An energy converter includes a resonator adapted for generating a sound wave in a medium, and a movable member disposed in a progressive direction of the sound wave generated by the resonator, and adapted for being driven by an acoustic radiation pressure resulting from the progression of the sound wave. Since the vibrational energy of the resonator is conveyed to the movable member as the acoustic radiation pressure by way of the medium, the present energy converter exhibits an excellent energy...

An energy absorber wherein a tubular honeycomb member having a conically tapered end is collapsed by an anvil. The anvil has a concavity to accommodate the collapsed conically tapered end of the tubular honeycomb member and compresses the honeycomb energy absorbent member along a wave front which is substantially normal to the direction of honeycomb collapse.

An automotive vehicle steering assembly includes a safety steering wheel having a hub comprised of an energy absorbing member subject to axial crushing under predetermined force. The energy absorbing member is generally tubular and includes a circumferential series of longitudinal strip elements formed with a radially inward prebend to cause the strips to bend further radially inwardly during axial crush of the member, the prebend of each of the strips in the series being selected with respect t...

An energy meter composed of a meter chassis (2) having a transducer (4) connected to sense energy usage and to provide an output having a fixed relation to the sensed energy usage, a replaceable register (6) connectable to the transducer (4) for converting the output provided by the transducer (4) into a readable energy usage indication, a transducer identifying unit (18) secured to the chassis (2) and coded to identify the fixed relation between the transducer output and the sensed energy usage...

An energy analyzer, in which a pair of electrodes forms an electrostatic field for deflection, and entrance and exit aperture plates having an aperture are arranged in entrance and exit portions of the electrostatic field, in which a particle detector is arranged in front of the aperture of the exit aperture plate for detecting a particle passing through the electrostatic field and the apertures of the entrance and exit aperture plates to analyze energy of the particle, and a device controls a v...

The invention relates to an energy converter in which electrical energy output is extracted from elements exhibiting a capacitance change in response to input energy. More particularly, the invention is directed to an energy converter in which the material between the capacitor electrodes is modified by physical movement of the material between the capacitor electrodes to modify the capacitance.

The invention described is a system for seismic isolation or vibration of structures which is simple, relatively inexpensive and readily used for smaller structures. It involves use of bearings comprising a ball (10) and ball seats (12, 18) interposed between the structure and its foundation. Either the ball itself (24) or the seat surface (15) on which it rolls is compressible, the resistance to that compression providing a frictional braking force resisting rolling of the ball. This serves to ...

An earth energy transfer system with a moving energy transfer fluid, the system for transferring energy for an entity, the system, in certain aspects, having apparatus and related items for measuring an amount of energy transferred for the entity to or from the moving energy transfer fluid, and apparatus and related items for invoicing the entity for the amount of energy transferred. The system, in certain aspects, including apparatus and related items for calculating a price for the amount of e...

A fluid driven turbine motor having a turbine shroud and a rotor assembly attached to a central portion within the turbine shroud. The rotor assembly includes a rotor and a plurality of vertical vanes mounted thereto and extending radially outward therefrom. The turbine shroud also includes a plurality of intake ports directing a fluid flow to the vanes. The intake ports are positioned such that the fluid flow directed by the intake ports exert balanced forces onto the vanes. The motor may optio...

An energy absorbing bearing with a primary application in the seismic isolation of structure from the ground or parts of other structures. It may also be used to dampen other forces on structures on which it is installed. The bearing consists of end plates separated by a laminate of resilient and stiffening layers. There is a plastically deformable insert within the laminate. The laminate interfaces with the end plates in each bearing and is secured near the central axis from end plate to end pl...