Abstract: An inducer having a hub and a plurality of blades is provided. In one embodiment, the thickness of the blades is defined such that during the operation of the inducer each of the blades is positioned underneath a cavitation vapor line so as to improve the performance of the inducer. In another embodiment, the hub is contoured or ramped according to a fifth order polynomial to provide improved performance. In another embodiment, the flow passage area of the inducer, as taken normal to the flow of fluid, is varied according to a fifth order polynomial to provide improved performance.

Abstract: Helical wind rotor, comprising at least two blades (1) which, as observed in cross section, are of substantially equivalent shape and curved, and are located parallel with the rotational axis (o) and so that the blades (1) are arranged most suitably at equal intervals with respect to the rotation angle of a cylindrical co-ordinate system (o, z). In order to bring about helical form of the wind rotor, the blade cross sections (sp) are arranged to revolve in the longitudinal direction (z) of the wind rotor. The blade cross section (sp) belonging to the wind rotor is arranged substantially different from the shape of semicircle, so as to enable manufacturing of the blade of a substantially planar blank. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a wind rotor of the above presented type.

Abstract: A pump impeller and related components for pumping water, sewage or other pumped material from one location to another is disclosed. The pump impeller includes a core member having a back face, a front face, and a central bore extending therebetween. A first blade and a second blade are fixed to the front face of the core member. Each blade has a trailing portion terminating at a trailing edge and a leading portion terminating at a leading edge. The leading portion of the first blade preferably radially overlaps the trailing portion of the second blade. A first channel is defined by the leading portion of the first blade, the trailing portion of the second blade, and the front face of the core member. Likewise, a second channel is defined by the leading portion of the second blade, the trailing portion of the first blade, and the front face of the core member. The blades of the impeller preferably conform to a curved front wear plate for optimum efficiency.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying high pressure gas to an engine, to operate the engine, including in combination a gas pressurizer having a low gas pressure inlet to receive inlet gas, as for example discharge gas from the engine, and a high gas pressure outlet to deliver supply gas at high pressure to the engine, the pressurizer including a rotary body defining a gas flow channel that extends about an axis in a spiral of decreasing radius, and a drive operatively connected with the body to rotate the body about an axis, at high velocity, to effect gas flow and pressure increase, along the channel, for supply to the engine via an outlet from the pressurizer.

Abstract: A ribbon drive pumping apparatus and method for liquids is disclosed. The pump has an extended tube having an intake at a first end and an outlet at a second end. A ribbon formed of helical coils is mounted in the tube for rotation and the frequency of the coils decreases from the first end to the second end of the tube. Liquid is collected at the first end, an axial component of velocity of the liquid is increased via the rotating ribbon, and the liquid is ejected from the second end to provide pumping of the liquid. A central opening helps decrease cavitation.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump with an impeller which has a single helically-formed blade and which is not sensitive to sand abrasion or seizing of the impeller is achieved by providing the impeller (1) with a shielding plate (3) arranged on the suction side which transitions from an axial course given at the suction inlet of the impeller into a radial course, by providing that the blade entry angle (&bgr;1) in the area which is in danger of cavitation in the event of an abrupt onset of flow is at least 5° smaller than the angle of incident flow (&bgr;0), and thereafter the blade angle &bgr; in the axial region of a meridian section through the impeller (1) increases at least to the magnitude of the blade exit angle (&bgr;2), and finally a blade angle (&bgr;) exceeding the blade exit angle (&bgr;2) in the radial area of the meridian section decreases back down to the magnitude of the blade exit angle (&bgr;2).

Abstract: An improved windmill includes a conical rotor unit, a frame for supporting the conical rotor unit and a base for supporting the frame. The conical rotor unit has a conical rotor with a plurality of spaced curved blades disposed thereon and a plurality of spaced slant blades located at an outer rim of the conical rotor. The conical rotor has small wind resistance and may rotate under low speed wind to generate rotor rotation. The frame is rotationable about the base to enable the conical rotor to capture wind from different directions. The conical rotor is heavier than conventional windmill rotor and may serve as a fly wheel to store kinetic energy for the windmill to produce steady rotation under different wind speed for a long period of time.

Abstract: A pump has a rotor made of synthetic resin in a fixed housing which are adjacently arranged while forming a gap between the housing and the rotor to force-feed a medium containing water moisture, in which the rotor is made of a resol-type synthetic resin so that a dimensional change rate of the rotor is 0.15% or less for a medium having a moisture content rate of 10 wt % or less, whereby a sufficient pump performance can be obtained while relatively increasing the degree of freedom of the moisture content rate of the medium to reduce the corrosiveness of the medium.

Abstract: A turbine 400 has a central duct 410 which accelerates fluid passing through it and a blade configuration which retards the flow of fluid near the tips of the turbine. This structure results in a vortex having a higher fluid pressure behind the tips of the turbine blades 408 and a lower fluid pressure behind the duct. In the present invention, this vortex is enhanced by (1) an increased acceleration of the fluid passing through the duct 410 and a deceleration of the fluid passing through the blades 408; and/or (2) by a fluid redirection device 850 for directing the fluid passing through the duct towards the outer diameter of the turbine.

Abstract: A helical turbine assembly capable of providing high speed unidirectional rotation under a multidirectional ultra low-head fluid flow is disclosed. The assembly comprises an array of helical turbine units or modules arranged, vertically or horizontally, to harness, for example, water or wind power. Each turbine unit or module comprises a plurality of helical blades having an airfoil profile. The modules for wind power may be mounted to rotatable shafts supported by lightweight structures anchored by guy wires to the ground. The helical turbine can also a provide ship propulsion by utilizing the power of ocean waves. In a further embodiment, a cylindrical distributor is provided in the helical turbine to channel the fluid flow to the blades of the turbine, thereby increasing efficiency and power output. The helical turbine with distributor may be used to lift or lower a body either being submerged into a fast stream or dragged in the fluid.

Abstract: A helical turbine assembly capable of providing high speed unidirectional rotation under a multidirectional ultra low-head fluid flow is disclosed. The assembly comprises an array of helical turbine units or modules arranged, vertically or horizontally, to harness, for example, water or wind power. Each turbine unit or module comprises a plurality of helical blades having an airfoil profile. The modules for wind power may be mounted to rotatable shafts supported by lightweight structures anchored by guy wires to the ground. The helical turbine can also provide ship propulsion by utilizing the power of ocean waves. In a further embodiment, a cylindrical distributor is provided in the helical turbine to channel the fluid flow to the blades of the turbine, thereby increasing efficiency and power output. The helical turbine with distributor may be used to lift or lower a body either being submerged into a fast stream or dragged in the fluid.

Abstract: A rotary blood pump includes a pump housing for receiving a flow straightener, a rotor mounted on rotor bearings and having an inducer portion and an impeller portion, and a diffuser. The entrance angle, outlet angle, axial and radial clearances of blades associated with the flow straightener, inducer portion, impeller portion and diffuser are optimized to minimize hemolysis while maintaining pump efficiency. The rotor bearing includes a bearing chamber that is filled with cross-linked blood or other bio-compatible material. A back emf integrated circuit regulates rotor operation and a microcomputer may be used to control one or more back emf integrated circuits. A plurality of magnets are disposed in each of a plurality of impeller blades with a small air gap. A stator may be axially adjusted on the pump housing to absorb bearing load and maximize pump efficiency.

