Abstract: The invention relates to an agitating device (1) comprising a stirring shaft (2) that is vertically positionable in a use configuration, a stirring element comprising a circular ring portion (7) partially surrounding the agitating shaft (2), this ring portion, in the use configuration of the shaft (2), being disposed in a plane that is inclined with respect to the shaft (2) and develops around the shaft (2) from the lower end (8) thereof in the direction of the upper end (9) thereof, following an ascending slope, this ring portion (7) being hollow and provided with openings (11) for communicating with the outside and means (4) for connecting the stirring element and the shaft (2). These connecting means (4) comprise at least one arm (12) that is radial to the agitating shaft (2) and connects the lower end (5) of the agitating shaft (2) and the lower end (8) of the stirring element, and extends at least partially in a plane perpendicular to the agitating shaft (2).

Abstract: A combination fan and light unit comprises a housing surrounding a coaxial fan disposed such that air impelled by the fan passes through the housing and is directed as desired by orienting the housing or by diffusers disposed across the air path. Disposed above and/or below the housing, a light optionally enclosed within a globe coupled to the housing also provides illumination from the fan light unit. Fan light units may be arrayed in various configurations, including single or multiple sconce arrays supported on walls, one or more pendant fan lights suspended from ceilings, satellite fan lights arrayed around a central body at the ends of radial arms to form a fan chandelier or in many other configurations to achieve both aesthetic lighting and directed air flow. The fan lights preferably have separate controls, and multiple units in a collective array such as a fan chandelier may be individually or collectively controllable.

Abstract: An axial fan (1) having a motor comprising a stator (2) and a rotor (3), wherein blades (4), which move a gaseous medium in an axially directed main flow direction (S) from an inlet side (E) to an outlet side (A) of the fan, project from the outer periphery (U3) of the rotor (3). For enhanced performance with regard to efficiency in a structurally less costly manner, a rotation-symmetric flow guiding element (5) is mounted on the outlet side (A) directly or indirectly on the stator (2) and concentrically with respect to a stator hub (2a). The flow guiding element to have an outer diameter (D5) that is greater than the outer diameter (D2) of the stator hub (2a) greater than the outer diameter (D3) of the rotor (3), and smaller than the diameter (D4) of a perimeter (U4) around the blades (4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an underwater foil (1) for a marine vessel of the type floating on water disposed completely below the waterline and extending in the port-starboard direction. The underwater foil (1) comprises a plurality of foil members (2, 3) connected to each other in order to form the underwater foil (1).

Abstract: A device for dispensing organic scents comprising a base assembly; a controller; a bowl assembly; at least one screen disposed within the bowl assembly having a plurality of apertures configured to hold one or more flowers; at least one row of air inlets proximate to one or more flowers; a top assembly having an angled top surface and at least one vent; and a fan electrically connected to the controller, where the controller may be configured to turn the fan on continuously, cycle the fan between on and off modes, or turn the fan off responsive to a user input.

Abstract: A pump for immersion in a fluid reservoir, such as a pit or lagoon containing liquid manure, from a position at an edge of the reservoir. The pump may be adapted for connection to a farm vehicle, such as a tractor, positioned at the edge of the reservoir. The pump comprises an extensible body, fluid conduit and drive means in order that a length of the pump may be varied in order to accommodate a variety of reservoir fluid heights. In addition, the pump may be pivotable relative to at least a portion of a frame in order that the entrance angle may be adjusted. The pump comprises a bottom housing with a bottom inlet and at least two tangential fluid outlets that are upwardly angled towards the conduit. A combiner is provided to merge the outlets with the fluid conduit. An impeller within the housing is shaped to transfer fluid tangentially and upwardly within the housing to co-operate with the upward angle of the outlets.

Abstract: A fluid power-extraction machine is immersed in an ambient flow of a fluid, captures (and extracts energy from) a portion of the fluid, and discharges it back into the ambient flow. The machine includes a housing bounding a fluid intake inlet and including an ambient flow deflector, a downstream body arranged rearwardly from the deflector and forming a discharge outlet between the deflector and the downstream body, and a power extraction device in a fluid flow channel communicating from the fluid intake inlet to the discharge outlet. The deflector outwardly deflects and accelerates a portion of the ambient flow adjacent to the discharge outlet. A mixing surface of the downstream body extends outwardly and rearwardly from the discharge outlet, mixing the accelerated flow, the discharged flow and the ambient flow together along the mixing surface. A backflow preventer of the downstream body prevents wake backflow from impeding discharge of spent flow at the discharge outlet.

