Abstract: A system for improving performance of an internal combustion engine is provided. The system may include an exhaust pipe and a leading edge member attached at one end of the exhaust pipe. In one aspect, the leading edge member may be attached to a windward side of the exhaust pipe to define a drawtube arranged to lower a pressure at the end of the exhaust pipe. A device for lowering a pressure at the end of a vehicular exhaust pipe to improve performance of an internal combustion engine may also be provided. The device may include a substantially planar leading edge member and a sleeve configured to be secured to a vehicular exhaust pipe. A bottom edge of the leading edge member may be attached to the sleeve.

Abstract: A system for converting an airflow into mechanical or electrical energy and dimensioned to be attachable to a structure. The system includes a leading edge member, a pair of drawtube arrays, and an energy conversion device located between the pair of drawtube arrays and configured to convert an airflow through the channel into mechanical or electrical energy.

Abstract: A system for converting an airflow into mechanical or electrical energy is provided. The system may include a drawtube. The drawtube may include a tubular member defining a longitudinal axis and having a first opening and a second opening. The drawtube may include a first member positioned adjacent to the first opening on a first side of the tubular member. The drawtube may include a second member positioned adjacent to the second opening on a second side of the tubular member, wherein the longitudinal axis of the drawtube is disposed at an angle relative to a direction of the airflow. An energy conversion device may be coupled to the drawtube and configured to convert the airflow into mechanical or electrical energy. A plurality of the drawtubes may be assembled in an array.

Abstract: A system for converting an airflow into mechanical energy includes a drawtube and an airflow turbine capable of converting an airflow through the drawtube into rotational mechanical energy. The drawtube includes a tubular member with first and second open ends and a substantially planar leading edge member positioned in front of the first open end. As an airflow passes over the drawtube, a reduced pressure region results adjacent to the leading edge. The reduced pressure region in combination with counter-rotating eddies, or vortices, formed by the leading edge cause air to be drawn out of the first open end of the tubular member establishing an internal airflow which drives the turbine or other energy conversion device.

Abstract: A system for converting an airflow into mechanical energy includes a drawtube and an airflow turbine capable of converting an airflow through the drawtube into rotational mechanical energy. The drawtube includes a tubular member with first and second open ends and a substantially planar leading edge member positioned in front of the first open end. As an airflow passes over the drawtube, a reduced pressure region results adjacent to the leading edge. The reduced pressure region in combination with counter-rotating eddies, or vortices, formed by the leading edge cause air to be drawn out of the first open end of the tubular member establishing an internal airflow which drives the turbine or other energy conversion device.

Abstract: A ventilation system for a building, or other structure includes a roof and an airfoil mounted on the roof. The airfoil includes a tubular member having a longitudinal axis, an inside, an outside, and an elongated opening extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. The air foil includes a leading edge positioned with respect to the longitudinal opening on the outside of the tubular member to create a pressure differential between the tubular member and the leading edge when wind blows past the airfoil. An air duct in communication with the interior of the tubular member extends into the building to enable the airfoil to draw air out from the building in response to the wind.

Abstract: A ventilation system for a building, or other structure includes a roof and an airfoil mounted on the roof. The airfoil includes a tubular member having a longitudinal axis, an inside, an outside, and an elongated opening extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. The air foil includes a leading edge positioned with respect to the longitudinal opening on the outside of the tubular member to create a pressure differential between the tubular member and the leading edge when wind blows past the airfoil. An air duct in communication with the interior of the tubular member extends into the building to enable the airfoil to draw air out from the building in response to the wind.

Abstract: A method and device for collecting energy from wind includes an airfoil having an outer surface defining a leading edge, a central section of greatest breadth adjacent to which a Bernoulli effect reduced pressure region results as an air flow passes over the airfoil from the leading edge to a trailing edge, an air passage contained within the outer surface, and a plurality of edge nozzles penetrating the outer surface within the section of greatest breadth. The edge nozzles each have an outlet orifice oriented toward the trailing edge and an inlet orifice feeding into the air passage and being positioned to communicate between the air passage and the Bernoulli effect reduced pressure region. The airfoil is positioned in the wind with the leading edge facing substantially into the wind and with the wind passing over the edge nozzles. An airflow-driven turbine capable of converting an airflow into rotational mechanical energy is also provided, the turbine being in airflow communication with the air passage.