Abstract: A sail-type windmill providing high torque without limitations to size. Three sails are mounted to a frame for rotation about an axis generally parallel to the planes of the sails. In one version, the sails are flexible and sheets are provided for mounting the sails. Roller reefing is provided for modifying the effective area each sail member presents to the wind, including a spring biased weight associated with each sail and a line extending from the weight for effecting take-up and let-out of the sail and the sheet in response to radial movement of the weight. In another version, the sails are of metal and speed governing is provided by hydraulic cylinders operatively mounted to the sails for pivoting them about their axes of rotation, the hydraulic cylinders controlled by a aerometer mounted atop the windmill.

Abstract: A wind turbine comprises a vertical, rotatable shaft and at least one arm, preferably two or more arms, extending radially outwardly from the shaft and rigidly connected thereto at one end. An aerofoil-shaped blade is connected to the other end of each arm and has a normal operating position in which the blade chord line at the point where the blade connects to the arm is generally normal to a longitudinal axis of the respective arm. The leading edge of the blade is disposed at a fixed acute angle relative to the vertical at all rotational speeds of the blade about the axis of the shaft. The arms preferably also have an aerofoil-shape. An overspeed control mechanism is provided to prevent the blade and arm from rotating beyond a predetermined speed limit about the shaft. The control mechanism includes a hinge mount pivotally connecting the blade to its respective arm.

Abstract: Means for limiting rotational speed in a vertical shaft wind turbine (1) having a central hub (3) and spokes (4) extending therefrom. Spokes lying over each other support at their ends turbine blades (6) placed concentrically around the turbine shaft. Each turbine blade (6) is pivotable around a vertical axle (CA), and a leaf spring bundle (10) is in each spoke placed between the turbine blade and the base of the spoke in order to adjust, when the turbine is at a rest, the turbine blade chord angle (.beta.) in to a predetermined position and taking an unloaded state in which its center of gravity (CG) is located near and, as seen in the direction of rotation of the tubine, behind a plane (15) through the symmetry axis (CB) of the turbine shaft and the pivot axle (CA) of the turbine blade. The pivot axle (CA) of the turbine blade has such a position that the torque of the wind forces (P) around the pivot axle is reduced to a minimum.

Abstract: A vertical axis windmill has a blade pivotally connected to a rotatable support structure on an axis passing through its center of gravity which is arranged to lie forward of its aerodynamic center whereby the blade automatically swings outwardly and inwardly when moving on the windward and leeward sides respectively of the axis of rotation of said support means.

Abstract: A wind turbine is disclosed comprising blade forms mounted for limited pivotal movement as they proceed around an orbital path. A torque sensitive control means is provided to progressively limit the pivotal movement of the blade forms in response to changes in the rotational speed of the turbine so that high torque and efficiency is obtained throughout the operational range of the turbine.

Abstract: The water turbine of the present invention includes a housing defining a generally cylindrical chamber therein defining a laterally extending opening. Rotatably positioned within the chamber is a rotor including a plurality of folding wings or vanes extending outwardly therefrom. Each vane includes a first blade section which is immovably fixed with respect to the rotor hub and a second blade section which is pivotally secured with respect to the first blade section. This pivotal movement of the second blade toward the nonpropelling side of the vane is restricted by a stop whereas pivotal movement of the second blade section toward the propelling side of the vane is made possible. A biasing device is included to urge the second blade section into contact with the stop which is the propulsion of the vane. To protect the joined connection between the first and second blade sections a covering means preferably including an expandable and contractable baffle section may be included.

Abstract: A device for conversion between flow and rotation includes a fixed revolution center shaft integrally provided with a center sprocket, at least one vane having a self-rotation shaft and turnable about the revolution center shaft and on the self-rotation shaft, a vane sprocket fixed to the self-rotation shaft and having twice as many teeth as the center sprocket, and a chain connecting the two sprockets, whereby the vane rotates through 180.degree. on the self-rotation shaft while it revolves around the revolution center shaft through 360.degree.. The device, even if made comparatively small in size, can efficiently convert energy of a flow to rotational energy or vice versa since the orientation of the vane or vanes is continuously varied to enhance the efficiency. Thanks to the self-rotation of vane, the device has an additional advantage that foreign substances, such as string, rope and straw, are automatically removed.

Abstract: A mechanical sail including a rotatable mast, the mast including a top vane mount and a bottom vane mount, the mounts being spaced from each other on the mast and rotatable therewith, a series of rotatable vanes spaced from and surrounding the mast and supported by and between the mounts, cam operators extending between the mounts and connected to the vanes for controlling the rotation of the vanes, a first controller associated with the mast below the bottom vane mount for controlling the cam operators, the first controller being movable vertically with respect to the mast, a second controller for moving the first controller vertically with respect to the mast, the vanes being flexible and bowed outwardly, the bottom vane mount being movable with respect to the mast and connected to the second controller whereby when the second controller is operated, the bottom vane mount will move toward the top vane mount causing the vanes to bow outwardly at a desired arc and whereby when the first controller is moved, t

Abstract: A wind powered turbine of the vertical axis type having rotor blades (3) carried on a rotor arm (2), in which the blades can be reefed to reduce torque on the turbine. The blades have two portions (6, 7) pivotable with respect to one another by the reefing means so as to move from a position parallel to the rotation axis to a position at which they form an angle about a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis.

Abstract: A fluid turbine, the rotation axis of which is transverse to the direction of fluid flow, has at least two blade assemblies mounted for rotation about the rotation axis. Each blade assembly includes a streamlined elongated blade having a span parallel to the rotation axis. Each blade is pivotable about a pivot axis parallel to and spaced from the rotation axis. The pivot axis is located circumferentially ahead of the blade center of pressure with respect to the direction of turbine rotation. Each blade assembly is so constructed that its center of mass is located either at its pivot axis or circumferentially at its pivot axis and radially outboard of its pivot axis.

Abstract: A multi-armed, wind-operated wheel is disclosed which can be mounted to a spindle post and has a vane swivel-mounted to each of the radial arms of the assembly. The vanes are arranged to apply wind force against high-void supported grids during a downwind portion of rotation of the arm around the axis, and swing away from the grids to alignment with wind direction during the upwind sector of rotation of the arm and movement of the vane. A wire nut mounting of the wheel to a hanger wire, in lieu of post mounting, is also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method of generating power by movement produced by moving wind or fluid to thrust into circular rotation a rotatable framework from which such power can be extracted, being a Fluid Motion Vane Module which, operating in conjunction with an opposite companion same Fluid Motion Vane Module, or with multiples of said Fluid Motion Vane Module in opposing relationship will extract power for almost 300 degrees of the 360 degree rotation, the continuing changing aspects of said Vane Module being caused by its changing circular position and the fluid or wind thrust upon component vanes causing into-wind vane component feathering removing almost all into-wind frictional drag, continued changing in angular aspects in relation to wind direction to cause into-wind tacking, across-the-wind angular driving, down-wind direct drive, said tacking and across-the-wind angular driving being present both on up-wind and down-wind sides of said supporting rotatable framework.

Abstract: A windmill of the vertical axis type having a plurality of circumferentially and radially outwardly spaced rotatably mounted vanes vertically parallel to the axis shaft wherein means are provided for controlling multistage feathering of the vanes in conjunction with said vanes feathering to rotate on their individual axes in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the windmill assembly in increments of 45 degrees twice for each blade before finally feathering a final half rotation completing the rotation of 360 degrees on its individual axis while the windmill makes one revolution, thus repeatedly repositioning the blades to the most optimum resistance angle to the wind as the windmill rotates increasing the power angle to near seventy-five percent of the circle of the windmill rotation, a construction option prevailing to routinely cause all the blades to feather when near a zero angular position to the wind, and having associated therewith a conglomerate of mechanical phenomena to perform said

Abstract: A vertical rotatable shaft is fitted with sets of radial arms extending from it to which are connected the leading edges of vanes rotatable about that member as axis. The vanes have sheets of flexbile material so that they may act like sails under pressure of the wind. A cam track, machined in a horizontal surface of a planar member just adjacent and outside the path of the vanes, guides the trailing edges of the vanes so that as the shaft rotates, the vanes are oriented about their axes to reach, run and tack before the wind. The member having the surface defining the cam track is attached to a tail assembly that orients the cam track to the wind direction. The inner assembly, which is pinned to the shaft makes a power rotor. The outer assembly which is free to rotate independently of the shaft is a cam cage.

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

Abstract: An improved landing wheel for an airplane, which includes a plurality of freely pivoted fins from eccentrically located pivot pins around one side of the wheel, the fins being straight but flexible, so that in one position relative to the wind from a forwardly direction, the fins get caught against the wheel rim and are flexed into a cupped shape for causing the wheel to rotate prior to a landing.

Abstract: A wind turbine has axially aligned, spaced, rotatable support flanges with a plurality of vertically aligned air foils having opposed ends journaled thereto. The air foils are pivoted respective to the wind by a pitch flange mounted eccentrically respective to the support flanges. The pitch flange moves the air foils into an aligned relationship respective to the wind to optimize the energy derived from the blowing wind.

Abstract: A water turbine for open stream use featuring a vertical-axis cross-flow turbine in which cyclically-pitching blades are supported from one end only to permit the supporting structure and power generation gear to be supported out of the water. In preferred embodiments, there is independent pitch control of the turbine blades to make the blades responsive to the instantaneous flow in their vicinities.

Abstract: A wind-driven machine having a hollow shell body supported on an upright rotatably mounted mast. The shell body is formed by multiple elongate shell segments circumferentially distributed about the mast. The shell segments are pivotally mounted for pivotal movement between closed and open positions.

Abstract: A vertical-axis windmill comprising a central pole having a longitudinal axis about which a plurality of sales may revolve as would the main sails of three sailing boats restricted to follow a horizontal circular course and including means for lowering the windmill for protection or service without the sails engaging the ground.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine includes a rotating frame carrying a plurality of flexible, resilient blades rigidly secured at their leading edges to the rotating frame. The trailing edges of the blades, which are free to flex, react to the wind for producing a force in the direction of rotation of the frame. As the blades rotate through one hundred eighty degrees they change orientation and continue to receive the air current in proper relation for driving the frame forwardly.

Abstract: A reversible airfoil generally wing-like in shape comprising at least two spaced apart rigid spars having at least two slots therethrough, bars projecting through the slots in each rigid spar, each end of each bar attaching to a flexible slat, and a common flexible movable skin adjacent the flexible slats thereby covering same to form a reversible airfoil. A series of the rigid spars and attending parts when covered by a common flexible skin and adapted to fit on a beam provides a unique sail for a sailboat. Additionally, a series of the rigid spars and attending components when covered by a common flexible skin and vertically mounted on a rotatable frame provides a reversible lift airfoil for a wind-powered generator.

Abstract: A turbine responsive to a moving fluid, which can be wind or another fluid, wherein a rotatable central shaft supports at least one radial arm with a blade assembly at the free end of the radial arm. The blade assembly includes a rocking arm pivotted on the radial arm, a blade member attached to the rocking arm, or a part thereof, and a counterweight attached to the blade. The blade assembly articulates with respect to the radial arm in response to the interaction between the moving fluid and the blade.The turbine is self starting and self controlling in response to excessive moving fluid velocity.

Abstract: The wind powered mechanical and electric power generator, is a process and apparatus which uses the mechanical advantage of a lever arm to multiply the energy of a moving or mobile weight which is wind powered from a propeller drive, and converts by gravity and mechanical advantage said energy to useful work. The unit consists in its simplest form of a counter balanced wheel on one side of a centerline shaft and a concentrated weight on the opposite side, both kept rigid by a connecting structure beam, the entire unit made to revolve around the centerline shaft by moving a mobil weight around the wheel perimeter in concert with the units rotation so as to continually produce an off-balance of weights, which then uses gravity to cause the total unit to rotate. The mobile weight is driven around the wheel by a wind powered small propeller.

Abstract: A wind powered generator rotatable about a vertical axis. A plurality of vertically disposed airfoils are provided, the airfoils being rotatable about a vertical axis parallel to the axis of the generator. The airfoils are selectively latched to be disposed perpendicularly of the wind direction during one phase of their revolution about the generator axis and are selectively unlatched to be permitted to rotate into a position generally parallel to the wind direction during other phases of their revolution. The latching and unlatching of the airfoils is determined by the wind direction and is effected by electronic means which determine the point of latching and unlatching as a function of the wind direction measured by a wind vane. The airfoils may comprise sails composed of a flexible material stretched into a predetermined shape on a frame.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a windmill comprising a vertical shaft mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis, a number of blades each pivotally mounted for angular orientation about a longitudinal axis disposed parallel to the axis of rotation of the vertical shaft, supporting arms extending radially outwardly from the vertical shaft for supporting each blade, and interconnecting links connecting each of the blades to a junction adjacent the vertical shaft longitudinal axis for controlling the angular orientation of the blades relative to the supporting arms. The interconnecting links have inner ends connected to the junction and connect the blades together at corresponding points so that the blades counterbalance each other to resist centrifugal force during rotation of the windmill.

Abstract: Wind power turbines are largely divided into vertical axis type wind power turbines and propeller type (horizontal axis type) wind power turbines. The present invention discloses a vertical axis type wind power turbine. The airfoil of blades in this vertical axis type wind power turbine is formed in such manner that, denoting a proper position on the airfoil chord line as a camber reversing position, a camber having a downward convex curvature is given between said position and a leading edge and a camber having an upward convex curvature is given between said position and a trailing edge so as to be a mean line and a rational thickness distribution is given to this mean line. This vertical axis type wind power turbine is formed by keeping the spanwise direction of the above mentioned blade parallel with a vertical rotary axis and fitting a plurality of blades at regular intervals at a distance to the vertical rotary axis through respective supporting arms.

Abstract: A wind motor includes three vanes mounted to rotate about a vertically oriented main shaft, and the three vanes are also mounted to rotate about individual axes which are equidistant from the main shaft and extend parallel to it. Through the use of cranks connected to each vane, and a simple triangular linkage interconnecting the cranks, the three vanes rotate together so that, as the wind impinges on the system, all three vanes cooperate to aid in rotation of the assembly around the main shaft. A collapsible unit includes arrangements for unfolding the vanes as the main shaft is raised into operating position. The wind motor is preferably located in an area where winds are funnelled at relatively high velocity to impinge on the wind motor. The vanes of the wind motor are oriented by a cog belt or a sliding rod, for optimum angular orientation with the wind, and arrangements are provided for holding the vane control assembly in this optimum orientation.

Abstract: A vertical axis windmill, having a plurality of propelling blades, or vanes, supported in a vertical position by horizontal support bars extending outward from a rotatable tube concentric with a main support pipe. In operation the blades remain down-wind or at an angle to the wind, and are never flat side to the wind. A cam controlled by a wind vane operates a linkage that acts to position the blades to the proper angle. Each blade is supported on a shaft that has a crank arm attached, and a device is provided to rotate the arm past center. Spring pressure is equalized on the cam rollers to reduce the reaction of the cam on the wind vane. The blades are wind directional and act somewhat as a wind vane. As the wind load on a blade increases, the angle of the blade changes and the blade adjusts itself to maintain a regulated rotating speed for the windmill.

Abstract: A lightweight simplified economical and efficient sail or rotor blade for a vertical axis wind machine and simplified self-acting restraining means for the blade during rotor operation are disclosed. The rotor structure is characterized by ease of assembly and the absence of need for adjustment and frequent maintenance. Individual rotor blades are attached to vertical axis whips extending above and below horizontal rotor arms. The rotor is self-starting and turns in one direction only in response to wind coming from any direction on the compass.

Abstract: A cycloidal fluid flow engine suitable for turbine and propeller operation, employing blades of aircraft type wing and tail configuration, pitch controllable through the full range of advance ratios by reciprocating control surfaces, guided by an adjustable inclined bearing device on each blade hub, or one such device centrally located on the mainshaft housing.

Abstract: Wind turbines are largely divided into vertical axis wind turbines and propeller (horizontal axis) wind turbines. The present invention discloses a vertical axis high speed wind turbine provided with a starting and braking control system. This vertical axis wind turbine is formed by having blades of a proper airfoil fitted to respective supporting arms provided radially from a vertical rotary axis by keeping the blade span-wise direction in parallel with said axis and being provided with a low speed control windmill in which the radial position of each operating piece varies with a centrifugal force produced by the rotation of said vertical rotary axis.

Abstract: Wind turbines are largely divided into vertical axis wind turbines and propeller (horizontal axis) wind turbines. The present invention discloses a vertical axis high speed wind turbine provided with rotational speed control systems. This vertical axis wind turbine is formed by having blades of a proper airfoil fitted to respective supporting arms provided radially from a vertical rotating shaft by keeping the blade span-wise direction in parallel with the shaft and being provided with aerodynamic control elements operating manually or automatically to control the rotational speed of the turbine.

Abstract: A multi-vane windmill rotating in a horizontal plane on a vertical shaft includes frame supported fabric type vanes with the frame hingedly attached at one end to support arms to swing closed and catch the wind in one position and to swing open under centrifugal and wind forces in another position when coming into the wind to reduce air resistance. Vanes are releasably attached in part to the frame for support in operating position and otherwise slidably secured thereto so as to release and collapse on the frame under extreme wind pressures when the frame is closed and thus spill the wind. Stops on the support arms provide a limit of movment of the vane frames. A second embodiment of the vanes includes two overlapping sections normally held in overlapped or closed position by yielding means that permit the sections to separate under high winds to provide an air passageway through the vane.

Abstract: An improved type of wind turbine comprising a rotating assembly attached to a central hub, which is supported for rotation in a horizontal plane about a vertical axis, in a bearing on top of a tower of selected elevation. The rotating assembly comprises at least two radial spokes or arms positioned from each other at equal angles in a horizontal plane. The outer ends of the arms are attached to a connector assembly which generally is in the form of a U-shaped member lying in a vertical plane. A long thin vertically oriented airfoil is mounted on the ends of each connector, the plane of the chord of the airfoil is perpendicular to the axis of the arm which supports it. A torque shaft is attached at the axis of the hub and passes axially downwardly through the tower to an energy conversion device mounted in a housing on the base, which supports the tower. The tower may be guyed by means of cables, etc. which are attached below the level of the rotating assembly.

Abstract: A windmill of the vertical axis type having a plurality of circumferentially-spaced rotatably-mounted vanes wherein means are provided for controlling the feathering of the vanes so that, upon feathering they rotate in a direction opposite to that rotation of the windmill assembly, wherein means are provided to assure that the entire assembly heads up into the wind, and wherein means are provided for disengaging of the entire vane assembly when the wind velocity reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A vertical axis windmill involving a rotatable central vertical shaft having horizontal arms pivotally supporting three sails that are free to function in the wind like the main sail on a sail boat, and means for disabling the sails to allow the windmill to be stopped in a blowing wind.

Abstract: A wind turbine apparatus in which a plurality of wind responsive elements are movably mounted, such as by being pivotally mounted, on a movable means which produces rotary motion. The positions of the wind responsive elements are arranged to provide a drag force on at least one of the elements in response to the wind when the speed of rotary motion is below a predetermined level so as to produce a starting force to initiate and maintain the rotary motion. When the speed of the rotary motion exceeds such predetermined level the positions of such wind responsive elements are such that a lift force is provided thereon in response to the wind so that the rotary motion can achieve speeds which are considerably higher than those achieved by the starting force.

Abstract: A journaled rotor is provided for rotation about an axis to be disposed transverse to a fluid flow path and the rotor includes a plurality of mounting portions spaced radially outwardly from and circumferentially about the axis having a plurality of vane assemblies rotatably mounted therefrom for angular displacement about axis generally paralleling the axis of rotation of the rotor. Vane assembly displacement control structure is operatively connected to the vane assemblies for angularly displacing the vane assemblies relative to the corresponding mounting portions 180 degrees each 360 degrees of angular displacement of the rotor and in directions opposite the direction of angular displacement of the rotor upon rotation of the latter.

Abstract: A system is provided to adjust the operating angle of attack of a variable pitch impeller blade in response to different conditions. The impeller blade is pivotally mounted around a pivot axis and a small control surface attached to the blade provides a turning moment around the pivot axis to oppose a similar moment provided by the lift component of the blade. The operating angle of attack of the blade is determined by the angle at which the moment from the control surface tapers off as it approaches stall range, thus equalizing the moment from the impeller blade.

Abstract: The disclosed wind turbine has zero mean camber airfoil blades vertically pivoted at the outer ends of pairs of radius arms. The inner ends of the radius arms are fixed to a rotating mast. Each blade is provided with a steering vane. The deflection of each vane with respect to its associated blade is controlled by a cam toggle mechanism. The disclosed cam toggle mechanism includes a double-faced face cam, having a closed cam track on its upper face and another closed cam track on its lower face. Each cam track consists of two circular dwell portions.

Abstract: A free standing, vertical axis rotor employs both fixed and pivoted airfoil blades assembled on a triangular rotor frame. The angle of attack of the pivoted blades is controlled with reference to the prevailing winds. The rotar base terminates on a ring shaped tower mounted on guiding wheels disposed in a circular pattern on pillars. The revolving ring shaped base forms the armature of an energy converter by electromagnetic induction allowing thereby the conversion of rotary motion to electric energy at ground level.

Abstract: A stream -or river-powered turbine consists of an elongated cylinder with radially-extending vanes, each vane having at its root a plurality of axially-spaced flap valves opening and closing corresponding openings therein. These valves open automatically as the vanes enter the tail wave to relieve the reverse pressure thereon, close while in the main stream to render the vanes fully effective, and open automatically as the vanes leave the stream to prevent the formation of vacuums on their trailing sides. The generator, which may be electric or hydraulic or pneumatic is mounted inside the cylinder and is driven as the result of relative rotation between an axial stationary torque tube and the cylinder via an oil lubricated chain that also serves to supply oil to other parts of the mechanism.

Abstract: A vertical axle paddle motor including a support structure with a rotor mounted on the vertical axle, the rotor having a plurality of arms with paddle members pivotally attached to the end of the same. Each of the paddle members include a plurality of adjustable vanes which move from an open to a closed position within the paddle. Vane position in the paddles is controlled by a wind velocity and wind direction control, operating a pair of cams forming a composite cam surface which is engaged by cam followers on each of the rotor arms associated separately with motors on the paddle, to adjust the position of the vanes within the paddles for maximum efficiency in rotation. The wind velocity cam may be adjusted relative to the wind direction cam to increase the amount of time the vanes of the paddles are held in an open position to reduce and stabilize rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: An apparatus employing an assembly of four flat vanes is disclosed for obtaining kinetic energy from a working fluid. The four flat vanes are disposed in two moveable pairs, that vary in frontal area in a working fluid, to produce torque about a central axis of rotation. One or more of the apparatuses are mounted on a vertical shaft unto which may be secured a pulley for distributing power in a conventional way.

Abstract: The windmill includes a vertically positioned support shaft, a plurality of elongated, molded arcuate plastic vanes which are vertically positioned and operatively connected to the support shaft, which vanes are slightly flexible so winds engaging the vanes will flatten the arc of some vanes and will make the arc of other vanes tighter to provide unbalanced rotational forces on the vanes, and means operatively connect to the shaft to provide power therefrom on shaft rotation.

Abstract: A wind power conversion turbine motor has a body supported to rotate about a vertical axis and carrying a plurality of substantially upright vanes substantially spaced from the vertical axis and circumferentially spaced from one another so that wind thrusting propulsively against outer sides of the vanes can move across the space circumscribed by the vanes and thrust propulsively against inner sides of the vanes on leaving the space, thereby attaining dual power advantage from substantially all wind that strikes the turbine. Each of the plurality of vanes is pivotally carried on the body, with a control means to maintain a substantially constant vane angle of attack to a relative wind vector.

Abstract: A wind-driven rotor for generating power has a central normally vertical column mounted in a base structure for rotation about the column axis. In the preferred form of the invention, a plate is secured to the top of the column perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and functions both as a aerodynamic end plate and as a bracket supporting a group of articulating airfoils. These are rotatable about a pivot connection to the end plate with freedom of movement within a limited sector of articulation providing driving and feathering airfoil positions. The airfoils are preferably triangular, with an apex downward, and pivotally connected to a member fixed with respect to the column at a position relatively close to the column axis, so that one side of the triangular configuration approaches parallelism with the column.

Abstract: A rotary device driven by a moving fluid, such as water or air, for generating a rotary movement comprises a cylindrical or frusto-conical rotor having a vertical axis, the rotor having a plurality of identical blades distributed around the periphery of the rotor, each blade having a symmetrical aerodynamic profile and being mounted so as to freely rotate about a substantially vertical axis parallel to its leading edge. The device may be used to power a screw driven boat, a wheeled vehicle or other machinery.

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