Abstract:
A turbine generator having one or more wind turbines for generating energy and a series of plates located above and below each turbine for focusing and converging the wind inwardly. The plates are aerodynamically-designed to converge the wind onto the turbine and provide a strong wind current. The turbine generator is incorporated into a light fixture to provide self-sustaining light energy. Solar panels may be provided in conjunction with the turbine generator to provide an additional source of energy.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to energy saving devices, and more particularly to wind powered and solar powered devices. 
     Sustainability is the basic characteristic of a process or a state that can be maintained at a certain level indefinitely. For our planet, it is the intent to provide the best outcomes for the human and natural environments both now and into the indefinite future. The Brundtland Commission, formally the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), known by the name of its Chair Gro Harlem Brundtland, was convened by the United Nations in 1983. The commission was created to address growing concern about the accelerating deterioration of the human environment and natural resources and the consequences of that deterioration for economic and social development. In establishing the commission, the UN General Assembly recognized that environmental problems were global in nature and determined that it was in the common interest of all nations to establish policies for sustainable development. The Commission defined sustainable development as a development that “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” (WCED 1987). The complex term of sustainability relates to the continuity of economic, social, institutional and environmental aspects of human society, as well as the non-human environment. 
     Alternate energy devices have been developed over the years. Many solar powered and wind driven devices in the industry lack efficiency. Wind driven devices typically require high wind velocities to produce high rotation speeds in order to maintain a constant energy supply. Such speed requirement typically precludes efficient use of wind driven devices in areas in which relatively low wind velocities are present. Additionally, many wind driven devices must be oriented in a certain direction to maintain high rotation speeds. 
     It is a primary object of the invention to provide a highly efficient, wind powered and solar powered devices. It is another object of the invention to provide wind powered and solar powered devices that are fully self-sustaining and do not need to be connected to existing infrastructures. It is a further object of the invention to provide a light powered by wind and/or solar energy and requires little or no additional energy. It is yet another object of the invention to provide an energy efficient light that can be used in a variety of different buildings and structures. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     These and other objects and advantages are accomplished by a turbine generator having one or more wind turbines for generating energy and a series of plates located above and below each turbine for focusing and converging the wind inwardly. The plates are aerodynamically-designed to converge the wind onto the turbine and provide a strong wind current. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the turbine generator is incorporated into a light fixture to provide self-sustaining light energy. In yet another aspect of the invention, solar panel are provided in conjunction with the turbine generator to provide an additional source of energy. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the turbine generator of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the rotary shaft of the turbine generator of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a street light with the turbine generator of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the plates in the turbine generator of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a street light with the turbine generator of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the plates in the turbine generator of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a street light with the turbine generator of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the plates in the turbine generator of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a street light with the turbine generator of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the plates in the turbine generator of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a street light with the turbine generator of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the plates in the turbine generator of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded view of an embodiment of a street light with the turbine generator of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of a street light with the turbine generator of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a plate in the turbine generator of the present invention with a solar energy panel assembly; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a plate in the turbine generator of the present invention with a solar energy panel assembly; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a plate in the turbine generator of the present invention with a solar energy panel assembly; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a plate in the turbine generator of the present invention with a solar energy panel assembly; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a street light with a turbine generator of the present invention showing solar energy absorption; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a street light with a turbine generator of the present invention showing stored energy delivered to a streetlight; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a street light with a turbine generator of the present invention showing energy transferred to a streetlight; 
         FIG. 22  is perspective view of a street light with a turbine generator of the present invention showing the storage of the mechanics and the wiring of the light; and 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of alternate embodiment of the turbine generator of the present invention used in a bus shelter. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As will be appreciated, the present invention provides a wind turbine generator  10  having one or more rotary shafts  12 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Rotary shafts  12  rotate about a rod or pole in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. As clearly shown in  FIG. 2 , rotary shaft  12  has a channel or opening  18  for fitting onto a pole or rod, for rotation thereabout. 
     Each rotary shaft  12  has a series of blades  14  that react to the wind current to rotate rotary shaft  12 . Plates  16  are located above and below each rotary shaft  12 . Plates  16  are designed aerodynamically to promote convergence of the wind inward toward blades  14 . Plates  16  are shown as circular or disc-shaped, although other shapes may be used as long as the aerodynamic effect is achieved. The central portion of plates  16  is greater in thickness, which thickness is substantially constant and begins to taper off to a point proximate the edge. The peripheral edge around the perimeter of plate  16  is very thin. The shape of plates  16  attracts air current. The force of the air current or wind drives blades  14  to rotate rotary shaft  12 , thereby generating energy. The thin edge of plates  14  allows for a high volume of wind as it flows towards the rotary shaft. The wind turbine generator  10  is also impervious to the changing wind direction. 
     One preferred embodiment is directed to the use of wind turbine generator  10  in a light.  FIGS. 3 through 12  illustrate various turbine assemblies for incorporation in a light fixture.  FIGS. 3 and 5  show a rotary shaft with blades positioned between an upper and lower plate.  FIG. 4  shows a front plan view of the plates used in the generator of  FIG. 3 , with the top plate being larger than the bottom plate.  FIG. 6  shows a front plan view of the plates used in the generator of  FIG. 5 , with the top plate being slightly smaller than the bottom plate. All of the plates have the same aerodynamic shape represented by a thicker central region and much thinner periphery to guide and converge the wind current inward toward the blades. 
       FIGS. 7 through 12  illustrate various turbine assemblies having two wind turbines each positioned between two plates for a total of three plates. Even though the plates may vary in size and location, all of the plates have the same aerodynamic shape to provide strong and consistent air current for movement of the blades and rotation of the rotary shaft. 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  are exploded views of various embodiments of wind generator assemblies of the present invention.  FIG. 13  shows assembly  30  having a rod or pole  32  upon which a lower plate  34  is positioned. Wind turbine  36  is positioned above plate  32 . A second or middle plate  40  is positioned above turbine  34 . A series of fins  42  are used to support plate  40  above turbine  36 . A second turbine  44  is positioned above plate  40  and a third plate  46  is positioned above turbine  44 . Support fins  48  may be placed between the second and third plates to support the third plate  46 . A cover  50  may be positioned on third plate  46  to protect plate  46  and also provide solar energy options. Any or all of plates  34 ,  40 ,  46  and cover  50  may have one or more solar panels  52  to provide additional energy for conversion to electrical energy. As shown in  FIG. 13 , there are many combinations, patterns and shapes of solar panels that can be used in the plates and cover herein. 
       FIG. 14  shows yet another option for a wind turbine assembly  60  for use as a light. Two turbines are disposed between upper and lower plates. The bottom or lower plate  62  in  FIG. 14  has a series of lights, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned on the bottom face of plate  62 . Variations of types of lights, light positions, shapes and number of lights are also shown in  FIG. 14  at  64 ,  66 ,  68  and  70 . Any type of light, including but not limited to, incandescent, fluorescent, halogen and led lights, may be used as the illuminating component of the light. 
       FIGS. 15 through 18  shows additional embodiments of solar panels which may be used on the plates or as a cover for the light assembly. As shown, the panels may extend to the edge of the plate or cover, or may be positioned proximate the center of the plate or cover in a full or semi-circular design. 
     Reference is made to  FIGS. 19 through 22  which illustrate the energy path and transfer in the light fixture assembly. Light assembly  80  is shown with solar panel  82  on top plate  84  and two wind turbines  86  and  88 , located, respectively, between top plate  84 , middle plate  85  and bottom plate  87 . Energy  90  created from solar panel  82  and wind turbines  86  and  88 , is converted into electrical energy by a electrical energy generator and is sent down pole  92  to a power storage assembly  94 . At night, energy  96  is sent up to lights  98  for lighting the surrounding area. 
       FIG. 23  further illustrates and exemplifies other uses of the turbine system herein. A bus shelter  100  is shown having light assemblies  102  that incorporate the turbine assembly  104  of the present invention. LEDs  106  are used to illuminate the light, which are powered by electrical energy converted from the wind energy produced by the wind turbine. The wind turbine assembly of the present invention is useful for many of today&#39;s energy demands including lighting assemblies in a variety of locations, buildings and other structures. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended embodiments.