Abstract: A wind turbine is described which includes a vertical axle mounted for rotation to drive an output utilization device. Around the axle is arranged a circumferential array of wind vanes, each wind vane comprising a generally rectangular panel of flexible material supported in a frame and having a pocket opened along a vertical side which is able to flare out and catch the wind in one direction but collapse upon rotation around to the opposite direction, allowing a net output power to be generated by the wind being received in the wind vane pockets. A successive opening of the pockets insures a rapid opening action. A releasable hinging of the wind vane frame allows spilling of winds at excessive wind speeds.

Abstract: A wind turbine assembly including a rotor body having mounted thereon a plurality of rotor blades. Each of the rotor blades may be joined at an inner extremity to a blade stem projection extending interiorly into the rotor body and secured to the rotor body by a torsional-spaced and axial-shock damping connection. The blade stem projection may also be secured within the rotor body in a manner allowing limited rotation of the blade stem projection relative to the rotor body, corresponding to a selective range of pitch of the associated rotor blade, with a system for rotating a blade stem projections of each of the rotor blades by corresponding degrees of rotation to provide a predetermined pitch of the rotor blades. Also disclosed are pitch-damping tower designs, and an integrated design wherein the tower is pitch- and yaw-damped.

Abstract: A wind turbine of the type having a rotor (1, 31) with a relatively large number of vanes (3-14, 35-40) mounted one behind the other on a central shaft (2, 30) of the rotor. At least a number of the vanes are mounted for free rotation relative to the central shaft and are coupled to adjacent vanes by a catch device (51, 52, 54, 55). A detecting device (100-105) is provided for detecting impending overload of the rotor, and a vane adjusting device (60-67) is provided which in response to impending overload detected by the detecting device can turn the vanes mounted for free rotation relative to the shaft and relatively to one another so that the vanes become at least partially aligned one behind the other.

Abstract: A more efficient wind power generation system is afforded by extending tower heights to several hundred meters to operate wind catching rotors and generators aligned with the wind direction at various levels along the tower. With multiple vertically cascaded wind generators and higher velocity winds at higher elevations greater power is produced as a system characterized by a small footprint. This is particularly enhanced by a single mast construction, which is supported by a dynamic guy wire tensioning system to accommodate varying lateral forces primarily caused by the change in direction of wind loads on the tower. The mast is built from modular sections connected together at articulated joints, between which the various rotors are stationed.

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 more efficient wind power generation system is afforded by extending tower heights to several hundred meters to operate wind catching rotors and generators aligned with the wind direction at various levels along the tower. With multiple vertically cascaded wind generators and higher velocity winds at higher elevations greater power is produced in a system characterized by a small footprint. This is particularly enhanced by a single mast construction, which is supported by a dynamic guy wire tensioning system to accomodate varying lateral forces primarily caused by the change in direction of wind loads on the tower. The mast is built from modular sections connected together at articulated joints, between which the various rotors are stationed.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electric power from wind includes a base, a pair of upstanding, generally parallel, spaced apart walls rotatably mounted on the base and defining an inlet end and an outlet end for wind, an electric power generator mounted on the base and having an input shaft, and a vertical axis cylindrical rotor having a plurality of wind driven vanes and mounted on the base between the walls, and having an output shaft coupled to rotate the input shafts. A curved inner modulator is rotatably mounted on the base inside said rotor and is selectively movable for controlling wind flow through the rotor. An inlet modulator is rotatably mounted on the base at the inlet end and is selectively movable for controlling wind flow to the rotor.

Abstract: A yawing system for a wind mill consists of two yawing motors (9, 11) acting on a toothed rim of the yawing bearing. On each its drive shaft (21) the motors (9, 11) are provided with a free wheel (23) and an electromagnetic friction brake (25). The free wheel devices (23) are directed opposite each other. A control system operates in a passive state in such a manner that the motors give opposite and relative to the braking moment of the brake (25) of a second motor smaller torque thereby avoiding dead clearance between drive wheel (15) and toothed rim (17) while at the same time keeping the generator housing (5) of the mill at rest. In the active state of the control system both brakes (25) are disengaged and both motors give a higher torque in the same direction. The system acts as a shock absorber by loads exceeding the fixed slip moment of the friction brake (25).

Abstract: A windmill is provided with a yawing device which includes two or more gear motors disposed about the periphery of a stationary tower toothed rim. Each gear motor has a driving wheel attached at an end thereof for engaging the toothed rim. By applying a suitable current to the gear motors, in equal and opposite directions, the mill can be held at an optimum position, relative to the wind, at a low power consumption. The use of multiple motors also provides optimum reliability with smooth and even yawing action.

Abstract: A windmill includes an airframe having an upwind end and a downwind end, a first rotor rotatably connected to the airframe, and a generator supported by the airframe and driven by the rotor. The airframe is supported vertically in an elevated disposition by poles which extend vertically upwardly from the ground and support cables which extend between the vertical poles. Suspension cables suspend the airframe from the support cable.

