Patents Examined by Joseph Waks
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Patent number: 9812926Abstract: Systems and methods are for generating electrical power using air moving through a duct of a forced air heating or air conditioning system within a building. In one embodiment, a wind turbine may be provided that is sized to be mounted within a duct and includes one or more blades coupled to a motor for converting kinetic energy from air moving the duct into electrical power. A device may be coupled to the motor for at least one of operating electrical components or sensors of the device and charging a battery of the device.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2015Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Inventor: Carlos Rodriguez
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Patent number: 9643721Abstract: Airborne devices for generating power in a crosswind power generating phase, including a body and at least one non-planar wing. A control system directs the airborne device to follow a predetermined flight path of increasing altitude during the crosswind power generating phase. Wind energy conversion systems and methods including an airborne device, a tether, a generator, and a control system that directs the airborne device to follow a predetermined flight path including a crosswind power generating phase.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Inventor: David Brian Schaefer
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Patent number: 9638172Abstract: A wind turbine with a switchgear arrangement is described. The wind turbine includes a tower, a rotor supported at an upper end of the tower, a generator, a transformer for increasing the voltage output of the generator prior to supplying a collector grid, and switchgear arranged between the transformer and the collector grid. The switchgear includes a first switching device associated with the transformer, and a second switching device associated with one or more cables connecting the wind turbine to another wind turbine in the collector grid. The first switching device is connected to, but located remotely from, the second switching device.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2013Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/SInventor: Jesper Nielsen
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Patent number: 9631604Abstract: A system (10) for producing electrical energy, configured to be operatively connected to a machine for generating air flows (12), having a motor of an air conditioner. The system (10) also includes at least one wind turbine (14) and at least one air collector (16), arranged between the machine for generating air flows (12) and a wind turbine (14). The air collector (16) is configured to channel and constantly reinforce the air flow emitted by the machine for generating air flows (12) in order to improve the yield of the wind turbine (14).Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: SUNJADE INVESTMENT LTDInventor: Claudio Allegretti
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Patent number: 9605648Abstract: An air-blower dual-energy-extraction wave and tidal power generation device includes an air blower mechanism, a first conduit, a second conduit, four check valves, a bracket, and a power generation mechanism, wherein waves and tides boost a push member of the air blower mechanism to drive a piston of the air blower mechanism to operate for drawing in gas or liquid, dual energies, by the first conduit and the second conduit to gain double efficiency, and the gas or liquid is stored in a gas accumulation, constant-pressure, and pressure-regulating barrel for subsequent release of the gas or liquid, in a stable and constant manner, to drive a vane wheel power generator to rotate for generation of electrical energy. Furthermore, the invention provides an air-blower dual-energy-extraction wave and tidal power generation system, which includes a plurality of air-blower dual-energy-extraction wave and tidal power generation device for generation of electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Inventor: Ming-Hung Lin
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Patent number: 9598758Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) may be configured to include air or water bearing supports. The VAWT may be configured to float. The VAWT may include a 360° rotor, having a precision machined noncorrosive bearing surface at its perimeter, with a system of wind capturing devices configured to collect kinetic energy of wind. The rotor may be supported by at least three air or water bearing supports positioned substantially at a perimeter of the rotor. Electrical generation components may be located substantially at the perimeter of the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: American Offshore EnergyInventor: Andrew J. Devitt
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Patent number: 9599092Abstract: A system for generating wind energy or wind power through multiple wind turbines. Each wind turbine can be smaller than a single conventional wind turbine. A series of wind turbines are mechanically connected by a chain, cable, or similar mechanical linkage to each other and to a single generator, which is located elsewhere (i.e., not in the nacelle or on the turbine tower). This permits the size and weight of each turbine to be reduced, resulting in the ability to generate electricity at lower wind speeds (e.g., where the wind speed is below the cut-in wind speed of 4 m/s or 9 mph for conventional wind turbines). The reduction in size and weight also reduces the inertia of each turbine, increasing its efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventors: Md Maruf Hossain, Mohd Hasan Ali
