Abstract: A mechanical device which converts the wind energy into rotational mechanical energy has a cross-wind-axis rotor structure, having multiple, orientable blades around its periphery, mounted parallel to the rotor axis. Each blade is interconnected with an orientable stabilizer mounted on the same rotor radial line as the blade, at a smaller radius, so that during rotation, the blade and the stabilizer are able to pivot simultaneously and essentially parallel to each other, in the course of aligning themselves, into a pitch angle, where the opposing pitching moments created by the aerodynamic lift forces over the blade and the stabilizer, equilibrate each other, and where the aerodynamic lift forces are the optimum to induce the necessary torque to spin up the rotor.

Abstract: A device is located in a body of flowing water and includes a bridge supporting an electrical generator and anchors for holding the bridge stationary with respect to water flowing past that bridge. The device includes a water wheel submerged in the water beneath the bridge and which includes a plurality of arms radiating outwardly from a central arm. A hydrowing is movably attached to each radial arm and includes two flow impact sections of different surface areas. The hydrowings move with respect to the radial arms to maintain a flow area facing upstream on one side of the central arm that is larger than the flow area facing upstream on the diametrically opposite side of the central arm. This unbalanced flow area creates a force on the central arm tending to rotate that central arm. The central arm is connected to a rotor.

Abstract: A vertical windmill employing aerodynamic lift includes stators that form an omnidirectional diffuser and can rotate out of the wind to reduce the destructive tendencies in high winds. A braking mechanism included in the windmill uses rotation of the airfoils to reduce the lift caused by the wind and disengagement of the airfoils to reduce nearly all lift on the airfoils. Centrifugal force is used to activate the brake in high winds, both to slow the rotor speed and, in extreme winds, to stop the rotor. A motor is provided to drive the windmill to simplify controls and increase energy production.

Abstract: An improved windmill has an approximately vertical center support post. The windmill also has a plurality of wheels, each rotatably mounted on a separate horizontal axis, each axis being radially disposed about the center support post. The windmill also has a horizontal annular ring disposed radially about the center support post. The ring is mounted on the wheels so that the ring can rotate about the center support post. The windmill also includes a plurality of approximately horizontal beams. Each beam is radially disposed about the center support post. A first end of each beam is connected to the center support post and a second end of each beam is connected to the annular ring.

Abstract: A wind power plant for harnessing wind power includes a tower; a plurality of upright rotor blades spaced apart circumferentially and spaced radially from a rotational axis; and a supporting structure for the rotor blades leading from the tower to the rotor blades.

Abstract: A windmill with removable wind vane plates arranged in multiple rows and columns, comprising a base fixed firmly on the ground, a tubular post fitted upright in the base, a rotatable frame consisting of a rotatable tubular shaft fitting around the post and seated on the base. The windmill includes a plurality of wind vanes made of vane plate sashes with removable plates and fixed with the shaft to allow wind to blow against the plates to rotate the shaft to produce electricity via a generator.

Abstract: A variable pitch propeller mechanism includes a plurality of airfoil-shaped blades on three spaced apart blade arms. The airfoil-shaped blades are pivotally connected to the blade arms and are interconnected to each other by rigid connecting rods so these blades move in unison in response to changing wind conditions. Air flow across the airfoil-shaped blades is also controlled to improve the efficiency of the device.

Abstract: A wind turbine is arranged to provide for a front torroidal plate mounted from and spaced relative to a rear solid plate coaxially securing a deflecting cone coextensively and coaxially between the front and rear plate, with a series of equally spaced arcuate impeller blades mounted adjacent a periphery of the front and rear plates exteriorly of the cone to direct air flow through the turbine plates from the cone structure. The impeller also has a fluidic rotation indicator. The indicator is a set of arcuate liquid chambers which contain two different fluids of different colors and specific gravities. When the impeller is stationary, the two different fluids separate, indicating two colors. However, when the impeller rotates, the two fluids mix and indicate a single third color.

