Abstract: A rotating apparatus includes a rotating assembly and a position-limiting assembly. The rotating assembly includes a driving unit and at least one rotating component. The driving unit is adapted to drive the rotating component to rotate with a first axis. The position-limiting assembly includes a position-limiting component, at least one first column, and a buckling component. The position-limiting assembly is disposed on the rotating assembly and is adapted to limit a position of the rotating component. The first column is connected to the position-limiting component. The position-limiting component is located between the rotating component and the buckling component and is able to move along the first axis. The buckling component is movably disposed on the position-limiting component and has at least one buckling portion. The buckling portion is adapted to be buckled to the first column or move away from the first column.

Abstract: Wind turbine blades comprising one or more deformable trailing edge sections having a multistable sheet comprising a plurality of bistable elements, each bistable element having two stable positions, wherein the multistable sheet is attached in a cantilever manner to a structural portion of the blade and extends in a chordwise direction, and the multistable sheet is connected to a skin of the blade such that upon changing one or more bistable elements from one stable position to the other stable position a shape of the trailing edge section changes. The application further relates to wind turbines comprising such blades and methods of controlling loads on the blades.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a wind turbine system. In this embodiment, the system includes a rotor blade attached to a rotor hub drivingly coupled to an electric generator. The system includes a controllable feature configured to decrease a noise generated by the rotor blade if activated. The system includes a sensor configured to detect an atmospheric variation approaching the rotor blade. The system includes a noise manager circuit configured to authorize a noise mitigation measure responsive to the detected atmospheric variation. The system includes a control circuit configured to activate the controllable feature in response to the authorized noise mitigation measure. In an embodiment, the system includes a support structure positioning the rotor hub a sufficient distance above the ground to allow rotation of the rotor blade about the rotor hub without contacting the ground.

Abstract: The main rotor control system includes a rise/fall swashplate assembly that is coupled to three triplex actuators. The swashplate assembly is configured to provide full collective and cyclic pitch controls. Each triplex actuator includes three piston/cylinder assemblies in parallel. Selective actuation of each triplex actuator is controlled by a fly-by-wire system in conjunction with three flight control computers and three hydraulic power packs. Integrated three function valves can be associated with an individual manifold for each piston/cylinder assembly of each triplex actuator, the integrated three function valve be configured to insure safe operation of the triplex actuator during a failure of a certain piston/cylinder assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a wind power plant having a rotor (5) driven by wind and rotating about a horizontal or substantially horizontally aligned rotor axis (6). The rotor includes a plurality of rotor blades (1, 2, 3), each extending in the direction of a blade axis (11, 12 13) which is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the rotor axis and about which the respective rotor blade (1, 2, 3) is rotated, wherein the rotor (5) is rotated about a vertical or substantially vertically aligned yaw axis (8) having a yaw angle velocity (?), whereby gyroscopic loads are generated on the rotor blades (1, 2, 3), and wherein the gyroscopic loads on the rotor blades (1, 2, 3) are reduced by rotating the rotor blades (1, 2, 3) about the blade axes (11, 12, 13) thereof depending on the yaw angle velocity (?) or a guide variable (?c) influencing said velocity.

Abstract: An improved wind energy machine for capturing the wind to produce useful work, such as generating electricity. The wind energy machine has a rotating center hub with a center drive shaft and a vertical axis disposed therethrough. An output shaft is attached to or integral with the drive shaft. Extending outward from the center hub are a plurality of arms that each have an arm support structure comprising a plurality of frame members. The arms rotate the center hub and drive shaft. Pivotally attached to each arm support structure is at least one sail structure that supports a sail. The sail structures pivot to close the sails and engage the wind on one side of the machine and open to allow the wind to pass through on the opposite side. In a preferred embodiment, a pivoting kicker sail provides additional rotation action and a shroud structure helps trap the wind.

Abstract: Controlling rotor blades of a rotor assembly includes determining an azimuthal position of a rotor assembly and identifying a lateral control command value, a longitudinal control command value and a collective control command value of a rotor assembly control system. A sine value and a cosine value of the azimuthal position are calculated and separate blade commands signals are generated for each separate blade of the rotor assembly to control a position of each blade independent of each other blade. The blade command signals are generated based on combining the sine and cosine values of the azimuthal position with the lateral control command value, the longitudinal control command value and the collective control command value.

