Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from water having solid contaminants dissolved therein. Contaminated water flows across a grid and into a storage tank. The grid utilizes solar energy to heat that water to a predetermined temperature. A heat transfer structure which is dome-shaped and receives water from the storage tank and a preheater means utilizing solar energy heats the water to a further predetermined temperature. An evaporator means receives the heated water and exposes it to a vacuum condition so that the temperature of the water is above the saturation temperature. The water is thus vaporized, and solid contaminants dissolved therein are separated therefrom. The solids are deposited on a plurality of moving belts and are then moved into a solids removal system. The solids removal system comprises a plurality of trap door pairs upon which the solids are deposited and which are sequentially opened so that the vacuum conditions existing in the evaporator are not disturbed.

Abstract: A modular apparatus which converts the work of water flowing in a waterway into usable power. The apparatus comprises a plurality of modules, and each module comprises water contacting blades which are impacted by the water a plurality of times as the water flows through the module. The blades are connected to means for driving power generating equipment to convert the water flow work into usable power.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from water having solid contaminants dissolved therein. Contaminated water flows across a grid and into a storage tank. The grid utilizes solar energy to heat that water to a predetermined temperature. A heat transfer structure which is dome-shaped and receives water from the storage tank and a preheater means utilizing solar energy heats the water to a further predetermined temperature. An evaporator means receives the heated water and exposes it to a vacuum condition so that the temperature of the water is above the saturation temperature. The water is thus vaporized, and solid contaminants dissolved therein are separated therefrom. The solids are deposited on a plurality of moving belts and are then moved into a solids removal system. The solids removal system comprises a plurality of trap door pairs upon which the solids are deposited and which are sequentially opened so that the vacuum conditions existing in the evaporator are not disturbed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from water having solid contaminants dissolved therein. Contaminated water flows across a grid and into a storage tank. The grid utilizes solar energy to heat that water to a predetermined temperature. A heat transfer structure which is dome-shaped and receives water from the storage tank and a preheater means utilizing solar energy heats the water to a further predetermined temperature. An evaporator means receives the heated water and exposes it to a vacuum condition so that the temperature of the water is above the saturation temperature. The water is thus vaporized, and solid contaminants dissolved therein are separated therefrom. The solids are deposited on a plurality of moving belts and are then moved into a solids removal system. The solids removal system comprises a plurality of trap door pairs upon which the solids are deposited and which are sequentially opened so that the vacuum conditions existing in the evaporator are not disturbed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from water having solid contaminants dissolved therein. Contaminated water flows across a grid and into a storage tank. The grid utilizes solar energy to heat that water to a predetermined temperature. A heat transfer structure which is dome-shaped and receives water from the storage tank and a preheater means utilizing solar energy heats the water to a further predetermined temperature. An evaporator means receives the heated water and exposes it to a vacuum condition so that the temperature of the water is above the saturation temperature. The water is thus vaporized, and solid contaminants dissolved therein are separated therefrom. The solids are deposited on a plurality of moving belts and are then moved into a solids removal system. The solids removal system comprises a plurality of trap door pairs upon which the solids are deposited and which are sequentially opened so that the vacuum conditions existing in the evaporator are not disturbed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from water having solid contaminants dissolved therein. Contaminated water flows across a grid and into a storage tank. The grid utilizes solar energy to heat that water to a predetermined temperature. A heat transfer structure which is dome-shaped and receives water from the storage tank and a preheater means utilizing solar energy heats the water to a further predetermined temperature. An evaporator means receives the heated water and exposes it to a vacuum condition so that the temperature of the water is above the saturation temperature. The water is thus vaporized, and solid contaminants dissolved therein are separated therefrom. The solids are deposited on a plurality of moving belts and are then moved into a solids removal system. The solids removal system comprises a plurality of trap door pairs upon which the solids are deposited and which are sequentially opened so that the vacuum conditions existing in the evaporator are not disturbed.

