Abstract:
A self-contained DC-self-charging power module of 12 to 36-volts that could be used to power land, marine, and air, crafts and also to build electrical power generators and HV/AC systems is disclosed. These modules could be connected in series and or parallel circuits in order to achieve a desired voltage and amperage, for almost any task.  
     This can be accomplished by installing batteries in series to give the desired volts and amps. Motor or motors with means to operate a energy re-cycling component to re-charge the batteries, could be installed. A computerized monitoring system could be installed, to control and monitor said power device, so that the batteries are re-charged automatically weather the device is in use or not.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
         [0001]    This version of the invention is concerned with the field of self-charging direct current power devises such as batteries; where said power source does not need an external charging source for its continual normal use. This application also covers some of the uses and applications of the said power modules. These uses includes the following: DC-rectifying transformer packages, for building AC-power stations, and DC and AC transforming generators for converting DC-power to AC-power for general use; DC/HVAC systems to help alleviate present power shortages, and save money to consumers; DC-electric cars and trucks, AC-electric bus and DC-electric Air craft, DC-marine craft and DC and AC-trains, also to be used in power plants, and module racks for increasing volts and amps. These power modules will also be used to develop a thermal air pump module, which will be used to propel new land, marine, And aircraft engines. All of these products will save money for consumers, because they will use no fossil fuel.  
           [0002]    The present invention will save the environment because there will be no pollution created by said devices. The ecology will also be helped because the present invention would lead to less drilling for oil and oil spills. The present invention will also help to free the nations from dependence on imported oil. The present invention will also help to save lives because automobile and aircraft wrecks will result in fewer fires, caused by gasoline and fuel oil. This is especially important since the tragic events of Sep. 11, 2001. The present invention will also save business from the spiraling cost of fuel and the lack of enough power to operate. The said mentioned products will be explained in continuation, divisional and daughter and granddaughter applications.  
         DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART  
         [0003]    When batteries are being used as a power source they cannot be relied on for continued use without dependence on a separate charging source. This greatly limits how batteries can be used as a power source, since they must work in conjunction with a separate charging source. To overcome this limitation an attempt has been made to install solar plates inside a flashlight, to charge the batteries automatically. This design is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,648,013, issued to Raymond f. Curiel on 3 Mar. 1987. This attempt falls short of its intended goal as the above mentioned device depends on the Sun for its recharging power. When the Sun is not shining the charging source cannot be depended on.  
           [0004]    As illustrated by background art, efforts are continuously being made in an attempt to develop an internal re-charging mechanism for battery powered devices. No prior effort, however, provides the benefits attendant with the present invention. As such, it may be appreciated that there is a continuing need for a new and improved method to re-cycle the charging energy within battery operated devices, eliminating the need for a separate battery charging system or operation. In these respects, the present version of the invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus that substantially fulfills this need. Additionally, the prior patent and commercial techniques do not suggest the present inventive combination of component elements arraigned and configured as disclosed herein.  
           [0005]    The present invention achieves its intended purposes, objects, and advantages through a new, useful and unobvious combination of methods steps and component elements, with the use of a minimum number of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture, and by employing only readily available materials.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0006]    The present version of the invention, which will be described in greater detail hereinafter, relates to the field of continuous DC power devices such as self-charging battery devices. This version of the invention is concerned with devices that are designed to power other devisees without need to re-charge the batteries for normal operation. In some instances the device can also deliver torque which can be used for a verity of uses. My version of the invention overcomes all of the shortcomings listed previously, in addition to novel aspects that will be described in detail hereinafter.  
           [0007]    Described briefly, according to a typical embodiment, the invention prevents a self-contained self-charging power module to deliver a steady continuous source of DC power and toque. The said module can be used by its self, or in conjunction with other modules to create the power source needed for various activities. A 36-volt module consist of three 12-volt batteries connected in series. A 24-volt module has two 12-volt, and a 12-volt module has two 6-volt batteries each connected in series to achieve the desired voltage and amperage for that module. Motor or motors are installed in each unit with means to operate a current re-cycling component with volts and amps and sensors enough to refurbish said batteries on a as needed basis. This process eliminates the need for any external energy source for said modules&#39; normal operation. Another version called a torque-box power module can also deliver turning motion along with current. This makes the present invention a more practical energy source than just batteries alone, which must depend on some external charging source for its continued operation. Module racks also can be used to increase volts and amps. A service monitor also controls said modules&#39; operation, and alerts user of potential problems.  
           [0008]    My invention, therefore, resides not in any one of these features per se, but rather in the particular combination of all of them herein disclosed. It is distinguished from the prior art in this particular combination of all its structures for the functions specified.  
           [0009]    In as much as the forgoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood, so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated, Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the disclosed specific methods and structures may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent methods and structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.  
           [0010]    In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.  
           [0011]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which the disclosure is based is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention.  
           [0012]    Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.  
           [0013]    Accordingly, it is an object of my version of the invention to provide a low-cost, easy-to-manufacture, and easy-to-market self-charging power module.  
           [0014]    A further object of my version of the invention is to provide an easy-to-use and versatile power module and torque box.  
           [0015]    A significant object of the invention is to provide a self-charging power module and torque box that can be used in a variety of ways, to produce power for land, marine and air crafts, and power generators, and HV/AC systems.  
           [0016]    Another important object of the invention is to save money to consumers, and to alleviate air and water pollution caused by the use of fossil fuel, and to deliver the nations from dependence on imported oil.  
           [0017]    A final but very significant object of the invention is to provide a self-charging power module that will save lives, as automobile and aircraft wrecks will result in fewer fires due to the fact that said power modules will replace fossil fuel uses.  
           [0018]    For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention. The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the present invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or by modifying the disclosed invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention and the detailed description of the preferred and alternate embodiments in addition to the scope of the invention illustrated by the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]    The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the inventions will become more fully understood from the following description of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which reference characters refer to the same parts throughout different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis is instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 1 is a plan view of a 36-volt power module; also showing future service monitor, and remote voice communicator/controller and remote volt/amp meter and anunciator/beeper.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a module rack showing front and rear elevations, and illustrating a 216-volt and a 440-amp wiring configuration, also a 216-volt and 220-amp wiring configuration.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a module rack showing front and rear elevations, and illustrating a 432-volt and a 220-amp wiring configuration, also illustrating a 108-volt and 220-amp configuration.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a 432-volt and a 440-amp module rack showing front and rear elevations, and a 432-volt and a 440-amp wiring configuration.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a 24-volt 62-amp torque-box power module alternate embodiment in accordance with the present version of the invention.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a wiring configuration for a 24-volt and 100-amp power module in accordance with the present version of the invention. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0026]    Description Referring now to the drawings and, in particular to FIG. 1 wherein there is illustrated a typical embodiment of a 36-volt automatic-self-charging-power module  22 . The present version of the invention  22  is constructed of materials and components that are light weight and durable, and resistant to corrosion and oxidation, such as plastic, aluminum, carbon steel, various composite materials or a combination thereof: including the possibilities of conductive polymers.  
         [0027]    The device  22  consists in a main housing  40  of the following: three batteries  70 , a motor and pulley assembly  68 , a generator assembly  30 , a motor drive belt  54 , a sensor switch  32 , a test push button  50 , a volt meter  52 , a remote on/off sensor switch  76 , a fuse  42 , terminals  34  &amp;  36 , a voltage regulator  63 , two carrying handles  38 , a future service monitor  72 , a service monitor battery charger connection  46 , a remote voice communicator/controller  56 , and a remote annunciator/beeper  48 .  
         [0028]    Referring again to FIG. 1, batteries  70  are connected in series, to give 36-volts. Motor assembly  68 , and generator assembly  30  are positioned with drive belt  54 , in such a way that when powered by sensor switch  32 , when there is a 1-volt drop in device  22 , the batteries  70  are refurbished by generator  30 (generator  30  is a 38-volt motor operated counter-clockwise by motor  68 ). When 38-volts are reached in device  22 , sensor switch  32  opens the circuit to motor  68 , thereby stopping the charging process. This cycle is repeated on a as needed basis, weather the device  22  is in use or not. Thereby eliminating the need for any external energy source to keep the device  22  in operation.  
         [0029]    Referring again to FIG. 1 service monitor(SM)  72  has its own 36-volt internal battery which is re-charged via connection  46 . The voltage in power module(PM)  22  is controlled by voltage regulator  63 . Unit SM.  72  monitors the condition of PM  22  and alerts the operator of any potential or immediate problems. This information is conveyed either by voice prompts or numerically. Said messages can be heard over speaker  98 , or by remote voice communicator. controller (RVCC)  56 . RVCC  56  can also work as a cellular phone or two-way radio controlled by button  60 . RVCC  56  is battery operated, and is re-charged through cord  64 , by standard 12-volt battery charger. RVCC  56  can also be used to turn PM  22  on or off, through sensor switch  76  by pressing button  59 .  
         [0030]    Continuing with FIG. 1 remote annunciator/beeper(RA)  48 , can display messages transmitted by SM.  72 , a beep alerts user to a new message. RA  48  can also be connected to SM.  72  by plug  49  and receptor  51 .  
       Description of Module Racks  
       [0031]    Referring now to FIG. 2 wherein there is illustrated a typical embodiment of power module racks  23  and  23 A. The present version of the invention is constructed of mild steel or aluminum depending on its&#39; use. The device  23  consist of main outer frame  244 , with intermediate shelves  248  sturdy enough to support the weight of said power modules. Some units are constructed with center support  241  to support shelves on either side of outer frame  244 . The device  23  is equip with a set of lifting lugs  242 , and wheels  246 . Also illustrated by FIG. 2 is a proposed wiring configuration for a 216-volt and 440-amp module rack  23 , and a 216-volts and 220-amps DC module rack  23 A.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 3 illustrates a typical embodiment of a module rack  23 B, and  23 D showing proposed wiring configuration for a 432-volt and 220-amps, and a 108-volt and 220-amps DC module rack respectively.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 4 illustrates a typical embodiment of a module rack  23 C showing proposed wiring configuration for a 432-volt and 440-amps DC module rack.  
         [0034]    Description of Alternate Embodiment  
         [0035]    Referring again to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 5 wherein there is illustrated an alternate embodiment of a 24-volt torque-box power module  27 . The present version of the invention  27 , is constructed of materials and components that are light weight, durable and resistant to corrosion and oxidation such as plastic, malleable iron, wood, carbon steel, composite materials, or a combination thereof: including the possibilities of conductive polymers. The device  27  consist in a main housing 120 of the following major parts: Two 1 HP motors (M 1 )  90  and (M 2 )  92 , two 12-volt batteries(B 1  &amp; B 2 )  88 , two chain &amp; sprocket drive assembly  112 (12 to 1 ratio) and  114 (7 to 1ratio), and two bearing and drive shaft assembly  108  main and  110  auxiliary, and two relays  41  &amp;  41 A, one volt meter  84 , and one tachometer speed switch  82 , and one 150-amp-24-volt alternator  98 , and alternator drive pulley  100 , and service monitor  72 , and on/off switch  103 , and torque drive extension shaft  111 .  
         [0036]    When switch  103  is closed power goes to motors M 1  and M 2 , instrument gauges  82  and  84  and alternator  98 . This action permits alternator  98  to re-furbish battery  88 , in response to internal voltage regulator of alternator  98 . The said process will allow torque-box power module  27  to operate perpetually. When switch  103  is in the off position service monitor(SM.)  73  monitors the condition of torque-box power module(TPM)  27 . When there is a drop in voltage SM.  73  transmits a signal to motors  90  &amp;  92  via wires  102 . When the desired voltage and current is achieved SM.  73  turns said motors off, thereby keeping said batteries continuously re-furbished, weather said module is in use or not.  
         [0037]    Extension torque drive-shaft  111  can be extended outside housing  120 , and used for desired turning motion. In addition to that 62-amps will be available from terminals  34  &amp;  36 .  
         [0038]    Description of Alternate Wiring  
         [0039]    Referring now to FIG. 5A wherein there is illustrated a wiring configuration for a 24-volt-100-amp power module  27 A. This version of the invention  27 A only allows one motor to operate at a time; therefore the amperage at terminals  34  and  36  (FIG. 5) will be higher than the TPM  27 . Power module(PM)  27 A cannot be operated as a torque-box. This version of the invention  27 A is designed for DC power only, although PM  27 A has all the components of the TPM  27 , and functions under the same principle.  
         [0040]    Referring again to FIG. 5A when switch  101  is closed, motor  90  is energized, and instrument gauges  82  and  84  receives power. Alternator  98  is set in motion (see FIG. 5). Alternator  98  has an internal tachometer that operate in concert with tachometer speed switch  82 . When the set speed is satisfied on tachometer speed switch  82  (see FIG. 5A), power goes to relay coils  41  and  41 A. This said action transfers power to motor  92 , and stops motor  90 . Power also is transmitted to alternator  98 , thereby allowing the charging process to begin. A 12-volt module would operate under any of the previously mentioned principles.  
         [0041]    Ramifications  
         [0042]    The amperage and voltage specified in the present application of the invention are merely for exemplification and should not be considered to be limitations upon the scope of the invention in any way. Accordingly all suitable volts and amps may be resorted to. The specifications of motor ratings speed ratios, charging components and such like, should not be construed to be limitations upon the present invention; Therefore all other equivalent or suitable components, or rating, may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.  
