Apparatus for electrical signal generation based upon movement and associated methods

Abstract

A generator/sensor may include a pair of arcuate swing arms having respective opposing ends pivotally carried by a base so that the arcuate swing arms are transverse to one another and define a movable crossing point therebetween. A body may be carried by the arcuate swing arms at the crossing point therebetween. At least one electrical generator may be driven by relative movement between the body and the base, such as to generate electrical power or to sense movement, for example. The body may be a pendulum mass or sail responsive to fluid flow.

1 - 12 . (canceled)  
     
     
         13 . A self-powered buoy comprising: 
 a base being buoyant in water;    a pair of arcuate swing arms having respective opposing ends pivotally carried by said base so that said arcuate swing arms are transverse to one another and define a movable crossing point therebetween;    a pendulum mass carried by said pair of arcuate swing arms at the crossing point therebetween;    at least one electrical generator driven by relative movement between said pendulum mass and said base; and    an electrical load powered by said at least one electrical generator.    
     
     
         14 . The self-powered buoy according to  claim 13  wherein said at least one electrical generator is operatively connected between said base and at least one end of said pair of arcuate swing arms.  
     
     
         15 . The self-powered buoy according to  claim 13  wherein said pendulum mass comprises an electrical storage battery connected to said electrical generator.  
     
     
         16 . The self-powered buoy according to  claim 13  further comprising a gear train operatively connected between said at least one electrical generator and the at least one end of said pair of arcuate swing arms.  
     
     
         17 . The self-powered buoy according to  claim 13  wherein each arcuate swing arm has a semi-circular shape so that said pair of arcuate swing arms define a hemi-spherical range of movement for said body.  
     
     
         18 . A sensor comprising: 
 a base;    a pair of arcuate swing arms having respective opposing ends pivotally carried by said base so that said arcuate swing arms are transverse to one another and define a movable crossing point therebetween;    a body carried by said pair of arcuate swing arms at the crossing point therebetween;    at least one electrical generator operatively connected between said base and at least one end of said pair of arcuate swing arms and driven by relative movement between said body and said base; and    electrical sensing circuitry connected to said electrical generator.    
     
     
         19 . The sensor according to  claim 18  wherein said body comprises a pendulum mass.  
     
     
         20 . The sensor according to  claim 18  wherein said body comprises a sail responsive to a fluid flow.  
     
     
         21 . The sensor according to  claim 18  wherein each arcuate swing arm has a semi-circular shape so that said pair of arcuate swing arms define a hemi-spherical range of movement for said body.  
     
     
         22 - 28 . (canceled)