Abstract: A material (such as potassium hydroxide or ammonia) capable of reacting with ambient carbon dioxide to produce fertilizer is placed in the path of ambient air movement. Desirably the material is associated with a fabric which in turn is associated with a vane of a vertical axis wind turbine, the turbine performing useful work as well as supporting the material which produces a fertilizer. A misting system controlled by a controller may automatically apply a water mist to the material if the humidity is below a predetermined level. The fabric with produced nitrogen and/or potassium fertilizer may be placed directly into contact with soil, or shredded first, or burned to produce energy and an ash (and the ash applied to the soil). The wind turbine may have a convenient, versatile mounting system with three adjustable legs supporting a central component, and the spokes of the wind turbine may be slotted for easy assembly with vanes.

Abstract: A material (such as potassium hydroxide or ammonia) capable of reacting with ambient carbon dioxide to produce fertilizer is placed in the path of ambient air movement. Desirably the material is associated with a fabric which in turn is associated with a vane of a vertical axis wind turbine, the turbine performing useful work as well as supporting the material which produces a fertilizer. A misting system controlled by a controller may automatically apply a water mist to the material if the humidity is below a predetermined level. The fabric with produced nitrogen and/or potassium fertilizer may be placed directly into contact with soil, or shredded first, or burned to produce energy and an ash (and the ash applied to the soil). The wind turbine may have a convenient, versatile mounting system with three adjustable legs supporting a central component, and the spokes of the wind turbine may be slotted for easy assembly with vanes.

Abstract: A material (such as potassium hydroxide or ammonia) capable of reacting with ambient carbon dioxide to produce fertilizer is placed in the path of ambient air movement. Desirably the material is associated with a fabric which in turn is associated with a vane of a vertical axis wind turbine, the turbine performing useful work as well as supporting the material which produces a fertilizer. A misting system controlled by a controller may automatically apply a water mist to the material if the humidity is below a predetermined level. The fabric with produced nitrogen and/or potassium fertilizer may be placed directly into contact with soil, or shredded first, or burned to produce energy and an ash (and the ash applied to the soil). The wind turbine may have a convenient, versatile mounting system with three adjustable legs supporting a central component, and the spokes of the wind turbine may be slotted for easy assembly with vanes.

Abstract: Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, or other pollutants, are removed from ambient air while at the same time performing other useful functions. For example, surfaces of a vertical axis wind turbine (such as a Savonius) are provided as, or covered by, fabrics, films, or coatings which remove pollutants from flowing ambient air that contacts the turbine vanes and effects rotation of them to produce electricity. Many different materials may be used, such as activated carbon (especially associated with aramid fabrics), hydroxide coated textiles, hydroxyl ion rich cloth (e. g. wool), or coatings or films of titanium dioxide. After pollutant capture the materials or fabrics may be regenerated, burned with biomass, or disposed of.

Abstract: A functional rotor, desirably but not necessarily a Savonius, helical, or other vertical axis wind turbine rotor, has other functions in addition to driving a useful driven mechanism (such as an electricity or hydrogen generator, pump, etc.). The rotor has exterior rotating surface areas and at least one of design, aesthetic, holographic, reflective, and informational elements on those areas that create the illusion of movement distinct from the rotation of the rotor itself. The elements may be substantially vertical holographic material or reflective material stripes alternating with non-holographic or non-reflective stripes, or at least one of design and aesthetic elements disposed to create a spiral movement illusion. The elements may be selected and positioned so that a message or design is completed in the viewer's eye only upon rotation of the surface areas. The rotor may simulate a praxinoscope, phenakistascope, or zoetrope.

Abstract: A material (such as potassium hydroxide or ammonia) capable of reacting with ambient carbon dioxide to produce fertilizer is placed in the path of ambient air movement. Desirably the material is associated with a fabric which in turn is associated with a vane of a vertical axis wind turbine, the turbine performing useful work as well as supporting the material which produces a fertilizer. A misting system controlled by a controller may automatically apply a water mist to the material if the humidity is below a predetermined level. The fabric with produced nitrogen and/or potassium fertilizer may be placed directly into contact with soil, or shredded first, or burned to produce energy and an ash (and the ash applied to the soil). The wind turbine may have a convenient, versatile mounting system with three adjustable legs supporting a central component, and the spokes of the wind turbine may be slotted for easy assembly with vanes.

Abstract: A watercraft, typically a catamaran, has at least two spaced hulls; at least one seat mounted on or between the hulls; a vertical axis wind turbine (“VAWT”, e.g. Savonius) having a rotatable shaft operatively mounted to the hulls aft of the seat; and at least one propeller operatively connected to the wind turbine. A pedal driven propeller manual assist operable by someone sitting in a seat is also desirably provided. A mounting structure for the VAWT shaft includes an aluminum sleeve receiving the shaft; and at least two aluminum struts extending from each of at least four mounting points on the hulls to the sleeve, the struts operatively connected to the sleeve, one strut from each point vertically above the other. At least two counter-rotating VAWTs, with counter-rotating propellers, are preferred. Typically there are first and second airfoil configuration rudders, one operatively connected to the stern of each hull and controlled by a tiller and linkages to move substantially in tandem.

