ELECTRICITY GENERATOR

• US 20130127268A1
• Filed: 04/21/2011
• Published: 05/23/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nigel Andrew Atherton
• Original Assignee: Nigel Andrew Atherton
• Inventors: Atherton, Nigel Andrew
• Granted Patent: US 9,502,927 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 310/46
• CPC Class Codes: G01P 3/22 transferred to the indicator by electric or magnetic means
• CPC Class Codes: G01P 3/49 using eddy currents
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 1/06 characterised by the shape, form or construction
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 49/04 of the eddy-current hysteresis type
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 49/10 of the permanent-magnet type
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 7/06 Means for converting reciprocating motion into rotary motion or vice versa
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 7/1853 driven by intermittent forces

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to an electricity generator system. The system comprises: a conductor; a magnet; and conversion means. The magnet is configured such that motion of the conductor relative to the magnet induces a current in the conductor and the induced current in the conductor causes motion of the magnet. The conversion means are configured to convert motion of the magnet to electricity.

Claims

1. An electricity generator system comprising:

a conductor;

a magnet; and

conversion means configured to convert motion of the magnet to electricity,

wherein the magnet is configured such that motion of the conductor relative to the magnet induces a current in the conductor and the induced current in the conductor causes motion of the magnet via the magnetic field created by the induced current.

2. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the magnet comprises a permanent magnet.

3. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the magnet comprises a cylindrical magnet with diametric poles.

4. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the magnet comprises a spherical magnet.

5. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the magnet comprises more than two poles.

6. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the magnet is not physically coupled to the conductor.

7. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the magnet is mounted on a spindle held in bearings.

8. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the magnet is mounted on a flexible member.

9. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the magnet is free to move within a casing.

10. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the magnet is free to rotate or roll about any axis.

11. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the conversion means comprises a coil around the magnet.

12. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 10 wherein the motion of the magnet induces a current in the coil.

13. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a coupling means configured to couple the magnet to the conversion means.

14. An electricity generator system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the magnet is configured so that the conductor moves tangentially to the magnet.

15. An electricity generator comprising:

a magnet; and

coupling means for coupling the magnet to conversion means wherein the conversion means are configured to convert motion of the magnet to electricity;

wherein the magnet is configured such that motion of a conductor relative to the magnet induces a current in the conductor and the induced current in the conductor causes motion of the magnet via the magnetic field created by the induced current.

16. A motion detector comprising an electricity generator as claimed in claim 15.