Patents by Inventor William E. MacDonald

William E. MacDonald 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).

  • Patent number: 11920551
    Abstract: A unique point absorber type wave energy conversion device is disclosed that includes a Power Take Off (PTO) which uses a torsion spring to return a vertical shaft to its original position after being rotated by a rope or cord that pulls a reel via a guide system. This spring return allows the PTO and housing to stay stationary under the wave energy while a buoy at the surface provides an oscillating linear movement. The oscillating rotary motion caused by the interaction of the buoy and spring is converted into a one directional motion via a one-way clutch and is transmitted to generators using a gearbox that increases rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Gregory E. Browne, Christopher M. Meninno, William G Michaud, Nicholas D. White, Daniel G. MacDonald, Mehdi Raessi
  • Patent number: 5038419
    Abstract: An openable and closable opening is formed in a pool cover, adjacent to or at the pool cover leading edge, and a mechanism for enabling opening and closing of the cover opening is provided.Upon opening of the cover opening, water, which may accumulate on the pool cover when the cover is extended over the pool, is able to drain through the cover opening into the pool during retraction of the cover.Upon closing of the cover opening, the cover may be smoothly and evenly extended so as to cover, and retracted so as to uncover the pool.A mesh bag depends from the sides of the cover adjacent the cover opening, so as to prevent objects from falling through the opened cover opening into the pool.A foam strip is secured to the mesh bag, so as to enable the section of the cover which includes the opening therein to float if the cover contacts the water in the pool, so as to prevent such water from being scooped onto the cover during retraction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Inventors: Scott H. MacDonald, William E. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 4815152
    Abstract: A mechanism for limiting extension and retraction of the pool cover is provided to prevent overtravel thereof and damage to the cover driving motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Inventors: Scott H. MacDonald, William E. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 4811433
    Abstract: A device for extending and retracting a pool cover, for covering and uncovering a pool.A mechanism for coupling and uncoupling cover driving and driven sections includes a floppy clutch mechanism including a floppy clutch arm, pivotally mounted and operable so as to rotate, pivot, and drop into and out of engagement responsive to rotational and gravitational forces, so as to provide positive coupling and uncoupling for cover operation.The cover driving section includes a cable reel which includes a pair of adjacent sections, to each of which one end of a cable is connected, with the opposite end of such cable connected to the cover leading edge, for enabling efficient extension of the pool cover.A pair of tracks are mounted directly in the sides of the pool, through which tracks the sides of the pool cover extend, and a pair of sliders are directly connected and secured to the cover leading edge, to provide support and guidance for the cover during extension and retraction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Inventors: MacDonald Scott H., William E. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 4686717
    Abstract: A device for extending and retracting a pool cover, for covering and uncovering a pool. A mechanism for coupling and uncoupling cover driving and driven sections includes a floppy clutch mechanism including a floppy clutch arm, pivotally mounted and operable so as to rotate, pivot, and drop into and out of engagement responsive to rotational and gravitational forces, so as to provide positive coupling and uncoupling for cover operation. The cover driving section includes a cable reel which includes a pair of adjacent sections, to each of which one end of a cable is connected, with the opposite end of such cable connected to the cover leading edge, for enabling efficient extension of the pool cover. A pair of tracks are mounted directly in the sides of the pool, through which tracks the sides of the pool cover extend, and a pair of sliders are directly connected and secured to the cover leading edge, to provide support and guidance for the cover during extension and retraction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Inventors: Scott H. MacDonald, William E. MacDonald