Abstract: A guided flow wind power machine having inter-meshing tubular fan blades is disclosed. The device includes a main frame which is rotatively mounted to permit it to continuously face the wind directly. The main frame carries three separate power cells each having a plurality of tubular fans, all of which are inter-connected to drive a non-linear alternating current generator. An energy storage system is also disclosed and includes a plurality of massive weights that are raised hydraulically to store excess power generated by the fans. Power is withdrawn from the storage apparatus by permitting the weights to act against the hydraulic system to drive a reversible pump-motor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from water having solid contaminants dissolved therein. Contaminated water flows across a grid and into a storage tank. The grid utilizes solar energy to heat that water to a predetermined temperature. A heat transfer structure which is dome-shaped and receives water from the storage tank and a preheater means utilizing solar energy heats the water to a further predetermined temperature. An evaporator means receives the heated water and exposes it to a vacuum condition so that the temperature of the water is above the saturation temperature. The water is thus vaporized, and solid contaminants dissolved therein are separated therefrom. The solids are deposited on a plurality of moving belts and are then moved into a solids removal system. The solids removal system comprises a plurality of trap door pairs upon which the solids are deposited and which are sequentially opened so that the vacuum conditions existing in the evaporator are not disturbed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from water having solid contaminants dissolved therein. Contaminated water flows across a grid and into a storage tank. The grid utilizes solar energy to heat that water to a predetermined temperature. A heat transfer structure which is dome-shaped and receives water from the storage tank and a preheater means utilizing solar energy heats the water to a further predetermined temperature. An evaporator means receives the heated water and exposes it to a vacuum condition so that the temperature of the water is above the saturation temperature. The water is thus vaporized, and solid contaminants dissolved therein are separated therefrom. The solids are deposited on a plurality of moving belts and are then moved into a solids removal system. The solids removal system comprises a plurality of trap door pairs upon which the solids are deposited and which are sequentially opened so that the vacuum conditions existing in the evaporator are not disturbed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from water having solid contaminants dissolved therein. Contaminated water flows across a grid and into a storage tank. The grid utilizes solar energy to heat that water to a predetermined temperature. A heat transfer structure which is dome-shaped and receives water from the storage tank and a preheater means utilizing solar energy heats the water to a further predetermined temperature. An evaporator means receives the heated water and exposes it to a vacuum condition so that the temperature of the water is above the saturation temperature. The water is thus vaporized, and solid contaminants dissolved therein are separated therefrom. The solids are deposited on a plurality of moving belts and are then moved into a solids removal system. The solids removal system comprises a plurality of trap door pairs upon which the solids are deposited and which are sequentially opened so that the vacuum conditions existing in the evaporator are not disturbed.

Abstract: A directionally controlled array of solar power units includes a supporting frame having conduits for flow of hot and cold water to each of the units supported on the frame, and each unit includes a solar cell which directly converts solar energy into electrical energy, the solar energy being concentrated on the cells by lenses. The solar cells are electrically connected for desired use of the electrical energy produced thereby, and the hot and cold water conduits are connected with the cells for flow of cold water in heat exchange relationship with the cells to cool the cells and heat the water and the hot water is available for work. Thermocouples and controls are connected with the units for moving the units to keep them pointed at the sun to thus utilize maximum energy therefrom throughout daylight hours.

Abstract: A high efficiency wind power machine is disclosed which is particularly well suited for large-scale, commercial conversion of wind power into electrical energy. The wind power machine of the present invention employs highly efficient wind-to-electric power conversion modules which may be interconnected to form a large-scale power converter. The individual modules employs flip-flop wind blades which travel in an oval path and are carried by traveling chains. The blades interact with the impinging wind stream at two points, thus increasing the overall efficiency of the conversion modules.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from water having solid contaminants dissolved therein. Contaminated water flows across a grid and into a storage tank. The grid utilizes solar energy to heat that water to a predetermined temperature. A heat transfer structure which is dome-shaped and receives water from the storage tank and a preheater means utilizing solar energy heats the water to a further predetermined temperature. An evaporator means receives the heated water and exposes it to a vacuum condition so that the temperature of the water is above the saturation temperature. The water is thus vaporized, and solid contaminants dissolved therein are separated therefrom. The solids are deposited on a plurality of moving belts and are then moved into a solids removal system. The solids removal system comprises a plurality of trap door pairs upon which the solids are deposited and which are sequentially opened so that the vacuum conditions existing in the evaporator are not disturbed.

Abstract: A jib crane having an adjustable height. The crane comprises a sectional mast which can be lengthened or shortened. The mast has a ceiling connecting element which can accommodate sloping ceilings, and a floor mounting element which is quickly and easily installed. A height adjuster connects the mast sections together.

Abstract: An elongated strand of electric fence wire is provided with wheels whereby the strand can be rolled from one location to another while remaining stretched out lengthwise. The wheels also serve as posts whereby the strand of wire is held out of contact with the ground and at a desired elevation when in use. Each end of the wire can be attached to a portable holding means for anchoring the wire and which is also useful in moving the fence to a new location. When the fence is moved, the wheels roll and move with the wire, becoming rolling fence posts so that the wire does not snag an obstruction which may be lying on the ground or protruding from it.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for efficient harvesting of fruits or nuts from trees. Picking tines extend radially from a vertically disposed drive shaft and move horizontally through the foliage of a fruit or nut bearing tree by rotation of the shaft. During rotation, the drive shaft is also reciprocated vertically for upward and downward movement of the tines in the foliage while they also move horizontally therein. Also, the rotational velocity of the shafts is varied rhythmically so that horizontal travel of the tines on upward movement becomes zero or else is much slower than during downward movement. By upward and downward movement of the tines, while also varying their horizontal travel rhythmically, the harvesting rate can be increased and the damage to tree foliage can be reduced.

Abstract: An improved work-supporting table particularly adapted for shiftable mounting on the support column of a drill press is provided which permits the reciprocable drill bit to cut through the entire thickness of workpiece material supported on the table surface without defacement of the latter irrespective of the drill bit position relative to the table. An arcuate groove in the table surface directly below the drill bit extends parallel to the swinging path of travel of the table relative to the drill bit and provides clearance for the bit when the latter is reciprocably advanced to the table surface. The recessed surface of the groove is covered by a strip of hardened material which is resistant to the cutting action of the drill bit thereby protecting the groove against inadvertent defacement by engagement with the bit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating hydrogen and oxygen from water molecules. A solar reflecting means reflects solar energy onto a water containing tank to boil water contained therein and form steam. The steam is transferred either to a turbine-generator assembly for producing power, or to a dissociating means for producing hydrogen and oxygen. The steam in the dissociating means is forced to traverse a spiral path wherein it undergoes a circular motion to subject it to centrifugal force while contacting a heat transfer surface. Solar energy is concentrated on the heat transfer surface and heat in amounts sufficient to raise the temperature of the steam to the dissociation temperature thereof is transferred thereto. Hydrogen and oxygen are separated from each other by the centrifugal forces, and are withdrawn from the dissociating means. An electric starter and means for moving solar reflecting means are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular hydroelectric power plant which converts energy of water flowing in a stream into electric power. The plant comprises a plurality of modules which are removably mounted on piers embedded in a river or stream bed. Each module comprises a turbine over which water flows to rotate the turbine, and turbine rotation is converted into power by a generator attached thereto. The generator is removably mounted on the module. Insertion of the plant in a stream or river does not significantly disrupt flow therein, and locks are provided to assist vehicles in transversing the plant area of the river or stream.

Abstract: A dozer blade with loading capabilities includes a curved plate or blade for cutting into the soil and to which is secured a pair of laterally spaced arms pivotally supporting a rotatable assembly comprising a load plate extending generally radially from the pivot point to a position where it sweeps the contacting surface of the blade. Opposed radial side plates rotate into soil retaining positions at the sides of the blade when the load plate has rotated upwardly and forwardly of the pivot point. A prime mover is provided to rotate the load plate when desired, aiding in the full discharge of soil carried on the blade.