Abstract: A device for generating power from wind which includes a shaft extending in a longitudinal direction and propelling elements mounted on the shaft. The shaft is mounted for rotation in a frame which is also mounted for rotation. The device also includes a deflector on the frame for deflecting wind into the propelling elements by orienting the frame due to rotation thereof to have a portion thereof facing the direction of travel of the wind. The deflector also increases the force of the wind on the propelling elements by compressing the wind and further deflects the wind to strike the propelling elements at a position radially outwardly of the shaft and radially inwardly of an outer periphery of the frame. The deflector further prevents the wind from striking the propelling elements along a part of the outer periphery of the frame which faces the wind direction.

Abstract: According to the invention, a wind turbine 10 incorporates a wind vane 105 which mechanically controls a valve 100 that directs the output of a turbine driven hydraulic pump 75 to yaw the turbine out of the wind upon a loss of system power or load. The turbine yaws out of the wind at an angular rate that is roughly proportional to rotor speed so that excessive teeter amplitudes are not encountered. The mechanically driven pump advantageously provides power to yaw the rotor out of the wind even if all electrical power is lost.

Abstract: A fluid powered electrical generator having an impellor-rotor rotatively mounted on a central support structure. A toroidal outer support structure surrounds the impellor-rotor, with the impellor-rotor including a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart fluid dynamic blades. The outward ends of the blades are connected together by a rotor rings which is coaxial with respect to the outer support structure. The central support structure is supported within the outer support structure by stanchions or the like so as to permit a fluid stream to flow therebetween past the fluid dynamic blades. A peripheral electrical generator having a rotor element secured to the rotor ring and a stator element secured to the outer support structure produces electrical energy as the impellor-rotor is driven by the fluid stream.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for taking advantage of the Bernoulli Principle for moving an airfoil, the airfoil being mounted on a collar for rotation about an axle when in a moving fluid medium. The axle is slanted at a backward angle in the fluid medium direction in a manner so as to permit the motion of the fluid medium to exert a substantially continuing lift force on the top of the airfoil blade adjacent to its leading edge to take advantage of the Bernoulli Principle for a portion of the blade arc, and, for other portions of the arc of rotation, so as to permit the force of the fluid medium to exert rotational force on the bottom of the airfoil blade.

Abstract: A yaw control device automatically aligns a windmill. A spur gear displaces a motor-driven worm gear mounted between balanced springs when an external turning moment is applied to the windmill. Displacement of the worm gear moves an actuator arm positioned between switches in the motor power supply circuit, closing one of the switches and thereby activating the motor to drive the spur gear in opposition to the turning moment. An idler gear can be operatively positioned between the spur and worm gears. The worm gear is mounted on the rotatable shaft of a bracket pivotally connected to the spur or idler gear axis or is mounted on splined shaft rotatably supported by fixed bearings. The actuator arm is rigidly connected to the worm gear bracket or is pivotally mounted adjacent the worm gear. In an alternative embodiment, the worm gear is connected to the windmill for movement therewith about a fixed spur gear.

Abstract: A wind-adjustable air turbine consisting of: 1. a tetrahedral support structure, 2. at least one blade extending into opposite tetrahedral edges, and 3. an axis of rotation extending from the structure's center and movable into any of the edges' centers, whereby the blade's rotation and/or drag is changed.

Abstract: Wind energy is converted in a system having a telescoping, rotating, tiltable tower. A variable number of airfoil members is unfurled in accordance with the area of wind stream to be swept. The tiltable windmill rotating mast is a telescoping tower, which is retracted into storage mode, usually during dangerous windstorms. Each intermediate telescoping member carries a supporting member for an airfoil above and below such support, so that all sails are taut only when the tower is fully raised. Sails can be flapping when only partially raised. The number of sails unfurled is adjustable by reason of such telescoping mast. Resilient means urge the rotatable mast into a truly vertical position, while permitting such mast to tilt not more than a controlled angle in response to the wind, thereby permitting the airfoils more efficiently to rotate the mast.

Abstract: Presented is a singular device for providing multifunctional means as a fluid impeller or rotor support structure, fluid actuated yaw positioning, and stabilizing means and TARP augmented flow directing or channelling means about a TARP.

Abstract: A windmill tower supports a propeller and a platform that in turn supports a propeller feather control system and a generator system. The entire tower rotates at its base under changes in wind direction so the rotating propeller is constantly maintained upwind of the tower. The tower is a rigid structure that withstands cyclic thrust and torque loading sufficiently to reduce resonant vibrations of the tower as the propeller rotates under the influence of the wind. The resonant frequency of the tower can be higher than the passing frequency of the rotating propeller blades. The tower includes a pair of generally upright fore legs that converge upwardly toward a first apex on the propeller axis of rotation near the front of the platform immediately behind the propeller hub. A diagonal bracing strut extends downwardly from the first apex away from the plane of the fore legs and toward the rear of the tower.

