Force deflection device

Abstract

The present application relates to an apparatus comprising: a container containing a body immersed in a fluid; at least one actuator configured to move the body within the fluid to deflect about an equilibrium position of the body within the fluid wherein a hydrostatic pressure of the fluid acts to cause the body to return to its equilibrium position when the body is not in its equilibrium position; and at least one connector, the at least one connector connecting the container to an output shaft; wherein when the hydrostatic pressure acts to cause the body to return to its equilibrium position, the container and the at least one connector are caused to at least partially rotate about an axis, where the at least partial rotation causes the output shaft to rotate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device that uses the hydrostatic pressure of a contained liquid, including an immersed floating body, to cause the hydrostatic pressure to act on the floating body to move a container, and uses the movement of the container to cause an axle to rotate continuously. Background Art

[0002] In current times, there is a desire to reduce the use of fossil fuels for power generation and instead increase power generation from renewable power mechanisms.

[0003] The following discloses a device for generating electricity through a combination of mechanical force and hydrostatic force.

[0004] It should be understood that a certain amount of liquid held within a container will subject the surface of the container to hydrostatic pressure. Similarly, a body immersed in a certain amount of liquid will also be subject to hydrostatic pressure.

[0005] Generally, a certain amount of liquid held within a container will not cause the container to repeatedly move from one point to another, and similarly, a body immersed in a certain amount of liquid will not cause the container of the liquid to repeatedly move from one point to another. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention is defined by the appended independent claims. Certain more specific aspects are defined by the dependent claims. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] The present invention will now be described only by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1A shows a front isometric view of a disassembled container, with the contained liquid not shown;

[0009] Figure 1B shows a rear isometric view of the view shown in Figure 1A; and

[0010] Figure 2 shows a rear isometric view of a disassembled body; and

[0011] Figure 3 shows a front isometric view of a container attached to a device by which the container can swing about an axis and is disposed in a partially disassembled housing; and

[0012] Figure 4 shows a front isometric view of the main body portion of a container attached to a device by which the container can swing partially about the axis of the housing; and

[0013] Figure 5A shows a front isometric view of a part of the main body portion of a container attached to a part of a device by which the container can swing partially about the axis of the mechanism to interact with the body individually; and

[0014] Figure 5B shows a rear isometric view of the view shown in Figure 5A; and

[0015] Figure 6A shows a front isometric view of a portion of the body of a container attached to a portion of a device, by which the container can swing about an axis portion of the mechanism to interact with the body separately, and the movement of the container is blocked by the device; and

[0016] Figure 6B shows a rear isometric view of the view shown in Figure 6A; and

[0017] Figure 7A shows a front isometric view of a portion of the body of a container attached to a portion of a device, by which the container can swing about an axis portion of the mechanism to interact with the body separately, the movement of the container is blocked by the device, and the position of the container is detected by the device; and

[0018] Figure 7B shows a rear isometric view of the view shown in Figure 7A; and

[0019] Figure 7C shows a rear view of the view shown in Figure 7A; and

[0020] Figure 8A shows a front isometric view of a portion of the body of a container attached to a portion of a device, by which the container can swing about an axis portion of the mechanism to interact with the body separately, the movement of the container is blocked by the device, and the position of the container is detected by the device; and

[0021] Figure 8B shows a rear isometric view of the view shown in Figure 8A; and

[0022] Figure 8C shows a rear view of the view shown in Figure 8A; and

[0023] Figure 9A shows a front isometric view of a portion of the body of a container attached to a portion of a device, by which the container can swing about an axis portion of the mechanism to interact with the body separately, and the movement of the container is blocked by the device; and

[0024] Figure 9B shows a rear isometric view of the view shown in Figure 9A; and

[0025] Figure 9C shows a rear view of the view shown in Figure 9A; and

[0026] Figure 10A A front isometric view of a portion of a housing is shown, and the housing is a mechanism for interacting with the body separately; and

[0027] Figure 10B is shown Figure 10A a front view of the view shown in

[0028] Figure 11A A front isometric view of a part of a housing portion of a mechanism for interacting with a body separately; and

[0029] Figure 11B Shows Figure 11A A front view of the view shown in; and

[0030] Figure 12 A front isometric view of a part of a device for rotating a shaft; and

[0031] Figure 13A A front isometric view of a device for rotating a shaft; and

[0032] Figure 13B Shows Figure 13A A rear isometric view of the view shown in; and

[0033] Figure 14A A front isometric view of a part of a housing portion of a device for rotating a shaft; and

[0034] Figure 14B Shows Figure 14A A rear isometric view of the view shown in; and

[0035] Figure 15 A front isometric view of a container portion of a housing and a generator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following discloses using hydrostatic pressure to output a rotational force to a shaft that can be used to drive a machine. The shaft can be used to drive an electric generator and / or generally provide power to another machine (e.g., a motor). Thus, the output of the shaft can be used to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels for performing such tasks.

[0037] More specifically, a container is disclosed that includes a body immersed in a fluid (e.g., a liquid). In other words, a container including a fluid and a body is provided. The body may have a density smaller than that of the surrounding fluid. The body may be configured to rotate within the container. The body may be configured such that rotation of the body causes the container to rotate.

[0038] The body may be caused to act via hydrostatic pressure from the surrounding fluid to return to an equilibrium position within the container. In other words, in the absence of any other external force on the body, the body may be biased to return to the equilibrium position. Thus, this equilibrium position may be considered a neutral position. The body may be biased to return to the equilibrium position due to the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the fluid on the body, which is caused by the density difference between the body and the fluid.

[0039] In the presently described system, the body is caused to move between a first position (on a first side of the equilibrium position) and a second position (on a second side of the equilibrium position, the second side being opposite the first side). In other words, the body is caused to rotate about the equilibrium position. The body can be caused to move between the first and second positions by the action of an actuator. In the example described below, the actuator is described as including a first actuator and a second actuator, the movement of which is controlled by respective solenoids. However, it should be understood that this is not restrictive, and other types of actuators can be provided to cause the body to move between the first and second positions.

[0040] At each of the first and second positions, the body is configured to be caused to return to the equilibrium position (e.g., due to the hydrostatic force of the fluid on the body). The body can be prevented from returning to the equilibrium position by at least a respective pointer member. This prevention can cause the rotational resultant force generated by the action of the hydrostatic force to be transmitted to the container, which causes the container to swing about an axis.

[0041] The container is connected to an output shaft via a connector (e.g., via the bar member in the example in the figure). Thus, the reciprocating swinging motion of the container, which is generated by the movement of the body between the first and second positions (and the change in the direction of the action of the hydrostatic force), causes the connector to cause the output shaft to rotate in a single direction. The output shaft can then be used to provide power to a generator and / or act as a motor for another device.

[0042] In other words, hereinafter, due to the hydrostatic pressure on the container, the container repeatedly moves from one point to another. Due to the hydrostatic pressure on the immersed body, the container also repeatedly moves from one point to another.

[0043] In the presently described system, the repeated movement of the container is utilized to cause the shaft to rotate. The rotation of the shaft is used to drive a generator, and the rotation of the shaft can also be used to drive an alternative device or machine (e.g., act as a motor).

[0044] Figure 1 to Figure 15 Examples are provided of how to implement the presently described system in an exemplary configuration. However, it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes only, and other configurations can provide the same functionality as the presently described principles.

[0045] For example, in the example of Figure 1 to Figure 15 the container is cylindrical and the immersed body is semi-cylindrical. Alternative geometries of the container and the immersed body can also be used.

[0046] In Figure 1 to Figure 15In the example, the container is closed and the body is fully immersed in the liquid. However, alternative configurations with alternative geometries (such as the container being open (e.g., not closed) and / or the body only being partially immersed) can operate according to the mechanisms described herein.

[0047] Hereinafter, the density of the immersed body is less than the density of the surrounding fluid (referred to hereinafter as the liquid). The immersed body is held to the container in a manner that allows the body to swing about an axis, such that the hydrostatic pressure can properly orient the body about the axis. Additionally, an actuator is arranged to interact with the body individually, such that the body can be swung about the aforementioned axis.

[0048] In the example of FIGS. 1 to Figure 15 the container is positioned about an axis and connected to the axis by a device, such that the container together with the accompanying liquid and the immersed body can swing about the axis. The container is arranged such that it can be independent of the mechanism (e.g., the connector) that connects the container to the axis. As an alternative, the container and the mechanism (e.g., the connector) that connects the container to the axis can be an integral piece.

[0049] The elements of FIGS. 1A to Figure 15 will now be described. A summary of the different reference numerals used herein is provided at the end of the description. Elements having the same reference numerals as other elements in other figures can be considered the same elements.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1A, the containment of a liquid (not shown) is achieved by assembling a container using a first plate (5), a cylinder (1), a second plate (3), and first rods (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d), the first rods being configured to extend from the first plate (5) through the cylinder (1) to the second plate (3). Fasteners for holding the first rods (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) to the first plate (5) and the second plate (3) are not shown. The first plate (5) shows three holes, two of the smaller holes being used to fill the container with liquid. The smallest hole in the first plate (5) is used to allow gas or excess liquid to escape from the container before being subsequently plugged (a plug is not shown). A first hub (6) plugs the largest hole. The first hub (6) is configured to receive a first shaft (10) that extends through the central portion of the extending cylinder (1). The first hub (6) is configured to receive the first shaft (10) while allowing the first shaft to freely rotate about the axis of the first shaft.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 1B, the second plate (3) includes a hole fitted with a second hub member (4). The second hub member (4) is configured to provide a seal around the first shaft (10) and allow the first shaft to freely rotate about its axis. The first block (12) is fixed to the first shaft (10). The arm (13) is fixed to the first block (12). The second shaft rod (14) is fixed to the arm (13). In this example, the first pointer member (15) is held to the second shaft rod (14). The first pointer member (15) is in the form of a roller bearing. In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the liquid is not shown. However, the body as described below positions itself at the uppermost by the reinforcing portions (9a, 9b) and the spacer portions (7a, 7c) as shown. In FIG. 1B, one of the arms (13) is positioned in the vertical direction to align with the uppermost position of the body.

[0052] FIG. 2 shows a body including reinforcing portions (9a, 8a, 8b, 9b) and spacer portions (7a, 7b, 7c). The spacer portions (7a, 7b, 7c) and the reinforcing portions (9a, 8a, 8b, 9b) are held together to form a single body. The second block (11a) interlocks with the reinforcing portions (9a, 8a), and the third block (11b) interlocks with the reinforcing portions (8b, 9b). The second block and the third block (11a, 11b) are more generally held to the single body. The first shaft (10) is fixed to the second block and the third block (11a, 11b) such that rotation of the first shaft (10) about its axis causes corresponding rotation of the body.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3, in this example, the panels (28, 26, 37, 35, 36, 34) are fixed together and provide a housing for various components. The first bearing block (29) is fixed to the panel (28).

[0054] The container as described above is located on the strips (108, 107). The first link (122) and the second link (121) (shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B) enable the container to be held to the strips (108, 107). The second shaft (118) is connected to the panels (28, 26) and provides an axis about which the strips (108, 107) and the container can freely swing.

[0055] The second bearing block (111) and the third bearing block (110) (shown in Figure 5B) are respectively fixed to the strip members (108, 107). The second bearing block and the third bearing block (111, 110) are combined with the corresponding strip members (108, 107) to hold a bearing (not shown), allowing the bearing to freely rotate about the second axis (118). The second rods (125a, 125b) are fixed to the strip members (108, 107). The first connecting plate (123) is held to the strip members (108, 107) by a device not shown. The first connecting plate (123) is configured to allow the counterweight block (124) to be connected to the strip members (108, 107).

[0056] As shown in Figure 4, in this example, the third rods (105a, 105b) are fixed to the strip member (107) and the strip member (108) (not shown). The second connecting plate (109) is held to the strip member (107) and the strip member (108) (not shown) by a device not shown. The first guide (104b) is fixed to the strip member (107) via the third rods (105a, 105b), and the second guide (104a) is fixed to the strip member (108) (not shown) via the third rods (105a, 105b). The first guide and the second guide (104a, 104b) receive the first rod (16c), and the second plate (3) abuts against the strip member (107). Similarly, the first plate (5) abuts against the strip member (108) (not shown).

[0057] As shown in Figure 5A, in this example, the third axis (95) is fixed to the panel (26) (not shown). The first actuator (89) freely swings about the axis of the third axis (95). The third bearing block (79) is fixed to the second actuator (74).

[0058] As shown in Figure 5B, in this example, the fourth axis (83) is fixed to an unshown panel (26) by a device not shown. The spacer (84) is positioned around the fourth axis (83) and between the second actuator (74) and the panel (26) (not shown). The fourth bearing block (92) is fixed to the first actuator (89). The spacer (93) is positioned around the third axis (95) and between the first actuator (89) and the panel (26) (not shown).

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6A, in this example, the rods (61, 56) are fixed to the panels (28, 26) (not shown). The fifth axis (55) is fixed to the panel (26) (not shown). In this example, the swinging of the above-mentioned container is restricted by the stoppers (65, 60, 63, 58) positioned along the rods (61, 56) to align with the first plate (5) and the second plate (3) (not shown). The second pointer member (54) is provided on the fifth axis (55) such that the second pointer member will align with the arm (13). In this example, the second pointer member (54) is in the form of a roller bearing.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6B, in this example, the body is located inside the container such that the arm (13) is tilted due to the hydrostatic pressure on the body to maintain contact with the second pointer member (54). In other words, the body is located inside the container such that the arm (13) is biased to contact the second pointer member (54). The biasing can be achieved by the hydrostatic pressure on the body.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 7A, in this example, the mountings (71, 68) are respectively fixed to the rods (61, 56). The sixth axis (99) is connected to the third guide (97).

[0062] As shown in FIG. 7B, in this example, the third guide (97) is fixed to the second actuator (74). The first roller (98) is located on the sixth axis (99) (not shown). The first roller (98) includes a roller bearing. The first gripping member (82) is fixed to the second actuator (74). The second gripping member (90) is fixed to the first actuator (89).

[0063] The first microswitch and the second microswitch (69, 66) are respectively connected to the mountings (71, 68). In this example, the first microswitch and the second microswitch (69, 66) are in the form of microswitches. The first microswitch and the second microswitch (69, 66) are positioned such that they align with the first plate (5).

[0064] The seventh axis (75) is fixed to the second actuator (74). The fourth guide and the fifth guide (86a, 86b) are fixed to the panel (26) (not shown). The follower (85) is held by the guides (86a, 86b) through the panel (26) and is held from the panel (26) (not shown).

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7C, in this example, the first pointer member (15) is fixed to the arm (13) such that the first pointer member (15) aligns with the follower (85). In this example, the first pointer member (15) is in the form of a roller bearing.

[0066] As shown in Figure 8A, in this example, the sixth guide member (96) is fixed to the second actuator (74). In this example, the stoppers (65, 60, 63, 58) (as shown in Figure 6A) include a tyre and carriers (62, 57). The carriers (62, 57) may correspond to the stoppers (63, 58) respectively.

[0067] As Figure 10A shown, in this example, the third pointer member (76) is held to the seventh shaft (75) (not shown) such that the third pointer member (76) is aligned with the follower (85). In this example, the third pointer member (76) is in the form of a roller bearing. The solenoids (103, 102, 100) are fixed to the panel (26). The offset member (101) is held to the solenoid (100). In this example, the solenoids (103, 102, 100) are adapted to allow a plunger (not shown) to be connected to the shoes (78, 81, 91) respectively. The shoes (78, 81) are seated on the fourth rod and the fifth rod (77, 80) respectively. The fourth rod and the fifth rod (77, 80) are fixed to the second actuator (74). The shoe (91) is seated on the sixth rod (94). The sixth rod (94) is fixed to the first actuator (89).

[0068] As Figure 12 shown, in this example, the eighth shaft (38) is held to the panels (28, 26) (not shown) such that the eighth shaft (38) rotates freely about its axis. The sleeves (44, 49) are fitted with roller clutch bearings (not shown). The fourth blocks (45, 50) are fixed to the sleeves (44, 49) respectively. The third link and the fourth link (47, 52) are fixed to the caps (46, 51) at one end respectively.

[0069] As Figure 13A shown, in this example, the third link (47) is held to the fifth block (116). The fifth block (116) is fixed to the ninth shaft (115). The ninth shaft (115) is held to the strips (108, 107) such that the ninth shaft (115) rotates freely about its axis. The first pin (48) is fixed to the fourth block (45). The cap (46) is held to the first pin (48) such that the cap (46) rotates freely about the axis of the first pin (48). The tenth shaft (112) is held to the strips (108, 107) such that the tenth shaft (112) rotates freely about its axis. The first pull rod (106a) is fixed to the strips (108, 107) at its corresponding ends.

[0070] As Figure 13BAs shown, in this example, the second pull rod (106b) is fixed to the strip members (108, 107) at their respective ends. The sixth block (113) is fixed to the tenth shaft (112). The second pin (53) is fixed to the fourth block (50). The cap (51) is held to the second pin (53) such that the cap (51) rotates freely about the axis of the second pin (53).

[0071] As Figure 14A As shown, in this example, the panels (28, 26, 37, 35, 36, 34) are fixed together. The first support member (32) is fixed to the panel (34). The fifth bearing block (33) is fixed to the first support member (32). The second rod (73) is fixed to the panel (26), the first support member (32), and the panel (28) (not shown). The third rods (72a, 72b, 72c) are fixed to the panel (26) and the panel (28) (not shown) by devices not shown. The mounts (31, 30) are fixed to the third rods (72a, 72b, 72c) by devices not shown. The second shaft (118) is held to the mounts (31, 30).

[0072] As Figure 14B As shown, in this example, the sixth bearing block (27) is fixed to the panel (26).

[0073] As Figure 15 As shown, in this example, the first pulley (43) is fixed to the eighth shaft (38). The first pulley (43) is in the form of a timing pulley. The generator (40) is fixed to the first support member (32) and the panel (28) (not shown). In this example, the generator (40) is in the form of a bicycle hub generator. The second pulley (39) is fixed to the generator (40). The second pulley (39) is in the form of a timing pulley that has been modified to be mounted on the generator (40). The belt (42) connects the first pulley (43) to the second pulley (39). In this example, the belt (42) is in the form of a timing belt.

[0074] The operation of the presently described system will now be described with reference to the examples of the above - mentioned drawings.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 3, the strip members (108, 107) are aligned in the vertical direction. This vertical alignment can occur when the arm (13) is not in contact with the second pointer member (54), or when the first pointer member (15) is not in contact with the follower (85) and the stoppers (65, 60, 63, 58) are absent.

[0076] In this case, as shown in FIG. 1A, the above-mentioned body will also be aligned in the vertical direction. Due to the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid on the body in the container, the body will be aligned in the vertical direction. In this example, if the liquid does not exist and is not contained in the container, the center of mass of the combination of all the items connected to the strip members (108, 107) will coincide with the axis of the second axis (118). Correspondingly, if the container is completely removed from the strip members (108, 107), the center of mass of the remaining structure will be located directly below the axis of the second axis (118).

[0077] During operation, the container and the attached strip members (108, 107) move a few degrees clockwise and / or counterclockwise in the vertical position shown in FIG. 4. For example, when the container and the attached strip members move a few degrees clockwise (e.g., rotate) from the vertical position adopted in FIG. 4, then the strip members and the container can be in the positions implicitly shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 6A, the body in FIG. 6A is positioned significantly more than 90 degrees clockwise from the vertical position shown in FIG. 4. In this orientation, as shown in FIG. 6A, since the hydrostatic pressure on the body in the container attempts to return the body to the vertical position, the second pointer member (54) contacts the arm (13). In this arrangement, the upward thrust acting on the body is combined with the reaction force on the arm (13) provided via the second pointer member (54), generating a resultant force acting on the container via the first axis (10). The resultant force acts to swing the container (and the attached strip members (108, 107), etc.) towards the rod (61). Since the container and the attached strip members (108, 107) are located only a few degrees clockwise from the vertical position adopted in FIG. 4, the hydrostatic pressure on the cylinder (1) is not sufficient to overcome this resultant force and thus is not sufficient to prevent the container from swinging towards the rod (61).

