Abstract: A hydroelectric system comprising a pipe from a water source at a high elevation which is made to open into a pressurized water filled chamber at a much lower elevation. The chamber contains a waterproofed piezoelectric element and waterproofed electric leads connected to the electric grid. The inlet pipe is divided into several pipes before being made to operatively connect to the chamber. Each of the several inlet pipes have their water flow regulated by a solenoid operated valve. Corresponding solenoid operated outlet valves are also provided. A rotary electric switch is also provided so as the switch arm is rotated the inlet and outlet valves are opened and closed in succession, causing waves of pressure on said piezoelectric material to produce electric power.

Abstract: A hydroelectric power plant comprising a pipe from a water source in a mountain range which is made to open into a much larger in diameter piston cylinder at a much lower elevation. The piston therein is driven by water pressure to drive a gear train operatively connected to an electric generator on its far end. The piston is made to move slowly under great force, while the generator is made to turn at a much greater velocity, producing electricity. Water pressure may be derived from some municipal water systems. Much less water is expended through the device than by using a turbine, as in U.S. Pat. No. 1,774,603. Instead of a piston, piezoelectric elements may be used with shut-off valves on either side of the elements. By alternating the operation of these valves intense pressure waves may be induced to produce electricity. This obviates the need for turbines and generators for hydroelectric power generation.

Abstract: A magnus rotor designed for high speed operation. Aerodynamic drag is reduced by lessening the air density around endplates and half the radial surface of the rotor by installing a circuit of aerodynamic seals to enclose a vacuum about the internal volume of the rotor as well as the endplates and half the radial surface of the rotor.

Abstract: A magnus rotor designed for high speed operation. Aerodynamic drag is reduced by lessening the air density around endplates and half the radial surface of the rotor by installing a circuit of aerodynamic seals to enclose a vacuum about the internal volume of the rotor as well as the endplates and half the radial surface of the rotor.

Abstract: A fluid energy conversion system using a Magnus Rotor to generate force and electrical power from passing fluid such as wind. A Magnus Rotor is mounted atop support structure which is far enough away from the surface of the Rotor to minimize fluid turbulence around the peripheral surfaces of the Rotor. The Rotor is mounted on a long horizontal shaft supported by a divided pole on either end. This divided pole is mounted on a pivot so the Magnus Rotor will be faced to the oncoming fluid by a weathervane. Minimizing fluid turbulence can result in greater power production.

Abstract: Water expands in volume when it is heated up and contracts in volume when when heat is taken out of it. This invention relates to systems where solar energy causes volume changes in water so electrical energy is thereby produced. In a first preferred embodiment a field of solar mirrors concentrate solar energy on two targets alternately. Pipes feeding pressure to either side of a common piston are thereby energized alternately causing reciprocal movement of the piston. Through a gear mechanism an generator is then energized to produce electricity. In a second preferred embodiment the sun shines directly on a large bourdon tube. In a day temperature rises and falls. This causes the bourdon tube to coil and uncoi, energizing attached gearing and an electrical generator.

Abstract: A wind energy conversion machine using a Magnus Rotor to generate force from the wind. A Magnus Rotor is mounted atop special support structure which is far enough away from the surface of the Magnus Rotor to minimize air turbulence around the Rotor. In one embodiment Rotors are mounted on a long horizontal rod supported by a vertical pole on either end. The poles themselves are mounted on a pivot so the Magnus Rotors are faced to the wind. In a second embodiment Magnus Rotors are concentric in their axes with the axis of the supporting pole. The rotors are made to spin in opposite directions and the pole made to swing 5-20 degrees on a fulcrum. First one rotor is shielded from the wind so the pole is swung one way, then the other rotor is shielded so the pole is swung the other way. The movement of the pole in either direction operates an electric generator. By minimizing air turbulence around a Magnus Rotor Performance is enhanced.

Abstract: The invention comprises a wind energy conversion device. It is able to convert a far greater percentage of the pressure energy of the wind into electricity than by using an airfoil or even a sail. A Flettner Rotor is mounted atop special support structure which is far enough away from the Rotor to minimize turbulence around the Rotor. Thus the performance of the Rotor is enhanced. Energy conversion occurs as the Rotor is made to operate gears attached to an electric generator.

Abstract: A device for converting the varying pressure of wind and ocean current on a sail into electrical energy. The coefficient of drag on the sail and therefor the power input of the device is increased by constructing a box with one surface being the sail and the opposite surface left open to the oncoming wind or ocean current. Power conversion may be done with either a gear train or preferably hydraulically using a Bourdon tube.

Abstract: A wind energy system utilizing a sail. The sail is mounted on top of a lever which is placed vertically. At the bottom of the lever is a spring so as wind strikes the sail at uneven pressure the spring is made to alternately be pressed and released. As the lever is made to swing it operates gearing connected to a generator, producing electricity.

Abstract: A group of devices and machines for converting the mechanical energy of live loads into electricity. A generator is operated by gears which in their turn are operated by a Bourdon tube or similar-acting device fed by working fluid in a pipe from a reservoir. The reservoir walls are impacted by a choice of the rolling weight of a motor vehicle, the bending force on some object and/or by a decompressing force on the working fluid. The invention is applied to roadways, buildings, sailboats, cars with internal combustion engines, elevators, ships and bridges. If the varying impacts are caused by wind or subsurface ocean currents a new type of diverging nozzle is used to magnify pressure input. By using the invention pressure waves are used to transfer energy with minimal movement of working fluid, minimizing friction and other losses.

Abstract: A group of devices and machines for converting the mechanical energy of live loads into electricity. A generator is operated by gears which in their turn are operated by a Bourdon tube or similar-acting device fed by working fluid in a pipe from a reservoir. The reservoir walls are impacted by a choice of the rolling weight of a motor vehicle, the bending force on some object and/or by a decompressing force on the working fluid. The invention is applied to roadways, buildings, sailboats, cars with internal combustion engines, elevators, ships and bridges. If the varying impacts are caused by wind or subsurface ocean currents a new type of diverging nozzle is used to magnify pressure input. By using the invention pressure waves are used to transfer energy with minimal movement of working fluid, minimizing friction and other losses.

Abstract: A new type of diverging nozzle is used to convert the energy of wind and subsurface ocean current into electrical energy. The nozzle is of either spherical or teardrop shape with a small hole in the surface facing the fluid stream. The fluid is made to exit through the surface where the widest diameter of the shape is. The fluid is drawn out by the Bernouilli Effect into the passing fluid stream. As the fluid is accelerated through the small hole the fluid in a tube whose first entrance is near the small hole has its pressure reduced. The tube's second entrance is an inlet tube to a Bourdon Tube. The flexing of the Bourdon tube is made to operate an electric generator through certain gearing. As long as there is a pressure difference between the fluid within the tube and the atmosphere then pressure within the Bourdon Tube can be alternated by valves so electric power output is maintained. Offshore, no moving parts are employed in the invention.

Abstract: A new type of diverging nozzle is used to convert wind energy and subsurface ocean current energy into electrical energy. A new design for an atmospheric engine uses a pressure energy sink created by fluid flow through the small end of the diverging nozzle. An esthetically pleasing and economical way is presented to convert wind energy into electricity. Offshore, no moving parts are employed.

Abstract: The invention discloses a portable hydroelectric apparatus which converts the kinetic energy of water caused by gravity into electrical energy. This conversion is accomplished without the presence of a river or stream. A new type of buoyancy motor is disclosed which is formed as a U-tube erected vertically. One leg and the curved portion at the bottom are filled with a series of separate air-filled tanks. The other leg is filled with water, with a suitable seal at the bottom of the leg through which are made to jut 1½ tanks so the seal prevents water from leaking downward into the air space of the curved portion of the U-tube. Suitable means prevent the water column in the one leg from pushing the series of tanks out of the U-tube. The leading as well as the succeeding tanks behind it are made buoyant in sequence. In rising through the water-filled leg of the U-tube water is pushed through a nozzle which is made to operate hydroelectric devices.

Abstract: The invention discloses a portable hydroelectric apparatus which converts the kinetic energy of water caused by gravity into electrical energy. This conversion is accomplished without the presence of a river or stream. A new type of buoyancy motor is disclosed which is formed as a U-tube erected vertically. One leg and the curved portion at the bottom are filled with a series of separate air-filled tanks. The other leg is filled with water, with a suitable seal at the bottom of the leg through which are made to jut 1½ tanks so the seal prevents water from leaking downward into the air space of the curved portion of the U-tube. Suitable means prevent the water column in the one leg from pushing the series of tanks out of the U-tube. The leading as well as the succeeding tanks behind it are made buoyant in sequence. In rising through the water-filled leg of the U-tube water is pushed through a nozzle which is made to operate hydroelectric devices.

Abstract: A system for converting the kinetic energy of the ocean into electrical energy. There is presented a water-filled pipe extending from the shore into the ocean. The sunken end opens into a water-filled piston sleeve standing upright on the ocean floor. The sleeve contains a buoyant piston extending either to the ocean surface or into an internal wave field. Since the end of the pipe located ashore ends into either a Bourdon Tube or Cartesian Diver then passing waves or tide action will vary the pressure of the water in the Bourdon Tube or Cartesian Diver. Machinery is presented that can convert the elastic potential energy of a Bourdon Tube and Cartesian Diver into kinetic energy to operate an electric generator. There is no complicated and expensive electrical machinery offshore, there is no significant movement of mechanical or hydraulic parts offshore and there are no significant friction losses in bringing the energy ashore.

Abstract: A system for converting the kinetic energy of waves and tides of the ocean into electrical energy. A pipe is laid from the ocean bottom onto the shore. This pipe is closed on its shore based end so as waves and tides change the length of the water column over the pipe's seaward end pressure variations are transmitted to the shore based pipe end. If the shore based end is configured as a Bourdon tube or Cartesian Diver then the elastic energy of the pipe material may be converted into kinetic energy. With suitable conversion devices this kinetic energy may be converted into electrical energy. The pipe's seaward end is in several preferred embodiments configured to collect the energy and force of deep water surface waves and internal waves and likewise transfer this energy and force ashore without the use of electric cables or flowing fluids.

Abstract: Wind machines are disclosed in which the pressure energy of the wind is converted into electrical energy. A nozzle unobstructed by any turbine or propeller bearing a significant load is made to face the wind. The nozzle converts the pressure energy of the wind into kinetic energy. In one embodiment a turbine is disposed around the throat of the nozzle and air sucked through the turbine and exhausted through the throat of the nozzle. An obstruction at the turbine inlets is placed in such a way as to cause a pressure variation on either side of the obstruction, causing the turbine to rotate. In a second embodiment a small turbine within the throat of the nozzle is made to revolve several three way ball valves. These valves open and close passage-ways so as to admit or evacuate air from one side of pistons in cylinders of an atmospheric engine. The low pressure in the volume of the nozzle throat serves as an energy sink. The other side of the pistons are open to the atmosphere.

Abstract: This invention discloses a solar energy system wherein some of the waste heat of a thermophotovoltaic system is made to operate a thermionic power generator. The waste heat of the thermionic power generator is then made to operate an alkali-metal thermal electric converter, and the waste heat from the alkali-metal thermal electric converter as well as the rest of the waste heat of the thermophotovoltaic system is made to operate a methane reformation system. Stored heat from the methane reformation system is made to operate the invention at night. The overall efficiency of the example of the invention shown in the Summary is 42.6%.