2142 results about "External energy" patented technology

External power source, charger, system and method for an implantable medical device having therapeutic componentry and a secondary coil operatively coupled to the therapeutic componentry. A primary charging coil is capable of transcutaneously inductively energizing the secondary coil when externally placed in proximity of the secondary coil. Drive circuitry is operatively coupled to the primary charging coil for exciting the primary charging coil. A rechargeable power source is operatively coupled to the drive circuitry. A secondary recharging coil is operatively coupled to the rechargeable power source. A primary recharging coil is adapted to be coupled to a source of AC power which when placed in proximity of the secondary recharging coil can inductively energize the secondary recharging coil in order to charge the rechargeable power source.

The invention relates to a central heating system with large temperature difference, which belongs to the energy field. The system comprises a steam turbine, a condenser, a steam absorption heat pump, a steam-water heat exchanger, a hot water absorption heat pump, a water-water heat exchanger as well as a connecting pipe and accessories. The invention is characterized in that the temperature difference of the heat net supply is large, and is about one time higher than the conventional heat net operation, thus the transmission capacity of the heat net is greatly increased, and at the same time, no heat preservation and thermal stress compensation problems exist as the backwater temperature of the heating is low, thereby reducing the investment of the backwater pipeline network and the whole pipeline network; the steam turbine is utilized to discharge steam and preheat the backwater of the large heat net, and circulating cooling water is utilized to be taken as the low level heat energy of the absorption heat pumps. The invention has the advantages that the residual heat produced in the electricity generating process of a power plant is recycled to the greatest extent as much as possible, the combination mode of the hot water absorption heat pump and the water-water heat exchanger is adopted at the end to heat the hot water of the secondary heat net supply, and the temperature difference of the supply-water and the backwater of the large heat net are increased, at the same time, the heat net does not need external energy to be the driving force.

A method and apparatus for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy which can use a wide range of fuels and perform with a high efficiency. Operating on a little utilized thermodynamic cycle of isentropic compression, isothermal expansion, isentropic expansion and finally constant pressure cooling and contraction. The external heat engine utilizes a heat exchanger carrying heat from the external energy source to the working parts of the engine. Pistons and cylinders are activated by appropriate means to adiabatically compress the working fluid, for example ambient air, to transfer the entire mass of the air through the heat exchanger to accomplish isothermal expansion followed by adiabatic expansion and, finally, exhaust the air to ambient to allow for constant pressure cooling and contraction. Valve pistons in conjunction with the cylinders form valves that allow for the exchange of working fluid with ambient. Energy is added to the engine during isothermal expansion, whereby the energy of compression is added by a flywheel or other appropriate energy storage means, said flywheel stores energy recovered during adiabatic expansion. The thermodynamic cycle described and the engine embodiments disclosed, when run in reverse, perform as a heat pump or refrigeration device.

According to an aspect of the invention, a motor drive circuit includes a first energy storage device configured to supply electrical energy, a bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter coupled to the first energy storage device, a voltage inverter coupled to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and an input device configured to receive electrical energy from an external energy source. The motor drive circuit further includes a coupling system coupled to the input device, to the first energy storage device, and to the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter. The coupling system has a first configuration configured to transfer electrical energy to the first energy storage device via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter, and has a second configuration configured to transfer electrical energy from the first energy storage device to the voltage inverter via the bi-directional DC-to-DC voltage converter.

Thermochromic laminates, which predictably vary their ability to absorb or reflect electromagnetic radiation, are provided. Laminates of the invention advantageously possess temperature trigger zones, that is, points or ranges of temperature, which function to decrease or increase the amount of electromagnetic energy, and particularly energy in the UV, infrared and visible ranges, that is reflected from the laminate, or absorbed as heat by the laminate and transmitted to an underlying structure. Laminates of the present invention can be provided in a variety of colors and temperature trigger points or ranges, and require no input of external energy except that of the impinging radiation. Laminates of the invention advantageously can be used in methods alone or combined with other materials such as roofing, siding, heat exchangers and other heat transfer materials and are therefore useful to control the temperature of an underlying structure or object.

