Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090108491 | Mold, mold image and method for making a molded article - A mold image assembly includes a plurality of contact elements assembled in a defined space such that the contact elements are independently movable, with a first end of the contact elements collectively forming a first surface and a second end of the contact elements collectively forming a second surface. The first surface is adapted to be brought into contact with an object such that the first surface assumes an altered contour that substantially conforms to a contour of the object, and the second surface assumes a correspondingly altered contour. The contact elements are further adapted to be joined together to thereby secure the altered contour of the second surface as a mold image. | 04-30-2009 |
20090309362 | GENERATOR UTILIZING FLUID-INDUCED OSCILLATIONS - An electrical generator including a magnetic field generator and at least one energy converter for converting energy present in fluid flows into vibrations or oscillations. The converter includes a flexible membrane having at least two fixed ends. The membrane vibrates when subject to a fluid flow. One of the electrical conductor and the magnetic field generator is attached to the membrane and configured to move with the membrane. The vibration of the membrane caused by the fluid flow causes a relative movement between the electrical conductor and the applied magnetic field. The relative movement causes a change in the strength of the magnetic field applied to the electrical conductor, and the change in the strength of the magnetic field applied to the electrical conductor induces a current flowing in the conductor. | 12-17-2009 |
20100207395 | GENERATOR UTILIZING FLUID-INDUCED OSCILLATIONS - An electrical generator including a magnetic field generator and at least one energy converter for converting energy present in fluid flows into vibrations or oscillations. The converter includes a flexible membrane having at least two fixed ends. The membrane vibrates when subject to a fluid flow. One of the electrical conductor and the magnetic field generator is attached to the membrane and configured to move with the membrane. The vibration of the membrane caused by the fluid flow causes a relative movement between the electrical conductor and the applied magnetic field. The relative movement causes a change in the strength of the magnetic field applied to the electrical conductor, and the change in the strength of the magnetic field applied to the electrical conductor induces a current flowing in the conductor. | 08-19-2010 |
20100308592 | ENERGY CONVERTER WITH TRANSDUCERS FOR CONVERTING FLUID-INDUCED MOVEMENTS OR STRESS TO ELECTRICITY - An energy converter for inducing vibrations of a membrane when subject to a fluid flow, and converting the vibrations into another form of energy, such as electricity. The energy converter includes at least one flexible membrane supported and/or fixed at least two points and at least one transducer. The transducer is attached to the membrane or disposed in the proximity of the membrane. When subject to a fluid flow, the membrane vibrates and creates a stress on the transducer, which induces an electrical potential. | 12-09-2010 |
20110260453 | GENERATOR UTILIZING FLUID-INDUCED OSCILLATIONS - An electrical generator including a magnetic field generator and at least one energy converter for converting energy present in fluid flows into vibrations or oscillations. The converter includes a flexible membrane having at least two fixed ends. The membrane vibrates when subject to a fluid flow. One of the electrical conductor and the magnetic field generator is attached to the membrane and configured to move with the membrane. The vibration of the membrane caused by the fluid flow causes a relative movement between the electrical conductor and the applied magnetic field. The relative movement causes a change in the strength of the magnetic field applied to the electrical conductor, and the change in the strength of the magnetic field applied to the electrical conductor induces a current flowing in the conductor. | 10-27-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100096290 | Inflatable Structure for Packaging and Associated Apparatus and Method - An inflatable structure generally includes a valve formed between a pair of edge portions and an internal edge portion formed of a flexible film such that an enclosed chamber of the inflatable structure substantially envelops the internal edge portion. The valve and remainder of the inflatable structure can be formed from a single piece of flexible film using a method of manufacturing an inflatable structure from a continuous web of flexible film. A corresponding inflation device fills the inflatable structure with air and may do so without requiring heat sealing or contact between the inflatable structure and outlet of the inflation device. The inflation device may include a mechanical registration device which can engage an optional locator aperture in the inflatable structure such as to assist in temporarily locating the outlet of the source of pressurized air proximate to the valve in the inflatable structure. | 04-22-2010 |
20100101970 | Inflatable Structure For Packaging And Associated Apparatus And Method - An inflatable structure may be formed from a single piece of flexible film using a provided method of manufacturing. The inflatable structure may include quilting seals which divide the inflatable chamber. The inflatable structure may also include an external valve opening extending through multiple layers of the flexible film. The external valve opening may further be partially defined by edge portions of the flexible film formed by folding the flexible film. The external valve opening may be configured to align with an opening in a container or an inflation aperture in a pouch so that the inflatable structure can be inflated while inside the container/pouch. A corresponding inflation device fills the inflatable structure with air and may do so without requiring heat sealing or contact between the inflatable structure and outlet of the inflation device. A hinged plate apparatus may assist in directing air into the external valve opening. | 04-29-2010 |
20110150669 | Non-Propeller Fan - A fan that moves a fluid that includes a flexible membrane with a length defining a long axis that includes at least two supported ends, a support structure that supports the supported ends of the flexible membrane | 06-23-2011 |
20110247725 | INFLATABLE STRUCTURE FOR PACKAGING AND ASSOCIATED APPARATUS AND METHODS - An inflatable structure may be formed from a single piece of flexible film. The inflatable structure may include quilting seals which divide the inflatable chamber. The inflatable structure may include a one-way valve including an internal valve opening, a channel, and an external valve opening. A locator aperture positioned in the channel may be surrounded by a valve position-retention seal. A corresponding inflation device fills the inflatable structure with air and may do so without requiring heat sealing or insertion into the one-way valve. The inflation device may include a mechanical registration device configured to engage the locator aperture and position the one-way valve at a desired position with respect to an outlet of a source of pressurized air. The inflation device may detect when the inflatable structure is filled with a desired amount of air and automatically shut off the source of pressurized air. | 10-13-2011 |
20140373972 | AUTOMATED INFLATION DEVICE - Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an automated inflation device configured for inflating an inflatable structure, which can then be used—for example—as a protective packaging material. As described in detail herein, various embodiments of the inflation device are configured to be mounted on a wall for convenient installation and use. According to certain embodiments, the inflation device is configured to automatically inflate multiple inflatable chambers in the inflatable structure using an efficient inflation-at-a-distance method. Moreover, various embodiments are provided with one or more user input controls and/or remote sensors to enable a user to conveniently request inflation of a particular number of inflatable chambers or a particular length of the inflatable structure | 12-25-2014 |