Operated By Art Device Patents (Class 417/229)
  • Patent number: 10233911
    Abstract: Among other things, an integrated portable energy conversion mat is to be installed at a pavement surface over which a car or truck is to pass. The mat has a width at least as wide as the distance between the outermost edges of the treads of the tires located at an axle of the car or truck. The mat has a top surface over which the tires of the car or truck are to pass. The mat includes a sealed enclosed space housing and energy conversion system. The energy conversion system includes two sets of channels that extend along a length of the mat and contain hydraulic fluid under pressure. An energy converter converts energy carried by the hydraulic fluid in response to the tires of the car or truck passing over the top surface into electrical energy. An electrical port is coupled to the energy converter and exposed at an outer surface of the mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Energy Intelligence, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Shani, Nissim Shani, Michael Hale, Mark Frost
  • Patent number: 10056804
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating electric power from vehicles moving on a road comprises a movable element or assembly, arranged at a road surface, and thereon operate the wheels of a vehicle driven on the road surface, the movable element or assembly being operatively coupled to pressing means operating on electric current generating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Cristina Vanelli Tagliacani
  • Patent number: 9331548
    Abstract: A device that is installed underneath a predetermined surface to harness gravity from the weight of overpassing traffic to produce and amplify mechanical energy. The weight received forces or pushes the device downward thereby translating the weight into mechanical energy. The amplification of mechanical energy is achieved through the decrease in the cross section area from the upper portion to the lower portion of the device. Also provided herein is a system wherein the device is connected to a piston, a crankshaft and an electricity generator so that the mechanical energy can be further converted into rotational motion and ultimately, electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventor: Mohammed Al Mattar
  • Patent number: 9068467
    Abstract: An electric power generation assembly includes a frame, an intake unit, an air storage unit, two water tanks, two pulling units and a power generating unit. The intake unit has an air bag to which an inhale tube and an exhale tube are connected. The air storage unit has an air tank whose underside is connected to the exhale tube. The two water tanks each have a pressure tube which is connected to the air tank. The two pulling units are respectively located in the water tanks and each include multiple stationary pulleys, a float, a release valve, an air hose connected to the pressure tube and a cable. The release valve is connected to the top of the float and the air hose is connected to the float. The cable is connected between the two floats via the stationary pulleys. The power generating unit is connected to the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Inventor: Chuan-Yu Hung
  • Publication number: 20150132154
    Abstract: A vehicle energy harvesting roadway is provided. The vehicle energy harvesting roadway includes a deformable driving surface that is longitudinally flexible and transversely stiff. The deformable driving surface is disposed between a passing vehicle and one or more transducers or one or more compressible hoses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Kinetic Energy Corporation [a wholly Owned Subsidiary of New Energy Technologies, Inc.]
    Inventor: Brian S. Hendrickson
  • Publication number: 20140271241
    Abstract: A human-powered positive-displacement single dual-action cylinder treadle pump for use in pumping and distributing water from wells and other water sources, as well as methods of manufacturing and operating such a pump. The pump offers rural farmers a portable device for pumping water for use in irrigating fields and crops that is powerful, low-cost, modular and portable. The modularity of the pump allows for easy access to any of the components of the pump should they require maintenance, repair or replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Brooklyn Bridge to Cambodia, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Charles Edwin Berg, Anthony Robert Cerqua, Bryce Austell, Kenneth Long, Joseph Colmone
  • Patent number: 8777587
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a ram air turbine includes a hydraulic pump having a high pressure fluid outlet port, a housing, a pivot post arranged to pass through the housing and defining a mechanical pivot relative to the housing about an axis, a transfer tube positioned between the high pressure fluid outlet port of the hydraulic pump and a port in the housing for the high pressure fluid outlet path, and seal elements positioned at or near opposite ends of the transfer tube. A fluid inlet path and a high pressure fluid outlet path pass through the housing and the pivot post. The transfer tube has a crowned end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: David Everett Russ, Magdy A. Kandil, Doren C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130020805
    Abstract: The invention is a game that allows true worldwide participation through the use of social media tools and devices. The object or mission of the game is to answer a set number of questions to generate a key that opens a vault unveiling a prize. The first team to successfully answer all the questions and generate the key that opens the vault wins the competition. For a person to play the game teams are formed by registered players and only teams are recognized in the competition. Each question is supplied a set of clues that help lead to the correct answer. While all answers and key characters and numbers are typed in at the web site, all questions, clues, and key characters and numbers are delivered only to preselected social media channels, not at the web site adding to the challenge and fun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: JOEL PRIMITIVO SANCHEZ CAMPOS
  • Publication number: 20130011277
    Abstract: A traffic powered renewable energy system for generating electricity from traffic on roadways and the like. The traffic powered renewable energy system generally includes a housing containing one or more pneumatic compression assemblies positioned therein and connected in series utilizing air conveying conduits. The housing is positioned within a cavity in a roadway and covered with a membrane. As vehicles pass over the membrane, the pneumatic compression assemblies are actuated in a piston-like manner to force air through the air conveying conduits to a generation assembly which includes a turbine, gear box and generator for producing electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Ralph A. Black, Asad Ali
  • Patent number: 7629698
    Abstract: A traffic-actuated power generating apparatus includes a low pressure fluid supply reservoir, a high pressure fluid accumulator, and at least one energy collection device positioned in the path of oncoming traffic to be actuated thereby and pump fluid from the reservoir to the accumulator upon actuation. The energy collection device can be housed in a pad adapted to rest on a traffic-conveying surface, and fluid from the accumulator can be used to drive an electrical power generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventors: Dimitrios Horianopoulos, Stefanos Horianopoulos
  • Publication number: 20080253902
    Abstract: A fluidic kinetic energy recovery device, over which a moving body travels, and which has a pumping assembly, in turn having a cavity and a membrane defining a variable-volume chamber with the cavity. The fluidic device has a first plate defining the cavity; a second plate connected to the first plate and defining a seat located on the opposite side of the membrane to the cavity; and an actuating member housed in the seat to cooperate with the membrane, and movable between a rest position, in which the volume of the chamber is maximum, and a work position, in which the volume of the chamber is minimum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Fernando Erriu
  • Patent number: 7135246
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a component to which a pressure is applied or which provides vibration, a heat absorbing member, a heat dissipating member, an elastomer bag which receives a pressure or the vibration from the component, a first check valve connected to a port of the elastomer bag, a second check valve connected to another port of the elastomer bag, and a coolant which flows passing through the heat absorbing member, the first check valve, the elastomer bag, the second check valve, and said heat dissipating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hideyuki Motoyama, Hideki Tanaka, Hiroshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 6858952
    Abstract: A power conversion system converts the horizontal momentum and downward forces of wheeled vehicles into a circular motion capable of driving a shaft, which can be used for generating electricity. The power conversion system includes a torque limiting device that minimizes the amount of reaction vehicle wheels experience when encountering an actuation member, minimizes the pressure required to depress the actuation member, introduces the rapid movement of passing wheeled vehicles gradually into the system, and prevents excessive loading at the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventors: Michael B. Gott, Ted Cordts
  • Publication number: 20040156728
    Abstract: A wind power plant with a tower, a gondola carried by the latter so as to rotate about a horizontal axis and a rotor mounted in the gondola, the tower containing an evaporator and a vapor compressor mechanically driven by the rotor by a gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Joachim Gebel, Sonke Siegfriedsen, Yuce Suleyman
  • Publication number: 20040096336
    Abstract: A container for goods, such as an item of luggage (1) has a storage compartment (4) having an outer member (7), a flexible inner lining (10) and an adjustable protection means (11) located between the outer member (7) and the lining (10). The adjustable protection means has two modes, a protection mode and a storage mode and is adjustable between the two modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Achim Liebold
  • Patent number: 6718760
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for generating electric energy from the kinetic energy of vehicles. Said device comprises at least one pressure reservoir (13) for a fluid. Said pressure reservoir is arranged in the pavement and has at least one pressure chamber that is compressible in a substantially rectangular direction to the pavement, at least one circuit for the fluid, a component of the fluid circuit representing the pressure chamber, and at least one turbine/generator system (86) arranged in the fluid circuit for generating electric energy from the flow of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Josef Padera
  • Publication number: 20040052650
    Abstract: A door-operated pump assembly may include a housing defining a chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a displacement member arranged to move within the chamber between first and second positions, an actuator coupled to the displacement member, and a door coupled to the actuator. The actuator may be operable to move the displacement member between the first and second positions. The door may be configured to move the displacement member between the first and second positions when the door is moved between a first door position and at least one second door position. The displacement member may be operable to inhale a substance into the chamber through the inlet and to exhale a substance from the chamber through the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Arthur G. Rudick, Darren Simmons
  • Publication number: 20040042908
    Abstract: The invention concerns a portable cutting machine (1), comprising a cutter unit (3) with a rotatable cutter member (4) in the form of a cutter disc or a saw disc, a cutter shaft for the rotation of the cutter member, a guard in the form of a protective housing (11) for said cutter member, at least one water nozzle (12) provided in the protective housing for the generation of one or more water jets in the space defined by the protective housing, said one or more water jets essentially laying the dust which is generated during the cutting operation and cooling the cutter member, the machine further comprising a power unit (2) and a first power transmission (7) between the power unit and the cutter shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Ove Donnerdal
  • Patent number: 6688834
    Abstract: A self-contained hydraulic power unit is described for powering a hydraulic actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder or a hydraulic motor positioned on a grain trailer or the like. A battery operated hydraulic pump pressurizes a hydraulic accumulator so that when needed, hydraulic fluid can be supplied from the pressurized hydraulic accumulator to a valve which in turn is connected to a hydraulic actuator or actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Vinc L. Aulick
  • Patent number: 6669668
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a medication delivery pump that is configured to administer an infusion therapy using a medication delivery container. Medications in a flexible bag are expelled from the bag and delivered to an infusion site. A fluid delivery pump of the invention may have a constant force spring and a mechanical timer. The constant force spring is configured to compress a flexible fluid container. The mechanical timer assembly is coupled to the constant force spring and limits the maximum rate at which the spring compresses the fluid container. The pump may include first and second doors for charging the spring. Opening the first pump door partially charges the constant force spring and opening the second pump door fully charges the constant force spring. The pump provides improved administration of infusion therapy which is particularly advantageous for reducing errors, infections and other complications associated with manual infusion techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Tandem Medical
