Patent US5494468A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5494468A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Flipper energy source
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1995-01-25
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Granted: 1996-02-27
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Expires: 2015-01-25
Abstract
Abstract A flipper energy source for generating electricity includes a flipper or having an opening for engaging a foot and a body portion extending therefrom. The body portion includes fluid displacing surfaces which are adapted to be moved through the fluid for creating a propelling force via the movement. Such movement causes stress to be created on the surfaces of the body portion. The device further includes a piezoelectric element for converting the stress into electric power. The electric power thus generated is conditioned for use in powering electrical device(s), such as, for example, lighting, communications devices, battery rechargers, photography equipment and sonar transducers.
Inventors
- 👤 James S. Demarco, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 23:12
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B31/00; A63B31/08; A63B31/10; A63B31/11
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 words
An underwater flipper system for generating power for use in underwater equipment, comprising: a flipper having means for engaging a foot and a body portion extending from said foot engaging means having fluid displacing surfaces, said body portion being continously moved through a fluid by action of a user's foot; and a piezoelectric element adapted to generate said power through flexing stress created on at least one of said fluid displacing surfaces by said movement of said body portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
79 words
An underwater flipper system for generating power for use in underwater equipment, comprising: a flipper having means for engaging a foot and a body portion extending from said foot engaging means having fluid displacing surfaces, said body portion being continously moved through a fluid by action of a user's foot; and a piezoelectric element adapted to generate said power through flexing stress created on at least one of said fluid displacing surfaces by said movement of said body portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The underwater power generating flipper system according to claim 1 wherein said piezoelectric element is formed from polyvinylidene fluoride.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The underwater power generating flipper system according to claim 1 wherein said piezoelectric element is embedded in at least one of said fluid displacing surfaces.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The underwater power generating flipper system according to claim 1 wherein said piezoelectric element is comprised of multiple layers of polyvinylidene fluoride.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The underwater power generating flipper system according to claim 3 further comprising means for connecting said electric power generating means to said underwater equipment.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The underwater power generating flipper system according to claim 5 wherein said connecting means comprises an electrical circuit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The underwater power generating flipper system according to claim 6 wherein said circuit comprises electrical wires and an electrical plug, wherein said plug is adapted to connect with said underwater equipment device.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The underwater power generating flipper system according to claim 6 wherein said circuit is sealed from fluid infiltration.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The underwater power generating flipper system according to claim 6 wherein said circuit is embedded in at least one of said fluid displacing surfaces.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The underwater power generating flipper system according to claim 6 wherein said circuit further comprises conditioning circuity means for matching electric power requirements of the device to the electric power generating means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The underwater power generating flipper system according to claim 10 wherein said conditioning circuitry means comprises a regulator for altering electric power voltage of the electric power generating means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
The underwater power generating flipper system according to claim 6 wherein said circuit further comprises means for rectifying the generated electric power for converting alternating current to direct current.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The underwater power generating flipper system according to claim 12 wherein said means for rectifying comprises a diode.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
The underwater power generating flipper system according to claim 10 wherein said conditioning circuitry comprises means for storing the electric power generated by the electrical power generating means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The underwater power generating flipper system according to claim 14 wherein said means for storing comprises a capacitor.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
31 words
The underwater power generating flipper system according to claim 10 wherein said conditioning circuitry means further comprises means for rectifying the generated electric power for converting alternating current to direct current.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
The underwater power generating flipper system according to claim 16 wherein said means for rectifying comprises a diode.
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) | 1999-02-26 | 1999-08-28 | 2000-02-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-02-26 | 2003-08-28 | 2004-02-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-02-26 | 2007-08-28 | 2008-02-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |