Abstract: The invention describes a method for more efficient way of obtaining mechanical work and/or power generation from fluid flows with the oscillating motion of the blade and the counterweight in a direction that is perpendicular to the flow of fluid in conjunction with a smooth and periodic change of the angle of the blade to the flow of fluid over the sine wave which is characterized by being carried out by: rotating the surface of the blade to the direction of the fluid's flow and/or; changing the amplitude of the oscillation of the blade with respect to the fluid's flow rate and/or; changing the amplitude of the angle of the blade with respect to the fluid's flow rate; capturing mechanical work in the form of torque or tensile/compressive force to propel attached machinery or generate power from the arm of the counterweight. The invention further describes the apparatus to carry out this method.

Abstract: A reciprocating fluid-energy device to be used in a flowing fluid, having a foil, an upstream support member, a downstream support member, and a frame, where the frame retains the device in place within the flowing fluid, the support members movably attach the foil to the frame, and the foil moves laterally back and forth across the direction of the flow of the fluid, with changes in direction of the movement of the foil occurring automatically and spontaneously without external intervention other than the force of the flowing fluid.

Abstract: The invention pertains to underwater energy plants utilizing water movement due to e.g. waves, tide or stream. The invention also relates to parts of such a plant, namely an underwater wing for capturing wave energy, apparatus to convert the mechanical energy to electrical energy, and a connector for transferring the electrical energy. In certain embodiments of the invention, a wing causes a moment around hinging axis due to water flow with autonomous or tethered in-hinge electric generator and underwater attachable high power electric connector based on inductive transfer of energy.

Abstract: A novel oscillator comprises a curved sheet structure. The curved sheet structure comprises a curved sheet and a tensioner. The curved sheet structure oscillates when the tensioner of the curved sheet structure is extended between two rigidly or semi rigidly fixed points and the curved sheet structure is exposed to a fluid flow. The oscillation results in oscillating tension in the tensioner and oscillating motion of the tensioner in directions perpendicular and parallel to the direction of fluid flow. Energy conversion devices to couple the energy out of the oscillator include a coupling in line with the tensioner and a coupling generally perpendicular to the extension of the tensioner.

Abstract: The invention concerns a propeller device with a flow profile body assigned to a propeller and a multiple eccentric arrangement functionally coupled to the flow profile body, which has two eccentric components coupled with one another and able to rotate in opposite directions, and which is configured so as to convert a common rotational movement of the eccentric components in opposite directions into an oscillating movement of the flow profile body along a movement path between two end positions, and vice versa. Furthermore the invention concerns a vehicle drive unit with a propeller device, and also an energy conversion unit with a propeller device.

Abstract: A boat rowing device is disclosed. The device comprises a driving gear secured to a plate. A driven gear is secured with the plate such that to receive rotational movement from the driving gear. A handle is secured with the driving gear to rotate the driving gear. An oar is secured with the driven gear such that to facilitate rowing of the boat.

Abstract: A wind energy conversion system operable to convert wind energy into either mechanical or electrical energy. The wind energy conversion system further includes a first wind panel and a second wind panel having a plurality of pivotally mounted shutters. The first wind panel and second wind panel are operably coupled to a pivot bar and traverse in a reciprocating manner being driven by the altering of position of the plurality of shutters. A support platform is further included that has support rods laterally extending therefrom operable to provide support for the first wind panel and second wind panel. A power rod is included that is operably coupled to the pivot bar and transfers the reciprocal movement of the pivot bar into rotational movement to drive a gear mounted thereon. A directional vane orients the wind energy conversion system.

Abstract: The Wind Wing converts wind energy into electrical energy utilizing an oscillating vertical unarticulated wing, and in one of its two models, employs a new type of electrical generator.