Abstract: An articulated blade whose forward vane section is directly pitched by relative fluid flow upon it, and whose rear deflector section deflects the flow upon it. A control arm, through parallelogram linkage, maintains the deflector in parallel orientation with it, thus cambering the blade when it pitches. Fluid is deflected always in a direction controlled by orientation of the control arm. High lift-drag ratios are possible at high angles of attack. The blade can be used to extract power from the fluid, or for propulsion through a fluid.

Abstract: A vertical axis turbine is provided which comprises a plurality of flexible sail blades attached to a vertically extending, rotatable shaft by upper and lower blade attachment devices, and a power absorbing load device coupled to the rotatable shaft. The flexible sail blades are deployed and stabilized in operation by the centrifugal forces produced in response to rotation of the blades about the vertical axis of the shaft, whereby, in operation, aerodynamic forces acting on the sail blades can be transmitted to shaft without generating bending movements. The sail blades comprise plural elongate flexible sail panels, with flyweights being disposed between and secured to the ends of pairs of the sail panels. In different embodiments, passive flyweights, active flyweights (secondary turbines) and combinations of both types are used.

Abstract: A vertical axis turbine is provided which comprises a plurality of flexible sail blades attached to a vertically extending, rotatable shaft by upper and lower blade attachment devices, and a power absorbing load device coupled to the rotatable shaft. The flexible sail blades are deployed and stabilized in operation by the centrifugal forces produced in response to rotation of the blades about the vertical axis of the shaft, whereby, in operation, aerodynamic forces acting on the sail blades can be transmitted to shaft without generating bending movements. The sail blades comprise plural elongate flexible sail panels, with flyweights being disposed between and secured to the ends of pairs of the sail panels. In different embodiments, passive flyweights, active flyweights (secondary turbines) and combinations of both types are used.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for harnessing fluid energy from a fluid current and converting it into mechanical energy. The invention comprises a big wheel and a little wheel where the little wheel rotates about on axis parallel to but offset from an axis about which the big wheel rotates. The little wheel rotates within the big wheel. Flexible sails are fastened between masts of the big wheel and masts of the little wheel so that when the wheels rotate each sail is unfurled and extended during one phase of operation and said sail is folded upon itself during another phase of operation. When extended or stretched open, the sail derives power from the fluid current. When the sail is folded, it offers a reduced resistance to the fluid current into which said sail is moving.

Abstract: An apparatus harnessing energy belonging to fluid stream comprises a plurality of elongated fluid dynamic force receiving members with cambered cross sections disposed parallel to and about a shaft and supported by at least one hub member affixed to the shaft wherein the individual fluid dynamic force receiving member is secured to the hub member in a pivotable arrangement about a pivot axis disposed near one extremity thereof in a parallel relationship to the shaft, and at least one circular cam guide disposed on a plane perpendicular to the shaft that is engaged by a plurality of cam followers respectively secured to the plurality of elongated fluid dynamic force receiving members.

Abstract: A drum is mounted for rotation about an axis. Its surface is substantially cylindrical about the axis, and axially mounted outside of the surface is a plurality of vanes each defining a slot with respect to the surface. The slot is an aerodynamic slot where accelerating air decreases pressure to produce thrust which is in the direction of rotation. The outer surface of the drum is not quite cylindrical, but is shaped to be of larger diameter at the slot to enhance Venturi action.

Abstract: A drum-shaped windmill with a cylinder tube 1 mounted coaxially to the rotation axis of the windmill with one of each of the circular end plates 2,3 on both ends of the cylinder tube 1 is described, featuring sails 6,7,8,9 with a curved streamlined profile which swivel to a limited degree near the edge of both end plates 2,3 on floating axes 10,11,12,13 mounted parallel to the rotation axis of the windmill. The arrangement has been effected in such a way that at least four sails 6,7,8,9 having a curved streamlined profile are distributed on the circumference of the windmill at equal circumferential distances and that the sails 6,7,8,9 are swivelable with their noses 18,21 in front on the floating axes 10,11,12,13 in the area between the edge 4,5 of the end plates 2,3 and the cylinder tube 1.