[0079] When the container reaches the limit of the rod (61) (as shown in FIG. 8B), the follower (85) is lifted by the movement of the first actuator and the second actuator. In this example (discussed in more detail below), the first actuator and the second actuator can be caused to move by the action of at least one solenoid that controls the movement of the plunger, and the plunger is configured to move the first actuator and / or the second actuator. This process is described in more detail below. The effect of lifting the follower is to disconnect the contact between the arm (13) and the second pointer member (54), thereby removing the resultant force via the first axis (10), and connecting the first pointer member (15) to the horizontal surface of the follower (85).

[0080] The new contact between the first pointer member (15) and the horizontal surface of the follower member (85) provides a new reaction force that points in the vertical plane to counteract the upward thrust on the body. This leaves the hydrostatic pressure on the cylinder (1) (which will be referred to as the downward thrust) to swing the container (and strip members, etc.) towards the rod (56). As the follower member (85) is lifted, the first pointer member (15) rolls freely along the horizontal surface of the follower member (85).

[0081] When the container reaches its limit at the rod (56) (as shown in FIG. 7B), the follower member (85) is lowered by the means described below. The effect of this lowering is to disconnect the contact between the first pointer member (15) and the follower member (85) and connect the second pointer member (54) to the arm (13). As the arm (13) comes into contact with the second pointer member (54) again, the container (and the attached strip members) is swung towards the rod (61). As the follower member is lifted and lowered (e.g., moves between a first position and a second position), the above process can be continuously repeated.

[0082] More information on how to configure the first actuator and the second actuator to cause the follower member (85) to change position in the illustrated example is provided below.

[0083] Reference Figure 10A , by swinging the second actuator (74) (and thus the third pointer member (76)) counterclockwise to an extent that causes the first actuator (89) to swing (e.g., move), the second gripper (90) is interlocked with the first gripper (82), so that the follower member (85) can be lifted. This is shown in the example of FIGS. 9A to 9C (especially FIG. 9C).

[0084] The first actuator (89) can remain in the state shown in FIG. 9C because the center of mass of the first actuator (89) is towards the end opposite to the second gripper (90) with respect to the axis about which the first actuator (89) can swing. By swinging the first actuator (89) subsequently in the direction opposite to the initial movement, the interlock between the first gripper (90) and the second gripper (82) will stop, and the second actuator (74) will then return to the position shown in FIG. 5B.

[0085] The solenoids (103, 102) cause the plungers (not shown) to move a set distance in the direction towards the shoe members (78, 81) respectively when operating. The plungers (not shown) can be adjusted such that when the second actuator (74) is in the positions shown in FIGS. 5B and 9C, they are at the limits of their stroke range and in contact with the shoe members (78, 81). By operating the solenoids (103, 102), the second actuator (74) is caused to swing (e.g., move about an axis) and thus lift the follower member (85).

[0086] Otherwise, if the second actuator (74) is not prevented from doing so, then the second actuator (74) is biased to assume the position shown in FIG. 5B because the center of mass of the second actuator (74) is towards the end opposite the solenoid (103) relative to the axis about which the second actuator (74) can swing. When the solenoid (100) is operated, it causes the plunger (not shown) associated with the solenoid to move a set distance in a direction away from the shoe (91). Thus, operating the solenoid (100) causes the first actuator (89) to swing about the axis, which removes the interlock between the first gripper (90) and the second gripper (82). In other words, the solenoid is configured to cause the first actuator to move such that the first gripper and the second gripper move from a locked orientation to an unlocked orientation. Further, this movement of the first actuator causes the second actuator (74) to return to the position shown in FIG. 5B, which causes the follower (85) to descend (e.g., move to a second position, where the above-mentioned lifted position is the first position).

[0087] In this example, the solenoids (103, 102, 100) cooperate with the first microswitch (69) and the second microswitch (66) and a microcontroller (not shown).

[0088] Generally, a microcontroller (not shown) can be programmed to operate the solenoids (103, 102) for a sufficient period of time such that the second actuator (74) swings to an extent that when the first plate (5) contacts the first microswitch (69), the first gripper (90) and the second gripper (82) are interlocked.