    Inventors: Michael W. Kleeman, David R. Brengle, Marc S. Lieberman
  • Patent number: 6663521
    Abstract: A power transmitting mechanism transmits power from an engine to a drive shaft of a compressor. A pulley is supported by the compressor and is coupled to the engine. A hub is attached to the drive shaft. Rollers are located on the pulley. Elastic transmission arms are located between the pulley and the hub. The distal end of each arm is curved, and the proximal end is coupled to the hub. When the rollers are engaged with the arms, power is transmitted between the pulley and the hub. When, due to excessive torque, the rollers escape from the corresponding arm, power transmission between the pulley and the hub is disconnected. The distal ends of the arms are movable in the radial direction. When the rollers disengage from the corresponding arms, the distal ends of the arms move radially such that the pulley and the hub relatively rotate without interference by the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Akifumi Uryu, Kazuya Kimura, Takeshi Kawata, Akinobu Kanai
  • Publication number: 20030223886
    Abstract: An ultrasonic pump in which a medium is pumped by the interaction between longitudinal acoustic waves and the medium in a flow-chamber. The pump comprises a transducer and an associated chamber for providing a controllable, focused, acoustic traveling wave therein. The chamber includes a tapered passage corresponding to the focused beam pattern of the focused acoustic traveling wave through which the liquid medium flows and/or cavitation is induced and/or controlled. The pump therefore utilizes an acoustical transducer responsive to frequency input for directing longitudinal acoustic waves into the flow-chamber which induces a pressure gradient. The medium in the flow-chamber flows in the direction of travel of the acoustic wave in the chamber as a result of acoustic streaming. The exit orifice of the nozzle in communication with the chamber is strategically located at about the focal zone of the focused, traveling wave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: George Keilman
  • Publication number: 20030215340
    Abstract: An inflatable product includes an inflatable body, a socket, an electric pump, at least one battery and a connector. The socket is built in the inflatable body. The electric pump is connected to the socket to pump the inflatable body. The battery is disposed in the electric pump. The connector is provided on the electric pump for connecting an external power. The electric pump is supplied with power by the battery or the external power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: Team Worldwide Corporation
    Inventor: Wang Cheng Chung
  • Patent number: 5975861
    Abstract: A pumping assembly for use in ventilating footwear includes a supporting plate having a first protrusion which is formed in a center portion of an upper surface thereof; front and rear check valves which are respectively formed forwardly and rearwardly the first protrusion portion; an exhaust pipe which is connected to the front check valve; an intake pipe which is connected to the rear check valve; a spring which has a lower end inserted into the first protrusion on the supporting plate; a curve-shaped hard plate having a second protrusion portion which is formed in a center portion of a bottom surface thereof and is inserted into an upper end of the spring; and an elastic cover which has elasticity and tensibility and covers the hard plate. The cover is bonded to the hard plate, whereby the hard plate descends in such a manner that maximum volume variation within the elastic cover can occur; when the upper rear portion of a foot pressurizes the hard plate and the elastic cover is pressed down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventors: Bongseop Shin, Donggeon Kim, Seonjoon Kim, Seongog Cho, Kwangseog Park
  • Patent number: 5634774
    Abstract: A vehicle or pedestrian operated air compressor which utilizes flaps mounted in pairs in a road or pedestrian walkway surface. When traffic moves over the flaps, they move downward to activate a piston which compresses air. The compressed air can be stored in a container and used as needed to generate electricity or activate other machinery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventors: Robert C. Angel, Jesus Gomez
  • Patent number: 5503536
    Abstract: A pump having a reciprocating piston/plunger unit adapted to be actuated by a railway wheel rolling over it has a unitary plunger and piston, with the piston double-acting so that when the outlet pressure exceeds a certain value, the plunger remains retracted. An accumulator is provided in fluid communication with the outlet so as to store accumulated hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Applied Power Inc.
