CA2272735C - Salt water power source and lantern - Google Patents

Salt water power source and lantern Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2272735C
CA2272735C CA002272735A CA2272735A CA2272735C CA 2272735 C CA2272735 C CA 2272735C CA 002272735 A CA002272735 A CA 002272735A CA 2272735 A CA2272735 A CA 2272735A CA 2272735 C CA2272735 C CA 2272735C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
tube
lantern
opening
housing
rod
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
CA002272735A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2272735A1 (en
Inventor
Gaylen M. Brotherson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to US09/049,397 priority Critical patent/US5963009A/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA002272735A priority patent/CA2272735C/en
Publication of CA2272735A1 publication Critical patent/CA2272735A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2272735C publication Critical patent/CA2272735C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21SNON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S9/00Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply
    • F21S9/04Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a generator
    • F21S9/046Lighting devices with a built-in power supply; Systems employing lighting devices with a built-in power supply the power supply being a generator driven by hydropower, e.g. by water powered turbines
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21LLIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF, BEING PORTABLE OR SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TRANSPORTATION
    • F21L13/00Electric lighting devices with built-in electric generators
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/204Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
    • H01M50/207Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape
    • H01M50/213Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape adapted for cells having curved cross-section, e.g. round or elliptic
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/247Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders specially adapted for portable devices, e.g. mobile phones, computers, hand tools or pacemakers
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01MPROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M6/00Primary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M6/30Deferred-action cells
    • H01M6/32Deferred-action cells activated through external addition of electrolyte or of electrolyte components
    • H01M6/34Immersion cells, e.g. sea-water cells

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Vessels And Coating Films For Discharge Lamps (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Primary Cells (AREA)

Abstract

A lantern and power source includes a hollow housing with a hollow tubular power cell formed within the housing. The tubular power cell includes an anode rod formed of a magnesium alloy and extending along the longitudinal axis of the hollow tube. An opening formed in the side wall of the hollow tube is covered by a metal cathode plate, and the tube is filled with salt water. An electrical lamp is mounted on the housing and has one terminal connected to the anode and one terminal connected to the cathode such that a how of electrons caused by the caustic reaction of salt water with the magnesium alloy anode will light the lamp.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to apparatus for producing electrical energy, and more particularly to a salt water power source and a lantern powered by salt water.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventionally, flashlights, radios, and other portable electrical powered equipment either required the use of batteries, or generators powered by gasoline, white gas, ethanol, propane or natural gas. The problems associated with petroleum based products are well documented, and will not be discussed in detail herein.
However, the toxic gases. produced during combustion are only one of a variety of problems with use of such enetgy sources.
Electrical batteries are simple to use and transport, but have very limited lives in most portable electrical devices such as flashlights and portable radios.
Thus, a good supply of batteries are needed if the electrical devices are to be used for any period of time. In addition, the used or drained battery must be disposed properly to avoid contamination of the environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for producing electrical power from a non-petrovleum product.
Still another object is to provide an apparatus for producing electrical energy which is powered by salt water.
According to a first aspect of the inventbn there is provided a lantern powered by salt water, comprising:
a housing raving front and rear walls, top and bottom walls, and opposing end walls, forming an enclosed housing with an interior cavity;
an enclosed hollow tube within the housing cavity, having upper and lower ends and a tubular side walls extending between the ends;
said tube having an anode rod projecting within the tube spaced from the side wall;
said rod formed of a material reactive to salt mater to release a filow of electrons when in contact with salt water;
said tube having a cathode piste formed along a portion of the side wall and formed of an electrically conductive material;
said tube filled with a solution of at least salt and water in an amount sufficient to contact both the anode and cathode;
an electrical lamp mounted on the housing and having first and second electrical terminals; and first and second electrical conductors connecting the anode and second terminals on the lamp.
The embodiments described hereinafter in detail may provide a salt watered electrical source which provides electricity for a greater length df time than conventional batteries, and without the harmful by-products of either combustion or batteries.
These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
The lantern and power source of the present invention includes a hollow housing with a hollow tubular power oell formed within the housing. The tubular power cell includes an anode rod formed of a magnesium alloy and extending along the i longitudinal axis of the hollow tube. An opening formed in the side wall of the hollow g tube is covered by a metal cathode plate, and the tube is filled with salt water. An electrical lamp is mounted on the housing and has one terminal connected to the anode and one terminal connected to the cathode such that a flow of electrons caused by the caustic reaction of salt water with the magnesium alloy anode will light the lamp.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the salt water pcwver source and lantern of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a sectional view taken at lines 2-2 in Figure ~ .
Figure 3 is a sectional view taken at lines 3-3 in Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a partial exploded perspective sectional view showing the interior of the apparatus.

pESCRIPTION ~F THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings, in which similar or corresponding parts are identified with the same reference numeral, and more particularly to Figure 1, the salt water power source and lantern of the present invention is designated generally at 10 and includes a housing 12 having a carrying strap 14 removably and adjustably connected thereto, to permit transport of the power source in lantern 10.
Because the apparatus is configured as a lantern in the drawings, the apparatus will be described as a lantern throughout, although it can be used as a power source to power radios and other apparatus as well. ' The "lantern" description is merely intended for ease of description.
Housing 12 has a hollow interior cavity 16 enclosed by a front wall 1$, rear wall 20, end walis 22 and 24, and top and bottom walls 26 and 28 respectively.
Referring now to Figure 2, it can be seen that bottom wall 28 of housing 12 also forms the top wall of a base unit 30. Base unit 30 has a side wall 32 which projects outwardly and downwardly from the front rear and end walls 18, 20, 22, and 24 of housing 12, to support the bottom wall 28 above the ground. A platform 34 may be connected to base unit 30 to form a storage cavity 36 under base unit 30.
Platform 36 is preferably connected with a pair of hook members 38 at one end thereof joumafed through receiving apertures 40 (shown in Figure 4), and a clasp 42 at the opposite end to grip a separate hook member 44 on the platform.
As shown in Figure 2, four cylindrical hollow tubes 46, 48, 50 and 52 extend between the top and bottom walls 26 and 28 of housing 12, to form sealed cavities 46a, 48a, 50a and 52a respectively. Each tube 4fi, 48, 50 and 52 is preferably mounted on a circular disk-shaped platform 46b, 48b, 50b and 52b respectively on bottom wall 28.
Referring now to Figure 4, tube 46 is shown in more detail. A threaded metal stud projects upwardly through platform 46b and is connected to a threaded aperture 56 in the lower end of a magnesium alloy rod 58. Thus, rod 58 will extend upwardly centrally within cavity 46a 'of tube 46. Tube 46 has a generally rectangular opening or window 60 formed therein which is covered by an arcuate plate fit to seal the tube 46.
Plate 62 is curved to the same radius as tube 46, so that the surface of plate 62 is spaced a constant distance from rod 58. A terminal 64 is mounted on plate 62, and has a wire 66 electrically connected thereto. Similarly, stud 54 has a wire 68 connected to a lower end of the stud and extending to a terminal 70 adjacent platform 46b. A
wire 72 connected to terminal 70 extends to one terminal 74 of an electrical jack 76, as shown in Figure 3. Plate 62 is formed of an electrically conductive material and acts as a cathode when salt water is poured within cavity 46a of tube 4fi. Rod 58 acts as an anode and is formed of a magnesium alloy material which will react to the salt water solution so as to give us electrons, which flow to plate 62 to form an electric current.
Referring once again to Figure 2, each of tubes 48, 50 and 52 also include an anode rod 58, and a cathode plate 62 in the same fashion as tube 46. Thus, tubes 46, 48, 50 and 52 form power cells for producing an electrical current when salt water is introduced within each of the tubes.
Referring now to Figure 3, an electrical diagram is shown wherein the power cells formed by tubes 46, 4$, 50 and 52 are electrically connected in series.
As described above, one wire 72 from terminal 70 is connected to one terminal 74 of an electrical jack 76. A second terminal 78 on jack 76 is electrically connected to one terminal 80 on an onloff switch 82. A second terminal $4 on onloff switch 82 is electrically connected to a terminal 86 on an electrical starter board 88. A
second terminal 90 on starter board 88 is then electrically connected to a termin2~l 92 on the cathode plate 62 of power cell tube 52, to thereby complete the circuit. tn this way, operation of onloff switch 82 will close the electrical circuit of power cells 46, 48, 50 and 52 in series with jack 76 and starter board 88. Starter beard 88 preferably includes a pair of leads 94 and 96 which are connected to a socket 98 for an electrical lamp 100 (shown in Figures 1 and 2). Starter board 88 may be utilized to start a fluorescent lamp fixture, or other electrical device, and may be eliminated if it is merely desired to directly connect the power source to socket 98. Similarly, jack 76 permits distribution of electrical power from power cells 46, 48, 50 and 52 to other electrical apparatus through conventional plug inserted within jack 76.
Referring once again to 1=figure 2, it can be seen that each of power cell tubes 46, 48, 50 and 52 have an opening 102 formed in their upper ends, permitting the introduction of salt water into the cavities 46a, 48a, 50a and 52a. A set of removable caps 104, as shown in Figure 1, are installed on each opening to seal the opening and maintain the liquid within each of the power cells.
A depression 106 is formed in the front and top walls of housing 12, within which lamp 100 is installed. A reflective plate or coating 108 may be installed within depression 106 to reflect light from tamp 100. Obviously, the location, size and orientation of the depression 106 and lamp 100 rnay be altered without departing from the spirit of the invention.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the magnesium alloy rods are approximately 2 1/2 inches long and 518 inch in diameter. Each cathode plate is approximately 1 inch by 1 1I2 inches and 1116 inch thick. When the power cells areas provided with a salt water solution, approximately 4.8 volts are provided in a no load condition, and 4 volts in a loaded condition, and produce 500-800 milliamperes of electricity. Typical life of the unit is 30 hours at 500 milliamps. The salt water solution must then be replaced. Each of the anodes should be replaced approximately every 60 hours, and the anode and cathode are preferably scrubbed clean between refiNs of salt water solution in the power cells.
Whereas the invention has been shown and described in connection with the preferred embodiment thereof, many modiFcations, substitutions and additions may be made which are within the intended broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims (17)

