patent agent examination paper a 2009 - industry...

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PAPER A - 2009

PATENT AGENT EXAMINATION

PAPER A

2009

Dear Candidate,

Paper A is a patent drafting exercise in which the candidate is requested to

prepare a full patent specification, with significant weight (60%) given to the

claims.

A hypothetical inventor has provided a description of the technology as the

inventor understands it. A search has been provided to assist the candidate in

evaluating the actual scope of the inventor’s invention. You will assume the

search is the most relevant of the prior art and you are cautioned not to impart

your own knowledge into your analysis and preparation of the patent application.

While clever, the inventor is unlikely to have provided language, structure and

organization appropriate for a patent application. Accordingly, full marks for the

description will not be awarded if the Candidate merely copies the inventor’s text

and, historically, lower marks have been awarded for exclusively cutting and

pasting portions from the examination itself.

The inventor has provided the attached materials describing and illustrating a

wind turbine. A search has revealed two pertinent references, namely: US

Patent X,XXX,337 to Queen et al. and FR Patent X,XXX,710 to Wiener et al.

On the basis of the client's letter, drawings, and the known prior art patents,

prepare a patent application. The Candidate is required to submit a first

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PAPER A - 2009

independent claim of the apparatus type having 5 or 6 dependent apparatus

claims and a second independent claim of the method type having 3 or 4

dependent method claims. The Candidate has been provided with duplicate

unmarked copies of the drawings for their use. As is evident from the mark

breakdown below, preparation of formal portions of the application such as a

petition is not required.

Abstract 3 (1) Independent Apparatus Claim 22

Title 1 Dependent Apparatus Claims 10

Field of the Invention 1 (2) Independent Method Claim 22

Background of the Invention 8 Dependent Method Claims 6

Summary of the Invention 2

Description of the Drawings 3

Description of the Embodiments 22

Subtotal 40 Subtotal 60

TOTAL 100

Client’s Materials:

I am very interested in patenting my new wind turbine because it works in low

wind conditions and it can be manufactured for considerably less money than

wind generators that you usually see in steady or high wind environments. A

number of turbines can be set up in a suitable configuration for a wind farm or

one turbine would be perfectly useful for low level electrical generation or even

water pumping. This design should be very popular because of the low capital

outlay required to make one.

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PAPER A - 2009

I adapted a sailboat sail for use in my turbine blades which uses devices and

designs that are commonly used for managing sails on sailboats. I also use a

boom and mast to secure the sail, but my mast sticks out of the turbine hub like a

propeller blade. My sail also uses conventional furling devices that allow the sail

to be furled and unfurled either on the exterior or interior of the boom. A sail is

an inexpensive and lightweight approach to forming a large airfoil yet, as

circumstance dictates, the size of the sail can be easily reduced when not

required. My use of the sail and boom arrangement is simple in design and

provides fully adjustable sails.

You can see from my drawings that my turbine blades are mounted for rotation

near the top of the support where the wind is usually best. The blades extend

from a hub which is mounted to the support and rotates as the wind pushes the

blades around. Inherent in a blade is that it is oriented to impart a rotation to the

hub. In my first drawing, I have shown three turbine blades that are spaced

about the center of the hub. Like other conventional wind turbines, my wind

turbine may also include a generator attached to the hub, via a drive shaft, to

convert and maximize the rotational energy of the sails and hub into electricity.

The machine will still run with one blade but I prefer to use three or even four.

Each of my blades has a mast or rotor that extends radially outward from the hub

like a fan or pinwheel. The rotor holds the sail when it is fully extended. In light

winds, the sails are moved or fully extended along the rotor to capture as much

of the wind as possible. If the wind is too high, I retract the sails so that the wind

turbine doesn’t spin too fast or break off. Other turbines that have big blades can

be damaged in high winds or must use costly structure to hold them together.

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PAPER A - 2009

I can retract my sails close to the hub using a boom. The boom is located near

the hub. Like a sailboat, it is best if the boom extends at ninety degrees from the

mast or rotor. I have not shown a drawing of this, but it is also possible for the

boom to extend directly from the hub or for the rotor to be mounted to the boom

but this latter version will likely not be very practical. The sail is preferably a

basic triangular shape which forms a plane or surface between the rotor and

boom. Depending on the wind speed, I control the sail configuration. By

retracting the sail towards the hub in high winds, I can keep the sail structure

close to the hub, reduce the load on my wind turbine, and keep the support

structure and component size to a minimum without fear of tearing off the sails

and hence the blades.

I didn’t show this but, if I support the boom from the base of the rotor near the

hub, I may also make it possible to rotate the rotor about the rotor’s axis to adjust

the angle of the sail and blade relative to the prevailing wind.

The sails can be guided in a slot extending along the rotor or along its exterior.

The sail is hoisted along the rotor by a hoisting mechanism (not shown)

positioned along or within the rotor. Drawing 3 shows the sail in the fully

extended position, drawing 5 shows the sail in a fully retracted position and

drawing 4 shows the sail in a partially extended position between the positions

shown in drawings 3 and 5. The sails have a width which can be as wide as the

boom and a height which is as long as the rotor so that the sail can preferably be

extended along its height all the way to the end of the rotor. Like a sailboat,

during low winds, the sails of the wind turbine can be raised or extended away

from the boom and during high winds the sails can be lowered or retracted to be

furled at the boom.

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PAPER A - 2009

Each sail can be furled and unfurled using a furling device, of the type used on

regular sailboats. I have not included any details of the furling device because

many types can be found on sailboats. I have simply shown one type of furling

device which rolls the sail around the outside of the boom. Another kind of furling

device allows the sail to roll up inside a hollow boom. Each furling device is

operated by a drive mechanism which can be controlled. A wind speed sensor

can be used to control the furling and unfurling and therefore adjust the size of

the sail.

The blades can be made of suitable material that is typically used to manufacture

boat sails, including laminated fiber material. Advantageously, the rotors or the

booms or both can themselves be in the shape of an airfoil so that, even when

the sails are fully furled, the rotors may act somewhat as wind turbine rotors.

In operation, the wind speed sensor communicates with a controller, such as a

central computer. The central computer can control the drive mechanisms to

change the sail configuration between light and high wind configurations. My

method of controlling the wind turbine can also continuously monitor this

information and react to ensure the sail configuration adjusts to suit the wind

speed. For simplicity, the controller can be indexed to configurations where the

sails are completely furled; about 40% extended; about 60% extended; or

completely extended.

I can operate a farm of wind turbines distributed in various locations by obtaining

the wind speed from sensors around the farm or at each wind turbine location

and then controlling the wind turbines by operating their sails to configure the

wind turbines to best suit the wind conditions at their respective locations.

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PAPER A - 2009

The wind turbine described above is relatively inexpensive and easy to

manufacture. It is far more efficient for low winds than current wind turbines and

its simplified structure avoids constant repairs.

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PAPER A - 2009

Sail Sail

Wind Senso

Control

Hub

Rotor

Boom

Blad

Sail

DWG 1

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DWG 2

Hub

Rotor

DWG 3

Boom

Rotor

Sail

Sail Boom

Sail

Blad

Blad

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PAPER A - 2009

Boom DWG 4

Roto

Hub

DWG 5

Sail

Roto

Boom

Hub

Sail

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PAPER A - 2009

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PAPER A - 2009

WIND ENERGY GENERATING APPARATUS WITH DIHEDRAL SAILS

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown the wind energy generator apparatus

10 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The

wind energy generator apparatus 10 has a first mast 12 with a dihedral sail 14

affixed thereto. The wind energy generator apparatus 10 also includes a second

mast 16 having a dihedral sail 18 affixed to and extending outwardly therefrom.

Additionally, the wind energy generator apparatus 10 has a third mast 20 with a

dihedral sail 22 affixed thereto. Each of the masts 12, 16 and 20 extends radially

outwardly of a shaft 24. The shaft 24 is pivotally connected at 26 to the top of a

pole 28. A generator 30 is cooperative with the shaft 24. The generator 30 is

located adjacent to the bottom of the pole 28.

A controller is cooperative with each of the sails 14, 18 and 22 so as to

control an orientation of the respective dihedral sails 14, 18 and 22 relative to a

position of the masts 12, 16 and 20. The controller includes a first lanyard 30 that

is connected to the dihedral sail 14. The controller also include a second lanyard

32 that is connected to the dihedral sail 18. Additionally, and furthermore, the

controller includes a third lanyard 34 that is connected to the dihedral sail 22.

Each of the lanyards 30, 32 and 34 will extend from a mechanism associated

with shaft 24. The controller serves to extend and retract the lanyards 30, 32 and

34 relative to a position of the respective masts 12, 16 and 20.

The mast 12 is generally cone-shape with a wide diameter at the shaft 24

and a narrow diameter at an opposite end thereof. The dihedral sail 14 has one

edge 36 affixed to and extending longitudinally along the mast 12. The dihedral

United States Patent X,XXX,337

Nov 11, 1999 Queen et al.

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PAPER A - 2009

sail 14 has a second edge 38 which forms a juncture with the first edge 36

adjacent to the narrow diameter end 40 of the mast 12. The second edge 38

extends to a corner 42 formed at an end of the second edge 38 opposite the end

40 of mast 12. The lanyard 30 is connected to the corner 42 of the dihedral sail

14.

The second mast 16 is similarly cone-shaped with a wide diameter affixed

to the shaft 24 and a narrow diameter at opposite end 44. The dihedral sail 18

has one edge 46 which extends longitudinally along the mast 16. A second edge

48 extends from the end 44 of the mast 16 outwardly from the mast at an acute

angle. The lanyard 32 is connected to a corner 50 of edge 48 opposite the end

44 of mast 16.

The third mast 20 is also cone-shaped with a wide diameter at the shaft 24

and a narrow diameter at an opposite end 52. The first edge 54 of the dihedral

sail 22 extends longitudinally along the mast 20. A second edge 56 extends at an

acute angle from the first edge 54 and from the end 52 of mast 20. The second

edge 56 extends to a corner 58 opposite to the end 52 of mast 20. The lanyard

34 is connected to the corner 58 of the dihedral sail 22.

It can be seen that each of the sails 14, 18 and 22 has a plurality of ribs 60

extending thereacross in generally transverse relationship to the respective

masts 12, 16 and 20. These ribs extend from the respective masts 12, 16 and 22

to the second edge 38, 48 and 56 of the respective dihedral sails 14, 18 and 22.

These ribs 60 are formed of carbon filaments that are particularly configured so

as to maintain each of the dihedral sails 14, 18 and 22 in a cupped configuration

when the respective lanyards 30, 32 and 34 are retracted. As such, the ribs 60

provide structural integrity to the respective dihedral sails 14, 18 and 22.

In FIG. 1, it can be seen that the shaft 24 is pivotally mounted at 26 to the

top of the pole 28. The generator 30 is connected adjacent to the bottom of the

pole 28. A torque tube will extend through the interior of the pole 28 so as to

transfer rotational energy of the shaft 24 as rotational energy to the generator 30.

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PAPER A - 2009

Since the generator 30 is located adjacent to the bottom of the pole 28 and

generally at the surface of the earth, generator 30 can be easily connected to

supply power, can be easily repaired and can be easily replaced. As such, the

wind energy generator apparatus 10 of the present invention avoids the need for

hoists, cranes, lifts and other devices that would be otherwise required to

maintain and/or replace equipment located at the top of the pole 28.

In FIG. 1, it can be seen that the sail 14 is formed into a cupped

configuration by retracting the lanyard 30 radially toward the shaft 24. This draws

the corner 42 toward the shaft 24 and creates the cupped configuration of the

dihedral sail 14. The lanyard 32 associated with the dihedral sail 18 is extended

so that the dihedral sail 18 has a generally open configuration. The lanyard 34 is

intermediately retracted so as to draw the dihedral sail 22 into a semi-cupped

configuration. The ribs serve to set the curvature when the lanyard is drawn in.

As such, the sail 14 will cup to a predetermined curvature. The ribs 60 serve to

maintain it in this cupped shaped. As the turbine tacks into the wind, the ribs 60

serve to assure that the dihedral sail avoid collapse. As such, the use of the ribs

60 enhances the torque-producing capability of the wind energy generator

apparatus 10.

In FIG. 1, it can be seen that the dihedral sail 14 is fully cupped so as to

receive the full force of the wind. As such, the mast 12 receives the full power

associated with the wind energy and transfers such power to the shaft 24. The

dihedral sail 18 is in a feathered condition. The lanyard 32 is relaxed so that only

a small amount of rotational torque is created. The dihedral sail 22 is not fully

cupped. As such, it provides reduced torque. The shape of the particular blades

associated with the wind energy generator apparatus 10 of the present invention

serve to reduce the drag coefficient of the blade because of the way the wind fills

the curvature of the dihedral sails. One dihedral sail is emptying as another is

filling.

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FIG. 1

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PAPER A - 2009

WIND POWER MACHINE WITH A WINDWHEEL

The invention relates to a wind turbine having a wind-driven wheel

comprising a hub and bars radially extending therefrom to which sails are fixed,

an extremity of each sail being directed to the next bar.

Such wind turbines have been in use for many centuries, namely in

Mediterranean countries, for applications such as wind mills for irrigation.

The invention is explained in more detail hereafter using the following

figures in which:

Fig. 1 is a front view of a wind turbine according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a partial cut-out view along line II-II of Fig. 1;

Figs. 7 and 8 are partial front views of various devices for furling the sail.

Figs. 1 and 2 represent a wind-driven wheel 11 having a hub 12, inside

which is mounted the rotation axis of the wind turbine. The hub may comprise,

for example, an electric generator 17, and eventually also the corresponding

transmission gears 18 or other driven devices such as pumps or similar devices.

The hub 12 has an elongated cylindrical shape and has a fairly large diameter. It

has an aerodynamically shaped rear portion and is mounted to, preferably,

without spacing, tower head 14 which is disposed immediately thereafter in the

direction of the wind 13 and which can turn about a vertical axis 16 upon landing

15. The tower head 14 extend in the wind direction by a directional blade (not

shown) which serves to turn the wind-driven wheel into the wind. Other means

known to those skilled in the art may be used to achieve the same purpose. The

tower head 14 is mounted on a tower or a pylon which is high enough for the

wind-driven wheel 11 to turn freely and also to submit the wind-driven wheel to

high velocity winds.

French Patent X,XXX,710

Sep 22, 1977 Wiener et al.

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PAPER A - 2009

In the exterior area of the median region, the hub 16 comprises a total of

eight base plates 19 equally spaced around the hub’s exterior and on which

radially extending bars 20 are fixed. Bars 20 comprise hollow aluminum profiles

such as those used for sailing yacht masts.

Bars 20 are propped up using stays 24 which are tightened between hook

means 25 and hook device 26 using tightening means 27. The top end of bars

20 are joined to each other by stays 28.

To each bar 20 is fixed a sail 30. The sails and their accessories are

shown for only two of the bars 20 on Fig. 1. The sails 30 are fixed to bars 20 by

a forward railing. To achieve this, the forward side of sail 30 is inserted into

groove 21 of bar 20. To this effect, the bars are wing-shaped and oriented such

that the angle of attack reduces the aerodynamic effect of the bars 20 on the

sails 30.

Sails 30 have a triangular shape, one of its sides constituting its leading

edge. The smaller side constitutes the exterior railing 33 of sail 30 and is fixed,

as shown in the embodiment of Fig. 1, to a yardarm 34 also through a groove

(not shown) on yardarm 34. Yardarm 34 is articulated on bar 20. Fitting 35 of

yardarm 34 can include a T-shaped portion inserted in groove 21 of bar 20 and a

corresponding articulation. From the free end 36, which is not fixed to bar 20, of

the yardarm 34, a wire 37 is tied to the end of the next bar. The wire 37 rides on

pulley 38 along the next bar, or preferably, within the next bar, to hub 22 where it

is fixed.

One can see that, having the sail 30 fixed to yardarm 34, the optimal

position of the sail can be chosen independently of the amount of wind it catches.

The tension in the sail 30 is produced by the centrifugal force acting on yardarm

34.

Fig. 7 shows a possibility for furling the sails of a wind-driven wheel of the

type shown on Fig. 1. The furling means is activated by rotation of the yardarm

34 by an auxiliary drive means, or similar device, which rolls up the sail about

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PAPER A - 2009

yardarm 34. In these conditions, the surface of the sail is reduced, but the

surface of the wind-driven wheel submitted to the wind is not reduced that much.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, a furling means is also shown in which

a device rolls up the sail about yardarm 34 while, at the same time, displacing

yardarm 34 on a rail in groove 21 toward the hub 22. In these conditions, the

effective diameter of the wind-driven wheel is reduced and the resistance to the

wind decreases more than with the embodiment of Fig. 7.

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Fig. 2

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