Abstract: A modifier may be used to prevent formation of a rooster tail when surface drive propellers are used with marine vessels. The modifier may be retractable by attaching it to the transom of the marine vessel or fixed-mounted by attaching it to the drive housing. The modifier changes the direction of the rooster tail so it flows substantially parallel to the surface of the water and hull of the marine vessel.

Abstract: A device is provided for reducing the drive power requirement of a watercraft includes a fore-nozzle, wherein at least one outer fin projects outwards from the fore-nozzle.

Abstract: A system and method for sensing level of a fluid associated with a submersible pump having an impeller driven by an associated motor include a fluid level sensor having a probe with a plurality of discrete resistive elements each having an associated contact pair substantially evenly spaced along a length of the probe and an associated switch powered by an induced voltage or current generated by power provided to the submersible pump motor and activated by the fluid conducting across the contact pair to shunt the associated discrete resistive element.

Abstract: The CWE Concepts are designed to extract the maximum possible wind energy passing through a given square footage area of influencing machine interface at given calculated velocities, to deliver that energy to two power take off shafts for end user's useful work (electrical power generation and other requirements). A multi-bucket “S” rotor, airfoils, baffles and cowling combined, utilize one hundred percent of that moving air volume most efficiently. Our strategies are to use smaller units, yielding more power than existing designs while being installed at much lower levels, urban friendly, less visible, nearly-enclosed rotating machinery, quieter, and safer for indigenous wildlife populations. We plan to market for commercial and residential customers, in turn providing HVAC and electrical power augmentation to utility companies—a reliable and robust addition to the national power grid. Our goals—reduce dependency on foreign oil and provide a clean alternative.

Abstract: The invention refers to a modular hydrokinetic assembly which allows the conversion of the kinetic energy of flowing waters into useful mechanical energy for driving some electric generators or water pumping sets, without building dams or culverts. The modular hydrokinetic assembly according to the invention comprises two lower and upper underframes (1 and 2) and a blade assembly (3) formed of two endless chains comprising the plates (20) whereon blades (21) are fastened and actuated by the water of a river, caught from a river by means of a threshold and catching connector and, transmit the mechanical energy by means of a star wheel (23), secured on the axles of electrical generators (4) or water pumping sets (5), the amount of the resulting mechanical energy being dependent mainly on the water flow rate and slope of the channel formed by the lower underframe (1) and, by the radius described by the blades (21) to the axles of the star wheels (23).

Abstract: A water turbine includes a base and an axle extending upwardly relative to the base. A body is provided having an axle receiving bore positioned along a longitudinal rotational axis. The axle is positioned in the axle receiving bore, such that the body rotates about the longitudinal rotational axis. A weight bearing roller assembly is positioned between a lower end of the body and the base to facilitate the body rotating relative to the base. Vanes extend radially from the body, such that flowing water striking the vanes imparts a rotational force to the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ship propulsion system comprising a nozzle body and a propeller enclosed by said nozzle body; the nozzle body has an inner surface which forms a flow channel, and further an outer surface; a constriction is situated between the inlet plane and the outlet plane of the flow channel; as seen in an axial sectional view, the inner boundary surface of the flow channel has a first contour between the inlet plane and the constriction, and a second contour between the constriction and the outlet plane; the constriction is situated at a distance of 0.25 to 0.55 of the length of the nozzle body as measured from the inlet plane, preferably 0.3 to 0.4.

Abstract: Improvements in hydrokinetic floating power plant efficiency are obtained by optimization of (1) gaps z and z? between the hydrokinetic driving engine blades and internal sidewalls and floor of the working channel of the driving engine; (2) the ratio of the submerged part of blade height in liquid and part of blade height above the liquid surface; (3) the angles of inlet side planes and bottom planes of a confusor and the outlet side planes of the diffusor; and (4) distance t between blades and number n simultaneously submerged blades in the working channel of the driving engine.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus configured to generate a print job to execute bookbinding printing is provided. The information processing apparatus includes an identifying unit configured to identify a position of a pre-printed sheet where a page to be arranged on a background image of the pre-printed sheet is printed at the time of execution of the bookbinding printing, a selecting unit configured to select the pre-printed sheet to be used in the bookbinding printing from a plurality of different pre-printed sheets set in the printer so that data indicating content of the page to be arranged on the background image of the pre-printed sheet is printed at the position identified by the identifying unit, and a generating unit configured to generate the print job so that the printer prints the data using the pre-printed sheet selected by the selecting unit.

Abstract: A reengineered undershot waterwheel adapted to capture unutilized hydrokinetic energy is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the blades, partitions, and shafts of the waterwheel are composed of engineered plastics and composites for improved operation and longevity. In other embodiments, the waterwheel may be fixed, floating, partially or fully submerged, mounted vertically or horizontally, and will operate in deep and shallow flowing water sources.

