With Means To Vary Buoyancy Of Working Member Patents (Class 60/496)
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Publication number: 20120285544Abstract: Method for maneuvering a buoyant body of a wave power converter having a mechanical-electric, mechanical-hydraulic or piezo-electric energy converter which is arranged in the sea under the buoyant body, the buoyant body and wave power converter being connected by a wire, and which buoyant body is provided with at least one ballast tank for controlling the buoyancy of the buoyant body, where the method includes, by means of measuring equipment acquiring information regarding wire tension, filling level/pressure in the ballast tank and stroke of the energy converter, and controlling the buoyancy of the buoyant body by supplying/discharging water/air to/from the ballast tank while at the same time adjusting the tension of the wire by operating a winch arranged in the buoyant body. The invention also relates to a wave power plant for executing the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2010Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventors: Tov Westby, Asbjorn Skotte
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Publication number: 20120247096Abstract: A wave energy converter (WEC) having an asymmetrically shaped float and a spar which move relative to each other in response to the waves. The asymmetrical float has one side longer than the other. A power take off device (PTO) is coupled between the asymmetric float and the spar for converting their relative motion into useful power. Apparatus is coupled to the WEC for: (a) orienting and rotating the longer side of the float to face and receive oncoming waves to increase energy capture when the waves have an amplitude below a predetermined value for improving the power generation of the WEC; and (b) rotating the float to orient the narrower side of the float to face and receive the incoming waves when the waves have an amplitude above a predetermined value, so as to reduce the forces to which the WEC is subjected. There is no known WEC system with an asymmetrical float which is raised and lowered by the waves.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: James S. Gerber, George W. Taylor
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Patent number: 8266904Abstract: An energy output device that harnesses the buoyant effect produced as air rises through a plurality of finned cylinder wheels submerged in a volume of water. The finned cylinder wheels are positioned along a vertical axis above the point at which air enters into the water. The finned cylinder wheels contain a set of fins that trap the rising air so that the buoyant effect created combined with fluid gravitational farce causes the finned cylinder wheels to rotate. A plurality of intermediary gear assemblies are alternately positioned with the finned cylinder wheels linking the vertically aligned components together. The simultaneous rotation is ultimately transferred to a torque output axle gear assembly located above the alternating finned cylinder wheels and intermediary gear assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Inventor: Brent Allen Brumfield
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Publication number: 20120198833Abstract: One example embodiment includes a gravity and buoyancy engine. The gravity and buoyancy engine includes a ball drop, wherein the ball drop is configured to release a ball to fall under the force of gravity. The gravity and buoyancy engine also includes an energy converter, wherein the energy convertor is configured to convert the energy of the falling body into energy that can be output from the gravity and buoyancy engine. The gravity and buoyancy engine further includes a ball reset, wherein the ball reset is configured to lift the ball to the initial release point.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventor: Kent Francis
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Patent number: 8225605Abstract: A shaft has a horizontal primary axis of rotation and a plurality of offset secondary portions. A bladder is coupled to each secondary portion. Each bladder has an upper end, a lower end and an interior. A positive pressure source and a negative pressure source are provided. Positive tubes couple the positive pressure source with the interior of each bladder for inflation. Negative tubes operatively couple the negative pressure source with the interior of each bladder for deflation. A control assembly is provided. The control assembly sequentially inflates each bladder when rotating upwardly and sequentially deflates each bladder when rotating downwardly. A quantity of water submerges the bladders during their movement.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Inventor: Jack R. Harper
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Publication number: 20120167562Abstract: A mass displacement drive has at least two corresponding arms and a chamber located at a distal end of each arm, each chamber having a piston moveable therein. A fluid, which may be a gas such as air, enters and exits the chambers at defined intervals to change the buoyancy of the chambers with respect to each other, generating a mass displacement torque to move the arms about the axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2010Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventor: Peter John Carter
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Publication number: 20120131914Abstract: A system for generating power is described. The system comprises a gas compressor, a reservoir for storing compressed gas and an apparatus adapted to be located within a body of a liquid. The apparatus comprises at least one chamber in fluid communication with the compressed gas reservoir and an output device. In use, a compressed gas is supplied to the/each chamber from the reservoir, the buoyancy of the gas applying an upward force to a portion of the chamber, the upward force moving at least a portion of the chamber from a first position to a second position, the movement of the at least a portion of the chamber adapted to drive the output device to provide a continuous apparatus output. In at least one embodiment of the invention, heat is extracted from the compressed gas for utilisation in local heating systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2010Publication date: May 31, 2012Inventors: Mark Gibson, Kennedy Ferguson, Donald Briggs
