the turbine. The turbine may be configured to at least
one of rotate the compressor and generate electricity. Further, at
least some of the heated pressurized air can escape from the
turbine to impart thrust to the at least one receiver. The
compressor can be structured to receive air from outside of the at
least one receiver. Further, a bypass fan can be provided for
supplying air into the compressor.
[0033] Embodiments are directed to a power supply system for a
vehicle movable within a structure. The power supply system
includes at least one energy source arranged at a fixed location
within the structure to transmit energy within the structure, and a
receiver, arranged on the vehicle to receive the energy transmitted
from the energy source, being configured to convert the energy to
at least one of electrical power and thrust.
[0034] In accordance with other embodiments, an interior of the
structure can be structured to act as a waveguide.
[0035] According to other embodiments, the energy source may be a
microwave source.
[0036] According to still other embodiments, the receiver can
include a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may include an
absorber configured to absorb the received energy to generate heat.
Further, the absorber can include a plurality of air Channels and
the receiver may further include a compressor configured for
supplying pressurized air into the air channels and a turbine
configured for receiving heated pressurized air from the absorber,
which imparts rotational energy to the turbine. The turbine may be
configured to at least one of rotate the compressor and generate
electricity. At least some of the heated pressurized air can escape
from the turbine to impart thrust to the vehicle. The compressor
can be structured to receive air from outside of the vehicle.
[0037] The power supply system can also include a bypass fan for
supplying air into the compressor. A fluid supply may be coupled to
supply a fluid to the absorber, and the fluid in the fluid supply
can be one of nitrogen or air.
[0038] In embodiments, the power supply system can further include
a ramjet engine having inlet and outlet nozzles configured as
converging type, diverging type or any converging diverging
combination of nozzles. The absorber can be positioned between the
inlet and exit nozzles.
[0039] In still other embodiments, microwave lenses and an internal
waveguide are arranged to receive and guide the energy transmitted
from the energy source from an end of the vehicle to the absorber.
Further, the vehicle may include a dielectric shell located on at
least one end of the vehicle, the dielectric shell being structured
to be invisible to the energy transmitted from the energy
source.
[0040] According to further embodiments, the receiver can include a
plurality of rectennae structured and arranged to receive the
energy transmitted from the energy source and to convert the
received energy into electrical power.
[0041] In accordance with still other embodiments, the structure
may include a tubular structure maintained at a near vacuum
pressure and a track over or on which the vehicle moves. The at
least one energy source may include a plurality of energy sources
arranged along a length of the tubular structure.
[0042] In still other embodiments, the tubular structure may
include at least one section having a reduced diameter, whereby, as
the vehicle moves into the at least one reduced diameter section, a
plug of air is created in front of the vehicle to impede forward
motion of the vehicle.
[0043] According to other embodiments, the vehicle can include at
least one section having an increasable exterior height, whereby,
as the exterior height of the at least one section is increased, a
plug of air is created in front of the vehicle to impede forward
motion of the vehicle.
[0044] In accordance with further embodiments, a fluid supply is
structured and arranged to selectively supply a fluid under
pressure into the air channels.
[0045] In accordance with still other embodiments, the movable
vehicle can be a capsule or a pod.
[0046] Embodiments are directed to a method of supplying power to a
vehicle movable within a structure. The method includes
transmitting energy within the structure from a location fixed
within the structure; receiving the transmitted energy in the
movable vehicle; and converting the received energy into at least
one of electrical power and thrust.
[0047] In embodiments, an interior of the structure includes a
waveguide.
[0048] According to other embodiments, the energy may be
transmitted within the structure as microwave energy.
[0049] In accordance with still other embodiments, the received
energy may be converted into heat by an absorber. The absorber can
include a plurality of air channels and the method can further
include pressurizing air from outside of the vehicle; supplying the
pressurized air into the air channels; and transmitting the heated
pressurized air to impart rotational energy to a turbine. The
turbine rotates the compressor and/or generates electricity. At
least some of the heated pressurized air can escape from the
turbine to impart thrust to the vehicle. The air from outside of
the vehicle that is pressurized can be forced into the receiver by
a bypass fan. The method can also include supplying a fluid into
the absorber, where the fluid may be one of nitrogen or air.