Abstract: A buoyant hydro turbine(31) for capturing and utilizing energy in the currents of flowing water. A driven component(33) produces electricity or other energy is coupled to and supported by a buoyant rotor(64), increasing efficiency and eliminating the need for an independent supporting structure. Tethered in flowing water, the current(71) rotates the rotors(32) and transfers rotatable energy to the central driven component(33) where electricity or other mechanical work is produced. A number of embodiments are adapted for optimizing and maintaining positioning in a stream of moving water. Additional embodiments optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of the turbine in capturing and utilizing the current's kinetic energy as well as hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: A submerged flow augmented shrouded turbine power generation system with a forward flow compression section (11) and an aft multi-finned diffuser section (14) with a centrally supported generator (12) powered by turbine blades (15) optimized to be driven by the enhanced flow field created by the forward cowl and aft diffuser/fin sections. The system can be positively buoyant and tethered to the seafloor (18) or negatively buoyant and tethered to the underside of a vessel or offshore structure, or it can be attached directly to the underside of a vessel or offshore structure. An array of such systems can be placed on the seafloor to create a distributed power generation network. An array of such systems can also be placed on the seafloor to directly pump seawater to an energy storage device or a central desalination plant.

Abstract: Guide case (24) for use in conjunction with a water turbine (20), with a helical top wall (35) of the annular chamber (27) extended downstream of the inner wall (39) of the inlet port (30). The extension is wetted on its downstream side by the top water entering the inlet port, and on its upstream side by the bottom water. The extension serves to keep the top water separate from the bottom water until the velocity vectors of the two water streams have been aligned, therefore reducing turbulence at the point where the waters mix and merge, and enabling more of the energy to be extracted from the water.

Abstract: A Rotating Flexible Wing Power System for extracting low-cost electricity and mechanical energy from moving fluids including wind and water currents. The Rotating Flexible Wing Power System generally includes a single long curved flexible wing supported at its ends so that it can rotate or swing around a longitudinal axis that intersects the endpoints of the wing. Rotation mechanisms are located at each end of the wing allowing the wing to rotate freely about its longitudinal axis. Lift forces on the wing resulting from the moving fluid cause the wing to start and continue rotating. These lift forces also create oscillating longitudinal forces in the flexible wing which move the ends of the flexible wing towards and away from each other. This movement may be harnessed to drive a generator or pumping device connected to the flexible wing. One or both ends of the wing can be connected to tethers so that the overall length of the flexible wing is increased.

Abstract: A Savonius Rotor may use the flow of wind or the flow of water from undersea current or tidal movement. The Savonius Rotor is passively vented and has a base support ring, and a space frame support structure supported on the base support ring. The space frame has building block cube elements which facilitate the ease of on-site assembly and erection. The space frame support structure supports sails and louvered panel assemblies for each of the cube elements. The louvered panel assemblies close passively when facing into the wind or ocean flow and open passively when moving into the wind or ocean flow. A distributed gearbox including planetary power takeoff assemblies located on the perimeter of the base support ring is provided for transfer of the extracted wind or ocean flow through the planetary power takeoff assemblies at points arrayed about the perimeter of the base ring.

Abstract: An electrical energy generating system converts wind power to electrical power with a wind deflecting structure that divides wind impinging on the structure into two separate accelerated flow paths. One or more turbines are positioned in proximity to the wind deflecting structure such that a portion of the vanes of the turbine is placed within one of the accelerated flow paths. An energy converter is coupled to the turbine that converts rotary motion of the turbine into electricity.

Abstract: Portable power generating devices are provided for converting potential energy from flowing water, water current, blowing air or air current to mechanical and/or electrical energy. The potential energy is converted to a rotational movement, and the rotational energy is communicated to power conversion units for conversion, wherein the rotational movement is converted to mechanical, electrical or some other useable or useful energy.

Abstract: A floating power plant for converting energy from ocean tides and free flowing rivers, without the need for a dam or barrage. The power plant includes a floating platform which houses a hydro-turbine above the water surface; and transfer-conduits which transfer the water and drive the turbine. The power plant include adjustable moorings and stabilizing ducts to allow for the alignment of the conduit inlets with the current.

Abstract: Portable power generating devices are provided for converting potential energy from flowing water, water current, blowing air or air current to mechanical and/or electrical energy. The potential energy is converted to a rotational movement, and the rotational energy is communicated to power conversion units for conversion, wherein the rotational movement is converted to mechanical, electrical or some other useable or useful energy.

