Patents by Inventor Edward J. Kurth

Edward J. Kurth has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • In-pipe hydro-electric power system and turbine
    Patent number: 8360720
    Abstract: A generally spherical turbine configured to rotate transversely within a cylindrical pipe under the power of fluid flowing either direction therethrough is operatively coupled with a rotating machine or generator to produce electricity. In one embodiment, the blades of the spherical turbine curve in an approximately 180 degree arc in a plane that is at an inclined angle relative to the rotational axis of a central shaft. In another embodiment, a deflector is provided upstream of the spherical turbine and within the cylindrical pipe to control flow through the spherical turbine by shielding a part thereof. The blades of the spherical turbine are airfoil in cross section to optimize hydrodynamic flow, to minimize cavitation, and to maximize conversion from axial to rotating energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Lucid Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Roderic A. Schlabach, Mark Rydell Cosby, Edward J. Kurth, Igor Palley, Greg Smith