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US 7,465,147 B2Granted
Portable power generating devices
AssigneeNatural Forces, LLC
InventorsMichael D. Platt, Eric E. Platt
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Portable power generating devices are provided for converting potential energy from flowing water, water current, blowing air or air current to mechanical and/or electrical energy. The potential energy is converted to a rotational movement, and the rotational energy is communicated to power conversion units for conversion, wherein the rotational movement is converted to mechanical, electrical or some other useable or useful energy.
Claims22
A power generating device motivated by a moving fluid, comprising:
- a frame having a first end and a second end;
- at least one axle rotatably connected with said frame at said first end;
- a plurality of vanes operatively mounted on said at least one axle;
- a power conversion unit operatively connected to said frame and operatively connected to said at least one axle such that when the moving fluid contacts said plurality of vanes, said at least one axle rotates said power conversion unit;
- and
- a fluid directing device operatively associated with said plurality of vanes in a spaced relation such that the moving fluid contacts said plurality of vanes as directed by said fluid directing device causing said at least one axle to move said power conversion unit;
- wherein said fluid directing device creates a standing wave, said standing wave having a crest higher than a mean height of a surface of the moving fluid;
- and
- wherein the moving fluid directed by said fluid directing device contacts said plurality of vanes substantially at or below an elevation of said axle.
6 more elements
A method of generating power with motive force from a moving fluid, said method comprising:
- providing a frame;
- mounting an axle on said frame such that said axle may rotate;
- attaching a plurality of vanes to said axle;
- disposing said vanes, said axle and said frame such that at least a portion of said plurality of vanes is exposed to the moving fluid, such that the moving fluid rotates said axle;
- operatively engaging a power generating device with said axle, such that the rotation of said axle rotates said power generating device;
- and
- disposing a fluid direction device in spaced relation to said vanes such that the moving fluid is diverted where it contacts said plurality of vanes;
- wherein said fluid directing device creates a standing wave, said standing wave having a crest higher than a mean height of a surface of the moving fluid;
- and
- wherein the moving fluid directed by said fluid directing device contacts said plurality of vanes substantially at or below an elevation of said axle.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.