Abstract: Water heaters are disclosed having first and second fluid conduits, where the second fluid conduit is fluidly coupled to and disposed about at least a portion of the first conduit. One or more heating device, and preferably an infrared light source, can be disposed between the first and second conduits, such that water flowing within the conduits can be heated by the heating device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a wind turbine are disclosed having a plurality of pivotable slats disposed about a rotor coupled to one or more blades. Each of the plurality of slats can be pivoted such that the open slats on a windward side redirect the wind to cause rotation of the rotor and the closed slats on a leeward side retain at least a substantial portion of the wind within the interior.

Abstract: Water heaters are described that are user-powered, such that external sources of power are unnecessary. The water heaters include a heating device and a generator coupled to a crank such that power is generated as the crank is rotated, which can be used to power the heating device.

Abstract: Water heaters are disclosed having first and second fluid conduits, where the second fluid conduit is fluidly coupled to and disposed about at least a portion of the first conduit. One or more heating device, and preferably an infrared light source, can be disposed between the first and second conduits, such that water flowing within the conduits can be heated by the heating device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a wind turbine are disclosed having a support structure with a rotor disposed about the support structure and having first and second scoops. Each of the scoops can have medial and lateral openings, and the medial opening can include a plurality of apertures that remain open during a complete rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a wind turbine are disclosed having a support structure with a rotor disposed about the support structure and having first and second scoops. Each of the scoops can have medial and lateral openings, and the medial opening can include a plurality of apertures that remain open during a complete rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a wind turbine are disclosed having a support structure with a rotor disposed about the support structure and having first and second scoops. Each of the scoops can have medial and lateral openings, and the medial opening can include a plurality of apertures that remain open during a complete rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a wind turbine are disclosed having a plurality of pivotable slats disposed about a rotor coupled to one or more blades. Each of the plurality of slats can be pivoted such that the open slats on a windward side redirect the wind to cause rotation of the rotor and the closed slats on a leeward side retain at least a substantial portion of the wind within the interior.

Abstract: Water heaters are described that are user-powered, such that external sources of power are unnecessary. The water heaters include a heating device and a generator coupled to a crank such that power is generated as the crank is rotated, which can be used to power the heating device.

Abstract: Systems are disclosed that use water pressure to generate power. The systems can include a chamber having an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit that has a valve configured to regulate an outlet flow of water through the outlet conduit. A reciprocating element can be disposed within the chamber, such that the reciprocating element is moved as a function of a pressure of an inlet flow of water flowing through the inlet conduit. A generator can be coupled to the reciprocating element, such that power is generated as a function of the reciprocating element's movement.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a wind turbine are disclosed having a plurality of pivotable slats disposed about a rotor coupled to one or more blades. Each of the plurality of slats can be pivoted such that the open slats on a windward side redirect the wind to cause rotation of the rotor and the closed slats on a leeward side retain at least a substantial portion of the wind within the interior.