Abstract:
A wind powered Engine wherein incoming air flow rotate at least one fan connected to a generator that converts the mechanical energy to electrical energy to provide electrical current to the existing electrical system or a backup rechargeable battery bank. The motor or generator is swivel mounted up to 45° to allow for the rotation thereof to provide maximum proficiency and incorporating a plurality of sensors in electrical communication with a display having audio and visual properties for indicating the status of the Engine.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to wind turbines and more specifically to a wind powered turbine motor for motor vehicles. The wind powered turbine motor, hereinafter referred to as the Smith Engine is designed to harvest energy from air moving through a vehicle during its normal operation. The motor comprises at least one housing conduit of any shape or size having air ingress and egress ports with the motor located therebetween. The air ingress port has a screen of any material, size and dimension to prevent passage of any organic or inorganic material that may impede the optimal performance of the motor. A frame of any material, size and dimension is secured within the channel through bore comprising a channel-anchored portion and pivotal portion allowing for the continuance of its optimal energy harvesting position through self alignment established by the motive force of air flow moving through the channel. At least one free wheeling fan having blades of any material, size and dimension is rotatively mounted by shaft of any material, size and dimension through the pivotal frame portion via bearing to at least one electric motor or generator mounted by fasteners of any material, size and dimension to said pivotal frame portion with the pivotal frame portion extending through a frame-arm to a frame vane providing for optimal positioning of the Smith Engine using the direction of incoming wind with the wind forming the fan&#39;s rotational motive force driving the electric motor or generator shaft for producing an electric current. The electric motor/generator has a plurality of sensors for monitoring the components of the motor/generator in electrical communication with a display enabled with audio and visual indictors. The motor/generator has positive and negative leads connected to a voltage regulator and inverter before being used or stored by the vehicle as an additional energy source with the vehicle taken from the group of land, water and air vehicles. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     There are other wind driven devices designed for generating electricity. Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No. 452,546 issued to Mitchell on May 19, 1891. 
     Another patent was issued to Williams on Apr. 19, 1904 as U.S. Pat. No. 757,800. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 1,181,988 was issued to Breitung on May 9, 1916 and still yet another was issued on Nov. 23, 1971 to Dutchak as U.S. Pat. No. 3,621,930. 
     Another patent was issued to Hull on Sep. 25, 1979 as U.S. Pat. No. 4,168,759. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,746 was issued to Burkhardt on Mar. 22, 1994. Another was issued to Englar on Jun. 1, 1999 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,217 and still yet another was issued on Oct. 31, 2000 to Hakala as U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,781. 
     Another patent was issued to Wu on Mar. 2, 2004 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,700,215. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 7,147,069 was issued to Marberry on Dec. 12, 2006. Another was issued to Kolbeck on Jan. 19, 1984 as German Patent No. DE3226381 and still yet another was issued on Jun. 3, 1993 to Wird Nachtrawglich Benannt as German Patent No. DE4138898. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 452,546 
     Inventor: James M. Mitchell 
     Issued: May 19, 1891 
     In a mechanism for generating electricity, the combination; with a drum or casing, of a wind-wheel shaft journaled in the same, a field-magnet surrounding said shaft, an armature and commutator of a dynamo mounted on said shaft, a pivoted support for the casing, conductors connecting the brushes of the dynamo with the device in which the current is used, and means whereby the wind wheel shall be presented to the action of shifting currents of air without interrupting the flow of the current, substantially as described. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 757,800 
     Inventor: Joseph J. Williams 
     Issued: Apr. 19, 1904 
     In a wind-motor, a moving part having impact-surfaces, a casing inclosing said part, a nozzle connected with the casing and arranged to direct air-currents against said surfaces, a movable vane exposed to the air-cur rents, a plurality of generators operatively connected with the moving part, and means between the vane and generators for controlling the operation of the latter. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,181,988 
     Inventor: Edward N. Breitung 
     Issued: May 9, 1916 
     In a boat, the combination with a wind wheel adapted to act as a sail, a dynamo-electric machine, a clutch for coupling the machine to the winding wheel, a propeller, an internal combustion engine, a clutch for coupling the engine to the dynamo electric machine, a clutch for coupling the engine to the propeller, a storage battery, a transmission circuit, translating devices connected to said circuit, selective switches for connecting the battery to the transmission circuit, the battery to the dynamo electric machine or the machine to the transmission circuit and means for regulating the field excitation of the dynamo electric machine whereby the machine may operate either as motor or generator as desired. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,621,930 
     Inventor: David D. Dutchhak 
     Issued: Nov. 23, 1971 
     A system of electricity generation for electric motor-driven vehicles consisting of a wind tunnel mounted on an equipped vehicle having open forward and rearward air intake and discharge ends, respectively, the forward open end being flared outwardly constituting an air scoop; plus a Venturi within the air tunnel communicating with the air scoop, and a battery of wind-activated electrically interconnected generators mounted within the tunnel in line communication with its open forward and rearward air intake and discharge ends. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,168,759 
     Inventor: R. Dell Hull 
     Issued: Sep. 25, 1979 
     An automobile including a body provided with a passenger compartment and a uniquely shaped front end section whereby the forward motion of the automobile will result in a highly effective channeling of oncoming air to the roof of the passenger compartment. An opening is provided at the forefront of the roof contiguous with the downstream end of the front air scoop, and communicating with a chamber arranged above the passenger compartment of the automobile. The chamber includes a rear exit vent. Within the chamber there is an angularly oriented impeller positioned in the direct path of the air forced through the chamber by the front air scoop whereby the impeller is driven by the air flow. The impeller is connected by a suitable mechanical coupling to a generator to provide auxiliary power for the automobile. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,746 
     Inventor: Harry E. Burkhardt 
     Issued: Mar. 22, 1994 
     The invention is to a wind charging system for an automobile which includes a wind driven turbine blade that is attached to a plurality of alternators by a gearing system. The gearing system includes a large gear driving a plurality of small gears, each attached to an alternator. The system is mounted in a single frame that mounts in the engine compartment of a standard automobile. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,217 
     Inventor: Robert J. Englar 
     Issued: Jun. 1, 1999 
     A blowing system for controlling the aerodynamics of a ground vehicle comprises a source of compressed air, a valve for regulating the flow of the compressed air, and a plenum for discharging the air at a rear portion of the vehicle. The air discharged through the plenum prevents flow separation and consequently reduces the drag on the vehicle. It may also increase lift, reducing effective weight and thus rolling resistance of the tires, or decrease lift to improve tire traction and handling. The blowing system may have separate plenums for the left and right sides of the vehicle whereby vortex roll-up and flow separation which occur on only one side of the vehicle may be eliminated. Asymmetrical blowing of only one plenum will produce rolling and yawing moments to restore the vehicle&#39;s lateral/directional stability when exposed to a side wind. Further, the blowing system may have a lower plenum for reattaching flow, generating a negative lift or download to increase traction, braking, and handling and for generating pitch trim. The blowing system may have a number of sensors for detecting various conditions, such as the direction and pressure of a relative wind, turbulence at the rear of the vehicle, braking, or angle of steering. The blowing system may be responsive to one or more of these conditions to selectively adjust the aerodynamics of the vehicle. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,781 
     Inventor: James R. Hakala 
     Issued: Oct. 31, 2000 
     A wind-powered system for generating electricity in a vehicle or other power consumption unit generally having a multi-stage impeller system for driving an electric generator/alternator, an improved air channel, and an improved start-up/back-up air compressor. The multi-stage impeller system includes high-speed impellers and low-speed impellers for efficient energy conversion throughout the entire range of a vehicle&#39;s operating speeds or forward motion. The improved start-up/back-up air compressor discharges air directly to the multi-stage impellers, abolishing the need for heavy air accumulators. The improved air channel includes a specially formed air scoop/vortex, a wind tube/tunnel and a heating element to increase the velocity of the air passing therethrough. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,700,215 
     Inventor: Shiang-Huei Wu 
     Issued: Mar. 2, 2004 
     Generators for use with a fossil fuel- and electric-powered vehicle having a plurality of different types of generator units mounted on a vehicle to supplement the power supply of the vehicle. Propeller generator units and turbine generator units utilize the force of oncoming wind to output electricity. The rolling wheel generator units consist of installing an additional fifth wheel, sixth wheel, seventh wheel, and eighth wheel of a dedicated generator roller wheel set on any of the main wheel axles disposed on the vehicle undercarriage such that by circumvolution around the axle when the vehicle is proceeding forward, the additionally installed generator roller wheel set rotates generator to produce electricity. A matching rectifier center caches the electric power produced by each generator unit and, following accumulation, directly supplies electricity to the vehicle or recharges its storage battery. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,147,069 
     Inventor: Robert L. Mayberry 
     Issued: Dec. 12, 2006 
     The invention relates to a vehicle including a body having a one or more openings. The body is configured, such as through the use of air guides, to receive an airflow through the one or more openings. An electrical generator assembly is mounted inside the vehicle and in fluid communication with a respective opening to receive the airflow, and wherein a separate electric generator assembly is associated with each of the openings. Each electrical generator assembly includes a housing, an electric generator mounted to the housing and a turbine assembly coupled to the electric generator. 
     Germany Patent Number DE3226381 
     Inventor: Guenther W. Kolbeck 
     Issued: Jan. 1, 1984 
     A drive device for an electric car (1) comprises a battery (9) via which at least one electric motor (3) that is provided is supplied with power. In order to increase the range and radius of action of the electric car (1), a power supply device is provided in the form of a windmill or wind vanes (13) which can be driven by the wind produced by motion, and having a generator arranged downstream, the windmill or wind vanes (13) being arranged directly in front of or behind parts of the car which increase the drag, for example the front or rear wheels (5, 7). 
     Germany Patent Number DE4138898 
     Inventor: Der Erfinder Wird Nachtraeglich Benannt 
     Issued: Jun. 3, 1993 
     The auxiliary power source has a dynamo (3,3a) which is mounted on each end of a shaft and rotated with it. Each dynamo, e.g., charges a 12-volt battery. Three or more such bladed shafts with the dynamos and batteries provide the second power plant in the mobile vehicle. An approximately one meter long, 10-15 cm wide surface under the bladed shaft covers the wind produced by the air resistance, and conducts the wind to the upper half of the bladed shaft, and can act to block the travel wind. USE/ADVANTAGE—Auxiliary power plant. For travel in cities. Prim. petrol or diesel engine can be switched off to reduce pollution. Dynamo batteries can be re-charged by switching on engine. 
     While these wind driven vehicles may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     A primary object of the present invention is to provide a wind powered turbine for motorized vehicles comprising a housing with a bore tunnel through which the air flow passes to rotate the fan(s) and power the electric motor/generator contained within. 
     An additional object is to provide a wind powered turbine motor for motorized vehicles wherein the electric motor/generator converts the mechanical energy of the wind driven fan(s) to electrical energy. 
     Yet an additional object is to provide a wind powered turbine motor for motorized vehicles wherein the electrical current is delivered to the engine for operational usage and/or rechargeable battery banks for storage for use when needed. 
     Still yet an additional object is to provide a wind powered turbine generator for motorized vehicles wherein a motor or generator is swivel mounted to allow for maximum proficiency. 
     An additional object is to provide a wind powered turbine motor having a pivotal frame terminating in a vane serving as a self alignment feature whereby optimal fan position is obtained to provide maximum power to the main shaft and thus improved generation of power. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a wind powered turbine engine that produces either AC or DC power. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a wind powered turbine motor having wire leads that are connected to the existing electrical system in either series or parallel configuration. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a wind powered turbine motor that may be adapted for use with various vehicles including autos, trains, planes and boats. 
     A further object is to provide a wind powered turbine motor that is simple and easy to use. 
     A still further object is to provide wind powered turbine motor that is economical in cost to manufacture and operate. 
     A still yet further object of the present invention is to provide a turbine motor having a plurality of sensors for monitoring the status of the turbine motor. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a display having audio and visual functions in electrical communication with said sensors for reporting the status of the turbine motor. 
     Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. 
     The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a wind powered turbine motor wherein incoming air flow rotate at least one fan connected to an electric motor or generator that converts the at least one fans mechanical energy to electrical energy to provide electrical current to the existing electrical system or a backup rechargeable battery bank. 
     The foregoing and other objectives and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
     The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is an illustrative view of the Smith Engine in use. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the Smith Engine in use. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the Smith Engine. 
         FIG. 4  is a wiring diagram for the Smith Engine. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the Smith Engine 
         FIG. 6  is a wiring diagram for the circuitry that conducts electricity for the Smith Engine. 
         FIG. 7  is an alternate wiring diagram, with the gasoline engine removed, for the circuitry that conducts electricity for the Smith Engine. 
         FIG. 8  is a flow chart of the method of operation of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is an illustrative view of various possible configurations of multiple motor/generators. 
         FIG. 10  is an illustrative view of an additional element of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS 
     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the figures illustrate the Wind Turbine Motor for Motor Vehicles of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures.
           10  Smith Engine for Motor Vehicles of the present invention     12  motor vehicle     14  air flow     16  bore     18  fan     20  fan blade     22  screen     24  fan shaft     26  motor/generator     28  electrical leads     29  shielded tube to protect insulated leads     30  swivel mount     31  swivel mount stop     32  movement of vehicle     34  intake port     36  rechargeable battery(s)     38  switch     40  voltage regulator     42  outlet port     44  release valve     46  power train     48  rechargeable battery     50  motor     52  rotor     54  stator     56  shaft     58  generator     60  drive shaft     62  potentiometer     63  inverter     64  alternator     66  transfer switch     68  gasoline engine     70  frame     72  fasteners     74  bearing     76  frame arm     78  vane     80  sensor(s)     82  audio visual display     84  audio visual display audio mute       

     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention (and several variations of that embodiment). This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments; practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to appended claims. 
       FIG. 1  is an illustrative view of the present invention&#39;s use 10. The present invention is a vehicle  12  that uses incoming air flow  14  harvested by the movement of the vehicle  12  to drive a wind turbine, shown in  FIG. 3 , before expelling the outgoing air flow  16 . 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the Smith Engine  10  installed in a vehicle  12 . At least one fan  18  disposed proximal the screen  22  is driven by air flow  14  during vehicle movement  32 . The fan  18  can have any number of blades  20  of an appropriate size, shape, thickness or material. A shaft  24  is fixed to the fan  18  and is in rotative communication with a motor/generator  26 . The motor/generator  26  then converts the mechanical energy to electrical current that is delivered to its destination via a pair of leads  28 . The motor/generator  26  is swivel mounted  30  to the vehicle  12  to provide maximum proficiency of air to effect the fan  18 . 
       FIG. 3  is a top view of the Smith Engine  10  in use. Shown is the air flow  14  created by the vehicle&#39;s movement  32  entering into the chute  16  via the intake port  34   22  are screens on both sides made of any size or material, and the air flow  42  causes the fan  18  to rotate. The rotation of the fan  18  turns the shaft  24  in communication with the motor/generator  26  to produce DC or AC energy accordingly with an inverter  63 . The motor/generator  26  having vane  78  pivots on the swivel mount  30  to maximize the potential energy of the air flow  42 . Electrical leads  28  that are shielded with rubber insulation  29  tubes to protect leads delivers the electrical current to a battery  36  that has a switch  38  and a voltage regulator  40  in line therewith. The air flow  42  then exits the chute  16  via the outlet port  42 . Also shown is/are sensor(s)  80 , which are positioned throughout the Smith Engine in electrical communication with display  82  enabled with audio and visual indicators for reporting the status of the Smith Engine and a button  84  for selectively muting the audio. 
       FIG. 4  is a wiring diagram for the Smith Engine of the present invention  10 . Shown are the shielded electrical leads  28  with a secondary switch  38 , voltage regulator  40  and battery  36 . Also shown in line with the circuitry is a release valve  44  that is part of a pressurized tank. When the switch  38  is closed it provides electricity to a pressurized tank releasing air for propulsion. 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the Smith Engine. The Smith Engine  10  is designed to harvest energy from air moving through a vehicle during its normal operation. The Smith Engine  10  comprises at least one housing conduit  16  within motorized vehicle  12  of any shape or size having air ingress port  34  and egress port  42  with the motor  12  located therebetween. The air ingress port  34  has a screen  22  of any shape or size to prevent passage of any organic or inorganic material that may impede the optimal performance of the motor. The motor has a frame  70  of any shape or size that is secured to conduit  16  comprising a channel anchored portion  30  and pivotal portion limited to approximately 45° by a swivel mount stop  31  allowing for the continuance of its optimal energy harvesting position through self alignment established by the motive force of the air flow  14  moving through the bore of conduit  16 . At least one free wheeling fan  18  having blades  20  of any shape or size is rotatively mounted by shaft  24  of any shape or size through the pivotal frame portion via bearing  74  to at least one electric motor or generator  26  mounted by fasteners  72  of any shape or size to said pivotal frame portion with the pivotal frame portion extending through a frame arm  76  to a frame vane  78  providing for optimal positioning of the Smith Engine  10  using the direction of incoming wind  14  with the wind forming the fan&#39;s  18  rotational motive force driving the electric motor or generator shaft  24 . The electric motor/alternator has positive and negative leads  28  connected to a voltage regulator and inverter  63  before being used or stored by the vehicle as an energy source with the vehicular mode of transportation taken from the group of land vehicles, water vehicles, air vehicles, trains, and motorcycles. 
       FIG. 6  is a wiring diagram for the circuitry that conducts electricity for the Smith Engine of the present invention  10 . Shown is the power train  46  comprising a rechargeable battery  48  (solid or liquid), a motor  50 , rotor  52 , a stator  54  and shaft  56 , a generator  58 , an inverter  63  and a drive shaft  60 . Voltage to the rechargeable battery  48  and the motor  50  is regulated by a pair of potentiometers  62  in line with their respective components. N represents where the circuitry from the Smith 2K can be connected for operation. An alternator  64  is part of the motor  50 , rotor  52 , stator  54  and shaft  56  assembly. A transfer switch  66  is in line between the alternator  64  and a gasoline engine  68 . The transfer switch  66  activates the gasoline engine  68  in the event of the motor  50 , rotor  52 , stator  54  and drive shaft  60  failing to function. The gasoline engine  68  then becomes part of the motor  50 , rotor  52 , stator  54  and drive shaft  60  that provides park, forward, neutral and reverse. Also shown is/are sensor(s)  80  that are positioned throughout in electrical communication with audio/visual enabled display  82  for indicating the functioning of the engine&#39;s component parts. 
       FIG. 7  is a wiring diagram, with the gasoline engine removed, for the circuitry that conducts electricity for the Smith Engine of the present invention  10 . Shown is the power train  46  comprising a rechargeable battery  48  (solid or liquid), a motor  50 , rotor  52 , a stator  54  and shaft  56 , a generator  58 , an inverter  63  and a drive shaft  60 . Voltage to the rechargeable battery  48  and the motor  50  is regulated by a pair of potentiometers  62  in line with their respective components. N represents where the circuitry from the Smith 2K can be connected for operation. An alternator  64  is part of the motor  50 , rotor  52 , stator  54  and shaft  56  assembly. Also shown is/are sensor(s)  80  that are positioned throughout in electrical communication with audio/visual enabled display  82  for indicating the functioning of the engine&#39;s component parts. 
       FIG. 8  is a flow chart of the method of operation of the present invention  10 . The method comprising an initial charge from rechargeable batteries for accelerating a vehicle; introducing forced air into the chute via the intake port; rotating the fan with the forced air; energizing the motor/generator on the swivel mount; monitoring and reporting the status of the fan on an audio and visual enabled display having a switch for muting the audio, if desired; distributing electrical current to the appropriate components for use or storage and purging air from the chute via the outlet port. 
       FIG. 9  is an illustrative view of several possible configurations using a single and plurality of motor/generators  26  and their related fans  18  to best utilize the pivoting feature attributable to the swivel mounts  30 . Also shown is means for monitoring and reporting the status of the Smith Engine fan(s) comprising a display  82  for each fan, with the display  82  enabled with audio and visual and switch  84  for selectively muting the audio signal as desired. The motor/generators  26  and fans  18  are housed within a chute  16 , tunnel or conduit of any size, shape or dimension. 
       FIG. 10  is an illustrative view of an additional element of the present invention. Shown are various vehicles  12  that can be enabled as generators having rotationally driven shafts whether it is an airplane or helicopter using the existing rotation. A switch is provided for engaging the system to use the rotation within a generator system. 
     It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. 
     While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
     Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.