[0050] In still other embodiments, the absorber may be positioned
between an inlet nozzle of a ramjet, which performs mostly
compression and an exit nozzle of the ramjet, which performs mostly
expansion.
[0051] According to further embodiments, the method can also
include receiving and guiding the energy transmitted from the
energy source from an end of the vehicle to the absorber. Further,
the vehicle may include comprises a dielectric shell located on at
least one end of the vehicle, the dielectric shell being structured
to be invisible to the energy transmitted from the energy
source.
[0052] In embodiments, the energy transmitted from the energy
source can be converted directly into electrical power.
[0053] According to further embodiments, the structure may include
a tubular structure maintained at a near vacuum pressure and a
track over or on which the vehicle moves. The at least one energy
source can include a plurality of energy sources arranged along a
length of the tubular structure. Further, the tubular structure may
include at least one section having a reduced diameter, whereby, as
the vehicle moves into the at least one reduced diameter section, a
plug of air is created in front of the vehicle to impede forward
motion of the vehicle.
[0054] In accordance with still other embodiments, the vehicle can
include at least one section having an increasable diameter, and
the method further may further include increasing the diameter of
the at least one section to create a plug of air in front of the
vehicle to impede forward motion of the vehicle.
[0055] In accordance with still yet other embodiments of the
invention, the method can further include supplying a fluid into
the structure to at least in part be pressurized and supplied into
the air channels.
[0056] Embodiments are directed to a system for conveying a vehicle
powered via microwave energy. The system includes an elongated
tubular structure having a track; a movable vehicle structured and
arranged to move at least one of over and on the track; a plurality
of microwave sources arranged at fixed locations within and along
the elongated structure to supply microwave energy within the
structure; and a receiver, carried by the movable vehicle, being
configured to receive the microwave energy from at least one of the
plurality of microwave sources and to convert the received
microwave energy into at least one of electrical power and
thrust.
[0057] Embodiments are directed to a system for transmitting energy
to a moving vehicle. The system includes at least one moving
vehicle; at least one energy source to supply energy toward the at
least one moving vehicle and a receiver that is movable relative to
the at least one energy source, that receives the supplied energy
from the at least one energy source and converts the received
energy to at least one of charge a battery or to impart thrust to
the at least one moving vehicle.
[0058] In embodiments, the receiver can be located on or in the
vehicle.
[0059] According to other embodiment, the at least one moving
vehicle can move along a guideway and the at least one energy
source may be located at a fixed location along the guideway.
[0060] In accordance with embodiments, the at least one energy
source may transmit microwave energy toward the at least one moving
vehicle via a microwave waveguide. The at least one energy source
can include a plurality of energy sources positioned at spaced
apart locations along a path of the at least one moving
vehicle.
[0061] In other embodiments, the receiver may include a compressor
and turbine. The turbine may be driven to at least one of generate
electricity or thrust.
[0062] According to still other embodiments, the system may further
include lenses arranged to focus the energy from the at least one
energy source into an internal waveguide in the at least one moving
vehicle.
[0063] In embodiments, the system may also include a ramjet engine
coupled to the receiver. The ramjet engine can have inlet and
outlet nozzles configured as converging type, diverging type or any
converging-diverging combination of nozzles.
[0064] In still other embodiments, the at least one moving vehicle
may include a dielectric shell located on at least one end of the
at least one moving vehicle. The dielectric shell may be structured
to be invisible to the energy transmitted from the energy
source.
[0065] According to other embodiments, the receiver can include
rectennae configured to receive the energy transmitted from the at
least one energy source.
[0066] Embodiments are directed to an energy transmission system
that includes at least one energy source; and a receiver that is
movable relative to the at least one energy source. The at least
one energy source is arranged to supply energy toward the
relatively moving receiver, and the energy supplied is prevented
from being dispersed over a distance from the at least one energy
source to the receiver.
[0067] In accordance with embodiments, the at least one energy
source can transmit microwave energy. The microwave energy may be
transmitted via a microwave waveguide. Further, the receiver can be
movable within the microwave waveguide.
[0068] According to embodiments, the system may further include a
vehicle in which the receiver can be located, and lenses arranged
to focus the energy from the at least one energy source into an
internal waveguide in the vehicle.
[0069] In embodiments, the system may further include a ramjet
engine coupled to the receiver. The ramjet engine may have inlet
and outlet nozzles configured as converging type, diverging type or
any converging diverging combination of nozzles.
[0070] In still other embodiments, the system can also include a
vehicle in Which the receiver is located. The vehicle may include a
dielectric shell located on at least one end of the vehicle and the
dielectric shell may be invisible to the energy transmitted from
the energy source.
[0071] According to other embodiments, the receiver can include
rectennae configured to receive the energy transmitted from the at
least one energy source.
[0072] In accordance with still yet other embodiments, the at least
one receiver can include a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may
include an absorber configured to absorb the received energy to
generate heat. Further, the absorber can include a plurality of air
channels and the at least one receiver may further include a
compressor configured for supplying pressurized air into the air
channels and a turbine for receiving heated pressurized air from
the absorber, which imparts rotational energy to the turbine.
[0073] Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present
invention may be ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure
and the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0074] The novel features which are characteristic of the systems,
both as to structure and method of operation thereof, together with
further aims and advantages thereof, will be understood from the
following description, considered in connection with the
accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the system are
illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood,
however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and
description only, and they are not intended as a definition of the
limits of the system. For a more complete understanding of the
disclosure, as well as other aims and further features thereof,
reference may be had to the following detailed description of the
disclosure in conjunction with the following exemplary and
non-limiting drawings wherein:
[0075] FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified view of a movable vehicle
receiving energy from a fixed source;
[0076] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the power supply system
for a movable vehicle using microwaves;
[0077] FIG. 3 illustrates a variant of the embodiment of the power
supply system for a movable vehicle using microwaves depicted in
FIG. 2 that uses an alternative receiver;
[0078] FIG. 4 illustrates a variant of the embodiment of the power
supply system for a movable vehicle using microwaves depicted in
FIG. 3 that uses a bypass fan and/or a fluid supply;
[0079] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment for imparting additional
thrust on the vehicle by supplying additional fluid to the power
supply system for a movable vehicle;
[0080] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate embodiments for effecting a braking
or slowing of the movable vehicle;
[0081] FIG. 7 illustrates a variant of the embodiment of the power
supply system for a movable vehicle using microwaves depicted in
FIG. 2 that uses a receiver with rectennae;
[0082] FIG. 8 graphically illustrates rectenna power and phase
power for the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7;
[0083] FIG. 9 illustrates a variant of the embodiment of the power
supply system for a movable vehicle using microwaves depicted in
FIG. 2 that includes a ramjet in which the air used for thrust
passes through nozzles attached to the vehicle.
[0084] FIG. 10 illustrates a variant of the embodiment of the power
supply system for a movable vehicle using microwaves, in which the
walls of the stationary tube and the walls of the moving vehicle
work together to form a part of a ramjet's inlet and outlet
nozzles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0085] The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for
purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the
present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing
what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood
description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present
invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural
details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary
for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the
description taken with the drawings making apparent to those
skilled in the art how the several forms of the present invention
may be embodied in practice.
[0086] An embodiment of a power supply system and method for a
movable vehicle (or pod or capsule) V is illustrated in FIG. 1 and
includes at least one source S, which may be located at a fixed
position along and/or within a tube or conveyor C, only a portion
of which is illustrated, that transmits energy E to a vehicle V
movable over or on a track K (only a portion of which is
illustrated) within conveyor C. Conveyor C can be a closed
structure, which closed structure can be configured as a tube. In a
non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the tube can be maintained at a
low pressure, such as a near vacuum pressure having a target
pressure of about 100 Pa Vehicle V can have or be a receiver R that
receives the energy transmitted from source S and converts the
received energy into power for vehicle V. Receiver R can, e.g.,
generate dc electrical current to power onboard systems and impart
thrust to drive vehicle V over or on track K through conveyor C.
Examples of such a transportation system for the claimed
embodiments are disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. application
Ser. No. 15/007,783, entitled "Transportation System," filed on
even date herewith, the entire contents of which are hereby
expressly incorporated by reference herein.
