Patent ID: 7839010

Claim:
A generator device for use with a ventilator for a roof, the ventilator comprising a base arranged to be supported in a roof opening in the roof and a ventilating turbine rotatably supported on the base for ventilating a space below the roof through the roof opening when rotated, the device comprising: a plurality of generators, each having an input shaft and being arranged to produce electricity when the input shaft is rotated; and a coupling mechanism arranged to couple the input shafts of the generators to the turbine; the coupling mechanism comprising a plurality of wheels at circumferentially spaced positions about the base such that each wheel is associated with a respective one of the plurality of generators, each wheel being arranged to be rotatably supported on the base for rolling engagement with the turbine as the turbine rotates; wherein at least some of the generators are arranged to be coupled to the turbine so as to have a different turning ratio relative to the turbine in relation to other ones of the generators.