| US4352298A | 1982-10-05 | |||
| DE3230072A1 | 1984-02-16 | |||
| US4337622A | 1982-07-06 | |||
| DE2815399A1 | 1979-10-11 |
| 1. | l. The spring pawl is fixed on a small bar which has one end pivoted on the central axle of the ratchet wheel while the other end is either (1) splitted into a Ushaped fork into which a crank rod connected to the fan's shaft runs through. (2) connected to and being moved by a paddle or paddles . or (3) connected to and being moved by a float or floats bobbing in a fluid. Claim 3 : A device as defined in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the output shaft from the gear train or directly the output shaft of the prime mover is connected to wind up a spring device which may be a clip holding one end of a rubber band or the shaft of a disc with a pin on the rim of the disc holding the outer end of a spiral spring. Claim 4 : A device as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3, in which the output end of the spring device, that is the other end of the rubber band or the inter end of the spiral spring is connected to a shaft extending out to a part named here as the Automatic Latch. Claim 5 : A device as defined in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the output shaft from the gear train or directly the output shaft of the prime mover is connected to the inter end of a spiral spring while the outer end of the spiral spring is fixed to a point on the surrounding faces of the Automatic Latch. Claim 6 : A device as defined in claim 4 or claim 5, in which the other end of the shaft running through the body of the Automatic Latch is connected to a mechanism for various desired purposes or to the shaft of an electric generator. Claim 7 : A device as defined in claim 6, in which a swingable latch pivoted on the body of the Automatic Latch normally hangs in vertical while at rest and the latch is prevented to move in a direction to release the energy stored in the spring device by a stopper. Claim 8 : A device as defined in claim 6 or claim 7, in which when the spring device, that is the rubber band or the spiral spring is tightened enough, the stopper will be pressed aside to release the latch,hence the shaft linking the spring device to the mechanism or the electric generator will be started to rotate. The latch will then swung up by centrifugal force to clear for touching the stopper again. After a certain amount of energy has been released from the spring device, the rotation speed of the shaft connecting to the electric generator or the mechanism will be lowered down, the latch then moves back to its original position by gravitational force or a spring and will be stopped by the stopper again. Claim 9 : A device as defined in claim 6, in which the latch is installed on a part sliding on the shaft links between the spring device and the mechanism or electric generator. While at rest, the latch is stopped by the stopper. After enough energy is stored up, the stopper will be pushed aside by the latch and the output shaft from the spring device will be started to rotate. Two or more pieces of weights linking to the latch will then be moved by centrifugal force thus move the latch away from the position against the stopper. When a certain amount of energy is used, the output shaft from the spring device will be slowed down, the latch will then be moved back to the position against the stopper by a spring or by the gravitational force acting on the weights. Claim 10 : A device as defined in claim 6 or claim 7, in which when the spring device is tightened enough, the stopper will be pressed aside to release the latch which will then slide over the spring piece of the stopper. An object with an inclined surface is situated in the path of the moving latch. When the latch strikes onto the inclined surface, it will be swung up by the impact force. Before the latch is swung down by gravitational force or by a small spring and being stopped by the stopper, the shaft of the Automatic Latch mechanism is able to make a certain number of rotation. Claim 11 : A device as defined in claim 10, in which the object with an inclined surface is a part built in the structure of the stopper. However, this part of the stopp¬ er, that is this inclined surface will still be in the path of the moving latch even when the stopper is pushed aside to release the spring device. Claim 12 : A device as defined in claim 6, in which when the output shaft from the spring device starts to turn, a swingable latch on the Automatic Latch mechanism will be guided by a circular track to rotate in a different level above the stopper. When the rotation speed is high, the latch will jump over the gap and pass the stopper. As the rotation speed decreased due to the using up of the energy stored in the spring device, the latch will not be able to jump over the gap but swung down by gravitational force or by a small spring and being stopped by the stopper. SUBSTΓΓUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Claim 13 : A device as defined in claim 6, in which when the output shaft from the spring device starts to rotate, a straight latch on the Automatic Latch mechanism will be guided by a circular track to rotate in a different level than the stopper. When the rotation speed is high enough, the latch will jump over the gap and pass the stopper. However, as the rotation speed decreased due to the using up of the energy stored in the spring device, the latch will not be able to jump over the gap, but will be pulled into the gap by gravitional force or by a small spring and being stopped by the stopper. Claim 14 : A device as defined in claim 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, in which the stopper is so constructed that the amount of stopping to the latch can be adjusted. The adjustable stopper can be of any suitable material and structure. In the form shown here, it comprises of a piece of spring material, extending out to stop the latch. Λn adjustable screw is provided for adjusting the extens¬ ion of the stopper in blocking the movement of the latch, hence the energy stored in the spring device before the release of the stopper can be adjusted as desired. Claim 15 : A device as defined in claim 8,9,10,11,12,1? or 14, in which the electricity power generated by the electric generator is connected to some light emitting devices installed at locations as desired. In the form shown here, they are small light bulbs or light emitting diodes installed behind the fan blades so as to shine on a transparent flowershaped cone mounted on the front nose of the fan. Claim 16 : A device as defined in claim 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 13 or 14, in which the electricity power generated by the electric generator is connected to various devices for different desired purposes. Claim 17 : A device as defined in claim 8,9,10,11,12,13 or 14, in which the mechanism driven by the energy releas ed from the spring device can be used to drive various devices for different desired purposes. In the case when the mechanism is a hammer striking on small pieces of different shapes and materials, sounds of different frequencies can thus be produced as desired. Claim 18 : A device as defined in claim 8,9,10,11,12,13, 14 or 16, in which the prime mover is a bobbing float and the electricity power generated by the electric generator can be connected to various devices for different desires. If products fabricated using this fluid power storage device in lighting up small light bulbs are hung into the water around a boat, they will serve as naturepowere signal lights for decorations or for warning other near b ships. Claim 19 : A device as defined in claim 18, in which the products fabricated using this fluid energy storage devic can be attached to lifeboats, lifebuoy or lifejackets, with the electricity power generated by the generator fed to a wireless broadcasting circuit sending out wireless signals to call for help. These devices will not run out of power, thus the possibility of being able to be located by rescue teams is enhanced. Claim 20 : A device as defined in claim 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 or 19, in which another swingable latch is being pivoted on the other side of the Automatic Latch mechanism in opposite to the original swingable latch. Thus the shaft of the Automatic Latch mechanism can be rotating more stably since the centrifugal forces of the two swingable latches balance each other during rotation. Claim 21 : A device as defined in claim 4, 5,5. 6, in which when a certain amount of energy has been stored in the spring device, a stopper that stopped the latch mechanism will automatically release the latch. Claim 22 : A device as defined in claim 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20, in which the track guiding the swingable latch or the straight latch is in sections. Claim 23 : A device as defined in claim 22, in which the end of each section of the track is in the same level or higher than the beginning of the following section when the level of the stopper is considered to be below the level of the track. AMENDED CLAIMS [received by the International Bureau on 14 December 1995 (14.12.1995); original claims 123 replaced by amended claims 130 (8 pages)] The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: Claim. |
| 2. | : A device comprises of one or more than one fluid machinery including fan, propeller, turbine, paddle, paddle wheel, propeller with hollow blades, paddle wheel with hollow paddles, piston or float as the prime mover will actively convert power carried by small or weak movements of fluids into successive periods of zero output and useful momentary maximum output of force or electricity power even when the magnitude of the fluid movements keep constant and unchanged all the times at the same low level of being small or weak. Claim 2 : A device as defined in claim 1, in which the prime mover feed in power to a gear train whose mechanical advantage is larger than one. Power input to a gear train through a gear on the shaft of a rotary fluid machinery stated in claim. |
| 3. | or through a ratchet wheel turned by a spring pawl which activate the teeth of the ratchet wheel. The spring pawl is fixed on a small bar which has one end pivoted on the central axle of the ratchet wheel while the other end is either (1) splitted into a Ushaped fork into which a crank rod connected to the shaft of a rotary fluid machinery stated in claim. |
