Patent ID: 8013463

Claim:
An electricity generating system comprising: a fluid vessel associated with footwear of a user, the fluid vessel configured and dimensioned to house a fluid and to expel at least a portion of the fluid from the fluid vessel when the user applies at least a portion of the user's weight to the fluid vessel, thereby applying a first force to the fluid vessel; a mechanical-to-electrical generator sub-assembly in fluid communication with the fluid vessel through at least one fluid line, the mechanical-to-electrical generator sub-assembly configured and dimensioned to: (i) receive the fluid expelled from the fluid vessel in response to application of the first force to the fluid vessel, and (ii) generate electricity utilizing the expelled fluid, the mechanical-to-electrical generator sub-assembly including: (a) a mechanical generator in fluid communication with the fluid vessel, the mechanical generator including: (i) an actuating member configured and dimensioned to apply a second force to an elongated member in response to transmission of the expelled fluid from the fluid vessel, the elongated member being engaged with and effecting rotation of a driveshaft in response to application of the second force, and (ii) a spring member configured and dimensioned to apply a third force to the elongated member when the first force ceases to be applied to the fluid vessel, wherein application of the third force to the elongated member causes the elongated member to retract the actuating member; (b) an electrical generator coupled to the driveshaft, the electrical generator adapted to generate electricity based on rotation of the driveshaft; and (c) an external connection coupled to the electrical generator, the external connection configured to provide power to electronic devices or loads.