Kenneth Edward Rhinefrank

US Patent:

20090251258, Oct 8, 2009

Filed:

Apr 8, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/420720

Inventors:

Kenneth Rhinefrank - Corvallis OR, US
Alexandre F.T. Yokochi - Corvallis OR, US
Annette von Jouanne - Corvallis OR, US
Manfred Dittrich - Corvallis OR, US
Emmanuel Agamloh - Holly Springs NC, US

Assignee:

Oregon State University - Corvallis OR

International Classification:

H01F 7/02
F03B 13/12

US Classification:

335306, 290 53

Abstract:

A system can comprise a screw and a nut, which are configured to move relative to each other. Each of the screw and the nut components can comprise one or more magnets configured to exert a repulsive force on one or more magnets of the other component as a result of the relative motion. Interactions between the one or more magnets of the screw and the one or more magnets of the nut can allow for conversion between linear motion and rotary motion. One or more tools can be used to aid in manufacturing the screw and/or the nut. In some embodiments additional components can aid in maintaining alignment of the screw and the nut.

US Patent:

20100117366, May 13, 2010

Filed:

Mar 3, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/529178

Inventors:

Kenneth Rhinefrank - Corvallis OR, US
Annette Von Jouanne - Corvallis OR, US
Joseph Prudell - Corvallis OR, US
Alphomse Schacher - Corvallis OR, US
Alexandre F Yokochi - Corvallis OR, US
Ted Brekken - Corvallis OR, US
David Elwood - Corvallis OR, US
Chad Stillinger - Corvallis OR, US
Robert K. Paasch - Corvallis OR, US

International Classification:

F03B 13/18
H02K 19/22

US Classification:

290 53, 310 1212

Abstract:

An ocean wave energy converter system comprises an armature and a plurality of magnets which move relative to each other in response to ocean waves pushing on a spar and/or float to which the armature and the plurality of magnets are coupled. Components of the system comprise stacked rings and/or radial laminations. The armature can feature a variety of pole tips. Various methods can be used to assemble components from radial laminations. Air gaps in wire coils of the armatures can be filled with one or more materials that selectively alter the magnetic permeability of the wire coils.

US Patent:

20080309088, Dec 18, 2008

Filed:

Apr 19, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/912134

Inventors:

Emmanuel Agamloh - Raleigh NC, US
Alan Wallace - Corvallis OR, US
Patricia May Wallace - Corvallis OR, US
Manfred Dittrich - Corvalis OR, US
Annette von Jouanne - Corvallis OR, US
Kenneth Rhinefrank - Corvallis OR, US

International Classification:

F03B 13/10

US Classification:

290 53

Abstract:

Motion of a first component in response to waves is converted to rotary motion of a member of a second component. The two components are magnetically coupled to each other. The relative linear motion of the components causes energy to be transmitted from waves between the two components via the magnetic coupling, and thus no mechanical connection is required for the transmission. This can allow for wave energy conversion without a need for hydraulic or pneumatic systems. Applications for technologies described herein include ocean wave energy converters (OWEC) for generating electricity from wave energy.

US Patent:

20140084590, Mar 27, 2014

Filed:

Apr 4, 2012

Appl. No.:

14/009705

Inventors:

Kenneth Rhinefrank - Corvallis OR, US
Joseph Prudell - Corvallis OR, US
Alphonse Schacher - Corvallis OR, US
Erik Hammagren - Corvallis OR, US

Assignee:

Columbia Power Technologies, Inc. - Charlottesville VA

International Classification:

H02K 1/28
F03B 13/18

US Classification:

290 53, 310 91

Abstract:

An apparatus and corresponding method for maintaining an air gap between a stator and rotor in an electro-mechanical energy converter is provided. The apparatus includes a structural sleeve and a plurality of stator sections attached to an inner surface of the structural sleeve. A hub is enclosed by the structural sleeve and is concentric with the structural sleeve. A plurality of rotor sections is flexibly coupled to the hub and is enclosed by the structural sleeve. A rail system is positioned within the structural sleeve and is concentric with the structural sleeve. The rail system guides the rotor sections in a substantially circular path and defines an air gap between the plurality of stator sections and plurality of rotor sections.