Abstract: A turbine engine that includes a housing having a circular cavity of an inlet and an outlet that provide fluid communication to and from the circular cavity. A rotor having a circular body and least one sealing fin extending from the circular body to the cavity wall of the circular cavity. A gas delivered into to the circular cavity causes the fin to move as it expands in the circular cavity. A sealing flap may also be incorporated into the system in order to ensure that gasses are directed against the fin. A valving system for use with the turbine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A low head water turbine comprising a runner having a cylindrical outer surface and a plurality of similar blades similarly pivotably secured along their inner sides to the outer surface of the runner so as to pivot in the direction of rotation of the runner between a closed position lying adjacent the outer surface of the runner and an open position at an angle thereto. A housing having end walls and a rounded side wall extending therebetween, completely encases the runner and its blades. The runner is eccentrically mounted to end walls of the housing for rotation about a horizontal axis so that the cylindrical outer surface is spaced closer to an upper portion of the housing side wall and farther from a lower portion. A water inlet opening is located in a lower, forward portion of the housing, below the axis of rotation of the runner. A water outlet opening is located in a lower, rearward portion of the housing.

Abstract: A low head water turbine comprising a runner having a cylindrical outer surface extending between opposite ends and a plurality of similar blades having inner and outer sides extending to ends. The blades are evenly spaced about the surface of the runner and extend to the ends of the runner. The blades are similarly pivotably secured along their inner sides to the outer surface of the runner so as to pivot in the direction of rotation of the runner between closed position lying adjacent the outer surface of the runner and open position at an angle thereto. A housing having end walls and a rounded side wall extending therebetween, completely encases the runner and its blades. End walls of the housing are proximal to the ends of the runner. The runner is eccentrically mounted to the end walls of the housing for rotation about a horizontal axis so that the cylindrical outer surface of the runner is spaced closer to an upper portion of the housing side wall and farther from a lower portion.

Abstract: A submerged motor vane wheel rotation direction control structure includes a blade pivoted to a locating block inside of the water guide chamber of a submerged motor, a vane wheel, the vane wheel having sloping teeth radially extended from the motor shaft of the submerged motor, which push the blade outwards toward to an open position for the passing of flow of water upon clockwise rotation of the vane wheel, and is forced into engagement with the blade to hold the blade in a close position upon counter-clockwise rotation of the vane wheel, causing the submerged motor to reverse the vane wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind power facility with a vertical rotor for generating energy, wherein a three-blade rotor (5) operates according to the cross-flow principle. The outer admission surface construction (1) and the facility has the shape of a tower consisting of stories. The individual stories are separated by floors (7). Vertical and horizontal admission surface elements (12, 13) form compartments through which wind is fed to the blades (1, 2,3) of the rotor (5). The admission surface construction (11) and the blades (1, 2, 3) of the rotor have a specific constructional design and form an integral unit.

Abstract: A fluid impeller, such as a fan for moving air or gases, includes one or more rotatable fluid impelling blades; a flow guiding member adjacent to an edge of the blades, and at least one blade facing surface of the flow guiding member being formed substantially as a segment of a sphere of radius r1 about a center of curvature. Each blade has a flow guiding member abutting edge curved substantially to fit against a sphere of radius r1.

Abstract: Blower designs for vented enclosures include an impeller having a plurality of blades. The impeller includes a plurality of blades pivotably coupled to an impeller body. The blades pivot to enable operation in one of a closed and an open state. Air flow between blades is substantially restricted when the blades are in the closed state. Air flow between the blades is permitted when the blades are in an open state. In one embodiment, the pivotable couplings are spring loaded to maintain the blades in the closed state when the impeller rotational speed is below a threshold range. The blades pivot to the open state when the rotational speed exceeds the threshold range.

Abstract: Blower designs for vented enclosures include an impeller having a plurality of blades. The impeller includes a plurality of blades pivotably coupled to an impeller body. The blades pivot to enable operation in one of a closed and an open state. Air flow between blades is substantially restricted when the blades are in the closed state. Air flow between the blades is permitted when the blades are in an open state. In one embodiment, the pivotable couplings are spring loaded to maintain the blades in the closed state when the impeller rotational speed is below a threshold range. The blades pivot to the open state when the rotational speed exceeds the threshold range.

Abstract: An oscillating micro turbine is formed of a turbine that oscillates back and forth. The turbine is formed with a flexure which is pressed by fluid flow to oscillate in specified directions.

Abstract: A fan system to be mounted over an opening including a plurality of pivoting blades fixed on a free wheeling element and a motor driven element wherein, in operation, when the fan is operating the motor driven element pivots the blades to a blowing position allowing air flow through the opening, and when the fan is not operating a resilient member pivots the blades to a closed position preventing air flow through the opening.

Abstract: A water pump with a plurality of elastomeric blades on a rigid impeller is disclosed. The impeller has a tubular extension with a pair of flats on the outer diameter of the extension. The seal seat has a corresponding pair of flats on its inner diameter to engage the flats on the tubular extension for positive rotation. The impeller also has a retaining lip formed on its inner diameter and a sealing shoulder to form a retaining cavity along the tubular extension. The retaining lip receives the seal seat in the cavity by stretching the lip radially into a gap to accommodate the outer diameter of the seal seat. This stretch to fit feature eliminates the need to control the outer diameter of the seal ring to precise dimensions. The lip forms a static seal with the outer diameter of the seal seat. The elastomeric shoulder provides a static seal against the seal seat.

Abstract: An automatic pool cleaner having a turbine including a housing having a flow chamber and chamber wall with inlet and outlet ports, a rotatably-mounted turbine rotor, and turbine vanes each having a proximal end connected to the rotor and a distal end movable with respect to the rotor between extended positions adjacent to the wall and retracted positions spaced from the wall and closer to the rotor to allow passage of debris pieces of substantial size through the turbine. Some preferred embodiments are: curved vanes; vanes pivotably mounted to the rotor; and an eccentric rotor mount within the turbine chamber. Pivotably-mounted vanes preferably have enlargements at their proximal ends which are freely insertable into cavities in the rotor; most preferably, each vane is symmetrical about a center line such that either end is able to serve as the proximal end in engagement with the rotor.

Abstract: A pump has a rotor with two or more flexible vanes forming one or more compartments between adjacent vanes. The rotor is mounted offset relative to a rotor sleeve such that the volume of the compartments varies as the rotor rotates in the sleeve. Incoming fluid is supplied to the compartments along a plane perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the vanes. Fluid is discharged from the compartments through discharge slots in the sleeve leading into a discharge outlet which is tangential relative to the plane of rotation of the vanes. Each flexible vane is formed from at least two thin leaf springs separated by a layer of laminate and joined to a shoe which engages the inner surface of the sleeve as the rotor rotates. The pump in accordance with the present invention is energy efficient and uses significantly less power than comparable known devices.

Abstract: A waterwheel turbine for application in hydropower plants is provided. This turbine exploits primarily the head of the watercourse for energy recovery. The cells of the waterwheel turbine are each provided with a pair of mechanically linked flaps for controlling the inflow of water as well as venting of air. Special control devices permit these installations to be operated at high efficiency.

Abstract: A flexible impeller has an insert design incorporating a threaded end within its insert that cooperates with a threaded removal tool for jacking the impeller from the shaft by rotation of the threaded removal tool.

Abstract: A fully submersible apparatus for generating electricity from liquid flow as in an ocean or river current. A buoyant structure is fully submersible and has at least one pair of counter-rotating side-by-side motors with a plurality of angularly spaced radial vanes each having a plurality of rotatable subvanes such that current impinging upon the motor will impinge on a closed or solid vane to effect rotation of the motor and its shaft during a first phase of the rotational cycle and will impinge on open vanes for free passage therethrough on the return or second phase of rotation of the motor. Motors may also be provided with vanes in overlying and underlying relationship. An associated method is provided.