Abstract: A control system for a turbine blade, including: an operational control element for generating and outputting an operational control signal, the operational control signal for non-emergency operation of a motor for controlling pitch of the turbine blade; an emergency control element, separate from and different from the operational control element, for generating and outputting an emergency control signal for emergency operation of the motor; and, an output stage element for receiving the operational and emergency control signals and for selecting one of the operational or emergency control signals, and with a means for receiving power for operation of the motor and with a means for providing the received power to the motor according to the selected operational or emergency control signal.

Abstract: A turbine creating fluid displacement or thrust having an outer frame superstructure comprised of opposed disk assemblies extending parallel, each joined concentrically to a central sun gear and central drive shaft housing, each spaced apart along a central axis defining an interior operating space to support a motor driven driveshaft joined to a rotatable interplanetary assembly that secures two or more orbiting evenly spaced planetary turbines by bearing means each having a pivoting wing/s which presents a maximum contact surface profile in drive maximally impinging on air or water and pivoting back to a position of least resistance in glide thereby creating current or thrust, each made to counter rotate, once around its axis as the interplanetary assembly rotates once around the propulsion turbine's central axis, each maintaining a transverse planetary turbine and wing orientation relative to the direction of created thrust or fluid displacement.

Abstract: A vertical-shaft wind turbine double-layer reverse rotation and horizontal active wings consist of support devices and blades etc., characterized in that: further including a movable wing link gear, a positioning device, a stop device, an auxiliary start device, a speed adjusting device and blade shaft; wherein the movable wing link gear, the positioning device and the auxiliary start device are all mounted in the body of the wind turbine; the blades are associated with the blade shaft; the speed adjusting gear is between the blade shaft and the linkage gear of the movable wing link gear; the stop device is mounted on the side wall of the linkage gear case, the auxiliary limitation devices are mounted at the front ends of the top and lower blades and the tail of the top blade respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic device of reversible type adapted to be used both as a water turbine and a hydraulic pump. Said device has characteristics of simplicity of construction and use. In the case of use as a water turbine it does not require distributors of a particular shape and does not require drops of great heights being adapted to take advantage of the pressure of the fluid and not only of the speed thereof.

Abstract: An object is to facilitate checking of functional normality of a pilot check valve. A wind turbine generator includes a pilot check valve for restricting a flow of hydraulic oil relative to each oil hydraulic cylinder for changing a pitch angle of each blade, and the pilot check valve functions for fixing the pitch angle of the blade to a feather position in a state in which rotation of the blade is stopped. The function of the pilot check valve may be hindered. The wind turbine generator detects an operation state of the blade during a process of changing the pitch angle of the blade from the feather position to a fine position, and compares the detected operation state of the blade to an operation state of the blade when the pilot check valve functions normally, to determine whether or not there is any abnormality in the pilot check valve.

Abstract: The computer programmable system and program product include first program instructions for actively driving a first imbalance mass concentration rotor and a second imbalance mass concentration rotor at a vibration canceling rotation frequency while controlling the rotational position of the first imbalance mass concentration and the second imbalance mass concentration to produce a rotating net force vector to inhibit periodic vibrations. The program product includes second program instructions to opposingly orient the first imbalance mass concentration relative to the second imbalance mass concentration during a starting stopping rotation speed less than the vibration canceling rotation frequency. The system includes a fault mode control protocol for controlling a rotation of the rotors during a sensed failure of the rotating assembly vibration control system.

Abstract: A rotary system and method to control feathering and centrifugal forces of a rotor blade during flight. The rotary system having a hub assembly, which includes a hollow yoke arm to receive a spindle section of the rotor blade. A tension-torsion strap extends through the hollow yoke arm and couples the rotor blade and the hub assembly. The method includes allowing the spindle section of the rotor blade to pivot within the hollow yoke arm and controlling rotational and centrifugal movement of the rotor blade with the tension-torsion strap.

