Abstract: Apparatus for producing a propulsion force comprises a pair of counter-rotating externally geared flywheels which are mounted on shafts for rotation in a housing and are balanced for high speed rotation. Each flywheel carries a mass slideable thereon in a radial slot but constrained to rotate angularly with the flywheel. The mass is constrained to rotate eccentrically of the flywheel by a stationary cam surface surrounding the path of rotation of the mass. The cam surface is provided on a plate slideable relative to the flywheels to adjust the degree of eccentricity of the cam track relative to the flywheel. A vibration isolation unit is connected between the housing of the flywheels and the frame of the device including a pair of airbags positioned between plates so as to communicate only the net unidirectional force from the housing to the chassis.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a vessel comprises a conventional screw and rudder arrangement and includes one or more rotor sails in the form of an elliptical cylinder upstanding from the deck of the vessel formed from a rigid outer surface which is rotatable about a central longitudinal axis. The rotation by the Magnus effect develops a propulsion force transverse to wind currents crossing the vessel. The speed of rotation, direction of rotation and a position of park of the cylinder can be controlled. The position of park allows the major axis to be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the vessel or with the direction of the wind for feathering or transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vessel to act as a conventional sail downwind.

Abstract: A milling apparatus comprises a container with a plate extending across the container and movable relative thereto by an oscillator which communicates oscillatory movement to the plate at right angles to its plane. The oscillation can be tuned so that the natural frequency of oscillation of the plate and communication means is the same as or a whole number multiple of the oscillation frequency of the oscillator. The oscillator comprises a rotatable eccentric member driven to provide mechanical oscillations. The plate within the container acts to agitate grinding elements provided within the container. The container can either be used in a batch mode by moving the plate from an inlet to an outlet or in a continuous flow mode in which the comminuted material passes the plate from an inlet to an outlet.

Abstract: A cavitator comprising a cavitator plate mounted within a container is vibrated by an oscillator comprising a mechanically rotatable eccentric body to provide low frequency high power vibration. A mechanical linkage between the oscillator and the cavitator plate is tuned so that the frequency of oscillation matches the natural frequency of vibration of the linkage. The tuning can be achieved by modifying the length of the linkage or by choosing the necessary properties of the linkage or by varying the frequency of vibration of the oscillator. Various possible linkages include a pipe formed in sections, an elongated beam supported at its nodes, an annular pipe, and a pipe arrangement with overlapping section. The arrangement is of particular advantage when used with complex cavitator plates including vanes, paddles or rods or when using a cage grinder incorporating a plurality of balls for acting upon the material.