Patent US3882320A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3882320A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tide energy conversion device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-12-20
•
Granted: 1975-05-06
•
Expires: 1993-12-20
Abstract
Abstract A tide energy conversion device including a plurality of spaced apart pairs of parallel endless channel members elongated in the direction of tide flow and facing each other. The members include lower flights that are substantially horizontal and straight. Roller frames, each having two pair of spaced apart rollers, one pair in each channel of a pair of channels, carry elongated blades extending outwardly and transversely of the channels. These blades are connected to the frames by brace arms, each extending diagonally from the frame to locations adjacent the outer edge of a blade, and by support arms, each connected to an edge of a blade. The channel members are supported on a base which is secured at a level that supports the blades so they are at least partially submerged in the water while they are carried beneath the channels. Endless chains connect the several roller frames. The chains extend over longitudinally-spaced sprockets rotatably mounted on shafts. Force of the tide flow against the movable blades rotates the shafts which are connected to electrical generators. Gear reduction and transmission means is provided to enable the generators to produce electricity regardless of the directional movement of the blades.
Inventors
- 👤 Edmund Schmeller
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 18:51
CPC Classifications
F; F03; F03B; F03B13/00; F03B13/12; F03B13/26; F03B13/264; F03B17/00; F03B17/06; F03B17/062; F03B17/063; F03B17/064; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/20; Y02E10/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
313 words
An apparatus for producing electrical energy from directional flow of water, comprising: a supporting base fixedly located upwardly adjacent to a moving surface of a body of water; a pair of elongated endless rigid channel members fixed to the base in transversely spaced relationship facing one another, said channel members extending along the base parallel to the direction of movement of the water surface, each channel member having a lower flight extending along said base adjacent to the water surface and an upper flight spaced vertically above its lower flight, the lower and upper flight being interconnected by vertical arcuate end sections formed integrally therewith; a rigid roller frame including two pairs of transversely spaced coaxial rollers, one pair of said rollers being enGaged in each channel member for structural support of the roller frame and for rolling movement along the lower and upper flights are arcuate end sections thereof; a transverse elongated blade extending outward from and substantially perpendicular to said channel members across the device in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of said water surface, said blade being fixed to the roller for movement therewith along said channel members; a diagonal brace fixed between the roller frame and said blade; said blade extending outward from the channel members a distance sufficient to enable it to extend downwardly into the water when supported along said lower flights and thereby being movable in response to the flow of water; an output shaft; endless drive means movably mounted to the base parallel to said channel members and operatively connected between said roller frame and said shaft for converting movement of said roller frame with respect to said base into rotational movement of said shaft; electrical generating means; and motion transmitting means operatively connecting said shaft and said electrical generating means, whereby rotational movement of said shaft energizes said electrical generating means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
313 words
An apparatus for producing electrical energy from directional flow of water, comprising: a supporting base fixedly located upwardly adjacent to a moving surface of a body of water; a pair of elongated endless rigid channel members fixed to the base in transversely spaced relationship facing one another, said channel members extending along the base parallel to the direction of movement of the water surface, each channel member having a lower flight extending along said base adjacent to the water surface and an upper flight spaced vertically above its lower flight, the lower and upper flight being interconnected by vertical arcuate end sections formed integrally therewith; a rigid roller frame including two pairs of transversely spaced coaxial rollers, one pair of said rollers being enGaged in each channel member for structural support of the roller frame and for rolling movement along the lower and upper flights are arcuate end sections thereof; a transverse elongated blade extending outward from and substantially perpendicular to said channel members across the device in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of said water surface, said blade being fixed to the roller for movement therewith along said channel members; a diagonal brace fixed between the roller frame and said blade; said blade extending outward from the channel members a distance sufficient to enable it to extend downwardly into the water when supported along said lower flights and thereby being movable in response to the flow of water; an output shaft; endless drive means movably mounted to the base parallel to said channel members and operatively connected between said roller frame and said shaft for converting movement of said roller frame with respect to said base into rotational movement of said shaft; electrical generating means; and motion transmitting means operatively connecting said shaft and said electrical generating means, whereby rotational movement of said shaft energizes said electrical generating means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
The device set out in claim 1 wherein said motion transmitting means produces a single rotation of said electrical generating means in response to movement of said blade and roller frame regardless of the rotational direction of said shaft, enabling production of electrical energy from reversed direction of flow of the body of water.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device as set out in claim 1 comprising a plurality of roller frames and blades spaced from one another along the channel members.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-05-05 | 1978-11-04 | 1979-05-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-05 | 1982-11-04 | 1983-05-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-05 | 1986-11-04 | 1987-05-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |