Patents by Inventor Mark Wessels

Mark Wessels 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).

  • Space elevator propulsion system using mechanical waves
    Patent number: 8196867
    Abstract: A system and method for propelling a carriage on a cable of a space elevator. The space elevator system includes a cable anchored to a terrestrial body on a first end and a counterweight on an opposing second end and a carriage riding along the cable. The system also includes an oscillator for generating a mechanical wave upon the cable. Mechanical energy created by the generated mechanical wave is converted into power to propel the carriage upon the cable. The oscillator may include a pair of opposing pistons contacting the cable on opposite sides of the cable or an electromagnetic driver powered by electromagnets located on opposite sides of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Wessels