[0087] In accordance with embodiments, FIG. 2 illustrates, by way
of non-limiting example, source S as a microwave energy source,
e.g., a gyrotron, kleistron or magnetron, that is arranged to
inject microwave energy MW into conveyor C. Conveyor C can be
configured, e.g., as a closed and/or tubular structure, to act as a
microwave waveguide WG so that microwave energy MW supplied from
source S is prevented from dispersing over distance. Moreover, by
forming conveyor C as waveguide WG, a power density of microwave
energy MW can be maintained over tens of kilometers, so that
powering of vehicle V over such a range is practical. The walls of
conveyor C, e.g., can be structured of copper, steel or other
suitable conductive material and/or can have a lining, coating,
grid or mesh of copper, steel or other suitable conductive material
overlaid on or applied to a wall structure of conveyor C, whereby
conveyor C is suitably structured to act as a microwave waveguide
WG to transmit the microwaves supplied from source S through
conveyor C to vehicle V. By way of example, the range of microwave
energy supplied by source S can be between 900 MHz and 100 GHz,
depending upon the specifications of the source.
[0088] While only a single source S is shown in the exemplary
embodiment, it is to be understood that a number of sources S can
be arranged along track K to transmit energy E to vehicle V as it
traverses over or on track K of conveyor C. Sources S can be spaced
along track K at distances between every several meters to every
several kilometers, depending upon the power of source S. By way of
non-limiting example, for smaller sources S having power
corresponding to a conventional microwave oven, sources S can be
spaced every few meters, while more powerful sources S, such as
gyrotrons, can be spaced every several kilometers. Distances
between sources are preferably set to ensure that adequate
microwave energy is received by vehicle V. By way of non-limiting
example, a vehicle or pod receiving energy from, e.g., 250 kW
microwave sources spaced every 10 km over 50 km would receive over
2 MW of power.
[0089] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, microwave
energy MW transmitted through waveguide WG of conveyor C, which can
be, e.g., about 7 in in diameter, are received or absorbed by
receiver R, which is located on vehicle V, which can be, e.g.,
about 3 m in diameter. Microwave energy MW transmitted through
waveguide WG passes through dielectric shell DS, which can be a
panel located on vehicle V or can be an outer portion or structure
at a front and/or rear of vehicle V. Moreover, dielectric shell DS,
which is structured to be invisible to microwaves, can be made of
fiberglass or plastic, and can also be aerodynamically designed so
as not to increase drag.
[0090] Behind dielectric shell DS an absorber A.sub.1 can be
arranged to receive the microwave energy MW passing through
dielectric shell DS. Absorber A.sub.1, which is structured to
operate as a heat exchanger, can be made from a material that
absorbs microwaves and can withstand high temperatures. Further, it
is understood that in the foregoing embodiments, a heat exchanger
and the absorber A.sub.1 can be built into one single device or as
two separate and distinct devices. By way of example, absorber
A.sub.1 can be made to include a material, e.g., ceramic, that
absorbs the impinging microwave energy to generate heat. Further,
the specific material can preferably be selected so that absorber
A.sub.1 is tuned to the frequency of the microwave energy supplied
by source S. Absorber A.sub.1 can be coupled to a compressor P
mounted in or on vehicle V, e.g., at a front of vehicle V.
Compressor P is structured and arranged to draw in or ingest air
(depicted as arrows) from conveyor C, increase the pressure of the
ingested air and push the pressurized air into absorber A.sub.1. By
way of non-limiting example, absorber A.sub.1 can be formed with
air channels (not shown) to receive the pressurized air from
compressor P and these air channels can be sized to optimize in a
known manner for maximum surface area of contact between the air
and the absorber material. In this way, as absorber A.sub.1
converts microwave energy MW into heat, the pressurized air in the
air channels is heated, thereby adding energy to it. Further,
absorber A.sub.1 is also coupled to a turbine T so that the heated
pressurized air in absorber A.sub.1 is routed into turbine T. In
operation, the hot pressurized air expands through turbine T, which
imparts rotational energy to turbine T.
[0091] Turbine T, absorber A.sub.1, and compressor P are designed
and arranged so that turbine T liberates enough energy from the hot
pressurized air stream to power compressor P via a mechanical
linkage, such as a shaft, and/or to power an electrical generator.
Some of the rotational energy from turbine T can drive an
alternator A.sub.2 to provide electrical power for onboard systems,
e.g., via a buffer battery B. Moreover, the hot air exiting turbine
T can have enough energy to impart sufficient thrust to vehicle V
to compensate for drag.
