Machine and method for generating electrical power from the motion of a moving towed transport platform

Abstract

Interested parties would like to track the location of one or more towed transport platforms continuously when they are in motion. Existing monitoring systems are powered by a combination of solar power, batteries, and intermittent tractor platform power for electrical power. All of these power sources have limitations in providing power when a towed transport platform is in motion. Solar power is not available at night. Batteries run out of energy and must be recharged. Tractor platform power is not always available to a towed transport platform. The embodiments of the invention convert the kinetic energy of a moving towed transport platform into electrical power, providing continuous power for a monitoring system to operate.

Claims

1. A machine for generating electrical power from the airflow of a moving towed transport platform, said machine comprising (a) an electric generator physically coupled to said towed transport platform and (b) a turbine physically coupled to said electric generator, (c) said towed transport platform comprising a means for supporting a load and for being towed on a road, (d) said electric generator comprising a means for converting rotation into electrical power, and (e) said turbine comprising a means for converting airflow into rotation, (f) such that said motion of said towed transport platform results in said airflow, (g) such that said turbine converts said airflow into rotation and (h) such that said electric generator converts said rotation into said electrical power, (i) whereby said electrical power is generated from said airflow.

2. The machine of claim 1, further including (a) an electrical energy storage device electrically coupled to said electric generator, (b) said electrical energy storage device comprising a means for converting electrical power into potential energy, (c) wherein the improvement comprises converting said electrical power into potential energy, (d) such that said electrical energy storage device converts said electrical power into said potential energy, (e) whereby said electrical power is converted into said potential energy.

3. The machine of claim 1, further including (a) a mechanical energy storage device physically coupled to said turbine, (b) said mechanical energy storage device comprising a means for converting rotation into potential energy, (c) wherein the improvement comprises converting said rotation of said turbine into potential energy, (d) such that said turbine transmits said rotation from said airflow to said mechanical energy storage device and (e) such that said mechanical energy storage device converts said transmitted rotation into potential energy, (f) whereby said rotation of said turbine is converted into said potential energy.

4. The machine of claim 1 (a) wherein said turbine's axis of rotation is oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion of said airflow and (b) whereby said airflow causes the rotation of said turbine.

5. The machine of claim 1 (a) wherein said turbine's axis of rotation is oriented substantially at a fixed angle to the direction of motion of said airflow and (b) whereby said airflow causes the rotation of said turbine.

6. A machine for generating electrical power from the motion of a towed transport platform, said machine comprising (a) a rotating wheel component physically coupled to said towed transport platform, (b) a gearing physically coupled to said rotating wheel component and (c) an electric generator physically coupled to said gearing, (d) said towed transport platform comprising a means for supporting a load and for being towed on a road, (e) said rotating wheel component comprising a wheel, tire, axle, or other component of a wheel that rotates when said wheel rotates, (f) said gearing comprising a means for transmitting rotation from one mechanical system to another mechanical system, and (g) said electric generator comprising a means for converting rotation into electrical power, (h) such that said towed transport platform is moving, (i) such that said motion causes the rotation of said rotating wheel component, (j) such that said gearing transmits said rotation to said electric generator, and (k) such that said electric generator converts said transmitted rotation into said electrical power, (l) whereby said electrical power is generated from said motion.

7. The machine of claim 6, further including (a) an electrical energy storage device electrically coupled to said electric generator, (b) said electrical energy storage device comprising a means for converting electrical power into potential energy, (c) wherein the improvement comprises converting said electrical power into potential energy, (d) such that said electrical energy storage device converts said electrical power into potential energy, (e) whereby said electrical power is converted into said potential energy.

8. The machine of claim 6, further including (a) a mechanical energy storage device physically coupled to said gearing, (b) said mechanical energy storage device comprising a means for converting rotation into potential energy, (c) wherein the improvement comprises converting said rotation of said rotating wheel component into potential energy, (d) such that said gearing transmits said rotation from said rotating wheel component to said mechanical energy storage device and (e) such that said mechanical energy storage device converts said transmitted rotation into potential energy, (f) whereby said rotation of said rotating wheel component is converted into said potential energy.

