US4536674A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Piezoelectric wind generator
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1984-06-22
•
Granted: 1985-08-20
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Expires: 2004-06-22
Abstract
Abstract An electric power generator used a piezoelectric transducer mounted on a resilient blade which in turn is mounted on an independently flexible support member. Fluid flow against the blade causes bending stresses in the piezoelectric polymer which produces electric power.
Inventors
- 👤 V. Hugo Schmidt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 22:35
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02N; H02N2/00; H02N2/18; H02N2/185; F; F03; F03D; F03D5/00; F05; F05B; F05B2210/00; F05B2210/16; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/70; Y10; Y10S; Y10S310/00; Y10S310/80
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
An improved electrical power generating apparatus utilizing a piezoelectric material for converting mechanical energy of fluid flow to electrical energy comprising: an elongate resilient support member; the support member being mounted to a base; a resilient blade member having a surface of maximum extent positioned generally facing the direction of fluid flow and mounted to the support member in spaced apart relation from the base; the blade member and support member being adapted to flex independently when the blade member is subjected to force of the fluid flow; and a piezoelectric element being mounted to the blade member which element flexes when the blade flexes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
An improved electrical power generating apparatus utilizing a piezoelectric material for converting mechanical energy of fluid flow to electrical energy comprising: an elongate resilient support member; the support member being mounted to a base; a resilient blade member having a surface of maximum extent positioned generally facing the direction of fluid flow and mounted to the support member in spaced apart relation from the base; the blade member and support member being adapted to flex independently when the blade member is subjected to force of the fluid flow; and a piezoelectric element being mounted to the blade member which element flexes when the blade flexes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The generating apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the support member is adapted to resist axial rotational movement about the longitudinal axis of the support member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
58 words
The generating apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the resilient blade member presents a surface to the fluid flow which has a shape corresponding to a cross-section of a "dumbbell" along a major axis thereof and wherein the blade member is symmetrically mounted to the support member with corresponding portions positioned on either side of the support member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The generating apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the piezoelectric element comprises a bimorph.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
119 words
An improved electrical power generating apparatus utilizing a piezoelectric material for converting mechanical energy of fluid flow to electrical energy comprising: an elongate resilient support member; the support member being mounted to a base; a resilient blade member having a surface of maximum extent positioned generally facing the direction of fluid flow and mounted to the support member in spaced apart relation from the base; the blade member and support member being adapted to flex independently when the blade member is subjected to force of the fluid flow; and a piezoelectric element being mounted to the support member which element flexes when the support is subjected to flexing by the force of the fluid flow acting on the blade.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
119 words
An improved electrical power generating apparatus utilizing a piezoelectric material for converting mechanical energy of fluid flow to electrical energy comprising: an elongate resilient support member; the support member being mounted to a base; a resilient blade member having a surface of maximum extent positioned generally facing the direction of fluid flow and mounted to the support member in spaced apart relation from the base; the blade member and support member being adapted to flex independently when the blade member is subjected to force of the fluid flow; and a piezoelectric element being mounted to the support member which element flexes when the support is subjected to flexing by the force of the fluid flow acting on the blade.
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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) | 1988-08-19 | 1989-02-18 | 1989-08-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-08-19 | 1993-02-18 | 1993-08-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-08-19 | 1997-02-18 | 1997-08-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |