Mark W Simpson

US Patent:

20040125152, Jul 1, 2004

Filed:

Dec 31, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/335271

Inventors:

Daniel Sommers - Roswell GA, US
Timothy Monahan-Mitchell - Cumming GA, US
Mark Simpson - West Palm Beach FL, US
Jed Coxon - Alpharetta GA, US
James Mason - Alpharetta GA, US

International Classification:

G09G005/00

US Classification:

345/856000

Abstract:

A method and apparatus () for entry of variant characters provide a user interface () to allow a user to select a variant character list () for a specific language and optionally customize the list to the user's preferences. Processing circuitry () allows the user to add and delete variants from a previously stored default table and/or change the order in which the variants are displayed for each character. The user enters a variant character entry mode by depressing a character key for a predetermined period of time, followed by repeatedly depressing the same key to scroll through possible variants. Variants for the selected key are then displayed at a highlighted cursor position on a display (). The user selects the desired variant by pressing a key while the desired variant is being highlighted.

US Patent:

20120139259, Jun 7, 2012

Filed:

Aug 27, 2010

Appl. No.:

13/390569

Inventors:

Ari Glezer - Atlanta GA, US
Mark Simpson - Atlanta GA, US

International Classification:

F03D 9/00
F03G 6/04
F03D 7/02

US Classification:

290 55, 415 43, 6064114

Abstract:

Various systems and methods are provided for power generation using buoyancy-induced vortices. In one embodiment, among others, a vortex generation system includes a nucleating obstruction; an array of vanes distributed about the nucleating obstruction, the array of vanes configured to impart an angular momentum on air drawn through the array of vanes to form a columnar vortex over the nucleating obstruction; and a set of turbine blades positioned over the nucleating obstruction, the set of turbine blades configured to extract power from the columnar vortex. In another embodiment, a method for power extraction from a buoyancy-induced vortex includes establishing a thermal plume; imparting angular momentum to boundary layer air entrained by the thermal plume to form a stationary columnar vortex; and extracting power from the stationary columnar vortex through turbine blades positioned within the stationary columnar vortex.

US Patent:

20150047352, Feb 19, 2015

Filed:

Oct 30, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/528107

Inventors:

- Atlanta GA, US
Mark Simpson - Atlanta GA, US

International Classification:

F02C 1/05
F03G 6/04

US Classification:

606418

Abstract:

Various examples are provided for power generation using buoyancy-induced vortices. In one example, among others, a vortex generation system includes an array of hybrid vanes comprising a first vane section in a surface momentum boundary layer and a second vane section above the first vane section. The first vane section is configured to impart a first angular momentum on the preheated air in the surface momentum boundary layer and the second vane section is configured to impart a second angular momentum on preheated air drawn through the second vane section. In another embodiment, a method for power extraction from a buoyancy-induced vortex includes imparting angular momentum to preheated boundary layer air entrained by a thermal plume to form a stationary columnar vortex. The angular momentum can be imparted to the preheated boundary layer air at a plurality of angles by an array of hybrid vanes distributed about the thermal plume.