Motion About Parallel Axes Patents (Class 416/111)
  • Patent number: 11859716
    Abstract: A tidal current energy converter including an infinitely variable transmission (IVT) control system and a hybrid vertical axis wind (or water) turbine (VAWTs) apparatus. The hybrid VAWT apparatus includes a modified-Savonius (MS) rotor in the central region and a straight bladed H-type Darrieus rotor in the surrounding annular region. The IVT control system includes a nonlinear closed-loop control combined with an integral time-delay feedback control to adjust a speed ratio of the IVT. A speed ratio control for an IVT system involves a forward speed controller and/or a crank length controller for different speed ranges. The time-delay control is designed to reduce speed fluctuations of the output speed of an IVT with an accurate speed ratio. The speed ratio of an IVT with the disclosed control strategy can achieve an excellent tracking response for the desired constant output speed and reduce speed fluctuations of the output speed of an IVT by the time-delay feedback control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
    Inventors: Weidong Zhu, Gang Li, Meilin Yu, Xuefeng Wang
  • Patent number: 11835028
    Abstract: A wind turbine comprises a mast that has a first end connected with a generator, and an opposing second end. A first vane frame includes a top member, a bottom member, and two opposing side members. A plurality of vanes are fixed between each side member of the vane frame, each vane configured for rotating between a closed position and an open position. The first vane frame is fixed along the mast with a similar second vane frame fixed on an opposing side of the mast. Actuator mechanisms are configured for rotating the vanes between the open and closed positions. Additional vane frames defined as first and second jibs are configured to extend outwardly from the vane frames. A controller actuates the vanes to maximize torque imparted to the mast by the wind. In a wind turbine system, three of the turbines are fixed on a rotatable platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Inventor: Wei Li
  • Patent number: 11655025
    Abstract: Flying Car PPRW (Pipe Prop Rotary Wing) of the present invention transforms a road legal car into a true flying car for travels on and off roadways as well as travels in airways. Flying Car PPRW is mounted on top, powered from below, and has a smaller footprint of the road legal car for unrestricted roadway travels. Flying Car PPRW incorporates a general PPRW documented in patent application Ser. No. 16/128,537 filed on Sep. 12, 2018; and both Flying Car PPRW and the general PPRW are each a propeller driven propulsion engine in a pipe profile with props or propellers rotating in part as rotary wings. Flying Car PPRW enhances propulsion performances through the shaping of airflow field patterns around props and by the increased relative airflow velocities between props of interacting planet and sun airfoils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Inventor: George Pul
  • Patent number: 11614754
    Abstract: A vertical takeoff and landing aircraft capable of six degree-of-freedom motion where lift, pitch, and roll are provided by multirotors oriented vertically, lateral translation is provided by a cyclorotor oriented vertically, and yaw is provided by a combination of the cyclorotor and the multirotors. The invention includes a frame, which supports the multirotors and cyclorotors. The frame also supports a payload and battery which are positioned at the extreme ends of the frame. The aircraft is capable of hovering precisely to position a payload close to or touching a target surface in the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Pitch Aeronautics LLC
    Inventor: Zachary Howard Adams
  • Patent number: 11448191
    Abstract: A wind energy collection device configured to be mounted to the roof of a structure, the device optionally comprising: a support frame to be fixed to the roof of a building; a wind turbine impeller mounted to the support frame, the impeller supported by a turbine shaft oriented in a fixed horizontal and vertical position relative to the frame. The impeller optionally coupled to a generator to convert rotational movement of the impeller to power that can be stored and/or transmitted. The device may also comprise at least one directional panel configured to direct the wind to at least one impeller vane of the impeller such that the impeller rotates in a rotational direction due to force exerted by the wind blowing in a first direction; and the directional panel is repositionable so as to direct the wind blowing in a second direction opposed to the first direction such that the impeller rotates in the rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Contemporary Design Company
    Inventor: Gary Graham
  • Patent number: 11065434
    Abstract: A method of operating an implantable blood pump having a first stator, a second stator, and an impeller movably disposed there between. The method includes applying a first voltage waveform at first phase to the first stator to generate a magnetic field to rotate the impeller. A second voltage waveform is applied at a second phase shifted from the first phase to the second stator to rotate the impeller, the second voltage waveform is asymmetric to the first voltage waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: HeartWare, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Egler, Fernando Casas, Carlos Reyes, Jeffrey A. Larose