| 4. | runs through, or (2) connected to and being moved by a paddle, paddles, float, floats, piston or pistons. |
| 5. | Claim. |
| 6. | : A device as defined in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the output shaft from the gear train or directly the output shaft of the prime mover is connected to wind up a spring device which may be a clip holding one end of a rubber band or the shaft of a disc with a pin on the rim of the disc holding the outer end of a spiral spring. |
| 7. | Claim. |
| 8. | : A device as defined in claim 1, 2 or 3 , in which the outer end of the spring device, that is the other end of the rubber band or the inner end of the spiral spring is con nected to a shaft extending out to a part named here as the Automatic Latch. |
| 9. | Claim. |
| 10. | : A device as defined in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the output shaft from the gear train or directly the output shaft of the prime mover is connected to the inner end of a spiral spring while the outer end of the spiral spring is fixed to a point on the surrounding faces of the Automatic Latch. |
| 11. | Claim. |
| 12. | : A device as defined in claim 1,2, 4 or 5, in which the other end of the shaft running through the body of the Automatic Latch is connected to a mechanism for various desired purposes or to the shaft of an electric generator. |
| 13. | Claim. |
| 14. | : A device as defined in claim 1, 2 or 6, in which a swingable latch pivoted on the body of the Automatic Latch normally hangs in vertical while at rest and the latch is prevented to move in a direction to release the energy stored in the spring device by a stopper. |
| 15. | Claim. |
| 16. | : A device as defined in claim 1,2, 6 or 7, in which when the spring device, that is the rubber band or the spiral spring is tightened enough, the stopper will be pressed aside to release the latch, hence the shaft linking the spring device to the mechanism or the electric generator will be started to rotate. The latch will then swung up by centrifugal force to clear for touching the stopper again. After a certain amount of energy has been released from the spring device, the rotation speed of the shaft connected to the electric generator or the mechanism will be lowered down, the latch then moves back to its original position by gravitational force or a spring and will be stopped by the stopper again. |
| 17. | Claim. |
| 18. | : A device as defined in claim 1,2 or 6, in which the latch is installed on a part sliding on the shaft links between the spring device and the mechanism or electric generator. While at rest, the latch is stopped by the stopper. After enough energy is stored up, the stopper will be pushed aside by the latch and the output shaft from the spring device will be started to rotate. |
| 19. | Two or more pieces of weights linking to the latch will then be moved by centrifugal force thus move the latch away from the position against the stopper. When a certain amount of energy is used, the output shaft from the spring device will be slowed down, the latch will then be moved back to the position against the stopper by a spring or by the gravitational force acting on the weights. Claim. |
| 20. | : A device as defined in claim 1,2, 6 or 7, in which when the spring device is tightened enough, the stopper will be pressed aside to release the latch which will then slide over the spring piece of the stopper. An object with an inclined surface is situated in the path of the moving latch. When the latch strikes onto the inclined latch, it will be swung up by the impact force. Before the latch is swung down by gravitational force or by a small spring and being stopped by the stopper, the shaft of the Automatic Latch mechanism is able to make a certain number of rotation. |
| 21. | Claim. |
| 22. | : a device as defined in claim 1, 2 or 10, in which the object with an inclined surface is a part built in the structure of the stopper. However, this part of the stopper, that is this inclined surface will still be in the path of the moving latch even when the stopper is pushed aside to release the spring device. Claim. |
| 23. | A device as defined in claim 1,2 or 6, in which when the output shaft from the spring device starts to turn, a swingable latch on the Automatic Latch mechanism will be guided by a circular track to rotate in a different level above the stopper. When the rotation speed is high, the latch will jump over the gap and pass the stopper. As the rotation speed decreased due to the using up of the energy stored in the spring device, the latch will not be able to jump over the gap but swung down by gravitational force or by a small spring and being stopped by the stopper. Claim 13 : A device as defined in claim 1,2 or 6, in which when the output shaft from the spring device starts to rotate, a straight latch free to slide along the shaft of the Automatic Latch mechanism will be guided by a circular track to rotate in a different level than the stopper. When the rotation speed is high enough, the latch will jump over the gap and pass the stopper. However, as the rotation speed decreased due to the using up of the energy stored in the spring device, the latch will not be able to jump over the gap, but will be pulled into the gap by gravitational force or by a small spring and being stopped by the stopper. Claim 14 : A device as defined in claim 1,2,6,7,8,9,10, 11,12 or 13, in which the swingable latch or the straight latch is replaced by a latch which is a long piece made of an elastic material such as spring metal, spring plastic or rubber. One end of the latch is fixed onto the shaft of the Automatic Latch. The outer end of the latch is stopped by a stopper at a different level than the inner end of the latch due to either the latch is bent down by its own weight; the inner end of the latch is fixed at an angle onto the shaft of the Automatic Latch so as to make the outer end to be at a different level than the inner end or the latch has been made as a curve piece so that the outer end will be at a different level than the inner end. After enough energy is stored in the spring device, the stopper will be pressed aside or the latch itself bent to allow the latch to escape from the latching of the stopper. When the output shaft from the spring device starts to rotate, the outer end of the latch will be rotating in a different level to prevent from touching the stopper due to either the latch is deformed or straightened by the centrifugal force; the outer end of the latch is bounded to a different level after impacting onto an inclined surface lying on the path of the latch's outer end as the situation in claim 10 or 11; or the outer end of the latch will be guided to rotate in a different level by a circular track around the Automatic Latch as the situation in claim 12 or. |
| 24. | When the rotation speed is high, the latch will keep on passing over the stopper. As the rotation speed decreased due to the using up of the energy stored, the latch tends to resume its origin¬ al position and will be stopped by the stopper once again. Claim 15 : A device as defined in claim 1,2,8,9,10,11,12,13 or. |
| 25. | in which the stopper is so constructed that the amount of stopping to the latch can be adjusted. The adjustable stopper can be of any suitable material and structure. In the form sh¬ own here, it comprises of a piece of spring material, extend ing out to stop the latch. An adjustable screw is provided for adjusting the extension of the stopper in blocking the movement of the latch, hence the energy stored in the spring device bef¬ ore the release of the stopper can be adjusted as desired. Claim 16 : A device as defined in claim 1,2,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 or 15, in which the electricity power generated by the electric generator is connected to some light emitting devices installed at locations as desired. In the form shown here, they are small light bulbs or light emitting diodes installed behind the fan blades so as to shine on a transparent flowershaped cone mount ed on the front nose of the fan. The electricity power generate can also be fed to some wirings for lightening of the light emi tting devices when these light emitting devices are connected a intervals onto some wirings laid along driveways, walkways, pla nters, on planterpots or other desired locations. Claim 17 : A device as defined in claim 1,2,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 or 15, in which the electricity power generated by the electric generator is connected to various devices for different desired purposes. Claim 18 : A device as defined in claim 1,2,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 or 15, in which the mechanism driven by the energy released fr¬ om the spring device can be used to drive various devices for different desired purposes. In the case when the mechanism is a hammer striking on small pieces of different shapes and materi¬ als, sounds of different frequencies can thus be produced as desired. Claim 19 : A device as defined in claim 1,2,8,9,10,11,12,13,14, 15,16,17 or 18, in which the prime mover is a bobbing float, floats or equivalent devices and the electricity power generat¬ ed by the electric generator or the momentary output force can e connected to various devices for different desired purposes. If products fabricated using this Fluid Power Storage Device in lightening up light emitting devices are hung on a boat or oth¬ er places, they will serve as naturepowered signal lights for decorations or for warning other near by vessels. Claim 20 : A device as defined in claim 19, in which the products fabricated using this fluid power storage device can be attached to lifeboats, lifebuoy, lifejackets or other places. The electricity power generated by the generator can be fed to various devices such as light emitting devices or wireless broadcasting circuit for sending out wireless sig¬ nals to call for help. These devices will not run out of power, thus the possibility of being able to be located by rescue teams is enhanced. Claim 21 : A device as defined in claim 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20, in which another swingable latch is being pivoted on the other side of the Automatic Latch mechanism in opposite to the original swingable latch. Thus the shaft of the Automatic Latch mechanism can be rotating more stably since the side acting forces of the two swingable latches onto the shaft of the Automatic Latch balance each other during rotation. Claim 22 : A device as defined