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Patent number: 8171729Abstract: A mechanical output generating assembly including housing having a fluid filled interior and defining a passageway through which travels a buoyant article. A reload mechanism is secured to the housing for successively introducing a plurality of buoyant article into a bottom feed location associated with the housing. The buoyant articles exert a lift generating force to drive a power take off component incorporated into the housing. A re-supply mechanism is provided for transferring buoyant articles from an upper exit location of the housing to the reload mechanism for subsequent re-introduction into the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Inventor: Robert E. O'Briant
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Patent number: 8166760Abstract: A system includes at least one body, a link for suspending the body for movement with gravity from a first elevation position to a second elevation position, and an electrical energy generator coupled with the body through the link to drive the generator to generate electricity upon movement of the body with gravity from the first to the second elevation position. The at least one body has a mass of at least approximately 100 tonnes; the first and the second elevation positions define a distance therebetween of at least approximately 200 meters; and/or the system further includes an operator configured to operate the link to controllably move the at least one body against gravity from the second to the first elevation position to increase a gravitational potential energy of the at least one body, and to maintain the gravitational potential energy of the at least one body.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Launchpoint Technologies, Inc.Inventor: O. James Fiske
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Patent number: 8151565Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of buoyancy force as a prime mover that converts the potential energy of a compressed gas transmitted to a buoy device within a liquid into rotating mechanical energy which is mechanically connected to a electric generator, wherein said prime mover comprises a shaft and several extended arms with a buoy device at each distal end to generate the rotational motion at the electric generator.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Inventors: Luis Manuel Carrion-Torres, Carlos Alberto Carrion-Torres
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Patent number: 8146362Abstract: An Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) system comprising a self-contained submersible OTEC plant is disclosed. The OTEC plant comprises a electrical generation system and a thermal mass whose temperature is based on the temperature of water at a first depth of a body of water. The OTEC plant is moved to a second depth of the body of water, wherein water at the second depth is a different temperature that the water at the first depth. The OTEC system generates electrical energy based on a difference in the temperatures of the water at the second depth and the temperature of the thermal mass. The OTEC system is able to generate electrical energy at either of the first depth and the second depth.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2008Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Robert James Howard, Nicholas J. Nagurny, Laurie E. Meyer, John W. Rapp
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Publication number: 20120060490Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing hydraulic power to a turbine generator. A neutrally buoyant wheel having radially opposed first and second containment chambers is suspended in a reservoir containing a liquid. One chamber is filled with the liquid and the wheel rotated so that the chamber containing the liquid is in an uppermost position, which due to the configuration of the wheel results in the chamber that does not contain liquid being in a lowermost position. The uppermost chamber is coupled to an input port of the hydraulic turbine, the lowermost chamber coupled to an output port of the hydraulic turbine, and the liquid allowed to flow from the uppermost chamber to the lowermost chamber through the hydraulic turbine. After the liquid has drained from the uppermost chamber and filled the lowermost chamber, the wheel is rotated 180 degrees and the process repeated.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventor: John A. Abdalla
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Publication number: 20120060489Abstract: Systems and methods for generating, converting, and/or storing power under the ground level are disclosed. A well buoyancy power system includes a well adapted to hold a liquid and sealed to hold a pressurize gas, a buoyancy engine that can be a conveyor buoyancy engine or an elevator buoyancy engine, a generator coupled to the buoyancy engine, and an air mover located in the bottom air chamber to transmit the pressurized gas into the liquid at the lower part of the well to drive the buoyancy engine. The system may not be sealed and pressurized for cheaper storage of air when not reused. Because the system utilizes underground space, it is safe, low or no noise, non-polluting, and aesthetically neutral for deployment near where power is to be used such as population centers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventor: Joseph Rizzi
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Patent number: 8132406Abstract: A tide activated power system has a plurality of horizontally oriented cylinders that each have a pair of chambers. The cylinders are carried on float/weight barges that are located in a lagoon. A plurality of float/weight barges each have at least two cylinders in series. Each cylinder has a chamber holding a piston movable in the chamber defining a pair of variable size chambers: a flood variable size chamber and an ebb variable size chamber. As the float/weight barge rises and falls on the tide in the lagoon, the variable size chambers vary in size and force a working fluid to a turbine generator to create electrical energy. The piston of each of the multiple cylinders of the multiple barges forces combined to move the working fluid above the turbine generator where the flow drives the turbine generator prior to returning to the cylinder. In alternative embodiments, other mechanisms convert the energy from the rising and falling of the flow/weight barges to a non-uniform motion in one direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Inventor: Randall Thompson, Jr.