         [0043]    Conclusion and Scope of Invention  
         [0044]    From the foregoing, it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that an improved DC power device has been provided. The invention is relatively simple and easy to manufacture, yet affords a variety of uses. While my description contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the version of the invention but rather as an exemplification of the preferred embodiment thereof. The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not to be sired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.  
         [0045]    Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example, and numerous changes in details of construction and combination, and arrangements of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.  
         [0046]    Drawing Reference Numbers  
         [0047]    [0047] 30  38-volt generator  
         [0048]    [0048] 32  Sensor on/off switch  
         [0049]    [0049] 34  Negative terminal connection  
         [0050]    [0050] 36  positive terminal connection  
         [0051]    [0051] 38  Carrying handle  
         [0052]    [0052] 40  Module housing  
         [0053]    [0053] 41  24-volt tachometer relay  
         [0054]    [0054] 41 A 24-volt tachometer relay  
         [0055]    [0055] 42  Main module fuse  
         [0056]    [0056] 43  Re-cycle charging wire  
         [0057]    [0057] 44  External speaker connection  
         [0058]    [0058] 45  Motor fuse  
         [0059]    [0059] 46  SM battery charger connection  
         [0060]    [0060] 47  Positive lead wire to SM  
         [0061]    [0061] 48  Remote annunciator/beeper(RA)  
         [0062]    [0062] 49  RA connector to SM  
         [0063]    [0063] 50  Voltage test push button  
         [0064]    [0064] 51  RA receptacle  
         [0065]    [0065] 52  Volt meter for PM  22   
         [0066]    [0066] 54  Generator drive-pulley belt  
         [0067]    [0067] 56  Remote voice communicator/controller(RVCC)  
         [0068]    [0068] 58  RVCC on/off switch  
         [0069]    [0069] 59  Remote on/off switch  
         [0070]    [0070] 60  Two-way radio control  
         [0071]    [0071] 62  Antenna for RVCC  
         [0072]    [0072] 63  Voltage regulator  
         [0073]    [0073] 64  RVCC battery charger connection  
         [0074]    [0074] 66  RVCC display screen  
         [0075]    [0075] 68  36-volt drive motor &amp; pulley assembly  
         [0076]    [0076] 70  12-volt re-chargeable batteries(B 1 ,B 2 ,B 3 )  
         [0077]    [0077] 72  Service monitor with 36 to 12-volt internal battery charger  
         [0078]    [0078] 73  Service monitor with 24 to 12-volt internal battery charger  
         [0079]    [0079] 76  RVCC speaker  
         [0080]    [0080] 82  24-volt tachometer  
         [0081]    [0081] 84  24-volt, volt-meter  
         [0082]    [0082] 86  Instrument fuse  
         [0083]    [0083] 88  12-volt re-chargeable batteries(B 1 ,B 2 )  
         [0084]    [0084] 90  24-volt motor(M 1 )  
         [0085]    [0085] 91  Negative lead re-cycle wire  
         [0086]    [0086] 92  24-volt motor(M 2 )  
         [0087]    [0087] 93  Negative lead to instrument gauges  
         [0088]    [0088] 94  Tachometer sensor wire  
         [0089]    [0089] 96  Service monitor speaker  
         [0090]    [0090] 98  24-volt alternator  
         [0091]    [0091] 100  Alternator drive pulley  
         [0092]    [0092] 101  Double throw switch  
         [0093]    [0093] 102  Motor power lead from SM  73   
         [0094]    [0094] 103  Triple throw switch  
         [0095]    [0095] 104  Air vent louvers  
         [0096]    [0096] 106  Motor coupler  
         [0097]    [0097] 108  Main drive shaft assembly  
         [0098]    [0098] 110  Auxiliary drive shaft assembly  
         [0099]    [0099] 111  Extension torque drive shaft  
         [0100]    [0100] 112  Chain &amp; sprocket assembly( 12 - 1 )  
         [0101]    [0101] 114  Chain &amp; sprocket assembly( 7 - 1 )  
         [0102]    [0102] 116  Bridge supports for pillow blocks  
         [0103]    [0103] 119  SM  73  charger wire connection  
         [0104]    [0104] 120  Module housing without cover  
         [0105]    [0105] 241  Center support  
         [0106]    [0106] 242  Lifting lugs  
         [0107]    [0107] 244  Outer frame  
         [0108]    [0108] 246  Wheels  
         [0109]    [0109] 248  Shelf  
         [0110]    [0110] 250  Module lock