Abstract: A system and method for harvesting the kinetic energy of a fluid flow for power generation with a vertically oriented, aerodynamic wing structure comprising one or more airfoil elements pivotably attached to a mast. When activated by the moving fluid stream, the wing structure oscillates back and forth, generating lift first in one direction then in the opposite direction. This oscillating movement is converted to unidirectional rotational movement in order to provide motive power to an electricity generator. Unlike other oscillating devices, this device is designed to harvest the maximum aerodynamic lift forces available for a given oscillation cycle. Because the system is not subjected to the same intense forces and stresses as turbine systems, it can be constructed less expensively, reducing the cost of electricity generation. The system can be grouped in more compact clusters, be less evident in the landscape, and present reduced risk to avian species.

Abstract: The invention is a power generator using intermittent fluid flow. The invention facilitates the harnessing of electric power from intermittent wind sources. The apparatus includes panels that are pivotally attached to a frame at a substantially horizontal orientation or are at an acute angle to the horizontal. As wind blows, the panels lift upward relative to the horizontal. Alternatively, the panels may be vertical and attached to an inclined track where the panels move up the track as the wind blows. This motion is transferred to a permanent magnet alternator either via the rotation of a shaft at the pivot point or via a connector rod attached to a leading edge of the panel. The motion may also be transferred by actuating a hydraulic cylinder. This motion pressurizes the cylinder and the pressurized hydraulic fluid may later be transferred into electric power via a hydraulic generator.

Abstract: An oscillating foil turbine has a foil having a first fluid dynamic surface for producing lift in a fluid flow, a support for the foil, and a second fluid dynamic surface, wherein the support allows for cyclic motion of the first and second surfaces with respect to each other. A driven member is provided to tap energy from flow throughout each cycle. Throughout at least part of the cyclic translation, the fluid dynamic surfaces are oriented sufficiently parallel, and separated by a distance that is sufficiently small, to achieve a substantial wing-in-ground effect.

Abstract: This invention is regarding an aircraft transmission that is designed to enable an ornithopter aircraft to take off vertically by generating lift through precision controlled oscillating propellers or wings, similar but unlike a helicopter rotor blade and has the uncanny ability for aerobatic flight. A gearless infinite variable oscillating transmission for ornithopter aircraft oscillatory motion propulsion, wherein the oscillatory motion is generated by a wobble plate and propulsive motion is propellers, wings, or any other propulsive action or phenomena, characterized by two parts, or pairs of elements, of the same potential capacity, which oscillate in series on opposed fronts with each propulsion unit capable of operating independently of the other. Infinite variable oscillating transmission is used to power numerous mechanical devices.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for converting the kinetic energy of a moving fluid stream into useful work by using a parallel cascade of aerofoils or hydrofoils positioned therein. The foils may be provided with at least two degrees of freedom and adjacent foils move in antiphase. The foils are subjected to resonant oscillations, known as flutter, induced by the fluid flow. Profiled inflow and outflow ducts may be positioned upstream and downstream, and the apparatus may be enclosed in a profiled duct, to increase efficiency by altering the fluid velocity and pressure. The foils are cantilevered, supported by vertical rods but are otherwise unattached. A cascade comprised of independent foil modules, each including a foil, a power conversion module and a motion control module, may be programmed to (1) receive energy from a fluid stream to generate power, or (2) transfer energy into a fluid stream to create propulsion or pumping.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for oscillating a foil in a fluid. The method according to the invention comprises the steps of —generating an oscillating heave motion of the foil in the fluid, the oscillation cycle of the heave motion consisting of two strokes of the foil in opposite direction; —generating an oscillating pitching motion of the foil in the fluid; characterized by —controlling the heave motion; and —adjusting the pitch during the oscillation cycle of the heave motion; such that —over 65% to 85% of the oscillation cycle of the heave motion, for each stroke of the foil, the absolute angle of attack is more than 60% of the maximum absolute angle of attack during the stroke.

Abstract: Systems and methods to generate power using wind and controlled air movement and related structures to more cost effectively produce energy and protect system components.

Abstract: A heater with 360° rotation of a heated air stream is provided. The device includes a housing, a motor, an impeller, a heating element, an air stream deflector and a rotational engine. More specifically, the device is directed toward a portable space heater having an outward radial projection of a heated air stream in combination with 360° rotational movement for reducing air temperature stratification and uneven heating problems in a room.

Abstract: A wave power plant is disclosed which has one or more foils that are pivotally movable about a body. The foil is set into an oscillating, pivotal motion about the body by the force of the waves. A power engine is mounted between the body and the foil and extract works as the foil pivots about the body. The foil and body are held submerged below the surface of the water to reduce the effects of extreme weather conditions on the structural components.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for oscillating a foil in a fluid. The apparatus according to the invention comprises a first crank mechanism and a second crank mechanism connected to a foil. Said first crank mechanism and said second crank mechanism have different crank pin offsets, are functionally connected such that when driven the speed of revolution of said first crank mechanism is the same as the speed of revolution of said second crank mechanism, and are out of phase with each other.

Abstract: A blade for a wind turbine generally comprises a shell body defined by first and second shells extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge, an inner spar supporting at least a portion of the shell body, and a damping element coupled to at least one of the shell body or inner spar. The damping element is configured to move relative to the shell body to dissipate vibrations of the blade, and has a greater degree of freedom in a flapwise direction between the first and second shells than in an edgewise direction between the leading and trailing edges.

Abstract: A power generating system for utilizing intermittent winds includes a panel having first and second major sides each adapted for reciprocating the panel when intermittent winds are present. The panel is pivotally mounted on a frame supporting the panel such that upon intermittent winds contacting the first and second major sides of the panel the panel reciprocates between upstream and downstream positions with respect to the intermittent winds. The system includes a power generating apparatus carried by the frame and adapted to actuate when the panel reciprocates such that power is generated for use by a power consuming, power storing, or power transmitting device.

Abstract: A rotary turbine including at least one blade is disclosed. The rotary turbine includes a blade arrangement in which the orientation of the at least one blade movably changes relative to the fluid flow and also changes relative to an orbital path taken by the rotary turbine thereby increasing flow area usage and minimizing friction. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure include a rotary turbine with blade orientations that are linearly coupled to the orbital orientation of the turbine. Other embodiments of the present disclosure include a rotary turbine with blade orientations that are non-linearly coupled to the orbital orientation of the turbine.

Abstract: An apparatus for oscillating and orienting a vane comprising a main lever (7,8) connected to a main pivot (5,6); a main drive linkage (13) adapted to pivot the main lever from side to side about the main pivot in a pivot plane, a vane (16,17) pivotally connected to the main lever remote from the main pivot and adapted to pivot about a vane axis (18,19); an angle change assembly (24,25) adapted to pivot the vane about the vane axis during pivoting of the main lever such that the orientation of the vane relative to a fixed axis in the pivot plane is independent of the orientation of the main lever, the apparatus further comprising a displacement means (20,21) connected to the angle change assembly and adapted such that displacement of the displacement means alters the orientation of the vane relative to the fixed axis.

Abstract: A subsurface wave action harnessing system includes a seabed mounting plate adapted for securing to a seabed, a wing having generally opposed first and second wing surfaces extending between a first and second wing ends, the second wing end being pivotably mounted to the seabed mounting plate such that pivoting motion about a pivot axis generally parallel to the mounting plate is imparted to the wing by subsurface wave action acting on the first and second wing surfaces, and a drive arm pivotably connected to the wing to convert the pivoting motion into reciprocal motion. An electrical generator, water purifier or other wave action load can be driven by the drive arm.

Abstract: A subsurface wave power generation system includes a seabed mounting plate adapted for securing to a seabed, a wing having generally opposed first and second wing surfaces extending between a first and second wing ends, the second wing end being pivotably mounted to the seabed mounting plate such that pivoting motion about a pivot axis generally parallel to the mounting plate is imparted to the wing by subsurface wave action acting on the first and second wing surfaces, and a drive arm pivotably connected to the wing to convert the pivoting motion into reciprocal motion. An electrical generator can be driven by the drive arm through a slip linkage. The slip linkage includes a first stage that converts the reciprocal motion of the drive arm into rotational motion and a second stage that selectively engages the a drive shaft of the generator drive to impart the rotational motion thereto.

Abstract: A power generating system for utilizing intermittent winds includes a panel having first and second major sides each adapted for reciprocating the panel when intermittent winds are present. The panel is pivotally mounted on a frame supporting the panel such that upon intermittent winds contacting the first and second major sides of the panel the panel reciprocates between upstream and downstream positions with respect to the intermittent winds. The system includes a power generating apparatus carried by the frame and adapted to actuate when the panel reciprocates such that power is generated for use by a power consuming, power storing, or power transmitting device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for converting the kinetic energy of a moving fluid stream into useful work by using a parallel cascade of aerofoils or hydrofoils positioned therein. The foils may be provided with at least two degrees of freedom and adjacent foils move in antiphase. The foils are subjected to resonant oscillations, known as flutter, induced by the fluid flow. Profiled inflow and outflow ducts may be positioned upstream and downstream, and the apparatus may be enclosed in a profiled duct, to increase efficiency by altering the fluid velocity and pressure. The foils are cantilevered, supported by vertical rods but are otherwise unattached. A cascade comprised of independent foil modules, each including a foil, a power conversion module and a motion control module, may be programmed to (1) receive energy from a fluid stream to generate power, or (2) transfer energy into a fluid stream to create propulsion or pumping.

Abstract: A blowing mechanism for a column type electric fan comprises an impeller, a driving motor, a tube-like air ducting assembly, and a swing mechanism. The driving motor is mounted onto a supporting plate attached to the fan's housing. A micromotor of the swing mechanism is fixed onto a connecting disc-like part of the housing. The air ducting assembly comprises an inlet, an outlet, and a flow guiding plate and a flow deflecting plate connected between the top part and the bottom parts of the housing. An upper supporting shaft for the impeller is rotatably attached to the housing through a bearing, and a lower supporting shaft for the impeller is connected to an output shaft of the driving motor. The air ducting assembly is movably carried on the bearing rollers, the disposed on the supporting plate. A link rod of the swing mechanism is movably connected to a rocker extending from the air ducting assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating electrical energy in a fluid environment, the apparatus including a wing member for disposition in the fluid and pivotally movable about an axis in response to flow of the fluid thereabout, connector rods each pivotally mounted at a first end thereof on the wing on opposite sides of the axis, a crank member attached to a second end of each of the connector rods and rotatable about a pivot axis by movement of the attached connector rod, a housing supporting the wing member, a gear system disposed in the housing, an axle interconnecting each of the crank members and the gear system, and an electrical generator disposed in the housing and driven by the gear system.

Abstract: A resonant wingbeat tuning circuit automatically tunes the frequency of an actuating input to the resonant frequency of a flexible wing structure. Through the use of feedback control, the circuit produces the maximum flapping amplitude of a mechanical ornithoptic system, tracking the resonant frequency of the vibratory flapping apparatus as it varies in response to change in flight condition, ambient pressure, or incurred wing damage.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade has an oscillation damper provided in the blade for damping oscillations of the blade, in particular edgewise oscillations of the blade in the rotational plane of a rotor on which the blade is mounted. The damper comprises a U-shaped cavity in which a saturated solution of sodium chloride in water may oscillate in counter-phase with the oscillations of the blade. The upper end of the arms of the U-shaped cavity are connected with a passage way so that an O-shaped cavity is provided. The cavity may be tuned to dampen oscillations of the first natural edgewise frequency or the second natural edgewise frequency of the blade or the damper may comprise both types of dampers. Furthermore, blades comprising dampers having a cylindrical element may roll in a box in the blade and dampers can have a resiliently suspended pendulum.

Abstract: A hollow cooled turbine airfoil is provided having pressure and suction side walls and a plurality of trailing edge cooling passages that feed cooling air bleed slots at the trailing edge. The suction side wall has a selectively reduced thickness, which allows shortened trailing edge slots, improving trailing edge cooling.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for converting the kinetic energy of a moving fluid stream into useful work by using a cascade of thin aero or hydro foils positioned therein. The foils may be provided with at least two degrees of freedom and adjacent foils move out of phase. The foils are subjected to fluid induced oscillations known as flutter. Barriers (3, 43) may be positioned upstream, above, or at sides of the apparatus for increasing efficiency by increasing the fluid velocity. A system of flywheels (17, 18) are used to increase inertia of the foils and are particularly useful with hydrofoils. A cascade of aero or hydro foils may be mechanically oscillated to transfer energy to a fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electricity from aeolian oscilaltions caused by the flow of a fluid such as wind or water. An immobile beam extends between two piers, and a movable vane is disposed around the beam in parallel relation thereto. The vane is generally tubular, having a generally cylindrical or foil-shaped cross section. The movement of a fluid, such as wind or deep ocean tidal flow, past the vane induces aeolian oscillation in the vane, so that the vane moves to-and-fro, with respect to the beam, in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow. Rods and a crankshaft may connect the vane to a generator mounted upon the beam, so that the movement of the vane is converted into electricity. Alternatively, electricity can be generated from the movement of the vane by a field coil on the vane inducing electrical current in induction wires mounted upon the immobile beam.

Abstract: A fan actuator device with an adjustable rotary angle having an upper connector rotated by a motor gear, a toggle mechanism formed by an upper connecting rod, a lower connecting rod and a coupling connector, a swinging arm connected to the coupling connector and a fan shelf and an adjusting handle. The upper and lower connecting rods are pivoted to an upper connector and the adjusting handle. Turning the adjusting handle changes the included angle between the upper and lower connecting rods, also changing the turning radius, to vary the swinging range of the fan.

Abstract: An ornithopter aircraft which flys by flapping a wing. The wing is flapped by a constructively sympathetically forced dampened harmonic oscillation induced in a leading edge strut which preferable is a single flexible steel rod extending the length of the wing. The wing releases the air on its upward recovery stroke by means of flexible flaps which uncover holes in a structural flexible web forming the wing. On the downward power stroke of the wing, the flaps sealingly abut and occlude the holes of the web, forming a wing surface relatively impermeable to the passage of air. An inner section of the wing, on both sides of the aircraft, where relatively little flapping motion displacement occurs, has a flexible layer which permanently covers and seals the holes of the web. This area of the wing generates lift during both upward and downward motion of the wing, due to the forward motion of the ornithopter and due to the capture of pressurized air from the downstroke of the wing.

Abstract: An apparatus for power production from low velocity fluid flow includes a lateral support arm assembly extending from a vertical drive shaft. A power blade is pivotally secured to the distal end of the support arm, and constrained to pivot within a defined operating angle. The center of force on the power blade is proximal to the power blade pivot, so that at the limit of travel of the support arm the thrust on the power blade moves the power blade into an over-center position, causing the power blade to pivot in retrograde fashion. The pivoted power blade then drives the support arm away from the extreme position, through a neutral position, to the opposite angular position, where the process reiterates and reverses. Thus the lateral support arm is driven continuously in oscillating, lateral motion.

Abstract: A device for variable control of the sweeping angle of a fan which includes a worm gear cooperating with a planet gear and a sun gear to provide variable sweep angle with a clutch mechanism to allow for the disengagement of the drive mechanism while varying sweep angle.

Abstract: An assembly can be anchored on a ceiling or a beam and includes a motor, preferably electrical, and a velocity demultiplexer formed by pulleys or by gear systems which transmits the motor driving force to an arm or arms of a fan member which has an axis common with that of the outlet of the demultiplexer. The movement of the motor is controlled by an electronic circuit which emulates manual impulsion, taking advantage of the natural frequency of oscillation of the pendulum which is formed by the mass of the fan member when it is suspended from an axle.

Abstract: A machine for extracting useful work from lowspeed winds includes a sail (28) pivotally mounted to an arm (22) for pivotal motion about a first axis (32), and a base (18) to which the arm (22) is pivotally mounted for pivotal motion about a second axis (24) that is parallel to the first axis (32). Through the use of a parallelogram linkage (38, 40, 52, 54), the angle .alpha. of the sail with respect to the base is rendered independent of the angle .theta. of the arm with respect to the base. This permits the angle of attack of the sail (28) to be programmed to provide any desired motion of the arm (22) with respect to the base. In a preferred embodiment, the angle .alpha. of the sail with respect to the base is coupled to the angle .theta. of the arm with respect to the base in quadrature so that the maximum angle of attack of the sail occurs in the middle of the stroke of the arm and so that the angle of attack of the sail is reduced to zero as the arm approaches the limits of its range of motion.

Abstract: An elevated and elongated boom is centrally pivoted for rocking movement in a vertical plane through the horizontal plane. Provision is made to align such plane with the direction of the wind. A pair of free wings are mounted on the fore and aft ends of the boom with control panels being oscillatably mounted on such wings for determining, by their relative positions and aerodynamic equilibrium reaction thereto, the angle of attack of such wings. Provision is made to control the relative positions of the control panels with respect to their respective wings so that the wings have angles of attack of opposite sense, with such senses being reversed as the boom approaches each predetermined limit of its rocking motion. The fore (canard) and aft wings are positioned and sized relative to each other to equalize their moment contributions to the rocking motion of the boom. Alternative wing structures are disclosed.

Abstract: An elevated and elongated boom is centrally pivoted for rocking movement in a vertical plane through the horizontal plane. Provision is made to align such plane with the direction of the wind. A pair of free wings are mounted on the fore and aft ends of the boom with control panels being oscullatably mounted on such wings for determining by their relative positions and aerodynamic equilibrium reaction thereto the angle of attack of such wings. Provision is made to control the relative positions of the control panels with respect to their respective wings so that the wings have angles of attack of opposite sense, with such senses being reversed as the boom approaches each predetermined limit of its rocking motion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for converting the kinetic energy of a moving fluid stream into useful work by means of a cascade of thin airfoils positioned therein. In one embodiment, the airfoils are provided with at least two degrees of freedom and adjacent airfoils are movable out of phase. The airfoils are subjected to the aerodynamically induced oscillations caused by the aeroelastic phenomenon known as flutter and the oscillatory movement is then harnessed to do useful work. In an alternate embodiment, a cascade of airfoils is mechanically oscillated within a moving fluid stream to increase the propulsion of the fluid. Where the fluid is a liquid, the cascade includes a plurality of hydrofoils.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improvement in wave motors for propulsion of boats, of the type comprising a supporting structure connected to the boat and extending downwards into the water, and a tilting element connected to the supporting structure, the tilting element being adapted to tilt when the boat is moved by the waves. The motor according to the invention is provided with force applying devices always trying to bring the tilting element back into a neutral position when it is angularly displaced away from this, thereby increasing the efficiency of the wave motor.

Abstract: An aerator for use in the neck of a flask for increasing the flow of gas from the exterior to the interior of the flask. The aerator has a gas-impervious exterior wall a plurality of gas moving members are positioned within the wall and tend to urge gas through the aerator.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for converting an air flow into useful mechanical work by means of a reciprocating blade means. The preferred blade means comprises a plurality of lightweight, airfoil shaped blades mounted in a stack for moving a carrier associated therewith along a rectilinear path. A reversing means reverses the angle of attack of the blade at each end of the carrier travel. The wind machine is generally of rectangular shape and can be readily used in combination with high-rise buildings to provide a useful work output.

Abstract: A fan having a single degree of freedom to torsionally oscillate in a horizontal plane which in one version oscillates about a fixed vertical axis, self-excited by an aerodynamic couple created by feathering vertically disposed vanes which are symmetrically located adjacent the tips of the fan blades on the air inflow side thereof, and in another version which oscillates about a pendulous axis, self-excited by precession of the rotating fan and motor armature as a pendulous gyro.