Abstract: A horizontal-shaft wind machine having improved low wind speed performance and greater overall efficiency consists of multiple rotors, wherein each successive rotor is larger in diameter than the previous rotor moving from the most windward rotor to the most leeward rotor. Each rotor may be coupled to a shroud/diffuser that is displaced axially downwind from the rotor.

Abstract: A horizontal-shaft wind machine having improved low wind speed performance and greater overall efficiency consists of multiple rotors, wherein each successive rotor is larger in diameter than the previous rotor moving from the most windward rotor to the most leeward rotor. Each rotor may be coupled to a separate concentric shaft, and all rotors may rotate in the same direction with the output shafts of each rotor coupled via an overrunning clutch to a single shaft, the output of which is used to drive the load. Winglets attached to the leading edge and tip of the rotor sails improve low wind startup torque.

Abstract: A horizontal-shaft wind machine having improved low wind speed performance and greater overall efficiency consists of multiple rotors, wherein each successive rotor is larger in diameter than the previous rotor moving from the most windward rotor to the most leeward rotor. Each rotor may be coupled to a separate concentric shaft, and all rotors may rotate in the same direction with the output shafts of each rotor coupled via an overrunning clutch to a single shaft, the output of which is used to drive the load. Winglets attached to the leading edge and tip of the rotor sails improve low wind startup torque.

Abstract: A horizontal-shaft wind machine having improved low wind speed performance and greater overall efficiency consists of multiple rotors, wherein each successive rotor is larger in diameter than the previous rotor moving from the most windward rotor to the most leeward rotor. Each rotor may be coupled to a shroud/diffuser that is displaced axially downwind from the rotor.

Abstract: A system to improve reading skills in preparation for taking a standardized test, comprises a system to identify the most frequently utilized prime words in a language, a house, a computer mounted in the housing, a display operatively associated with the computer, and a computer program product in a storage medium readable by the computer. The product comprises program code for preparatory reading exercise shown on the display and utilizing vocabulary including selected ones of the most frequently utilized prime words, and displaying on the display the most frequently used prime words in formats requiring reading two or more of the most frequently used prime words simultaneously in a single eye fixation.

Abstract: A horizontal-shaft wind machine having improved low wind speed performance and greater overall efficiency consists of multiple rotors, wherein each successive rotor is larger in diameter than the previous rotor moving from the most windward rotor to the most leeward rotor. Each rotor may be coupled to a separate concentric shaft, and all rotors may rotate in the same direction with the output shafts of each rotor coupled via an overrunning clutch to a single shaft, the output of which is used to drive the load. Winglets attached to the leading edge and tip of the rotor sails improve low wind startup torque.

Abstract: A machine for improving reading speed includes a housing, a list of prime words, a system to physically transform the prime words onto a display, and reading exercises utilizing the prime words.

Abstract: The windmill has a stub tower having a rotatable platform carrying a wind driven fan with an input shaft driving a transmission mechanism on the platform. The mechanism carries two balanced cranks which rotate continuously and two pitman arms at opposite ends of an output cross shaft driving a single rocking beam having a massive head moved up and down. The head is coupled by flexible members to a vertical pump rod which is reciprocated by the rocking beam. A tail assembly coupled to the platform tracks the wind and rotates the platform so that the fan faces into the wind. The tracking assembly furls the fan out of the wind when the wind speed is excessive. The tracking assembly rises up on an inclined coupling rod to load the tracking assembly gravitationally when the fan is in furled position. When the wind speed decreases, the tracking assembly descends on the coupling rod to turn the platform and unfurl the fan to face the wind.

Abstract: This windmill head comprises a stub tower having a rotatable platform carrying a wind driven fan which drives a transmission mechanism. The mechanism has two cranks and pitman arms at opposite sides driving two rocking beams carrying counterweights. One beam is coupled to a vertical pump rod by non-rigid members to reciprocate the pump rod. The counterweights assist the beams in pulling up the pump rod and pumped load. A tail assembly tracks the wind by rotating the platform so that the fan faces the wind. The fan furls out of the wind when wind speed is excessive. A power unit may drive the transmission mechanism when wind speed is too low and high to drive the fan. The platform is carried by bearings which prevent vertical movement of the platform and components on it while the pump rod is being pulled up and pushed down, and while the counterweights are raised and lowered. The power unit can generate electric power when the wind speed is high enough to drive the fan.

Abstract: This gearless straight line drive mechanism has a first shaft driven by wind power or other power source. The shaft drives rotatable crank arms which reciprocate connecting rods carrying a horizontal second shaft. The second shaft moves up and down. It carries and extends through the centers of flat, symmetrical, vertical links. Pivotally mounted guide arms are connected to ends of the links to move them in opposite arcuate directions while the second shaft is constrained by the guide arms and links to move in a precisely vertical path. The second shaft carries a pump rod for cyclically operating a lift pump. The guide arms may carry counterbalance weights or the guide arms may be loaded by springs, which apply forces via the guide arms and links to cyclically assist the second shaft and pump rod in lifting a load.

Abstract: A wind machine has a tower frame formed by four converging beams. At the top of the tower is a gear head connected to a wind driven rotatable multibladed rotor. Connected to the gear head is a vertical shaft which is reciprocated vertically as the rotor rotates. Bearings above and below the gear head enable the gear head to drive the shaft in both downward pushing and upward pulling modes. The system includes a counterbalance assembly having tubular arms at opposite sides of the vertical shaft. The arms are slidably carried by sleeves pivoting in vertical planes on stationary pillow blocks secured to the tower frame. Inner ends of the arms are connected to the vertical shaft. Weights inside the arms are adjustably positioned on threaded rods, and both rods and weights can be locked in place for adjusting the counterbalancing effect of the assembly with respect to the vertical shaft and load.