In a method and apparatus for supplying wireless energy to a medical device (100) implanted in a patient, wireless energy is transmitted from an external energy source (104) located outside a patient and is received by an internal energy receiver (102) located inside the patient, for directly or indirectly supplying received energy to the medical device. An energy balance is determined between the energy sent by the external energy source and energy received by the internal energy receiver, and the transmission of wireless energy is then controlled based on the determined energy balance. The energy balance thus provides an accurate indication of the correct amount of energy needed, which is sufficient to operate the medical device properly, but without causing undue temperature rise.

A protective helmet having an inner shell and an outer shell assembly. Internal padding contacts an inner surface of the inner shell and an energy absorbing layer is positioned between the inner shell and the outer shell assembly. The outer shell assembly includes a plurality of rigid, outer shell segments with at least one of the outer shell segments designed and arranged to move relative to the other outer shell segments upon receiving an impact force. The external energy absorbing layer and the outer shell assembly dampens impact energy before it reaches the inner shell.

A centrifugal force-based microfluidic device for nucleic acid extraction and a microfluidic system are provided. The microfluidic device includes a body of revolution; a microfluidic structure disposed in the body of revolution, the microfluidic structure including a plurality of chambers, channels connecting the chambers, and valves disposed in the channels to control fluid flow, the microfluidic structure transmitting the fluid using centrifugal force due to rotation of the body of revolution; and magnetic beads contained in one of the chambers which collect a target material from a biomaterial sample flowing into the chamber, wherein the microfluidic structure washes the magnetic beads which collect the target material, and separates nucleic acid by electromagnetic wave irradiation from an external energy source to the magnetic beads. The microfluidic system includes the microfluidic device; a rotation operating unit which rotates the body of revolution; and an external energy source which irradiates electromagnetic waves.

The quick recharge energy storage device has a sufficient capacity due to the combination of a micro-battery and at least one micro-supercapacitor connected between two terminals of an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit, powered by the micro-battery, monitors high-speed (less than one second) charge of the micro-supercapacitors from an external energy source. The micro-supercapacitor can be connected in parallel with the micro-battery so as to subsequently recharge the micro-battery during the necessary time. The micro-battery provides a sufficient energy capacity, while the micro-supercapacitors allow high recharging speeds compatible with various applications (smart cards, smart labels, micro-system power supply, etc . . . ). The micro-battery and micro-supercapacitors are preferably formed on the same substrate, either side by side or stacked. Series connection of several micro-supercapacitors provides sufficient voltage for charging the micro-battery.

A method and apparatus for enabling extended operating time for a cellular telephone, pager, personal digital assistant, or the like, wherein the main battery of the portable electronic devices may be recharged from an auxiliary battery contained within a portable holder, and wherein the auxiliary battery is itself recharged by connecting to an external energy source.

An active retina implant has a multiplicity of pixel elements that convert incident light into electric stimulation signals for cells of the retina with which stimulation electrodes are to make contact. Each pixel element is provided with at least one image cell that converts incident light into electric signals, there being provided at least one amplifier whose input is connected to the image cell and whose output is connected to at least one stimulation electrode to which it supplies a stimulation signal. Also provided is an energy supply which provides externally coupled external energy as supply voltage for the image cells and the amplifiers. The image cell has a logarithmic characteristic according to which incident light of specific intensity is converted into electric signals of specific amplitude. The stimulation signal is supplied in the form of analog voltage pulses of specific pulse length and pulse spacings, the pulse amplitude being a function of the intensity of the incident light.

