Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus and a sheet take-out apparatus that prevents a sheet conveyed by a take-out portion from hanging-down and falling, when the take-out portion is stopped due to an emergency. If a take-out emergency process state occurs during the take-out of sheets, the sheet take-out apparatus stops upward movement of a backup plate, moves down feed stoppers, and presses a sheet bundle from above to prevent the sheet on the uppermost surface from being taken out. The sheet take-out apparatus also keeps a rotor air valve on and takes out the sheet caught in a sheet take-in port. When residual sheets on the backup plate are later detected, the sheet take-out apparatus moves down the position of the backup plate, turns off air valves for the rotor, fixed absorbing unit, and handling, and loads a hanging-down sheet on the backup plate, to prevent the sheet from scattering.

Abstract: A method and system have a media path having moving devices that move a media sheet in a processing direction. At least two elongated sensors within the media path are positioned diagonally relative to the processing direction. The media sheet has two lateral sides, a leading edge, and a trailing edge. A registration controller is operatively connected to the media path and to the elongated sensors. Each of the elongated sensors simultaneously identifies: a location of one of the lateral sides of the media sheet, such that a combination of the elongated sensors simultaneously outputs at least two lateral measures of locations of the lateral sides of the media sheet; and at least one measure leading edge or at least one measure of the trailing edge of the media sheet.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus includes an intermediate stacking portion which temporarily stacks, thereon, a sheet conveyed thereto; a discharge portion which discharges sheet stacked on the intermediate stacking portion; an aligning member which is provided downstream of the discharge portion in a sheet conveying direction and has a sheet holding surface capable of holding the lower surfaces of the sheet and a sheet aligning surface capable of abutting against end portions of the sheet in the widthwise direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction, the aligning member being movable in the widthwise direction; a first stacking portion which is provided below the aligning member and stacks, thereon, a sheet discharged from the discharge portion; and a second stacking portion which is provided above the aligning member and stacks, thereon, a sheet conveyed thereto; wherein a standby position of the aligning member is at a position more inward than the outermost position in the widthwise direction, within

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a sheet conveying device includes: a first roller configured to correct a tilt of a sheet to be conveyed; a first detecting unit located further on an upstream side in a conveying direction of the sheet than the first roller and configured to detect information concerning double-feed of the sheet; a second roller configured to convey the sheet to the first roller; a driving unit configured to drive the second roller; and a controller configured to control the driving unit to thereby temporarily stop the conveyance of the sheet in order to perform the detection by the first detecting unit in a state in which an end of the sheet on a downstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet is located further on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet than a nip position of the first roller.

Abstract: Provided is a unit for preventing abnormal conveyance when unreeling a banknote from a drum. A device for storing and discharging paper/paper-like sheets is provided with first and second reels for winding first and second tapes onto, a drum for winding the first and second tapes onto with a banknote sandwiched between respective conveying surfaces of the first and second tapes, and first and second deflecting rollers disposed facing a banknote inlet-outlet and respectively deflecting the first and second tapes toward the drum. The device takes up, or unwinds, the first and second tapes entrained between the drum and the first and second reels via the first and second deflecting rollers so as to store or discharge the banknote. The device is also provided with a guide having a projection projecting toward the drum.

Abstract: Three-dimensional logic game comprising a solid body (1) that has an axis of symmetry (A), on the surface of which body there are arranged rails (3) that are parallel to said axis, tiles (2) being slidably mounted on said rails, and said solid body being made up of a plurality of segments (1a-1e) that can revolve about said axis so as to allow the positions of the corresponding rail segments to be switched around. A logic game such as this is characterized in that at least one segment (30) of one rail is created on one face of a rotary piece (15), a rotation of which allows the rail segment (30) to be removed from the surface of the solid body by bringing it into a retracted position with the tiles associated with it, and allows an identical rail segment (30?) previously located in said retracted position to be brought onto said surface. Thus, an empty space (25) is formed on the rail to allow the corresponding tiles to be moved.

Abstract: A word clue puzzle based game in which a player shifts horizontal positions of alphabet tiles (left or right) in a 2D surface, or rotates concentric blocks carrying lateral alphabet tiles in a 3D geometry, to find word clues formed by grouping adjacent alphabets in a combination of horizontal, vertical or diagonal direction. Word clues could be words, names, phases or statements. The game could be achieved on paper, on board, with geometrical models, or in electronic and computerized game simulation formats. Complexity of the game could be enhanced by rotating blocks of alphabet tiles overlapping a 2D background of alphabet tiles or by increasing the dimensions of the grid surface to solve for word clues. Alphabets used in the game are not restricted to English only and are applicable to any other language characters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of playing a card game including allowing a player to wager on an outcome of a first hand of cards winning, a second hand of cards winning or no hand of cards winning The method includes dealing the first hand of cards and the second hand of cards. Each the hand of cards has three cards. The method next includes designating the outcome as no hand of cards winning if: the first hand of cards has a group of cards from a pre-selected plurality of groups of cards and the second hand of cards has a group of cards from said pre-selected plurality of groups of cards.

Abstract: A casino poker card game played with a conventional deck of cards that provides each player with three face up cards and the house with three face down cards. Each player creates two two-card hands by selecting one of the three cards to be used in both hands. Three community cards are then exposed as well as the house's three cards. The house selects the two of its three cards that form the highest five-card poker hand and discards the third. The house's five card hand is compared to each player's two five card hands to determine if the player wins, loses, or pushes (i.e.: ties).

Abstract: A casino card game played between a banker and from one to seven players, each wagering against the banker, using at least one deck of fifty two standard poker cards with one joker. The game begins with the players placing an overall wager to cover the whole hand, or wagers on three component hands individually. Six cards are dealt to each player and the banker, with four of the banker's cards dealt face up, exposing them for the players to see. Said six cards are to be split into three component hands. The 1st component hand consists of one card, the 2nd component hand two cards, and the 3rd component hand the remaining three cards. The point value of the 1st component hand must be lower than the point value of the 2nd component hand and the point value of the 2nd component hand must be lower than the point value of the 3rd component hand, or it is a foul hand which is an automatic loser. Certain hands are categorized as “Special Hand” which is an automatic winner.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a game of poker in which player actions are fixed by game rules.

Abstract: A card game and method of play is provided. It includes a plurality of game cards and a multifaceted die having a plurality of characters on the faces of said die. A rule set is also provided. It includes a plurality of rules, one of the rules of being that a player identify an adjective that corresponds with one of the plurality of characters on an upturned face of said multifaceted die.

Abstract: A strategy game is disclosed herein. The game comprises a plurality of playing pieces, a plurality of stopper tiles, and a rule set. The rule set includes a plurality of rules, where a first rule provides that a stopper tile is an edge of a game playing area when placed on a playing pieces.

Abstract: A method of playing a card game is provided. The card game has a center card and a plurality of playing cards. The method includes placing the center card proximate to at least two players, and dealing the playing cards face-down to the players in respective source card piles. The method further includes each of the players placing one of the playing cards from their respective source card pile face-up thereby creating a respective played card stack, one player after another. If two top face-up playing cards in two played card stacks have identical indicia thereon, then having two players associated with the two played card stacks attempt to be a first player to touch the center card. The first player that touches the center card retrieves all of the playing cards on one of the two played card stacks associated with the other player of the two players.

Abstract: A seal assembly having a first seal ring sealed to a rotatable component and a second seal ring sealed to another rotatable component, and the second ring is urged towards the first ring such that sealing faces of the seal rings engage. A process chamber is formed inside the seal rings and opens to an outside the seal rings, and a barrier chamber outside of the seal rings opens to inside the seal rings. A shroud shields the external surface of the seal rings from process fluid in the process chamber such that heat transfer from the process fluid to the seal rings occurs at outer regions of the seal rings adjacent the sealing faces, and a sleeve is secured inside the seal rings such that heat transfer between the seal rings and barrier fluid in the barrier chamber occurs at radially extending surfaces of the seal rings adjacent the sealing faces.

Abstract: A radial seal is described for use in a filtration system having annular elements. The rings or annuli fit in a groove in an outer surface of a seal plate. Each annulus has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of a cylindrical housing of the filtration system. A gap in the annulus has a width selected to enable the annular element to deform sufficiently to permit insertion of the at least one annulus into the cylindrical housing. Two or more annuli can be configured such that the gaps of the annuli are misaligned when both annuli are installed in the groove, thereby minimizing leakage in operation. A registration system includes a registration element that cooperates with a registration element of the other annulus to ensure misalignment of the gaps of the pair of annuli.

Abstract: A metal gasket includes an outer ring that is formed in a substantially C-shaped cross-section having an opening in a circumferential direction and an inner ring that is disposed inside the outer ring, wherein the inner ring is configured in a polygonal shape of a cross section, and a pair of corner portions opposing to each other in the inner ring are disposed on inner circumferential faces on the both sides of the opening in the outer ring.

Abstract: A rough terrain vehicle including an elongated main frame for supporting a self-contained v-haul body; first and second forwardly-extending frame arms located on opposite sides of the main frame; third and fourth rearwardly-extending frame arms located on opposite sides of the main frame, each arm having a wheel mounted thereon. Also included are first and second cross members pivotably connected to the arms configured to enable the main frame and the frame arms to pivot about a lengthwise axis of the main frame. First and second length-adjustable member operatively connected to the first frame arm and the third frame arm and the second frame arm and the fourth frame arm, respectively; selective movement of each length-adjustable member causing the associated arm to move up or down; and a level detector for producing and applying leveling signals to each of the length-adjustable members to maintain the elongated main frame in a relatively level orientation when the vehicle encounters uneven terrain.

Abstract: A backrest reclining mechanism is applied to a stroller. The backrest reclining mechanism includes a fabric, at least one pulley, at least one cable, and an adjusting device. The fabric is disposed around a backrest of the stroller. Two ends of the fabric are connected to two sides of a main body of the stroller respectively. The pulley is rotatably disposed on the backrest. The cable is wound around the pulley. A first end of the cable extends within the fabric to be connected to the main body. The adjusting device is movably disposed on the backrest and connected to a second end of the cable. The adjusting device is used for changing a length of the cable between the first end and the pulley when moving, so as to adjust a reclining angle of the backrest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transport system (1) comprising a trolley (5) and a goods carrier (100), which can be detachably connected to each other via a coupling (65, 154). A remarkable characteristic of the transport system (1) is a platform (11), which extends over all parts (5, 100) of the transport system (1) and coincides with a platform (13) of the trolley (5) so that as a result both a delimiting connecting member (15) is provided between individual parts (67, 69) of the trolley (5) and also individual goods can be disposed on the goods carrier (100).

Abstract: A human powered vehicle having a mechanism to run the vehicle by applying the operator's weight on at least one pedal in a reciprocating manner. The pedal moves a cranking body, which unwinds a drum. The drum is attached to at least one wheel by a directional freewheel clutch. The vehicle can also be simultaneously powered by a motor, whereas the motor takes over only when the vehicle reaches a certain speed, and automatically disengages when the vehicle slows down below a certain speed. Both the human powered and motor mechanism can operate independently without rotating any part of the other.

Abstract: Vehicle suspension having arms (6) and (7) for each wheel (14) and (15) respectively, each arm (6) having more than one sprung strut (18) and (19) of which two such struts each operates exclusively between two different arms. Each arm's rotational axis (28) and (38) respectively intersects a vertical longitudinal plane through the centre of road contact with the wheel at a point (45) and (46) respectively on a straight lines (47) and (48) respectively between the centre of contact with the road and a point at or near the anticipated centre of gravity (49) of the suspended mass projected onto the plane. Preferably, the vehicle transmission avoids applying a moment about the arm's rotation axis, braking is attached to the arm and steering linkage is passed through or near the arm's axis of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a storage element and bicycle frame that work in conjunction with each other. The present invention to makes both the frame and storage element as aerodynamic as possible when the storage element is attached to the frame. The storage element is designed to function as an integral aerodynamic element of the frame.

Abstract: An extended crank system for a bicycle or similar crank driven system has frame with a bottom bracket and a pair of cranks operatively connected to opposite ends of the bottom bracket. A chain ring is operatively connected to one of the cranks. A crank hub is rotatably connected to each of the cranks and extends away from and is substantially parallel to the bottom bracket. A pair of crank extensions is connected to the crank hub, and a pair of crank extension hubs is connected to the pair of crank extensions. Additionally, a pair of crank followers is pivotably connected to opposite ends of the crank extension hubs at respective first ends of the crank followers, as well as pivotably connected to opposite ends of a top bracket mounted to the frame above the chain ring and behind the seat post, at respective second ends of the crank followers.

Abstract: An adjustable bicycle suspension system includes a first stroke adjustment unit and a second stroke adjustment unit. The first stroke adjustment unit is configured to adjust a stroke of a suspension by changing a position of the suspension at a first position or a second position. The second stroke adjustment unit is configured to change the position of the suspension at the second position independently from the first position.

Abstract: A towing apparatus connected to a towing vehicle for connecting farm machinery having an off center hitch to be aligned with the towing vehicle having a first member connected to the towing vehicle and a second member connected to the first member and to the hitch on the farm machinery being towed. The first and second members position the farm machinery to be in alignment with the towing vehicle by compensating for the position of the off set hitch on the farm machinery relative to the center of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: Improvements in a trailer hitching and tracking steering system are disclosed include a new style RV or wagon style RV that includes an extendable, variable position tow bar that accommodates misalignment of a tow vehicle. The tow bar can be rotated for storage within the RV wagon. Further improvements include a wheel steering mechanism to improve tracking of a towed vehicle using a bi-directional caster front suspension for steering a wagon style RV in both a forward and reverse direction. The caster of the front wheels is automatically re-directed depending upon the direction of travel of the RV. The suspension system includes a steerable rear suspension that minimizes the amount the back wheels will cut the comer when turning. The improvements also include the use of visible light beams to guide a tow vehicle backing up to an RV to be correctly positioned for hitching without assistance.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a baby stroller foldable joint, comprising: a joint mechanism, having a top frame joint, a bottom frame joint and a rear wheel frame joint connecting to the top frame, the bottom frame and the rear wheel frame respectively, where the frame joints each is provided with a breach at its rim, and the breaches are aligned with one another, and having a gear set in its interior; and a control mechanism, having a slider flexible to move back and forth, driving the other flexible block through a linkage, for the purpose of clasping or separating the breaches of the frame joints, to accomplish the expansion or folding of the frame; by means of the aforesaid combination, the expansion or folding of the frames can be simultaneous and accomplished at one go, where the expansion can even be locked automatically, to make the manipulation handy and swift.

Abstract: A stroller is connectable with a car seat, and includes a frame, and a stroller seat disposed on the frame. The stroller further includes a pair of opposing connecting rods mounted on the frame for supporting the stroller seat. The stroller seat is convertible between an upright position whereat the stroller seat is substantially vertical and connectable with the car seat, and a horizontal position whereat the stroller seat is substantially horizontal and adapted to be seated. The stroller seat includes a support frame operable to extend beyond and rise above the stroller seat to engage the car seat in the upright position, and operable to be moved to be lower than the stroller seat in the horizontal position.

Abstract: A fixture for a motor vehicle includes an airbag outlet flap in an airbag outlet region. In the region of the airbag outlet flap, at least one breaking point region is provided, along with at least one joint region. An airbag module is included that itself includes an airbag. A guide element is included such that, when the airbag is deployed, force is applied by the airbag on the guide element, force is applied to the airbag outlet flap.

Abstract: An upper bracket for mounting a column to a vehicle body includes a column support portion which is press-fitted on an outer periphery of the column through axial press-fitting action with a predetermined interference between the column and the column support portion. Hence, the column is in relative press-fit relation to the bracket and is normally in pressure contact with the column support portion. Therefore, if a secondary collision exerts an impact force on the column pushing the column in the axial direction, the column is moved as generating strong friction with the column support portion. Accordingly, the impact energy of the secondary collision is attenuated by the friction. Thus, a shock absorbing steering apparatus featuring a simple structure ensuring a stable operation can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a ski pole. More specifically, the invention is directed to an aerodynamically favorable ski pole, which is designed to allow glue less or adhesive less directionally controllable fixation of replaceable means for limiting the sinking of the ski pole into ground surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a solution for releasably attaching and fastening an end piece to a pole such as a ski pole suited for cross country skiing, downhill skiing roller skiing or walking. The end piece may be a basket providing a thrust bearing surface on snow or it may be an end piece with a sharp point for use in walking or roller skiing.

Abstract: An identification document has a substrate and a laminating film bonded to the substrate. The surface of the substrate facing the laminating film bears first text, numeric and/or image data detectable with the naked eye at least when illuminated by daylight and a first zone with a fluorescent substance. Under excitation with light in a specific wavelength range the substance fluoresces in colour in a manner detectable with the naked eye. The laminating film has a second zone which bears second text, numeric and/or image data. The first zone of the surface of the substrate and the second zone of the laminating film overlap one another at least partially.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling having two or more elements for providing a conduit. The coupling provides high retention of conduit elements with minimum size magnetic components, while also providing for intentional detachment of the magnetically coupled elements. The coupling is configured to facilitate detachment with applied loads that are substantially less than operational retention force (i.e., breakaway force) of the magnetically coupled elements. The magnetic coupling device includes a connecting male element and a female element and at least one internal conduit integral to at least one of the connecting male and female elements. Magnetic attraction is accomplished via a magnetic circuit where the magnetic circuit includes ferromagnetic material and at least one permanent magnet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus which forms a sealed joint between two pipes, particularly but not limited to roofing drain pipes. This apparatus includes a cylindrical body made of rubber or similar material that grips and seals two pipes when it is axially compressed by two halves of an articulated housing as they move towards each other. The two half bodies of the articulated housing are connected together by means of integrated threads such that when one body is rotated in one direction, the bodies move towards each other, thereby reducing the overall length of the housing, and compressing/deforming the rubber seal. The housing also provides a means of rotating/tightening the apparatus by providing a mating head for an appropriately shaped tightening tool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pipe joint cover (c) that covers a joint (U) of a high-pressure fuel pipe (61) of an engine, wherein one end of a cylindrical cover part (12A, 12B) is blocked by a blocking part (22A, 22B) having a pipe insertion hole (23). The blocking part (22A, 22B) has a seal part (26) where the inner circumference that forms the pipe insertion hole (23) closely contacts the outer periphery of the high-pressure fuel pipe (61), and a receiving chamber (31) positioned on the outer side of the seal part (26), the bottom of which opens up to receive fuel that is sprayed from the joint (U). The bottom edge of the outer wall (28) of the reception chamber that forms the reception chamber (31) contacts the upper surface of the mounting nut (71) that constitutes the joint (U). Such a pipe joint cover can be easily installed, and can ensure that ejected fuel is prevented from being dispersed to the surroundings.

Abstract: A tubular connection includes a pin member having external wedge threads configured to engage a box member having corresponding internal wedge threads, and a solid lubricant coating applied on at least one of the internal and external wedge threads wherein the solid lubricant coating comprises a first uniform layer of a dry corrosion inhibiting coating made of an epoxy resin containing particles of zinc and a second uniform layer of a dry lubricant coating covering the first uniform layer.

Abstract: A conduit coupling system, sealing device, bell and method of use are disclosed herein. The system comprises at least two piping components, and a sealing device. A first component has a bell and a second component has a spigot, the spigot is adapted to mate with the bell. The bell comprises a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first component. The bell has a concave annular inner surface and a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the first end of the bell is greater than a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the second end of the bell. The sealing device comprises a locking segment comprising a convex outer surface and a K-type gasket coupled to a locking segment or a non-restraining anti-extrusion segment. The sealing device is adapted to fit between the bell and the spigot.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a dialysate port of a dialyzer with a dialysate-carrying line and a dialyzer. The connector has a recess with a shift element on the end which accommodates the dialyzer port. The shift element is accommodated in the recess and is displaceable between a first position and a second position perpendicular to the direction of the lumen on the first end. The shift element does not pass through the lumen in the first position. In the second position, the lumen is constricted so that the connector with the shift element can be placed on the dialysate port and the connector locked on the dialysate port by means of an undercut thereon.

Abstract: A fitting for a corrugated flexible hose, of a type comprising two half-shells coupled at their respective end portions, characterized in that said half-shells comprise an inner surface including a plurality of ribs each adapted to engage in a helical groove formed on an outer surface of said corrugated flexible hose.

Abstract: A telescopic pipe structure for a marine light includes a telescopic pipe and a positioning device. The telescopic pipe includes a second pipe and a fixed pipe. The positioning device is used to control the telescopic pipe in a fixed status or in an adjustable status. The positioning device includes a rotatable lid, a resilient sleeve, and a metallic ring. When the rotatable lid is turned clockwise or counterclockwise, the metallic ring will be pushed by the top of the fixed tube or returned to its original position by the resilient sleeve for controlling the engagement or disengagement of an contracted opening of the resilient sleeve and the second pipe so as to change the telescopic pipe in a fixed status or in an adjustable status.