Abstract: A vertical windmill employing aerodynamic lift includes stators that form an omnidirectional diffuser and can rotate out of the wind to reduce the destructive tendencies in high winds. A braking mechanism included in the windmill uses rotation of the airfoils to reduce the lift caused by the wind and disengagement of the airfoils to reduce nearly all lift on the airfoils. Centrifugal force is used to activate the brake in high winds, both to slow the rotor speed and, in extreme winds, to stop the rotor. A motor is provided to drive the windmill to simplify controls and increase energy production.

Abstract: An improved vertical axis wind turbine is disclosed. The wind turbine in accordance with one embodiment, does not include a support tower but instead includes a bearing support for mounting a torque tube rotatably connected to blades, the bearing support being secured to ground by a plurality of guy cables. The torque tube may comprise a plurality of tube sections including an intermediate bearing and additional guy cables for supporting the torque tube to the ground in a vertical orientation. In another embodiment of the present invention, control means are disclosed for independently controlling the pitch of respective wind turbine blades in response to relative wind direction.

Abstract: A method of generating electricity by a wind blown turbine comprising mounting a generator aramture rigidly on a shaft; rotatably mounting a housing, a field coil and a wind turbine with respect to the shaft; electrically connecting the field coil through brushes and a brush plate; and mounting the shaft against rotation so that when air currents rotate the wind turbine, the housing, the field coil, and the brush plate will rotate whereby electrical current generated in the field coil will be transmitted to output lines. An apparatus for generating electricity comprising an armature rigidly mounted on a shaft and a wind turbine rotatably mounted on the shaft. A housing with a field coil is mounted within the wind turbine and surrounds the armature. A brush plate with brushes electrically connects the field coil. Air currents rotate the wind turbine to cause the field coil to rotate about the armature. Electrical current generated in the field coil is transmitted through the brushes to output leads.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine blade comprising a blade body with a leading edge and trailing edge there between being generally parallel to each other with a series of a given intersecting triangulation of troughs along the enire blade length with each trough so intersecting transversally the trailing edge and being a upwardly given taper in direction of the leading edge by approximately 80 percent of the blade width and therewithal each trough is formed into a wind channelling containment of equispaced troughs there upon being adjacent with each other along the blade length and with the trough width therein respectively changing the wind driven air columns for a maximum transferring of energy to the blades on the windward side by a higher pressure building up while going into the troughs, while there about on the opposite side there is a reversal type of effect being cause by a pressure drop across the troughs by a lowering of air pressure flows into the troughs to therein cause an effect of speeding up the v

Abstract: In a vertical axis wind generator incorporating a circular turbine supported by an uppermost part of an upstanding support, a stator surrounding and coaxial with the turbine comprises an upper annular body positioned adjacent and or above the upper end of the turbine and having an uppermost surface which over at least a part of its radial width is inclined downwardly towards the vertical axis, a lower annular body positioned adjacent and/or below the lower end of the turbine and, extending lengthwise between the annular bodies, a plurality of circumferentially spaced blades define the venturi. Preferably, the undersurface of the lower annular body over at least a part of its radial width is inclined upwardly towards the vertical axis. The wind energy convertor will convert into mechanical energy the energy of a wind blowing in any direction and is capable of self-starting, irrespective of the direction of the wind.

Abstract: Wind energy converting machine comprising a solid rotating ring carrying airfoils which are governed to have an optimal angle of attack to the wind approaching each of them when the wind velocity is below a chosen limit. In stronger wind the angles of attack are decreased to limit the power uptake. The ring is supported by stationary rollers which act as friction wheels to transfer the power to electric generators or the like. An example is described in which 90 airfoils, 30 meters high and with 3.6 meters root chord, perform a track of 200 meters diameter, at a speed of 8 m/sec. This turbine is calculated to produce 3.75 megaWatt in a wind of a velocity of 10 m/sec. or higher.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in and relating to vertical axis wind turbines, particularly those of the "eggbeater" type. It has been found possible, in spite of previous beliefs that it was not so, to provide energy exchange means between the blades and the rotor to thereby smooth out cyclic variations in transmitted torque. The energy exchange means may be, for example, the provision of hinges between the blades and the rotor so that the blade is deflected in operation to transmit torque to the rotor in dependence not only on its fixed geometry but also in dependence on the deflection.