    Inventors: Carl G. Waldenstrom, Xudong Yu
  • Patent number: 5355674
    Abstract: An installation for generating utilizable energy from potential energy is disclosed. The invention comprises a first swivel plate pivotally mounted within a roadway, a second swivel plate spaced from the roadway, transmission means operatively connecting the first and second swivel plates, and fluid fille containers adapted to be compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: Baruch Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 5256039
    Abstract: A remote controlled fan is operated by a hand held remote control which controls the power, speed of fan rotation, oscillation of the fan, and movement of the fan. The fan operates on either AC power or batteries. The fan can move forward or rearward or rotate about its vertical axis in response to signals from the remote control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Inventor: Dale K. Crawford
  • Patent number: 5157922
    Abstract: The invention is a device for generating utilizable energy from potential energy of slowly driving motor vehicles such as street traffic. The device comprises at least one rigid pivoted plate supported on a bearing block. The plate can be lowered by the force of gravity of a motor vehicle such that air is urged out of flexible containers and directed into a pressure equalizing reservoir connected to a turbine or a hydraulic motor. Storage containers for water are supported on both sides of the bearing block on the pivoted plate. The filling of the storage containers is controlled in a manner such that the storage container is exactly filled at the right moment so that it assists in lowering the plate caused by the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: Rosenberg Baruch
  • Patent number: 5076396
    Abstract: A hydraulic master unit is mounted on the rail and has a master cylinder in which is mounted a plunger to be contacted by the wheel of the train. A master cylinder piston is driven against the compression of a cylinder spring inside the master cylinder body in which there is confined hydraulic fluid leading through a hydraulic line, through a hydraulic bulkhead assembly fitting and thence to a grease pump slave unit comprising a hydraulic grease pump piston operating against a grease pump spring inside of the grease pump housing in which there is a chamber confining the hydraulic fluid with the piston for operation to pump grease through the grease discharge and to draw grease from the grease container back into the slave cylinder and through a grease pump inlet valve against a grease pump inlet valve spring and so on in repetition in response to the contact of the master cylinder plunger by the train wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventor: John P. Foote
  • Patent number: 4980572
    Abstract: This invention relates to a scheme for generating electricity using gravitational energy. The scheme uses a set of massive underground spinning wheels, each wheel being fitted with a mechanism to receive and transmit gravitational torque pulses from a passing vehicle to keep the wheels in motion. The mechanism used to apply the torque pulses to the spinning wheels consists of a stepping board, a hollow cylindrical rod disposed vertically and a shoe attached to the lower end of the vertical rod by a hinge with the upper end of the rod protruding above the ground surface. A steel linkage connecting the stepping board and the lower part of the shoe is used for initial positioning of the shoe. Both the stepping board and the protruding end of the vertical rod are kept in their initial upward positions by means of two springs. The electricity is generated by using each spinning wheel in combination with an appropriate gear system to act as the prime mover of an alternator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Synchrosat Limited
    Inventor: Asim K. Sen
  • Patent number: 4709785
    Abstract: A retrofit emergency lubrication system utilizing friction-hydrostatic drive is disclosed. The retrofit system provides an emergency lubrication system backup to existing bearing lubrication systems such as for turbine-generator rotors. The retrofit system utilizes actuators to detect low bearing oil pressure and to activate resilient wheels to contact the rotor which drive high pressure pumps. The high pressure pumps in turn drive a hydraulic motor pump which in turn drives an oil supply tank pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Michael Csanady, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4700540
    Abstract: This invention is an impulse-driven power-generating pump having a collapsible self-restoring "cylinder" subjected externally to discrete impulses which reduce the volume of the "cylinder" thereby displacing fluid therefrom. The impulses may derive from a moving or changing weight or other force-producing means. In particular, the event of railroad traffic is used, the fluid being hydraulic and the discrete impulses being produced by the wheel flanges of passing trains. These impulses act on one or more pumping components each comprising a hydraulic fluid container having a collapsible wall with or without resilience, a length less than the minimum distance between adjacent train wheel axles, a width less than the distance between rails, an inside height of approximately one inch, and an overall height of less than six and one-half inches including the emplacement and supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Inventor: Baney L. Byrum