in claim 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12, 13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20 or 21, in which when a certain amount of energy has been stored in the spring device, a stopper that stop the latch mechanism will automatically release its latch. Claim 23 : A device as defined in claim 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21, in which the track guiding the swingable lat ch, the straight slideable latch or the elastic latch is in sections. Claim 24 : A device as defined in claim 23, in which the end of each section of the track is in the same level or higher than the beginning of the following section if the direction of motion of the latch when it tends to resume its original position after releasing the spring energy is considered as the downwards direction. Claim 25 : A device as defined in claim 23, in which the sections of the track are bent to a shape that their middle portions are higher than their one or both ends if the dir¬ ection of motion of the latch when it tends to resume its original position after releasing the spring energy is considered as the downwards direction. Claim 26 : A device as defined in claim 1, 2 , 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25, in which products fabricated using this fluid power storage device can be attached to a vessel or other places. As the vessel moves, a propeller, paddle wheel or equivalent device immersed in water will be turned by the fluid flowing along the outside of the vessel thus the fluid energy can be stored in the spring device. The periods of transient energy released from the spring device can then be used for driving various devices. If an electric generator is being driven, the electricity power generated can be used for various desired purposes includes lighting up light emitting devices for decorations or as signal lights, Claim 27 : A device as defined in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 or 26, in which products fabricated using this fluid power storage device is attached to a vessel or other places. Two or more types of fluid machinery as stated in claim 1 are connected simultaneously to the same power input end like the input gear of the gear train so as to feed energy into the spring device. Claim 28 : A device as defined in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27, in which products fabricated using a propeller with hollow blades as the prime mover of this fluid power storage device can be attached to a vessel or other places. Some or all of the blades of the propeller are made hollow. When the vessel moved, the propeller will be submersed totally under the fluid either by manually adjust the location of the housing block of the propeller's shaft or by the force of the fluid current flowing along the sides and acts on some vanes activating on the housing block of the propeller's shaft as the housing block of the propeller's shaft is designed to be free of moving up and down in the fluid. The fluid flows along the sides of the vessel will rotate the propeller hence energy is supplied to the spring device of the Fluid Power Storage Device. When the vessel stop moving, the propeller will be raised to the fluid surface by manually readjust the location of the housing block of the propeller's shaft or by floatation force as the propeller shaft's housing block is designed to be free of moving up and down. As the propeller blades are hollow, those blades just beneath the fluid surface will act like bobbing floats and will be moved up and down by the waves on the fluid surface. Although the movements are just repeating short strokes, but through a mechanism stated in claim 2 or equivalent device, energy will still be feeding to the spring device of the Fluid Power Storage Device. Claim 29 : A device as defined in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27, in which product fabricated using a paddle wheel with some or all of the paddles being made hollow. This device is attached to a vessel or other place with the central axle of the paddle wheel lies horizontally above the fluid where it is immersed. When the vessel moves, the fluid flowing along the sides of the vessel activate the paddles so the paddle wheel will be rotated to supply energy to the Fluid Power Storage Device. When the vessel stop moving, those hollow paddles immersed just beneath the fluid will act like floats and will be moving up and down by the waves on the fluid surface. Although the movements are just repeating short strokes, but through a mechanism stated in claim 2 or equivalent device, energy will still be feeding to the spring device of the Fluid Power Storage Device. Claim 30 : A device as defined in claim 1,2,3,4,5,6,16,17,18, 19,20,26,27,28 or 29, in which there is a connector connecting the output end of the spring device to the electric generator or the device desired to be driven. A latch on this connector extends outwards and being stopped by the stopper. The stopper is controlled by a mechanism driven also by the input spindle of the spring device. After a predetermined number of turns of the input spindle of the spring device, the mechanism will activate the stopper to release the latch for a short time so that the electric generator or the device desired to be driven will be driven by the stored up energy in the spring device. Afterwards the stopper stops the latch once again so that fluid energy will be stored into the spring device to prepare for another transient energy output. STATEMENT UNDER ARTICLE 19 1 Claim 1 is amended to specify the working principle of this claimed invention that even under constant fluid movements, the mechanism of this device will actively convert the fluid energy to useful transient forces or electricity power. Endeavour had also been made to emphasize that : (1) The mechanism of this device does not passively require the variation of the strength of the fluid flow to tri¬ gger its operation in releasing the energy stored in the spring device; it will store up fluid energy and active¬ ly release the stored energy repeatedly even under fluid flow of constant magnitude. (2) In the claimed invention, the electric generator or the device to be driven will have period of no movement and period of movement successively rather than always in motion. (3) In the claimed invention, the device to be driven or the electric generator will have period of zero output and period of maximum output successively rather than a sta¬ ble force output or electricity power output. (4) The claimed invention can be used to deal with fluid fl¬ ow which is so weak that it will never be possible to drive the electric generator or some other devices effe¬ ctively without the use of this Fluid Power Storage Dev¬ ice. (5) The claimed invention can accumulate the energy in a constantly weak fluid flow until the energy stored is great enough to be useful rather than dealing with str¬ ong fluid flow which is having excessive power. |
| 26. | 2 The amended claim 14 explains more clearly the convertions of the Automatic Latch in which latches made of elastic material are being used. |
| 27. | 3 Claim 27 explains the situation already covered in original claim 1 that more than one fluid machinery can be combined to form the prime mover. Hence two or more fluid machinery can be connected simultaneously to the power input gear which is actually the prime mover of this Fluid Power Stor age Device so as to feed energy into the spring device. Claim 28 and 29 explain the working principle of the conver¬ tions when the prime mover of this Fluid Power Storage Devi¬ ce is a propeller with hollow blades and a paddle wheel with hollow paddles respectively. Amended claim 15, 17, 18, 21, 22 and 23 are the original claim 14, 16, 17, 20, 21 and 22 which have slight amendments mainly because the new amended claim 14 is introduced and also for some minor changes of wordings. Amended claim 24 and 25 describe the shapes of some convert¬ ions of the circular track suitable for guiding the Automat¬ ic Latch. According to the regulations, more description and drawings for illustration of the contents in the amended claims and the new claims could not be added in the present. However, there is not much impact on the description and drawings since great endeavour had been made to clearly describe all the details in the amended claims and new claims submitted herewith. |
Description :
This invention relates to a storage device capable to store up small fluid power until it is great enough to be useful . It is common in fluid powered devices to have a mechanism or electric generator being driven by a fan, paddle or float which is moved by a fluid. It is, of course, necessary that the fluid current is strong enough to create necessary force to activate the mechanism or electric generator. Devices like this are, in some cases, impractical because the fluid movement may not ba strong enough to activate the mechanism or to drive the electric generator fast enough. to generate necessary electricity power. I have found that this disadvantage may be overcome by adding a gear train having mechanical advantage greater than one between the prime mover and the electric generator so that even smaller fluid movement can cause the fan or paddle to start moving. Output power from the gear train then wind up a spring device or a rubber band, a mechanism automatically release a latch between the spring device (or rubber band) and the electric generator (or mechanism) so that the electric generator or mechanism will be started to move. The latch is then moved to a position clear of meeting the stopper again. This is done by centrifugal force on the swingable latch or on some weights; the swing- able latch being swung up after impact on an inclined surface or the latch guided by a circular track to rotate in a different level than the stopper. After a certain amount of energy stored in the spring device or rubber band has been used, the latch will automatically be moved back to its original position by gravitational force or by a small spring to stop movement of the electric generator or mechanism. Then fluid power from the fan, paddle or float
can be stored up in the spring device or rubber band again until the energy stored up is great enough to cause another release of the latch. The stopper provided to stop the latch has an adjustable screw so that the amount of energy stored in the spring device before the stopper releases the latch can be adjusted as desired.
