Patents by Inventor Steven C. Hench
Steven C. Hench 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).
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Patent number: 8866328Abstract: Wave energy conversion systems are provided utilizing a mass of water entrained in a collapsible water mass enclosure that is suspended beneath a float (e.g., a vehicle, buoy, platform, etc.) to provide an inertial force in opposition to the rising heave-induced acceleration of the float. The water mass enclosure is in communication with a generator, such as by tethering one end of a tethering component to the generator and the other to the enclosure. The enclosure may be placed in communication with an intermediary hydraulic system, which is also in communication with the generator. In certain embodiments, the system will include a reel system for deploying and retrieving the water masse enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2012Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Leidos, Inc.Inventors: Steven C. Hench, Charles R. Fralick, Christopher J. Eckert
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Publication number: 20140265340Abstract: A system and method for harnessing power associated with ocean waves and converting that power into electricity. The apparatus houses a vertically oriented central shaft, a pendulum, a generator, and other components that operate to optimize power output of the generator. Various operating parameters may be initially set and later changed to effectuate a restoring force applied to the apparatus against wave motion so that generator output is maximized. The optimum restoring force may vary according to changing environmental conditions. A library of environmental data and associated parameter values, tuning responses, and the like is stored at a central location or local to the apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Neptune Wave Power LLCInventor: Steven C. Hench
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Publication number: 20130154423Abstract: An axial flux alternator may comprise one or more rotors comprising magnets, one or more stators comprising coils, one or more flux augmentation rings comprising a ferrous material, wherein the magnets, coils, and at least a portion of the flux augmentation rings are arranged at a substantially similar radial distance from the common axis, and wherein the rotors are rotatable about the common axis. Another axial flux alternator may comprise one or more flux augmentation rings, magnets configured to travel along a predetermined path, and coils disposed between the flux augmentation ring and the predetermined path, wherein the flux augmentation ring is configured to draw a magnetic flux field from the magnets that crosses the conductive coils thereby creating a voltage potential therein. An axial flux alternator system may comprise one or more rotors, flux augmentation rings, and stators, an input source, and an output load.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2012Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventor: Steven C. Hench
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Patent number: 8461730Abstract: An energy conversion system is described and includes a cylindrical rotor having a mass and multiple magnets affixed on an outer face thereof; a cylindrical stator including a dielectric cylinder wound with copper wire in a predetermined configuration, the cylindrical rotor being placed within the cylindrical stator; and a rotatable shaft for rotating the rotor, the rotatable shaft being placed in the center of the cylindrical rotor. The system harvests environmental energy for lower power generation and accounts for non-mechanical sources of rotational resistance within the generator.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Steven C. Hench, Charles R. Fralick
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Publication number: 20130115086Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine may comprise a plurality of sail members arranged about a substantially vertical axis of rotation, the sail members having first ends converging to and rotatably supported at a substantially single point, and second ends coupled to a base member substantially aligned with the axis of rotation. A vertical axis wind turbine system may comprise a plurality of sail members having first ends converging to a single point along an axis of rotation, second ends coupled with a base member, and a generator configured to convert kinetic energy from the rotating plurality of sail members and the base member into electrical energy. An array of vertical axis wind turbines may comprise a plurality of vertical axis wind turbines arranged in a predetermined configuration and coupled through common support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Inventor: Steven C. Hench
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Publication number: 20110278847Abstract: An energy conversion system is described and includes a cylindrical rotor having a mass and multiple magnets affixed on an outer face thereof; a cylindrical stator including a dielectric cylinder wound with copper wire in a predetermined configuration, the cylindrical rotor being placed within the cylindrical stator; and a rotatable shaft for rotating the rotor, the rotatable shaft being placed in the center of the cylindrical rotor. The system harvests environmental energy for lower power generation and accounts for non-mechanical sources of rotational resistance within the generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventors: Steven C. HENCH, Charles R. Fralick
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Patent number: 8046108Abstract: A system and method for harnessing power associated with ocean waves and converting that power into electricity. The apparatus is a buoy that houses a vertically oriented central shaft, a pendulum, a generator mechanism, and other components that synergistically operate to optimize power output of the buoy. Both the load on the pendulum and the effective length of the pendulum may be varied in response to changing environmental conditions. Also, the buoy may be part of a network that shares environmental data and a series of best tuning responses to that data, across the network. A library of environmental data and associated tuning responses is built at a central location and shared across the network.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2010Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Neptune Wave Power, LLCInventor: Steven C. Hench
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Patent number: 8004104Abstract: A method and apparatus for harnessing power associated with ocean waves and converting that power into electricity. The apparatus is a buoy that houses a vertically oriented central shaft, a pendulum, and a generator. As the buoy tilts from the vertical under the influence of wave motion, the pendulum is accelerated and rotates about the central shaft. A centrally-placed generator is mechanically coupled to, and driven by, the rotating pendulum so that the pendulum's kinetic energy is converted into electricity. The electricity may be stored at or near the buoy or transferred to a remote facility. Moreover, a fin array located along the bottom of the buoy serves as an anti-torque mechanism and improves the operational efficiency of the electricity production. The method involves employing use of the centrally located generator and the fin array to efficiently harness wave power.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2009Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Neptune Wave Power, LLCInventor: Steven C. Hench
