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

Abstract: A reaction turbine capable of providing high speed unidirectional rotation under a reversible ultra low head pressure and/or high velocity fluid flow is disclosed. The turbine comprises a working wheel with a plurality of airfoil-shaped blades mounted transversely to the direction of fluid flow for rotation in a plane parallel to the fluid flow. The blades are arranged in a helical configuration, a modification of a delta turbine, which ensures that a portion of the blades are always positioned perpendicular to the fluid pressure, thereby creating maximum thrust to spin the turbine and ensuring a continuous speed of rotation with no accelerations and decelerations. The skewed leading edges further reduce resistance to the turbine rotation. A channel having a rectangular cross-section may be provided to direct the fluid flow to the blades.

Abstract: A plant for recovering energy from waves in motion comprises a wedge-shaped unit, anchored, and self-adjusting towards the waves. The floating reception unit (1) is placed in the water and has a ramp (3) for the waves and a guide device (4) guiding the water to a reception pipe (8) and into an energy converting engine (9). The guide device comprises a number of reception funnels (4), the cross sections of which are narrowed down in the direction towards the energy converting engine (9). The plant also comprises a number of air chambers (16) and side chambers (10) in which the reception pipes (8) end.

Abstract: This new invention, the water column floating pump, is a fluid pump which uses a rotationally symmetric container to pump fluid from an inlet reservoir to the outlet end of the rotationally symmetric container. The rotationally symmetric container is adapted to float with its axis of rotation vertical in a pump flotation chamber. The rotationally symmetric container floats and rotates in the fluid being pumped and uses the buoyancy of the fluid to carry its weight. A plurality of helically spiralling conduits proximate the periphery of the symmetric container forms a system of vacuum suction tubes designed to suck water from the inlet reservoir, proximate the bottom of the fluid pump, to the outlet end proximate the top of the container. The rotationally symmetric container operates at low rotational speed and requires a small horsepower motor to overcome water friction and water pressure.

Abstract: A hinged vane rotor generating power from rivers, streams, tides or wind. A cylindrical drum is supported sideways in a current by axles at the ends connected to pulleys which are in turn, connected to a generator(s), mill wheel, pump or other working device. The rotor is turned by a series of hinged vanes, each one opening to catch the current on one side of the drum and closing to avoid the current on the other side of the drum. A fluid directing component is incorporated to increase current against one side of the drum and reduce it against the other side.

Abstract: Turbines are suspended coaxially between a hub structure and a pivot. The hub acts to stabilize the coaxial turbine system and it acts as the power take off. The pivot acts to stabilize the other end of the coaxial turbine system. A coaxial assembly of unique flexible turbines convert wind energy into rotational mechanical energy. Driver lines attached to the extremities of the turbines transmit this energy to the extremities of the hub structure. The hub imparts torque to a drive shaft at its center thorough a moment arm and the drive shaft supplies power to a useful application, such as generating electricity. The coaxial turbine system is suspended from tower to tower between existing power transmission lines. Electricity generated by this system is fed directly into the existing power distribution system. This coaxial generator system utilizes a variety of turbine configurations and can be suspended in the wind in a number of ways.

Abstract: A high volume aeration device comprises a motor and propeller tube suspended in a pond by a float. A propeller on the motor shaft and inside the propeller tube creates a generally hollow water output stream that rises out of the propeller tube. A diffuser plate is longitudinally slidable inside the hollow water output stream. The water output stream strikes the diffuser plate and locates it at an equilibrium location whereat the force of the water output stream on the diffuser plate periphery equals the weight of the diffuser plate. If the propeller cavitates, the reduced water output stream causes the diffuser plate to fall toward the propeller and redirect the water output stream to the propeller. The redirected water output stream reloads the propeller and enables the aeration device to resume full output without outside intervention after the cause of the cavitation has been eliminated.

Abstract: The disclosed portable water-powered electric generator unit has a tubular form with opposite open inlet and outlet ends defining a longitudinal flow path for the moving stream water. The tubular form defines a converging venturi terminating at a throat between the inlet and outlet ends. An electric dynamo, having a sealed housing and external driving propeller means, is supported in the flow path downsteam of the throat, with the propeller means at the throat. The inlet end is between 2-5 times larger in area than the venturi throat, to speed up the water passing through the propeller means. The tubular form and housing together define a diverging venturi downstream from the throat, decelerating the water with minimal losses before exiting from the open outlet end. The open outlet end is 1.1-1.