[0092] The exemplary embodiment converts microwave power directly
into thermal power, which optimizes transmission efficiency. By way
of example, thermal absorbers A.sub.1 can achieve, e.g., 1,000
kW/m.sup.2, which is substantially higher than other conventional
devices used with microwave power transmission. For example,
thermal absorber A.sub.1 have 10 times the energy density of
rectennae, which convert microwaves into DC current. Accordingly,
less vehicle surface area is needed to receive power and/or more
power can be transmitted to vehicle V. Further, with this
embodiment, a thermal cycle is run in which all related heat
rejection takes place at very high temperatures in the form of the
exhaust through turbine T. As no radiators are required to remove
heat, the weight of vehicle V can be reduced.
[0093] As it may not be practicable to locate absorber A.sub.1 at
an end of vehicle V to receive the transmitted microwave energy,
FIG. 3 illustrates a variant of receiver R in the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 2. In this exemplary embodiment, receiver R'
includes lenses and/or mirrors that can be utilized to concentrate
the received microwave energy MW and guide the microwave energy
through an internal waveguide G. In a non-limiting example,
microwave energy MW passing through dielectric shell DS can be
concentrated by a microwave lens L.sub.1 to a microwave lens
L.sub.2, which focusses microwave energy MW into microwave
waveguide G. The lenses L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 and internal waveguide
G can be constructed and operated in a manner similar to a
microwave endoscope, internal waveguide G can be, e.g., structured
of copper, steel or other suitable conductive material, and lenses
L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 can be formed from, e.g., a polymer material
and/or a foam material, in order to supply the microwave energy MW
into internal waveguide G. Through use of internal waveguide G,
absorber A.sub.1 can be arranged in a convenient location in
vehicle V, and internal waveguide G can be arranged to guide
microwave energy MW to absorber A.sub.1. Otherwise, absorber
A.sub.1, compressor P and turbine T, as well as alternator A.sub.2
and battery B, are structured and operated in the manner discussed
above in the embodiment of FIG. 2.
[0094] In a variant of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a forced
supply of air can be used to increase thrust. As illustrated in
FIG. 4, a bypass fan 4 arranged in front of compressor P like a
turbo fan engine. In this regard, bypass fan 4 includes a plurality
of rotating blades to draw in air and force the air into compressor
P, whereby more pressurized air is heated in absorber A.sub.1 and
more heated air is expelled through turbine T. Consequently, thrust
is increased. Alternatively or additionally, a supply of liquid
nitrogen or compressed air T.sub.1 can be utilized and directly
injected into absorber A.sub.1, which will likewise increase the
heat expelled by turbine T to increase thrust. It is further
contemplated that bypass fan F and/or the injected supply of liquid
nitrogen or compressed air T.sub.1 can be utilized with receiver R
in FIG. 2, where microwave energy MW, through dielectric shell DS,
directly impinges on absorber A.sub.1.
[0095] In a variation applicable to the previously described
embodiments of FIGS. 2-4, FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment in which
extra air is injected from a supply T.sub.2 in the path of the
vehicle to increase the pressure in front of vehicle V. This can be
advantageous in that the thrust that can be generated increases
linearly with air density in conveyor C. Thus, increasing the
pressure in the tube, to an extent that doubles the air density in
the tube, will roughly double the thrust. Drag increases at the
square of velocity. Therefore, at low speeds, the thrust to drag
ratio can be much higher than at top speed. Maximum thrust is
limited by density (pressure) and available thermal power. However,
because it is intended to operate vehicle V in a near vacuum within
conveyor C, any additional air supplied via supply T.sub.2 will
need to be removed by the system's vacuum pumps (not shown) to
maintain the target pressure within conveyor C. At designated
portions of the route at which acceleration is required, it can be
particularly advantageous to introduce increased microwave power
and air into the pipe when a vehicle goes by. Consequently, as it
enters the designated acceleration region, vehicle V will have both
a higher thrust to drag ratio and a higher maximum thrust than
during cruise legs of the route.