Abstract: A wind energy converter with a rotor having a vertical swivelling axis has n each rotor arm a vertical vane that is supported so as to be able to pivot about an approximately vertical pivotting axis on the leading edge of the vane. A balance weight is installed in a vane nose section that is located ahead of the leading edge of the vane. The overall center of gravity of the mass of the body consisting of the vane and the balance weight is located ahead of the swivelling axis of the vane. The vane is made with an assymetrical airfoil section. The vane adjusts to the particular optimal angle of attack in the course of each rotation of the rotor. The wind energy converter has a high degree of efficiency at low and medium relative velocity values, and is self-starting.

Abstract: A wind driven electrical generating system consisting of a post with guyed cable supports, a spinner cage mounted on a square wheel on a circular race, sail elements on the spinner cage, a swash plate mounted upon under side of spinner cage and providing an inclined work surface, a rocker arm mounted for vertical displacement and having upper and lower ends, a caster follower member mounted on an upper end of the rocker arm for engaging the swash plate as it rotates, a double acting hydraulic cylinder driven by the lower end, and hydraulic motor responsive to the double acting hydraulic cylinder, and an electric generator driven by the hydraulic motor to produce electric current.

Abstract: A power conversion turbine for actuation by fluid in motion such as, for example the wind, with a body supported to rotate about a central axis and carrying a plurality of vanes spaced from said axis and being movable about respective vane axes parallel to said central axis and which vanes are circumferentially spaced from each other and dimensioned such that, when said vanes are in a FIRST closed position they collectively form a substantially unbroken cylindrical surface and are selectively movable from said FIRST position to a fully open SECOND position and said vanes including interconnecting means causing selected ones of said vanes to close as one or more opposing vanes are caused to move from the first to the second position by reason of passage of fluid and means integrally connected with said interconnecting means for infinitely varying the degree of opening of the vanes between fully closed and fully open positions.

Abstract: A cross wind axis type wind turbine includes four wind driven airfoil blades pivotally connected between upper and lower sets of support spokes supported on a rotating vertical column so that the blades are upwardly inclined towards the column axis to produce an accelerated downwardly swirling air flow in the turbine interior. The lower spokes are airfoil shaped to draw wind into the turbine to further accelerate the air flow in the turbine for improved blade efficiency. A feedback control arrangement responsive to changes in wind speed or direction adjusts the blade angles to the wind for optimum efficiency by virtue of a rack and pinion assembly connecting each blade to a center plate through connecting rods extending radially through each upper spoke.

Abstract: A sail-driven wind motor (SDWM) is described, in which a reciprocating load amenable to intermittent, bidirectional drive (such as a water pump or air compressor) is driven by one or two arms, with each arm driven by at least one conventional fore-and-aft rigged sail. Masts for the sails are mounted on beams which are pivotally mounted on the arms. At least one mast and sail per beam, and at least one beam per arm are required to drive the load. Mechanisms are described for controlling the sails to drive the load, and to stop operation of the SDWM during excessive wind velocity. SDWMs for three types of sites are described: land, shallow water, and deep water. Each arm is supported by at least one cross-arm, which rides on wheels for a land site, or on at least one double-ended float for water sites. For all three types of sites, the sail drag must be transferred to the ground, while the sail lift must be transferred to the load via the arm.

Abstract: A self-starting windmill of the vertical axis type. Upstanding helical in configuration, pivotally mounted outer blade members surround a central, rotatably mounted shaft are connected to the shaft by radially disposed strut members. Arcuate in planform, pivotally mounted inner blade members are mounted radially inwardly of the outer blade members in a collective triangular configuration and have their respective convex surfaces facing toward the shaft. A weight member and a spring member bias a preselected edge of each outer blade member against wind force.

Abstract: A self-governing, vertically oriented wind driven assembly is provided by a pair of open, semicylindrically shaped wind scoops with elongated edges which face each other in a nearly closed position at times of high or maximum wind speeds, and partically face each other and partially exposed into the wind at lower wind speeds. The scoops are pivotally attached to posts oppositely located at the edges of a rotating frame. The amount of exposure of the scoops into the wind is dynamically balanced by springs which tend to open the scoops and by weights which tend to close the scoops proportional to the rotational speed of the assembly. The ends of the scoops are modified to permit the scoops to cooperatively slide from an open to close position. The assembly is connected to an electrical generating means and can be used for producing electrical power on sailboats.

Abstract: A windmill apparatus includes: a frame body structure adapted to be positioned on a flat top of a construction; a main shaft vertically installed in the middle of the frame body structure; a first main-shaft sleeve rotatably coupled with a lower part of the main shaft; a belt pulley fixed around a lower end of the first main-shaft sleeve; a rotation control device with a revolving arrangement rotatably installed around the first main-shaft sleeve; a direction control device installed in a closed upper portion of the frame body structure and mechanically coupled with the rotation control device for automatically effecting wind direction change; and a wind direction indicating device rotatably installed on top of the frame body structure and movably coupled with the direction control device for relaying wind direction change therefrom; thereby, wind force can be effectively utilized with minimal manufacturing cost.

Abstract: The energy converter includes a frame, a rotor mounted in the frame with a rotor shaft and vanes, and an element that can connect the rotor shaft to a generator, an alternator or another energy-converting mechanism. Each vane has a holder, a plurality of blades which hinge in the holder about small axes which lie in parallel relationship with the rotor shaft, and stops for the blades. The blades are a plurality of leaves which hinge on one another about axes which lie in parallel relationship with the rotor shaft. Stops limit the relative hinging motion of the leaves on the one hand to the position where they lie in extension of one another, and on the other hand to a position where the leaves form angles, for example in the range of 135.degree..

Abstract: The self-governing energy panel is to be used as one of a group of panels designed to collect wind for and govern the speed of the windpowered traveling shaft machine. This machine is designed to convert windpower into other forms of energy (e.g. electricity or direct-drive) by connection to a generator or other device. The panel is hung on bearings that are on the support beams that protrude out from the horizontal shaft of the windpowered traveling shaft machine. The panel has the majority of its length below the bearings; however, there are several places the panel may be attached to the beams thus changing how much of the panel is above or below the bearings. The panel will hang vertically to the ground in calm periods but with increasing wind speed the panel can change to a completely horizontal position by rotating on the bearings.

Abstract: Wind turbine apparatus includes a plurality of air foil sail elements secured to a circular frame rotatable in response to wind reacting with the sail elements. The sail elements include deformable outer skin portions, one of which is flattened against an interior form in response to wind forces, and the other of which extends convexly away from the interior form. The deformation changes the camber of the sail element.

Abstract: Apparatus for recovering energy from a moving fluid, comprising a frame that rolls on a circular track about a vertical upright that is secured to the ground. Vanes on the frame respond to fluid pressure to orient the frame in an upstream-downstream or upwind-downwind direction. The frame carries spaced pairs of sprocket wheels about which endless sprocket chains are trained, with flaps pivotally connected between the sprocket chains. Along the lower run of the chains, the flaps hang down and the fluid presses against them to circulate the chains. The kinetic energy of rotation of the sprocket wheels is converted to another form of energy, for example electrical energy by a generator carried by the frame. The flaps comprise pivotally interconnected frames so that they ride about the sprockets and lie flat on the upper run.

Abstract: A frame supported for rotation about a central vertical axis has an enclosing cylindrical side wall with a plurality of openings formed therethrough at spaced apart angular position around the central axis. A plurality of vanes are located near the side walls for causing the frame to be rotated by the wind. Each vane is associated with one of the openings and is supported for pivotal movement such that it may be moved through its associated opening between an inward position inside the side wall and an outward position wherein it extends outward beyond the side wall.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind powered generator apparatus has airfoil shaped vanes, a positive and synchronous vane orientation system which is controlled by a mechanism located exterior to its rotor, two innovations for improving its aerodynamic efficiency and for increasing the rotary force and horsepower developed by a tall wind generator apparatus used to power a driven machine, and a system for operational control of the device.

Abstract: A vertical axis windmill with a plurality of horizontal arms (16) mounted on an upright central axis (12) so as to rotate in a substantially horizontal plane. Each arm (16) has hinged at its free end a blade 18 which is downwardly depending. Each blade 18 being mounted at an angle of pitch to the respective end of the arm (16) of from 20.degree. to 80.degree. and also mounted at an angle of tilt to the end of the arm (16) of from 5.degree. to 30.degree.. Preferably, each blade (18) comprises one or more paddles (14) hinged to one or more frames (15).

Abstract: The wind rotor of the present invention includes a vertically disposed, rotatable shaft operatively connected to a conventional generator. A plurality of bent lever arms are uniformly radially attached to the shaft and extend outwardly therefrom. Each arm has a vertically disposed rectilinear airfoil blade connected to the outer end thereof such that the wind generates aerodynamic lifting forces on the blades to cause rotation of the wind rotor. The bent lever arm transmits a greater portion of the lifting forces to the central shaft for increased torque in the wind rotor.

Abstract: In a rotodynamic cross flow machine at least one vane (4) is positionably fixed in the rotor (40') so as to be able to pivot about two axes which are at least approximately perpendicular one to another, and of which at least one subtends an angle between 5.degree. and 85.degree. or between 95.degree. and 175.degree. with a plane comprising the rotational axis (1) of the rotor and the pivot point (14, 15) of the respective vane. Thereby is achieved, among other things, that the position of the vane can be set during operation in a simple way with the aid of a stationary setting means (18) which changes the inclination of an end element (5) of the rotor to which end element the vane is connected in said manner. The invention is applicable among other things to the construction of water turbines which have to work with a small head.

Abstract: A water wheel for operating fully submerged in an ocean current has a rotating frame member supported on the ocean floor for rotation about a vertical axis. The frame member supports a plurality of vertically extending vanes, each vane being rotatably supported on the frame for limited rotation about a vertical axis. It has a hydrofoil shape in cross-section with the axis of rotation parallel to the leading and trailing edges. Rotation of the vanes is limited relative to the frame by a hydraulic piston control system and shock absorbers.

Abstract: Wind turbine apparatus includes a plurality of sail elements secured to a circular frame rotatable in response to wind reacting with the sail elements and a control system for the sail elements includes a weight having cables extending from the weight to the sail elements. Movement of the weight in response to wind velocity results in a change in the sail elements exposed to the wind.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a venturi rotor apparatus for producing power from the rotation thereof. The apparatus comprises a support and a central core having a spherical triangular cross-section mounted on the support for rotation about a central axis through the core. A plurality of support arms, fixed to the central core, extend radially outward therefrom at the verticies of the spherical triangle. At least three airfoils are fixed to a radially extended portion of the support arms such that a gap is formed between the surface of the central core and the surface of the airfoils, with the airfoils being aligned on an axis parallel to the axis of the central core. Fluid flow, such as air flow, having at least a component in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the central core flows through the gap producing a venturi effect for enhancing the movement of the airfoils about the axis of the central core.

Abstract: A wind power system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown as including a vertically orientated main shaft. The wind power system further includes, in its preferred form, first and second horizontally orientated main frames, with the first frame including a plurality of vanes defining a first set of vanes and an equal number of vanes defining a second set of vanes located diametrically opposite each other about the main shaft. Similarly, the second horizontally orientated main frame includes a third set and a fourth set of vanes. Preferably, the vanes are flat and rectangular in shape and are pivotal about one of their vertical edges by a shaft pivotally mounted to the main frame between a first, wind catching position and a second, wind releasing position. The vanes of the vane sets are maintained in the same relative position to each other.

