Abstract: A universal spherical reaction turbine for any flowing fluid at any depths or elevation that is capable of unidirectional rotation under reversible flow conditions. The turbine includes a rotatable shaft that is adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation; turbine blade support members that are fixedly attached to the rotatable shaft and a plurality of meridian turbine blades. The meridian turbine blades are fixedly attached to diametrically-opposite points that define a geometrical north-south meridian axis that is oriented at a skew angle to the axis of rotation of the rotatable shaft. The skew angle is greater than zero and less than 180 degrees, and, more preferably, between 25 and 35 degrees. The skewing ensures that those turbine blades that are attached to the diametrically-opposite points move on a helical trajectory with respect to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A universal spherical reaction turbine for any flowing fluid at any depths or elevation that is capable of unidirectional rotation under reversible flow conditions. The turbine includes a rotatable shaft that is adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation; turbine blade support members that are fixedly attached to the rotatable shaft and a plurality of meridian turbine blades. The meridian turbine blades are fixedly attached to diametrically-opposite points that define a geometrical north-south meridian axis that is oriented at a skew angle to the axis of rotation of the rotatable shaft. The skew angle is greater than zero and less than 180 degrees, and, more preferably, between 25 and 35 degrees. The skewing ensures that those turbine blades that are attached to the diametrically-opposite points move on a helical trajectory with respect to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A system or corresponding method provides for communicating data in confined waveguides containing a fluid. The system includes processing and transmitter/receiver operations at nodes in or alone the confined waveguides and transducers to produce a propagation signal that transmits modulated data via the fluid in the confined waveguide. Applications include sensing information about the fluid, such as the pressure, pH, or other parameter(s), and transmitting that data via the fluid in the confined waveguide. For example, the system may be distributed about an oil pipeline or network of oil pipelines. Nodes in the system may include turbines that generate power for use by the nodes at levels sufficient to support the node for its activities. Signal processing and multiple transducers at each node may be employed to extend distances up to kilometers between nodes for low-cost operation of the system.

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 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 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 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 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 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 a 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 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 reaction turbine capable of providing unidirectional rotation under a reversible fluid flow is disclosed. The turbine comprises inflow and outflow fluid channels, a turbine chamber, and 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. A channel directs the fluid flow to the blades. In the turbine chamber, the channel has a curved configuration having opposed changes in elevation or bulges directed towards the center of the turbine in a plane parallel to the flow of fluid to optimize the angle of attack of the fluid on the blades. In one embodiment, the channel also has a V or other linear or non-linear shape in transverse cross-section in the turbine chamber to smooth and direct the fluid flow. In another embodiment, the blades have a delta or other curvilinear shape, which smooths and directs the fluid flow and allows the channel to have a simpler rectangular cross-section.

Abstract: A reaction turbine capable of providing unidirectional rotation under a reversible fluid flow is disclosed. The turbine comprises inflow and outflow fluid channels, a turbine chamber, and 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. A channel directs the fluid flow to the blades. In the turbine chamber, the channel has a curved configuration having opposed changes in elevation or bulges directed towards the center of the turbine in a plane parallel to the flow of fluid to optimize the angle of attack of the fluid on the blades. In one embodiment, the channel also has a V or other linear or non-linear shape in transverse cross-section in the turbine chamber to smooth and direct the fluid flow. In another embodiment, the blades have a delta or other curvilinear shape, which smooths and directs the fluid flow and allows the channel to have a simpler rectangular cross-section.

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 gravitational window shutter in a water gate for a system for harnessing power from current flow or tidal movement in a of water is disclosed. The gate is formed with a door for closing the port through which the water may flow. The door has a window in an upper portion thereof which is closed by a rotatable shutter. The shutter opens before the door, allowing a flow of water through the window, which reduces the drag on the door. The door is then able to open more rapidly. A gravitational closure causes the shutter and door to close. The gravitational closure is formed by a counter weight on the shutter. An improved configuration of the chambers is also disclosed. The chambers have an upper portion of a rectangular configuration with a larger volume to increase the volume of air flowing through the system and a lower portion of a cylindrical configuration to reduce the hydraulic losses due to vortices during water inflow and outflow.

Abstract: The invention, which provides a system for harnessing power from current flow or tidal movement in a body of water, comprises first and second hydro-pneumatic chambers each having ingress and egress below the water surface near the river or ocean floor and water gates operative to open or seal the ports to the passage of water. In an exemplary embodiment, the gates are sychronized by shafts so that the ingress ports of each chamber are connected to the egress ports of each other chamber. Thus, one set of gates is closed, while the other is open, thereby allowing water to flow into one chamber and build air pressure therein and allowing water to flow out of the other chamber and create a partial vacuum therein. A pipe connects the chambers, and an air turbine harnesses the air movement within the pipe. When water levels are equilibrated, the open set of gates is closed by a counterweight, and the other set is allowed to open by natural force of the water differential.

Abstract: A friction-reduction system for causing the front wheels of a terrorist vehicle to leave the ground during sideward deflection of a terrorist vehicle by an arresting system which includes a rigid immovable crash barrier positioned at one side of a driveway and a deflector positioned at the other side of the driveway. In one embodiment the friction-reduction system includes a transverse ridge or bump across the driveway just before the point of impact of the deflector such that the front wheels of the speeding vehicle leave the ground at the time of impact and following deflection. This minimizes the physical pressure on the deflector making it possible to provide a lighter and more efficient deflector and one which assures deflection of the vehicle. In another embodiment, a ramp with a transverse drop off is used in place of the ridge; with the ramp either rising or dropping away just ahead of the deflection point.

Abstract: A terrorist vehicle arresting system includes a rigid immovable crash barrier postioned at one side of a driveway and a turnstile having a circular sector positioned at the other side of the driveway in such a manner that upon entrance of an unauthorized vehicle through a corresponding gate across the entrance of the driveway, means are provided to rotate the turnstile such that the turnstile deflects the vehicle into the crash barrier. In a further embodiment, two opposing turnstiles are used to wedge an oncoming vehicle therebetween. In one embodiment, the terrorist vehicle arresting system includes a rope-barrier attached to an elevating and lowering mechanism on one side of the driveway and is attached at its other end to the turnstile, such that upon the unauthorized attempted entrance and the striking of the rope-barrier, the turnstile is rotated by the rope-barrier into the driveway, diverting the vehicle into the crash-barrier.

Abstract: A terrorist vehicle arresting system includes a rigid immovable crash barrier positioned at one side of a driveway and a turnstile having a circular sector positioned at the other side of the driveway in such a manner that upon entrance of an unauthorized vehicle through a corresponding gate across the entrance of the driveway, means are provided to rotate the turnstile such that the turnstile deflects the vehicle into the crash barrier. In a further embodiment, two opposing turnstiles are used to wedge an oncoming vehicle therebetween. In one embodiment, the terrorist vehicle arresting system includes a rope-barrier attached to an elevating and lowering mechanism on one side of the driveway and is attached at its other end to the turnstile, such that upon the unauthorized attempted entrance and the striking of the rope-barrier, the turnstile is rotated by the rope-barrier into the driveway, diverting the vehicle into the crash-barrier.

Abstract: A terrorist vehicle arresting system includes a crash barrier positioned at a side of a driveway instead of across the driveway; a gate across the entranceway which is dislodged by a vehicle coming through the closed gate; a net pulled out by the dislodged gate which captures the vehicle; a capstan to pivot a captured vehicle into the barrier; and cables from the net looped around the capstan, such that the netted vehicle is swung into the barrier where it comes to rest blocking the driveway. The impact-force is therefore redirected from the direction of the driveway, and the kinetic energy is dissipated upon impact with the offset, rigid barrier, thereby permitting the gate structure to be made light, aesthetically attractive, and quickly closed since the gate does not have to bear any substantial load.

Abstract: Apparatus permitting the utilization of large volumes of water in the harnessing and extracting of a portion of the power generated by the rise and fall of ocean tides, ocean currents, or flowing rivers includes the provision of a dam, and a specialized single cavity chamber of limited size as compared wth the water head enclosed by the dam, and an extremely high volume gating system in which all or nearly all of the water between the high and low levels on either side of the dam is cyclically gated through the single chamber from one side of the dam to the other so as to alternately provide positive air pressure and a partial vacuum within the single chamber.