Abstract: A hull propulsion mechanism includes a ship body; a wind blade, which is set to the top of the ship body and has a plurality of sails for obtaining a rotating force from wind blade; a shaft, which sustains the wind blade and is a rolling axis as well for conveying the rotating force by the wind blade; a water pump, which is a power unit that circulates water by making use of a turning force from the shaft; and an engine, which obtains hull propulsion from screws that are rotated by a circulated water pressure from the water pump. With this configuration, the hull propulsion mechanism can obtain enough propulsive force without consuming fossil fuels.

Abstract: A remote control boat that includes a self-righting apparatus adapted to right the boat after it has capsized. In some embodiments, a weighted coupler is attached to the motor output shaft and the drive shaft to prevent the drive shaft from moving for a period of time after the motor is turned on. In some embodiments, one or more components may be attached to the weighted coupler by a set screw configuration. In some embodiments, one or more components may be attached to the weighted coupler by a collet-type configuration.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a module for producing electric power for a main ship, capable of supplying the power required to propel the main ship, the module being produced in the form of a secondary ship separate from the main ship and including a power plant, the secondary ship being provided with an electrical connector for establishing an electrical connection between the power plant and the main ship and a lock for interlocking with the main ship in order to secure the former from moving from the main ship, the electrical connector being suitable for supplying electric power to the propulsion motor of the main ship.

Abstract: Provided are a floating structure fluid dynamic force use system and a wind-propelled vessel which uses the system whereby it is possible to compensate for overturning moment due to fluid dynamic force and to alleviate both tilting and size increases of a floating structure. A floating structure fluid dynamic force use system (1) comprises an assembly (12) which extracts energy from wind or water, and a floating structure (13) which supports the assembly (12). The assembly (12) comprises a wind receiving part (10) which receives fluid dynamic force, and a support column (11) which supports the wind receiving part (10). The assembly (12) is positioned with the center of gravity (15) thereof below the water line and is supported to be capable of tilting in an arbitrary direction upon the floating structure (13).

Abstract: There is provided a ship, in particular a cargo ship. It has a plurality of Magnus rotors, wherein associated with each of the plurality of Magnus rotors is an individually actuable electric motor (M) for rotating the Magnus rotor, wherein associated with each electric motor (M) is a converter (U) for controlling the rotary speed and/or the rotary direction of the electric motor (M).

Abstract: The present invention is a device to be used in emergency situations requiring floatation and rescue. An inflatable raft with a waterproof cover is connected to a telescopic shaft equipped with electric generators and a wind harnessing mechanism. The electricity, which is produced by the wind harnessing mechanism powers a motor and propeller underneath and outside the raft.

Abstract: There is provided a ship, in particular a cargo ship. It has a plurality of Magnus rotors, wherein associated with each of the plurality of Magnus rotors is an individually actuable electric motor (M) for rotating the Magnus rotor, wherein associated with each electric motor (M) is a converter (U) for controlling the rotary speed and/or the rotary direction of the electric motor (M).

Abstract: The disclosed invention is directed to a watercraft which comprises at least one main force member attached to at least one wing; the main force member and/or wing and/or a float attached to the wing comprise sufficient displacement to provide flotation for the craft and its payload. Connected to the main force member is a force transmitting member, to which the engine is connected. The engine may comprise a person or another engine (conventional, electronic, wind, etc.). The engine may comprise a weight which undergoes vertical translation, thereby producing the force transmitted by the force transmitting member to the main force member.

Abstract: Wind powers a rotor causing a shaft to rotate, thereby transmitting power to one or more pumps to pump colder sub-surface water from the depths, one or more flywheels to provide gyroscopic stability to the entire platform; and to a propeller to help the wind powered sea pump remain in a stationary position. A hull provides a sump for a single hose connector to feed water to the pumps from a pickup hose of desired diameter to a desired depth. The force of the wind powers the sea pump to transport colder water from a lower depth to the sea surface. A sea anchor provides a pivot point to keep the wind powered sea pump oriented directly into the wind and a weather vane helps with the wind orientation as well as providing space for use as an advertising bill board.

