Patent for new Device and method employing magnetic and gravitational energy

[maw2432]

Take a look at this patent application. 

Patent US 20120235529 A1
Device and method employing magnetic and gravitational energy for mechanical power US 20120235529 A1
Abstract
A device for imparting rotation to a rim using magnetic attraction to induce gravitational pull upon a rolling component to a higher position upon an interior surface of a rim thereby inducing a roll of said rim in a direction of an adjacent magnet. The device may be engaged to generators and the like to provide rotational power and is adapted to function as a toy which will roll across a support surface in either of two directions.

Has anyone looked at this?

Bill

[forest]

I have no time ...What is exactly patented ?

[maw2432]

Looks to be OU motor generator device. 
It says:
1. An apparatus for imparting rotation to a rim, comprising: a rim body, said rim body having a circular sidewall, said sidewall having an exterior surface defining a circumference and having an interior surface defining a cavity diameter of an interior cavity; said rim body having at least one endwall engaged to one side edge of said rim sidewall, said rim body formed of non ferromagnetic material; a rotating component having a circular circumference defined by an circumferential surface, said rotating component formed of a ferromagnetic material, and having a diameter sized smaller than said cavity diameter; said rotating component positioned for a rotation of said circumferential surface in a contact with said interior surface of said sidewall when said exterior surface of said sidewall is positioned upon a support surface; a magnetic; means to position said magnet in a first location adjacent to said exterior surface of said rim body; and said magnet in said first location communicating a magnetic attraction of said rotating element toward said first location; said magnetic attraction causing said rotation of said circumferential surface upon said interior surface and a relocation of said rotating component from a first position in said contact with said interior surface at a first elevation above said support surface, to a second position in said contact with said interior surface at second elevation above said support surface higher than said first elevation; and said relocation causing a rotation of said rim body in a direction toward said first position of said magnet, said rotation of said rim body returning said rotating component to substantially said first position, whereby a rolling in a first direction, toward said magnet, may be imparted to said rim body by repeated said relocations of said rotating component from said first position to said second position.


Read more: http://www.faqs.org/patents/app/20120235529#ixzz2Yx7pbqEG

[TinselKoala]

It sure sounds like a version of this, doesn't it? :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkLfpXpO5sQ

[maw2432]

TK,
I agree,  I was thinking about that same video when I saw the patent application.   
The above patent application had a provisional for one year before.  The guy listed as the inventor is John Hunter who has been awarded 16 patents for which various companies now own.   You would think one would have something working to go ahead spend money on a patent.   
See http://www.patentbuddy.com/Inventor/Hunter-John/11764391
Bill