Abstract: A flotation platform supports a mast assembly through which a drive shaft extends having a wind driven turbine on the upper end and a propeller on the lower end situated below the water surface. The propeller is rotated by the wind turbine and causes localized water circulation in the body of water in which the mill is situated thus aerating and mixing the water in the summer and also maintaining an ice free area around the mill in winter.

Abstract: A water power apparatus, composed of independent, uniquely combined, and improved design features, which provides for: (1) side pontoons, the respective bows of which angle water away from the water flowing directly into the paddle wheels; (2) the addition of wheels to the cone shaped legs so as to enable vessel positioning in shallow water areas; (3) vertically dividing each respective side paddle wheel set in half, via a solid disk division extending vertically, at a right angle to, and from, the central axle to the outside extreme end of the paddle blades, off-setting the 90 degree spaced paddle blades in each such divided set by 45 degrees, and enclosing the extreme ends of each such set of divided paddle wheels via a similar solid, vertical disk enclosure extending vertically, at a right angle to, and from, the central axle to the outside extreme end of the paddle blades; (4) a gearing system utilizing the outside edge perimeter of a side paddle wheel disk enclosure, adjacent to the center boat, via vert

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: The invention describes an energy extractor for extracting energy from waves in the sea. A ring spine is disclosed and on the spine, spaced circumferentially thereof are flexible membranes which flex back and forth under the influence of the waves. The back and forth flexing deflects air back and forth and the air movement is used to drive air turbines and electrical generators. Arranging for the spine to be in a ring and spacing the membranes around the ring ensures efficient energy extraction regardless of wave direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing air with liquid, an aerator or oxygenator, comprises a motor or other power drive generally mounted in vertical position on a floating or a fixed structure, the motor having a shaft extending downwards through an opening in the center area of the float or fixed structure and bearing on its lower part a screw pump portion located in a cylindrical volute section just below the water level. When the apparatus is operating, the waste-water is sucked by means of the screw pump from the bottom of the body of liquid at which the apparatus is positioned and is pushed upwards in order to be diffused by means of a centrifugal impeller having outwardly curved blades, at least one of which extends downward to merge with a spiral shaped portion of a blade on the screw pump.

Abstract: A turbine includes a plurality of blades mounted on a rotary pedestal such that the pedestal is rotatable in the same direction regardless of the direction of flow. Conversion efficiency is improved by generally locating the zero lift plane of the blades on a cylindrical or conical surface coaxial with the rotary output.

Abstract: A system for recovering wave energy and its conversion into mechanical and electrical energy, comprising a pickup member kept in a submerged position and one or more resilient lines (extensible flexible hoses) connected mechanically at one end to the pickup member and at the other end to an anchor fixed to the sea or lake bed. The interior of the resilient lines are in communication at one end with a gas-filled accumulator vessel and are blind at the other end, and are also filled with an incompressible fluid. One or more turbines and displacement engines convert the pressure and kinetic energy of the incompressible fluid into mechanical energy. The turbines are coupled to an electric generator for generating electrical energy utilizing the mechanical energy.

Abstract: A hydro-dynamic device for capturing the energy of a natural stream of flowing water, and converting such current or flow of water energy into electric power for user consumption. The device has a primary tubular housing, a sealed, conical, secondary housing mounted within the tubular housing, the secondary housing containing an electrical generator. The secondary housing has a conical end portion, and is disposed within and along the exterior housing longitudinally. A rotor which drives the generator is coupled to the secondary housing, having blades disposed within the path of water entering the primary housing. The interior housing is rigidly mounted to the exterior housing by support panels that also act as guide vanes for the flow of water through the exterior housing over the conical portion of the interior housing, thus increasing water flow velocity. Rigidly affixed toward the rear of said cone are further guide vanes, at an angle approaching forty-five degrees.

Abstract: A rotatable shaft is provided with a plurality of blades each fixed at one end to the shaft and extending radially outwardly therefrom. Each of the blades has at least one gate or opening for the passage of fluid therethrough, and a slide movable between an inner position overlapping the blade and an outer position extending radially therefrom. The slide has means for opening said gate in one position and closing said gate in the other position. A cam for selectively moving said slide between said inner and outer positions is provided on a support for the shaft.