[0089] The microcontroller (not shown) can also be programmed to operate the solenoid (100) for a sufficient period of time such that the first actuator (89) swings to an extent that when the first plate (5) contacts the second microswitch (66), the first gripper (90) and the second gripper (82) are no longer interlocked.

[0090] The following describes how to utilize the movement of the container (as discussed above) to provide an output force to the output shaft. The output shaft can be configured to provide an input to a motor and / or a generator.

[0091] Reference Figure 13B , in this example, the container and thus the strips (108, 107) repeatedly swing back and forth above the pivot point (e.g., about the second axis 118). This can further cause the sleeves (44, 49) to repeatedly rotate back and forth about the axis of the eighth axis (38) via the third link (47) and the fourth link (52) because these components are connected.

[0092] By appropriately arranging a roller clutch bearing (not shown) within the sleeves (44, 49), the eighth shaft (38) can be incrementally rotated in one direction as the strip members (108, 107) swing back (e.g., move in a first direction about an axis), and when the strip members (108, 107) swing out (e.g., move in a second direction about the axis, the first direction being opposite to the second direction), the eighth shaft (38) can be incrementally rotated in the same direction.

[0093] Thus, the back-and-forth movement of the container can cause the eighth shaft (38) to rotate in a continuous direction. As can be understood from Figure 15 the rotation of the eighth shaft (38) can cause the generator (40) to rotate.

[0094] The foregoing description has provided a complete and informative description of exemplary examples of the present disclosure as non-limiting examples. However, various modifications and changes may be apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications to the teachings of the present disclosure will still fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Indeed, there are further examples that include combinations of one or more examples with any of the other examples previously discussed.

[0095] List of Reference Numerals

Claims

1. A device, the device comprising: a container that houses a body immersed in a fluid; at least one actuator configured to cause the body to move within the fluid to deflect about an equilibrium position of the body within the fluid, wherein when the body is not in its equilibrium position, the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid acts to cause the body to return to its equilibrium position; and at least one connector that connects the container to an output shaft; wherein when the hydrostatic pressure acts to cause the body to return to its equilibrium position, the container and the at least one connector are caused to rotate at least in part about an axis, and wherein the at least partial rotation causes the output shaft to rotate.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The device includes at least one solenoid that controls movement of a corresponding plunger between an initial position and an extended position, and movement of the corresponding plunger between its initial position and its extended position causes the at least one actuator to move to cause the body to move within the fluid so as to deflect about the equilibrium position.

3. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one actuator includes: a first actuator; and a second actuator connected to the first actuator such that the first actuator can move linearly towards and away from the second actuator.

4. The device according to claim 3, which refers to claim 2, wherein, The first actuator is associated with a first solenoid and a second solenoid configured to move the first actuator linearly towards and away from the second actuator in different vertical directions.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein, The second actuator is associated with a third solenoid configured to move the second actuator.

6. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The body has a lower density than the fluid.

7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The connector includes a first strip and a second strip.

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The device further includes: at least one link that connects the connector to the output shaft such that back-and-forth movement of the at least one link causes the output shaft to rotate in a single direction.

9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The device further includes: an arm configured to be constrained to rotate between a first position and a second position.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein, The device further includes a first stop located near a first side of the arm and a second stop located near a second side of the arm, the arm being configured to contact the first stop when the arm is in the first position and to contact the second stop when the arm is in the second position.

11. The device according to any one of claims 9 to 10, wherein, The device further includes a follower that converts movement of the actuator into movement of the arm such that when the actuator moves, the arm is caused to move between the first position and the second position.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, Rotation of the arm between the first position and the second position causes the body to deflect about the equilibrium position.

13. A generator configured to: receive a rotational input from an output shaft of a device according to any one of the preceding claims; and convert the received rotational input into electrical energy.

14. A method including a device according to any one of the preceding claims, the method including: moving a body within a fluid by the at least one actuator to cause the body to deflect about an equilibrium position; causing the body to return to the equilibrium position by the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid, so that the connector and the container rotate about an axis; and converting the rotation of the connector about the axis into the rotation of the output shaft.

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