Abstract: A rotor is provided wherein an rotor core and a jacket cooperate to provide a continuous variation of area left for fluid transit. This continuous variation of area left for fluid transit produces a continuous axial acceleration of fluid and provides a first pressure gradient. The invention also provides simultaneously for blades having a continuously varying angle provided in the area left for fluid transit and causing a second pressure gradient. The varying of the fluid transit area and the angle of the blade are designed to have the first and second pressure gradients to be complementary and maintain the pressure of the fluid substantially constant. Such a continuous varying angle of inclination of the blades provides a continuous angular acceleration of the fluid and corresponding torque. The blades of continuously varying angle of inclination rotate together with the rotor core producing the torque.

Abstract: A propeller is presented which comprises a one piece blade that spirals out from an angular solid hub portion in smooth transition as a continuous screw spiral (or helix). Throughout its length, the spiral screw portion has an open center, (i.e., axial void) which when rotating is filled totally by water both inside the center void and in all spaces between the spiral blades. The spirals of the spiral screw portion are angled so that the pitch angle has a concave face or pushing surface which results in water trapped within the center and between the pitch faces being forced to pulse and thus be thrown back with great force from the end of the spiral screw.

Abstract: A wind energy conversion system includes specially shaped blades mounted in a specific location on a specially shaped blade-supporting body to maximize energy conversion from wind energy to electrical energy. The blade-supporting body includes a concave section located upstream of a convex section, with the two sections being joined together at a location of maximum diameter. The blades are mounted on the body at the location of maximum diameter. Each blade includes two surfaces each of which includes a concave section and a convex section. The blade surfaces are spaced apart from each other by a blade thickness dimension that increases from essentially zero at blade tips to a maximum adjacent to a blade longitudinal axis that extends from a blade proximal end mounted on the blade-supporting body to a distal end spaced from said blade-supporting body.

Abstract: A screw pump for feeding highly viscous material such as mixed concrete and the like. Plural projections engage the helical screw of the screw pumps to facilitating removal of the material such as gravel caught in the screw pump. Further for preventing excessive force from being exerted on the screw because of material caught in the screw pump, a spring is interposed between partitioning plates and hydraulic cylinders or crank mechanisms. Further, to make the position of the holder for the partitioning plate stable, plural rollers are provided above the holders.

Abstract: A wind actuated device which has a sail in the shape of a double or single modified helicoid. The device may be provided as a decorative novelty device or may be supported on a mast as a wind indicating device.

Abstract: A liquid pump having a rotary impeller of improved construction to eliminate the cavitation in the pump housing. Motor noises are muffled because the exhaust port of the pump is on the heel of the skimmer plate of the pump which is slightly below the water line, allowing the water to act as a muffler. Also, in use of the pump in outboard motors, further efficiency is caused by the Venturi effect created when water passes over the exhaust port. A reverse mechanism is mounted internal to the discharge end of the pump housing to prevent the accumulation of debris on the reverse mechanism. The impeller includes helical blades mounted on an inverted cone. Each blade has an inner peripheral portion near the axial center line of the impeller to present a negative radial rake which decreases as the upper end of the blade is approachable. Each blade has an outer peripheral portion provided with a positive radial rake which increases as the upper end of the blade is approached.

Abstract: A hydro-rotor for providing propulsion or generating electricity in a device positioned in water. A hollow tank having a forward and aft tapered end in the preferred embodiment is mounted about a longitudinal axis to a pair of stabilizer plates. A helical flight is mounted circumferentially to the tank and extends from the forward end to the aft end of the tank. An electric motor and power source within the tank drivingly rotates the flight thereby propelling the tank through water. A pair of stabilizer plates extending outwardly of the flight and along the length of the longitudinal axis are controllingly pivoted to radial positions providing directional stability to the craft. The hydro-rotors may be rotatably mounted utilizing stabilizer plates to a ship providing propulsion therefor.

Abstract: A water turbine has a series of spaced blades attached to and extending around the periphery of a body portion, preferably of conical or similar shape; each of the blades has a leading end mounted at a mid region of the body e.g. halfway along it and each blade generally increases in radial dimension in the downstream direction towards the base of the body and each blade generally decreases in pitch of the blade surface in the downstream direction. A channel is defined between adjacent blades, the channel diverging in the downstream direction and the base of the body extends transversely to the axis of the body and co-operates with the blade structure to provide a zone of relative low pressure near the axial region of the body whereby an efficient water turbine is provided.

