Miniature electrical generators and power sources
First Claim
1. A power source for generating electrical power, the power source comprising:
- a shaft rotatably disposed relative to a structure;
an elastic element having one end attached to the shaft and another end attached to the structure for storing potential energy upon rotation of the shaft in a first angular direction;
a generator operatively coupled relative to the shaft; and
a retaining mechanism movable between an engaged position for retaining the shaft from rotating in a second angular direction opposite to the first angular direction and a power generating position permitting the shaft to rotate in the second angular direction;
wherein when the retaining mechanism is moved to the power generating position, the stored potential energy in the elastic element is converted to kinetic energy to rotate the shaft which in turn rotates the generator coupled to the shaft so as to produce electrical power.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A power source for generating electrical power. The power source including: a shaft rotatably disposed relative to a structure; an elastic element having one end attached to the shaft and another end attached to the structure for storing potential energy upon rotation of the shaft in a first angular direction; a generator operatively coupled relative to the shaft; and a retaining mechanism movable between an engaged position for retaining the shaft from rotating in a second angular direction opposite to the first angular direction and a power generating position permitting the shaft to rotate in the second angular direction. Wherein, when the retaining mechanism is moved to the power generating position, the stored potential energy in the elastic element is converted to kinetic energy to rotate the shaft which in turn rotates the generator coupled to the shaft so as to produce electrical power.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A power source for generating electrical power, the power source comprising:
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a shaft rotatably disposed relative to a structure; an elastic element having one end attached to the shaft and another end attached to the structure for storing potential energy upon rotation of the shaft in a first angular direction; a generator operatively coupled relative to the shaft; and a retaining mechanism movable between an engaged position for retaining the shaft from rotating in a second angular direction opposite to the first angular direction and a power generating position permitting the shaft to rotate in the second angular direction; wherein when the retaining mechanism is moved to the power generating position, the stored potential energy in the elastic element is converted to kinetic energy to rotate the shaft which in turn rotates the generator coupled to the shaft so as to produce electrical power. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A power source for generating electrical power, the power source comprising:
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a translating member slidably disposed in a structure; a shaft operatively coupled to the translating member; a conversion means for converting a translation of the translating member to a rotation of the shaft upon an application of a force to the translating member; a generator having an input shaft engageable with the shaft; and a clutch for engaging the input shaft of the generator with the shaft only when the shaft rotates in a predetermined rotational direction. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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20. A power source for generating electrical power, the power source comprising:
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a translating member slidably disposed in a structure; a rotating member operatively coupled to the translating member; a conversion means for converting a translation of the translating member to a rotation of the rotating member upon an application of a force to the translating member; a generator having an input shaft at least indirectly engageable with the rotating member; and a clutch for engaging the input shaft of the generator with the rotating member only when the rotating member rotates in a predetermined rotational direction. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22)
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Specification