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Patent number: 8134245Abstract: A device for generating substantially vertically-reciprocating motion uses a plurality of chambers in substantial vertical alignment. Each chamber has an air pocket and a buoyant member which floats at the air/water interface, and such air pockets expand and contract upon receipt of additional amounts of air from below and release of some of the air, usually to a chamber above. As the air pockets expand and contract, the interfaces are raised and lowered, and the buoyant elements are raised and lowered with the interfaces. A method uses such device to generate such reciprocating motion, which optionally may be used to drive electric generators.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2009Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Inventor: Michael J. Rangel
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Patent number: 8123579Abstract: For protecting surface floating wave energy converters (WEC's) against surface turbulence, the WEC's are removed from the water surface. For reducing the force required, the WEC's include a hollow member having an apertured outer wall. In the case where the WEC is to be lifted out of the water, the hollow member is normally submerged and full of water, and, during its lifting, water drains through the wall apertures thereby reducing the weight of the member and reducing the force required to lift it. In the case where the WEC is to be submerged, the hollow member is normally empty of water but fills with water through the wall apertures as the member is pulled beneath the surface. The weight of the water reduces the force required to submerge the member.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2006Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Ocean Power Technologies, Inc.Inventor: James S. Gerber
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Patent number: 8112992Abstract: This is an energy or electricity generation process or system that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy comprised of a design using gas or air, liquid or water and solids in high, rectangular and sealed chambers where specially designed mainly solid, spherical, buoyant bodies, objects or devices circulate up and down using the full potential of gravity to drop down, activate a mechanism to initiate an alternator in one chamber and then employ the process and power of buoyancy in water in another chamber to lift back up to it's original point at the top to start all over again circulating continuously wherefore supplying energy continuously.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Inventor: Jay Pirincci
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Patent number: 8024927Abstract: An apparatus comprising the use of at least two or more vertically disposed tubular structures with each tube filled with water, and having a nozzle-like conduit at one end. Inside each tube is a sealed cylinder or float for containing either gas or water. When gas is introduced into the float positioned at the bottom of the tube, the float begins to ascend inside the tube causing the water advancing ahead of the rising float to become increasingly more pressurized due to the buoyancy effect. Maximum or near maximum pressure levels are reached when the water advancing ahead of the rising float reaches the top of the tube and is forced through the narrow conduit and the interconnected flow line. At the top, the gas in the float is replaced with water compelling the float to sink to or near the bottom of the tube where the water is replaced with gas, and the process is repeated.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2011Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Inventors: S. Massoud Azizi, Kourosh Kia Azizi
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Patent number: 8015807Abstract: A sphere circulating apparatus capable of extracting a falling motion energy of a plurality of spheres circulating with repeatedly falling and rising within the apparatus, in which each sphere falls in a falling chamber, dives into liquid at a second liquid surface formed at a lower end of the falling chamber and rises in a rising chamber by the buoyancy force while pushing upward-opening check valves open one after another; each sphere then rises up to a first liquid surface formed at an upper end aperture of the rising chamber and pushes another sphere at the upper end aperture out from the first liquid surface; each sphere pushed out further shifts to an upper end aperture of the falling chamber and falls in the falling chamber toward the second liquid surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2011Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Inventor: Ichiro Akutsu
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Patent number: 8011182Abstract: A power generator utilizing gases and the gravitational force as efficiently as the buoyant force which act on an apparatus in a natural or man-made liquid medium and convert such forces into mechanical energy. The power generator includes methods for a plurality of weighted uniquely configured variable density containers which ascend and descend in a primarily vertical plane and which drive one or more chains, belts or conveyances with rotating sprockets or pulleys on horizontally aligned shafts in primarily a vertical arrangement upon such apparatus. The chains, belts or conveyances driven by the movement of the containers rotate the sprockets or pulleys (FIG. 1) and their associated shafts in both the ascending and descending motion creating mechanical power. Such power can be used to turn electrical generators or other mechanical machines which necessitate such power input.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Inventor: Douglas Reynolds Hastings
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Patent number: 8006493Abstract: A method is invented for converting heat in a liquid to power and generating thermal difference of the heat source liquid between the inlet and the outlet of a machine. The heat source liquid (8) is drawn to the lower right side of the cylinder (1) through the inlet (5). The heat in the heat source liquid (8) boils the working liquid (2) at the right side of the cylinder (1). The vapor from the boiling creates pressure to push working liquid (2) to the left of the cylinder (1) and to compress the vapor at the left side back to working liquid. The buoyant force on the right and the gravitational force on the left of the cylinder (1) rotate the cylinder (1) to produce power. As heat is transferring to the cylinder (1), the temperature of the heat source liquid (8) is lower at the outlet (4).Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Inventors: Huy Hai Dinh, Phi Nguyet Bui, AnhQuan Hoang Dinh
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Patent number: 7971436Abstract: A rotary steam engine of a simple constitution capable of efficiently obtaining mechanical energy not only from a heat source of a high temperature but also from various heat sources in a low-temperature state such as the exhaust heat of an internal combustion engine. The engine has a rotor 1 having a plurality of displacement chambers 11 provided in a sealed container 2 which is filled with a liquid. A steam-generating portion 4 is arranged under the rotor 1 and where the liquid vaporizes being heated by the exhaust heat of an internal combustion engine. The vaporized stem is jetted from a flow-out passage 42 toward the displacement chambers 11 of the rotor 1. The steam stays in the displacement chambers 11 and, therefore, buoyancy acts onto the displacement chambers 11 on one side of the rotor 1. The rotor 1 rotates to produce the rotational energy.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2006Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Isuzu Motors LimitedInventor: Yasushi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7969033Abstract: A device for the generation of energy and in particular electrical energy includes a cell or chamber which moves upwardly and downwardly in a body of water. Cog wheels are connected to the cell. The cog wheels are connected to the shafts of generators. Rotation of the cog wheels operates the generators which produce energy. The cog wheels engage anchor chains or vertical supports. One end of each anchor chain is secured to an anchor located at the bottom of the body of water. The other end of the anchor chain is secured to a float which floats at or near the surface of the body of water. The up and down movement of the cell causes the cog wheels to move upwardly and downwardly along the anchor chains and thereby rotate. This rotation drives the energy generator and generates energy, preferably electricity. The cog wheels are permitted to rotate upon the receipt of a request for energy. This results in a highly efficient source of energy or electricity.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Inventor: James Ryan
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Patent number: 7958726Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and associated methods for generating energy by capturing and taking benefit of the energy generated by any quantity of air surfacing inside water. In exemplary embodiments, the apparatus comprises compressing a lower density gas in a liquid medium, allowing the gas to naturally rise to the surface of the liquid medium and then capturing the energy generated by the surfacing gas. An apparatus and method is disclosed to provide a low energy technique to compress air into water. In exemplary embodiments, air is introduced into water by simultaneously providing a low pressure area in the liquid medium and compressing the air into the low pressure area. By compressing the air into water in low pressure areas, the energy required to compress the air is greatly reduced. The amount of energy generated by the rising air is less than the amount of energy required to compress air underneath the water.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Inventor: Renato Bastos Ribeiro
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Publication number: 20110083430Abstract: An engine for converting thermal energy to kinetic energy is provided. The engine includes a body of fluid having a first zone and a second zone, a thermal energy source thermally connected to the first zone for providing thermal energy thereto, and a thermal energy sink thermally connected to the second zone for removing thermal energy therefrom such that the first zone has a temperature greater than the second zone. The engine further includes a movable loop, which extends between the first zone and the second zone, and a plurality of containers which are positioned in the body of fluid and attached to the loop such that the loop and the containers move conjointly between the first zone and the second zone. Each of the containers expands to a first volume when it is in one of the first and second zones, and contracts to a second volume when it is in the other one of the first and second zones.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventor: SEONG WOONG KIM