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Patent number: 9587613Abstract: A starting and generating system for a hybrid vehicle is provided. The system includes a starter-generator which transmits rotational force to the engine to start the engine when the starter-generator is operated as a motor, and is operated as a generator by receiving rotational force of the engine. A motor-generator is operated as a generator by receiving rotational force of the engine and a planetary gear mechanism connects the engine, the starter-generator, and the motor-generator to transmit rotational force between the engine, the starter-generator, and the motor-generator. Additionally, a first brake and a second brake selectively operate rotating elements, which are connected to the starter-generator and the motor-generator among the rotating elements of the planetary gear mechanism, as a fixed element. A controller specifically operates the starter-generator, the motor-generator, the first brake, and the second brake.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Sung Tae Cho, Kyung Shin Lee
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Patent number: 9587508Abstract: A generator-type pressure relief device includes: a housing; a propeller disposed in the housing; a shaft fixed to the center of rotation of the propeller; a generator unit that generates electricity by receiving rotational torque from the shaft; an electricity storage unit that stores electricity generated by the generator unit; an electronic brake operated by an electric signal supplied from the outside to suppress the axial rotation of the shaft; a control unit that sends an electric signal to the electronic brake to control the operation of the electronic brake; and a water pressure sensor provided in the water supply pipe or the water drainage pipe or the housing so as to transfer water pressure information on the water to the control unit, and which allows the control unit to control the electronic brake.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2013Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Inventor: Jong Hum Park
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Patent number: 9586458Abstract: A refrigeration trailer (reefer) truck power unit controller employs a plurality of power sources including a propulsion vehicle source driven mechanically by a diesel engine of the vehicle, and having an enhanced alternator having a pulley ratio for increasing idle speed power generation, and a passive vehicle source including a bank of solar panels disposed on the vehicle. The controller is configured for refrigerating a payload area of the vehicle utilizing power from the power sources, and employs a voltage converter for augmenting the power from the propulsion vehicle source for use with a native vehicle charging//starting system, and a transport load transformer for converting power from the power sources for powering the refrigeration system. A bank of batteries stores power from the sources for subsequent dispersal to the refrigeration unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: ENOW, INC.Inventors: Gerald Larson, Jeffrey C. Flath, Robert W. Doane, Philip R. Pierce, Stephen Lasher
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Patent number: 9587621Abstract: A water wheel impeller blade type electric power generating apparatus including a floating body, which buoys an attached electric power generating apparatus body while floating under water and allowing inflow and outflow of a water stream, an anchorage unit anchoring the electric power generating apparatus body at a fixed position in the water stream, a rotor pivotally supported within the electric power generating apparatus body enabling rotation, the rotor orthogonally disposed to the water stream, an impeller blade group including a plurality of impeller blades attached on an outer periphery of the rotor for automatically opening at a lower side of the rotor and closing at an upper side of the rotor, the impeller blade group receiving force by the water stream flowing in the electric power generating apparatus body with open impeller blades to rotate the rotor, an inclined plate for guiding the water stream, having one end attached at an upper end of the electric power generating apparatus body at a waterType: GrantFiled: March 9, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: JAPAN SYSTEM PLANNING CO., LTD.Inventor: Katsuyuki Kumano
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Patent number: 9587631Abstract: A combined vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) and vertical axis solar turbine (VAST) is disclosed. The apparatus has a plurality of counter rotating solar/wind collection panels which are mounted on respective counter rotating collars. The orientation of the panels is controlled by servo motors. Torque from the counter rotating collars is combined by a set of gears with the combined torque driving rotation of a power collecting column. Torque from the power collecting column is transmitted to a power transfer column through gears in a gearbox and then to a flywheel which has an armature as part of a motor generator whereby mechanical energy can be converted to electrical energy with the motor generator. Solar energy from the PV panels is routed to a power conditioning unit which is also connected to the motor generator.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2015Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Inventor: David John Pristash
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Patent number: 9583993Abstract: A generator system with a generator connected between a first preexisting pipe and a second preexisting pipe. The generating system can have a non-magnetic section of pipe, a flux guide, a plurality of coils, a non-rotating stator a rotating device, a plurality of rare earth, and a controller. Fluid flows through the first preexisting pipe flange towards the second preexisting pipe flange, which causes the rotating device to turn the rotating shaft that rotates the plurality of rare earth magnets to provide a magnetic flux energizing the plurality of coils generating a current of sufficient energy to produce at least six watts continuously.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2016Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: TAZMAN TURBINZ, INC.Inventors: Bruce A. Kaiser, Bryon D. Hodges, James R. Oldham