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 centrifugal pump including a stationary guide vane secured to a casing, and a centrifugal impeller arranged for rotation in the casing in a position adjacent the stationary guide vane. The centrifugal impeller has at least one blade wound in convolutions on a peripheral surface of a hub and having a blade inlet surface substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the impeller and a fluid flow entrance surface substantially parallel to the blade inlet surface. The blade is wound in a suitable number of convolutions extending from an inlet to an outlet on the hub and is forwardly inclined toward the axis of rotation of the impeller at an increasingly greater angle in going from the inlet toward the outlet, so as to produce centrifugal forces at the outlet. The centrifugal impeller has a high head which has been beyond the power of axial impellers to achieve.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting gases, liquids and the like by means of a conical screw type propeller 10 which sucks gases or liquids in and passes them along. The propeller consists of at least two guide panels 1, 2 of helicoidal configuration which define apertures 3 in the area of the tips. The propeller may be mounted on a baffle plate 11.

Abstract: A draft tube mixer is disclosed particularly adapted for use with digestion processes and apparatus wherein a vertical shaft (13) is driven by motor (15) through a suitable drive (14) to rotate a ragless propeller (12). The propeller (12) has a series of three lobes or blades (40-42) which are concentrically arranged at 120.degree. apart positions so that the minimum diameter of the blades are at the ends of a hub (43) from which the blades integrally extend. The blades extend over the length of the hub over about a 360.degree. of rotary motion helix. The blades (40-42) are symmetrical from their ends to the mid points on the vanes from either direction top or bottom so that the propeller is reversible without loss of efficiency.

Abstract: A wind driven power generating apparatus which is automatically vertically adjustable depending upon the wind velocity.

Abstract: A draft tube mixer is disclosed particularly adapted for use with digestion processes and apparatus wherein a vertical shaft (13) is driven by motor (15) through a suitable drive (14) to rotate a ragless propeller (12). The propeller (12) has a series of three lobes or blades (40-42) which are concentrically arranged at 120.degree. apart positions so that the minimum diameter of the blades are at the ends of a hub (43) from which the blades integrally extend. The blades extend over the length of the hub over about a 360.degree. of rotary motion. The blades (40-42) are symmetrical from their ends to the mid points on the vanes from either direction top or bottom so that the propeller is reversible without loss of efficiency.

Abstract: Energy is extracted from a free-stream fluid flow of wind or water by means of a multi-turn helicoid structure with a relatively small pitch angle. The axis of the structure about which the helicoid turns is making an angle with the flow vector in the order of or slightly larger that the pitch angle. Several such helicoid structures are combined with their radii overlapping, for the most effective interception of a certain cross sectional area of the fluid flow. Mile-long helicoid walls may be erected in this fashion. Using groups of helicoids which alternately turn clockwise and counter-clockwise all gyroscopic forces, which appear when the structures are turned to follow changes in the direction of the flow, are internally balanced. An omni-directional structure is also described which need not be turned when the flow direction changes. It is obtained by adding flow-diverters surrounding a helicoid structure with vertical axis.

Abstract: Six rows of radial blades, arranged to extend in a spiral (in the direction of axial rotation) covering 55 degrees of arc about a hollow support section, constitute an optimum blade arrangement for maximum efficiency in low velocity airflows. Each blade in the rows is contoured to receive both direct flow pressure as well as airfoil lift in order to provide maximum energy transfers from low velocity airflows.

Abstract: A single vane impeller having particular application for pumping liquids having a high solids content is disclosed having an axial feed inlet configuration and a centrifugal outlet configuration giving an impeller capable of outlet modification by cutting to accommodate differing pumping requirements.

