Patents by Inventor Geoffrey Gaither

Geoffrey Gaither 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: 10017053
    Abstract: A fluid turbine system is provided for harnessing light radiant energy, thermal energy and/or kinetic energy of a vehicle. At least one fluid tube is coupled with a body portion of the vehicle. At least a portion of the at least one fluid tube is positioned proximal to the vehicle's roof, the trunk and/or hood. The at least one fluid tube contains a fluid configured to expand in response to receiving light radiant energy or thermal energy. At least one fluid turbine is coupled with the at least one fluid tube and has blades configured to be rotated by the fluid. A generator converts kinetic energy from the rotation of the blades of the at least one fluid turbine to electrical energy stored in the battery. Valves and/or pumps may control the fluid flow for enhancing generation of electrical energy using light radiant energy, thermal energy and/or kinetic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Geoffrey Gaither
  • Patent number: 9863403
    Abstract: Air channels and wind turbines systems are provided for cooling vehicle parts and storing electrical energy in a vehicle battery. The vehicle may have a battery, a braking system, an air duct with wind turbines and a generator. The air duct has an inlet portion for receiving an airflow, a body portion having wind turbines, and an outlet portion for directing the airflow to the braking system. A generator converts kinetic energy of the wind turbines to electrical energy stored in the battery. The wind turbines can be positioned in an air duct extending from a front bumper to an area proximal to one or more wheels to enhance vehicle aerodynamics. Alternatively, the wind turbines can be positioned in openings between grill shutters to generate energy and cool a radiator. Alternatively, the wind turbines can be positioned proximal to powertrain or drivetrain components for cooling and generating electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Geoffrey Gaither
  • Publication number: 20170087973
    Abstract: A fluid turbine system is provided for harnessing light radiant energy, thermal energy and/or kinetic energy of a vehicle. At least one fluid tube is coupled with a body portion of the vehicle. At least a portion of the at least one fluid tube is positioned proximal to the vehicle's roof, the trunk and/or hood. The at least one fluid tube contains a fluid configured to expand in response to receiving light radiant energy or thermal energy. At least one fluid turbine is coupled with the at least one fluid tube and has blades configured to be rotated by the fluid. A generator converts kinetic energy from the rotation of the blades of the at least one fluid turbine to electrical energy stored in the battery. Valves and/or pumps may control the fluid flow for enhancing generation of electrical energy using light radiant energy, thermal energy and/or kinetic energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: Geoffrey Gaither
  • Publication number: 20170082092
    Abstract: Air channels and wind turbines systems are provided for cooling vehicle parts and storing electrical energy in a vehicle battery. The vehicle may have a battery, a braking system, an air duct with wind turbines and a generator. The air duct has an inlet portion for receiving an airflow, a body portion having wind turbines, and an outlet portion for directing the airflow to the braking system. A generator converts kinetic energy of the wind turbines to electrical energy stored in the battery. The wind turbines can be positioned in an air duct extending from a front bumper to an area proximal to one or more wheels to enhance vehicle aerodynamics. Alternatively, the wind turbines can be positioned in openings between grill shutters to generate energy and cool a radiator. Alternatively, the wind turbines can be positioned proximal to powertrain or drivetrain components for cooling and generating electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventor: Geoffrey Gaither