Abstract: A pultruded composite blade for a Darrieus-type vertical axis wind turbine is disclosed, along with a method for fabricating such a blade. The blade is a composite structure with a uniform cross-section with reinforcing fibers at least some of which extend parallel to a lengthwise central axis and run continuously from end to end. The composite blade is pultruded straight and, when installed on the tower, the blade is elastically bent into a curved shape that approximates a troposkein. The composite structure includes a skin composed of multiple layers of resin-coated glass fabric that define an airfoil shape. The composite structure also includes one or more internal ribs or spars composed of multiple layers of resin-coated glass fabric.

Abstract: A pultruded composite blade for a Darrieus-type vertical axis wind turbine is disclosed, along with a method for fabricating such a blade. The blade is a composite structure with a uniform cross-section with reinforcing fibers at least some of which extend parallel to a lengthwise central axis and run continuously from end to end. The composite blade is pultruded straight and, when installed on the tower, the blade is elastically bent into a curved shape that approximates a troposkein. The composite structure includes a skin composed of multiple layers of resin-coated glass fabric that define an airfoil shape. The composite structure also includes one or more internal ribs or spars composed of multiple layers of resin-coated glass fabric.

Abstract: A hydraulic underground mining system for operating through a small diameter borehole into a subterranean body. An elongated mining tool includes a liquid jet nozzle that is movable in a vertical direction along the length of the mining tool for forming a directed jet stream to impact material in the ore body and convert the material into a slurry. An orifice is positioned below the jet so that slurry flows into the orifice, the latter being connected to a jet pump which returns generated slurry to the surface. Suitable hydraulic power means are provided for operating the jet pump and for moving the jet stream in vertical and circular directions. Means for monitoring and controlling the progress of mining and the condition of components of the system are provided to monitor and control the system from a centralized location.

Abstract: A multiple stage centrifugal pump for the handling of slurries. At each stage the slurry enters and is centrifugally discharged from an unobstructed chamber in which a vortex is created by an impeller disposed in a cavity located above the chamber. The various flow passages are such as to minimize clogging under various conditions. Also a method making use of such a pump, the method being characterized by each stage being provided with an unobstructed vortex chamber which receives slurry through an axially disposed inlet, and in which vortical or swirling movement is induced by the operation of an impeller located in a cavity overlying and in communication with the vortex chamber. The material in the vortex chamber is centrifugally discharged and directed to flow upwardly and inwardly, and is discharged in an axial direction into the vortex chamber of the next stage.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of operation for removing a settled body of discrete particulate material confined within a vessel or other container. The apparatus includes a housing which supports a plurality of nozzles adapted to direct streams of water to impinge upon and form a slurry with the material as the nozzles are oscillated back-and-forth about vertical axes. A pair of the nozzles are mounted for vertical movement between raised and lowered positions. In the raised positions the water streams from the nozzles are directed downwardly by deflector plates for a sinking stage of operation, and in the lowered position the water streams clear the deflector plates for the clean-up stage of operation. Another pair of nozzles are fixed in vertical position on the housing and are disposed to direct their water streams outwardly in a horizontally direction for a material discharge stage of operation.

Abstract: Hydraulic underground mining system adapted to operate through a small diameter well bore and into a subterranean body and including a mining capsule carried on the lower end of an elongate support structure. The mining capsule includes a liquid jet nozzle at its upper end for forming a laterally directed jet stream to impact material in the ore body and to pulp the same into a slurry. An orifice having a grate for preventing entry of excessively large material is positioned below the jet so that freshly pulped slurry flows into the orifice, the latter being connected to an elongate positive displacement pump mounted below the orifice. Suitable hydraulic power means are provided for operating the pump and for progressively moving the jet stream .[. .]. .Iadd.through .Iaddend.at least a portion of an arc. Fixed liquid jets are also provided at the pump inlet for flushing and priming and to the lowermost portion of the capsule and to facilitate movement of the apparatus in the well bore.