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Patent number: 9581127Abstract: Device for generating energy using the current of a river (2) or similar, which device (1) includes a paddlewheel (11) and at least one generator set (14) of which the drive shaft (17a) is coupled to the shaft (11) of the paddlewheel (10), characterized in that the paddlewheel (10) is self-floating and that the device (1) is provided with an at least partly submerged housing (3) with an open bottom (4) that is located at a height (A) above the bed (5) of the river (2), wherein the paddlewheel (10) is bearing mounted and of which the internal space (8) is pressurized to regulate the height of the water level (12) in the housing (3).Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2014Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Inventor: Boudewijn Gabriel Van Rompay
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Patent number: 9574767Abstract: Technologies are provided for employing electrical energy to control a combustion reaction. Energy is received from a combustion reaction. A portion of the received energy is converted to generated electricity. The generated electricity converted from the combustion energy is used to control the combustion reaction.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2014Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: CLEARSIGN COMBUSTION CORPORATIONInventors: Kraig K. Anderson, Christopher A. Wiklof, Lon E. Bell
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Patent number: 9577557Abstract: A turbine generator system includes a doubly-fed alternating-current (AC) generator having a first poly-phase circuit (e.g., a stator circuit) and a second poly-phase circuit (e.g., a rotor circuit), a poly-phase AC-to-AC converter circuit coupled between the first and second poly-phase circuits, a poly-phase transformer having input windings coupled to the first poly-phase circuit and having output windings, and a uni-directional rectifier circuit coupled to the output windings of the poly-phase transformer and configured to convert poly-phase AC from the transformer output windings to direct current (DC).Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: ABB Schweiz AGInventors: Sandeep Bala, Darren Tremelling
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Patent number: 9561763Abstract: An exemplary electrical system may include a power plant operable to provide motive power, and a first and a second motor/generator operatively coupled to a common gear shaft, and to the power plant via a gearbox and drive shaft. The exemplary electrical system may further include a system controller configured to selectively operate at least one of the first motor/generator and the second motor/generator in one of a motor operating mode and a generator operating mode based on at least one parameter. The at least one parameter may be, but is not limited to, vibration and torque. In the motor operating mode, the first and/or second motor/generator provides power to the power plant. In the generator operating mode, the first and/or the second motor/generator extracts power from the power plant.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignees: Rolls-Royce Corporation, Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Donald Klemen, Eric E. Wilson, Christine A. Ross
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Patent number: 9551316Abstract: A power generator may generate power using buoyancy having a fluid column contained by a tank having a sealable drain and a piston having a substantially hollow interior capable of being filled with a fluid. The piston has a sealable outlet, a vent, an inlet, and a lateral cross-section that is smaller than a lateral cross-section of the tank. A rod is connected to the piston and a power generator is connected to the rod. The piston operates from a first position near the top of the fluid column to a second position near the bottom of the fluid column. The piston moves from the first position to the second position as fluid is added to the inlet. The piston moves from the second position to the first position as the fluid is drained from the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: LOOK FOR THE POWER, LLCInventor: John A. Saavedra
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Patent number: 9541058Abstract: An energy converter for converting kinetic energy from a body of liquid by transverse galloping includes a support, an elongate galloping body extending between a first end and a second end and being of a suitable cross-section for transverse galloping, a substantially horizontal guide arranged outside the body of liquid for guiding the first end of the galloping body, one or more elastic means substantially horizontally arranged and connected between the galloping body and the support, and a generator including a static generator component and a dynamic generator component, and wherein the galloping body is substantially vertically suspended such that the second end of the body extends into the body of liquid, and the dynamic generator component is operationally connected to the galloping body. Further disclosed are energy conversion systems including a plurality of energy converters and methods for energy conversion.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2013Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignees: REPSOL, S.A., UNIVERSIDAD POLITÉCNICA DE MADRIDInventors: Antonio Barrero Gil, Angel Gerardo Velazquez Lopez, Juan Ramón Arias Perez, Óscar Prieto Acedo, David Vicente Ludlam, Ji Xu Xu
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Patent number: 9534538Abstract: An integrated power and thermal management system for a turbine-powered aircraft is provided. The system may comprise a power turbine, compressor, first cooling turbine, second cooling turbine, and electrical motor-generator disposed on a primary shaft. The compressor may be disposed on the primary shaft to motivate a system airflow and operably joined to the power turbine. The first cooling turbine may be rotatably disposed on the primary shaft in selective fluid communication with the compressor. The second cooling turbine may be rotatably disposed on the primary shaft in selective fluid communication with the first cooling turbine.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2015Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Matthew Robert Cerny