The mechanism activated by the spring force released can be used to drive various devices for different desired purposes. In the case that the mechanism is a small hammer striking on pieces of different shapes and materials, some sounds of desired frequencies and pitches can be created.
In the form shown here, the spring device, a rubber band releases its energy to drive an electric generator. The electricity power thus generated can be used for various purposes simply by connecting the output wires from the electric generator to the devices intended to be driven. In the form shown here, the electricity power generated is used to light up some light emitting devices to give out some lights in the fields, gardens or other remote locations. Also the light emitting devices can be installed at any suitable places near to the fan or the electric generator. In the form shown here, some small light bulbs or light emitting diodes are installed behind the fan blades to shine up a transparent flower-shaped cone mounted on the front nose of the fan.
In case that the spring device to be used is a spiral spring, the shaft of the fan or paddle will be connected to a crank rod which then drive a ratchet wheel by a spring pawl mounted on a lever which has one end pivoted on the axis of the ratchet wheel. A pin on the rim of the ratchet wheel is connected to one end of a spiral spring while the other end of the spiral spring is connected to a shaft which extends through the central axis of the Automatic Latch mechanism. The other structures are then the same as in the case when rubber band is used as the spring device.
When the prime mover is a paddle or float, they can be linked to the lever having the spring pawl so as to drive the ratchet wheel and store the energy into a spiral spring or rubber band. Products fabricated using this fluid power storage device can convert wave energy into electricity power for lighting or sending out wireless broadcasting signals to call for help when these devices are connected to wireless broadcasting circuit and being hung onto lifeboats or lifejackets.
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invent¬ ion, Fig.l is an elevation partly in section of one embodi¬ ment when the fluid power storage device uses a rubber band for storage of fluid energy from a fan. Fig.2 is a partial- ly sectioned end view looking from the front of the fan to this embodiment and Fig.3 is a top view of this embodiment. Fig.6, 4 , 5, 7 & 8 are the elevation, end views, plan and isometric view showing structure of the Automatic Latch mechanism using swingable latch. Fig.9, 10, 11 & 12 are the end view, sectional elevation and sectional plans of another convertion of the embodiment for storage of a fan's fluid energy into a spiral spring using a ratchet wheel mechanism. Fig.13 is an exploded view of the mechanism in Fig.9, 10, 11 & 12.
Fig.14 is an exploded view of a convertion when a spiral spring is used for the storage of energy from a float or paddle.
Fig.15 is an exploded view of a convertion when a spiral spring is used for the storage of fluid energy from a paddle fan.
Fig.16 & 17 show the isometric views of another Automatic Latch using two weights during rest condition and during rotation.
Fig.18 δ. 19 show the isometric views of another Automatic Latch with the swingable latch being swung up by the impa force on an inclined surface.
Fig.20 & 21 show the isometric views of another Automatic Latch with a swingable latch and a circular track during rest condition and during rotation. Fig.22 & 23 show the isometric views of another Automatic Latch with a straight latch and a circular track durinq rest condition and during rotation.
Fig.24 show the isometric view of an Automatic Latch mechanism using two swingable latches rather than one swingable latch.
The construction illustrated in Fig.l comprises a fan coupling to a gear train. It can be any form of gear train with suitable mechanical advantage larger than one. In the form shown, a spur gear 2 on fan's shaft 3 drives the crown gear on shaft 4 which is then connected to a spring device for storage of the energy. The spring device can be of any suitable material and shape, in the form shown here is a rubber band 6 hooked on a clip 5 on shaft 4. The other end of the rubber band 6 is hooked on a clip 7 which is connected to the shaft of a small electric generator 9 through an Automatic Latch mechanism 8. As illustrated in Fig. 4 & 5 , the generator is prevented to be driven as a latch 10 is rest against a stopper 11. When the spring device, here the rubber band is winded up tight enough , the spring piece 12 of the stopper will be pushed aside by the latch 10 and the energy stored in the spring device will be released to drive the mechanism, in the form shown here, is an electric generator 9 whose output is connected by wires to small light bulbs or light emitting diodes 13 S. 14. When the shaft of the generator is started to turn, the latch 10 is swung up by centrifugal force to over-ride
the stopper 11. When a certain amount of energy being used up, the speed of the generator will be slowed down, the latch 10 will drop down to a level where it will be stopped by the stopper. The generator will then stop turning until enough energy is stored up in the spring device again for another release of the latch.
