Abstract: A novel conduit design is disclosed. The conduit includes a cylindrical body having defined therein a first aperture and a second aperture, wherein the first aperture is designed to receive a shaft of a turbine and the second aperture is sufficiently large to facilitate ingress or egress of a probe through the second aperture, and wherein the second aperture is located a distance away from the first aperture such that when a turbine is disposed through the first aperture, an entry by a probe into the cylindrical body through the second aperture is not prevented by presence of the turbine.

Abstract: A generally spherical turbine configured to rotate transversely within a cylindrical pipe under the power of fluid flowing either direction therethrough is operatively coupled with a rotating machine or generator to produce electricity. In one embodiment, the blades of the spherical turbine curve in an approximately 180 degree arc in a plane that is at an inclined angle relative to the rotational axis of a central shaft. In another embodiment, a deflector is provided upstream of the spherical turbine and within the cylindrical pipe to control flow through the spherical turbine by shielding a part thereof. The blades of the spherical turbine are airfoil in cross section to optimize hydrodynamic flow, to minimize cavitation, and to maximize conversion from axial to rotating energy.

Abstract: A turbine is described. The turbine includes: (i) a shaft capable of rotation along its longitudinal axis and capable of connecting to an electrical generator, and the shaft having disposed thereon at least one shaft hinge; (ii) a radial arm including a first end having disposed thereon at least one first hinge; and a hinge pin that fits inside a cavity formed when at least one the shaft hinge of the shaft is in an engaged position with at least one first hinge of the radial arm, and in the engaged position the hinge pin capable of connecting the radial arm to the shaft.

Abstract: A generally spherical turbine configured to rotate transversely within a cylindrical pipe under the power of fluid flowing either direction therethrough is operatively coupled with a rotating machine or generator to produce electricity. In one embodiment, the blades of the spherical turbine curve in an approximately 180 degree arc in a plane that is at an inclined angle relative to the rotational axis of a central shaft. In another embodiment, a deflector is provided upstream of the spherical turbine and within the cylindrical pipe to control flow through the spherical turbine by shielding a part thereof. The blades of the spherical turbine are airfoil in cross section to optimize hydrodynamic flow, to minimize cavitation, and to maximize conversion from axial to rotating energy.