[0096] Other embodiments contemplate braking of vehicle V as it
traverses over or on track K. These exemplary embodiments, as shown
in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, utilize a plug of air created by relative
reductions in the difference between the diameter of conveyor C and
the diameter of vehicle V to push against the front of vehicle V.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6A, a gradual shrinking or
reduction in a portion 10 of the cross-sectional area of conveyor
C', e.g., when approaching a station, a sharp curve or an
interchange, would create the plug of air in front of vehicle V as
it approaches the cross-sectionally reduced area 10 of conveyor C'.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6B, vehicle V' can include at
least one extensible or expandable portion 20 that will change the
effective diameter of vehicle V' passing through conveyor C, e.g.,
when approaching a station, a sharp curve or an interchange. This
at least one extensible or expandable portion 20 can be operated,
e.g., as an air brake on an airplane wing, and can be
hydraulically, pneumatically or electrically actuated and/or can
include an inflatable bladder that can be arranged to actuate the
at least one extensible or expandable portion. In the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 6C, the at least one extensible or expandable
portion can be an inflatable bladder 30 arranged on the exterior
vehicle V' or in a recess 31 formed in the exterior of vehicle V'
so that inflatable bladder 30 extends crosswise to the direction of
travel. As inflatable bladder 30 is inflated, a height of bladder
30 increases the exterior height or diameter of vehicle V', whereby
a plug of air is created in front of vehicle V'. Moreover, it
should be understood that the embodiments of FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C
can be used together. These embodiments of FIGS. 6A, 6B and/or 6C
can be implemented to create a high density region in front of
vehicle V or V'. Further, following a braking procedure, if the
vehicle or pod wants to accelerate again, the system can
advantageously utilize the embodiment described in FIG. 5, assuming
a sufficient source of microwave power is available. In this way,
vehicle V or V' will convert some of the kinetic energy that it
shed by braking into stored energy in the air. It is further
contemplated that, after the braking procedure, vehicle V or V' can
also advantageously utilize the embodiments of FIGS. 2-4.
[0097] Propulsion stations, which can include, e.g., linear motors,
can also be arranged along conveyor C in order to impart a general
motive force onto vehicle V or V', in particular at locations along
conveyor C at which a change of velocity of vehicle V is desired.
However, the air injection embodiment of FIG. 5 and the air
compression embodiments of FIGS. 6A and 6B give vehicles V or V'
the ability to accelerate and decelerate while traversing track K
without the use of such linear motors. Advantageously, the number
of propulsion stations needed to operate a system can be reduced,
which results in potentially great cost savings. Further, by
implementing these embodiments of FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B, the burden
from costly linear motors would be displaced onto cheaper vacuum
pumps, which simply need to remove the air and heat added to
conveyor C.
[0098] In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, a variable
frequency drive (VFD), e.g., a three phase VFD, is configured to
drive a number of sources, e.g., microwave emitters, S.sub.1,
S.sub.2 and S.sub.3. The VFD can have any number of phases, and
each of the sources are configured to operate at different
frequencies, e.g., 2.5 GHz, 5 GHz and 7 GHz in the exemplary
embodiment. A receiver R'' mounted in the vehicle or pod includes
rectennae R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3, which are coupled to a
linear motor M via respective inverters I.sub.1, I.sub.2 and
I.sub.3. The energy transmitted from sources S.sub.1, S.sub.2 and
S.sub.3 travel along waveguide G to rectennae R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and
R.sub.3. Each rectenna R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 is tuned to absorb
energy transmitted at the frequency corresponding to its phase. A
rectenna power profile is illustrated in FIG. 8. Further, as
rectennae R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 supply power to the linear
motor M via inverters I.sub.1, I.sub.2 and I.sub.3, and the
inverters change the direction of phase current as appropriate, see
FIG. 8.
[0099] With a plurality of operating frequencies and a plurality of
rectennae tuned to those frequencies, modulating the power output
on the frequencies will result in a plurality of independent phases
of current on the vehicle. Moreover, as rectennae are lighter than
conventionally used variable frequency drives (VFD), this
embodiment represents a substantial mass reduction for a vehicle or
pod with onboard propulsion.
[0100] Moreover, this exemplary embodiment allows a vehicle to
change its velocity at any point in the route. The vehicle-side
propulsion system can act as a supplement to a corresponding
track-side propulsion system and can work together with a
corresponding track-side propulsion system to allow the vehicle to
independently control acceleration, including coming to a complete
stop and then accelerating again in any part of the system. Given
the greater than linear scaling of track-side propulsion, it may be
more economical to have some limited thrust capability on the
vehicle.
[0101] In a further variant, a receiver R' including absorber
A.sub.1, as described in the embodiment in FIG. 3, is contemplated
to use the received microwave energy MW to power a ramjet engine RJ
to impart thrust on vehicle V. In a simplified ramjet engine RJ,
illustrated in FIG. 9, air enters a ramjet inlet nozzle before
being forced into a heat exchanger, which can include absorber A1.
However, in contrast to the conventional ramjet, the ramjet
embodiments according to this application do not necessarily
require a combustion chamber. Instead, as described in the other
embodiments, the received microwave energy MW is absorbed by the
heat exchanger/absorber A.sub.1. This absorbed energy serves to
increase the temperature of the air coming from the ramjet's inlet
nozzle before it is expanded through the ramjet's exit nozzle at
high pressure and/or high velocity to impart thrust onto the
vehicle V. Thus, as the heat exchanger performs the same role as a
conventional ramjet's combustion chamber, the heat exchanger can
takes the place of a conventional ramjet's combustion chamber.
[0102] In another ramjet embodiment, the vehicle V (or pod) and the
inner surface of the tube, which acts as a microwave waveguide WG,
can be arranged to work in conjunction with the vehicle's outer
surface to form the inlet nozzle of the ramjet RJ' and compress the
incoming air. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10, as the
vehicle V moves through the tube in its direction of travel, i.e.,
to the left, the air flowing over the nose of vehicle V is
compressed between the inner surface of the tube and outer surface
of vehicle V. This performs a function similar to a compressor,
except that there are no rotating turbomachinery rotors involved.
Further, the end of vehicle V can be configured to act as a
ramjet's exit nozzle. This performs a function similar to a
turbine, except that, once again, there are no rotating
turbomachinery rotors involved. The shroud can extend to a diameter
larger than the vehicle's diameter, but not to contact the inner
surface of the tube. It is to be understood that the heat exchanger
depicted in this embodiment, which is configured to receive the
microwave energy, can be structurally configured as any of the
receivers disclosed in the other embodiments described in this
specification without departing from the spirit and scope of the
claimed embodiments.
[0103] Although the present specification describes components and
functions that may be implemented in particular embodiments with
reference to particular standards and protocols, the disclosure is
not limited to such standards and protocols. Such standards are
periodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents
having essentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement
standards and protocols having the same or similar functions are
considered equivalents thereof.
[0104] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are
intended to provide a general understanding of the various
embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a
complete description of all of the elements and features of
apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods
described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those
of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other
embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such
that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally,
the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn
to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be
exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly,
the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative
rather than restrictive.
[0105] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides various
systems, structures, methods, and apparatuses. Although the
disclosure has been described with reference to several exemplary
embodiments, it is understood that the words that have been used
are words of description and illustration, rather than words of
limitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appended
claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from
the scope and spirit of the disclosure in its aspects. Although the
disclosure has been described with reference to particular
materials and embodiments, embodiments of the invention are not
intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed; rather the
invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures,
methods, and uses such as are within the scope of the appended
claims.
[0106] One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to
herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term "invention"
merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit
the scope of this application to any particular invention or
inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have
been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated
that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or
similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments
shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent
adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of
the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically
described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art
upon reviewing the description.
[0107] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37
C.F.R. .sctn. 1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that
it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of
the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description,
various features may be grouped together or described in a single
embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This
disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that
the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly
recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect,
inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the
features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following
claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each
claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject
matter.
[0108] The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered
illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are
intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other
embodiments which fall within the true spirit and scope of the
present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the
scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest
permissible interpretation of the following claims and their
equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the
foregoing detailed description.
[0109] Accordingly, the novel architecture is intended to embrace
all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within
the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the
extent that the term "includes" is used in either the detailed
description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in
a manner similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is
interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
[0110] While the invention has been described with reference to
specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that
various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for
elements thereof without departing from the true spirit and scope
of the invention. While exemplary embodiments are described above,
it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible
forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification
are words of description rather than limitation, and it is
understood that various changes may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In addition, modifications
may be made without departing from the essential teachings of the
invention. Furthermore, the features of various implementing
embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the
invention.
* * * * *