Abstract: Apparatus for harnessing energy from wind comprises upper and lower continuous-loop trackways defining a continuous loop path and a series of connected, movable wind foils. Each wind foil has a leading edge mast engaging and guided by the upper and lower trackways. Each wind foil is movable between first and second orientations when moving along first and second portions of the path. A second example comprises a support structure having upper and lower closed loop trackways having inner and outer trackway rails and defining a closed loop path which guides a series of connected trolleys. Each trolley has a roller mounted to a roller support. The roller is guided by the rails of the upper and lower trackways. Sail assemblies each have a mast and a sail extending from the mast, with the upper and lower ends of the mast mounted to and supported by upper and lower trolleys.

Abstract: Apparatus for harnessing energy from wind comprises upper and lower continuous-loop trackways defining a continuous loop path and a series of connected, movable wind foils. Each wind foil has a leading edge mast engaging and guided by the upper and lower trackways. Each wind foil is movable between first and second orientations when moving along first and second portions of the path. A second example comprises a support structure having upper and lower closed loop trackways having inner and outer trackway rails and defining a closed loop path which guides a series of connected trolleys. Each trolley has a roller mounted to a roller support. The roller is guided by the rails of the upper and lower trackways. Sail assemblies each have a mast and a sail extending from the mast, with the upper and lower ends of the mast mounted to and supported by upper and lower trolleys.

Abstract: A conveyor-type apparatus harnesses energy from a fluid flow, for example a river or a tidal flow region, and comprises a support structure, a continuous-loop, flexible driven element, for example a pair of chains, mounted to the support structure and extending along a closed-loop path, the path defining an interior region and an exterior region, and a series of reversible fluid foils. The driven element has first and second reaches, the first and second reaches being upflow and downflow reaches when fluid flows from the first reach to the second reach. Each fluid foil is connected to the flexible driven element for movement between a first orientation, situated in the interior region when moving along the upflow reach, and a second orientation, situated in the exterior region when moving along the downflow reach. The first sides are generally concave when moving along the upflow reach and generally convex when moving along the downflow reach.

Abstract: A conveyor-type apparatus harnesses energy from a fluid flow, for example a river or a tidal flow region, and comprises a support structure, a continuous-loop, flexible driven element, for example a pair of chains, mounted to the support structure and extending along a closed-loop path, the path defining an interior region and an exterior region, and a series of reversible fluid foils. The driven element has first and second reaches, the first and second reaches being upflow and downflow reaches when fluid flows from the first reach to the second reach. Each fluid foil is connected to the flexible driven element for movement between a first orientation, situated in the interior region when moving along the upflow reach, and a second orientation, situated in the exterior region when moving along the downflow reach. The first sides are generally concave when moving along the upflow reach and generally convex when moving along the downflow reach.

Abstract: A tunnel drive shield has a front shield and a rear shield. The front shield is a knife shield, and the rear shield has a hood and a plurality of elongate members. The hood is connected to the front shield so as to be movable in all directions. Between the hood and the front shield (or the support frame for the knives of the front shield) is provided means for holding the two shields at a given angular setting. The connection between the two shields enables them to be angled relatively to each other to a limited extent in all directions, so that the original length of the entire drive shield is shortened, and the ability of the shield to negotiate curves is increased.