  • Patent number: 10859062
    Abstract: A vertical windmill system which provides a vertical axis windmill designed to rotate vertically as opposed to horizontally in order to optimize power-generation. The windmill utilizes kinetic wind energy to its maximum extent in order to create sustainable energy. It ensures the generator is not slowed down as wind speed is reduced so the efficiency of harvesting wind energy is increased. As designed it offers a simplified means for improving the efficiency of windmills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: Trilok Vyas
  • Patent number: 9879651
    Abstract: A vane device is adapted for use in a turbine apparatus, and includes a rotary shaft and a plurality of angularly spaced-apart vane units. The rotary shaft is rotatable in a rotational direction. The vane units are connected to the rotary shaft. Each of the vane units includes a grid frame and a plurality of spaced-apart cup members. The grid frame is connected to the rotary shaft. The cup members are arranged in an array and are connected to the grid frame. Each of the cup members has an inner surface that defines a receiving space, and an outer surface that is opposite to the inner surface and that faces toward the rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: Kuo-Chang Huang
  • Patent number: 9309863
    Abstract: A maximally efficient vertical axis wind turbine (MEVAWT) includes a rotatable circular frame having upper and lower concentric flat rings or disks which support a plurality of, typically three, four, five or six, pivotable cascades, each including a plurality of fixed, configurable airfoils. The airfoils preferably include a single, pivotable trailing flap and may include lateral extensions. The center and periphery of the lower ring are supported in suitable bearings to facilitate free rotation of the frame. Wind direction and velocity sensors provide data utilized to control drive mechanisms which orient each cascade and the flap of each airfoil to maximize the resultant power produced by the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignees: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University, Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Foss, Richard Wlezien, Bingsen Wang
  • Patent number: 9011096
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine blade is revealed. The vertical axis wind turbine blade includes a blade frame formed by assembly plates disposed at regular intervals and blade bodies each of which pivoted between two adjacent assembly plates. Stoppers are disposed between the assembly plates and the blade bodies. The stopper is used to stop on one side of the blade body corresponding to a downwind surface of the assembly plate. The blade bodies pivotally connected to the blade frame move along with the blade frame to be in an open or a closed position. When the wind blows the upwind surface, the blade body is stopped by the stopper and in the closed position so as to receive the wind power. While the wind blowing the downwind surface, the blade body is in the open position to reduce the wind resistance. Thus the wind turbine efficiency is dramatically improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Max Su
  • Patent number: 8882463
    Abstract: A turbo-machine with blade wheels, comprises a body, a rotor which is held in a rotatable manner by the body, at least two rotatably arranged blades which are distributed uniformly along a circular line of the rotor and which are mounted with their axis parallel to the axis of the rotor, transmission members between each axis of the blade and a sleeve which is rotatable on the shaft of the blade wheel. The first rotor is assigned a second rotor which is held in a rotatable manner by the first rotor, wherein the second rotor comprises at least two rotatably arranged blades which are distributed uniformly along a circular line of the rotor and which are mounted with their axis parallel to the rotor, transmission members between each axis of the blade and the sleeve which is rotatable on the shaft of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Piergiorgio Pasetto
  • Patent number: 8794904
    Abstract: A water wheel impeller blade type electric power generating apparatus with which, on the forward motion side, the hydraulic pressure applied to the impeller blade is reduces, and the mud, sand, dirt, and the like will not be collected into the water wheel. The impeller blade is rotatably disposed on the rotor, and has a stopper part and a fluid receiving part extending from this stopper part and being longer than the stopper part, the fluid receiving part being provided with a length large enough that when the impeller blade is thrust down the fluid receiving part covers the stopper part of an adjacent impeller blade. To a top plate constituting a frame body of the apparatus, a fluid guide plate inclined inward being fixed for guiding the fluid to the impeller blades positioned under the rotating shaft of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Japan System Planning Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Kumano
  • Publication number: 20140097620
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for capturing the kinetic energy of a fluid and converting it to rotational, electrical or mechanical energy, the device including a rotating bar mechanism for enabling rotation of a flow-capturing blade around a central axis of the device while retaining the flow-capturing blade in an orientation perpendicular to the fluid flow direction throughout the rotation cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Tzach Harari
  • Publication number: 20130328320
    Abstract: A wind power rotor has a first and second rotor device. The first rotor device rotates about a first axis of rotation and has at least two rotor blades moving on a peripheral track about the first axis of rotation. The rotor blades are such that they describe a virtual first shell surface of a virtual first rotating body upon rotation about the first axis of rotation. The second rotor device rotates about a second axis of rotation and has a second rotating body with a closed second shell surface. The second rotating body is arranged at least partially inside of the virtual first rotating body. The first rotor device can be driven by wind in a first direction of rotation and the second rotor device has a drive device, and can be driven in a second direction of rotation which is opposite that of the first direction of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Jost Seifert
  • Patent number: 8602719
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine having a plurality of upright airfoils pivotally engaged. A continuous adjustment of the angle of attack of the airfoils to oncoming wind is provided by rotation of a control plate connected to the vanes which are mounted upon a rotating drive plate. A vane can be employed to rotate the control plate to affect the continuous adjustment of the airfoils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: AF Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Samuel Thomas Kelly
  • Patent number: 8596977
    Abstract: A wind energy generator has a frame, an axle extending horizontally and being rotatably mounted relative to the frame, a plurality of arms extending radially outwardly of the axle, and a plurality of panels respectively hingedly connected to the plurality of arms at a location distal of the axle. Each of the plurality of panels extends so as to have an edge opposite the hinged connection proximal the axle. A plurality of rollers are respectively affixed adjacent the edge of the plurality of panels. A line is received by the plurality of rollers so as to extend around the plurality of rollers to cause the plurality of rollers to relative to each other as the axle rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Larry W. Simnacher
  • Publication number: 20130280034
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind direction adjustable blade type vertical axis wind turbine that is configured to allow blades to be automatically swung, thereby making more efficient use of wind power. The wind turbine includes: a rotating shaft adapted to be rotated by means of wind power; an upper plate adapted to be coupled to the upper portion of the rotating shaft; a lower plate adapted to be coupled to the lower portion of the rotating shaft; a plurality of blades disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate; and swing motion units disposed between the top end of each blade and the upper plate and between the underside end of each blade and the lower plate in such a manner as to form the center of rotation of each blade, while allowing each blade to be rotatable in accordance with the wind direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Ok Rye Kang, Meong Jin Shin, Meong Cheol Shin, Hyun Dai Yang
  • Patent number: 8480363
    Abstract: A turbine with vanes and tethers that adjust to the wind includes: an axle, adapted to be positioned perpendicular to the airflow; a radial spar attached to the axle; a vane rotatably attached to the spar; and a positioning element to limit the vane from rotating substantially more than a perpendicular angle away from the spar. The device retains the vane in a position that utilizes the airflow to rotate the axle. The positioning element is a tether attached to the distal point of the vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Mellus Fenaughty
  • Publication number: 20130129509
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine with blades which articulate to reduce drag when they are moving upwind and which are suitable for use in small scale electrical generators. The turbine has blades which are rotatable about a blade axis of rotation and the blade axis is rotatable about a turbine axis of rotation. A vane is coupled to the blade axis of rotation to change the orientation of the blades in response to changes in wind direction. The vane maximizes the effect of the wind on the one or more blade by adjusting the blade position to maximize the blade surface area facing into the wind when the blade is moving downwind and to minimize the blade surface area facing into the wind when the blade is moving upwind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBORNE ENERGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Howard John Manning
  • Patent number: 8333561
    Abstract: A vertical axis sail-type wind turbine includes an array of sail-like structures that are mounted on rotating main masts. The sail-like structures can be oriented to interact with the wind. For example, when the sail-like structures are moving in a downwind direction, they are oriented to present a flat surface that is perpendicular to the wind direction. On the other hand, when the sail-like structures are moving in an upwind direction, they are oriented to present a surface that is at an angle that creates an upwind vector. The sail-like structures rotate about the sail masts, which are rotatably mounted to sail mounting arms that are firmly mounted to a main mast. The main mast rotates, transferring power through a gear and shaft drive to hydraulic pumps in the tower. This hydraulic fluid pressure is then used to drive an electrical generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Baron
  • Patent number: 8226348
    Abstract: The invention refers to the field of wind power engineering, particularly to the vertical axis rotor-type wind turbines, which can be used for drive of electric generators or other using equipment of mechanical energy. The rotor-type wind turbine contains a central vertical shaft, mounted in a hollow elongated supporting column, and rotor structure, comprising two lattice-type blocks with power elements—the lattice-type stacks of aerodynamic blades. Each of the lattice-type blocks is carried by two corresponding lattice-type arms. When using the wind turbine two-block structure, the blocks are positioned by 180° to each other. The end parts of the aerodynamic lattice-type blades in blade blocks are fastened in relevant upper and lower shroud flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: AS Atakama Eolika
    Inventor: Aleksandrs Scerbina
  • Patent number: 8172529
    Abstract: Operations of a turbine to generate energy from a relatively slow fluid flow, such as wind and water, are described. The turbine has a plurality of foils rotating about a central axis at a rotational velocity, each of the foils having a length and a foil axis parallel to the length and the central axis with each of the foils rotatable about its foil axis. From determinations of a velocity of the fluid flow, and angular location of each foil and the rotational velocity about the central axis, an attack angle of each foil is controlled with respect to the direction of fluid flow about the foil axis responsive to the velocity of the fluid flow, the angular location of the foil and the rotational velocity as the foil rotates about the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Lonestar Inventions LP
    Inventor: Osman Ersed Akcasu
  • Patent number: 8167544
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotational device that is to be used in a fluid in order to generate power from the moving stream of a fluid or to convert energy into a motion of a fluid. Said rotational device comprises main rotating means which is fixedly connected to a central rotary shaft of the rotational device, one or several rotational surfaces which are mounted on the main rotating means so as to be rotatable about rotational surface rotary shafts spaced away from the rotary shaft such that the main rotating means are able to perform a rotational motion about the central rotary shaft by means of at least one rotational surface, the rotational surface rotary shafts extending parallel to the rotary shaft of the main body. A device is provided which adjusts an angle of the rotational surface relative to the direction of flow of the fluid in such way that the buoyancy principle is maintained on the rotational surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Aquapower GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Josef Schiel
  • Patent number: 8100650
    Abstract: Systems and methods use cyclical propellers with dynamic blade angle control to extract power from waves. A control system for such implementations can adapt pitching schedules for the blades of the cyclical propellers for efficient energy extraction and/or to control reactive forces. The cyclical propellers may be installed on the floor of a body of water or other liquid, on a submarine, or on a surface float, and blades may extend vertically or horizontally depending on the character of the waves. Several cyclical propellers can be combined into a single unit operated to minimize net reactive force or torque, to propel the unit horizontally or vertically, and/or to stabilize the unit. Such units can be installed with minimal or no moorings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Atargis Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Stefan Günther Siegel
  • Publication number: 20110255972
    Abstract: The present invention relates to wind turbines and more particularly to a multi-element airfoil for a vertical or horizontal axis wind turbine. In one embodiment, a vertical wind turbine includes a plurality of blades arranged in an annular path around a central axis of rotation. Each blade includes a first element and a second element that are nestable together. The first element has a concave rear surface, and the second element has a convex leading surface. Each of at least 45% of the blades generates a lift in a direction of rotation of the turbine that is greater than a drag generated by the same blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: GIFT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Lew
  • Publication number: 20110250069
    Abstract: A wind powered turbine is comprised of a frame on which is horizontally and rotatably supported a rotor on a rotor shaft. The rotor is formed by three or more radial blade members which are secured to the rotor shaft. The radial blade members are equidistantly spaced from one another and each have support arms and a wind vane secured at an outer end portion of the support arms. The wind vane is shaped to capture an airflow directed thereagainst for displacement thereof to create a rotational force about the rotor shaft to rotate the shaft about its longitudinal central axis. The radial blade members are rigidly interconnected to one another at an outer end portion thereof by tension adjustable bracing tie wires. A wind channeling guide assembly accelerates and directs the airflow in an actuating airflow path to impinge upon at leas of the wind vanes positioned in the actuating airflow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Réjean QUINTAL
  • Patent number: 8035245
    Abstract: An electrical energy apparatus has a shaft, a first arm extending radially outwardly from the shaft, a second arm extending radially outwardly from the shaft in spaced relationship to the first arm, a third arm extending radially outwardly from the shaft in spaced relationship to the first and second arms, a first set of vanes extending outwardly of the first arm, a second set of vanes extending outwardly of the second arm, a third set of vanes extending outwardly of the third arm, and a generator cooperative with the shaft for producing electrical energy relative to a rotation of the shaft. A magnetic inductor is connected to a vane so as to coordinate movement of the vanes during rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Larry W. Simnacher
  • Patent number: 7993096
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a wind turbine having a plurality of vertically extending airfoils forming a rotating carousel rotating about a central axis thereof. The airfoils pivot about their leading edges to adjust the pitch angle thereof to maximize energy harvest when the airfoils are rotating both in an upwind direction and in a down wind direction. This pivoting movement results from trailing edges of the airfoils being pivotally secured to rigid spokes or cables of a trailing edge hub. An adjustment mechanism is pivotally mounted between a carousel hub and the trailing edge hub and is used to control the separation between a central axis of the trailing edge hub and the axis of rotation of the carousel as they co-rotate. As the carousel rotates, the offset distance between the two axes determines the maximum achievable pitch angle of each airfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventors: Donald E. Anderson, Daniel W Christian
  • Patent number: 7928594
    Abstract: A tandem axial turbine that comprises a front confusor, a funnel-shaped runner having inner blades and capable of accelerating and directing an oncoming flow toward a co-axial rear runner which rotates in an opposite direction. A tangential turbine has a hub, blades capable of rotating in relation to the hub between positions across and along the flow, and propulsion springs for controlling the movement of the blades in relation to the hub and the transfer of the energy. A second tangential turbine comprises a runner having a hub and blades and a shroud capturing the runner from above and around and permitting the blades to dip into water flowing immediately below the hub and an opening of the shroud. A surface vessel comprises a stabilized frame rotatably affixed on a vessel hull about a center of wave induced rocking motions of the vessel and therefore isolated from a rocking motion of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventors: Vladimir Anatol Shreider, Natalia Shreider
  • Patent number: 7918648
    Abstract: A windpower generator apparatus has a horizontal shaft, a first arm extending outwardly of the shaft, a second arm extending outwardly of the shaft in spaced relationship to the first arm, a third arm extending outwardly of the shaft in spaced radial relationship to the first and second arms, a first plurality of vanes pivotally affixed to a first arm, a second plurality of vanes pivotally affixed to said second arm, a third plurality of vanes pivotally affixed to said third arm, and a generator cooperative with the shaft for producing electrical energy relative to a rotation of the shaft. Each of the vanes is movable between a first position aligned with the arm and a second position extending transverse to the arm. The vanes are movable between the first and second positions by actions of gravity during the rotation of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Larry W. Simnacher
  • Patent number: 7780416
    Abstract: Four wide frames are fixed to a vertical axis. The frames have horizontal bars ten centimeters apart. On each horizontal bar, a sheet of cloth twenty centimeters high and as wide as the frame is hung such that the sheets of cloth are all on the same side of the frames so that when the wind blows from any direction, the windmill rotates in the same direction. For frames facing the wind direction, on one side of the axis, the wind will blow the sheets of cloth away from the frame, and the wind will pass through the frame. On the other side of the axis, the wind will blow the sheets of cloth, but the horizontal bars will stop them from blowing to the other side of the frame such that the sheets of cloth stick to the frame and prevent the wind from passing through. The frame on that other side will act like a big sail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Jasim Seleh Al-Azzawi
  • Patent number: 7766602
    Abstract: An efficient, yet durable wind turbine is provided for use in windy environments even with extreme wind conditions. The turbine includes spaced apart frame members rotatably mounted upon a central axle for rotation therewith, and having a plurality of blades rotatably mounted between the frame members for rotation upon blade axles. Blade directors automatically orient the blades relative to the wind direction. The turbines are self starting, with the frame members rotating in one direction while the blades rotate in an opposite direction so as to move between perpendicular and parallel orientations relative to the wind stream. In one embodiment, the turbine can be oriented either vertically or horizontally. The central axles can be connected to an electrical generator or, if powered by an engine, can be used to provide torque or propulsion to a mechanical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Eldon L. Stroburg
  • Patent number: 7762776
    Abstract: A propeller having one or more blades eccentrically mounted to a shaft dynamically changes the blade pitch to produce free vortices in a fluid. For extracting energy from a moving fluid, the fluid flow acting on the blades rotates the propeller, while the pitch changes create a fluid flow pattern known as a von Karman vortex street. The resulting time averaged flow field distant from the propeller is a wake flow, and the energy of the fluid flow can be efficiently converted to rotation of a shaft driven device. For propulsion, applied shaft rotation and the dynamic pitch change in a fluid together create a flow pattern that is the inverse of the von Karman vortex street. For either energy extraction or propulsion, the propeller is particularly suited for low flow speeds, where the effects of low Reynolds number induced flow separation on blades may make other propellers inefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Siegel Aerodynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Stefan Günther Siegel
  • Patent number: 7758299
    Abstract: A wind turbine for generating electricity is configured as a drum with a housing that has adjustable shutters to control the amount of wind reaching the turbine blades. Alternatively, the turbine blades can be pivotably mounted and opened and closed using a cam follower, cam track system to minimize wind exposure to downstream turbine blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Frank Jarecki
  • Patent number: 7686583
    Abstract: Systems and methods use cyclical propellers with dynamic blade angle control to extract power from waves. A control system for such implementations can adapt pitching schedules for the blades of the cyclical propellers for efficient energy extraction and/or to control reactive forces. The cyclical propellers may be installed on the floor of a body of water or other liquid, on a submarine, or on a surface float, and blades may extend vertically or horizontally depending on the character of the waves. Several cyclical propellers can be combined into a single unit operated to minimize reactive forces and torques, to propel the unit horizontally or vertically, and/or to stabilize the unit. Such units can be installed with minimal or no moorings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Siegel Aerodynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Stefan Günther Siegel
  • Publication number: 20100058966
    Abstract: A method for diverting a sailing vessel is disclosed. A watercraft equipped with a harpoon having a hull-piercing head and a tail attached to a cable may swiftly approach the vessel in the aft position. Upon piercing the hull, an extraction-preventing means, such as spokes unfolded from the head, latching it in the hull and preventing the harpoon's withdrawal. Via a cable attached to the tail of the harpoon the watercraft may use low-speed high-traction propulsion means such as Voith-Schneider Propulsion (VSP) to pull and divert the vessel at the stern to a desired course. The watercraft may preferably have a combination of lifting hydrofoils with propellers and VSP propellers to provide the respective low-traction high-speed and high-traction low-speed modes of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Saik Hay Fong, Hong Soon Tan, Chee Hwee Toh, Weng Heng Chua
  • Patent number: 7665966
    Abstract: A flow-controlled wind motor rotor has one or more blades which are parallel to a central vertical axis. The blades are orientable to the direction of the wind. The rotor is equipped with a wind vane for detecting of a wind direction and also with a primary control mechanism which is controlled by the wind vane, and a secondary control mechanism, which is subordinate to the first control mechanism. The primary control mechanism is driven by a V-belt, while the secondary control mechanism is driven by a stepping engine with a worm gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ventus Spolka ZO.O
    Inventor: Jaroslaw Warszewski
  • Patent number: 7661624
    Abstract: An aerodynamic lifting-thrusting propulsion device has a frame with an axis, relative to which the frame is arranged with a possibility of rotation, a cardan joint having a cross, at least two aerodynamic surfaces, each of which is mounted on the cardan joint with a possibility of oscillations synchronously with a rotation of the frame, a rod mounted on the frame, the cardan joint being connected with the rod, the cross of the cardan joint having axes which are mutually perpendicular and located correspondingly in mutually perpendicular planes intersecting along an axis of the rod, one of the axes of the cross extending through an axis of rotation and an axis of the rod, the rod being arranged parallel to an axis of the frame, the axis of the frame being connected with each of the aerodynamic surfaces by a mechanical transmission providing a rotation of the aerodynamic surface synchronously and opposite to a rotation of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: 000 “Midera-K”
    Inventors: Andrey Igorevich Akaro, Anatoly Alekseevich Denisov, Anatoly Mikhailovich Zelinsky, Mikhail Mikhailovich Medvedev
  • Patent number: 7591635
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wind turbine. The wind turbine includes a support unit having a lower base block and a cylindrical protruding part. A rotary cylinder is rotatably supported by the protruding part. A rotating shaft extends from a center of the rotary cylinder to rotate along therewith. An upper bearing is installed on the protruding part to support the rotary cylinder. A lower bearing is installed on the lower base block to support the rotary cylinder. A plurality of vanes is installed along the outer circumference of the rotary cylinder at regular angular intervals, and is opened outwards relative to the rotary cylinder or closed to be in close contact with the outer circumference of the rotary cylinder, according to a position relative to a wind direction. An angle limiting means prevents each vane from being opened beyond a preset angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventors: Byung-Sue Ryu, Young-Sil Yu
  • Publication number: 20090226314
    Abstract: A cycloidal rotor system having airfoil blades travelling along a generally non-circular, elongated and, in most embodiments, dynamically variable orbit. Such non-circular orbit provides a greater period in each revolution and an optimized relative wind along the trajectory for each blade to efficiently maximise lift when orbits are elongated horizontally, or thrust/propulsion when orbits are vertically elongated. Most embodiments, in addition to having the computer system controlled actuators to dynamically vary the blade trajectory and the angle of attack, can also have the computer system controlled actuators for dynamically varying the spatial orientation of the blades; enabling their slanting motion upward/downward and/or backsweep/forwardsweep positioning to produce and precisely control a variety of aerodynamic effects suited for providing optimum performance for various operating regimes, counter wind gusts and enable the craft to move sideways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Philip Bogrash
  • Patent number: 7518864
    Abstract: A cooling fan is provided that does not place limitations on the installation conditions for the fan, is capable of cooling a backlight unit of a display panel with high efficiency, and produces less noise during operation. Also provided is an image display apparatus equipped with the cooling fan. The cooling fan includes a fan rotator composed of a rotational shaft that is rotationally driven by a driving motor and two vanes that have parallel revolution shafts that rotate together with the rotational shaft, are freely rotatable on the shafts, face one another, and revolve around the rotational shafts and a vane angle control unit that implements control so that each vane has a maximum rotation angle when a revolution angle of the vanes is in a vicinity of a first revolution angle and each vane has a rotation angle of 0° when a revolution angle of the vane is in a vicinity of a second revolution angle that is perpendicular to the first revolution angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Kimura
  • Patent number: 7377466
    Abstract: A propulsion system for miniature vehicles, such as model airplanes, having multiple direct-current motors arranged radially about a central axis of the propulsion system that drive a propeller system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph James Smith
  • Patent number: 7296974
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine and to the installation of such a wind turbine, particularly offshore. When wind turbines are installed in the previously known manner, a tower of the wind turbine is firstly manufactured, said tower being a steel tower, a concrete tower or a lattice tower. After the tower has been erected, a machine house is mounted on the top of the tower and said machine house then consists of the entire nacelle, the generator, the rotor and other parts. Such a machine house with rotor blades attached thereto and a generator connected thereto is referred to in the following as a rotor unit. _The object of the present invention is to provide technical measures enabling the installation of offshore wind turbines in almost any weather, even when waves are small or moderate in height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Patent number: 7066709
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a wind driven power generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventors: Dong Yong Kim, Yeong Min Kim
  • Patent number: 6872045
    Abstract: A fluid drive conversion system having a plurality of flat foils rotatably connected to a vertical shaft such that the foils are generally vertical in position, pivot about a vertical axis, are a predefined distance, at least about one quarter of the width of a foil, from the vertical shaft thereby creating a central space. In operation, fluid flows through the central space and simultaneously pushes the back side of at least one foil while pushing the front side of one or more remaining foils, resulting in all of the foils rotating about the vertical shaft and contributing to the generation of usable energy. A wing is pivotally connected to the distal end of each radial arm and a bottom radial arm wherein each wing is in a general vertical orientation. The fluid drive conversion system employs either a conventional gear system, a conventional pulley system, or an electrical generation assembly using magnets, coils, and a means for harnessing an electrical current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventors: David Eugene Weaver, Richard E. Nash, James W. Blake
  • Patent number: 6824348
    Abstract: A wind rotor comprises a base, a rotor frame rotationally supported on the base for movement about a substantially vertical axis in one of a clockwise or counter clockwise direction, and a plurality of wind receiving vanes pivotally disposed on the rotor frame for movement about a substantially vertical axis in a clockwise and counter clockwise direction between a first closed position and a second open position. The movement of each vane from the first closed position to the second open position further being independent of the other vanes. A variable resistance damping mechanism assembly is disposed between each vane and the rotor frame. The variable resistance damping mechanism is configured to provide damping in both the clockwise and the counterclockwise directions, and to dampen a greater amount in one of the clockwise or counterclockwise directions than in the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventors: Barton D. Alexander, James C. Helfrich
  • Publication number: 20030012651
    Abstract: A flange (10) covering a disc (3) of a turbine blade (4) in order to allow ventilation (27, 29) and whose diverted face (24) of the disc (3) is provided with a labyrinth seal (20) with lickers (23) to form a seal, original in that the cutters (37) of the lickers (23) are inclined axially and staggered axially and radially, in order to off-set the center of gravity of the flexible web (14) of the disc and to encourage deformation of the web (14) towards the disc (3) under the effect of centrifugal forces, in order to reinforce the contact of a bearing face (15) with a pressure plate (16) of the disc (3). Thus the hooks usually used to unite the periphery of the web (14) to the disc (3) become superfluous.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Jean-Baptiste Arilla, Michel-Gerard-Paul Hacault, Jean-Philippe-Julien Maffre, Somphone Sombounkhan
  • Patent number: 6379115
    Abstract: A windmill includes a freely rotatable revolution shaft, a plurality of pairs of pivotal support rods provided at the revolution shaft, and wind receiving blades respectively and rotatably set between the pivotal support rods with wind receiving blade shafts. The windmill is applied to the driving of a lifting pump, a generator and the like by employing revolution driving force. An anemometer/anemoscope measures wind velocity and direction. A servo motor controls the direction of the wind receiving blades based on the detected velocity and direction. Various methods of control are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Tetsuo Hirai
  • Patent number: 6244919
    Abstract: A vertical axis and transversal flow nautical propulsor continuously self-orients the blades. The propulsor includes a plurality of blades rotatable about a vertical axis; a blade supporting plate for supporting the blades, wherein the blade supporting plate is rotatable about a vertical axis independent of rotation of the blades; a motor for rotating the blade supporting plate; a motor for each blade, for rotating the blade about its own vertical axis; and a rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft is supported by a rotor body coupled with the blade supporting plate. A plurality of spindles are provided on the rotatable shaft, wherein the spindles are coaxial with one another and with the rotatable shaft. The number of spindles corresponds to the number of blades, and the spindles are rotatable independent of one another in such a way to allow independent rotation of the relevant blade. The rotatable shaft and the spindles each have an inner end within the rotor body and an outer end outside the rotor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: S.P.N. S. R. L.
    Inventor: Piero Valentini
  • Patent number: 6109875
    Abstract: A cycloidal propeller including a so-called slider-crank mechanism. The couplers of the slider-crank mechanism are attached to a control ring which is attached to a ball socket located at the lower end of a control rod. The required torsional retention relative to the rotor housing is accomplished by a dual parallel guide, which is mounted by revolute joint connections to the control ring on one side and by revolute joint connections to the rotor housing on the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Voith Hydro GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Harald Gross