1.
A lantern powered by salt water, comprising:
a housing having front and rear walls, top and bottom walls, and opposing end walls, forming an enclosed housing with an interior cavity;
an enclosed hollow tube within the housing cavity, having upper and lower ends and a tubular side walls extending between the ends;
said tube having an anode rod projecting within the tube spaced from the side wall;
said rod formed of a material reactive to salt water to release a flow of electrons when in contact with salt water;
said tube having a cathode plate formed along a portion of the side wall and formed of an electrically conductive material;
said tube filled with a solution of at least salt and water in an amount sufficient to contact both the anode and cathode;
an electrical lamp mounted on the housing and having first and second electrical terminals; and first and second electrical conductors connecting the anode and second terminals on the lamp.
2.
The lantern of claim 1, further comprising an operable switch interposed in the first conductor, for selectively connecting and disconnecting the anode and the lamp first terminal.
3.
The lantern of claim 2, wherein said tube is generally cylindrical and wherein the anode rod is generally coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the tube.
4.
The lantern of claim 3, wherein said tube side wall has an opening formed therein, and wherein said cathode plate is mounted on the tube side wall to completely cover the opening and form a liquid seal around the opening.
5.
The lantern of claim 4, wherein said rod is formed of a magnesium alloy.
6.
The lantern of claim 5, wherein the rod is at least 98°/a magnesium.
7.
The lantern of claim 6, wherein said tube extends vertically between the housing top and bottom walls, and further comprising:
an opening formed in the housing top wall located at an upper end of the tube to access the interior of the tube; and a cap removably mounted in the top wall opening, selectively sealing the top wall opening.
8.
The lantern of claim 1, wherein said tube is generally cylindrical and wherein the anode rod is generally coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the tube.
9.
The lantern of claim 8, wherein said tube side wall has an opening formed therein, and wherein said cathode plate is mounted on the tube side wall to completely cover the opening and form a liquid seal around the opening.
10.
The lantern of claim 9, wherein said rod is formed of a magnesium alloy.
11.
The lantern of claim 10, wherein the rod is at least 95% magnesium.
12.
The lantern of claim 11, wherein said tube extends vertically between the housing top and bottom walls, and further comprising:
an opening formed in the housing top wall located at an upper end of the tube access to the interior of the tube; and a cap removably mounted in the top wall opening, selectively sealing the top wall opening.
13.
The lantern of claim 1, wherein said tube side wall has an opening formed therein, and wherein said cathode plate is mounted on the tube side wall to completely cover the opening and form a liquid seal around the opening.
14.
The lantern of claim 1, wherein said rod is formed of a magnesium alloy.
15.
The lantern of claim 14, wherein the rod is at least 95% magnesium.
16.
The lantern of claim 1, wherein said tube extends vertically between the housing top and bottom walls, and further comprising:
an opening formed in the housing top wall located at an upper end of the tube to access the interior of the tube; and a cap removably mounted in the top wall opening, selectively seating the top wall opening.
17.
Apparatus for providing electrical power from salt water, comprising:
a housing having front and rear walls, top and bottom walls, and opposing end walls forming an enclosed housing with an interior cavity;
an enclosed hollow tube within the housing interior cavity, having upper and lower ends and a tubular side wall extending between the ends;
said tube having an anode rod projecting within the tube spaced from the side wall;
said rod formed of a material reactive to salt water to release a flow of electrons when in contact with salt water;
said tube having a cathode plate formed along a portion of the side wall, said plate formed of an electrically conductive material;
said tube filled with a solution of at least salt and water in an amount sufficient to contact both the anode and cathode;
an electrical jack mounted on the housing and connected to the anode and cathode, for providing electric current to a plug inserted within the jack.
CA002272735A 1998-03-27 1999-05-25 Salt water power source and lantern Expired - Lifetime CA2272735C (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/049,397 US5963009A (en) 1998-03-27 1998-03-27 Salt water power source and lantern
CA002272735A CA2272735C (en) 1998-03-27 1999-05-25 Salt water power source and lantern

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/049,397 US5963009A (en) 1998-03-27 1998-03-27 Salt water power source and lantern
CA002272735A CA2272735C (en) 1998-03-27 1999-05-25 Salt water power source and lantern

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2272735A1 CA2272735A1 (en) 2000-11-25
CA2272735C true CA2272735C (en) 2007-05-01

Family

ID=32094402

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002272735A Expired - Lifetime CA2272735C (en) 1998-03-27 1999-05-25 Salt water power source and lantern

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US5963009A (en)
CA (1) CA2272735C (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
RU2199801C1 (en) * 2001-11-19 2003-02-27 Груздев Александр Иванович Metal-air current supply
PH12015000053A1 (en) * 2015-02-13 2016-08-22 Mijeno Aisa A lamp device
US20180163935A1 (en) 2016-12-09 2018-06-14 Infomercials, Inc. Combined Flashlight and Lantern
WO2018161977A1 (en) * 2017-03-10 2018-09-13 E-Dina Zona Franca S.A.S. Saline medium ion recovery system for electric energy production
WO2021080414A1 (en) * 2019-10-25 2021-04-29 Bioactivos Y Nutracéuticos De México S.A. De C.V. Flashlight that operates using energy extracted from an electrolyte-containing solution

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3326724A (en) * 1964-08-21 1967-06-20 Nat Union Electric Corp Deferred-action battery
JPS5850615Y2 (en) * 1977-04-04 1983-11-17 古河電池株式会社 floating metal-air battery
US4628420A (en) * 1983-09-30 1986-12-09 Beverly Safford Water activated electric cell and survival lamp system
US4745529A (en) * 1986-10-06 1988-05-17 Alupower, Inc. Battery powered light source
US5024904A (en) * 1990-11-01 1991-06-18 Envirolite Products, Inc. Direct current salt water activated generator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2272735A1 (en) 2000-11-25
US5963009A (en) 1999-10-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5340662A (en) Emergency battery system with an infinite shelf life
US7314290B2 (en) High intensity discharge (HID) lamp with integral ballast and underwater lighting systems incorporating same
US5367243A (en) Jumper cable attachment for battery
EP0208773A4 (en) Self-charging solar battery.
EP1025598B1 (en) Prismatic electrochemical cell and multicell battery
EP0332475B1 (en) Battery charger and battery packs
US5445901A (en) Zinc-oxygen battery
JPH0241857B2 (en)
PL310986A1 (en) Battwery power pack for cordless electric equipment
HK49983A (en) Improvements in battery operated devices having a waterproof housing
CA2272735C (en) Salt water power source and lantern
ES8302367A1 (en) Anhydrous battery or cell.
CA2082907A1 (en) Rechargeable power pack
EP0263683B1 (en) Battery powered light source
ES8101817A1 (en) IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED IN AN ELECTROCHEMICAL BATTERY RESISTANT TO ABUSE
US2848598A (en) Flashlight with battery locking device
ES2177054T3 (en) ELECTROCHEMICAL GENERATORS THAT PRODUCE ELECTRICITY BY OXIDATION OF A METAL AND REDUCTION OF AN OXIDIZING GAS.
US4259420A (en) Lithium chlorine battery containing thionyl halide
US2418442A (en) Multicell flat type dry battery
SU965369A3 (en) Explosion-safe gas -tight helmet-mounted lamp
MXPA99004986A (en) Lantern and power source of water salt
CN112290634B (en) Charging device
PH12018050169A1 (en) Saltwater activated flashlight
CA1340662C (en) Cordless tool battery housing and charging system
FR2770696B1 (en) ELECTRICAL LINE WITH GAS INSULATION AND INCORPORATED POWER CAPACITOR

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request
MKEX Expiry

Effective date: 20190527