9. The machine of claim 6 (a) wherein said rotating wheel component comprises an axle of said towed transport platform.

10. The machine of claim 6 (a) wherein said rotating wheel component comprises a wheel of said towed transport platform.

11. The machine of claim 6 (a) wherein said rotating wheel component comprises a tire of said towed transport platform.

12. A machine for generating electrical power from the motion of a towed transport platform, said machine comprising (a) a rotating wheel component physically coupled to said towed transport platform, (b) a magnet physically coupled to said rotating wheel component, and (c) an inductor physically coupled to said towed transport platform, (d) said towed transport platform comprising a means for supporting a load and for being towed on a road, (e) said rotating wheel component comprising a wheel, tire, axle, or other component of a wheel that rotates when said wheel rotates, (f) said magnet comprising a body that produces a magnetic flux external to itself, and (g) said inductor comprising a means for converting changing magnetic flux into electrical power, (h) such that said towed transport platform is moving, (i) such that said motion causes the rotation of said rotating wheel component, and (j) such that said rotation causes said magnet to pass by said inductor, (k) whereby a magnetic flux change occurs in said inductor, (l) whereby said inductor converts said changing magnetic flux into said electrical power, and (m) whereby electrical power is generated from said motion.

13. The machine of claim 12, further including (a) an electrical energy storage device electrically coupled to said inductors, (b) said electrical energy storage device comprising a means for converting electrical power into potential energy, (c) wherein the improvement comprises converting said electrical power into potential energy, (d) such that said electrical energy storage device converts said electrical power into potential energy, (e) whereby said electrical power is converted into said potential energy.

14. The machine of claim 12, further including (a) a gearing physically coupled to said rotating wheel component and (b) a mechanical energy storage device physically coupled to said gearing, (c) said gearing comprising a means for transmitting rotation from one mechanical system to another mechanical system and (d) said mechanical energy storage device comprising a means for converting rotation into potential energy, (e) wherein the improvement comprises converting said rotation of said rotating wheel component into potential energy, (f) such that said gearing transmits said rotation of said rotating wheel component to said mechanical energy storage device, (g) such that said mechanical energy storage device converts said transmitted rotation into potential energy, (h) whereby said rotation of said rotating wheel component is converted into said potential energy.

15. The machine of claim 12 (a) wherein said rotating wheel component comprises an axle of said towed transport platform.

16. The machine of claim 12 (a) wherein said rotating wheel component comprises a wheel of said towed transport platform.