  • Patent number: 4501251
    Abstract: A booster pump for a secondary fuel circulation system of a diesel engine adapted to be connected with the fuel pump of the primary circulation system by removing a screw plug associated with a piston chamber of the fuel pump in order to permit the booster pump to be threadedly engaged in place thereof by means of a threaded member formed on the housing of the booster pump. A spring actuated piston of the booster pump is thus brought into active connection with a piston of the fuel pump by way of a plunger protruding from the housing of the booster pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1985
    Assignee: Kienzle Apparate GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz Kelch
  • Patent number: 4466779
    Abstract: A combined check valve and fluid injector includes a valve body with an inlet, outlet and valve seat. A pump chamber is positioned at the outlet side of the valve seat and has a fluid inlet. A hollow piston member moves in the pump chamber and the hollow connection to the valve body. A ball check valve closing the valve seat is provided with a spring loaded valve follower. A hollow actuating rod extends from the valve follower into the hollow piston with a lost motion connection and has openings for discharge of fluid in the valve body. The piston is limited in movement by an adjustable stop member and has a check valve which opens on upward movement. Opening of the valve moves the rod and piston to pump fluid from the pump chamber into the fluid flowing through the valve body. A counter, or the like, may be provided for operation by piston movement for measuring frequency or distance of movement. Certain modifications may direct the fluid outside the chamber rather than into the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Inventor: Jeddy D. Nixon
  • Patent number: 4437015
    Abstract: A plurality of cylindrical rollers are embedded in a roadway over which wheeled vehicles move such that the vehicle wheels rotate the contacted rollers. A shaft transverse to the roadway supports the rollers and turns with them to transfer power from vehicle contact to an electrical generating apparatus. Power accumulating apparatus, such as a water or hydraulic fluid reservoir, may intervene between the shaft and the generator to smooth the power flow when vehicle travel is intermittent. Alternate apparatus may directly link the shaft to an electrical generator which may, in turn, charge batteries or pump water upwardly to accumulate power for response to later demand. The rollers may be housed in a metal or concrete trough and cross one or more lanes of traffic to a median power collector such as a spider and bevel gear arrangement that is capable of receiving rotating motion from four right angle directions at once.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1984
    Inventor: Jack Rosenblum
  • Patent number: 4418542
    Abstract: A roadway of the type over which motor vehicles pass, e.g. automobiles, trains, trolleys, etc., is disclosed where the roadway is one positioned in the path of movement of such vehicles and is provided with a power generating means for generating power in response to the movement of such vehicles over the roadway. The power generating means is responsive to and actuated by the weight of the vehicles as the vehicles pass thereover. The power generating means comprises a vertically displaceable generally planar member which is generally co-planar with the roadway. The power generating means comprises a fluid housed in a fluid housing which is in fluid communication with a generator via a transmission means. The fluid, while in the housing, is in contact with a displaceable bearing surface which when displaced acts upon the fluid, the displaceable bearing surface in turn being connected to the generally planar member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Inventor: Robert D. Ferrell
  • Patent number: 4409489
    Abstract: An apparatus is described which pressurizes fluid and causes it to flow by capturing energy dissipated by moving vehicles. The apparatus is a network of collapsible bodies containing a working fluid which is attached to a turbine generator system. The bodies are resilient tubes, preferably three part structures made of elastic, inner tubes with projections and outer sections of semirigid hose. The network may be overlayed with a flexible sheet which distributes the weight and motion of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1983
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hayes
  • Patent number: 4339920
    Abstract: A method and apparatus which includes locating a compressible chamber filled with a non-compressible fluid confined in a closed circuit in the path of moving traffic so that the weight of the traffic passing over the chamber will affect a displacement of the incompressible fluid to create a fluid flow through the circuit. The circuit includes unidirectional flow control valves for directing the flow of displaced fluid through a fluid motor connected in circuit with the compressible chamber. Disposed in the circuit is a rectifier for rectifying the intermittent displacement of the fluid into a generally uniform fluid flow to affect the drive of the fluid motor with the output of the fluid motor being translated into useful work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1982
    Inventor: Wayne P. Le Van
  • Patent number: 4322673
    Abstract: An energy conservation and highway safety apparatus for supplying supplemental or emergency electrical power caused by passage of vehicles over the apparatus comprising a plurality of elongated conduits having a plurality of pressure responsive pumping elements mounted therein. The conduits are connected through an accummulator to an air motor which drives a generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1982
    Inventor: Joseph Dukess
  • Patent number: 4321018
    Abstract: A pump assembly to be used for mining, and the like, is supported on rope-like members (32, 110, 112, 140, 181, 190) of an endless conveyer. In one type of embodiments a channel-shaped mounting member (20, 72, 138, 164, 192) of the pump assembly straddles the rope-like support members and allows the weight distribution of the pump assembly to cause a drive wheel (16, 68, 142, 146, 196) of the pump assembly to come into contact with the endless conveyer (28, 144, 198) to thereby drive a pump (18, 76, 134, 160, 182) of the pump assembly. In a particular one of these types of embodiments the pump (134) is mounted inside the rope-like support member (140) to urge the drive wheel (142) downwardly against the return portion (144) of the endless conveyer and in other particular ones of these types of embodiments the pump (18, 76, 160) is located outside the rope-like support member (32, 181), so that the drive wheel (16, 68, 146) is urged upwardly against the conveying portion (28) of the endless conveyer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1982
    Inventor: Frank K. Hurt
  • Patent number: 4309150
    Abstract: A peristaltic motor is provided comprising a reciprocating slave piston adapted to be actuated by the progressive, sequential contraction of two aligned, resiliently deformable peristaltic tubes by a weighted roller such as a wheel of a heavy vehicle. The leading ends of both tubes, that is the ends first contacted by the moving roller, are connected to the slave cylinder, one on either side of the piston and the trailing ends of the tubes are connected to one another so that movement of the roller from the leading end to the trailing end of the first tube causes the hydraulic fluid therein to move down the tube and into the slave cylinder moving the piston through half a stroke. Movement of the roller in the same direction over the second tube, forces the hydraulic fluid into the other side of the slave cylinder to move the piston through the second half of the stroke. The piston is associated with means to utilize its movement such as an air compressor or a pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1982
    Inventor: Barrett M. M. Payne
  • Patent number: 4253659
    Abstract: A child's riding device such as a hobby horse, ship, locomotive or the like, including a tubular horn on which a balloon may be fitted, an air pump inside the hobby horse connected to the horn for inflating the balloon, the pump being powered by a motor-driven mechanism that also reciprocally shifts the hobby horse forwardly and rearwardly, back and forth, upon a stand, while a child rides thereupon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1981
    Inventor: Karl W. Fattler
  • Patent number: 4231714
    Abstract: A pump system for high pressure hydraulic applications. A series of longitudinally spaced single acting pumps are sequentially actuated by rolling heavy weights that are moved about an endless upright track assembly by gravity assisted by operation of a prime mover. The track assembly includes an elongated inclined ramp, a horizontal base, and a relatively steep return arranged in a triangular supporting structure for an endless conveyor. The conveyor mounts a plurality of longitudinally spaced weight assemblies, which are arranged transversely between supporting endless chains. A series of pumps are mounted on the frame in fixed positions with their single acting actuators in the path of elements moved in unison with the conveyor. The pumps are preferably spaced apart a distance substantially less than the spacing between the weight assemblies and the spacing between adjacent weight assemblies is preferably not an even multiple of the spacing between the pump mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1980
    Inventor: William W. Colwell
  • Patent number: 4213743
