Jason J Jenkins

US Patent:

62557998, Jul 3, 2001

Filed:

Dec 29, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/474515

Inventors:

Binh Q. Le - Vienna VA
Ark L. Lew - Ellicott City MD
Paul D. Schwartz - Arnold MD
Albert C. Sadilek - Elkridge MD
Joseph J. Suter - Ellicott City MD
Jason E. Jenkins - Columbia MD
Sharon X. Ling - Clarksville MD

Assignee:

The Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore MD

International Classification:

H02J 700
H02K 500
A43B 702

US Classification:

320107

Abstract:

The invention comprises a means for generating energy while walking or running for storage in a rechargeable battery. One embodiment uses lever arm movement in the heel of a shoe resulting from normal walking or running to generate energy from a built-in generator. The linear or rotational motion of the lever arm engages the circular gear assembly and turns the generator/motor/turbine, thus generating power. The second embodiment uses fluid reservoirs embedded in the shoes. Pressure changes resulting from normal walking or running moves the fluid through a narrow channel connecting two reservoirs, thus generating power by rotating a flywheel and an attached motor/generator/turbine in the middle of the channel. Secondary (rechargeable) batteries are incorporated into the invention either in an integrated form or as an add-on design. Additional features include a digital diagnostic data output, which would serves as a "fuel gauge" for the secondary batteries, and a smart charging circuit that efficiently controls battery charging from a generator output that varies with step rate and force.