Abstract: A screw coupling between two bodies, one having an external screw thread and another having an internal screw thread complementary thereto, which screw threads are superimposed onto two base surfaces monotonously narrowing and widening respectively in the direction of a central axis, the longitudinal section of each of these screw threads relative to the central axis being a periodic univalent function which is continuous at least at the inflection points. The screw coupling has the following features: the first and second derivatives of the longitudinal section of each screw thread along the base surface is a continuous function; the second derivative of the longitudinal section of each screw thread relative to the central axis is a continuous function at least in the region of the inflection points; and the screw threads are in mutual contact over a substantial surface area differing from line contact.

Abstract: A threaded joint for pipes includes a pin member and a box member, the pin member having an external thread configured to correspond to an internal thread of the box member, a thread form of the internal and external threads having generally dovetail-shaped profile with stab flanks and load flanks and flat roots and crests, wherein the internal threads are increasing in width in one direction on the box and the external threads are increasing in width in the other direction on the pin, so the roots, crests, and flanks of the threads move together and form seals that resist the flow of fluids between the seals.

Abstract: A self-restrained pipe joint system and method of assembly to connect two lengths of pipe in a mechanical joint, which maximizes the advantages of both restrained push-on joints as well as mechanical joints, as are known commonly in the art. The invention has application to long-run pipe lengths as well as to appurtenances, including fittings and connections. The gasket contains locking members that act to restrain separation upon the instance of any force tending to separate the connected pipe lengths.

Abstract: A method of controlling a wind turbine, where a control signal for a controllable parameter of the wind turbine is determined, and the rotor power coefficient, the torque coefficient, and/or a thrust coefficient of the wind turbine are estimated at time intervals. From this is determined a variation parameter reflecting the variation of the estimated rotor power, torque or thrust coefficient over time. The wind turbine is then controlled according to the control signal only if the variation parameter is below an alert threshold, and otherwise according to a modified control strategy. The control signal may have a power or torque reference signal for controlling the rotational speed of the turbine or a blade pitch reference signal. The modified control method may for instance entail stopping or de-rating the wind turbine. A control system configured to perform the above control method, and a wind turbine comprising such system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An object is to provide an off-shore wind turbine generator capable of obtaining accurate information about the situation of a wind turbine itself, surrounding weather conditions, and the like. The off-shore wind turbine generator of the present invention generates power by driving a generator mechanism through the rotation of a rotor head to which wind turbine blades are attached and includes a monitoring apparatus for monitoring the wind turbine generator itself and its surrounding circumstances.

Abstract: A system that stabilizes or supplements the variable power output from an external energy source by producing power from aluminum alloys. The aluminum alloy produces hydrogen from water, and also releases heat. During this process, the aluminum alloy is oxidized to alumina mixture, which can be recycled in a smelting unit to regenerate the aluminum alloy. The aluminum alloy can be easily transported in existing transportation system to different locations. The system produces electricity on-demand using portions of the existing power generation and transportation systems with minimal carbon footprint/emission.

Abstract: A wave energy converter (WEC) includes a float tending to move in phase with the waves, a spar tending to move out of phase with the float and power take off device (PTO) coupled between the float and spar for converting their relative motion into useful energy. The PTO includes a rack and pinion mechanism which drives a high-torque, multi-pole, permanent magnet generator (PMG) to produce electrical signals of relatively high frequency relative to the frequency of the waves and the basic motion of the rack and pinion mechanism. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the rack and pinion mechanism may be located within the spar which may be hermetically sealed by a sealing mechanism which allows a thrust rod coupled between the float and spar to move up and down with little friction to ensure efficient operation. In addition, a braking arrangement is provided for inhibiting relative motion between the float and spar during extreme severe wave conditions.

Abstract: A device and method for harvesting electrical power from kinetic energy of a flow. The converter includes a generating cell comprising an appropriate vibration assembly and magnetic field source. The external gas or liquid flow causes a vibration of the assembly with integrated conductive element, producing electricity in proximity of a magnetic field. The vibrating assembly has a set of resonant frequencies that correspond to a set of the frequencies of the flow vortices within a predetermined range of the flow velocities. An arbitrary number of adjustable generating cells can be connected into a single circuit, either in-series or in-parallel, to increase an overall power output. The disclosure is capable to operate under wide range of flow characteristics and can serve as a virtually maintenance-free source of electrical power.