Patents by Inventor William G Michaud

William G Michaud 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).

  • Oscillating tension wave energy converter
    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
  • OSCILLATING TENSION WAVE ENERGY CONVERTER
    Publication number: 20230220824
    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: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Gregory Browne, Christopher M. Meninno, William G Michaud, Nicholas D. White, Daniel G. MacDonald, Mehdi Raessi