17. The machine of claim 12 (a) wherein said rotating wheel component comprises a tire of said towed transport platform.

18. A method for generating electrical power from the motion of a towed transport platform, said method comprising (a) said motion causing a magnet to pass by an inductor, (b) whereby a magnetic flux change occurs in said inductor and (c) whereby said inductor converts said changing magnetic flux into said electrical power, (d) said towed transport platform comprising a means for supporting a load and for being towed on a road, (e) said magnet comprising a body producing a magnetic flux external to itself, and (f) said inductor comprising a means for converting changing magnetic flux into electrical power, (g) wherein said towed transport platform is moving, (h) whereby said electrical power is generated from said motion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 shows the results of solar panel testing in varying light conditions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Some definitions of terms used are as follows. [0027] 1 Coupling Terminology [0028] 1.1 In one embodiment, if a first physical object is physically coupled to a second physical object and said second physical object is physically coupled to a third physical object, then said first physical object is physically coupled to said third physical object. [0029] 1.2 In one embodiment, if a first physical object is physically coupled to a second physical object then said second physical object is physically coupled to said first physical object. [0030] 1.3 In one embodiment, a first physical object is physically coupled to a second physical object and said first physical object may rotate independently of said second physical object. [0031] 1.4 In one embodiment, a first electronic device is electrically coupled to a second electronic device if said first electronic device can send electrical power to said second electronic device. [0032] 1.5 In one embodiment, if a first electronic device is electrically coupled to a second electronic device then said second electronic device is electrically coupled to said first electronic device. [0033] 2 Trucking Terminology [0034] 2.1 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform comprises a means for supporting a load and for being towed on a road. [0035] 2.2 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform comprises a trailer. [0036] 2.3 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform comprises a semi-trailer. [0037] 2.4 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform comprises a chassis. [0038] 2.5 In one embodiment, a tractor platform comprises a motive power source and a means for towing a towed transport platform. [0039] 2.6 In one embodiment, an intermodal container comprises a standardized shipping container designed and built for intermodal freight transport (definition adapted from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermodal_container, retrieved 2018 Dec. 3). [0040] 2.7 In one embodiment, a chassis comprises a towed transport platform with a means for physically coupling one or more intermodal containers to said towed transport platform. [0041] 3 Energy and Physics Terminology [0042] 3.1 In one embodiment, kinetic mechanical energy comprises the kinetic energy of a mechanical system. [0043] 3.2 In one embodiment, kinetic mechanical energy comprises the linear and rotational motion of a mechanical system. [0044] 3.3 In one embodiment, kinetic mechanical energy comprises the kinetic energy of a mechanical system that is independent of the potential energy of said mechanical system. [0045] 3.4 In one embodiment, rotational mechanical energy comprises the rotational component of a mechanical system's kinetic mechanical energy. [0046] 3.5 In one embodiment, mechanical power comprises kinetic mechanical energy expended per unit time. [0047] 4 Power Generation Terminology [0048] 4.1 In one embodiment, a kinetic motion power generator comprises a means for converting kinetic energy into electrical power. [0049] 4.2 In one embodiment, a kinetic motion power generator comprises a means for converting kinetic energy from the motion of a towed transport platform into electrical power. [0050] 4.3 In one embodiment, a dynamo comprises a means for converting kinetic mechanical energy into electrical power. [0051] 4.4 In one embodiment, a kinetic motion power generator comprises a dynamo. [0052] 4.5 In one embodiment, an electric generator comprises a means for converting rotational mechanical energy into electrical power. [0053] 4.6 In one embodiment, an electric generator comprises a means for converting rotation into electrical power. [0054] 4.7 In one embodiment, a dynamo comprises an electric generator. [0055] 4.8 In one embodiment, a turbine comprises a means for converting the kinetic energy of a moving fluid into rotational mechanical energy. [0056] 4.9 In one embodiment, a turbine comprises a means for converting the kinetic energy of airflow resulting from the motion of a towed transport platform into rotational mechanical energy. [0057] 4.10 In one embodiment, a turbine comprises a means for converting airflow into rotation. [0058] 4.11 In one embodiment, a turbine electric generator comprises a turbine physically coupled to an electric generator wherein the rotational mechanical energy of said turbine is converted into electrical power by means of said electric generator. [0059] 4.12 In one embodiment, a dynamo comprises a turbine electric generator. [0060] 4.13 In one embodiment, a kinetic motion power generator comprises a turbine electric generator. [0061] 4.14 In one embodiment, a gearing comprises a means for transmitting rotational mechanical energy from one mechanical system to another mechanical system. [0062] 4.15 In one embodiment, a gearing comprises a means for transmitting the rotation of one mechanical system to another mechanical system. [0063] 4.16 In one embodiment, a geared electric generator comprises an electric generator physically coupled to a gearing that is physically coupled to a rotational mechanical energy source wherein the energy of said rotational mechanical energy source is converted into electrical power by means of said electric generator. [0064] 4.17 In one embodiment, a rotational mechanical energy source comprises a towed transport platform wheel that rotates when said towed transport platform is in motion. [0065] 4.18 In one embodiment, a rotating wheel component comprises a wheel, tire, axle, or other component of a wheel that rotates when said wheel rotates. [0066] 4.19 In one embodiment, a rotating wheel component comprises a rotating wheel component of a towed transport platform wheel. [0067] 4.20 In one embodiment, a geared electric generator comprises an electric generator physically coupled to a gearing that is physically coupled to a rotating wheel component wherein rotational mechanical energy of said rotating wheel component is converted into electrical power by means of said electric generator. [0068] 4.21 In one embodiment, a dynamo comprises a geared electric generator. [0069] 4.22 In one embodiment, a kinetic motion power generator comprises a geared electric generator. [0070] 4.23 In one embodiment, a magnet comprises a body having the property of attracting iron and producing a magnetic field external to itself (reference https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnet, retrieved 2018 Dec. 20). [0071] 4.24 In one embodiment, a magnet comprises a body producing a magnetic flux external to itself. [0072] 4.25 In one embodiment, a magnet comprises a means for producing magnetic flux. [0073] 4.26 In one embodiment, an inductor comprises an electrically conductive material arranged in one or more coils such that a change in magnetic flux along the axis of said coil induces an electric current in said coil. [0074] 4.27 In one embodiment, an inductor comprises a means for converting changing magnetic flux into electrical power. [0075] 4.28 In one embodiment, a change in magnetic flux induces electrical power in an inductor. [0076] 4.29 In one embodiment, a magnet passing by an inductor induces electrical power in said inductor. [0077] 4.30 In one embodiment, an energy storage device comprises a means for converting power into potential energy and a means for converting said potential energy back into power. [0078] 4.31 In one embodiment, an electrical energy storage device comprises a means for converting electrical power into potential energy. [0079] 4.32 In one embodiment, an electrical energy storage device comprises a means for converting electrical power into potential energy and a means for converting said potential energy back into electrical power. [0080] 4.33 In one embodiment, an electrical energy storage device comprises a battery. [0081] 4.34 In one embodiment, an electrical energy storage device comprises a capacitor. [0082] 4.35 In one embodiment, an energy storage device comprises an electrical energy storage device. [0083] 4.36 In one embodiment, a mechanical energy storage device comprises a means for converting mechanical power into potential energy. [0084] 4.37 In one embodiment, a mechanical energy storage device comprises a means for converting potential energy into mechanical power. [0085] 4.38 In one embodiment, a mechanical energy storage device comprises a means for converting mechanical power into potential energy and a means for converting said potential energy into mechanical power. [0086] 4.39 In one embodiment, a mechanical energy storage device comprises a means for converting rotational mechanical energy into potential energy. [0087] 4.40 In one embodiment, a mechanical energy storage device comprises a means for converting rotation into potential energy. [0088] 4.41 In one embodiment, a mechanical energy storage device comprises a spring system comprising one or more springs, a means for converting mechanical power into potential energy stored in said springs and a means for releasing said potential energy back into mechanical power. [0089] 4.42 In one embodiment, a mechanical energy storage device comprises a flywheel system comprising one or more flywheels, a means for converting mechanical power into rotational mechanical energy stored in said flywheels and a means for releasing said rotational mechanical energy back into mechanical power. [0090] 4.43 In one embodiment, an energy storage device comprises a mechanical energy storage device. [0091] 5 Geolocation Terminology [0092] 5.1 In one embodiment, a geolocation comprises the identification or estimation of the real-world geographic location of an object (adapted from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geolocation, retrieved 2018 Jul. 31). [0093] 5.2 In one embodiment, a geolocation comprises a latitude and a longitude. [0094] 5.3 In one embodiment, a geolocation comprises a latitude, a longitude, and an altitude. [0095] 5.4 In one embodiment, a geolocation comprises a geographic location expressed in an earth-based coordinate system. [0096] 5.5 In one embodiment, a geolocation comprises a time measurement. [0097] 5.6 In one embodiment, a satellite-based radio-navigation system comprises a global navigation satellite system (GNSS). [0098] 5.7 In one embodiment, a satellite-based radio-navigation system comprises the United States' Global Positioning System (GPS). [0099] 5.8 In one embodiment, a satellite-based radio-navigation system comprises Russia's GLONASS. [0100] 5.9 In one embodiment, a satellite-based radio-navigation system comprises the European Union's Galileo system. [0101] 5.10 In one embodiment, a satellite-based radio-navigation system comprises China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS). [0102] 5.11 In one embodiment, a satellite-based radio-navigation system comprises India's IRNSS. [0103] 5.12 In one embodiment, a satellite-based radio-navigation system comprises Japan's QZSS. [0104] 5.13 In one embodiment, a geolocation is measured by means of one or more satellite-based radio-navigation systems. [0105] 5.14 In mathematics, a hyperbola is defined as the set of points such that for any point P of the set, the absolute difference of the distances from P to two fixed points is constant (adapted from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperbola, retrieved 2018 Sep. 5). [0106] 5.15 In one embodiment, a geolocation hyperbola comprises a hyperbola wherein said two fixed points are the geolocations of two stations broadcasting radio signals. [0107] 5.16 In one embodiment, a means for constructing a geolocation hyperbola of the set of possible geolocations of a radio receiver comprises measuring the time delay of a signal sent from each broadcasting station to said radio receiver within an interval of time and calculating the absolute difference of the distances from said radio receiver to said broadcasting stations as the difference in said time delays multiplied by the speed of light. [0108] 5.17 In one embodiment, a multilateration algorithm comprises a means for measuring the geolocation of a radio receiver calculated as the intersection of two geolocation hyperbolas for said radio receiver wherein said two geolocation hyperbolas are calculated using no fewer than three broadcasting stations. [0109] 5.18 In one embodiment, a multilateration algorithm comprises a means for measuring a geolocation based on measurements of the distance to three or more stations at known geolocations by broadcast signals at known times, wherein said geolocation is calculated by means of triangulation. [0110] 5.19 In one embodiment, a geolocation is measured by means of a multilateration algorithm wherein said stations are cellular phone towers. [0111] 5.20 In one embodiment, a multilateration navigation system comprises means for determining a geolocation by means of a multilateration algorithm. [0112] 5.21 In one embodiment, a navigation system comprises a means for reading one or more geolocations by means of either a satellite-based radio-navigation system or a multilateration navigation system. [0113] 5.22 In one embodiment, a navigation system comprises a plurality of navigation systems. [0114] 5.23 In one embodiment, a navigation system comprises a means for reading one or more geolocations by means of a plurality of satellite-based radio-navigation systems and multilateration navigation systems. [0115] 6 State and Event Terminology [0116] 6.1 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform state comprises a state of a towed transport platform. [0117] 6.2 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform state comprises a state of a towed transport platform at a given point in time. [0118] 6.3 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform state comprises the geolocation of a towed transport platform. [0119] 6.4 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform state comprises whether or not a towed transport platform is physically coupled to a tractor platform. [0120] 6.5 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform state comprises whether or not a towed transport platform is electrically coupled to a tractor platform. [0121] 6.6 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform state comprises whether or not an intermodal container is physically coupled to a chassis. [0122] 6.7 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform state comprises whether a door physically coupled to said towed transport platform is open or closed. [0123] 6.8 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform state comprises whether or not said towed transport platform is moving. [0124] 6.9 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform state comprises whether or not cellular network jamming is being detected at said towed transport platform's location. [0125] 6.10 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform event comprises a change in a towed transport platform state. [0126] 6.11 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform event comprises said towed transport platform transitioning between a stationary state and moving state. [0127] 6.12 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform event comprises a change in the geolocation of said towed transport platform. [0128] 6.13 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform event comprises an impact of said towed transport platform with another physical object. [0129] 6.14 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform event comprises said towed transport platform undergoing an unusual rotation. [0130] 6.15 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform event comprises the physical connection of said towed transport platform to a tractor platform. [0131] 6.16 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform event comprises the physical disconnection of said towed transport platform from a tractor platform. [0132] 6.17 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform event comprises the electrical connection of said towed transport platform to a tractor platform. [0133] 6.18 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform event comprises the electrical disconnection of said towed transport platform from a tractor platform. [0134] 6.19 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform event comprises the physical coupling of an intermodal container to a chassis. [0135] 6.20 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform event comprises the physical uncoupling of an intermodal container from a chassis. [0136] 6.21 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform event comprises the opening or closing of a door physically coupled to said towed transport platform. [0137] 6.22 In one embodiment, a towed transport platform event comprises the starting or ending of cellular network jamming in the vicinity of said towed transport platform at said towed transport platform's location. [0138] 7 Monitoring System Terminology [0139] 7.1 In one embodiment, a monitoring system comprises a means for reading a towed transport platform state. [0140] 7.2 In one embodiment, a monitoring system comprises a means for recording a towed transport platform state. [0141] 7.3 In one embodiment, a monitoring system comprises a means for transmitting a towed transport platform state. [0142] 7.4 In one embodiment, a monitoring system comprises a means for detecting a towed transport platform event. [0143] 7.5 In one embodiment, a monitoring system comprises a means for recording a towed transport platform event. [0144] 7.6 In one embodiment, a monitoring system comprises a means for transmitting a towed transport platform event. [0145] 7.7 In one embodiment, a monitoring system is physically coupled to a towed transport platform. [0146] 7.8 In one embodiment, a computational device comprises a means for manipulating electronic signals and executing algorithms.

First Embodiment

[0147] Description

[0148] The first embodiment comprises a machine for generating electrical power from the airflow of a moving towed transport platform. This machine comprises a turbine physically coupled to an electric generator that is physically coupled to said towed transport platform.

[0149] Operation

[0150] In the first embodiment, when said towed transport platform is in motion, the resulting airflow causes said turbine to rotate which, in turn, causes said electric generator to generate electrical power.

Second Embodiment

[0151] Description

[0152] The second embodiment comprises the first embodiment and an electrical energy storage device electrically coupled to said electric generator. The second embodiment converts said electrical power into potential energy.

[0153] Operation

[0154] The operation of the second embodiment comprises said electrical energy storage device converting said electrical power into said potential energy.

Third Embodiment

[0155] Description

[0156] The third embodiment comprises the first embodiment and a mechanical energy storage device physically coupled to said turbine. The third embodiment converts said rotation of said turbine into potential energy.

[0157] Operation

[0158] The operation of the third embodiment comprises said mechanical energy storage device converting said rotation of said turbine into said potential energy.

Fourth Embodiment

[0159] Description

[0160] The fourth embodiment comprises the first embodiment wherein said turbine's axis of rotation is oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion of said airflow. Said airflow causes the rotation of said turbine.

[0161] Operation

[0162] In the fourth embodiment, when said towed transport platform is in motion, the resulting airflow, substantially perpendicular to said turbine's axis of rotation, causes said turbine to rotate which, in turn, causes said electric generator to generate electrical power.

Fifth Embodiment

[0163] Description

[0164] The fifth embodiment comprises the first embodiment wherein said turbine's axis of rotation is oriented substantially at a fixed angle to the direction of motion of said airflow. Said airflow causes the rotation of said turbine.

[0165] Operation

[0166] In the fifth embodiment, when said towed transport platform is in motion, the resulting airflow, substantially at a fixed angle to said turbine's axis of rotation, causes said turbine to rotate which, in turn, causes said electric generator to generate electrical power.

Sixth Embodiment

[0167] Description

[0168] The sixth embodiment comprises a machine for generating electrical power from the motion of a towed transport platform. This machine comprises a rotating wheel component physically coupled to said towed transport platform, a gearing physically coupled to said rotating wheel component and an electric generator physically coupled to said gearing.

[0169] Operation

[0170] In the sixth embodiment, when said towed transport platform is in motion, this causes the rotation of said rotating wheel component, said gearing transmits said rotation to said electric generator, and said electric generator converts said transmitted rotation into said electrical power.

Seventh Embodiment

[0171] Description

[0172] The seventh embodiment comprises the sixth embodiment and an electrical energy storage device electrically coupled to said electric generator. The seventh embodiment converts said electrical power into potential energy.

[0173] Operation

[0174] The operation of the seventh embodiment comprises said electrical energy storage device converting said electrical power into said potential energy.

Eighth Embodiment

[0175] Description

[0176] The eighth embodiment comprises the sixth embodiment and a mechanical energy storage device physically coupled to said gearing. The eighth embodiment converts said rotation of said rotating wheel component into potential energy.

[0177] Operation

[0178] The operation of the eighth embodiment comprises said gearing transmitting said rotation of said rotating wheel component to said mechanical energy storage device, which converts said transmitted rotation into said potential energy.