Abstract: An improved windmill mechanism for adjusting the position of a wind responsive assembly in relation to wind is disclosed. The preferred embodiment comprises a fabric sail mounted on the end of an arm which extends from a power output shaft. A torque sensor is disposed on the arm to sense the torque contribution through that arm to the power output shaft in response to wind acting upon the fabric sail on that arm. The position of the fabric sail is adjusted on the arm by means of a control processor which controls a trim-motor and a magnetic brake. The control processor receives the torque signal provided from the sensor and provides adjustment of the fabric sail in accordance with the torque signal. The control operates to position the sail in a running mode over the semi-circular path segment of rotation of the arm which has a leeward component of motion.

Abstract: A spider-like carrier having at least three generally horizontal arms has a hub mounted to the vertical, rotary-axis input shaft of a load. Each arm has at least one horizontal cross-arm secured to it near its radially outer end, which is supported from the ground by a low-friction support device such as a wheel or set of wheels. Mounted on each arm at the cross-arm or cross-arms is at least one sail, vane, airfoil or similar working member which is erected or spread generally normally to the wind when the respective arm is located for the working member to be blown downwind and is feathered or headed to the wind when the respective arm is located for the working member to be driven upwind. Horizontal axis and vertical axis journalling options for the working members and various sail shapes are shown, including a concave/convex sail and motor-oriented airfoil shape which provides lift when being driven upwind are shown.

Abstract: Curved airfoils are mounted on members attached to a vertical shaft. The ends of the airfoils point outward from the shaft. The members are attached to the upper and lower sections of the airfoils and converge as they approach the shaft. This minimizes the shaft length above the turbines upper most bearing and provides a balanced condition that distributes forces in such a manner which reduces airfoil stress.

Abstract: A wheel intended to work with a fluid includes wing-shaped components (2) arranged around a central shaft (1) generally perpendicular to the direction of relative movement of the fluid (5). The wing-shaped components are articulated along pivoting axes (3) parallel to the central shaft and their orientation during the rotation around the central shaft is determined by a control mechanism (6,7,10, 11 and 16) made so that, in each angular position of the wheel, the planes (12) aligned along the pivoting axes of the wings and perpendicular to the main planes of the latter intersect approximately along the same straight line (13) located on the outside of the trajectory cylinder of the axes of the wings (4). The control mechanism has, for this purpose, an annular part (6) with an axis of rotation (8) parallel to but distinct from that of the central shaft (1) and adjustment parts (10) sliding on rods (9) mounted tangentially to annular part (6).

Abstract: The invention provides a wind turbine rotatable about a vertical axis comprising a plurality of planar vanes each situated along the height of a vertical shaft at a separate level. Adjacent vanes are staggered at the same dihedral angle to one another. Each vane has a plurality of doors which pivot between an open and closed position. Auxiliary panels are provided above and below each set of doors to channel the flow of air along the vane thus increasing the power derivable from the wind. Automatic release means for the doors may be provided to prevent structural damage under high wind conditions.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine having a horizontal arm member which supports an upright blade assembly. Bearing structure coupling the blade assembly to the turbine arm permits blade movement about its longitudinal axis as well as flexing motion of the blade assembly about axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A latching mechanism automatically locks the blade assembly to its supporting arm during normal turbine operation and automatically unlocks same when the turbine is at rest. For overspeed prevention, a centrifugally actuated arm functions to unlatch the blade assembly permitting same to slipstream or feather into the wind. Manually actuated means are also provided for unlatching the moving blade assembly. The turbine arm additionally carries a switching mechanism in circuit with a turbine generator with said mechanism functioning to open and hence protect the generator circuit in the event of an overspeed condition of the turbine.

Abstract: An improved horizontally mounted wind wheel is provided which comprises a framework mounted for rotation in a horizontal plane on a central upright drive shaft, a plurality of secondary shafts supported for rotation on said framework near the periphery thereof, a vane mounted near one end thereof to each secondary shaft, a plurality of vane stops on the framework positioned radially inwardly of the secondary shafts for limiting the rotation of the vanes, each of said secondary shafts being mounted for rotation about an axis which is tilted with respect to a vertical to said horizontal plane whereby each vane has a preferred predetermined rest position defined by the direction of tilting of each axis from a said vertical.