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US 6,398,490 B1Granted
Oscillating microturbine
AssigneeCalifornia Institute of Technology
InventorErik K. Antonsson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An oscillating micro turbine is formed of a turbine that oscillates back and forth. The turbine is formed with a flexure which is pressed by fluid flow to oscillate in specified directions.
Claims11
An oscillating turbine assembly comprising:
- a first moving portion having a magnetic element therein having an outer surface with fluid contacting portions on at least a portion thereof;
- a first flexing portion, whereby said first moving portion oscillates on said first flexing portion.
An oscillating turbine assembly comprising:
- a first moving portion having an outer surface with fluid contacting portions on at least a portion thereof;
- a first flexing portion, whereby said first moving portion oscillates on said first flexing portion;
- and
- an additional moving portion and an additional flexing portion, located in a different location than said first moving portion and the first flexing portions, and positioned to move out of phase with respect to the first portions.
1 more element
An oscillating turbine assembly comprising:
- a first moving portion having an outer surface with fluid contacting portions on at least a portion thereof;
- and
- a first flexing portion, whereby said first moving portion oscillates on said first flexing portion;
- wherein the fluid contacting portions are located on the first moving portion such that a flow of fluid moves said first moving portion to expose a part of said outer surface which does not have said fluid contacting portions thereon.
1 more element
An oscillating turbine assembly comprising:
- a first moving portion having an outer surface with fluid contacting portions on at least a portion thereof;
- and
- a first flexing portion, whereby said first moving portion oscillates on said first flexing portion;
- wherein said turbines oscillate linearly.
1 more element
A method of operating a microturbine, comprising:
- applying a fluid flow to a microturbine such that said microturbine oscillates first in a first direction and then in a second direction, wherein said directions are linear directions.
A method of operating a microturbine, comprising:
- applying a fluid flow to a microturbine such that said microturbine oscillates first in a first direction and then in a second direction;
- and
- wherein said applying comprises pushing said turbine to a location where it no longer is pressed by fluid flow, subsequently allowing said turbine to return to its original location.
A method of operating a microturbine, comprising:
- applying a fluid flow to a microturbine such that said microturbine oscillates first in a first direction and then in a second direction, wherein only a portion of an exterior surface includes fluid contacting elements thereon.
A method of operating a microturbine, comprising:
- applying a fluid flow to a microturbine such that said microturbine oscillates first in a first direction and then in a second direction;
- and
- wherein said turbine has a surface that can be moved by fluid flow, to an area is positioned in a location where its surfaces cause it to be pushed out of the way of fluid flow.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.