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Publication number: 20100228401Abstract: A system and method for harnessing power associated with ocean waves and converting that power into electricity. The apparatus is a buoy that houses a vertically oriented central shaft, a pendulum, a generator mechanism, and other components that synergistically operate to optimize power output of the buoy. Both the load on the pendulum and the effective length of the pendulum may be varied in response to changing environmental conditions. Also, the buoy may be part of a network that shares environmental data and a series of best tuning responses to that data, across the network. A library of environmental data and associated tuning responses is built at a central location and shared across the network.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: Seadyne Energy Systems, LLCInventor: Steven C. Hench
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Patent number: 7737569Abstract: A system and method for harnessing power associated with ocean waves and converting that power into electricity. The apparatus is a buoy that houses a vertically oriented central shaft, a pendulum, a generator mechanism, and other components that synergistically operate to optimize power output of the buoy. Both the load on the pendulum and the effective length of the pendulum may be varied in response to changing environmental conditions. Also, the buoy may be part of a network that shares environmental data and a series of best tuning responses to that data, across the network. A library of environmental data and associated tuning responses is built at a central location and shared across the network.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Seadyne Energy Systems, LLCInventor: Steven C. Hench
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Publication number: 20100102564Abstract: A method and apparatus for harnessing power associated with ocean waves and converting that power into electricity. The apparatus is a buoy that houses a vertically oriented central shaft, a pendulum, and a generator. As the buoy tilts from the vertical under the influence of wave motion, the pendulum is accelerated and rotates about the central shaft. A centrally-placed generator is mechanically coupled to, and driven by, the rotating pendulum so that the pendulum's kinetic energy is converted into electricity. The electricity may be stored at or near the buoy or transferred to a remote facility. Moreover, a fin array located along the bottom of the buoy serves as an anti-torque mechanism and improves the operational efficiency of the electricity production. The method involves employing use of the centrally located generator and the fin array to efficiently harness wave power.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2009Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: Seadyne Energy Systems, LLCInventor: Steven C. Hench
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Patent number: 7629704Abstract: A method and apparatus for harnessing power associated with ocean waves and converting that power into electricity. The apparatus is a buoy that houses a vertically oriented central shaft, a pendulum, and a generator. As the buoy tilts from the vertical under the influence of wave motion, the pendulum is accelerated and rotates about the central shaft. A centrally-placed generator is mechanically coupled to, and driven by, the rotating pendulum so that the pendulum's kinetic energy is converted into electricity. The electricity may be stored at or near the buoy or transferred to a remote facility. Moreover, a fin array located along the bottom of the buoy serves as an anti-torque mechanism and improves the operational efficiency of the electricity production. The method involves employing use of the centrally located generator and the fin array to efficiently harness wave power.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Seadyne Energy Systems, LLCInventor: Steven C. Hench
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Publication number: 20090127856Abstract: A system and method for harnessing power associated with ocean waves and converting that power into electricity. The apparatus is a buoy that houses a vertically oriented central shaft, a pendulum, a generator mechanism, and other components that synergistically operate to optimize power output of the buoy. Both the load on the pendulum and the effective length of the pendulum may be varied in response to changing environmental conditions. Also, the buoy may be part of a network that shares environmental data and a series of best tuning responses to that data, across the network. A library of environmental data and associated tuning responses is built at a central location and shared across the network.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: Seadyne Energy Systems, LLCInventor: Steven C. Hench
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Patent number: 7453165Abstract: A method and apparatus for harnessing power associated with ocean waves and converting that power into electricity. The apparatus is a buoy that houses a vertically oriented central shaft, a pendulum, and a generator. As the buoy tilts from the vertical under the influence of wave motion, the pendulum is accelerated and rotates about the central shaft. A centrally-placed generator is mechanically coupled to, and driven by, the rotating pendulum so that the pendulum's kinetic energy is converted into electricity. The electricity may be stored at or near the buoy or transferred to a remote facility. Moreover, a fin array located along the bottom of the buoy serves as an anti-torque mechanism and improves the operational efficiency of the electricity production. The method involves employing use of the centrally located generator and the fin array to efficiently harness wave power.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Seadyne Energy Systems, LLCInventor: Steven C. Hench
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Publication number: 20080265582Abstract: A method and apparatus for harnessing power associated with ocean waves and converting that power into electricity. The apparatus is a buoy that houses a vertically oriented central shaft, a pendulum, and a generator. As the buoy tilts from the vertical under the influence of wave motion, the pendulum is accelerated and rotates about the central shaft. A centrally-placed generator is mechanically coupled to, and driven by, the rotating pendulum so that the pendulum's kinetic energy is converted into electricity. The electricity may be stored at or near the buoy or transferred to a remote facility. Moreover, a fin array located along the bottom of the buoy serves as an anti-torque mechanism and improves the operational efficiency of the electricity production. The method involves employing use of the centrally located generator and the fin array to efficiently harness wave power.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: Seadyne Energy Systems, LLCInventor: Steven C. Hench
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Publication number: 20080093858Abstract: A method and apparatus for harnessing power associated with ocean waves and converting that power into electricity. The apparatus is a buoy that houses a vertically oriented central shaft, a pendulum, and a generator. As the buoy tilts from the vertical under the influence of wave motion, the pendulum is accelerated and rotates about the central shaft. A centrally-placed generator is mechanically coupled to, and driven by, the rotating pendulum so that the pendulum's kinetic energy is converted into electricity. The electricity may be stored at or near the buoy or transferred to a remote facility. Moreover, a fin array located along the bottom of the buoy serves as an anti-torque mechanism and improves the operational efficiency of the electricity production. The method involves employing use of the centrally located generator and the fin array to efficiently harness wave power.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventor: Steven C. Hench