Abstract: A reciprocating wind engine utilizing plural, movably mounted sets of panels to form pistons is disclosed. Cooperating first and second pistons may be spaced from each other on either side of a central crankshaft. As the wind strikes the surface of a first set of panels, the first piston is moved toward the crankshaft and the second piston is pulled toward the crankshaft from the opposite side. When both pistons are adjacent the crankshaft, the panels on the first or windward piston open to allow the wind to pass therethrough into contact with the panels of the second piston which are closed to present a uniform surface to the wind. The pistons are forced away from the crankshaft to complete one cycle of operation. The output from the crankshaft may be utilized to generate electricity, or for any other suitable purpose. Plural engine segments may be cooperatively joined together to form a bank of such units.

Abstract: A water collecting reservoir, desirably located at a considerable elevation, is constructed and arranged periodically to deliver water downward to an annular generator chamber which includes a fixed outer circular shell and a complementary, inner rotary shell, the latter shell being fixed on a rotary horizontal shaft which may be constantly driven by the water through pistons affixed to the inner shell. The rotary shaft is arranged periodically to open and close a valve for timing the admission of measured quantities of water to drive the generator.

Abstract: A hydroelectric generating unit includes a generator shaft about which buckets are pivotally mounted on a common carrier for travel in a common path at equal angular intervals. The bucket carrier is fast on the shaft. Water flow control means, located above the shaft, is driven by the shaft for delivering a measured quantity of gravity impelled water to each bucket as it passes through a loading zone shortly after the bucket has passed top dead center. Each bucket is caused to discharge its load in the vicinity of bottom dead center. A succession of such units, connected for operation in timed relation to one another, is desirably provided.