Patent ID: 8704388

Claim:
An apparatus comprising: a generally flexible support member having a first end, a second end and a plurality of guides intermediate the first and second ends; an electrical generator having a magnet, an electrical coil adjacent the magnet, and a pair of electrical leads for delivering electrical current generated in the coil, wherein the coil is secured to the second end of the support member; a tensile member having a first end connected to the first end of the support member and a second end connected to the magnet, wherein the tensile member extends along a path from the first end of the support member through the plurality of guides to the magnet; and a spring element disposed intermediate the magnet and the support member proximal to the second end of the support member to bias the magnet in a direction to impart tension to the tensile member; wherein deflection of the first end of the support member from a relaxed position to a deflected position modifies the length of the path of the tensile member to overcome the bias of spring element, displace the magnet relative to the electrical coil, and generate an electrical current in the electrical coil.