Devices, methods, and systems for harvesting energy in the body
US8311632B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 25, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 15, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02N2/18
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In some embodiments, the power generator for converting mechanical energy to electrical energy is described may include a compressible element adapted and configured to be placed in an environment having a variable compressive force such as varying ambient pressures. The compressible element may be compressed by a force applied by the variable pressure to the compressible element. The power generator may further include a transducer that may be coupled to the compressible element and that may convert mechanical energy from the compression of the compressible element to electrical energy. In some embodiments, the power generator may be adapted to be an implantable power generator for converting mechanical energy from a patient to electrical energy, such that the compressible element adapted and configured to be placed between two adjacent tissue layers of the patient and to be compressed by a force applied from the two adjacent tissue layers to the compressible element.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.