Abstract: A wind turbine includes a quartet of pivot shafts in paired parallel relationship and transversely mounted on a central drive shaft, each pivot shaft supporting a pair of wings at opposed ends thereof, the wings offset by 90°. Each pivot shaft rotates cyclically through 90° to move each wing from a wind-engaging orientation (drive position) in which the wing presents a flat surface approximately transverse to the incident wind, to a minimum drag position (glide position). The wings of each pair of pivot shafts open into the drive position at the same time and rotational angle of the turbine. A backstop at the site of each drive position transfers force from each wing to the central drive shaft.

Abstract: A centrifugal force bearing having a means for providing a steady pitching moment is disclosed. The centrifugal force bearing may optionally comprise a coning means. A rotor system having the centrifugal force bearing is disclosed. A rotary-wing aircraft having the centrifugal force bearing is disclosed.

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 windmill having a substantially vertical tower to which a rotatable hub is mounted. At least three arms extend substantially horizontally from the hub and terminate in cones having louvers that can be opened and closed, such as by a servo motor and linkage. A computer receives a signal from a wind direction sensor and actuates the opening and closing of the louvers to optimize wind resistance depending upon the orientation of the cone relative to the wind direction. Indicia are preferably placed on one or both sides of the louvers.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for controlling the amplitude modulation of noise generated by a wind turbine is disclosed. The method may generally include determining an angle of attack of a rotor blade of a wind turbine and maintaining the angle of attack at a substantially constant value during rotation of the rotor blade in order to reduce the amplitude modulation of the noise generated by the wind turbine.

Abstract: A trim tab assembly includes first and second shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators and a trim tab substrate which provide elastic/plastic locking in response to an induced strain actuation.

Abstract: A method of controlling a wind turbine that includes at least one rotor shaft and at least one blade operatively coupled to the rotor shaft includes measuring a first wind turbine operational condition that is representative of a blade deflection value and generating a first operational condition signal based on that first wind turbine operational condition. The wind turbine also includes a drive train including at least one rotor shaft and an electric generator. The method also includes measuring at least one second wind turbine operational condition and generating at least one second operational condition signal. The method further includes changing the blade deflection value by changing the second operational condition.

Abstract: A fan assembly includes a centrifugal fan mounted at one end of an arm that is arranged to pivot with at least two degrees of rotational freedom. A rotary driver is coupled to the arm with a ball and socket joint so that the centrifugal fan oscillates in use. The fan assembly may be configured as an orchard sprayer to disburse pesticide into foliage and be mounted to, or towed by, an agricultural vehicle. In use the motion of the fan assists in opening up foliage for improved penetration of the pesticide therein.

Abstract: Described herein is an improved wind turbine with a dynamic blade configuration.

Abstract: Anti-noise wind turbine. A wind turbine (11) which comprises a blade rotor which activates an electric generator and control mechanisms for said rotor in which the blades (13) include mechanisms which allow the reduction of its lift on a length, measured from its tip, less than or equal to its radius R and said control mechanisms allow said lift reduction mechanisms to be activated cyclically during the passing of each blade through a circular sector S less than or equal to 160°. The invention also refers to an operation method for said wind turbine with which said lift reduction mechanisms are cyclically operated during the passing of each blade through a circular sector S delimited between two hypothetical radii located, following the direction of the blades, at 10 and 170° from the hypothetical radius at which a blade (13) reaches maximum height.

Abstract: Helicopter rotating hub mounted vibration control system for a rotary wing hub having periodic vibrations while rotating at an operational rotation frequency. The vibration control system includes a housing attachable to the rotary wing hub and rotating with the hub at the operational frequency. The housing is centered about the rotary wing hub axis of rotation and has an electronics housing cavity subsystem and an adjacent rotor housing cavity subsystem. The rotor housing cavity contains a first coaxial ring motor with a first rotor and imbalance mass and a second coaxial ring motor with a second rotor and imbalance mass.

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: The present invention concerns a wind turbine having a plurality of vertically extending airfoils forming a rotating carousel rotating about a central axis thereof. The airfoils pivot about their leading edges to adjust the pitch angle thereof to maximize energy harvest when the airfoils are rotating both in an upwind direction and in a down wind direction. This pivoting movement results from trailing edges of the airfoils being pivotally secured to rigid spokes or cables of a trailing edge hub. An adjustment mechanism is pivotally mounted between a carousel hub and the trailing edge hub and is used to control the separation between a central axis of the trailing edge hub and the axis of rotation of the carousel as they co-rotate. As the carousel rotates, the offset distance between the two axes determines the maximum achievable pitch angle of each airfoil.

Abstract: A waterwheel apparatus having solar-planetary type blades and a solar-planetary type blade assembly thereof are provided. The waterwheel apparatus having solar-planetary type blades includes a frame, at least one solar-planetary type blade assembly, and a power unit. The solar-planetary type blade assembly is fixed to the frame. The solar-planetary type blade assembly includes a rotating disk, a central fixed portion, a plurality of blades, and a transmission mechanism. The rotating disk is capable of rotating relative to the central fixed portion. The blades are pivoted to the rotating disk, and capable of rotating relative to the rotating disk. The transmission mechanism is located between the rotating disk and the central fixed portion for transmitting power between the rotating disk and the central fixed portion, so that the blades can spin and also revolve around the central fixed portion. The power unit has an axle center, and the axle center rotates together with the rotating disk.

Abstract: A method and device for suppressing the destructive force of a tropical cyclone, wherein the ascendant speed of wind in the eyewall of a cyclone is reduced by sea water pumped on-site from under the sea surface to above the surface, and then dispensed in the wind at the bottom of the cyclone in/near its eyewall.

Abstract: A wind turbine includes a quartet of pivot shafts that are in paired parallel relationship and transversely mounted on a central drive shaft. each pivot shaft supports a pair of wings at opposed ends thereof, the wings offset by 90°. Each pivot shaft rotates cyclically through 90° to move each wing from a wind-engaging orientation (drive position) in which the wing presents a flat surface approximately transverse to the incident wind, to a minimum drag position (glide position). In addition, the two wings of each pair on a shaft are disposed in planes that are offset by approximately 90° about their pivot shaft, so that one is in the drive position while the other is in the glide position. The wings of each pair of pivot shafts have wings at the ends thereof that open into the drive position at the same time and rotational angle of the turbine. A backstop at the site of each drive position supports the wind load and transfers its force to the central drive shaft.

Abstract: Described herein is an improved wind turbine with a dynamic blade configuration.

Abstract: The computer programmable system and program product include first program instructions for actively driving a first imbalance mass concentration rotor and a second imbalance mass concentration rotor at a vibration canceling rotation frequency while controlling the rotational position of the first imbalance mass concentration and the second imbalance mass concentration to produce a rotating net force vector to inhibit periodic vibrations. The program product includes second program instructions to opposingly orient the first imbalance mass concentration relative to the second imbalance mass concentration during a starting stopping rotation speed less than the vibration canceling rotation frequency. The system includes a fault mode control protocol for controlling a rotation of the rotors during a sensed failure of the rotating assembly vibration control system.

Abstract: A propeller comprising a hub (101) and a plurality of fins (3) extending radially outwards from the hub, wherein each fin is moveably connected to the hub such that, during rotation of the propeller, either the dihedral, the rake or both the dihedral and the rake of the fin(s) can be altered and controlled over a working range by movement of the fin(s) about one or more axes of rotation; and one or more actuators for controlling the dihedral or rake of the fins independently of the pitch of the fins.

Abstract: A fluid-driven turbine for power generation is provided with a central rotatable shaft and a plurality of vanes mounted on the central shaft and configured to provide a net torque to the shaft when the turbine is disposed in a moving fluid. The vanes may be rotatable around an axis substantially transverse to the central shaft, to provide a relatively large resistive area when moving with the current, and a relatively small resistive area when moving against the current. In this manner, the vanes provide a continuous net torque to the turbine when it is placed in a moving current of fluid.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a novel apparatus for the movement of air. Specifically, the apparatus is an axial fan assembly which is rotatable about a horizontal axis to orient the axial fan in a vertical position, a horizontal position, or positions in between. The axial fan can be adjusted and selectively fixed in a particular orientation. The height of the axial fan is also adjustable. The vertical support member comprises a telescoping mechanism whereby the length of the vertical support member is adjustable and can be selectively fixed at a particular length.

Abstract: A wind turbine with improved response to wind conditions is provided. Blade flap angle motion is accompanied by a change in pitch angle by an amount defining a pitch/flap coupling ratio. The coupling ratio is non-constant as a function of a flap angle and is preferably a substantially continuous, non-linear function of flap angle. The non-constant coupling ratio can be provided by mechanical systems such as a series of linkages or by configuring electronic or other control systems and/or angle sensors. A link with a movable proximal end advantageously is part of the mechanical system. The system can provide relatively large coupling ratios and relatively large rates of coupling ratio changes especially for near-feather pitches and low flap angles.

Abstract: Helicopter rotating hub mounted vibration control system for a rotary wing hub having periodic vibrations while rotating at an operational rotation frequency. The vibration control system includes a housing attachable to the rotary wing hub and rotating with the hub at the operational frequency. The housing is centered about the rotary wing hub axis of rotation and has an electronics housing cavity subsystem and an adjacent rotor housing cavity subsystem. The rotor housing cavity contains a first coaxial ring motor with a first rotor and imbalance mass and a second coaxial ring motor with a second rotor and imbalance mass.

Abstract: Vertical axis turbine apparatus is described in which a rotating blade turbine member mounted on a fixed base consists of one to fifty, preferably two or three, upwardly and outwardly inclined spars (F). On each spar is set at least one aerofoil or hydrofoil section blade (S). If there is more than one spar, the spars are preferably held to one another via a plurality of guy wires (T).

Abstract: An integrated propulsion and guidance system for an aircraft or other vehicle includes an engine coupled to a propeller via a driveshaft to produce propulsive force. One or more of the propeller blades are pivotably mounted with respect to the hub of the propeller. A control signal is provided to adjust the blade pitch of the pivotable blades as the blades rotate about the hub. The change in blade pitch as the blade rotates produces a torque imbalance that can be used to control the heading of the vehicle. By varying the magnitude and phase of the control signal provided to the propeller, the torque can be applied in a multitude of distinct reference planes, thereby allowing the orientation of the vehicle to be adjusted through action of the pivotable propeller blade(s).

Abstract: In an electrohydraulic control unit for rotor blade adjustment of a wind farm via a hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic cylinder has one piston chamber and one piston rod chamber. Via an inflow valve assembly, a pressure fluid connection can be established between the pump and the piston chamber, while via an outflow valve assembly, a pressure fluid connection can be established between the piston rod chamber and the tank. Each valve assembly has at least two parallel-connected switch valves, which open and can be closed in various combinations in order to establish a desired position of the hydraulic cylinder. This control unit makes precise regulation of the rotor blade possible.

Abstract: A positioning system is provided for use in a wind tunnel that results in accurate and dynamic orientation for a model while reducing aerodynamic interference. The system includes a pitch-yaw sleeve having a generally cylindrical shape and a torque tube disposed askew within the sleeve and rotatable about its longitudinal axis to drive a shaft. The shaft is generally elongated and crooked. The sting, to which a model is affixed, is rotatably attached to a distal end of the shaft. Rotation of the pitch-yaw tube and/or the pitch-yaw sleeve provides precise pitch and yaw orientation of the model, and rotation of the sting relative to the shaft provides precise roll orientation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a switching apparatus having an actuating shaft, an actuator, at least one switch and a housing. A switching apparatus in the form of at least one actuating guide which is connected with a first actuating guide portion to the actuating shaft and which with a second actuating guide portion at least partially embraces the actuating shaft at a predetermined spacing, wherein provided on the convex side of the second actuating guide portion is an actuating track for the switch or switches, insofar as at at least one predetermined position the spacing between the outer peripheral edge and the actuating shaft is greater for a predetermined arcuate dimension than at other positions of the second actuating guide portion.

Abstract: A multi-element rotor blade includes a main element and an active slat movable relative to the main element. The slat rotates and translates relative to the main element from a base position. The base position provides a compromise between minimum coefficient of drag CD and maximum coefficient of lift CLmax. In the advancing blade, since the airspeed thereof is significantly greater than the retreating blade, the slat is positively rotated from the base position to minimizes drag at low angles of attack. In the retreating blade, since the airspeed thereof is significantly lower than the advancing blade, the slat is negatively rotated and translated to maximize the coefficient of lift CLmax.