Abstract: A wind turbine for converting wind forces into usable energy has a main shaft rotatably mounted in the axis of rotation for the wind turbine, and a pair of coacting complementary longitudinally extending vane members are connected to each other by a plurality of support and transmission assemblies in the form of articulated members and to the main or driven shaft for driving engagement thereof. The coacting vane members may either have straight side edges or preferably have spiralled or helically shaped side edges which in the closed position are aligned and in abutment with each other to define and form a right circular cylinder in side elevation. The vanes are movable between a normally open starting position and a closed position to vary the total vane surface available for contact by the wind forces acting at any given time when the wind turbine is in operation.

Abstract: The pump of the present invention has a housing which accommodates an axial impeller set on the pump drive shaft. The impeller has a hub which carries a number of the helical impeller blades held in position thereto and defining a plurality of blade channels for the liquid being handled to pass.

Abstract: A self cleaning attachment for a propeller shaft having a gear box mounting parallel stub shafts driven in the same direction by a common gear, screw propeller surfaces on the shafts with teeth on the outer edge of each propeller surface and having weed shearing clearance with the shaft of the other surface, and stub shear bars supported in fixed relation to the box and disposed radially outward and parallel to the shafts with which the teeth also have weed shear clearance with the bars.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-contained evaporator type humidifier adapted to be positioned at an outlet opening of a warm air heating system and operated solely by an air stream issuing therefrom. The humidifier includes a housing provided with an air inlet opening and an exhaust air grill. A water receptacle, an adjustable water supply means, and an adjustable air-water contacting member are provided within the housing. The air-water contact member comprises a frame having a water-absorbent covering thereon and has an overall shape which is approximately that of a propeller which has been twisted at the midpoint of its longitudinal axis so that the end portions which are substantially in the shape of an elongated S, lie in planes which are generally perpendicular to each other. The air-water contact member is mounted for free rotation in journals at each end of the interior of the housing and is rotated around its longitudinal axis by the direct impingment thereon of the air stream from the heating system.

Abstract: A rotor adapted to rotate about a rotary shaft and intended for displacing fluids characterized in that the rotor comprises at least two ridges arranged helically around a core part so that a sectional area at right angles to the axis of rotation comprises at least two lobes with intermediate pits, the depth of the pit measured between the core part and a tangential line to the two lobes one on each side of the pit concerned being at least equal to one third of the distance between the core part and the circle described by the point of a lobe furthest remote from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A wind turbine is provided consisting of a cone or the frustum of a cone, on which are mounted in a more or less helical fashion, a plurality of blades having a varying pitch angle. The blades are arranged in a manner to utilize the initial force of the wind and to continue to utilize the diminishing force of the wind after it passes over the leading end of the vanes.Provided also is a shroud which enhances the wind velocity and provides a suitable diffuser augmenter to dissipate the spent wind force.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a wind turbine comprising a lighter than air body affixed to a drive line. Vanes or fins are attached about the body and turn the body in response to air currents acting thereon. This turns the drive line to supply rotational energy to a load.

Abstract: A driven hollow shaft carries propeller means in the form of a screw-shaped vane which at its lower edge widens to a chamber communicating through a channel with the interior of the hollow shaft and having an outlet opening through which gas supplied through the hollow shaft is discharged into a liquid in which the propeller means are immersed. The chamber is formed by two downwardly diverging screw-shaped surfaces of the vane and has a V-shaped cross section with the apex pointing outwardly from the driven shaft.

Abstract: Wind turbine apparatus is mounted on a stationary tower and disposed to intercept wind currents. An air intake member is mounted thereon having a frusto-conical shape for accelerating the velocity of the wind intercepted by the intake unit or member. A turbine unit is mounted on a stationary frame to rotate in relation to the frame about its longitudinal axis. The turbine unit is disposed at the output of the air intake unit to receive the air intercepted by the air intake unit. The turbine has a plurality of ducts each having an input facing the output of the air intake unit. The ducts extend substantially longitudinally and curve about the longitudinal axis of the turbine. The duct outlets are disposed about the periphery of the turbine at a substantially right angle to the longitudinal axis to emit air jets tangential to the turbine unit. A power shaft is attached to the output of the turbine to connect to a generator or any mechanical driven machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pump impeller for moving a fluid, comprising a hub on which at least one blade is fixed, wherein a support connects each blade to the hub and extends radially, winding helically with respect to the axis of said hub, while each blade extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the radial direction of each support. One application of the present invention is the production of a pump impeller with high speed of rotation and high yield.

Abstract: An elongated cylindrical body is provided of a greater length than its diameter and including a cylindrical side wall. The body is open at its opposite ends and journaled for rotation about an axis generally coinciding with the center axis of the body. The body includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced longitudinally extending slots similarly slightly inclined relative to radial planes of the body passing through the slots. One set of corresponding edge portions of the cylindrical side wall defining corresponding longitudinal edges of the slots include integral outwardly projecting substantially rectangular vanes extending along the slots and the vanes comprise outwardly deflected integral positions of the cylindrical side wall of the body. Further, in a modified form of the invention, the other set of corresponding longitudinal edges of the slots include inwardly projecting substantially rectangular vanes extending along the slots.

Abstract: An axial flow pump structure utilizing an impeller of improved design, constituting essentially a propeller blade delivering forces to the fluid either gaseous or liquid being pumped in both axial and centrifugal modes. The blade is an evolute wherein the evolute is defined as the path on a sphere traced out by a point starting at longitude 0.degree. latitude (90 minus .alpha.).degree. and having at any time the position longitude .phi..degree. latitude (90 minus X).degree., where .phi. and X are given as functions of .theta. by Cos X = Cos .alpha. Cos (.theta. Sin .alpha.);Cox (.theta. - .phi.) = tan .alpha. cot X and;.theta. increases from zero to (90 cosec .alpha.).degree. as the evolute descends to the equator of the sphere.

Abstract: A helical blade is provided for a mixing or conveying apparatus which can be used for heating or cooling or in general effecting a thermal treatment such as drying, evaporating calcining or crystallizing a product fed to the apparatus. The blade comprises a pair of pressed ring shaped discs welded together. One disc is shaped with its inner margin curved into or nearly into the axial direction, and the other disc is welded to it at its inner and outer margins. The blade may be welded directly to a shaft, mounted freely thereon or welded to blocks on the shaft to provided spaces between the flights of the blade and the shaft.

Abstract: A device for revolving a liquid has a hollow shaft for supplying gas to the liquid, and the free end of the shaft is immersed in the liquid where it carries a propeller for revolving the liquid. The propeller comprises at least one screw-shaped vane, and at least part of the vane's surface forms an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the hollow shaft, as seen from the free end of the shaft, the vane extending along at least two thirds of the circumference of the shaft.

Abstract: A multivane turbulator has been provided wherein at least two "V"-shaped members forming the vanes thereof are disposed with their vertices adjacent one another and twisted about each other such that the pitch of the twist is sufficient to render the turbulator self-supporting with symmetrically disposed vanes about a central axis.The method of forming the turbulators includes the steps of bending at least two strips of flat stock into "V"-shaped members and disposing one adjacent the other at their vertices and twisting same until the vanes are self-supporting.

Abstract: An omni-directional windmill device comprising a plurality of blades circumferentially symetrically disposed with respect to each other. Each of the blades is generally helicoidal in shape. Also, a sleeve and ball type mounting device for a windmill device is disclosed.

Abstract: A boat propeller includes an elongated shaft and three vanes which extend outwardly from the shaft at axially spaced positions there along. The vanes lie approximately along a helix on the shaft, and the vanes are spaced about 120.degree. apart around the circumference of the shaft.