Abstract: An apparatus for generating electricity from aeolian oscilaltions caused by the flow of a fluid such as wind or water. An immobile beam extends between two piers, and a movable vane is disposed around the beam in parallel relation thereto. The vane is generally tubular, having a generally cylindrical or foil-shaped cross section. The movement of a fluid, such as wind or deep ocean tidal flow, past the vane induces aeolian oscillation in the vane, so that the vane moves to-and-fro, with respect to the beam, in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow. Rods and a crankshaft may connect the vane to a generator mounted upon the beam, so that the movement of the vane is converted into electricity. Alternatively, electricity can be generated from the movement of the vane by a field coil on the vane inducing electrical current in induction wires mounted upon the immobile beam.

Abstract: A projectile launcher and in particular a mass/countermass projectile launcher in which the piston intercept(s) comprises a braking collar (8) made of a material which exhibits constrained progressive crushing. When a projectile (18) is fired the launching piston (10) impacts upon the braking collar (8) at the muzzle of the launcher and initiates constrained progressive crushing in the collar (8). The crushing of the collar (8) absorbs the kinetic energy of the piston (10) thus arresting the axial motion of the piston (10). The projectile launcher according to the present invention can be less massive than similar launchers that use conventional metal piston intercepts which is an advantage if the launcher is designed to be shoulder-launched by a human operator. The type of collar material preferably used is made of a solid filler embedded in a plastics matrix and in particular the solid filler is made of reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: A double piston propulsion unit for a recoilless mass/countermass projectile launcher comprises two hollow cylindrical pistons (22, 23) arranged in a back-to-back relationship with closed outer ends and open inner ends, the open inner ends being joined together by a circumferential rupturable connecting means so that the pistons form a vessel in which a propellant charge (34) is enclosed. In operation, the unit is slideably located inside the open-ende launch tube (1) of the projectile launcher at its mid-point. The propellant when initiated causes a build up of propellant gases inside the vessel and when the gas pressure reaches a pre-determined value the connecting means fails in tension and the piston (22, 23) are propelled in opposite directions. The tensile and compressive force experienced by the pistons (22, 23) during the firing of the unit are substantially decreased compared to known units, so that relatively lightweight pistons (22, 23) can be employed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for converting solar energy to mechanical or electrical energy includes an enclosed fluid containing field of pipes and a reservoir in fluid communication therewith. During the daylight hours, solar produced heat impinges upon the field causing the fluid therewithin to expand. The expanding fluid escapes from the field via a pipe through which it is conducted to the reservoir through a fluid turbine to produce rotational mechanical energy. During the nighttime, the volume of the fluid contracts, reversing the process. The fluid at night returns from the reservoir to the field, again being conducted through the turbine to produce mechanical rotational energy in the process. Throughout the entire process, the fluid remains in a substantially incompressible state.