In the embodiments shown in Fig.9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 which show the convertion of the mechanism when a spiral spring is used as the spring device, the fan's shaft is connected to a crank rod 15 which then drive an arm 16 reciprocately as the crank rod rotates. One end of the arm is pivoted on the central axis of the ratchet wheel 18 and a spring pawl 17 on arm 16 engages the teeth on the ratchet wheel during the forward strokes of pawl 17 and drive the wheel 18 anticlockwisely as looked from the top. A spring pawl 19 engages the teeth of the ratchet wheel during backward strokes of the arm 16 to prevent the wheel 18 from turning clockwisely as looked from the top. In this arrangement, no matter the fluid flows from the front or from the back of the fan, the wheel 13 still turns in only one direction for tightening up of the spiral spring.
Fig.14 shows the convertion of the arm 16 when the prime mover is a paddle or float. When the fluid flow is from direction A as shown in the figure, the spring pawl 17 engages the teeth of the ratchet wheel 18 and turn the wheel 18 anticlockwisely as looked from the top. When the fluid flow becomes weaker, the tension spring 28 will return the paddle to its original position. All the other structures are then the same as in figure 13. Fig.15 shows the mechanism when the prime mover is a paddle fan. Due to its structure as shown, regardless of the direction of the fluid flows, the paddle fan will only be rotating in anticlockwise direction as looked from the top by the energy of the fluid flow. So the spiral spring can be kept on tightening for storing up of the fluid energy.
Fig.16 shows an Automatic Latch mechanism using two weights 20 & 21 at its rest condition when the latch 22 is against the stopper 23. When the spring device is tightened enough, the latch will press aside the stopper and the shaft start- ed to rotate, the centrifugal force acting on the two weights then pull the latch up to a level where it is clear for touching the stopper again. After a certain amount of energy in the spring device has been released, the rotation speed of the shaft is lowered, so the latch will move back to its original level and be stopped by the stopper again due to the two weights being pulled down by the gravitational force or by the force of the spring 24. Fig.17 shows the latch mechanism during rotation In Fig.18, a swingable latch is being stopped by a stopper. Fig.19 shows that after the spring device is tightened enough and the stopper releases the latch, the shaft will be started to rotate. The latch will be swung up after impact on an inclined surface 25. Before the latch drop down to be stopped by the stopper, the shaft is able to innke a certain number of rotation.
In Fig.20, a swingable latch is stopped by a stopper. Fig.21 shows that after the stopper releases the latch and the shaft started to rotate, the swingable latch will be guided by a circular track 26 to rotate in a different level than the stopper. During end of each revolution, if the shaft speed is still high enough, the latch can jump over the gap and be guided by the track again. But if the shaft's speed is slow, then the latch will swing down and falls into the gap and be stopped by the stopper. Fig.22 shows a similar structure when a straight latch is being stopped by the stopper.
Fig.23 shows that after the stopper releases the latch and the shaft started to rotate, the straight latch is guided by a circular track to rotate in a different level than the stopper. During end of each revolution, if the shaft speed is still high enough, the straight latch can jump over the gap and be guided by the track again. But
if the shaft's speed become low, the straight latch will not be able to jump over the gap but drop down to a level by a small spring and be stopped by the stopper again. Fig.24 shows an Automatic Latch that has two swingable latches rather than just one swingable latch. This enable the shaft to rotate more stably since the centrifugal forces on the two swingable latches balance each other during rotation of the shaft. The other functions are the same as the Automatic Latch with just one swingable latch
Next Patent: SWASH PLATE ANGLE CHANGING DEVICE FOR SWASH PLATE TYPE PISTON PUMP MOTOR