Patents by Inventor Ralph A. Belden

Ralph A. Belden 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).

  • Publication number: 20130017085
    Abstract: A wind turbine includes a base, a support member rotatably mounted to the base, an elongate body having a first end and a second end, the body pivotally mounted to a distal end of the support member at a pivot point that is offset from the axis of the base. A rotor blade assembly is coupled to a rotor shaft rotatably mounted to the top of the body and includes a plurality of rotor blades. A tail assembly is mounted to the second end of the elongate body and includes an airfoil section and at least one upright vane having a rudder with an angular offset. An alternator is coupled to the rotor shaft. An annular ratchet is disposed on the base. A flag and pawl assembly is pivotally coupled to a proximal end of the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Ralph A. Belden
  • Publication number: 20120007366
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine according to embodiments of the present invention includes a hub, first and second rotor arms rigidly coupled to the hub, a first rotor blade pivotably coupled to the first rotor arm at a first hinge joint, a second rotor blade pivotably coupled to the second rotor arm at a second hinge joint, such that the first hinge joint is the only point of contact between the first rotor blade and any other part of the vertical axis wind turbine, and the second hinge joint is the only point of contact between the second rotor blade and any other part of the vertical axis wind turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Ralph A. Belden
  • Patent number: 5295793
    Abstract: An improved wind turbine 10 is described having a swivel head 18 mounted at an upper end of a support tower 12 for pivoting about a substantially vertical axis Y. A radial blade rotor assembly 48 is mounted to the swivel head 18 for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal pivot axis X that is offset and spaced downwind of the vertical axis Y. The rotor assembly 48 has a rotor shaft 50 that rotates about a rotor axis Z that is spaced from the horizontal pivot axis X. The rotor assembly has a plurality of airfoil blades 64 that are attached to and extend radially outward from the rotor axis. The blades 64 rotate with a shallow inward conical path about the rotor axis Z in the blades 64 extending radially outward at an inclined angle from perpendicular of between 0 and 5 degrees. An electrical alternator 80 is connected to the rotor shaft 50 for generating electrical power directly from the rotor assembly 48.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Telect, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph A. Belden
  • Patent number: 4449889
    Abstract: Disclosed is an inclined axis windmill. The windmill has a plurality of blades generally transverse to the upstanding rotor shaft. The blades have an airfoil cross-sectional shape and are oriented with a negative angle of attack, thereby allowing the leading edge of the airfoil to turn into the wind. The windmill preferably has a tilting assembly which tilts the rotor shaft and blades at an angle dependent upon the velocity of the wind. As the wind velocity increases the rotor shaft is automatically tilted into a more nearly vertical position by the control tail. This automatic tilting of the windmill provides automatic control of the rotor speed. The rotor blades are preferably pivotally connected to the rotor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1984
    Inventor: Ralph A. Belden
  • Patent number: RE30547
    Abstract: A two wheeled, rider propelled vehicle having both wheels pivotably mounted upon a medial principal frame. The pivotable rear wheel frame supports pedal mechanism propelling the rear wheel and may be steered by the feet of the user. Mechanical biasing means communicate between the pivotable rear wheel frame and main frame to bias motion and a latching mechanism allows fixed positioning of the two members. A vertically adjustable seat is fixedly carried by the principal frame and the forward portion of the vehicle provides a traditional manually steerable, pivotably mounted front wheel frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1981
    Assignee: Professional Management Associates
    Inventor: Ralph A. Belden