    Abstract: A pump assembly to be used for mining, and the like, is supported on rope-like members (32, 110, 112, 140, 181,190) of an endless conveyer. In one type of embodiments a channel-shaped mounting member (20, 72, 138, 164, 192) of the pump assembly straddles the rope-like support members and allows the weight distribution of the pump assembly to cause a drive wheel (16, 68, 142, 146, 196) of the pump assembly to come into contact with the endless conveyer (28, 144, 198) to thereby drive a pump (18, 76, 134, 160, 182) of the pump assembly. In a particular one of these types of embodiments the pump (134) is mounted inside the rope-like support member (140) to urge the drive wheel (142) downwardly against the return portion (144) of the endless conveyer and in other particular ones of these types of embodiments the pump (18, 76, 160) is located outside the rope-like support member (32, 181, 164) so that the drive wheel (16, 68, 146) is urged upwardly against the conveying portion (28) of the endless conveyer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1980
    Assignee: Mefcor, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank K. Hurt, Edwin L. Wellons
  • Patent number: 4212598
    Abstract: A series of intermittently operable air pumps taking the form, for example, of transversely collapsible tubes or piston and cylinder assemblies, are located in recesses of a surface along which recurrent traffic moves, e.g., a factory floor subject to foot traffic and vehicular traffic, a highway, a sidewalk, or a surface along which a conveyor travels. Depressible actuating panels or treadles are operated by the traffic to in turn squeeze the tubes or move the pistons through pumping strokes, the tubes or pistons returning to their normal positions at the conclusion of such pumping strokes via yieldable means or otherwise. During such return action, the pumps operate through suction strokes such as to draw in a new supply of fluid, e.g. the ambient air, in readiness for the next operation of the actuating treadle by the traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1980
    Assignee: Energy Development Corporation
    Inventors: Dwain F. Roche, Stanley E. Banks
  • Patent number: 4211078
    Abstract: A cylinder is arranged to pump hydraulic fluid into a pressure accumulator. The stored hydraulic fluid operates a hydraulic motor to drive an alternator to generate electric power. The cylinder may be a single acting cylinder having a piston rod depressed by the weight of passing traffic on a railroad track or highway, or the cylinder may be a double acting cylinder having a piston rod reciprocated by a windmill, whereby otherwise wasted energy is converted into productive energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1980
    Inventor: Robert F. Bass
  • Patent number: 4173431
    Abstract: A road vehicle-actuated air compressor and a system are disclosed for utilizing compressed air to operate an electrical generator to generate electricity. The road vehicle-actuated air compressor includes an actuator, a cylinder, and a piston in the cylinder reciprocatable in response to actuation of the actuator by a vehicle for compressing air in the cylinder. The cylinder is provided with a first vent means for introducing air into the cylinder behind the piston during a forward stroke of the piston, a valve-controlled second vent means for introducing air into the cylinder on the other side of the piston during the reverse stroke thereof, and outlet means for supplying air compressed by the piston during the forward stroke thereof to a utilization device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1979
    Assignee: Nu-Watt, Inc.
    Inventor: Roland L. Smith
  • Patent number: 4130064
    Abstract: A system for utilizing the weight and momentum of moving vehicles to produce usable energy comprising a fluid displacement pump positioned either under a moveable plate in a roadway or between the rail and railbed in a railway which compresses a fluid such as air or hydraulic fluid as the vehicle passes over, a low pressure line for supplying fluid to the pump chamber, a high pressure outlet line communicating with the chamber and connected to a manifold which is supplied with high pressure fluid from a number of other similar pumps and which directs the fluid to an energy conversion device such as a fluid motor and electric generator, or a fluid motor driving an air compressor, or to a fluid motor driving machinery in a factory or other industrial plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1978
    Inventor: Phillip P. Bridwell
  • Patent number: RE31338
    Abstract: A pump assembly to be used for mining, and the like, is supported on rope-like members (32, 110, 112, 140, 181, 190) of an endless conveyer. In one type of embodiments a channel-shaped mounting member (20, 72, 138, 164, 192) of the pump assembly straddles the rope-like support members and allows the weight distribution of the pump assembly to cause a drive wheel (16, 68, 142, 146, 196) of the pump assembly to come into contact with the endless conveyer (28, 144, 198) to thereby drive a pump (18, 76, 134, 160, 182) of the pump assembly. In a particular one of these types of embodiments the pump (134) is mounted inside the rope-like support member (140) to urge the drive wheel (142) downwardly against the return portion (144) of the endless conveyer and in other particular ones of these types of embodiments the pump (18, 76, 160) is located outside the rope-like support member (32, 181 .[.164.].) so that the drive wheel (16, 68, 146) is urged upwardly against the conveying portion (28) of the endless conveyer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Assignee: MEFCOR
    Inventor: Frank K. Hurt