Water wheel
US6499939B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention 10 discloses a wheel-like member 30 consisting of a central circular body member 18 having a plurality of spokes 22 radiating from its outside perimeter that attach to the inside perimeter of an outer circular body member 24. On the outside perimeter of the outer circular body member a plurality of hinges 26 with paddles 16 are attached thereto that can only open to a pre-determined angle “A” from the wheel 30 that ensures water current 14 is caught by the paddles on only one side of the wheel which causes the wheel to rotate in only one direction. The kinetic energy stored in the wheel 30 while rotating is harnessed through a drive shaft 34 connected to the central circular body member 18 that connects to a generator 36 placed perpendicular to the central circular body member 18. To keep the generator 36 and drive shaft 34 in place a plurality of support members 40, with cross-member support couplers 48 are disposed into the bed 42 of the river or ocean that the device 10 is being used in.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.