US4220870A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Wind conversion lattice array, with multiple mini-turbo-generator modules
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1978-06-22
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Granted: 1980-09-02
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Expires: 1998-06-22
Abstract
Abstract The wind conversion lattice array, with multiple, mini-turbo/generator modules consists of multiple miniature turbine wind generator modules which are uniformly mounted on an open lattice-like framework structure on a building rooftop or other suitable raised structure. The identical turbine impellers are multi-vaned units of about 6 inches to ten inches in diameter, and directly coupled to matching miniature D.C. electric generators or dynamo os located directly above each turbine impeller. Each of the turbo/generator modules is mounted on the horizontal members of the lattice framework structure. Any number of turbo/generator modules may be utilized on the lattice framework, up to about one hundred units for practicality, with the framework oriented in any direction to suit rooftop conditions. The framework is hinged at the base for quick lowering during violent storm conditions, and held in an upright position by folding, diagonal arms.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald A. Kelly
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 16:49
CPC Classifications
F; F03; F03D; F03D13/00; F03D13/20; F03D3/00; F03D3/02; F03D80/00; F03D80/70; F03D9/00; F03D9/20; F03D9/25; F05; F05B; F05B2220/00; F05B2220/70; F05B2220/706; F05B2240/00; F05B2240/40; F05B2240/90; F05B2240/91; F05B2240/911; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B10/00; Y02B10/30; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/70; Y02E10/728; Y02E10/74; Y10; Y10S; Y10S416/00; Y10S416/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
222 words
An array of identical miniature wind turbine/generator modules, the combination comprising an open framework lattice support structure, a plurality of miniature vaned turbine impellers directly coupled to corresponding small D.C. electric generators, said miniature vaned turbine impellers comprised of a plurality of concave linear vanes vertically disposed and secured to an upper and lower disc adjacent to the outer periphery of said discs, a centrally disposed shaft fixed to each of said discs protruding from an end of one of said discs, a coupling half secured to the protruding end of said shaft, a bearing housing containing two miniature ball bearings fitted over said shaft, said bearing housing fastened to a horizontal member of said open framework lattice support structure, mounting means for said small D.C. electric generators for securing to a horizontal member of said open framework support structure, a coupling half secured to the shaft end of said small D.C. electric generators, protective housings disposed over said small D.C. electric generators and mounted with said small D.C. electric generators, connection of all electrical wires from said small D.C. electric generators into useful series and parallel circuitry for connection to the household load, hinge means at the base of said open framework lattice support structure, diagonal pivoting support struts for maintaining said open framework lattice support structure in an upright position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
222 words
An array of identical miniature wind turbine/generator modules, the combination comprising an open framework lattice support structure, a plurality of miniature vaned turbine impellers directly coupled to corresponding small D.C. electric generators, said miniature vaned turbine impellers comprised of a plurality of concave linear vanes vertically disposed and secured to an upper and lower disc adjacent to the outer periphery of said discs, a centrally disposed shaft fixed to each of said discs protruding from an end of one of said discs, a coupling half secured to the protruding end of said shaft, a bearing housing containing two miniature ball bearings fitted over said shaft, said bearing housing fastened to a horizontal member of said open framework lattice support structure, mounting means for said small D.C. electric generators for securing to a horizontal member of said open framework support structure, a coupling half secured to the shaft end of said small D.C. electric generators, protective housings disposed over said small D.C. electric generators and mounted with said small D.C. electric generators, connection of all electrical wires from said small D.C. electric generators into useful series and parallel circuitry for connection to the household load, hinge means at the base of said open framework lattice support structure, diagonal pivoting support struts for maintaining said open framework lattice support structure in an upright position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
87 words
An array of identical miniature wind turbine/generator modules according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of concave linear vanes are of symmetrically curved "U" cross-section with thin and lightweight wall thicknesses, uniform squarish tabs disposed at both ends of said concave linear vanes, corresponding and close fitting slots disposed in said upper and lower discs, joining of said tabs into said slots of said upper and lower discs, bonding means for securing said tabs within said slots, static and dynamic balancing of said miniature vaned turbine impellers.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
96 words
An array of identical miniature wind turbine/generator modules according to claim 1, in which said open framework lattice support structure consists of a plurality of horizontal members formed of tubular aluminum alloy, a plurality of vertical members formed of a larger diameter tubular aluminum alloy, uniform rows and columns of horizontal and vertical members comprising said open framework lattice support structure, clamp and standard hareware means for securing said plurality of vertical and horizontal members comprising said open framework lattice support structure, base brackets for securing said open framework lattice support structure to a roof surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
77 words
An array of identical miniature wind turbine/generator modules according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of miniature vaned turbine impellers are directly connected to the shaft of said corresponding small D.C. electric generators, mounting of said small D.C. electric generators to said horizontal members of said open framework lattice support structure, mounting means for said small D.C. electric generators, durable bearings within said small D.C. electric generators for the direct connection of said miniature vaned turbine impellers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
77 words
An array of identical miniature wind turbine/generator modules according to claim 1, in which said plurality of miniature vaned turbine impellers are formed in one unit from durable plastic material, a metal shaft centrally disposed and embedded within said id miniature vaned turbine impeller, a protective housing for said small D.C. electric generator formed in one unit from durable plastic material, said bearing housing containing two miniature ball bearings formed in one unit from durable plastic material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
185 words
An array of multiple miniature wind turbine generators modules comprised of a plurality of miniature vaned turbine impellers, said miniature vaned turbine impellers have vane widths that do not exceed one-third the radius of said miniature vaned turbine impellers, said miniature vaned turbine impellers disposed on a vertical axis with a plurality of "V" cross section linear vanes of thin and lightweight wall thickness, said miniature vaned turbine impellers have a height of not less than the diameter of said miniature vaned turbin bine impeller nor greater than the allowable span between said the horizontal members of an open framework lattice support structure, an open framework lattice support structure comprised of uniform rows and columns of horizontal and vertical members disposed as a criss-cross pattern, said uniform rows and columns of horizontal and vertical members formed from standard aluminum alloy structural shapes, connection of all electrical wires from said small D.C. electric generators coupled with said miniature vaned turbine impellers into convenient series and parallel circuits for connection to the building load, an electrical connection box disposed on the roof surface for said electrical wires.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
185 words
An array of multiple miniature wind turbine generators modules comprised of a plurality of miniature vaned turbine impellers, said miniature vaned turbine impellers have vane widths that do not exceed one-third the radius of said miniature vaned turbine impellers, said miniature vaned turbine impellers disposed on a vertical axis with a plurality of "V" cross section linear vanes of thin and lightweight wall thickness, said miniature vaned turbine impellers have a height of not less than the diameter of said miniature vaned turbin bine impeller nor greater than the allowable span between said the horizontal members of an open framework lattice support structure, an open framework lattice support structure comprised of uniform rows and columns of horizontal and vertical members disposed as a criss-cross pattern, said uniform rows and columns of horizontal and vertical members formed from standard aluminum alloy structural shapes, connection of all electrical wires from said small D.C. electric generators coupled with said miniature vaned turbine impellers into convenient series and parallel circuits for connection to the building load, an electrical connection box disposed on the roof surface for said electrical wires.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-09-02 | 1984-03-03 | 1984-09-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-09-02 | 1988-03-03 | 1988-09-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-09-02 | 1992-03-03 | 1992-09-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |