Patents by Inventor John G. Fetkovich

John G. Fetkovich 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).

  • Open cycle method and apparatus for generating energy from ocean thermal gradients
    Patent number: 4083189
    Abstract: Power is generated by subjecting a body of water in an evacuated chamber alternately to pressure corresponding to the vapor pressure of water at the surface of a body of water, such as tropical sea water, and pressure corresponding to the vapor pressure of subsurface water. The body of water falls and rises in correspondence with the changing pressures and the pressures are alternated in synchronism with the natural period of oscillation of the body of water so as to increase the amplitude of its oscillation. Power is withdrawn from the oscillating body of water either by feeding overflow water to water turbines or by anemometer type turbines within the chamber. Apparatus details are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1978
    Assignee: Carnegie-Mellon University
    Inventor: John G. Fetkovich
  • Method and apparatus for obtaining electrical power from sea water
    Patent number: 3995160
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing electricity utilizing a foam formed from ocean water at ambient temperatures. The method and apparatus utilize the enthalpy released by a rising foam to generate the power to drive a turbine for power export.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1976
    Assignee: Carnegie-Mellon University
    Inventors: Clarence Zener, John G. Fetkovich