Abstract: An installation comprising a turbine equipped with a wheel rotatable about an axis (X-X′), and a tank feeding the turbine. The feed tank having, projecting on a plane globally perpendicular to the axis (X-X′), an external spiral shape. The feed tank forms a helico-convergent duct centered on the axis (X-X′) and convergent towards the turbine. The duct is bordered by an outer partition, an inner partition and at least an intermediate partition contributing to the reinforcement of the tank.

Abstract: A modular wind energy device for converting wind energy into mechanical energy, which includes a support structure configured for placement onto a support surface (36) and defining an axis of rotation (23) generally parallel thereto; one or more panemone type rotors (16) mounted onto the support structure for free rotation about the axis of rotation, having a pair of wing elements, of which, during rotation of the rotor in response to an airflow, at all times, one of the wing elements faces in an upstream direction and the other of the wing elements faces in a downstream direction; a power take off element associated with the one or more rotors; and shroud apparatus (10) for reducing resistance against the returning wing surfaces, and for directing the airflow toward the effective wing surfaces.

Abstract: A rotary impeller pump that moves fluid using a rotary impeller, where at least one transtator, having one or more ports, is positioned within a groove on a front plate that is adjacent to the impeller, and where the transtator is movable within its groove. The port is positioned radially in relation to the impeller's axis of rotation, by moving the transtator, thus allowing fluid having specific pressures and flow rates at various points of radius of the impeller, to be directed to an exit port.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine is supported by a frame held in place by an encircling series of crescent-shaped tubular deflector vanes. The vanes widen towards the turbine core, concentrating the wind. The wind is trapped momentarily on entering the turbine cavities. Air can be supplied to such cavities from a compressed air source driven by wave action on a body of water.

Abstract: A mixer (1) is provided with a cover (6) on its upside for diminishing the risk for air intake when the mixer operates near a liquid surface (10).

Abstract: This machine consists of an impeller formed by a right prism with a minimum weight/volume ratio and which has an irregular hexagonal section, three sides of which are bigger than the other three, and with said hexagon's vertexes belonging to a single circumference. The second body of said machine is formed by an open cylindrical chamber, concentric to the impeller, with an angle of approximately 83 degrees.Its basic characteristic is its high performance in obtaining energy produced by minimum height waterfalls.

Abstract: A hydraulic turbine comprises a rotatably supported circular body, a plurality of vanes radially provided in a circumference of the circular body. A water-permeable perforated plate is arranged to extend over an external periphery of the vanes to form a plurality of enclosed chambers in the circumference of the circular body. An elastic bag is contained in each of the chambers. The bags are filled with an appropriate pressure of air. A receptacle having a circular bottom portion rotatably receives therein a bottom portion of the circular body in an enclosing manner. The receptacle is provided with an inlet port and an outlet port to take in and discharge water, respectively.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00224 Sec. 371 Date April 10, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date April 10, 1979, PCT Filed April 10, 1979. An apparatus (10, 212) for mixing a gas and a liquid is disclosed. The apparatus is comprised of a hollow outer housing (22) and a hollow inner tube (24) received for rotary motion within the outer housing (22). A motor (61) is attached to the outer housing (22) adjacent a first end thereof and is drivingly coupled to a first end of the inner tube (24). The inner tube (24) has a support tube (214) which extends beyond the second end of the outer housing (22). Propeller blades (216) are attached to the support tube (214) for rotation therewith. An inlet (82) is formed in the inner tube (24) for admitting a gas to the hollow interior of the inner tube (24). The support tube (214) has a diffusion section (222) that extends below the propeller blades (216).

Abstract: The invention relates to a water-power motor adapted to be driven by a rising and falling water surface, for instance the wave motion thereof. The novel features of the invention reside in that the water-power motor comprises one or more driving wheels each of which has a plurality of compartments defined in one direction by bottom shutters pivotally mounted in the wheel and allowing the wheel to rotate under water without any appreciable resistance, and in that the wheel or wheels are adapted to cooperate with an equalizer device in the form of a container which is supplied with water when the water surface is on a relatively high level and which in its turn supplies water to the wheel or wheels when the water surface is on a relatively low level.

Abstract: A set of aligned transducer units is fixedly disposed in the sea. Each unit includes two atmosphere compartments on the opposite end portions so that a sea water stream created by tidal current flowing through its lower portion between the compartments drive an impeller disposed between the compartments. The sea water stream rotating the impeller actuates air cylinders disposed in both atmosphere compartments communicating with the atmosphere. The air cylinders compress the air to produce high pressure air. This high pressure air from all the cylinders is transported through a common pipe to an adjacent shore where it may be converted into electrical energy. A ballast water room with its control is connected to the underside of the transducer set for floating and sinking the apparatus.

Abstract: Several impeller chambers are disposed in spaced relationship within a rectangular casing whose interior communicates with the air. The casing and a U-shaped bank having two legs bridged by the casing are partly submerged in the sea to define a sea-water pool between them communicating with the outer sea water only through sea-water channels located on the lower portions of the impeller chambers. Sea waves overflowing the projecting bank portion flow into the pool and then through the sea-water channels to rotate impellers disposed in the chambers to operate air cylinders disposed outside each chamber. The air cylinders compress air to produce a high pressure air that is, in turn, transported through a common pipe to an adjacent shore to be converted to an electrical energy.

Abstract: A power generating apparatus, the construction and size of which may vary from a relatively small domestic version for individual homes to a larger commercial version for power stations, comprises a device to be anchored in and driven by a substantially horizontally flowing water stream and includes a body having an endless chain horizontally mounted on sprocket wheels fixed on spaced, vertical, rotatable shafts, the chain being continuously driven by water flow driving a plurality of paddles attached thereto and arranged to be pivotable between a vertical position to be propelled downstream by water flow through a chute and a substantially horizontal position for low-drag movement upstream back to the chute inlet, track and roller support means for the paddle assemblies and a drag bar for raising and lowering the paddles from vertical to horizontal and back then to vertical position.

Abstract: A trolling attachment for an outboard engine includes a strap element for securement to the upper section of an engine housing and a plate member having an axial slot extending inwardly from one end for securement to the lower section of an engine housing. A handle rod is extendable slidably through apertures in a flange element projecting perpendicularly from the strap element and in the plate member. A trolling flap is hingedly secured to the lower surface of the plate member and pivotably mounts the lower extremity of the handle rod. A pin is carried by the flange element that is cooperable with the handle rod for releasably locking the handle rod in a selected vertical position. A lower region of the handle rod is rearwardly offset and given a notch which is cooperable with the plate member for releasably locking the trolling flap in its vertical position.

Abstract: A fluid current motor adapted to extract energy from flowing natural currents is disclosed wherein a wheel-like frame is rotatably mounted about a vertical axis. The frame is positioned over a flowing water current, such as a stream, river, or the like, and is provided with a plurality of radial arms or spokes each of which is fitted with an articulated knuckle intermediate its length. At the outer extremity of each spoke there is mounted a yoke which pivotally supports a fluid reaction blade journaled intermediate its height in its associated yoke. Each yoke and blade assembly is buoyantly supported on the surface of the water by a pair of pontoons which maintain the blade at the same depth relative to the water surface regardless of variations in the level of the flowing water current.

Abstract: A waterwheel assembly has entry and outlet flow directing channel portions and a flow directing member below the waterwheel. The waterwheel has a plurality of radially disposed paddles mounted on a rotatable shaft and arranged with spaces between the paddles in open fluid communication in the center portion of the waterwheel. The upper portion of the waterwheel is enclosed in a pressurized air cavity so water is kept in the lower portion of the waterwheel. A method of controlling the water flow in a watershed includes directing water flow through small channels which connect with larger channels with flow controlling waterwheels in the channels at selected location so that releasing water through the waterwheels controls water flow and thus regulates runoff in the watershed area.

Abstract: A wave motor is comprised of two or more parallel rotors having apertured radial paddle elements with hinged flaps or blades covering the apertures such that upon the impingement of water upon one side of the paddles the blades cover the apertures and the wheel is turned, but upon impingement of water against the other side of the paddles the blades swing open. Each pair of rotors are coaxially mounted and designed for rotation in opposite directions to maximize extracted power regardless of the predominant current direction, and a single take off shaft is coupled to the rotors through a ratchet and gear mechanism.

Abstract: A trolling brake for a motor powered boat to enable the boat to move at varying slow speeds while the motor is running at idle without stalling the motor. The trolling brake is formed of a semicircular shield having a pair of forward ends pivotably mounted on the transom of the boat at or near the waterline and an adjustable support pivotably mounted at a rear portion of the shield and to the transom of the boat for adjusting the position of the shield in the water. The bottom edge of the shield slopes downwardly and rearwardly from the ends to a rear central portion and the shield has a pair of holes equidistant from the centerline of shield rear central portion to permit the passage of a controlled amount of water through the shield to facilitate steering of the boat with the shield in operative position. The center of curvature of the shield is substantially at the pivot point of the out-drive portion of an inboard-outboard motor and at the center of the craft when the boat has an inboard motor or motors.