Abstract: A fluid moving device (100) includes a rotatable assembly (101), and a plurality of fan blades (102-04) disposed circumferentially around and extending outward from rotatable assembly (101), at least one of plurality of fan blades (102-04) includes shape memory alloy. The fan blade which includes shape memory alloy transforms into a predetermined shape memory state when the fan blade experiences a predetermined temperature which may be as a result of a predetermined temperature of surrounding fluid passing over fan blades (102-04) when rotation of rotatable assembly (101) is at a given speed. The shape memory state increases or decreases volume flow of surrounding fluid when rotatable assembly (101) is rotating at substantially a constant speed. The speed is substantially constant which limits noise generated from fluid moving (100) device while volume flow rate of the fluid moving device is being changed.

Abstract: A fluid reaction device (10) is provided having a rotor (90) with vanes (92) pivotably connected thereto. The device (10) includes an entrance (30) for elevated pressure fluid and an outlet (40) for discharge of the fluid after contacting the rotor (90). The elevated pressure fluid passes from the entrance (30) into a high pressure area. The high pressure area is in contact with inlet ports (74) accessing a cylinder (70) within the device (10). The cylinder (70) supports the rotor (90) with a rotational axis (M) of the rotor (90) off center with respect to a central axis (N) of the cylinder (72). The elevated pressure fluid causes the rotor (90) and an attached output shaft (97) to rotate. The rotor (90) includes a trunk (24) with a plurality of posts (93) extending therefrom and with vanes (92) connected to the posts (93) through hinges (94). The vanes (92) can pivot from a first position collapsed against the trunk (24) to a second position spaced away from the trunk (24).

Abstract: A fluid reaction device (10) is provided having a rotor (90) with vanes (92) pivotably connected thereto. The device (10) includes an entrance (30) for elevated pressure fluid and an outlet (40) for discharge of the fluid after contacting the rotor (90). The elevated pressure fluid passes from the entrance (30) into a high pressure area. The high pressure area is in contact with inlet ports (74) accessing a cylinder (70) within the device (10). The cylinder (70) supports the rotor (90) with a rotational axis (M) of the rotor (90) off center with respect to a central axis (N) of the cylinder (72). The elevated pressure fluid causes the rotor (90) and an attached output shaft (97) to rotate. The rotor (90) includes a trunk (24) with a plurality of posts (93) extending therefrom and with vanes (92) connected to the posts (93) through hinges (94). The vanes (92) can pivot from a first position collapsed against the trunk (24) to a second position spaced away from the trunk (24).

Abstract: A centrifugal pump, particularly for fountains and aquariums, for which an electric motor and a pump are disposed coaxially to one another, the electric motor being constructed as a single-phase synchronous motor with a permanent magnet rotor and connected with an open impeller of the pump with impeller blades, which are bent back from a hub towards the outside spirally with respect to a specified direction of rotation, is improved in the direction of a simple and inexpensive production as well as a compact and robust construction without a significant loss in overall efficiency owing to the fact that the impeller blades are constructed flexibly in such a manner that, if the synchronous motor starts counter to the specified direction of rotation, they are propped open by at least 2% in the radial length.

Abstract: A fluid reaction device 10 is provided having a rotor 90 with vanes 92 pivotably connected thereto. The device 10 includes an entrance 30 for elevated pressure fluid and an outlet 40 for discharge of the fluid after contacting the rotor 90. The elevated pressure fluid passes from the entrance 30, into a high pressure chamber 80. The high pressure chamber 80 is in contact with inlet ports 74 accessing a cylinder 72 within the device 10. The cylinder 72 supports the rotor 90 with a rotational axis M of the rotor 90 off center with respect to a central axis N of the cylinder 72. The elevated pressure fluid causes the rotor 90 and an attached output shaft 97 to rotate. The rotor 90 includes a trunk 24 with a plurality of posts 93 extending therefrom and with vanes 92 connected to the posts 93 through hinges 94. The vanes 92 can pivot from a first position collapsed against the trunk 24 to a second position spaced away from the trunk 24.

Abstract: A disposable dental prophylaxis handpiece 10 is provided having a rotor 90 with vanes 92 pivotably connected thereto. The handpiece 10 includes an entrance 30 for elevated pressure fluid and an outlet 40 for discharge of the fluid after contacting the rotor 90. The elevated pressure fluid passes from the entrance 30, into a high pressure chamber 80. The high pressure chamber 80 is in contact with inlet ports 74 accessing a cylinder 72 within the handpiece 10. The cylinder 72 supports the rotor 90 with a rotational axis M of the rotor 90 off center with respect to a central axis N of the cylinder 72. The elevated pressure fluid causes the rotor 90 and an attached output shaft 97 to rotate. This in turn pauses a prophylaxis cup 160, coupled to the output shaft 97, to rotate. The rotor 90 includes a trunk 24 with a plurality of posts 93 extending therefrom and with vanes 92 connected to the posts 93 through hinges 94.

Abstract: A pump having a housing with an integral fluid reservoir and flexible end plates to permit the pump to be run dry for an extended period of time. A pair of reservoirs are provided, one each side of a pumping chamber. These reservoirs are in fluid communication with the pumping chamber via openings provided through the end plates of the pumping chamber and slots in the impeller hub. When the pump is run dry, fluid stored in these reservoirs is permitted to be released into the pumping chamber to provide a lubrication between the impeller and the chamber walls, thus reducing friction. The chamber end plates are thin and flexible. These end plates can bow outwardly due to the impeller expanding from increased heat when the pump is run dry, and thus reduce friction with the impeller. Accordingly, the pump can be run dry for an extended period of time without damaging or destroying the pump impeller.

Abstract: An assembly for supporting knitted outlet guide vanes in a gas turbine engine comprises an exhaust difusser cone, an exhaust discharge duct surrounding and coaxial with the diffuser cone, and an annular array of the vanes extending radially between the diffuser cone and the discharge duct. Each guide vane has a root engaging the diffuser cone, and a tip. Each vane is mounted adjacent its tip to the discharge duct so as to pivot about an axis extending through the vane. A spring means is provided to urge each vane into engagement with the exhaust diffuser cone.

Abstract: This invention is a paddlewheel apparatus having an epicyclic gear train in a rotatable holder at an end of a plurality of cantilevered paddles. The paddles are maintained substantially vertical throughout the rotation of the holder and they are completely unobstructed by any other part of the apparatus in all phases of operation. A housing which extends over the holder and the paddles is open at the bottom to pass the downwardly hanging paddles into the water.

Abstract: This invention is a paddlewheel apparatus having epicyclic gear trains in rotatable holders at opposite ends of a plurality of paddles. The paddles are maintained substantially vertical throughout the rotation of the holders and they are completely unobstructed by any other part of the apparatus in all phases of operation. A housing which extends over the holders and the paddles is open at the bottom to pass the downwardly hanging paddles into the water.

Abstract: Centrifugal pumps (10) are disclosed having nonrotatable membranes (21) to rotate fluid in a pumping chamber having at least a first open passage inlet (71) and an open passage outlet (91). Specifically, the membrane (21) is deflected into a nonconcentric shape to the fluid rotation, with the nonconcentric shape being rotated to function as a centrifugal pump impeller by deformers (41, 42, 43) separated from the pumped fluid by the membrane (21). As the membrane (21) does not rotate, rotary shaft seals, bearings, or small gaps between moving, sliding, and/or rubbing pump surfaces and to which the pumped fluid is accessible are not required in the pumps (10). In preferred forms, the deformers (41, 42) can be located inside the membrane (21) and inside the pumping chamber or the deformer (43) can be located outside the membrane (21) and outside the pumping chamber.

Abstract: The stator blades (10) are made of a thermostructural composite material and have asymmetric inner and outer roots (14, 16) such that at least one of the roots of an a blade presses against the outer side (12b) or inner side (12b) of a neighboring blade. Also, each root (14, 16) of each blade presses against the adjacent ring by a part only of its external surface, thereby allowing some flexing of the root under the effect of differential expansion between the blade and the ring.

Abstract: A rotating fluid machine for reversible operation from turbine to pump and from pump to turbine having a simple structure which allows for easy manipulation when reversing operation, and having a low change in efficiency when the machine operates in reverse. The fluid machine includes a bladed rotor containing a rotor spindle, a rotor disk, at least one radial groove, a carrying pin integral to the rotor disk, and at least one rotor blade. The blade, which controls the fluid flow, possesses two identical tongues that extend symmetrically with respect to the axis of the carrying pin and protrude with respect to the rotor disk. The machine possesses an external duct for input of the fluid to the fluid duct. The blade of the carrying pin then rotates in accordance with the toroidal structure of the bladed rotor, allowing the fluid to pass through three passages and to exit by way of a second external duct.

Abstract: This invention is a paddlewheel apparatus having epicyclic gear trains in rotatable holders at opposite ends of a plurality of paddles. The paddles are maintained substantially vertical throughout the rotation of the holders and they are completely unobstructed by any other part of the apparatus in all phases of operation. A housing which extends over the holders and the paddles is open at the bottom to pass the downwardly hanging paddles into the water.

Abstract: A gas-moving device comprises (a) a rotor which comprises a plurality of fibres, filaments, tapes, ribbons, strips or sheets which are mounted such that on rotation of the rotor they move in one or more planes which are substantially transverse to the axis of rotation of the rotor and draw gas into the device and cause it to flow away from the said axis towards the radial periphery of the rotor; (b) one or more gas inlet zones; (c) one or more gas outlet zones; and (d) means of rotating the rotor. The device may be provided with delivery means through which a fluid may be charged to the rotor, which fluid reacts with and removes impurities from the gas.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump comprises impeller blades which are pivoted at their inner ends to a rotor so that the impeller blades can rotate relatively thereto between two extreme positionss. The extreme positions are defined by stop means in the form of pins. The construction enables the centrifugal pump to be operated efficiently when driven in either direction, the blades being allowed to flex during operation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a windmill capable of utilizing a broad range of wind speeds, comprising, a central axial shaft, a first flywheel attached to the upper portion of said central axial shaft, a second flywheel attached to the lower portion of said central axial shaft, a plurality of rotor blades operably connected to said first flywheel and said axial shaft, a supporting structure for rotatably supporting said shaft, a top structure and a base structure, a plurality of stator blades movably fitted between said top structure and said base structure, said stator blades being capable of rotational, inward and outward movement relative to said axial shaft, and a plurality of wind processing blades rotatably fitted between said top structure and said base structure.

Abstract: An improved design for a structure such as a turbine vane or blade subjected to extreme temperature levels and/or gradients resulting in extreme deformation stresses within the structure. The present structures comprise an interior skeletal support having a plurality of spaced, flexible support legs which extend out and are attached to spaced areas of a flexible outer surface skin which is subjected to extreme temperature levels or temperature gradients during use. The extreme stresses normally developed by the expansion of the surface skin are avoided by the ability of the skin to move minutely and flex the spaced support legs to variable extents and in predetermined directions.

Abstract: An impeller is provided that is adapted to be rotationally driven, and which is constructed of a resiliently stretchable elastomeric material, such that, with increased centrifugal force that is applied to the impeller vanes with increased rotation of the impeller, the impeller increases in diameter and provides increased output performance beyond the output performance of a non-stretchable impeller of the same general size as the impeller at rest.

Abstract: A cup shaped disc (13) consisting of a central portion (20) having radially extending blades (18) is attached with its central portion to the protruding hub portion (12) of a radial flow turbine wheel (2) consisting of a backing plate (10) extending transversely to its rotational axis (7) and having axially protruding turbine blades (11) in addition to the protruding hub. At high rotational speeds this disc (13) will tend to straighten out, whereby the effective portion of the turbine blades will be reduced and the increase in the rotational speed restricted. This is of importance in ram air turbines for missiles.

Abstract: A cooling fan assembly made of plastic material is composed of a plurality of fan blades and a boss and connected to a viscous fluid coupling device rotatably mounted through a bearing assembly on a driving shaft of an automotive vehicle. An axially resilient connecting member in the form of a plate spring is fixed to the boss of the fan assembly at one end thereof and to the coupling device at the other end thereof, whereby the inertia moment of the fan rotation causes the appropriate rotation of the fan assembly in spite of possible misalignment of the coupling device with respect to the driving shaft to thereby protect the bearing assembly from being damaged. Helical or waved springs may be interposed between the fan boss and the coupling device in place of the plate spring.

Abstract: Marine drives having water cooled engines utilize a water pump mounted over the drive shaft and internal to the drive shaft housing to provide engine cooling, the pump having stamped metal housing parts and a flexible impeller.

Abstract: A fluid operated motor utilizes one or more flexible rectangular sails and associated supporting frames, sail guides and drive apparatus enabling each of the sails to cyclically fold and unfold, drive the sail supporting frames and provide a source of power when placed in a moving stream of fluid such as in a wind stream, river or gas stack.

Abstract: A lightweight fully shrouded radial flow fluid machine comprising a rotor having blades with flexible sides and a closed edge and a housing having opposed walls closely adjacent the flexible sides of the blades, the rotor blades being shaped to coact with the working fluid and adjacent walls of the housing during rotor rotation to develop a fluid dynamic bearing film that supports the blade sides in free-running close clearance with the walls thus sealing the space between the blades and the walls with a minimum of wearing contact.

Abstract: An hydroelectric machine is disclosed wherein the rotor of an electric machine is arranged around the rotor of a hydraulic machine, the internal rotor comprising the turbine blades which engage the external rotor to transmit torque therebetween. Each of the internal and external rotors is mounted in a separate radial bearing and the turbine blades of the internal rotor are connected to the external rotor by means of an articulated coupling which permits relative radial movement therebetween. It is preferred to include force compensating means for transmitting circumferential forces between the rotors. Suitable such means comprise an hydraulic servo-motor associated with each blade of which the pressure chambers are interconnected by means of a ring conduit.

Abstract: A pump for pumping high consistency materials such as paper pulp having a consistency of about 8% or more. The pump includes a pair of rotors disposed in a pumping chamber, and a number of blades extending radially from each rotor, each blade mounted for cooperation with a circumferential portion of the other rotor in sequence during rotation of the rotors in operation. The blades are suitably constructed so that during normal pumping of high consistency material they can produce a head of about 10-170 ft., remaining rigid during normal pumping. However, the blades will flex out of engagement with tramp metal or the like when encountered thereby so that no damage to the pump components results during normal operation. A relatively large clearance can be provided between each blade and its cooperating circumferential portion of the opposite rotor. The pump is especially utilizable in pulp treatment systems between vessels adapted to have high density cellulosic pulp therebetween.

Abstract: A centrifugal air-driven motor, or windmill, is disclosed wherein the blades thereof are made of a pliable, flexible, uniformly apertured sheeting made, for example, of plastic, affixed by a flexible support system, to a central rotatable shaft, so that as the apertured plastic sheet is moved centrifugally outwardly, under the influence of wind energy, the solid portions of the plastic sheet assume the shape of blades; further, the blade support system is made completely of thin, flexible, pliable, material, such as plastic, and the blades may assume different, e.g., forward curved, radial, or backward inclined configurations, during rotation of the windmill. The blades and support means therefor, are affixed to a central, axial, rotatable shaft. As the blades are driven, by wind force, their rotation is transmitted to the rotatable, axial, shaft through the blade support means, to thereby cause rotation of the axial shaft.

Abstract: A turbine drive system for operating a vehicle, where the drive system includes a common drive shaft powered by a turbine, and is used for propelling the vehicle and also for operating an air compressor. The air compressor supplies air under pressure which is stored in a pressure tank. The pressurized air operates the turbine which has a vane rotor. A return air flow path is provided from the turbine back to the compressor. By use of a vehicle fan, an air intake is provided to the compressor during forward movement of the vehicle. An auxiliary engine can be included for starting the compressor where the auxiliary engine can also be utilized as an auxiliary drive for the compressor. Additionally, a conventional vehicle engine can be included which operates the same drive shaft and which can work in conjunction with the turbine drive system.

Abstract: A pumping device for fluids, in particular for low-viscosity liquids such as washing suds or rinsing water, having a pump impeller whose flexible vanes rotate in an annular chamber, and a synchronous drive motor, the elasticity of the pump vanes being sufficient that the required accelerating moments during starting do not exceed the maximum torque produced by the motor, and the drive motor undergoes torsional vibrations during the starting phase.

Abstract: A centrifugal blower is disclosed wherein the impeller blades are made of a pliable, flexible, uniformly apertured sheeting made, for example, of plastic, affixed by a flexible support system, to a central rotatable shaft, so that as the rotatable shaft is driven, the apertured plastic sheet is moved centrifugally outwardly with the solid portions thereof assuming the shape of impeller blades. The impeller blades and support system therefor are made completely of thin, flexible, pliable, material, such as plastic, and the blades may assume forward curved, radial, or backward inclined configurations, during blower operation. The impeller blades cause air movement and, in turn, cause a scroll-shaped housing surrounding the impeller blades, also preferably made of plastic sheeting, to immediately inflate, directing the air to the desired location via ducts and the like, for heating, or cooling, or air conditioning or other purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for converting fluid flow kinetic energy into rotational kinetic energy comprising a body mounted for vertical rotation about a longitudinal axis thereof, a plurality of horizontally spaced vertically extending vanes pivotably mounted on said body and rotatable between an open position in which the vane extends outwardly from the body and a closed position in which the vane lies with one surface thereof adjacent the surface of the body, and the plurality of feather members spacedly mounted longitudinally of each frame and extending outwardly and transversely of the surface opposite to said one surface of said vane, said feathers being dimensioned to abut said body when said vane is in said open position to provide stop means for each vane, the center gravity of each vane being located at the position in the feather members such that on the rotational speed of the body reaching a preselected maximum all the vanes assume a position between the open and closed position w

Abstract: A pump, especially circulating pump, particularly for heating systems, which has a pump wheel rotatably but axially non-displaceably arranged within a housing which has two suction chambers arranged in axial direction of said pump wheel on opposite sides thereof while at least one pressure chamber likewise arranged in the housing extends around the pump wheel and its axis of rotation. The pump wheel has two suction openings located in the vicinity of its axis of rotation at opposite sides thereof while communicating with the respective adjacent suction chamber.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter is provided with means for varying the torque capacity of the torque converter, including means for varying the capacity of the impeller. The capacity of the impeller is varied by means of movable impeller blades which are movable radially outward to vary the radius of the respective blades.

Abstract: A horizontal multidirectional turbine windmill comprising a housing having apertures on all sides for ingress and egress of air and a rotor on a drive shaft within the housing, each aperture being the larger end of a funnel-shaped passage, the smaller ends of said passages being positioned to deliver air at relatively high velocities against the rotor buckets, the air entering the housing through one or more apertures on the windward side thereof and being exhausted through apertures on the leeward side. The housing is preferably so shaped that ambient air impinging on the housing surface without entering an aperture will flow around the housing and create a low pressure zone adjacent the exhaust funnel apertures, and the housing is also preferably so shaped that a plurality of units can be stacked vertically with their drive shafts coupled together. The rotor buckets are flexible and their profiles are varied automatically as a function of wind and rotational speed.