GB2083954A - Improved power source - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for producing power comprises a rotor (10) journalled in a support (1) and comprising cross frames (4). Mass elements (7) are moved along frames (4) by electric motors (5) which rotate lead screws (6). The motors (5) receive power impulses in timed relation to rotation of the rotor via a commutator (8) so that the mass element (7) cross the rotary axis while the respective frame (4) is vertical. The rotor is thus caused to rotate due to the gravity forces acting on the mass elements. The power output from the rotor shaft (2) can be used to drive an electrical generator. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improved power source The invention relates to a power source for industry and more particularly to apparatus having a rotary output which may be used, for example, to drive an electrical generator.

Apparatus according to the invention comprises a support, a rotor journalled in the support for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis and having at least two cross frames extending transversely to the rotor axis and at an angle to one another and preferably equi-angularly spaced, at least one mass element movable along each of said cross frames, a reversible prime mover means on each cross frame for moving the respective mass element therealong and means for supplying power to said primer mover means in timed relation to rotation of said rotor as induced by the torque exerted on the rotor due to gravity acting on the mass elements.

Preferably each primer mover is electrically operated and the means for supplying power thereto includes a commutator arrangement between the rotor and the support.

Advantageously each prime mover has a rotary output and drives either a lead screw, with which the respective mass element is in screw-threaded connection, or a pinion which meshes with a rack to which the mass element is attached.

Alternatively, each prime mover can have a linear output, particularly if it is powered by a pressurised fluid, each as compressed air or oil under pressure.

The invention is further described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is an elevation of one embodiment of apparatus according to the invention, and Fig. 2 is a plan view of the apparatus.

A rotor 10 is journalled by a shaft 2 in low friction bearings 3 in a support 1 for rotation about a horizontal axis. The rotor comprises two cross frames or gantrys 4 which are arranged perpendicularly to one another and to the shaft 2.

Each frame 4 has guide elements 9 which slidably guide a respective mass element 7 for movement along the frame. Such movement is effected by a reversible drive means in the form of two electric motors 5 which are arranged at opposite ends of a lead screw 6 for rotating the latter in opposite directions. The mass element 7 is in screwthreaded engagement with the lead screw 6.

Power is supplied to the electric motors 5 in impulses which are fed through an impulse distributor in the form of a commutator 8. The motors 5 thereby receive power intermittently in timed relation to rotation of the rotor 10.

The arrangement of the commutator 8 is such that the mass elements 7 are always positioned at one side of the shaft 2 and thus continuousiy exert moments on the rotor to cause the latter to rotate.

This is achieved by ensuring that the mass elements cross the rotary axis substantially at the instant the respective frame 4 is vertical.

The apparatus is useful in industry as a power source, for which purpose the apparatus may be 1 6 to 20 metres high. An electrical generator can be coupled to the shaft 2 to obtain a power output.

If the electric motors 5 are replaced by compressed air motors or hydraulic motors, e.g.

air or hydraulic cylinders, the commutator 8 would be replaced by a rotary vaive arrangement.

1. Apparatus comprising a support, a rotor journailed in the support for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis and having at least two cross frames extending transversely to the rotor axis and at an angle to one another, at least one mass element movable along each of said cross frames, reversible prime mover means on each cross frame for moving the respective mass element therealong and means for supplying power to said prime mover means in timed relation to rotation of said rotor as induced by the torque exerted on the rotor due to gravity acting on the mass elements.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which each prime mover means is electrically operated and the means for supplying power thereto includes a commutator arrangement between the rotor and the support.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which each prime mover means has a rotary output and drives either a lead screw, with which the respective mass element is in screw-threaded connection, or a pinion which meshes with a rack to which the mass element is attached.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which each prime mover means is pressure-fluid operated and the means for supplying power thereto includes a rotary valve arrangements.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 4, in which each prime mover means has a linear output, particularly if it is powered by a pressurised fluid, each as compressed air or oil under pressure.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the frames are equi-angularly spaced.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the rotor has just two frames.

8. Apparatus for producing power, constructed and adapted to operate substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (8)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Improved power source The invention relates to a power source for industry and more particularly to apparatus having a rotary output which may be used, for example, to drive an electrical generator. Apparatus according to the invention comprises a support, a rotor journalled in the support for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis and having at least two cross frames extending transversely to the rotor axis and at an angle to one another and preferably equi-angularly spaced, at least one mass element movable along each of said cross frames, a reversible prime mover means on each cross frame for moving the respective mass element therealong and means for supplying power to said primer mover means in timed relation to rotation of said rotor as induced by the torque exerted on the rotor due to gravity acting on the mass elements. Preferably each primer mover is electrically operated and the means for supplying power thereto includes a commutator arrangement between the rotor and the support. Advantageously each prime mover has a rotary output and drives either a lead screw, with which the respective mass element is in screw-threaded connection, or a pinion which meshes with a rack to which the mass element is attached. Alternatively, each prime mover can have a linear output, particularly if it is powered by a pressurised fluid, each as compressed air or oil under pressure. The invention is further described, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is an elevation of one embodiment of apparatus according to the invention, and Fig. 2 is a plan view of the apparatus. A rotor 10 is journalled by a shaft 2 in low friction bearings 3 in a support 1 for rotation about a horizontal axis. The rotor comprises two cross frames or gantrys 4 which are arranged perpendicularly to one another and to the shaft 2. Each frame 4 has guide elements 9 which slidably guide a respective mass element 7 for movement along the frame. Such movement is effected by a reversible drive means in the form of two electric motors 5 which are arranged at opposite ends of a lead screw 6 for rotating the latter in opposite directions. The mass element 7 is in screwthreaded engagement with the lead screw 6. Power is supplied to the electric motors 5 in impulses which are fed through an impulse distributor in the form of a commutator 8. The motors 5 thereby receive power intermittently in timed relation to rotation of the rotor 10. The arrangement of the commutator 8 is such that the mass elements 7 are always positioned at one side of the shaft 2 and thus continuousiy exert moments on the rotor to cause the latter to rotate. This is achieved by ensuring that the mass elements cross the rotary axis substantially at the instant the respective frame 4 is vertical. The apparatus is useful in industry as a power source, for which purpose the apparatus may be 1 6 to 20 metres high. An electrical generator can be coupled to the shaft 2 to obtain a power output. If the electric motors 5 are replaced by compressed air motors or hydraulic motors, e.g. air or hydraulic cylinders, the commutator 8 would be replaced by a rotary vaive arrangement. CLAIMS

1. Apparatus comprising a support, a rotor journailed in the support for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis and having at least two cross frames extending transversely to the rotor axis and at an angle to one another, at least one mass element movable along each of said cross frames, reversible prime mover means on each cross frame for moving the respective mass element therealong and means for supplying power to said prime mover means in timed relation to rotation of said rotor as induced by the torque exerted on the rotor due to gravity acting on the mass elements.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which each prime mover means is electrically operated and the means for supplying power thereto includes a commutator arrangement between the rotor and the support.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which each prime mover means has a rotary output and drives either a lead screw, with which the respective mass element is in screw-threaded connection, or a pinion which meshes with a rack to which the mass element is attached.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which each prime mover means is pressure-fluid operated and the means for supplying power thereto includes a rotary valve arrangements.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 4, in which each prime mover means has a linear output, particularly if it is powered by a pressurised fluid, each as compressed air or oil under pressure.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the frames are equi-angularly spaced.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the rotor has just two frames.

8. Apparatus for producing power, constructed and adapted to operate substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the drawings.