Field-device electronics including an electric current controller, through which a supply current flows. The electric current controller controls and / or modulates the supply current. The supply current is driven by a supply voltage provided by the external energy supply. Additionally, the field-device electronics has an internal operating and evaluating circuit for controlling the field device, as well as an internal supply circuit lying at a field-device electronics, internal input voltage derived from the supply voltage and feeding the internal operating and evaluating circuit. Provided in the supply circuit is a voltage controller flowed-through, at least at times, by a first component of the supply current. The voltage controller provides in the field-device electronics a first internal, useful voltage controlled to be essentially constant at a predetermined, first voltage level. Moreover, the supply circuit has a second voltage controller flowed through, at least at times, by a second current component of the supply current. The second voltage controller provides in the field-device electronics a second internal, useful voltage, which is variable over a predetermined voltage range. Also contained in the supply circuit is a voltage stabilizer flowed-through, at least at times, by a third current component of the supply current. The voltage stabilizer serves to set and maintain the internal input voltage of the field-device electronics at a predetermined voltage level. In accordance with the invention, the operating and evaluating circuit is flowed-through, at least at times, both by a first useful current driven by the first useful voltage, and by a second useful current driven by the second useful voltage.

There is disclosed a system, computer program and method provided for enabling an energy hub for improved management and optimization of energy utilization (consumption, production and storage). In an embodiment, a computer-implemented energy hub management system comprises a micro energy hub configured to communicate with two or more energy components at a premises. An energy optimization engine has an energy component model for each energy component based on each energy component's operating characteristics, the energy optimization engine adapted to receive at least one input from the two or more energy components and an input from an external data source on any external energy utilization restrictions for the micro energy hub. In response to at least one input from the two or more energy components and any external energy utilization restrictions on the micro energy hub, the energy optimization engine is adapted to issue one or more control signals to at least one of the energy components at the premises to optimize energy utilization based on one or more optimization criteria.

This is a new invention, including improvements upon existing inventions, which is safer, simpler to use, less invasive into a user's daily routine and provides a lower cost solution to existing pulsed magnetic field and related vibrational electromagnetic therapy devices. This invention (apparatus) is referred to as an EnergyWave Therapy Device to distinguish it from existing electromagnetic therapy devices. It operates non-invasively on a homeopathic level to improve sleep, encourage natural healing and reduce pain, swelling, and general discomfort. This is accomplished through different embodiments of the apparatus all of which generate Multiple Simultaneous Extremely Low Frequency (MSELF) energy waves which may be any combination of Alternating Polarity Magnetic Fields (APMF), narrowband near-coherent long-wavelength (580 nm to 980 nm) light emitting diodes (LEDs), or electrical vibrations transmitted through the medium of water using carbon rod electrodes. The MSELF vibrations are derived from a quartz crystal with a fundamental frequency less than one-half of one percent from a natural Fibonacci Sequence Number. The apparatus utilizes firmware operating in a microcontroller containing predefined, user selectable therapy programs either emulating natural Circadian Rhythms for sleep and rest, or other therapeutic programs, all of which contain Electromagnetic Field (EMF) dose limitations to prevent any possible overexposure. The microcontroller is also clocked at the same fundamental frequency generated by the Fibonacci Sequence Quartz Crystal. Additionally, the apparatus's unique application of an H-Bridge configuration power-driver with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) capabilities supports a novel approach to supply two simultaneous therapeutic frequencies to either a copper-trace coil emitter integrated on the main Printed Circuit Board (PCB) or optional external energy emitters. The result is a more effective, lower energy, safer, lower cost, simpler to use, noninvasive, multi-modal, EnergyWave Therapy Device.

The high reliable smart parallel energy storage tank charge / discharge system is composed of one or multiple identical Smart Energy Storage Unit. And each Smart Energy Storage Unit comprises an Energy Storage Management Module, an Energy Storage Device, a Sensor Switch Device and a Smart Identifier and Transmission Interface. All the historical records and real time information for charge / discharge condition of Smart Energy Storage Unit can upload to external connected equipment via the External Equipment Interface. To operate in coordination with an External Energy (Electric Power) Source, under any one Smart Energy Storage Unit served as the controller, this management system can carry out an effective charge / discharge management. When the Smart Energy Storage Unit which is in charged of the charge / discharge managing failed and cannot operate, the other normally operated Smart Energy Storage Units can automatically detect the situation and replace the role of charge / discharge management immediately so as to accomplish a high reliable charge / discharge management system.

