Patents by Inventor James K. Thurber

James K. Thurber 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: 9379645
    Abstract: A method and apparatus generates kinetic and electrical energy using sound waves and is believed to be particularly useful in high efficiency motors and electrical generators. In particular, the method and apparatus uses sound waves as a catalyst to convert ambient heat energy into kinetic and/or electrical energy. In one embodiment, sound waves at particular frequencies are propagated across one side of a plate or other barrier element, causing flow of fluid (e.g. air) across the surface of the plate which, in turn, causes a reduction in the ambient fluid (air) pressure near the surface of the plate. The difference in fluid pressure on opposite sides of the plate results in net positive thrust on the plate, thereby causing movement of the plate. This movement can be harnessed using, for example, a windmill type of rotor and stator arrangement to generate useful kinetic and electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: SONIC DYNAMICS, LLC
    Inventors: James K. Thurber, Jonathan L. Thurber
  • Publication number: 20140028150
    Abstract: A method and apparatus generates kinetic and electrical energy using sound waves and is believed to be particularly useful in high efficiency motors and electrical generators. In particular, the method and apparatus uses sound waves as a catalyst to convert ambient heat energy into kinetic and/or electrical energy. In one embodiment, sound waves at particular frequencies are propagated across one side of a plate or other barrier element, causing flow of fluid (e.g. air) across the surface of the plate which, in turn, causes a reduction in the ambient fluid (air) pressure near the surface of the plate. The difference in fluid pressure on opposite sides of the plate results in net positive thrust on the plate, thereby causing movement of the plate. This movement can be harnessed using, for example, a windmill type of rotor and stator arrangement to generate useful kinetic and electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: SONIC DYNAMICS, LLC
    Inventors: James K. Thurber, Jonathan L. Thurber
  • Patent number: 8492956
    Abstract: A method and apparatus generates kinetic and electrical energy using sound waves and is believed to be particularly useful in high efficiency motors and electrical generators. In particular, the method and apparatus uses sound waves as a catalyst to convert ambient heat energy into kinetic and/or electrical energy. In one embodiment, sound waves at particular frequencies are propagated across one side of a plate or other barrier element, causing flow of fluid (e.g. air) across the surface of the plate which, in turn, causes a reduction in the ambient fluid (air) pressure near the surface of the plate. The difference in fluid pressure on opposite sides of the plate results in net positive thrust on the plate, thereby causing movement of the plate. This movement can be harnessed using, for example, a windmill type of rotor and stator arrangement to generate useful kinetic and electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Sonic Dynamics, LLC
    Inventors: James K. Thurber, Jonathan L. Thurber
  • Publication number: 20110131972
    Abstract: A method and apparatus generates kinetic and electrical energy using sound waves and is believed to be particularly useful in high efficiency motors and electrical generators. In particular, the method and apparatus uses sound waves as a catalyst to convert ambient heat energy into kinetic and/or electrical energy. In one embodiment, sound waves at particular frequencies are propagated across one side of a plate or other barrier element, causing flow of fluid (e.g. air) across the surface of the plate which, in turn, causes a reduction in the ambient fluid (air) pressure near the surface of the plate. The difference in fluid pressure on opposite sides of the plate results in net positive thrust on the plate, thereby causing movement of the plate. This movement can be harnessed using, for example, a windmill type of rotor and stator arrangement to generate useful kinetic and electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: Sonic Dynamics LLC
    Inventors: James K. Thurber, Jonathan K. Thurber
  • Publication number: 20080232636
    Abstract: A motor driven acoustic oscillator or speaker that generates a single frequency acoustic sound. The motor driven acoustic oscillator may be used to emit low frequency (LF) sound waves that generates thrust on an object. The oscillator may be further configured to convert heat energy from a surrounding fluid medium into additional useful mechanical work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: SONIC DYNAMICS, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan L. Thurber, James K. Thurber, Kenneth Meyer, Matthew Honnert