Ninth Embodiment

[0179] Description

[0180] The ninth embodiment comprises the sixth embodiment wherein said rotating wheel component comprises an axle of said towed transport platform.

[0181] Operation

[0182] In the ninth embodiment, when said towed transport platform is in motion, this causes the rotation of said axle, said gearing transmits said rotation to said electric generator, and said electric generator converts said transmitted rotation into said electrical power.

Tenth Embodiment

[0183] Description

[0184] The tenth embodiment comprises the sixth embodiment wherein said rotating wheel component comprises a wheel of said towed transport platform.

[0185] Operation

[0186] In the tenth embodiment, when said towed transport platform is in motion, this causes the rotation of said wheel, said gearing transmits said rotation to said electric generator, and said electric generator converts said transmitted rotation into said electrical power.

Eleventh Embodiment

[0187] Description

[0188] The eleventh embodiment comprises the sixth embodiment wherein said rotating wheel component comprises a tire of said towed transport platform.

[0189] Operation

[0190] In the eleventh embodiment, when said towed transport platform is in motion, this causes the rotation of said tire, said gearing transmits said rotation to said electric generator, and said electric generator converts said transmitted rotation into said electrical power.

Twelfth Embodiment

[0191] Description

[0192] The twelfth embodiment comprises a machine for generating electrical power from the motion of a towed transport platform. This machine comprises a rotating wheel component physically coupled to said towed transport platform, a magnet physically coupled to said rotating wheel component, and an inductor physically coupled to said towed transport platform.

[0193] Operation

[0194] In the twelfth embodiment, when said towed transport platform is in motion, this causes the rotation of said rotating wheel component, which causes said magnet to pass by said inductor, which induces said electrical power in said inductor.

Thirteenth Embodiment

[0195] Description

[0196] The thirteenth embodiment comprises the twelfth embodiment and an electrical energy storage device electrically coupled to said inductors. The thirteenth embodiment converts said electrical power into potential energy.

[0197] Operation The operation of the thirteenth embodiment comprises said electrical energy storage device converting said electrical power into said potential energy.

Fourteenth Embodiment

[0198] Description

[0199] The fourteenth embodiment comprises the twelfth embodiment, a gearing physically coupled to said rotating wheel component and a mechanical energy storage device physically coupled to said gearing. The fourteenth embodiment converts said rotation of said rotating wheel component into potential energy.

[0200] Operation

[0201] The operation of the fourteenth embodiment comprises said gearing transmitting said rotation of said rotating wheel component to said mechanical energy storage device and said mechanical energy storage device converting said transmitted rotation into said potential energy.

Fifteenth Embodiment

[0202] Description

[0203] The fifteenth embodiment comprises the twelfth embodiment wherein said rotating wheel component comprises an axle of said towed transport platform.

[0204] Operation

[0205] In the fifteenth embodiment, when said towed transport platform is in motion, this causes the rotation of said axle, which causes said magnet to pass by said inductor, which induces said electrical power in said inductor.

Sixteenth Embodiment

[0206] Description

[0207] The sixteenth embodiment comprises the twelfth embodiment wherein said rotating wheel component comprises a wheel of said towed transport platform.

[0208] Operation

[0209] In the sixteenth embodiment, when said towed transport platform is in motion, this causes the rotation of said wheel, which causes said magnet to pass by said inductor, which induces said electrical power in said inductor.

Seventeenth Embodiment

[0210] Description

[0211] The seventeenth embodiment comprises the twelfth embodiment wherein said rotating wheel component comprises a tire of said towed transport platform.

[0212] Operation

[0213] In the seventeenth embodiment, when said towed transport platform is in motion, this causes the rotation of said tire, which causes said magnet to pass by said inductor, which induces said electrical power in said inductor.

Eighteenth Embodiment

[0214] Description

[0215] The eighteenth embodiment comprises a method for generating electrical power from the motion of a moving towed transport platform. This embodiment utilizes a magnet and an inductor.

[0216] Operation

[0217] When said towed transport platform is in motion, said magnet to passes by said inductor, inducing said electrical power in said inductor.