There is disclosed a process and device for Forward Osmosis (FO) Pressurized Device (FOPD) in general and one hydraulically coupled to a reverse osmosis (RO device for a FOPRO (Forward Osmosis Pressurized Reverse Osmosis). Specifically, there is disclosed a passive device (that is, not needed energy input) for using forward osmosis to generate significant hydraulic pressure that can be used to drive a reverse osmosis process, wherein the reverse osmosis process (not needed external energy to run pumps) can separate salt from salt water to generate potable water from water with high salt content (such as sea water, urine, sweat, brackish water and the like).

A system and method are provided for actively illuminating and capturing images of an object, such as a driver of a vehicle to reduce glare. The system includes a video imaging camera orientated to generate images of the subject object (e.g., eye(s)) in successive video frames. The system also includes first and second light sources operable to illuminate the object one at a time. The system further includes a processor for processing the image by performing pixel-wise min operation to combine multiple frames into a single frame to reduce glare in the image. The system may remove glare caused by the illuminators and caused by external energy sources.

The invention discloses a percutaneous closed-loop control charging device for implantation type medical treatment instrument and belongs to the technical field of implantation medical instrument. The percutaneous closed-loop control charging device for implantation type medical treatment instrument comprises an external charger and an internal implantation type medical instrument. An external energy transmitting coil is a large-size flat magnetic core coil, and an internal energy receiving coil is a hollow coil; the external energy transmitting coil transmits electromagnetic energy by adopting a resonance electromagnetic coupling manner with parallel central shafts; and the electrical energy obtained by the internal energy receiving coil charges an internal rechargeable battery through an internal charge control circuit. The closed-loop control charging device communicates in a pulse position modulation manner for closed-loop control to ensure the energy received by the implantation medical instrument in different charging phases to be within the normal range, effectively control the heating and increase the safety; the closed-loop control charging device calculates the efficiency by the internal feedback parameter to realize counterpoint prompt and increase the charging efficiency. The percutaneous wireless charging method can charge the implantation type medical instrument by a titanium casing, is safe and reliable in charging, and can be applied to all types of implantation type medical instruments equivalent to a deep brain stimulator in power level.

Systems and methods for charging a vehicle are provided. Electric or hybrid electric vehicles may be charged in areas with limited power availability or in situations where a gradual draw of power from an external energy source is desired. The external energy source may be used to charge a stationary energy storage system at a first rate, and the stationary energy storage system may be used to charge the vehicle energy storage system at a second rate. Preferably, the second rate may be greater than the first rate.

A system is disclosed which comprises an implantable electrical medical device (100) with an internal energy receiver (102). The system also comprises an external energy source (104) located externally for supplying wireless energy to the internal energy receiver (102). The external energy source (104) has a primary coil (11) for transmitting energy inductively to a first secondary coil (10) in the energy receiver (102). The system is arranged to measure parameters related to a first coupling factor (C1) between the primary and the first secondary coil (10), and the external energy source (104) is adapted to transmit energy to the energy receiver (102) for enabling the medical device (100) to detect information related to the first coupling factor (C1). The medical device (100) is adapted to wirelessly send feedback information related to said first coupling factor (C1) to the external energy source (104) with the external energy source (104) being arranged to receive the feedback information and to perform a predetermined action based on said feedback information.