Abstract: The improvement in a wind turbine comprises providing a tower with a freely liftable mount and adapting a nacelle which is fitted with a propeller windwheel consisting of a plurality of rotor blades and provided therein with means for conversion of wind energy to be shifted onto said mount attached to the tower. In case of a violent wind storm, the nacelle can be lowered down to the ground to protect the rotor blades from breakage due to the force of the wind. Required maintenance and inspection of the nacelle and replacement of rotor blades can be safely carried out on the ground.

Abstract: A wind powered turbine drive for an electric generator is disclosed in which both the generator and the turbine driving it are stationary and remain in a fixed position irrespective of wind direction. This turbine facilitates electric power generation by wind power in those higher power ranges where the greater generator and turbine weights otherwise make it difficult and costly to support and to rotate the generator to face the driving wind because this present generator obviates the necessity of the generator's changing direction in that this present turbine receives wind energy from any direction by the use of a weather vane which weathercocks to rotate a wind inlet to the direction from which the wind is blowing and thereby exposes only the receding turbine blades to the force of the incoming wind.

Abstract: A wind power plant comprising a tower carrying a power system including a power house and vanes rotatable by the wind. The tower has a lower natural frequency of vibration between the lower and higher critical frequencies of vibration of the power system, and the tower has a higher natural frequency of vibration above the higher critical frequency of vibration of the power system. A ring surrounds and is disconnectably attached to the tower, and guy wires extend from the ring to the ground. The power system is assembled on the ground and so that it surrounds the tower, and the power system is then elevated, together with the ring, along the tower. Elevation may be accomplished with cables and a winch. Alternatively, a thread-like ledge may surround the tower and the power house may carry means for engaging and moving along the ledge to elevate and lower the power house.

Abstract: The disclosure teaches improvements in vertical axis wind turbine apparatus. The improved apparatus has a vertically rising exoskeletal frame which permits modular addition of supplemental turbine components to the apparatus. The apparatus is self-supporting, needing no bracing external of the frame, is relatively small and light weight, has vertical standards in the frame, a plurality of sets of horizontal stretchers integrating the standards and means for bracing the frame elements. The specification teaches the support of the axially disposed drive shaft and associated turbines by means of upwardly and radially inwardly extending arms which distribute the weight of the operating structure to the exoskeletal frame. Non-bearing guide means are provided to prevent lateral movement of the shaft and associated turbines. The apparatus may be provided in kit form which can be readily assembled or disassembled according to need.

Abstract: A wind mill construction is disclosed, including a rigid tower structure (6, 7) to the upper end of which is connected for rotation about a vertical axis a wind turbine housing (5) to which is journalled for rotation about a horizontal axis a propeller (2) of the two-blade on three-blade type, characterized in that a strip member (8) extends generally helically about the tower structure for counteracting the effects of wind upon the tower and the blades. The strip may be mounted on the upper portion of a tower the base portion of which has a frustoconical configuration. The pitch of the helical strip is preferably no greater than three times the maximum diameter of the upper tower portion.

Abstract: A device is proposed which accumulates and stores energy of blowing wind.Rotatable means turn the device into the direction of the blowing wind, so that articulated flaps are fully exposed to the wind. These flaps are connected with air pumping means which delivers a quantity of air into a storage container, the air being successively compressed within the container.

Abstract: A multiblade, wind-driven, variable pitch propeller is supported on a tower for rotation by wind forces and is connected through gears to drive an electrical generator or the like to produce electrical energy. The gears include a ring and pinion arranged in a gear case so that wind forces acting on the propeller and torque forces produced in the gears are balanced, thus avoiding swinging movement of the propeller about the tower axis due to unbalanced forces and thereby keeping the propeller axis pointed into the wind. The pinion gear is engaged with the ring gear at a location spaced near the top of the ring gear and a pinion shaft sleeve is disposed around the pinion shaft and sealed to a bottom portion of the gear case to effect a gear lubricant seal therewith, thus eliminating the requirement for an oil seal between the pinion shaft and gear case, with concomitant elimination of the oil seal drag, and also eliminating friction drag of the gear lubricant itself on the pinion shaft.

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: In the rotor of a windmill electric generator, blades are secured to a hub by means of individual tab-receiving slots and a common "knock-off" hubcap, this mounting means providing for rapid assembly and disassembly. The mounting structure itself establishes a predetermined pitch at the blade root, thus permitting the advantages of an optimum twisted blade to be obtained without the need for an excessively complex blade configuration. The result is a compact generator unit that can be used easily in remote areas and stowed with camping equipment.

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.