Abstract: A Savonius vertical axis wind turbine rotor, that is effective yet relatively easy to manufacture, includes spokes, vanes, and fasteners. Each spoke has a hub having a central opening, three arcuate ribs extending radially outwardly from the hub with inner (concave) and outer (convex) surfaces, and channels defined in at least one of the inner and outer surfaces. The vanes of sheet material generally conform to an inner or outer surface of a rib and have openings aligned with the channels. First fasteners pass through the openings and cooperate with second fasteners in the channels. Two of the spoke pieces may be joined by a bridging piece, and two spoke pieces by a clamp. A Savonius or helical rotor includes a generator, and a drive connecting the generator and rotor. The drive automatically increases the effective gear ratio between the generator and rotor as the speed of rotation increases.

Abstract: A method of producing a piece of artwork using a computer-controlled color printer (e.g. thermal in-jet printer) capable of printing at least three colors, is provided. The method includes: a) Inputting (e.g. from a digital camera, or the Internet) or selecting a multicolor image (e.g. a digital photograph) so that it is provided in the computer. b) Selectively disabling one or more of the colors, while not disabling all of the colors besides black, of the printer to insure little or none of the one or more disabled colors is printed by the printer; and c) with the printer, printing the non-disabled color or colors of the image onto a substrate (such as matte paper or canvas). In the method, a)-c) may be practiced to produce a final work of art, but preferably the method further includes d) further acting upon the substrate from c) to add artistic elements (e.g. adding acrylic paints, texture, color, foreign materials, and/or objects) to spaced portions of the substrate to produce a final artwork.

Abstract: One or more vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT), preferably of the Savonius type, are mounted in a relatively simple and inexpensive manner. For a single VAWT a center pole may be disposed within a hollow shaft of the VAWT with at least upper and lower bearings acting between the shaft and center pole. Alternatively, a short tower or platform may mount a lower bearing (e. g. about 4-14 feet off the ground) for the VAWT shaft, and an upper bearing for the shaft may be mounted by an outrigger. The outrigger is connected at a number of different points (e. g. different arms) by strands (such as steel cables) to stationary supports. Where multiple VAWTs are provided, them may be in a cluster. Each VAWT in the cluster has a structural support in common with at least one other VAWT of the cluster, and each VAWT is operatively connected to a separate useful driven mechanism (such as an electricity or fuel gas generator).

Abstract: A wind powered watercraft, and improved individual components utilizable with the watercraft or elsewhere, does not require the user to have sailing skills, and can go directly into the wind. A vertical axis wind turbine (such as a Savonius or modified Savonius) is mounted to a multihull boat (such as a catamaran). The turbine has a shaft operatively connected to a propulsion system, such as by a clutch. The propulsion system may be a large diameter and pitch horizontal propeller, a vertical axis propeller, or a novel fishtail or sculling oar simulating mechanism, including an oscillating element with a flexible material (e.g. durometer between 40-100) free end. A mechanism which prevents useless spinning of the vertical axis wind turbine when the watercraft is docked may also be provided. For when the wind velocity is insufficient, a manual assist may be provided.

Abstract: A Savonius vertical axis wind turbine rotor has first and second curved vanes having remote substantially vertical edges widely spaced form each other, and proximate substantially vertical edges more closely horizontally spaced from each other and horizontally overlapping are associated with a substantially vertical central shaft construction. The shaft construction is operatively connected to the vanes and mounts the vanes and adjacent the proximate edges. The central shaft construction may comprise a perforated shaft (e.g. a single perforated shaft), or multiple shafts. In any event, the shaft construction, and mounting of the rotor vanes, allow, during use, spillover of wind from the proximate edge of one vane to another vane during powered rotation of the vanes in response to wind. The rotor is preferably omni-directional. The rotor may have a third set of vanes, and different vertically spaced sets of vanes circumferentially offset with respect to each other.

Abstract: A Savonius vertical axis wind turbine rotor has at least three spokes, at least two vanes, and fasteners. Each spoke includes a hub with central opening and arcuate ribs integral with the hub and extending radially outwardly. Channels are defined in at least one surface of each rib. Vanes of sheet material generally conform to an inner or outer surface of the ribs and have openings aligned with the channels. First fasteners pass through the openings into the channels and cooperate with second fasteners provided within the channels. Each hub may define a clamp which cooperates with a shaft, the clamp including a radial slot in the hub communicating with the central opening and fastener receiving elements on opposite sides of the slot. The vanes may overlap the central opening so that there is spillover from one vane to the next when the rotor is rotated by the wind.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine assembly, such as a Savonius, typically mounted on a watercraft, utilizes a number of different shroud configurations to substantially preclude rotation when docked. Collapsible “curtains” mounted above the wind engaging elements, pre-defined shape or inflatable bladder inserts for convex volumes of the turbine rotor, pull over sheet material covers for the convex volumes, and a wrap-around flexible sheet, each may be utilized as shrouds. A human or wind powered boat is provided with an adjustable pitch propeller which includes cams mounted on propeller blades and movable by an operator-controlled sleeve to the desired position for a positive or negative pitch. The wind turbine may comprise rotor stages of different hand, rotating in opposite directions, and having substantially concentric shafts operatively connected to oppositely rotating propellers, for driving the boat forward.