A probe, connectable to a machine tool, having an electric generator (16), supplying an electric or electronic circuit (22) with electric power, and a driving element (28), capable of relative rotation with respect to the stator of the electric generator. The rotation axis of the driving element is preferably a symmetry axis of the probe itself. The driving element is not connected to any external energy source, and can be set in rotation simply by activating the rotary axis of the machine tool.Advantageously, the driving element of the present invention is not directly connected with any mobile element of the machine tool, but is either rotatably mounted on the probe itself, or fixed on the reference table of the machine tool. Importantly, the inventive probe requires no additional connections to the machine tool on which it is mounted, besides the connection to the rotary spindle, which can be realized with a conventional tool-holder with a standardised tapered shank. In this way the inventive probe is fully compatible with standard probes, and can be mounted and used with standard tool-holders, without any adaptation. The self-powering function of the probe can be activated simply by sending appropriate rotation instructions to the machine tools.

The invention discloses an external energy-consumption self-resetting bridge pier stud structure system and a realization method thereof, belonging to the field of bridgework. The structure system mainly comprises a bridge pier stud, a bridge abutment, an unbonded prestressed reinforcement, an external energy consumption device, a pier embedded part and a bridge abutment embedded part, wherein the bridge pier stud and the bridge abutment are connected by the unbonded prestressed reinforcement and the external energy consumption device, so that residual deformation can be effectively reduced, and energy consumption can be guaranteed. The external energy-consumption self-resetting bridge pier stud structure system is flexible in design and has specific structure stress. The unbonded prestressed reinforcement on the axis position of the pier stud can be used for generating self-resetting restoring force. The problem that the traditional bridge pier has larger residual deformation and cannot continuously serve after the earthquake loading action is solved. The bridge pier has enough strength and rigidity. The external energy-consumption self-resetting bridge pier stud structure system is realized in a cast-in-situ or prefabricating mode and is easy to construct and is a novel pier stud structure system which is advanced and practical and can realize quick replacement and repair after the earthquake..

The invention provides a reduction exoskeleton joint, which comprises a first limb and a second limb which are in rotary connection, and further comprises a reduction mechanism which is arranged between the first limb and the second limb, wherein the reduction mechanism is in charge of providing recovery force when the first limb and the second limb approach to an upright state so as to promote the joint to recover to the upright state, and the joint, under the circumstance of not being exerted with obvious torque, is kept under the upright state. The reduction mechanism can adopt magnetic attraction elements or wedge block-wedge groove structures and further comprises an elastic energy storage mechanism, and the reduction mechanism is capable of releasing elasticity so as to assist power in a process that the first limb and the second limb extend. The elastic energy storage mechanism is a torsional spring, a tension spring, a compression spring or a pneumatic push rod; and a limiting mechanism, which is used for limiting rotating angles of the first limb and the second limb, is arranged between the first limb and the second limb. The reduction exoskeleton joint disclosed by the invention is simple in structure; power assisting is achieved by virtue of a mechanical mode under the condition of not consuming external energy; and in addition, reduction from passive bending to active extending is achieved.

A rechargeable, portable and convenient carrying, heating and feeding system for heating baby food while away from the home comprises a first housing member capable of holding a first food container, such as a baby bottle, an energy source positioned adjacent the bottom portion of the first housing member, and a second housing member, capable of holding a second food container, such as a baby food jar, having a top surface positioned adjacent the energy source. A power switch having an “on” and “off” position is provided on the device such that upon activation of the power switch to the “on” position causes the energy source to heat food contained within the at least one of the first and second food containers positioned within at least one of the first and second housing members to a predetermined feeding temperature. The heating and feeding system can be used at any location without the need of an external energy source.

An active retina implant has a multiplicity of pixel elements that convert incident light into electric stimulation signals for cells of the retina with which stimulation electrodes are to make contact. Each pixel element is provided with at least one image cell that converts incident light into electric signals, there being provided at least one amplifier whose input is connected to the image cell and whose output is connected to at least one stimulation electrode to which it supplies a stimulation signal. Also provided is an energy supply which provides externally coupled external energy as supply voltage for the image cells and the amplifiers. The image cell has a logarithmic characteristic according to which incident light of specific intensity is converted into electric signals of specific amplitude. The stimulation signal is supplied in the form of analog voltage pulses of specific pulse length and pulse spacings, the pulse amplitude being a function of the intensity of the incident light.