Abstract: From one or more lighter than air bodies, carrying wind energy catching rotor devices, like windmills, turbines or the like, the caught energy is mechanically transmitted to earth by at least one endless cable-rope transmission. Each of the cables is led over an individual sheave fitted to a turntable on earth (ground, ship, float or so), from which it drives a stationary machine, like a generator or such, and cable guide rolls are provided as needed. All functions of force-transmission, consisting of energy transmission, wind-resistance and upward-floating forces and steering are performed by the turntable through the endless energy transmission cable(s), and no tethering or other force-transmitting cables are applied. In addition a loose, very low tensioned communication line for control, gas supply and the like extends from the turntable to the floating parts. Cable guide rolls are provided as needed.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing air with liquid (aerator or oxygenator) comprises a motor or other power drive generally mounted in vertical position on a float or a fixed structure, the motor having a shaft extending downwards through an opening in the center area of the float or fixed structure and bearing on its lower part a propeller located in a cylindrical volute section just underneath the waterlevel. When the apparatus is operating, the waste-water is sucked by means of the propeller from the bottom of the body of liquid on which the apparatus is floating and pushed upwards in order to be diffused by means of a rotating diffusion head in the shape of a paddle-wheel. This feature increases efficiency of the installation, allowing the velocity of the fluid leaving the propeller to be kept as low as possible and the dimensions of intake volute and propeller to be increased.

Abstract: The subject-matter of the present invention is a system for the generation of electrical energy by utilizing the kinetic energy of seawater, comprising a floating body exhibiting two floating supports (1) connected by a lower platform (2), a main deck and a large impeller (5) arranged between them and having a horizontal axis (12). The impeller axis is carried by vertical platelike supports (4) which divide the impeller vanes into several sectors. The rotary movement of the impeller is transmitted to a machine park (19-22) located on the main deck (3) for the generation of electrical energy. Despite its large dimensions the system according to the invention is distinguished by its high stability (FIG. 7).

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently converting the power of running water to useful electrical energy; the apparatus including a pair of floating pontoons anchored in a running stream, and between which a plurality of paddle wheels, rotated by the water, drive a gear mechanism connected to an electric generator, and ducts under the pontoons converging toward the paddle wheels, for concentrating more water flow thereto.

Abstract: A generally toric lighter-than-air gas bag-type airfoil is tethered to the ground at a plurality of angularly widely distributed points about the periphery of the gas bag. A wind turbine is mounted at the entrance to the axially central vent. The tether lines are entrained about individually operable power winches, preferably controlled by a microprocessor which takes in wind direction and tether line tension data and operates the winches and inflation gas inlet and outlet valves to orient the wind turbine into the wind for maximum power output.

Abstract: The power apparatus includes a plurality of paddle wheels arranged in tandem and intended to be positioned generally transverse to the direction of movement of water at the surface of a body of water, each of the paddle wheels having a plurality of cylindrically curved blades which are concave on the blade face to be engaged and pushed by the water. Belt-like means mechanically couple the paddle wheels together to a power utilization device.

Abstract: A plurality of wind turbines are supported aloft on the same tethered airfoil which is provided with devices for orienting the wind turbines into the wind. Various ways and devices are described for converting the wind energy into electrical power and for connecting and providing the plural outputs to the same electrical power grid. The principles are applicable whether there are a small number of relatively large wind turbines, a large number of relatively small wind turbines or some of each.

Abstract: An undershot current motor is provided wherein a horizontal drive shaft is mounted on a float moored or anchored in moving water, the drive shaft being transverse to the moving water below, the drive shaft having at least two sets of 3-bladed paddle assemblies affixed thereon, wherein the blades are driven by the moving water and power is generated at the drive shaft. This new current motor may be used in tidal water or in continuously moving water, such as a river or stream, to generate power for producing electricity, for example.

Abstract: A system of floating, elongate, liquid storage containers are arranged in circular fashion for rotation about a generator positioned centrally of the system. The containers may be floated in relatively shallow waters which move at differential speed, such as between the shore and the center of a river, on the edge of a tidewater, etc. The differential water movement causes the entire pattern of storage containers to rotate and produce electrical energy.The inertia of the system produces a relatively uniform supply of energy over an extended period of time.

Abstract: This turbine is pontoon supported on a body of water, and it consists primarily of a pair of angularly disposed and spaced-apart rotors, which when in operation, will cause a minimal amount of injury to the environment, as concerning marine life and land surface flooding. The structure of this device is such, that water flow below it has a suction effect, which draws the surface water along, thus causing the surface water to build against the rotors, so the water proceeds to flow between the rotors, which thereby increases its power generating potential.

Abstract: A power plant for the generation of electricity from the flow of water currents uses turbine wheels within nozzles submerged in the water current, anchored to the bottom of the water course, as for example, the ocean, and self-buoyed to a level well below the water surface. Pairs of counter-rotating turbines are supported by their rims, which bear against friction drive wheels, which in turn drive electrical generators contained in water-tight machine rooms within the wall of the nozzle. A structural design is disclosed, providing for the building of modules of the nozzle ashore, which modules may then be barged to the deep-water site for assembly into the whole power plant.

Abstract: Wind driven rotors are affixed along the length of a flexible power shaft, and the shaft is suspended at a great height above the earth by means of a swivel. The lowermost end of the shaft is connected to rotate a ground supported energy conversion device. The winds aloft impart rotational motion into the wind rotors, whereupon the rotational energy of the shaft is converted into electrical power or other form of power by the conversion device.The swivel enables the rotating shaft to be affixed to a nonrotating lifting or suspension device. The lifting device includes lighter-than-air lifting bodies, aerodynamic lifting bodies, as well as a combination thereof. In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of lifting bodies suspend a plurality of wind rotors, with each of the rotors being affixed to the shaft by a clutch means, so that when a wind gradient is encountered, a slowly rotating rotor will become disengaged from the shaft, thereby avoiding induced drag of the slow rotor.

Abstract: A tethered wind-driven floating power plant which includes a support body carrying at least one rotor assembly, a current generator coupled to the rotor and alignment assembly for aligning the rotor to face into the wind, a ground anchor and at least one captivating stay connecting the floating power plant to the anchor. The support body is hollow and gas-filled to carry its own weight as well as the weight of the rotor assembly, current generator and alignment assembly. The support body is connected to the captivating stay through a joint connection having three degrees of freedom. The rotors are gimbal-mounted, at a variable relative position with respect to the support body but in fixed positions relative to one another.

Abstract: A fluid current motor adapted to extract energy from flowing natural currents is disclosed wherein a wheel-like frame is rotatably mounted about a vertical axis. The frame is positioned over a flowing water current, such as a stream, river, or the like, and is provided with a plurality of radial arms or spokes each of which is fitted with an articulated knuckle intermediate its length. At the outer extremity of each spoke there is mounted a yoke which pivotally supports a fluid reaction blade journaled intermediate its height in its associated yoke. Each yoke and blade assembly is buoyantly supported on the surface of the water by a pair of pontoons which maintain the blade at the same depth relative to the water surface regardless of variations in the level of the flowing water current.

Abstract: A pair of hull portions connected in spaced parallel relation support a water wheel and form a passageway therebetween for driving engagement of flowing water against the vanes of the water wheel. The water wheel is made up of a pair of wheel portions having peripheral gear teeth, and these teeth are engageable with gears which drive electric generators. The vanes of the water wheel are adjustable to vary the driving power thereof and have nozzles thereon arranged to discharge water under pressure to provide a boost for the wheel. A brake is provided to control rotation of the water wheel, and an auxiliary engine is provided to drive the water wheel when necessary. The longitudinal hull portions support a gate mechanism at the inlet end of the water passageway to control the flow of water through such passageway and have air chambers to buoyantly support the device. The device has vertically extendable legs for ground support.

Abstract: A power generating machine which is actuated by the continuous swells occurring in the ocean. The machine is supported on a pair of spaced main floats, between which is a power float connected to a linkage which allows the power float to reciprocate vertically with the passing swells. A flywheel is driven through a one way clutch connected to the float linkage to drive an electrical generator, the linkage also being coupled to an air compressor. Sensing floats pivotally attached to the main float support structure detect the contour of the swells and, through associated drive means, cause the spacing of the main floats to be adjusted to the existing swells crest spacing for maximum efficiency.

Abstract: A wind actuated rotatable tubular device comprising a generally tubular member formed of a collapsible and flexible material having an inlet opening at one end and an outlet opening at the other end thereof with rigid rods secured to said tubular member to define the inlet and outlet openings and with a blade-like member secured across at least one of said openings. A flexible line is attached to the rods at the inlet opening centrally of said opening with the opposite end of the flexible line attached to an anchoring member so that the wind passing through the tubular member will strike and impinge against the blade-like member to cause the tubular member to rotate with respect to the anchoring member.