Abstract: Large wind cones are used to collect and discharge wind energy to small low cost wind turbines. Large straight or gradually bending windcones are installed as sails on top of ships, on anchored floating platforms and on anchored land platforms. Special ship design features to harvest and store harvested wind energy at sea as described. Also presented is a simple low cost design of a small self-azimuth-adjusting wind cone windmill, where the electric generator is located closed to the ground for easy installation and service.

Abstract: An electric boat comprising a boat housing with a rechargeable battery bank; two wind turbines disposed in sides of the boat housing, the wind turbines are driven by oncoming wind; a first turbine system operatively connected to the wind turbines via a first drive shaft; a transformer's power inverter/charge controller operatively connected to the rechargeable battery and to the first turbine system; an electric motor operatively connected to the transformer's power inverter/charge controller or rechargeable battery; jet pump for propelling the boat, the jet pump is operatively connected to the electric motor; and a plurality of solar panels disposed on the boat housing operatively connected to the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A watercraft, typically a catamaran, has at least two spaced hulls; at least one seat mounted on or between the hulls; a vertical axis wind turbine (“VAWT”, e.g. Savonius) having a rotatable shaft operatively mounted to the hulls aft of the seat; and at least one propeller operatively connected to the wind turbine. A pedal driven propeller manual assist operable by someone sitting in a seat is also desirably provided. A mounting structure for the VAWT shaft includes an aluminum sleeve receiving the shaft; and at least two aluminum struts extending from each of at least four mounting points on the hulls to the sleeve, the struts operatively connected to the sleeve, one strut from each point vertically above the other. At least two counter-rotating VAWTs, with counter-rotating propellers, are preferred. Typically there are first and second airfoil configuration rudders, one operatively connected to the stern of each hull and controlled by a tiller and linkages to move substantially in tandem.

Abstract: A device capable of translational movement has a base capable of movement across a ground surface or across or through a liquid surface. The base mounts one or more wind turbines aligned substantially horizontally in use, and a drive element operable to move the base. The drive element is powered directly or indirectly by the turbine or turbines. The turbine(s) are such that the turbine operates over at least a wide range of wind directions relative to the device. In the preferred form the turbines are spaced outwardly from the base so as to provide a vehicle space between the turbine or turbines and the base.

Abstract: Aspects of an embodiment of a check valve turbine assembly include a rotation platform having an axis of rotation, a vertical member concentrically secured to the rotation platform about the axis of rotation, a rotatable sail assembly attached to the vertical member that includes a frame, a hinge beam, and a rotatable sub-sail assembly. The sub-sail assembly includes a stem beam, a sub-sail grid frame attached to the stem beam, and a plurality of flaps rotatably attached to the sub-sail grid frame and configured to move between a closed position and an open position relative to the sub frame. Aspects of a marine check valve turbine include a free-floating platform structure configured with an upper surface at or near a water surface and a vertical member secured to the platform structure about an axis of rotation and configured to extend from the upper surface of the platform structure.

Abstract: A wind powered watercraft, and improved individual components utilizable with the watercraft or elsewhere, does not require the user to have sailing skills, and can go directly into the wind. A vertical axis wind turbine (such as a Savonius or modified Savonius) is mounted to a multihull boat (such as a catamaran). The turbine has a shaft operatively connected to a propulsion system, such as by a clutch. The propulsion system may be a large diameter and pitch horizontal propeller, a vertical axis propeller, or a novel fishtail or sculling oar simulating mechanism, including an oscillating element with a flexible material (e.g. durometer between 40-100) free end. A mechanism which prevents useless spinning of the vertical axis wind turbine when the watercraft is docked may also be provided. For when the wind velocity is insufficient, a manual assist may be provided.

Abstract: A system for capturing and converting and/or storing wind energy includes a vessel adapted to receive at least one wind machine for capturing wind and a device for converting wind energy to storable energy. A method of adapting a vessel, such as a surplus cargo ship or an oil tanker, for use as a offshore power generating system comprises equipping a vessel with devices for capturing a renewable energy source, positioning the vessel at sea to capture the renewable energy source, converting the renewable energy to a storable energy source, and storing the converted energy, and repositioning the vessel to capture further renewable energy or transport the stored, converted energy.

Abstract: A Savonius vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) rotor is easily and simply constructed while having enhanced functionality. The rotor includes a shaft that is vertical in use, a number (desirably at least four) of vane support hubs each having a number (desirably three) of at least partially curved spokes extending radially outwardly, and a number of vanes corresponding to the number of spokes. The vane support hubs are operatively connected directly to the shaft and spaced vertically from each other along the shaft to provide a plurality of sets of vertically spaced spokes. The vanes, one for each set of spokes, are operatively connected to the spokes to provide surface area for engaging wind and rotating the shaft when in use. Desirably the vane support hubs are operatively connected to the shaft using mechanical fasteners, and the vanes are connected to the spokes using mechanical fasteners. Structural end caps are not necessary, and therefore the rotor is devoid of them.

Abstract: The present invention is a device to be used in emergency situations requiring floatation and rescue. An inflatable raft with a waterproof cover is connected to a telescopic shaft equipped with electric generators and wind catchers. The electricity, which is produced powers a motor and propeller underneath and outside the raft.

Abstract: A propulsion drive system for boats that is operated by wind power is disclosed. Upon initial observation of a boat equipped with the invention, it looks like a conventional boat. However, after closer inspection, it can be seen that a mast located at the rear of the boat supports a windmill structure. The windmill operates in a horizontal manner, similar to that of an anemometer. The central drive shaft is routed down the mast where it terminates in a gear box which increases the revolutions per minute by a factor of approximately 20 to 1. The output of the gearbox, complete with a clutch, is then routed to a propellor on the rear of the boat which is then used in a conventional manner. The features of the invention provide all of the advantages of a wind-powered boat without any of the disadvantages.

Abstract: This is a totally new way to harness the power of wind and running water as in rivers and ocean currents. It consist mainly of two supporting wheels mounted permanently on a main shaft. Between those two wheels are four blades, or sails, that will transfer the power of wind and running water to the main shaft to make it rotate. Those sails will be mounted between the supporting wheels at 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees by means of secondary shafts attached permanently to the center of them and free to rotate between the supporting wheels. Those secondary shafts will protrude through one of the supporting wheels and a sprocket wheel is attached to each of them. All four sprockets will be connected with a chain and positioned in such a way that the sail mounted at zero degrees will be in a vertical position and the one mounted at 180 degrees will be in a horizontal position. Sails mounted at 90 and 270 degrees will be at 45 degrees angle but in opposed orientation.

Abstract: This is a totally new way to harness the power of wind and running water as in rivers and ocean currents. It consist mainly of two supporting wheels mounted permanently on a main shaft. Between those two wheels are four blades, or sails, that will transfer the power of wind and running water to the main shaft to make it rotate.

Abstract: A wind-powered vehicle having a longitudinal axis and being capable of traveling in the direction thereof across a generally horizontal and generally dense medium such as water, ice or land. The vehicle includes an air propeller assembly rotatable about a propeller axis by generally horizontal wind forces. A rotation of the propeller assembly is communicated by a rotary coupling to a rotary drive member. In one embodiment, the rotary drive member includes a water propeller for propelling a water vehicle. In another embodiment, the rotary drive member includes at least one wheel for propelling a land or ice vehicle. In yet another embodiment, the rotary drive member includes at least one bladed reel for propelling an ice vehicle.

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

Abstract: A vessel comprising a windmill mechanism having a variable pitch propeller, a generator rotatably driven by the windmill mechanism, a storage battery for storing current generated by the generator, a screw rotatably driven by the windmill mechanism, a motor to rotatably drive the screw by means of discharge of the storage battery, a control device for propeller pitch, a direction sensor for determining the natural wind direction with respect to the vessel, and a rotor direction control device to keep the propeller of the windmill in a direction of the natural wind as sensed by said direction sensor. Such a windmill vessel is able to cruise by either one of the wind force, the wind force and electric power, or electric power in response to the direction of the natural wind. The influence of the outlook wind (self cruise wind) by forward movement of the vessel is evaded, and the propeller of the windmill is always kept in the direction of the natural wind.

Abstract: A sailcloth arrangement for a sail of a water-going vessel has a sailcloth base and flexible solar cells attached to the sailcloth base. The flexible solar cells have a flexibility matching the flexibility of the sailcloth, and the flexible solar cells are configured to be connected to at least one energy storage device.

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

Abstract: A hydro-alternator for attachment to the outboard motor on a bass fishing boat. The hydro-alternator generates electrical power for charging of batteries on the boat. The alternator charges the batteries while the boat is being propelled by its large outboard motor. The alternator is designed to provide high power, high current, and low drag force. To achieve this, it has a compact design in order to project a small profile. It also turns at very high rotational speeds in order to achieve adequately high power and current output.

Abstract: A parallel fluid flow wind or water mill having one or more pair of vanes fixed around a central mass. The vanes showing in cross section a non-aerodynamic face having a plane or concave surface, and a aerodynamic back side are constructed to rotate in a plane parallel to the flow of the fluid in which they operate.

Abstract: A wind resistance reducing structure including a wind tunnel made longitudinally through a navigating bridge superstructure of a ship for example a tanker or bulk freighter, and two gates respectively controlled to open the two opposite ends of the wind tunnel when the ship is navigated against the wind, or to close the two opposite ends of the wind tunnel when the ship is navigated with the wind.

Abstract: This invention concerns a wind power plant and/or wind motor-driven craft, consisting of a frame floating on a water surface and upon which has been mounted a tower with a wind-driven generator, and characterized in that the frame consists of a body which is round in the horizontal plane and stable on the water surface.

Abstract: There is provided a wind propulsion device for driving a transmission shaft connected through intermediate members with devices for force transmission. The wind propulsion device comprises a wind impeller having a plurality of wind wings which are concavely curved against the air stream. The wind wings are axially connected to a semisphere convexly curved against the air stream which is axially disposed with respect to said impeller. The semisphere guides the air stream impinging on the center of the impeller to the tips of the wings for efficient wind utilization.

Abstract: A wind-powered water-craft including a seaworthy base which may either be a conventional dinghy or a specially-designed flat-bottomed hull, similar in shape to a dinghy. A cabin is supported in and over the central longitudinal portion of the base. Astern, the base is provided with an electric motor which is connected to a battery of the rechargeable type. The roof of the cabin is provided with a generator having an axially-connected wind-driven propeller which drives the latter. The generator is connected to the battery. A pair of keels are removably secured to the craft, one on each side.

Abstract: A wind responsive power generating apparatus (20) comprises a pair of normally mutually orthagonal cross arms (22,24) carrying impeller members (22a,22b, 24a,24b) that apply torque to a load (38) through an output shaft (26). The power output of the apparatus (20) is reduced from maximum by reducing the angle between adjacent cross arms and simultaneously rotating impeller members about corresponding cross arm axes to provide air spillthrough. The impellers are selectively vented by valves (46) to reduce drag as each impeller member swings upstream. Operation of the valves (46) is synchronized to impeller rotation and wind direction by a synchronization device (54). Various different types of impeller members and applications are disclosed.

Abstract: There is described a fluid flow concentrating device suitable, for example, for concentrating the flow of tidal waters or of wind, which comprises a hollow body closed at one end and open at the other. The body has a fixed circumferential wall composed of a plurality of fixed spaced vanes and a nozzle located at the open end of the wall. Fluid moving from outside the device through the vanes to the inside of the body creates a vortex within the body and a fluid flow axially of the body through the nozzle. In certain preferred embodiments a turbine is located for rotation in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the vortex about a vertical axis, centrally within the nozzle downstream of the fluid flow. The turbine can be used to drive a generator or a motor to, for example, propel a marine craft, or, the augmentor can be used on a aircraft to assist the lift of a wing, or, in another application, can be used with a jet turbine engine to improve both the intake to and the thrust from the engine.

Abstract: Wind-assisted power elements comprising paired rotors of which each rotor is independently rotated at a peripheral speed of about 2 to 4 times that of the wind, and the rotors are mounted in tandem pairs in a frame positioned by rotation of the frame on a pivot to the apparent direction of the wind and adjustable for a variable angle of attack, so that the wind will flow in a series over both rotating, generally cylindrical rotor surfaces. The effect is to derive a maximum of forward thrust in the direction of the movement of the ship for propulsion, or when the rotors are driven independently in different directions, a steering or other effect is achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved system for propulsion of boats by winds and streams and for recovery of disposable energy from floating stations neither moored nor anchored, the improved system comprising:at least one aerial feathered propeller with its shaft, the propeller being mounted orientable in any azimuth direction contained in a substantially horizontal plane and adapted to function as an aerogenerator as well as a propulsive screw;a superstructure supporting device on the floating unit adapted to permit orientation as desired of the aerial propeller in the direction of the wind;at least one nautic propeller screw with its shaft, mounted under the bottom of the floating unit and adapted to be capable of functioning as energy collecting turbine as well as propeller;a transmission system connecting the aerial propeller shaft to the nautic propeller shaft, the transmission being reversible and capable of including a torque conversion device to select during operations the direction of transmission

Abstract: A configuration for a sailboat mainsail comprises a rotating wind-mill like sail structure mounted on a rotating pedestal base. The wind driven rotating sail delivers power to the sailboat propeller through a flexible driveshaft and transmission and thus provides an ability to sail a particular desired course direction irrespective of the direction from which the wind is blowing.

Abstract: In a wind turbine assembly incorporating a diffuser, the diffuser includes an articulated duct formed of a set of members, such as the sectors of a conic section, which are pivotable about axes in a plane normal to the turbine axis. To permit an enlargement or contraction of the articulated duct, the members are joined by flexible gussets or, alternatively, are configured for overlapping. Springs offset from the pivoting axes are attached to the members to provide a bistable attitude thereto. In response to high winds, the spring forces are overcome by the wind forces on the articulated duct to allow the members to pivot inwardly reducing the effective wind capture area of the diffuser. The diffuser is further fabricated with slots between sections of duct to enlarge the effective area swept by the turbine blades for increased power availability from the turbine.

Abstract: A multipurpose floating structure comprises a large number of flotation units joined together in a regular reticulated pattern in one or more horizontal tiers, each flotation unit comprising: a square plate; a watertight can structure of inverted conical shape fixed at its base to the lower surface of the square plate; a vertical leg column fixed at its upper end to the vertex part of the can structure; a concrete weight disposed around and supported on the leg column; and connecting fittings for connecting the corners of the square plates of four adjacent flotation units at their common meeting point.

Abstract: A sail mounting frame extends upwardly from the hull of a boat and is constructed of a lower section and an upper section which rotate relative to each other about a first axis of rotation which extends generally vertically upwardly with respect to the hull of the boat. An overhung axle is rotatably journaled to the mounting frame upper section for rotation about a second axis corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the axle. A circular convex sail is supported by a correspondingly shaped support frame, which support frame is mounted on the free end of the axle for rotation of the sail about both the first and second axis of rotation.

Abstract: A wind turbine on an essentially vertical mast converting wind power to electric power for the propulsion motors of a screw propelled ship. The turbine is omnidirectional and capable of being reefed for speed control.