Energy harvesting container
First Claim
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1. An apparatus that experiences movements when transported, comprising:
- a first container which defines a chamber configured for holding a substance;
at least one energy transducer coupled to the first container to transform motion of the first container to output which is introduced on or in the first container when the first container moves;
an electrical connection between the energy transducer and the inner container to transmit the output of the energy transducer to the inner container to thereby heat the inner container; and
an outer container enclosing the first container and movably engaged with the first container such that as the apparatus vibrates the outer container moves into contact with the energy transducer to cause the transducer to generate the output.
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Abstract
A container that experiences vibrations when transported allows an inner container which defines a chamber holding a substance to move relative to an outer shell under the influence of vibrations. An energy generator such as a magnet and a corresponding coil or a piezoelectric generator that does not move with the inner container is juxtaposed with the inner container to cause an electrical current to be introduced in the inner container when the inner container moves relative to the magnet. The electrical current is dissipated as heat to transfer heat into the substance in the chamber.
231 Citations
10 Claims
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1. An apparatus that experiences movements when transported, comprising:
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a first container which defines a chamber configured for holding a substance; at least one energy transducer coupled to the first container to transform motion of the first container to output which is introduced on or in the first container when the first container moves; an electrical connection between the energy transducer and the inner container to transmit the output of the energy transducer to the inner container to thereby heat the inner container; and an outer container enclosing the first container and movably engaged with the first container such that as the apparatus vibrates the outer container moves into contact with the energy transducer to cause the transducer to generate the output. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification