Abstract: A hydroelectric turbine for the production of electricity from tidal flow forces, the turbine having a rotor with an open center such that the blades are mounted between an inner rim and outer rim, wherein retaining members and anti-friction members are provided to limit movement of the rotor relative to the housing in either axial direction, such that water flow in either direction operates the turbine, but wherein the retaining members and the anti-friction members allow the rotor to shift in either axial direction in response to water flow. The anti-friction members limiting rotor travel in the axial direction are preferably of increased thickness, such that as the anti-friction members wear down, the rotor is able to shift relative to the housing in the axial direction.

Abstract: A wind turbine for generating electrical power, the turbine having a rotor assembly comprising a hub, an annular rim and a plurality of blade members extending between the hub and rim, a pulley transfer box apparatus and a looped member extending circumferentially about the annular rim and through the pulley box transfer apparatus, the pulley box transfer apparatus having a pair of drum pulleys each having a plurality of annular grooves receiving the looped member.

Abstract: A fluid turbine for generating electrical power, the turbine having a rotor assembly comprising a hub, a rim and a plurality of blade members joining them together, the blade members being rigid, flat panel, multi-ply, composite blade members having a plurality of parallel, longitudinally-oriented, reinforcing cords composed of non-braided aramid synthetic strands, the cords being disposed between at least two cloth layers impregnated with a cured polymer resin.

Abstract: A wind turbine for generating electrical power, the turbine having a rotor assembly comprising a hub, a rim and a plurality of blade members extending between the hub and rim, and at least two anemometers mounted at stationary locations relative to the rotor assembly or on the rotor assembly itself, wherein the pitch of individual blade members is adjustable in response to differences in wind speed detected by the anemometers as the rotor assembly rotates.

Abstract: In a hydroelectric turbine having a rotor disposed within a stator housing, the rotor having an annular outer rim received by a channel in the stator housing, the improvement comprising a buoyant rotor, the rotor preferably having buoyancy chambers disposed within the rotor. The buoyancy chambers may be disposed within the annular outer rim, the blades or an annular inner rim, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the buoyancy chambers are filled with a material having a specific gravity of one or less, and most preferably the filler material is a polymer foam that adds rigidity to the rotor.

Abstract: A wind turbine for generating electrical power, the turbine having a rotating rotor assembly mounted onto a support structure, the rotor assembly having a rotating axle member, a plurality of rotating ring pair assemblies, each ring pair assembly having an inner ring member, an outer ring member and a plurality of blade members joining the inner ring to the outer ring, and a plurality of stay members connecting the ring members to the axle member in a concentric manner.

Abstract: A wind turbine for generating electrical power, the turbine having a rotor assembly comprising a hub, an annular rim and a plurality of blade members extending between the hub and rim, a pulley transfer box apparatus and a looped member extending circumferentially about the annular rim and through the pulley box transfer apparatus, the pulley box transfer apparatus having a pair of drum pulleys each having a plurality of annular grooves receiving the looped member.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating social networking is contemplated. The system may be used in a venue such as a restaurant, cafeteria or nightclub. The contemplated system includes one or more social networking devices capable of providing non-verbal indicators to other users of the system. The non-verbal indicators may be color-coded visual indicators such as lights (e.g. LEDs). By way of example, the color-coded visual indicators may be placed on or around tables and may be configured to indicate a level of participation by an individual or group in the social networking system. The visual indicators may also be integrated into apparel such as a wristband, belt, headband, lightweight vest or arm band and worn by a user that wishes to participate in the social networking system at such a venue that supports the social networking system. The system may also provide simultaneous conveyance of multiple non-verbal indicators.

Abstract: A wind turbine for generating electrical power, the turbine having a rotor assembly comprising a hub, a rim and a plurality of blade members extending between the hub and rim, and at least two anemometers mounted at stationary locations relative to the rotor assembly or on the rotor assembly itself, wherein the pitch of individual blade members is adjustable in response to differences in wind speed detected by the anemometers as the rotor assembly rotates.

Abstract: A fluid turbine for generating electrical power, the turbine having a rotor assembly comprising a hub, a rim and a plurality of blade members joining them together, the blade members being rigid, flat panel, multi-ply, composite blade members having a plurality of parallel, longitudinally-oriented, reinforcing cords composed of non-braided aramid synthetic strands, the cords being disposed between at least two cloth layers impregnated with a cured polymer resin.

Abstract: In a hydroelectric turbine having a rotor disposed within a stator housing, the rotor having an annular outer rim received by a channel in the stator housing, the improvement comprising a buoyant rotor, the rotor preferably having buoyancy chambers disposed within the rotor. The buoyancy chambers may be disposed within the annular outer rim, the blades or an annular inner rim, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the buoyancy chambers are filled with a material having a specific gravity of one or less, and most preferably the filler material is a polymer foam that adds rigidity to the rotor.

Abstract: A hydroelectric turbine for the production of electricity from tidal flow forces, the turbine having a rotor with an open center such that the blades are mounted between an inner rim and outer rim, wherein retaining members and anti-friction members are provided to limit movement of the rotor relative to the housing in either axial direction, such that water flow in either direction operates the turbine, but wherein the retaining members and the anti-friction members allow the rotor to shift in either axial direction in response to water flow. The anti-friction members limiting rotor travel in the axial direction are preferably of increased thickness, such that as the anti-friction members wear down, the rotor is able to shift relative to the housing in the axial direction.

Abstract: A fluid turbine, such as a wind or hydro turbine, for generating electrical power, the turbine having a rotor assembly comprising a hub, a rim and a plurality of tensioned cable members joining them together, the cable members being grouped into sets to define a plurality of supports for individual skin members to create a plurality of lightweight blade members.

Abstract: A hydroelectric turbine for the production of electricity from tidal flow forces, the turbine having a rotor with an open center such that the blades are mounted between an inner rim and outer rim, where retaining members and anti-friction members are provided to prevent excessive movement of the rotor relative to the housing in either axial direction, such that water flow in either direction operates the turbine.

Abstract: A hydroelectric turbine for the production of electricity from tidal flow forces, the turbine having a rotor preferably with an open center such that the blades are mounted between an inner rim and outer rim, wherein retaining members and anti-friction members are provided to limit movement of the rotor relative to the housing in either axial direction, such that water flow in either direction operates the turbine, but wherein the retaining members and the anti-friction members allow the rotor to shift in either axial direction in response to water flow, thereby reducing the amount of energy required to initiate rotation. The anti-friction members limiting rotor travel in the axial direction are preferably of increased thickness, such that as the anti-friction members wear down, the rotor is able to shift relative to the housing in the axial direction.

Abstract: The embodiment is a venturi front shroud that can be pursed or released to decrease or increase water velocity through the housing of a turbine.

Abstract: A hydroelectric turbine anchored in a body of water which produces electricity directly from its housing. The turbine is in and of itself a generator whose housing is its stator and whose blade it its rotor.