Prime-mover dynamo plants – Fluid-current motors
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-06
2001-03-13
Ramirez, Nestor (Department: 2834)
Prime-mover dynamo plants
Fluid-current motors
C310S07500D, C036S00300B
Reexamination Certificate
active
06201314
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a dynamometric product built into the sole of a shoe that generates electrical energy from the action of walking.
Specifically, the invention comprises two layers, one of which has a liquid-filled area with a liquid powered turbine and the other layer containing an electrical generator or generators which are powered by the liquid turbine responding to the liquid movement in the first layer. These two layers are molded or otherwise connected to a shoe sole.
2. Related Art
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,495,682 and 5,167,082, both by Chen describe and claim another type of dynamometric generator and energy storage means built into the sole of a shoe. This invention utilizes a lever actuator connected to a pivoting platform which moves with the action of raising and lowering the heel of the foot while ambulating. While this device is useful in generating electrical energy, it is dissimilar to the invention described herein, and lacks certain ergonomic and functional benefits that will become apparent from the detailed description which follows.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention comprises various embodiments of a liquid-powered dynamometric generator built into a shoe which has at least two layers as part of its sole.
The first or lower layer of the sole is a pad formed of an elastomeric molded material which contains a liquid within a molded-in set of chambers, one in the heel area and one in the toe area of the sole. The elastomeric properties of the pad material are such that ambulatory foot movement will put pressure on the fluid and make it flow from one chamber area to another. Contained within an area between the chambers is a turbine that is mounted on rotary bearings and positioned within the path of the fluid flow. Due to foot motion, the fluid will flow in an oscillatory fashion while ambulating, causing the turbine to turn.
The second or top layer of the sole is a pad that contains one or more dynamometric generators which are coupled by mechanical or magnetic means to the first layer, such that the action of fluid flow in the first layer imparts rotary motion to the turbine, thereby resulting in the generation of electricity within the second layer. The coupling means may also include gearing or other drive componentry to increase or decrease the speed of the turbine relative to the speed of fluid flow.
Similarly, the layers may be otherwise configured. The layers could be reversed so that the fluid-compression layer is on top to better use the mechanical motion of the moving foot. Conceivably the two areas of the sole could be arranged side by side. In any configuration, however, the two operative layers are attached to each other and are affixed to the sole of a shoe. One result is maximum foot comfort due to the cushioning and liquid exchange from back to front or front to back of the shoe caused by the pressure changes due to foot movement.
Electrical energy that is generated from ambulatory motion in the manner described above can be stored within a rechargeable battery or capacitor, and can be utilized directly for multiple purposes, such as to supply energy to lighting, heating, cooling, computing or communications equipment.
Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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patent: 1506282 (1924-08-01), Barbieri
patent: 3273264 (1966-09-01), Farinello, Jr.
patent: 4736530 (1988-04-01), Lakic et al.
patent: 4782602 (1988-11-01), Lakic
patent: 4941271 (1990-07-01), Lakic
patent: 5167082 (1992-12-01), Chen
patent: 5195254 (1993-03-01), Tyng
patent: 5295313 (1994-03-01), Lee
patent: 5367788 (1994-11-01), Chen
patent: 5375345 (1994-12-01), Djuric
patent: 5384977 (1995-01-01), Chee
patent: 5401039 (1995-03-01), Wolf
patent: 5495682 (1996-03-01), Chen
patent: 5860727 (1999-01-01), Chien
Pedersen Barbara S.
Pedersen Ken J.
Ramirez Nestor
Waks Joseph
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