Flipper energy source
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorJames S. Demarco, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A flipper energy source for generating electricity includes a flipper or having an opening for engaging a foot and a body portion extending therefrom. The body portion includes fluid displacing surfaces which are adapted to be moved through the fluid for creating a propelling force via the movement. Such movement causes stress to be created on the surfaces of the body portion. The device further includes a piezoelectric element for converting the stress into electric power. The electric power thus generated is conditioned for use in powering electrical device(s), such as, for example, lighting, communications devices, battery rechargers, photography equipment and sonar transducers.
Claims17
An underwater flipper system for generating power for use in underwater equipment, comprising:
- a flipper having means for engaging a foot and a body portion extending from said foot engaging means having fluid displacing surfaces, said body portion being continously moved through a fluid by action of a user's foot;
- and
- a piezoelectric element adapted to generate said power through flexing stress created on at least one of said fluid displacing surfaces by said movement of said body portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.