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Patent number: 7913493Abstract: A steam engine of a simple constitution capable of efficiently obtaining mechanical energy not only from a heat source of a high temperature but also from various heat sources in a low-temperature state such as the exhaust heat of an internal combustion engine. The engine comprises a displacement engine 1 having a rotor 13 that rotates, a steam-generating portion 2 arranged thereunder and a condenser 3 arranged thereover. Water heated in the steam-generating portion 2 becomes the steam which is fed into the displacement engine 1, enters into an operation chamber that moves up, rotates the rotor 13 and is, thereafter, fed into the condenser 3 where it is condensed to turn into the condensate. The condensate falls on the rotor 13 on the lower side due to gravity, and is refluxed into the steam-generating portion 2 through the operation chamber that moves downward with rotation of the rotor 13.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Isuzu Motors LimitedInventors: Yasushi Yamamoto, Tomohisa Sako, Makoto Abe
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Patent number: 7877995Abstract: The amount of buoyancy a object has is based on the amount of liquid the object displaces, and the weight of the object. If a submersed object increases in size its buoyancy increases, and if a submersed object decreases in size its buoyancy decreases. This machine attempts to change the size/buoyancy of a submersed object using only gravity as the energy source.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Inventor: Brian Peter Sandler
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Publication number: 20110006531Abstract: A wave energy converter includes a flexible pipe and an inlet. The flexible pipe floats on the water surface, following the wave form. Slugs of water and air enter, one after the other, through the inlet. Because the flexible pipe follows the shape of the wave, water is transported through a manifold to a pressure chamber connected to a generator. The inlet consists of a hollow, inflexible pipe attached to the throat of the flexible pipe. The inflexible pipe is fixedly attached to a buoyancy tank or plurality thereof. The buoyancy tanks are arranged in a vertical plane or in tandem, with the inflexible pipe passing along the plane vertical to the fore and aft axis of the buoyancy tank and the frontward portion projecting sufficiently ahead of the buoyancy tank with the flexible pipe terminating at a singular outlet. The entire apparatus is facing towards the oncoming waves.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2010Publication date: January 13, 2011Inventor: Syed Mohammed Ghouse
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Publication number: 20100307149Abstract: An energy generation system comprising at least one shaft, buoyant means associated with, and movable relative to, said at least one shaft, wherein movement of the buoyant means relative to said at least one shaft causes rotation of the at least one shaft about a longitudinal axis, means for adding and/or removing a fluid to and/or from said buoyant means to cause movement of the buoyant means, and power generation means associated with said at least one shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2008Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventor: James Kwok
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Patent number: 7823380Abstract: A wave energy converter includes a flexible pipe and an inlet. The flexible pipe floats on the water surface, following the wave form. Slugs of water and air enter, one after the other, through the inlet. Because the flexible pipe follows the shape of the wave, water is transported through a manifold to a pressure chamber connected to a generator. The inlet consists of a hollow, inflexible pipe attached to the throat of the flexible pipe. The inflexible pipe is fixedly attached to a buoyancy tank or plurality thereof. The buoyancy tanks are arranged in a vertical plane or in tandem, with the inflexible pipe passing along the plane vertical to the fore and aft axis of the buoyancy tank and the frontward portion projecting sufficiently ahead of the buoyancy tank with the flexible pipe terminating at a singular outlet. The entire apparatus is facing the oncoming waves.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2006Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Inventor: Syed Mohammed Ghouse
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Publication number: 20100259048Abstract: Apparatus (10) for extracting energy from flowing water typically a tidal stream flow, the apparatus including a float assembly (41) having pair of spaced buoyant bodies (42) between which an elongated flow passage or tunnel (47) is located with an impeller assembly (61) in the flow passage (47) which can drive an electrical generator (76) on the float assembly (41). The bodies (42) include or define ballast tanks which can be filled or partially filled with water to submerge the flow passage or tunnel (47).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2008Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventor: Neville Alan Smith
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Patent number: 7810324Abstract: A buoyancy engine and compression device having a plurality of rotating flexible chains formed of individual segments, each having a plurality of compressible flotation members engaged thereon. The chains rotate around axises at upper and lower frames. The flotation members are alternately compressed and expanded during rotation around the upper and lower frames during passage through an angled pathway defined by paired planar members in an angled engagement which rotate in time with the chain and engaged flotation members. Expanded flotation members circumventing the lower frame produce upward thrust as a function of their dimension and displacement of water. Mechanical energy from the system may be harnessed by conventional mechanical engagement of the rotating flexible chains or segments forming the upper and lower frames.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2008Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Inventor: Arthur Velchez Lopez
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Publication number: 20100232988Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for power generation using a tethered airfoil. In particular, the present invention provides a cost effective, environmentally friendly alternative to generate power for the oil, water, and electric industries or any other application where power is desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2007Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: WINDLIFT, LLCInventors: Robert Creighton, John V. Mizzi
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Publication number: 20100229545Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting energy from wind and wave motion using a common floating platform comprising a ship hull (10) which is moored in an offshore location and which supports wind turbines (27) for extracting energy from wind and wave energy extraction devices (12) positioned at least at one side of the hull (10) for extracting energy from wave motion relative to the hull (10). The method and apparatus may also use water current energy extraction devices. The hull (10) may also support a desalination plant (45) which uses the energy generated from the wind, wave and water current energy extraction devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2007Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: SEADOV PTY LTDInventors: Philip J. Griffin, Brian Kinloch Kirke, Peter Donald Parker
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Patent number: 7770389Abstract: A empty tank submersed in a body of liquid will float to the surface, as the tank floats up it will do work. It is the goal of this machine to empty the tank after the tank has been submersed, and in the process of emptying the tank do less work than the empty tank does when it floats up.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Inventor: Brian Peter Sandler
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Patent number: 7735318Abstract: More specifically, the present invention is directed to apparatus and methodologies that take advantage of the movement produced by a body when it changes density in relation to the ambient environment surrounding the body in order to translate such movement into the generation of electricity or torque to move machinery or other processes requiring a driving force. The present invention addresses the need to harness a change in density between two substances to create rotational movement, or torque, that can be harnessed for any number of useful purposes, such as, generation of electricity, movement of pistons, operation of pumps used for any liquid, such as water or petroleum, conveyors, etc. The present invention also takes advantage of the combination of opposed natural forces, such as gravity and hydrostatic pressure, to achieve such movement.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Inventor: Gabriel Curiel
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Publication number: 20100115940Abstract: An apparatus and process for capturing power or mechanical work from the kinetic energy of a moving vessel driven by buoyancy and gravitational forces. The apparatus is capable of bifurcating the buoyancy force into a first component used to compress the gas necessary to sustain the vertical oscillation cycle of a moving vessel, and a second component that drives a means for converting energy. The apparatus generally comprises a moving vessel, a gas compression means, a force transfer means, a conduit, and a force recovery means. In use, the submerged moving vessel receives compressed gas so that the moving vessel's buoyancy force becomes greater than its downward gravitational force, and the moving vessel begins to rise through the water. As the moving vessel reaches the top of its upstroke, the moving vessel releases the gas, thus causing the moving vessel to sink.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventor: David M. Propp
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Patent number: 7658067Abstract: In a wave energy converter (WEC) for capturing energy contained in surface waves on large bodies of water, one or both of the floats used in the WEC has an internal spring system including a weight suspended from a spring mechanism having a selectively variable spring constant for allowing vertical oscillations of the weight in response to bobbing motions of the float The mechanical impedance of the system is a function of the oscillations of the weight, hence the system is tunable to selected values of mechanical impedance for optimal coupling with the prevailing waves.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Ocean Power Technologies, Inc.Inventor: James S. Gerber
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Publication number: 20100024413Abstract: An engine is powered by a hot liquid zone and a cold liquid zone. A plurality of fluid-tight containers, each which contains a working fluid which expands when exposed to the hot liquid zone and contracts when exposed to the cold liquid zone, are attached to a loop which rotates over sprockets attached to shafts. The difference in the buoyant forces acting on the containers exposed to the hot liquid zone versus the buoyant forces acting on the containers exposed to the cold liquid zone produces motion in the loop which imparts rotational kinetic energy to the shafts.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2009Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventor: SEONG WOONG KIM
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Patent number: 7650749Abstract: A tidal power station device (1) in which at least one submerged sail (14, 14?) is displaceable between two magazines (18, 20).Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Inventor: Are Borgesen
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Publication number: 20100000212Abstract: The Pulley System Powered by Loss of Buoyancy is a design to configure a buoyant vessel, a pulley, and a counter-weight such that they form a system that can produce a positive work output that can be used to drive gears. The core idea of this design is the use of loss of buoyancy as a power source. The Pulley System Powered by Loss of Buoyancy is a system that can drive gears using loss of buoyancy as the source of power. Industry standard aluminum alloy or carbon fiber composite materials can be used to construct the system. (Refer to FIG. 1.) Vessel A has a floor, 4 walls, and an open top. The vessel is constructed of aluminum alloy or carbon fiber composite material. The vessel is initially buoyant and is placed in a lake, reservoir, or tank with adequate water supply. Vessel A is attached to a counter-weight E via cable that runs through pulleys C and D. Vessel A is also attached via wheels K to rail track G. Electronically activated valves B open and cause Vessel A to be flooded with water.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2008Publication date: January 7, 2010Inventor: Carl Richard Snyder
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Patent number: 7637104Abstract: A buoyancy engine and compression device having a plurality of rotating flexible chains formed of individual segments, each having a plurality of compressible flotation members engaged thereon. The chains rotate around axises at upper and lower frames. The flotation members are alternately compressed and expanded during rotation around the upper and lower frames during passage through an angled pathway defined by paired planar members in an angled engagement which rotate in time with the chain and engaged flotation members. This alternating compression and expansion may also be utilized as an air compressor. Expanded flotation members circumventing the lower frame produce upward thrust as a function of their dimension and displacement of water. Mechanical energy from the system may be harnessed by conventional mechanical engagement of the rotating flexible chains or segments forming the upper and lower frames.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2006Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Inventor: Arthur V. Lopez
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Publication number: 20090293472Abstract: An apparatus and process for capturing power or mechanical work from the kinetic energy of a moving vessel driven by buoyancy and gravitational forces. The apparatus comprises a main tank, a charging vessel located at the bottom of the main tank, a moving vessel, a compression tank located above the main tank, and a hose connecting the compression tank to the charging vessel. A piston, which is rigidly attached to the moving vessel, moves up and down inside the compression tank compressing the gas therein and forcing it into the charging vessel. When the moving vessel engages a contact valve attached to the charging vessel, the compressed gas enters the moving vessel causing it to become buoyant. The moving vessel is driven by buoyancy and gravitational forces and moves cyclically upward and downward within the main tank, thereby driving an energy recovery means, such as a lever arm, and performing mechanical work.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventor: David Propp
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Patent number: 7536859Abstract: An apparatus for wave energy harnessing includes at least one slide shaft, a buoyant unit, an energy-transmitting unit, and a rotate unit. The slide shaft is firmly mounted on the seabed. The buoyant unit is movably engaged with the slide shaft and has a reservoir and an adjusting board, so as to control the vertical position of the buoyant unit relative to sea level. The energy-transmitting unit is mounted on the buoyant unit. The rotate unit rotatably engages with the energy-transmitting unit and connects with an energy-transfonning unit through a transmission shaft. Thereby, the buoyant unit is driven by waves to vertically slide along the slide shaft, the energy-transmitting unit rotates the transmission shaft of the rotate unit, and, thus, the energy-transforming unit generates power.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2008Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Inventors: Chun-I Tai, Wen-Chung Huang, Cheng-Hsing Lai
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Publication number: 20090084106Abstract: The amount of buoyancy a object has is based on the amount of liquid the object displaces, and the weight of the object. If a submersed object increases in size its buoyancy increases, and if a submersed object decreases in size its buoyancy decreases. This machine attempts to change the size/buoyancy of a submersed object using only gravity as the energy source.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2008Publication date: April 2, 2009Inventor: Brian Peter Sandler
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Patent number: 7464546Abstract: A water-powered generator having a vessel and a variable density body situated within the vessel. The vessel is partially filled with a fluid, such as water. The variable density body moves between a first position near the bottom of the vessel to a second position between the bottom of the vessel and the top. The variable density body is configured to have a changeable total density such that the total density may be changed from a first density which is greater than the fluid and a second density which is less than the fluid. The movement of the variable density body is converted to a useful form of energy, such as electric current.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2006Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Inventor: Emory Grant Peacock
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Publication number: 20080264056Abstract: A hydraulic buoyancy kinetic energy apparatus includes a water tank filled with water and an air storage hood is merged in the water. Two buoys are movably connected to the two slippery pillars and a chain is connected with the two buoys via two chain wheels, two belt pulley sets and two engaged gears. One of the two gears drives a third chain wheel to drive an output shaft of an electric generating set. An air storage cylinder is connected with the water tank and air in the air storage cylinder can be pushed into the water tank to alternatively empty the two buoys which are alternatively moves up and down to drive the chain between the buoys and to activate the electric generating set.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventor: Jui-Chi Tung
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Publication number: 20080256944Abstract: Method will provide a way to move an object—bellows—into a liquid, object—bellows—will experience a sum of buoyancy as it move into liquid. Object—bellows—will then experience a new different sum of buoyancy as it move out of liquid. Change in sum of buoyancy can be result of taking energy from move into liquid phase putting energy into move out of liquid phase. This change in sum of buoyancy can be used in any way useful, especially to produce, generate, energy. Method can be employed on large scale or small scale; I will suggest example of method but there are infinite, many ways to produce different buoyancy sum.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventor: Benjamin Haneckow
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Publication number: 20080216472Abstract: A buoyancy engine and compression device having a plurality of rotating flexible chains formed of individual segments, each having a plurality of compressible flotation members engaged thereon. The chains rotate around axises at upper and lower frames. The flotation members are alternately compressed and expanded during rotation around the upper and lower frames during passage through an angled pathway defined by paired planar members in an angled engagement which rotate in time with the chain and engaged flotation members. Expanded flotation members circumventing the lower frame produce upward thrust as a function of their dimension and displacement of water. Mechanical energy from the system may be harnessed by conventional mechanical engagement of the rotating flexible chains or segments forming the upper and lower frames.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Inventor: Arthur Velchez Lopez
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Patent number: 7340893Abstract: A steam generator includes a submersible burner compartment with at least one burner subassembly and an associated submersible primary ignition means. The burner subassembly also has an associated infrared primary flame monitoring subassembly. The primary flame monitoring system and primary ignition means are all housed within the burner compartment whereby when the burner compartment is filled with water, the burners are all submerged. The infrared flame monitoring subassembly is electronically coupled to a primary monitoring device and a fuel feed pipe is couple to the burner subassembly. A super heater compartment is coupled to and receives steam exhausted from the burner compartment. The super heater compartment has at least one burner subassembly located therein. An associated submersible secondary ignition means and an associated infrared secondary flame monitoring subassembly are provided for each burner subassembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2004Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Inventor: James A. Rowan