Abstract: The device (10′), with rotating (10′) and non-rotating (14′) cyclic stars is designed in such a way that at least one of the two stars includes a modular link fitting assembly (46, 42) ensuring the links with said star (12′, 14′) and the pitch connecting rods (6) and/or at least one driving device or with the pilot control devices (17) and/or at least one retaining device, said interconnecting fittings being attached rigidly and separately to an annular device, such as one of the rings (31′, 30′) of the bearing (21′) on the corresponding star (14′, 12′).

Abstract: A wind energy converter includes a support arm or post rotatably mounted on a base and having an upper free end; a pivot arm is pivotally mounted on the free end and has an end remote from the support arm; a pair of vanes are mounted on a pivot rod carried at the end of the pivot arm so that the vanes are free to rotate about the pivot rod; abutment arms are provided on the end of the pivot arm to limit the arc through which the vanes may rotate; at the other end of the pivot arm a linkage structure is provided to connect the other end of the pivot arm to an electrical generator.

Abstract: A multi-fan assembly with a built in electromagnetic control device composed of a magnetic induction mask fixedly received in a space in a rotatable member, a magnetic flux coil fixedly connected to a central main shaft and snugly surrounded by the magnetic induction mask, and a current control unit also fixedly connected to a central main shaft, wherein the current control unit sends a desired current to the magnetic flux coil to produce a magnetic flux which magnetizes the silicon steel core of the magnetic flux coil to attract the metal magnetic induction mask thereby generating a resistant force to reduce the revolving speed of the two member fans round the central main shaft. Three options are designed for manipulating the current coming out of the current control unit; a direct wired wall control switch, or a wireless remote controlling using infra-red design or an automatic speed control using a speed detecting sensor.

Abstract: On the rotor, between each blade and the member for linking with the hub, an electrical connecting cable comprises a first section of which one part is held above that one of the two blade pins which is the detachable pin whose withdrawal allows the folding of the blade by pivoting about the other blade pin forming a pivot pin, by holding means tied to this detachable pin, in the flight position of the blade. This section of cable is released from its holding means before the withdrawal of the latter and of the detachable blade pin, which precedes the folding, in such a way that this section of cable deforms naturally on following the pivoting of the blade. After deployment of the blade, a part of the section of cable is again held in the holding means, in the flight position of the blade.

Abstract: On the rotor, between each blade and the member for linking with the hub, an electrical connecting cable comprises a first section of which one part is held above that one of the two blade pins which is the pivot pin about which the blade can be folded by pivoting, once the other blade pin has been removed. This holding is provided by a cradle formed in a cable support connected to the pivot pin, and by a collar articulated to one edge of the cradle and which can be folded down into the closed position onto the opposite edge of the cradle, to which this collar can be connected detachably by at least one detachable retaining element. The section of cable is manually released from the collar and from the cradle before the removal of the removable pin, which precedes folding, so that this section of cable deforms naturally, following the pivoting of the blade.

Abstract: On the rotor, between each blade integral with its folding mount and the member for linking with the hub, an electrical connecting cable comprises a first section of which one part is held, in any position of the blade about the folding axis, above said mount and the radially outer end of the link member on which the mount pivots, in an off-centered position with respect to the folding axis and on the side towards which the blade is designed to be folded. This holding is provided by a cable support tied to the folding pivot and on which an arm, receiving the held part of this section of cable, is mounted in cantilever manner on the folding side.

Abstract: A thrust levitation mechanism comprising a main rotor having a plurality of lifting rotor locations about the periphery thereof driven lifting rotors located at each lifting rotor location, said lifting rotors each having a rotational axis substantially in the plane of said main rotor and positioned at substantially a right angle to radii of said main rotor. Bob rotors or disc rotors may be used as the lifting rotors and may be angled out of the plane of the main rotor to induce thrust at an angle to the axis of the main rotor or to otherwise induce thrust asymmetrically. The thrust levitation devices of this invention are useful to induce movement in vehicles including automobiles, airplanes and space ships, among other applications. Use of paired, counter rotating main rotors and a plurality of levitation devices are contemplated.