Patents by Inventor Gary Flomenhoft

Gary Flomenhoft has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9634732
    Abstract: The invention described herein provides an energy transfer system via a tire based inductor system. By using the tire, the area inside the tire, the tire rim, or the wheel as the inductive pick-up for a powered roadway system the prior art problems are solved. Namely, since the tire/wheel is always in contact, or near contact with the road, the air gap is reduced to a minimum, and substantially fixed, distance. By mounting the secondary on the perimeter of a wheel, relative motion between the road and inductor is minimized. In addition, the pick-up can be encased in the tire, eliminating the problem of road debris, snow and ice entirely. Also, some heating of the tire due to electrical losses may enhance traction and tread performance on snowy or wet roads. In all configurations, the vehicle's wheel suspension adjusts vertically adjusting for road imperfections and obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: University of Vermont and State Agricultural College
    Inventor: Gary Flomenhoft
  • Publication number: 20130214706
    Abstract: The invention described herein provides an energy transfer system via a tire based inductor system. By using the tire, the area inside the tire, the tire rim, or the wheel as the inductive pick-up for a powered roadway system the prior art problems are solved. Namely, since the tire/wheel is always in contact, or near contact with the road, the air gap is reduced to a minimum, and substantially fixed, distance. By mounting the secondary on the perimeter of a wheel, relative motion between the road and inductor is minimized In addition, the pick-up can be encased in the tire, eliminating the problem of road debris, snow and ice entirely. Also, some heating of the tire due to electrical losses may enhance traction and tread performance on snowy or wet roads. In all configurations, the vehicle's wheel suspension adjusts vertically adjusting for road imperfections and obstacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Gary Flomenhoft