IPC분류정보
국가/구분 |
United States(US) Patent
등록
|
국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
|
출원번호 |
US-0258279
(2010-04-15)
|
등록번호 |
US-8613683
(2013-12-24)
|
국제출원번호 |
PCT/US2010/031321
(2010-04-15)
|
§371/§102 date |
20110921
(20110921)
|
국제공개번호 |
WO2010/121083
(2010-10-21)
|
발명자
/ 주소 |
|
출원인 / 주소 |
|
대리인 / 주소 |
|
인용정보 |
피인용 횟수 :
2 인용 특허 :
16 |
초록
▼
A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source converts mechanical rotational power at an input/output shaft to stored potential energy, and vice versa, by coupling the input/output shaft to a ball screw via a planetary gear system, which translates a ball nut in cooperation therewith, which in tur
A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source converts mechanical rotational power at an input/output shaft to stored potential energy, and vice versa, by coupling the input/output shaft to a ball screw via a planetary gear system, which translates a ball nut in cooperation therewith, which in turn translates a piston that provides for either compressing or expanding an associated energy storage gas. A first roller-clutch mechanism provides for locking the carrier of the planetary gear system when storing energy, and releasing the carrier when releasing stored energy, wherein upon release, the ball screw is coupled to the input/output shaft via an overrunning clutch, and the carrier may be locked to limit the release of stored energy.
대표청구항
▼
1. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source, comprising: a. a first support structure;b. a planetary gear system, comprising: i. a sun gear rotatable relative to said first support structure about a first axis of rotation;ii. a ring gear concentrically surrounding said sun gear and rotatable
1. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source, comprising: a. a first support structure;b. a planetary gear system, comprising: i. a sun gear rotatable relative to said first support structure about a first axis of rotation;ii. a ring gear concentrically surrounding said sun gear and rotatable about said first axis of rotation relative, to said first support structure and relative to said sun gear, wherein power is coupled into or out of said pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source through one of said sun gear or said ring gear;iii. a carrier rotatable about said first axis of rotation relative to said first support structure, relative to said sun gear and relative to said ring gear;iv. a plurality of planet gears, wherein each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears is located between and engaged with both said sun gear and said ring gear, and each planet gear of said plurality of planet gears is rotatable relative to said carrier; andv. a plurality of pivot shafts or pivot shaft portions, wherein each pivot shaft or pivot shaft portion is associated with a corresponding said planet gear and provides for each said corresponding said planet gear to rotate relative to said carrier;c. a first roller-clutch mechanism, comprising: i. a first outer race comprising a first continuous surface of revolution about said first axis of rotation, wherein said first outer race is operatively coupled to or a part of said carrier;ii. a first inner race comprising a plurality of first generalized facets, wherein said first inner race is operatively coupled to said first support structure;iii. a plurality of first rolling elements, wherein each first rolling element of said plurality of first rolling elements is located between said first outer race and one of said first plurality of generalized facets of said first inner race, a first gap between said first inner and outer races at a first range of locations along a first generalized facet of said plurality of first generalized facets is greater than a corresponding rolling diameter of said first rolling element, and a second gap between said first inner and outer races at at least one second range of locations along said first generalized facet is less than said corresponding rolling diameter of said first rolling element;iv. a first annular support structure, wherein said first annular support structure is rotatable about said first axis of rotation relative to said first inner and outer races; andv. a plurality of first fingers depending from said first annular support structure, wherein each first finger of said plurality of first fingers extends axially from said first annular support structure into a region between said first inner and outer races proximally adjacent to a corresponding one said first rolling element, said first annular support structure in a first rotational position provides for locating said plurality of first fingers so as to provide for moving said plurality of first rolling elements into said first range of locations along corresponding said first generalized facets of said plurality of first generalized facets so as to disengage said first inner and outer races relative to one another, and said first annular support structure in a second rotational position provides for locating said plurality of first fingers so as to provide for moving said plurality of first rolling elements into one of said at least one second range of locations along said corresponding said first generalized facets so as to engage said first inner and outer races to one another;d. a first actuator operatively associated with said first annular support structure so as to provide for positioning said first annular support structure in either said first rotational position or said second rotational position relative to said first support