Abstract: A Savonius vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) rotor is easily and simply constructed while having enhanced functionality. The rotor includes a shaft that is vertical in use, a number (desirably at least four) of vane support hubs each having a number (desirably three) of at least partially curved spokes extending radially outwardly, and a number of vanes corresponding to the number of spokes. The vane support hubs are operatively connected directly to the shaft and spaced vertically from each other along the shaft to provide a plurality of sets of vertically spaced spokes. The vanes, one for each set of spokes, are operatively connected to the spokes to provide surface area for engaging wind and rotating the shaft when in use. Desirably the vane support hubs are operatively connected to the shaft using mechanical fasteners, and the vanes are connected to the spokes using mechanical fasteners. Structural end caps are not necessary, and therefore the rotor is devoid of them.

Abstract: A Savonius three bladed vertical axis wind turbine rotor has operational characteristics superior to those of conventional three bladed rotors. The blades have high curvature and a high skew factor, for example a curvature of greater than 7:1 (e.g. 2:1-5:1), and a skew factor of greater than 0.6 (e.g. 0.78-0.9). The rotor also includes at least one vertical shaft, the blades operatively connected to the shaft. The rotor typically has an aspect ratio of at least 2:1. The rotor typically has a maximum power coefficient (Cp) of at least twice that of an otherwise identical rotor with a skew factor of 0.5 or less. The rotor can drive a generator with a drive which automatically increases the effective gear ratio as the rotational speed of the rotor increases; or the rotor can be connected to a propeller of a multihull wind powered boat.

Abstract: One or more vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT), preferably of the Savonius type, are mounted in a relatively simple and inexpensive manner. For a single VAWT a center pole may be disposed within a hollow shaft of the VAWT with at least upper and lower bearings acting between the shaft and center pole. Alternatively, a short tower or platform may mount a lower bearing (e. g. about 4-14 feet off the ground) for the VAWT shaft, and an upper bearing for the shaft may be mounted by an outrigger. The outrigger is connected at a number of different points (e. g. different arms) by strands (such as steel cables) to stationary supports. Where multiple VAWTs are provided, them may be in a cluster. Each VAWT in the cluster has a structural support in common with at least one other VAWT of the cluster, and each VAWT is operatively connected to a separate useful driven mechanism (such as an electricity or fuel gas generator).

Abstract: A vertically collapsible vertical axis wind turbine may be used on land, or on a watercraft (e.g. a multihull such as a catamaran). The turbine may include a substantially vertical shaft; at least two vane supports mounted by the shaft; and at least two vertically collapsible material vanes supported by the vane supports, so that the vanes are movable from a first operative position in which the vane material is substantially taut, to a second inoperative position in which the vane material collapses. The vane supports are positioned, and the vanes are constructed, so that the wind turbine preferably has a Savonius or an open helix configuration. When used on multihull watercraft a propulsion mechanism is mounted between two of the hulls, and there is an operative connection between the wind turbine shaft and the propulsion mechanism. The operative connection may be a flexible shaft having at least about a 70 (e.g. about 90) degree bend therein.

Abstract: A Savonius three bladed vertical axis wind turbine rotor has operational characteristics superior to those of conventional three bladed rotors. The blades have high curvature and a high skew factor, for example a curvature of greater than about 7:1 (preferably at least 5.5:1, e. g. 2:1-5:1), and a skew factor of greater than about 0.6 (preferably at least 0.7, e. g. about 0.75-0.9). Preferably the rotor also includes at least one substantially vertical shaft, the blades operatively connected to the shaft. The rotor typically has an aspect ratio of at least about 0.8:1, preferably at least about 2:1 (with the aspect ratio of each blade about twice that of the rotor). The blades desirably comprise a plurality of substantially aligned spokes axially spaced along the shaft each spoke comprising three generally radially extending ribs arcuately spaced from each other approximately 120 degrees.

Abstract: A Savonius vertical axis wind turbine rotor, that is effective yet relatively easy to manufacture, includes a number of spokes, vanes, and fasteners. Each spoke has a hub having a central opening, three at least partially arcuate ribs extending radially outwardly from the hub with inner (concave) and outer (convex) surfaces, and a number of channels defined in at least one of the inner and outer surfaces. The vanes are of sheet material generally conforming to an inner or outer surface of a rib and have openings aligned with the channels. First fasteners pass through the openings and cooperate with second fasteners provided in the channels. Each spoke is desirably in three substantially identical pieces, each piece comprising a hub segment and a generally radial rib. Two of the spoke pieces may be joined by a bridging piece, and two of the pieces joined by a clamping mechanism which draws the pieces toward each other to reduce the size of the central opening to clamp onto a shaft in the central opening.