Abstract: A fluid turbine has semi-spherical, hollow blades arrayed about a vertical axis. The turbine's blade shape reduces drag on a convex side and increases drag on a concave side. Part of the center of the array of rotor blades is open, allowing flow through the center of the array. The spherical form enhances fluid flow through the center of the array and results in rotational force on a downwind blade, and directs fresh air into bypass flow. A combination of holes and a deflector surface generates vortices as updraft flow passes through holes, creating a pressure differential between the area surrounding the holes and the upper portions of the blade. Fluid passing from relatively higher pressure to relatively lower pressure passes the deflector surface, forming vortices that result in rotational force on the blades of the fluid turbine.

Abstract: A propeller system combines innovative strategies to create a new methodology to reduce propeller or rotor noise. The propeller is specifically aimed for ultra-quiet electrically powered aircraft for use in high proximity aviation, but its low-noise advantages will extend to other purposes. The propeller blade includes geometries, along with size and operational limitations that minimize rotational and vortex noise, vibration and span-wise air flow on the blade. To further reduce noise, the propeller provides greater relative thrust on the inboard portions of the blade than do conventional propellers and provides less than conventional relative thrust including negative thrust at the outermost portions of the blade. The propeller blade includes stepped changes in local blade stiffness at calculated intervals that can reduce resonant blade vibrations and their resultant noise.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein present a spring system for use in a torque dependent rotor assembly designed to operate in resonance, where changes in applied torque controls the blade pitch angle and ultimately the movements of a rotary wing aircraft. More specifically, the present invention relates to a spring system used in such a rotor assembly where the stiffness of an associated spring member is allowed to vary in response to the torque applied from a motor to the assembly.

Abstract: A rotor assembly has a rotor hub having a unitary structure. The rotor assembly further includes a unitary crosshead having a first upper tab and a first lower tab located vertically below the first upper tab. The first upper tab and the first lower tab define a slot therebetween to accept a first pin of the first rotor blade. A second upper tab and a second lower tab located vertically below the second upper tab define a slot therebetween to accept a second pin of the second rotor blade. A first recess is provided between the first lower tab and the second lower tab so that the crosshead comprises no material directly between at least a portion of the first lower tab and the second lower tab along at least one straight path.

Abstract: A variable pitch fan for a gas turbine engine includes a fan blade defining a pitch axis and attached at a radially inner end to a trunnion mechanism. The variable pitch fan also includes a disk having a disk segment with the trunnion mechanism extending at least partially through the disk segment. A key is positioned at least partially in a key slot defined in a base of the trunnion mechanism, and further positioned adjacent to a support member of the disk segment. The key defines a first contact line between the key and the key slot and a second contact line between the key and the support member. The first and second contact lines respectively define a first contact reference line in a second contact reference line. The first and second contact reference lines define an angle with the pitch axis of the fan blade greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees.

Abstract: A propeller system includes at least one propeller hub having a plurality of hub arms formed therein. The plurality of hub arms are arranged circumferentially on the at least one propeller hub and are spaced apart from one another by a hub distance. The propeller system further includes a plurality of propeller blades. Each propeller blade includes a base portion rotatably disposed in a respective hub. At least one counterweight is coupled to the base portion of a respective propeller blade. The counterweight includes a hinge configured to pivot a portion of the at least one counterweight.

Abstract: An electrical generator 46 is driven by a circular rim 30 of a wind turbine 10 in response to atmospheric wind. The generator and its driving wheel 50 are supported on a tiltable platform 60 that is movable on a guide track 56 by linear actuator 66 in response to electronic sensors 76, 77. The bellows 74 biases the tiltable platform upwardly to maintain the generator driving wheel 50 in contact with the circular rim of the turbine wheel.

Abstract: A propeller system includes at least one propeller hub having a plurality of hub arms formed therein. The plurality of hub arms are arranged circumferentially on the at least one propeller hub and are spaced apart from one another by a hub distance. The propeller system further includes a plurality of propeller blades. Each propeller blade includes a base portion rotatably disposed in a respective hub. At least one counterweight is coupled to the base portion of a respective propeller blade. The counterweight includes a hinge configured to pivot a portion of the at least one counterweight.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and a method of generating large scale power plant using the energy content in ocean waves or river-channel flows. Ocean waves or flowing waters are used to generate compressed air. The pressurized air is then piped to shore and stored in large pressure tanks to be used in a buoyancy driven wheel rings. The wheel rings, which are located inside a large water reservoir, are spaced from each other and have series of receptacles or buckets connected to them. The high pressure air is injected at the bottom of the reservoir and the rising air is trapped inside the receptacles. The gas filled receptacles generate buoyancy forces which rotates the wheels and the central shaft to generate power.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing high output and low cost/time, sustainable energy (e.g., wind or water) via natural currents that is environmentally friendly and includes a gravity-assisted equalizing control system is provided. Wings with a large surface area can be included in the design, as well as an optional counterbalance system that synchronizes the wings' position and speed with a mechanical leverage point on the body of the device. When a fluid flows past wings of the device, the fluid flow induces motion in the wings, which causes a shaft to move, creating torque at the generator. The outcome is a coordination of harmonizing the wings pitch angle to the natural frequency of a fluids specific velocity. The device can adapt itself to the velocity of the surrounding fluid through a rotational sweeping control system that produces a more streamlined profile to maximize reliability.

Abstract: An aerodynamic brake assembly for use with an airfoil such as the blade of a wind turbine rotor comprises deployable upper and/or lower spoiler plates incorporated in or attached to the airfoil. The spoiler plates can deploy under the influence of centrifugal forces when the rotating airfoil or rotor blade reaches a pre-determined rotational speed. The aerodynamic brake assembly may be integrated within the airfoil or attached to the tip of the airfoil such that, when not deployed, the upper and lower spoiler plates have a profile that approximately conforms to the profile of the part of the airfoil to which it the brake assembly is attached. Thus in a non-deployed state, the spoiler plates have a non-detrimental effect on the performance of the airfoil, and may even contribute to its aerodynamic lift properties.

Abstract: Improvements in A wind generator, that may also be called and relates to, windmill, turbine or aero generator, on a vertical axis. The vertical axis gives the windmill the ability to be turned by air, or liquid if inverted, from any direction parallel to the earth's surface. Multiple blades rotate through a horizontal axis into the wind to lessen air resistance on one side while turning vertically on the other side to gain energy from the wind. The system is counter-weighted as needed, to reduce energy loss, by different methods including but not limited to gears, levers, pneumatics, cables, hydraulics or added counter-weight. The electrical generating machinery is below the blades or at the bottom of the vertical drive shaft.

Abstract: An improved wind-powered generator, comprising a wind wheel with semi-flexible sails, a supporting tower that can rotate freely with the wind direction, a fairing that ensures the wind wheel is always downwind of the tower, energy generators affixed to the upper tower and mechanically coupled to the rim of the wind wheel, and a controller that changes the angle of attack of the wings.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine including a blade having a modular structure, comprising at least two connectable blade sections. Each section has an upper and lower panel with a cavity formed therebetween through which extends a spar.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a rotor blade balancing apparatus may include a tube member defining an inner cavity, a plurality of weights, and a biasing member. The tube member may be for the insertion into a cavity of a rotor blade. Each of the weights may be adapted to be slide-ably inserted into the inner cavity of the tube member within a cavity of a rotor blade, and slide-ably removed from the inner cavity of the tube member within a cavity of a rotor blade in order to balance a rotor blade. The biasing member may be for biasing weights, which have been slide-ably inserted into the inner cavity of the tube member within a cavity of a rotor blade, towards an end of the tube member.

Abstract: The device is intended to adjust the pitch of blades or propellers which are articulately coupled by means of end supports inside radial bearings which are solidly joined to a rotating head-piece of a wind generator. This adjustment may be performed either actively or passively. It is characterised in that the rotating head-piece incorporates a linear actuator (1), such as a cylinder, the shaft of which is connected to a crosspiece (14), the latter being associated with intermediate mechanisms connected to the end supports (7) of the blades (6) so as to vary the pitch thereof when the crosspiece (14) moves, being driven by the shaft of the cylinder.

Abstract: Flying apparatus includes a housing and rotary means associated with said housing capable of rotation in use. The rotary means includes two or more rotary blades. Each rotary blade has weighted means associated with at least a part of a leading edge thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind generator of the type with automatic power regulation, comprising at least one propeller having at least two blades (21), whereby the efficiency of one propeller varies inversely to a variation in the wind energy, from a lower wind speed limit. The torque/speed characteristics of each propeller are determined such that the working point begins to move towards the areas of low aerodynamic efficiency when the wind speed approaches the value at which the generator reaches the maximum, safety-compliant power. The inventive wind generator is characterized in that it also comprises: at least one centrifugal counter weight system (24) which is arranged such as to reduce the pitch of at least one part of the blades when the speed of rotation is increasing; and at least one system comprising an end stop (30) and return (15) or compression (25) means which mechanically define the initial working pitch and the optimum working pitch up to the nominal speed.

Abstract: A rotor for a rotary wing aircraft includes a blade having a leading edge, and a trailing edge. The rotor has a leading edge tip extension at a tip of the blade and a weight within the leading edge tip extension. The rotor also includes a trailing edge tip extension extending from a selected point at an outboard portion of the blade to the tip of the blade, a leading edge of the extension extending rearward from the trailing edge of the blade.

Abstract: An improved variable pitch fan comprising a fan hub, with fan blades extending radially outward from the fan hub and mounted for rotation about respective radially extending axes corresponding to each fan blade. Each fan blade has a blade surface extending perpendicularly to the radially extending axis of the fan blade, each blade surface lying between respective outer edges of the corresponding fan blade and facing rearward. A pitch shifting mechanism is mounted in the hub and interconnects with the fan blades to control the rotational position of each fan blade about the corresponding radially extending axis of the fan blade. The respective outer edges of each fan blade diverge as the fan blade extends further radially outward; and the blade surface of each fan blade has an angle of attack that decreases as the fan blade extends radially outward. Each blade surface has a constant or increasing radius of curvature as the respective fan blade extends further radially outward.

Abstract: An airflow apparatus (e.g., a fan, a blower) is provided for impeding or facilitating airflow through a channel when the apparatus is inoperative. The apparatus comprises a set of blades or airfoils that, when operating, promote or force a flow of air through the channel. The apparatus includes a bias mechanism for biasing the blades of the apparatus toward failure positions blocking or opening the airflow when the apparatus is at rest or turned off. When the apparatus begins spinning, the bias mechanism is overcome and the blades take their normal operating positions. The bias mechanism may comprise a spring or elastic material that resists rotation, extension or other type of blade transition from the failure position to the operating position. Or, the bias mechanism may involve a blade design (e.g., edge weighting) that attempts to place a blade in its failure position.

Abstract: An airflow apparatus (e.g., a fan, a blower) is provided for impeding or facilitating airflow through a channel when the apparatus is inoperative. The apparatus comprises a set of blades or airfoils that, when operating, promote or force a flow of air through the channel. The apparatus includes a bias mechanism for biasing the blades of the apparatus toward failure positions blocking or opening the airflow when the apparatus is at rest or turned off. When the apparatus begins spinning, the bias mechanism is overcome and the blades take their normal operating positions. The bias mechanism may comprise a spring or elastic material that resists rotation, extension or other type of blade transition from the failure position to the operating position. Or, the bias mechanism may involve a blade design (e.g., edge weighting) that attempts to place a blade in its failure position.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a ring segment of a gas turbine in which the temperature is maintained low, damage due to high temperature oxidization is prevented, and high temperature deformation is prevented.

Abstract: One or more fan blades extend radially from a hub that is freely rotatable relative to a main drive shaft. The hub is coupled to the drive shaft so that, when the drive shaft is moved through an orbital path in a cyclical motion, the hub moves in a twirling action. As the hub twirls, a weighted distal end of the blade travels through an arcuate path to generate angular momentum sufficient to carry the blade through an uninterrupted rotational motion. The fan blade is structured and disposed to push a large volume of air as it rotates, thereby creating a steady current of airflow with minimal energy consumption.

Abstract: A propeller for aircraft has a tip-to-tip flex-beam spar and torsionally stiff hollow blades bonded to the spar throughout an outer portion of the blades. The spar has two end caps which are separated from each other at the hub and converge in the outer portion. The blades have an inner region which is not bonded to the spar, allowing an inner portion of the spar to twist during pitch changes. A counterweight is mounted to an arm extending from an inner end cuff of each blade. The counterweight is located out of the plane of rotation. The counterweight is also located on a side of a line opposite from the trailing edge, the line passing through the pivot axis perpendicular to the plane of rotation.

Abstract: Rotor blade weighting apparatus comprising in combination at least one elongated rod carried within a rotor blade, and multiple weights received and retained on the rod, the number of weights adjustable for reducing vibration during rotor rotation.

Abstract: The hydraulic propeller system of the present invention has a central hub including a stationary portion and a rotatable portion. A plurality of propeller blades are connected with the rotatable portion, wherein each of the plurality of propeller blades has an adjustable pitch and a counterweight biasing the blades in a first pitch direction. An actuating mechanism is used for adjusting the pitch of each of the plurality of propeller blades. And a valve for locking the propeller blades at a last commanded pitch is further provided. At least the valve and the actuating mechanism are located on and rotatable with the rotatable portion.

Abstract: Windmill (10) having a plurality of hydrodynamic, folding blades (12, 14, 16 and 18) secured to a hub (64). The blades are propelled by wind current such that the windmill rotates about a central axis of a shaft (20) on which a hub (64) is journalled. Each folding blade extends radially from the hub and includes a lower blade portion (24) attached to the hub and an upper blade portion (22) pivotally attached to the lower blade portion. The lower blade portion includes a hydrodynamic surface extending from a first edge(43) and terminating at a trailing edge (42). The upper blade portion is hydrodynamically contoured so as to form a nose cone (44). An apex of the nose cone forms a leading edge (40) of the upper blade portion that is opposite a trailing edge (41).

Abstract: A controllable variable twist rotor blade assembly wherein the twist along the span of the blade is continuously variable and may be controlled either manually by the pilot or automatically according to data input from flight sensors monitoring flight parameter data. The continuously variable twist of the blade is controlled by an out-of-plane weight assembly having a weight member which is selectively movable between a first position and a second position relative to the elastic axis of the blade so as to optimize the twist of the blade during various flight conditions.

Abstract: A propeller for a boat having a plurality of recesses and a plurality of land portions arranged circumferentially alternately around an outer periphery of a propeller boss which is fitted over and connected to a propeller shaft. A boss of each of propeller blades and each of blade shafts disposed parallel to an axis of the propeller boss to rotatably support such propeller blade are accommodated in each of the recesses, and each of the land portions is provided with an exhaust passage extending axially through the land portion to permit an exhaust outlet in a body of a propelling device to be opened at a rear end face of the propeller boss. Thus, it is possible to discharge an exhaust gas from an engine through the inside of the propeller boss into water.

Abstract: There is provided a self-actuating variable pitch marine propeller which incorporates two or more blades, each independently rotatable, relative to the propeller hub, between a first lower and a second higher pitch. The blades are preferably mechanically linked by coordinating devices and are caused to move preferably by a combination of centrifugal force effect resulting from inertial masses means and the hydrodynamic forces acting upon the blade hydrodynamic surface. The rotation of the blades relative to the propeller hub is restrained until the restraint is overcome by the forces acting to pivot the blades to the higher pitch position. Most preferably there is also provided a mechanical bias, such as a spring to hold the blades in the lower pitch position. Initially, the hydrodynamic force can also tend to hold in the blades in the lower pitch position, or to move the blades towards the higher pitch.

Abstract: A marine propeller includes a hub rotatable about a longitudinal axis and having a plurality of blades extending radially outwardly therefrom and pivotable about respective radial pivot axes between a low pitch position and a high pitch position. A disc has a plurality of guide slots each receiving and retaining a respective lever arm extending rearwardly within the hub from a respective blade. A biasing spring coaxial with the longitudinal axis of rotation of the hub biases the disc to in turn bias the lever arms and blades to the low pitch position. The disc is a generally flat planar plate-like member extending radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis at the rear of the hub and includes a preload mechanism accessible at the rear of the hub for adjusting the bias. The disc restricts movement of the lever arms along the guide slots such that the lever arms can move only in unison, which prevents blade flutter.

Abstract: There is provided a self-actuating variable pitch marine propeller which incorporates two or more blades, each independently rotatable, relative to the propeller hub, between a first lower and a second higher pitch. The blades are preferably mechanically linked by coordinating means and are caused to move preferably by a combination of centrifugal force effect resulting from inertial mass means and the hydrodynamic forces acting upon the blade hydrodynamic surface. The rotation of the blades relative to the propeller hub is limited primarily as to speed of rotation by restricted viscous fluid flow damping means operably connected to the blades. In one preferred embodiment, the viscous flow means further acts as an initial restraint against all motion by closing off the viscous flow orifice until a certain minimum propeller rotational speed is achieved.

Abstract: A marine propeller includes a hub rotatable about a longitudinal axis and having a plurality of blades extending radially outwardly therefrom and pivotable about respective radial pivot axes between a low pitch position and a high pitch position. Each blade has a hydrodynamic force characteristic which shifts the location of the resultant hydrodynamic force on the blade in a direction aiding up-pitching of the blade, and increasing the up-pitching pivot moment with decreasing angles of attack. A counteractive hydrodynamic force generating area is provided on the negative pressure backside surface of the blade and shifts the location of the resultant hydrodynamic force on the frontside surface forwardly with decreasing angle of attack.

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: This high-efficiency turbine, in particular for the exploitation of wind power for auxiliary power sources in aeronautical applications, comprises a central body which is rotatable about the axis of the turbine and supports at least two vanes which extend radially with respect to the axis of the turbine and are rotatable together with the central body about the turbine axis. The vanes of the turbine are pivoted to the central body to vary the front area of the turbine affected by the rotation of the vanes.

Abstract: There is provided a self-actuating, variable pitch propeller having a plurality of blades. All of the blades are automatically movable between a first, relatively lower pitch position and a second, relatively higher pitch position, substantially simultaneously and equally in response to achieving a predetermined combination of propeller rotational speed and hydrodynamic loading on the propeller blades. The blades are releasably locked to prevent the pivoting of each blade when in the locked position. The locking means are released by actuating means activated by the combined effects of centrifugal force and hydrodynamic loading.

Abstract: A pitch feathering system for a gas turbine driven aircraft propeller having multiple variable pitch blades utilizes a counter-weight linked to the blades. The weight is constrained to move, when effecting a pitch change, only in a radial plane and about an axis which rotates about the propeller axis. The system includes a linkage allowing the weight to move through a larger angle than the associated pitch change of the blade.

Abstract: An apparatus relating to a vertical-axle wind turbine comprises fore eccentric compressible and tensible slide-cantilevers, rear eccentric tensible ropes, dual-rocker trapezoid linkages, slightly inclined flap-blades, and counter-lever with equipoises. Accordingly, all blades on the wind turbine can catch favorable wind force at optimum leeway about 260 degrees each rotation; can absorb centrifugal, centripetal and circumferential shocks from gusts and variable wind force and convert the same to the same direction of torque; can adjust their radius against variable wind speed to stabalize the rotary speed; and can release resistance from relative wind sensitively and streamlined within the remaining 100 degrees of the rotation under the control of respective dual-rocker trapezoid linkages and equipoises to drive the apparatus for converting wind force to mechanical power most efficiently for commitment.

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 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 for generating electricity in which each blade of the air-screw is connected to the hub by means of at least two resilient strips which are oppositely inclined both in the plane of rotation of the blade and in a plane extending through the rotational axis of the hub. This arrangement results in automatic pitch increase of the blades with increase of air-screw rotation due to the increasing centrifugal force exerted on the blades. This regulates air-screw speed and prevents excessive speed, especially at low load under high-speed wind. This pitch-varying mechanism can also be applied to automotive cooling fans.

Abstract: A machine for economical recovery of wind power employs a self-adjusting mass-balanced aerodynamic blade weathervaning freely around a lengthwise pitching axis forward of its aerodynamic center, and an aerodynamic roller in its leading edge, spun at high RPM by a motor. The roller controls aerodynamic performance to high levels of efficiency at high lift coefficients, employing novel roller/airfoil profiles. For ship propulsion, the self-adjusting blade with roller stopped is like a furled sail, and with the blade held angling to the wind with roller spinning is like a large, efficient, easily controlled sail. On a horizontal axis wind turbine, the self-adjusting blade is continuously held to an efficient angle of attack by centrifugal lift-increasing pitching moments balancing aerodynamic lift-decreasing pitching moments. The blade whirls steadily despite fluctuations of wind speed and direction, reducing stresses, and preventing structural damage or loss of efficiency.

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 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 horizontal axis wind turbine converts wind into electrical energy and includes a pitch control vane with a flyweight mechanism on each rotor blade to provide aerodynamic efficiency at operating wind velocities, near constant speed and zero lift pitch of the rotor blades when speeds exceed the design speed of the system. A gravity neutralization means composed of a bevel gear and pinions couples the blades together while a flyweight arrangement connected to the bevel gear acts to neutralize centrifugal torque on the blades.

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 device to convert wave energy into mechanical energy, comprises a buoyant structure whose upper portion is in the region of wave action but whose lower section is below the region of wave action, so that the water adjacent the upper and lower sections of the structure has vertical movement relative to itself. This relative movement is used to rotate a vertical shaft having radially extending horizontal axles on which panels are pivotally mounted. Ballast and/or floats are used to impose on the panels a bias tending to maintain them horizontal. The relative movement of the water is used to impel fluid vertically relative to the panels in alternatingly opposite directions; and the bias imposed by the ballast and/or floats thus causes a planing wing action of the panels which impels the shaft in rotation in one direction regardless of the direction of the movement of the impelling fluid. The floating structure can rise and fall with the waves (FIGS.