structure;e. a first overrunning clutch mechanism operative between said sun gear or a first element operatively coupled thereto and said ring gear or a second element operatively coupled thereto, wherein said first overrunning clutch mechanism provides for said one of said sun gear or said ring gear to rotate in a first rotational direction relative to the other of said sun gear or said ring gear, and said first overrunning clutch mechanism provides for said other of said sun gear or said ring gear to drive said one of said sun gear or said ring gear when said other of said sun gear or said ring gear is rotated in said first rotational direction;f. a ball-screw mechanism comprising a ball screw and a ball nut, wherein one of said ball screw or said ball nut is operatively coupled to said other of said sun gear or said ring gear so as to rotate therewith;g. a piston operatively coupled to the other of said ball screw or said ball nut, wherein a rotation of said one of said ball screw or said ball nut responsive to a rotation of said other of said sun gear or said ring gear causes a translation of said piston relative to said first support structure;h. a piston cylinder operatively coupled to or a part of said first support structure, wherein said piston is configured to translate within said piston cylinder, said piston is sealed to a cylinder bore of said piston cylinder, said piston and said piston cylinder define at least one region within said piston cylinder on a first axial side of said piston, said at least one region within said, piston cylinder is sealed relative to an environment thereof, and a rotation of said other of said sun gear or said ring gear in a second rotational direction opposite to said first rotational direction coupled to said ball-screw mechanism causes a translation of said piston within said piston cylinder to as to cause a reduction in a volume of said at least one region within said piston cylinder; andi. at least one anti-rotation pin operative between said piston cylinder and said other of said ball screw or said ball nut so as to prevent a rotation of said other of said ball screw or said ball nut relative to said piston cylinder. 2. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 1, wherein each first rolling element comprises a ball bearing or a cylindrical roller, said first continuous surface of revolution of said first outer race comprises a first cylindrical surface, and each said first generalized facet on said first inner race comprises a planar surface. 3. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of first bias elements interposed between said plurality of first fingers and said plurality of first rolling elements, wherein said plurality of first bias elements provide for biasing said plurality of first rolling elements toward said at least one second range of locations so as to provide for engaging said first inner and outer races to one another responsive to a rotation of said first outer race in said first rotational direction. 4. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 1, wherein said first actuator comprises: a. a first motor operatively coupled to said first support structure;b. a first worm drive operatively coupled to and driven by said first motor, wherein said first worm drive comprises: i. a first worm operatively coupled to a drive shaft of said first motor; andii. a first worm gear driven by said first worm;c. a first cam surface operatively coupled to or a part of said first worm gear, wherein said first cam surface and said first worm gear are supported for rotation by a second support structure operatively coupled to or a part of said first support structure; andd. a first cam follower operative between said first cam surface and said first annular support structure so as to provide for rotating said first annular support structure about said first axis of rotation. 5. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 4, wherein said first cam surface comprises an internal surface within a hollow portion of a cam, and said first cam follower comprises a bearing rotatable about a shaft portion depending from said first annular support structure. 6. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 4, wherein an action of said first cam follower following said first cam surface responsive to a rotation of said cam by said first worm gear provides for rotating said first annular support structure into said first rotational position, thereby disengaging said first roller-clutch mechanism and providing for said first outer race to rotate relative to said first support structure. 7. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 1, wherein said first inner race is rotatable relative to said first support structure, and either said first actuator or another actuator provides for rotating said first inner race in said first rotational direction relative to said first support structure so as to provide for disengaging said first roller-clutch mechanism. 8. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 7, further comprising: a. a second cam surface, wherein said second cam surface is movable relative to said first support structure responsive to an actuation by either said first actuator or by said another actuator; andb. a second cam follower, wherein said second cam follower is operatively coupled to said first inner race so as to provide for rotating said first inner race relative to said first support structure responsive to an action of said second cam surface on said second cam follower. 9. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 8, wherein said second cam surface comprises an external rotary cam surface, and said second cam follower is operatively coupled to said first inner race with an associated first linkage. 10. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 5, wherein said first inner race is rotatable relative to said first support structure, and either said first actuator or another actuator provides for rotating said first inner race in said first rotational direction relative to said first support structure so as to provide for disengaging said first roller-clutch mechanism, further comprising: a. a second cam surface, wherein said second cam surface comprises an external rotary cam surface on said cam that is rotatable relative to said first support structure responsive to an actuation by said first actuator; andb. a second cam follower, wherein said second cam follower is operatively coupled to said first inner race with an associated first linkage. 11. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 10, wherein said first worm gear is rotatable about a shaft portion operatively coupled to or a part of said cam, said first worm gear comprises an internal circumferential slot that cooperates with a radially-extending protrusion extending from said shaft portion operatively coupled to or a part of said cam, and said internal circumferential slot comprises first and second radial edges that respectively engage opposing portions of said radially-extending protrusion at different first and second relative rotational positions of said first worm gear relative to said cam over a range of lost motion, further comprising a torsion spring operative between said cam and said first worm gear so as to provide for biasing said cam relative to said first worm gear at said first relative rotational position. 12. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 11, wherein said cam is configured to provide for sensing a rotation thereof by either a corresponding switch or rotational position sensor so as to provide for controlling a rotation of said first motor. 13. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 1, wherein said first overrunning clutch mechanism comprises: a. an axially-extending saw-tooth pattern disposed on an aft surface operatively coupled to or a part of said one of said sun gear or said ring gear, wherein said axially-extending saw-tooth pattern comprises a plurality of axially-extending ramps interleaved with corresponding plurality of axially-extending steps; andb. at least one axially-disposed spring-loaded pin moveable within a corresponding at least one axial bore within a hub portion of said other of said sun gear or said ring gear and biased forward of a forward surface thereof, wherein a rotation in said second rotational direction of said plurality of axially-extending ramps relative to said at least one axially-disposed spring-loaded pin causes an axially-aftward depression of said at least one axially-disposed spring-loaded pin within said corresponding at least one axial bore, and a rotation in said first rotational direction of said plurality of axially-extending ramps relative to said at least one axially-disposed spring-loaded pin causes at least one axially-extending step of said corresponding plurality of axially-extending steps to engage a portion of a side surface of at least one said axially-disposed spring-loaded pin so as to prevent a further relative rotational motion of said one of said sun gear or said ring gear relative to said other of said sun gear or said ring gear. 14. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 1, wherein said first support structure comprises a housing enclosing said planetary gear system, said first roller-clutch mechanism, and said first actuator. 15. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 1, further comprising a power coupling element operatively coupled to said one of said sun gear or said ring gear, wherein said power coupling element provides for coupling rotational power to or from said one of said sun gear or said ring gear from or to a source or sink of power external of said pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source. 16. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 15, wherein said power coupling element comprises either a gear, a sprocket, a pulley, a coupler or a universal joint. 17. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 1, further comprising: a. a second roller-clutch mechanism, wherein said second roller-clutch mechanism comprises: i. a second outer race comprising a second continuous surface of revolution about a second axis of rotation, wherein said second outer race provides for coupling rotational power to or from said one of said sun gear or said ring gear from or to a source or sink of power external of said pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source;ii. a second inner race comprising a plurality of second generalized facets, wherein said second inner race is generally concentric relative to said second outer race, and said second inner race is operatively coupled to said one of said sun gear or said ring gear;iii. a plurality of second rolling elements, wherein each second rolling element of said plurality of second rolling elements is located between said second outer race and one of said plurality of second generalized facets of said second inner race, a first gap between said second inner and outer races at a first range of locations along a second generalized facet of said plurality of second generalized facets is greater than a corresponding rolling diameter of said second rolling element, and a second gap between said second inner and outer races at at least one second range of locations along said second generalized facet is less than said corresponding rolling diameter of said second rolling element;iv. a second annular support structure, wherein said second annular support structure is rotatable about said second axis of rotation relative to said second inner and outer races; andv. a plurality of second fingers depending from said second annular support structure, wherein each second finger of said plurality of second fingers extends axially from said second annular support structure into a region between said second inner and outer races proximally adjacent to a corresponding one said plurality of second rolling elements, said second annular support structure in a first rotational position provides for locating said plurality of second fingers so as to provide for moving said plurality of second rolling elements into said first range of locations along corresponding said second generalized facets of said plurality of second generalized facets so as to engage said second inner and outer races to one another, and said second annular support structure in a second rotational position provides for locating said plurality of second fingers so as to provide for moving said plurality of second rolling elements into said at least one second range of locations along said corresponding said second generalized facets so as to disengage said second inner and outer races relative to one another; andb. a second actuator operatively associated with said second annular support structure so as to provide for positioning said second annular support structure in either said first rotational position or said second rotational position relative to said second inner race. 18. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 17, wherein said second axis of rotation is coincident with said first axis of rotation. 19. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 18, further comprising a power coupling element operatively coupled to said second outer race, wherein said power coupling element provides for coupling rotational power to or from said second outer race from or to a source or sink of power external of said pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source, wherein said second outer race is incorporated within said power coupling element. 20. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 17, wherein each second rolling element comprises a ball bearing or a cylindrical roller, said second continuous surface of revolution of said second outer race comprises a second cylindrical surface, and each said second generalized facet on said second inner race comprises a planar surface. 21. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 17, further comprising a plurality of second bias elements interposed between said plurality of second fingers and said plurality of second rolling elements, wherein said plurality of second bias elements provide for biasing said plurality of second rolling elements toward said at least one second range of locations so as to provide for engaging said second inner and outer races to one another responsive to a rotation of said second inner race in said first rotational direction. 22. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 17, wherein said second actuator comprises: a. a second motor operatively coupled to said first support structure;b. a second worm drive operatively coupled to and driven by said second motor, wherein said second worm drive comprises: i. a second worm operatively coupled to a drive shaft of said second motor; andii. a second worm gear driven by said second worm and supported for rotation by a third support structure operatively coupled to or a part of said first support structure;c. a first gear operatively coupled to said second worm gear;d. a second overrunning clutch operative between said second worm gear and said first gear; ande. an external gear tooth profile operatively coupled to or a part of said second annular support structure, wherein said first gear mates and is engaged with said external gear tooth profile, said second overrunning clutch is configured to couple said first gear to said second worm gear so as to provide for said first gear to drive said external gear tooth profile, and said second overrunning clutch is configured to disengage said second worm gear from said first gear so as to prevent said external gear tooth profile rotating in said first rotational direction from driving said first gear. 23. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 22, wherein said second motor and said third support structure are operatively coupled to said first support structure. 24. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 22, wherein said second overrunning clutch is concentrically located within a bore of said second worm gear and a shaft portion extending from said first gear is concentrically located within said second overrunning clutch. 25. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one said at least one anti-rotation pin comprises a fluid passage in fluid communication with said at least one region within said piston cylinder, further comprising a valve in series with said fluid passage, wherein said fluid passage and said valve provide for filling said at least one region with a gas, wherein a pressurization of said gas by a motion of said piston provides for storing potential energy in said gas. 26. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 1, wherein said one of said ball screw or said ball nut constitutes a ball screw and said other of said ball screw or said ball nut constitutes a ball nut, said ball screw comprises or is operatively coupled to a forward shaft extension, said other of said sun gear or said ring gear is operatively coupled to said forward shaft extension so as to prevent a relative rotation therebetween, and said forward shaft extension is configured in cooperation with said other of said sun gear or said ring gear so as to limit aftward motion of said forward shaft extension relative to said other of said sun gear or said ring gear, further comprising: a. a forward end cap, wherein said forward end cap is operatively coupled and sealed to or a part of a forward end of said piston cylinder and is operatively coupled to or a part of said first support structure, and said forward shaft extension extends through and is rotatably sealed to a central opening in said forward end cap; andb. a thrust bearing operative between an aft surface of said other of said sun gear or said ring gear and a forward surface of said forward end cap, wherein said other of said sun gear or said ring gear, said thrust bearing and said forward end cap are located on said first axial side of said piston so that a pressure in said at least one region generates a thrust load from said other of said sun gear or said ring gear on said thrust bearing that is reacted by said forward end cap. 27. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 26, further comprising at least one external groove on said ball nut, wherein said at least one anti-rotation pin cooperates with a corresponding said at least one external groove on said ball nut so as to prevent said rotation of said ball nut relative to said ball screw, and said at least one external groove is configured so as to provide for said ball nut to translate within said piston cylinder relative to said at least one anti-rotation pin. 28. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 27, wherein said at least one anti-rotation pin comprises first and second anti-rotation pins that cooperate with corresponding first and second diametrically opposed external grooves on said ball nut so as to prevent said rotation of said ball nut relative to said ball screw, and said first and second diametrically opposed external grooves are configured so as to provide for said ball nut to translate within said piston cylinder relative to said first and second anti-rotation pins. 29. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 27, further comprising at least one bearing located between said at least one anti-rotation pin and said at least one external groove. 30. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 26, wherein said forward shaft extension incorporates a circumferential groove on an external surface thereof forward of a hub portion of said other of said sun gear or said ring gear in engagement with said forward shaft extension, further comprising a spring clip in engagement with said circumferential groove, wherein said spring clip provides for limiting said aftward motion of said forward shaft extension relative to said other of said sun gear or said ring gear. 31. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 26, wherein said first overrunning clutch mechanism is operative between said one of said sun gear or said ring gear and said forward shaft extension and is radially disposed therebetween. 32. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 26, wherein said one of said sun gear or said ring gear comprises or is operatively coupled to a forward hollow shaft extension concentric with and configured to rotate relative to said forward shaft extension of said ball screw, further comprising: a. a power coupling element operatively coupled to said second outer race, wherein said power coupling element is supported by said forward shaft extension of said ball screw for rotation thereabout;b. a second roller-clutch mechanism, wherein said second roller-clutch mechanism comprises: i. a second outer race comprising a second continuous surface of revolution about said first axis of rotation, wherein said second outer race provides for coupling rotational power to or from said one of said sun gear or said ring gear from or to a source or sink of power external of said pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source, and said power coupling element provides for coupling said rotational power to or from said second outer race from or to said source or sink of power external of said pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source;ii. a second inner race comprising a plurality of second generalized facets, wherein said second inner race is generally concentric relative to said second outer race, and said second inner race is operatively coupled to said one of said sun gear or said ring gear;iii. a plurality of second rolling elements, wherein each second rolling element of said plurality of second rolling elements is located between said second outer race and one of said plurality of second generalized facets of said second inner race, a first gap between said second inner and outer races at a first range of locations along a second generalized facet of said plurality of second generalized facets is greater than a corresponding rolling diameter of said second rolling element, and a second gap between said second inner and outer races at at least one second range of locations along said second generalized facet is less than said corresponding rolling diameter of said second rolling element; iv. a second annular support structure, wherein said second annular support structure is rotatable about said first axis of rotation relative to said second inner and outer races; andv. a plurality of second fingers depending from said second annular support structure, wherein each second finger of said plurality of second fingers extends axially from said second annular support structure into a region between said second inner and outer races proximally adjacent to a corresponding one said plurality of second rolling elements, said second annular support structure in a first rotational position provides for locating said plurality of second fingers so as to provide for moving said plurality of second rolling elements into said first range of locations along corresponding said second generalized facets of said plurality of second generalized facets so as to engage said second inner and outer races to one another, and said second annular support structure in a second rotational position provides for locating said plurality of second fingers so as to provide for moving said plurality of second rolling elements into said at least one second range of locations along said corresponding said second generalized facets so as to disengage said second inner and outer races relative to one another; andc. a second actuator operatively associated with said second annular support structure so as to provide for positioning said second annular support structure in either said first rotational position or said second rotational position relative to said second inner race. 33. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 26, wherein said other of said sun gear or said ring gear is either keyed or splined to said forward shaft extension of said ball screw. 34. A pneumato-mechanical regenerative power source as recited in claim 1, further comprising an internal spring clip in cooperation with an inner groove within said piston cylinder proximate to an aft end thereof, wherein said internal spring clip provides for preventing said piston from traveling past said internal spring clip and exiting said aft end of said piston cylinder. 35. A method of substantially converting between rotational power and stored potential energy, or substantially retaining said stored potential energy, comprising: a. in a first mode of operation that provides for converting rotational power to stored potential energy: i. causing a rotation in a first rotational direction of one of a sun gear or a ring gear of a planetary gear system with the rotational power from an external source;ii. releasably locking a carrier of said planetary gear system to a fixed frame of reference relative to said rotation of said one of said sun gear or said ring gear so as to cause the other of said sun gear or said ring gear of said planetary gear system to rotate in a second rotational direction that is opposite to said first rotational direction;iii. rotating a first portion of a ball-screw mechanism in said first rotational direction with said other of said sun gear or said ring gear operatively coupled thereto;iv. causing a translation of a piston in a bore of a piston cylinder with a second portion of said ball-screw mechanism responsive to a rotation of said other of said sun gear or said ring gear in said first rotational direction so as to reduce a volume in a first portion of said bore bounded by said piston, wherein said ball-screw mechanism provides for a translation of said second portion of said ball-screw mechanism responsive to a rotation of said first portion of said ball-screw mechanism; andv. compressing a gas within said first portion of said bore responsive to said translation of said piston within said bore, so as to increase a pressure of said gas and store the potential energy as a result of the pressurization of said gas;b. in a second mode of operation that provides for retaining said stored potential energy: i. releasably locking said carrier of said planetary gear system to said fixed frame of reference;ii. converting said pressure of said gas in said first portion of said bore acting on said piston to a torque in said first portion of said ball-screw mechanism by action of said piston on said second portion of said ball-screw mechanism and by action of said ball-screw mechanism responsive thereto, wherein said torque acts in said first rotational direction; andiii. coupling said torque in said first portion of said ball-screw mechanism acting in said first rotational direction to said one of said sun gear or said ring gear through an overrunning clutch, wherein said overrunning clutch operates in an overrunning condition during said first mode of operation;c. in a third mode of operation that provides for converting said stored potential energy to rotational power at said one of said sun gear or said ring gear: i. releasing said carrier of said planetary gear system to rotate relative to said fixed frame of reference;ii. converting said pressure of said gas in said first portion of said bore acting on said piston to a torque in said first portion of said ball-screw mechanism by action of said piston on said second portion of said ball-screw mechanism and by action of said ball-screw mechanism responsive thereto, wherein said torque acts in said first rotational direction; andiii. coupling said torque in said first portion of said ball-screw mechanism acting in said first rotational direction to said one of said sun gear or said ring gear through said overrunning clutch and rotating said one of said sun gear or said ring gear responsive thereto, thereby delivering rotational power to said one of said sun gear or said ring gear and causing a rotation thereof in said first rotational direction. 36. A method of substantially converting between rotational power and stored potential energy, or substantially retaining said stored potential energy as recited in claim 35, further comprising releasably coupling said one of said sun gear or said ring gear to either said external source or to another external load so as to provide for either transferring said rotational power to said one of said sun gear or said ring gear from said external source, or transferring said rotational power from said one of said sun gear or said ring gear to either said external source acting as a load, or to said another external load. 37. A method of substantially converting between rotational power and stored potential energy, or substantially retaining said stored potential energy as recited in claim 36, wherein said external source comprises a transmission of a vehicle. 38. A method of substantially converting between rotational power and stored potential energy, or substantially retaining said stored potential energy as recited in claim 37, wherein the operation of transferring said rotational power to said one of said sun gear or said ring gear from said external source provides for dynamically braking said vehicle. 39. A method of substantially converting between rotational power and stored potential energy, or substantially retaining said stored potential energy as recited in claim 36, wherein said external source comprises a motor driven by an external electrical power source. 40. A method of substantially converting between rotational power and stored potential energy, or substantially retaining said stored potential energy as recited in claim 36, wherein said another external load comprises an electrical generator. 41. A method of substantially converting between rotational power and stored potential energy, or substantially retaining said stored potential energy as recited in claim 35, wherein said first portion of said ball-screw mechanism comprises a ball screw, and said second portion of said ball-screw mechanism comprises a ball nut. 42. A method of substantially converting between rotational power and stored potential energy, or substantially retaining said stored potential energy as recited in claim 35, wherein the operation of releasably locking said carrier of said planetary gear system comprises: wedging a plurality of first rolling elements between a first outer race and a corresponding plurality of first generalized facets of a first inner race and of a first roller-clutch mechanism, each first generalized facet of said plurality of first generalized facets in cooperation with said first outer race is sized so that said first outer race is free to rotate relative to said first inner race when said plurality of first rolling elements are within a first range of locations along said first generalized facets, and said first outer race is releasably locked relative to said first inner race when said plurality of first rolling elements outside said first range of locations along said first generalized facets; and the operation of releasing said carrier of said planetary gear system comprises: a. rotating said first inner race of a first roller-clutch mechanism away from a nominal rotational position in a direction of loading thereof by said plurality of first rolling elements wedged and reacting against said first outer race of said first roller-clutch mechanism so as to release said plurality of first rolling elements from being wedged therebetween;b. repositioning said plurality of first rolling elements so as to be located within said first range of locations along said first generalized facets when said first inner race is returned to said nominal rotational position; andc. rotationally repositioning said first inner race of said first roller-clutch mechanism to said nominal rotational position. 43. A roller-clutch system, comprising: a. a roller clutch mechanism, comprising: i. an outer race comprising a continuous surface of revolution about an axis of rotation;ii. an inner race comprising a plurality of first generalized facets, wherein said inner race is operatively coupled to a first support structure, and said inner race is rotatable relative to said first support structure;iii. a plurality of rolling elements, wherein each rolling element of said plurality of rolling elements is located between said outer race and one of said generalized facets of said inner race, a first gap between said inner and outer races at a first range of locations along a generalized facet of said plurality of generalized facets is greater than a corresponding rolling diameter of said rolling element, and a second gap between said inner and outer races at at least one second range of locations along said generalized facet is less than said corresponding rolling diameter of said rolling element;iv. an annular support structure, wherein said annular support structure is rotatable about said axis of rotation relative to said inner and outer races; andv. a plurality of fingers depending from said annular support structure, wherein each finger of said plurality of fingers extends axially from said annular support structure into a region between said inner and outer races proximally adjacent to a corresponding one said rolling element, said annular support structure in a rotational position provides for locating said plurality of fingers so as to provide for biasing said plurality of rolling elements into said first range of locations along corresponding said generalized facets