Patents by Inventor Thomas W. Bein
Thomas W. Bein 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: 10072630Abstract: An ocean wave energy absorbing kite system 200 captures an ocean wave's kinetic energy as a force on a submerged, reciprocating panel 202 that drives the panel back and forth in an oscillating motion. The force applied to the panel is transmitted to a power generator 244 through opposed flexible ropes or lines 214, 224 loaded in tension. Potential energy is captured from the wave as a vertical force when a buoyant volume attached to the energy absorbing panel or kite member 202 rises on a passing ocean wave's peak, and transmits the force through flexible ropes or lines in tension to a power generator. Optionally, the shape of the panel is configurable to limit or restrict absorbed wave energy, thereby preventing damage from larger storm-generated waves.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2017Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Inventor: Thomas W Bein
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Publication number: 20170292493Abstract: An ocean wave energy absorbing kite system 200 captures an ocean wave's kinetic energy as a force on a submerged, reciprocating panel 202 that drives the panel back and forth in an oscillating motion. The force applied to the panel is transmitted to a power generator 244 through opposed flexible ropes or lines 214, 224 loaded in tension. Potential energy is captured from the wave as a vertical force when a buoyant volume attached to the energy absorbing panel or kite member 202 rises on a passing ocean wave's peak, and transmits the force through flexible ropes or lines in tension to a power generator. Optionally, the shape of the panel is configurable to limit or restrict absorbed wave energy, thereby preventing damage from larger storm-generated waves.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2017Publication date: October 12, 2017Inventor: Thomas W. Bein
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Patent number: 9752553Abstract: An ocean wave energy absorbing kite system 200 captures an ocean wave's kinetic energy as a force on a submerged, reciprocating panel 202 that drives the panel back and forth in an oscillating motion. The force applied to the panel is transmitted to a power generator 244 through opposed flexible ropes or lines 214, 224 loaded in tension. Potential energy is captured from the wave as a vertical force when a buoyant volume attached to the energy absorbing panel or kite member 202 rises on a passing ocean wave's peak, and transmits the force through flexible ropes or lines in tension to a power generator. Optionally, the shape of the panel is configurable to limit or restrict absorbed wave energy, thereby preventing damage from larger storm-generated waves.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2016Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Inventor: Thomas W Bein
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Publication number: 20160131101Abstract: An ocean wave energy absorbing kite system 200 captures an ocean wave's kinetic energy as a force on a submerged, reciprocating panel 202 that drives the panel back and forth in an oscillating motion. The force applied to the panel is transmitted to a power generator 244 through opposed flexible ropes or lines 214, 224 loaded in tension. Potential energy is captured from the wave as a vertical force when a buoyant volume attached to the energy absorbing panel or kite member 202 rises on a passing ocean wave's peak, and transmits the force through flexible ropes or lines in tension to a power generator. Optionally, the shape of the panel is configurable to limit or restrict absorbed wave energy, thereby preventing damage from larger storm-generated waves.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2016Publication date: May 12, 2016Inventor: Thomas W. BEIN
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Patent number: 9233733Abstract: Some implementations feature a mast stabilizing device that includes a mast comprising a first portion and a second portion, a sensor coupled to the first portion of the mast, and a pivot structure coupled to the mast. The pivot structure is configured to allow the mast to pivot in the mast stabilizing device. The mast is coupled to the pivot structure so as to pivot along a pivot portion of the mast. The mast stabilizing device also includes a mass coupled to the second portion of the mast. The mass is configured to counteract a force applied to the first portion of the mast. The mast stabilizing device further includes a platform coupled to the pivot structure, the platform configured to operate on a body of water. In some implementations, the pivot structure is a gimbal device.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: MARITIME APPLIED PHYSICS CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas W. Bein, Charles E. Engstrom, Mark S. Rice
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Publication number: 20150033999Abstract: Some implementations feature a mast stabilizing device that includes a mast comprising a first portion and a second portion, a sensor coupled to the first portion of the mast, and a pivot structure coupled to the mast. The pivot structure is configured to allow the mast to pivot in the mast stabilizing device. The mast is coupled to the pivot structure so as to pivot along a pivot portion of the mast. The mast stabilizing device also includes a mass coupled to the second portion of the mast. The mass is configured to counteract a force applied to the first portion of the mast. The mast stabilizing device further includes a platform coupled to the pivot structure, the platform configured to operate on a body of water. In some implementations, the pivot structure is a gimbal device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: MARITIME APPLIED PHYSICS CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas W. Bein, Charles E. Engstrom, Mark S. Rice
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Publication number: 20080141916Abstract: A small watercraft with watertight hull and an area at the rear in close proximity to the waterline that provides a means to mount payloads. Engines powering propellers are installed forward of the payload area and are covered by a water-tight deck with openings for intake air. Ancillary systems to support the engines and electrical components are provided in a conventional manner. A feature of the present invention is that the hull has been modified to permit a tow cable to pass through the hull from a towing winch to a towed body. The present invention moves the reaction from the tow force forward of the craft transom and low in the hull which greatly improves the stability of the small vessel particularly when it is operating in rough water. The present invention is applicable to any size of the hull and any materials that the hull is fabricated from.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventor: Thomas W. Bein
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Publication number: 20040028809Abstract: The present invention relates to porous layers, to a method for the production thereof and to the use of those layers in micro-electronics, in sensors, in catalytic reactions, in separation methods and in optical layers. The layers according to the invention are produced by application of a suspension of porous particles to a substrate by means of spin-coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventors: Thomas W. Bein, Svetlana Ivanova Mintova
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Patent number: 6382912Abstract: A centrifugal compressor or pump has a vaneless diffuser within which a radially extending passage is formed between a fixed plate surface and a profile contoured shroud surface establishing a pinch point location of minimum passage area intermediate inlet and outlet ends of the diffuser passage. Convergent and divergent flow portions of the diffuser passage respectively extend to and from the pinch point to establish continuous convergent flow from the inlet end and divergent flow toward the outlet end for exit outflow at a flow angle less than that of a convergent inflow angle from the inlet end imposed along an initial profile segment.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Yu-Tai Lee, Thomas W. Bein
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Patent number: 5355760Abstract: An improved tambourine which generates additional sounds that supplement the conventional jingle sound using the same playing motion as the conventional tambourine. It is a feature of the invention that the player can adjust the effort required to generate the additional sounds so that the player can turn the additional sounds "on or off" simply by adjusting the playing effort. The invention is applicable to cylindrical as well as non-cylindrical tambourine frames. Implementations are also presented that are applicable to modifying existing tambourine frames to enable them to generate additional sounds to supplement the conventional jingle sound.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1993Date of Patent: October 18, 1994Inventors: Thomas W. Bein, Woodwerth C. Bein, III
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Patent number: 5237903Abstract: A percussive instrument that simulates the sound of rain by imparting fill material against sound generating rods that are located inside a cylindrical shell. The sound is obtained by rotation of the instrument about the axis of a handle held by one hand of a user while the other hand grasps a crank handle to facilitate rotation.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1992Date of Patent: August 24, 1993Inventors: Thomas W. Bein, Woodwerth C. Bein, III
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Patent number: 5082431Abstract: A scavenging system for single screw compressors to remove residual liquid eal from an open combustion chamber prior to controlled liquid seal injection. The removal of residual liquid seal is accomplished by providing at least one gaterotor as a scavenging means. Essentially the gaterotor will act as a scraper having a 1:1 compression ratio.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1986Date of Patent: January 21, 1992Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Thomas W. Bein
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Patent number: 4981424Abstract: A single screw mechanism of the positive displacement rotary type such as a ompressor or expander for varying the pressure of a fluid.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1988Date of Patent: January 1, 1991Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Thomas W. Bein
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Patent number: 4880367Abstract: A single screw compressor for varying the pressure of a fluid characterized in that the alignment of the mainrotor and the gaterotor axes is maintained in the presence of distortion due to temperature and pressure gradients. The structural arrangement permits fabrication of a relatively light weight compressor.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1988Date of Patent: November 14, 1989Inventor: Thomas W. Bein
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Patent number: 4775304Abstract: A scavenging system for single screw compressors to remove residual liquid eal from an open combustion chamber prior to controlled liquid seal injection. The removal of residual liquid seal is accomplished by providing the casing with a scavenging slot which surrounds a portion of the open combustion chamber thereby allowing centrifugal force to radially remove residual liquid seal.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1986Date of Patent: October 4, 1988Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Thomas W. Bein
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Patent number: 4204816Abstract: In a pump having scroll vane impellers, rapid-opening additional discharge orts are formed by slats in the scroll vanes overlapping slats in the opposing end plates, thereby allowing fluids to be pumped without over-pressurization.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1978Date of Patent: May 27, 1980Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Thomas W. Bein
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Patent number: 4178143Abstract: A positive displacement pumping action is obtained from two meshed scroll ne impellers by mounting the two impellers on parallel but offset drive shafts and rotating them synchronously in the same direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1978Date of Patent: December 11, 1979Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: William G. Thelen, Thomas W. Bein