of said plurality of generalized facets so as to disengage said inner and outer races relative to one another, and said annular support structure in a second rotational position provides for locating said plurality of fingers so as to provide for biasing said plurality of rolling elements into said second range of locations along said corresponding said generalized facets so as to engage said inner and outer races to one another; andb. an actuator operatively associated with said annular support structure so as to provide for positioning said annular support structure in either said rotational position or said second rotational position relative to said support structure, wherein either said actuator or another actuator provides for rotating said first inner race in said first rotational direction relative to said first support structure so as to provide for disengaging said roller-clutch mechanism. 44. A roller-clutch system as recited in claim 43, wherein each rolling element comprises a ball bearing or a cylindrical roller, said continuous surface of revolution of said outer race comprises a cylindrical surface, and each said generalized facet on said inner race comprises a planar surface. 45. A roller-clutch system as recited in claim 43, further comprising a plurality of bias elements interposed between said plurality of fingers and said plurality of rolling elements, wherein said plurality of bias elements provide for biasing said plurality of rolling elements toward said second range of locations so as to provide for engaging said inner and outer races to one another responsive to a rotation of said carrier in said rotational direction. 46. A roller-clutch system as recited in claim 43, wherein said actuator comprises: a. a motor operatively coupled to said first support structure;b. a worm drive operatively coupled to and driven by said motor, wherein said worm drive comprises: i. a worm operatively coupled to a drive shaft of said motor; andii. a worm gear driven by said worm;c. a first cam surface operatively coupled to or a part of said worm gear, wherein said first cam surface and said worm gear are supported for rotation by a second support structure operatively coupled to or a part of said first support structure; andd. a first cam follower operative between said first cam surface and said annular support structure so as to provide for rotating said annular support structure about said axis of rotation. 47. A roller-clutch system as recited in claim 46, wherein said first cam surface comprises an internal surface within a hollow portion of a cam, and said first cam follower comprises a bearing rotatable about a shaft portion depending from said annular support structure. 48. A roller-clutch system as recited in claim 46, wherein an action of said first cam follower following said first cam surface responsive to a rotation of said cam by said worm gear provides for rotating said annular support structure into said first rotational position, thereby disengaging said roller-clutch mechanism and providing for said outer race to rotate relative to said first support structure. 49. A roller-clutch system as recited in claim 43, further comprising: a. a second cam surface, wherein said second cam surface is movable relative to said first support structure responsive to an actuation by either said actuator or by said another actuator; andb. a second cam follower, wherein said second cam follower is operatively coupled to said inner race so as to provide for rotating said inner race relative to said first support structure responsive to an action of said second cam surface on said second cam follower. 50. A roller-clutch system as recited in claim 49, wherein said second cam surface comprises an external rotary cam surface, and said second cam follower is operatively coupled to said inner race with an associated linkage. 51. A roller-clutch system as recited in claim 47, further comprising: a. a second cam surface, wherein said second cam surface comprises an external rotary cam surface on said cam that is rotatable relative to said first support structure responsive to an actuation by said actuator; andb. a second cam follower, wherein said second cam follower is operatively coupled to said inner race so as to provide for rotating said inner race relative to said first support structure responsive to an action of said second cam surface on said second cam follower, and said second cam follower is operatively coupled to said inner race with an associated linkage. 52. A roller-clutch system as recited in claim 51, wherein said worm gear is rotatable about a shaft portion operatively coupled to or a part of said cam, said worm gear comprises an internal circumferential slot that cooperates with a radially-extending protrusion extending from said shaft portion of said cam, and said internal circumferential slot comprises first and second radial edges that respectively engage opposing portions of said radially-extending protrusion at different first and second relative rotational positions of said worm gear relative to said cam over a range of lost motion, further comprising a torsion spring operative between said cam and said worm gear so as to provide for biasing said cam relative to said worm gear at said first relative rotational position. 53. A roller-clutch system as recited in claim 52, wherein said cam is configured to provide for sensing a rotation thereof by either a corresponding switch or rotational position sensor so as to provide for controlling a rotation of said motor.
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