Trick Dam

Abstract

This patent application describes a method to generate a load bearing repetitive cycle, which in an efficient implementation can provide a scaleable power source for all levels of human society. Only gravity, and construction materials, are necessary for a viable implementation. No additional fuel source is required for its operation. The potentials of the system can best be understood, by imagining the continuous falling of multiple objects weighing anywhere from a few oz to tons. These weights are impacting a paddle wheel, or forcing their way through strong magnetic fields. The energy generating potentials are incredible. The Trick Dam drops a rotor by falling, and then floats the same rotor up to fall again. Thereby concentrating the gravitational potential of a rotor. A self-perpetuating two-step cycle is the result. The momentum of each step is optimized via a manipulation of the rotor's weight, lighter for flotation, and heavier for fall.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to the generation of loaded circuitous motion, specifically the generation of motion by converting gravity into motion.

2. Description of Prior Art

Since the early 1800's inventors have been developing devices to capture gravitational energy. Many methods are employed, and many have great promise. However, the primary problem, as I perceive it is in their complexity, limited scalability, efficiency. U.S. Pat. No. 2,037,973 Grondahal (1935) is an excellent design, but is overly complicated and of limited efficiency. U.S. Pat. No. 5,753,978 Lee (1998) also incorporates many excellent design features, but the design although scalable, lacks the robustness for wide spread use. U.S. Pat. No. 1,708,807 Tatay (1929) is based upon sound principles, but lacks scalability and efficiency. The primary problem with the Grondahal & Tatay designs, and many other designs (U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,165 Mizuki) that I have reviewed, in my opinion, is their reliance on rigid control mechanism. Another problem with these designs is in the in-efficient use of the gravitational potentials, by a focus on ascent, and direct drives. The Lee design does not suffer from these short comings, however, the manual feed nature of the chosen method is not sufficiently robust for widespread application.

3. Invention Development

I have a vision of power and energy, summarized as E=:Δ. Change is energy, and energy is change. Time, distance, material, etc. stratify change. However, in all cases change is a state change. All state changes are what we commonly refer to as energy. This understanding of energy and change is an apparent departure from my understanding of Newtonian physics, which sees energy as a property of matter. I believe that energy is a context of existence.

Following this line of reason, I began a series of thought experiments to brainstorm on state changes which humankind has so habituated, as to escape vigorous examination. In my previous applications, I had examined the nature of physical interactions in a specific gravitational space. Concluding that energy is analogous to the atmosphere and oceans, in that it is enveloping, and linked with all actions.

The other leg of this invention's development is my observation that cracks exist, which can illuminate dimensional portals, in the darkness of my ignorance. Magnetic induction is one of those cracks, which illuminates potentials to releasing, vast energetic state change opportunities. Chain reaction and friction are others that come to mind. This insight differs from, my understanding of, classical physics that see magnetic induction as converting mechanical energy to electrical. I see magnetic induction, and similar techniques, as contextual windows. These techniques are a contextual window, which opens channels to an energetic dimension. Magnetic induction is a crack in a continuum that includes a near dimensional shift.

I have sought, and perhaps found a similar crack, in the continuum of gravitational attraction.

My earlier work with the PECⁱⁱ (pressure to energy converter—U.S. Pat. No. 9,756,006: Henderson 2001), and the ⁱⁱⁱPRS (pressure rotation system: USPTO Provisional Application 2002) demonstrate the essence of energy, and the nature of its release into useful forms. In envisioning ways for the PRS to work, at atmosphere, lead me through extensive heuristic, iterative and intuitive methods to generate robust cyclic movement. The principle method, not revealed herein, that might yet emerge from my sub-conscious, into future innovations.

I see a conventional generator as analogous to a boat propeller in the ocean. In that although it can create a useful conversion of the state of the water, it does not create the water or the characteristics of the water, which propel the boat. I sought the surfer's solution. A dimensional solution wherein state diversity, of an energetic dimension, is useful as propulsion.

These two sagacity's gave rise to my earlier inventions, which demonstrate how energy can be captured through walking or vehicle traffic, or from ocean pressure. The problems with my earlier inventions were in the PEC, the need for traffic, and the PRS the need for deep-water operations. I concluded that the energy of a falling object has the greatest potential for capture, but the way to efficiently move an object to a height, which was not naturally elevated, like a footstep, was the challenge. I have considered many different ways to accomplish a repeated falling rotor, to harvest energy from the fall. But in most cases, I determined that net energy potentials would be insignificant if energy was required to raise rotors prior to dropping them. The energy captured from the fall was from gravity, but how to employ gravity for the ascent was the challenge. However, my understanding of gravity is that; the reason that an object floats in water, or fluid, is that molecules of greater gravitational attraction force themselves under the item, as they seek gravitation stasis. In an apparently beatific moment, during my toilet, the idea of the Trick Dam was born.

My examination of the Trick Dam for objective evidence of nonobviousness reveals that this design solves one of the oldest and most costly problems of mankind . . . the quest for energy. Its advantages are myriad, including; non-polluting, meta-renewable, scalability, and robustness. While the commercial success, of the design is yet to be demonstrated, the Trick Dam meets many long-felt but unsolved needs for a useful power source, which are present due to the failure of others to realize its potentials.

The more I consider the implementations of the Trick Dam, the more potential approaches occur. The Trick Dam embodies a perspective on the natural energy landscape. A few of these implementations are featured in this application. They lead me to conclude that the unique aspect of this system is in its embodiment of a basic gravity powered cyclic system. In that, it that uses gravity to elevate a useful object, then uses gravity to return the object to the base of the system, ready to be elevated again, thereby repeating the cycle. As is true, but often unconsidered, in all systems, the context can examined for opportunities. The naturalness of the system makes me think that it must exist as a plant or chemical process. Perhaps this tentative link caused my sub-conscious mind to spend so much time in examining the possibilities of gravity as the source of animal and plant vitality. I have been examining the question of what is vitality, what is the process that we call life, and how is it truly sustained. The Trick Dam may very well be a wheel of life.

Personal note: As I prepare to release this invention, which if my understanding is valid, will provide the world with a simple and almost unlimited free power . . . . I wonder at the consequences. Will this technology be used to reduce humankind's burden, or lead to vast power driven applications, which endanger, or even destroy life, as we know it. Or will it fall in to the tomb of good ideas forgotten.

In my favorite film, “a Quest for fire”, a swamp dweller, shows a cave dweller who is on the desperate quest for a natural fire, how to make fire from friction. As you read these words, I show you how to make energy from stones.

OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION: TRICK DAM

The Trick Dam captures gravitational energy, as movement and impact potentials. A Trick Dam can be constructed to convert gravity to electrical or mechanical energy. The advantage that the system provides is; that its fuel or power source is contextual. While we maintain correct context, the system can generate convertible state changes. The significance of the system is that it exposes a fundamental method of harvesting gravity, in a wide and robust contextual environment.

By far the most important aspect of the Trick Dam design, is in it's scalability from the microscopic to the municipal.

The Trick Dam embodies a gravity-powered cycle of one or more significant objects. In this implementation, the significant object is a usefully shaped rotor.

The ^ivrotor will be a usually be a multi-mode device, through its materials or manufacture. The gravity-based ascent in a channel via flotation of a rotor from a base point, and then the return to base via falling in a descent channel, are the essential elements of the Trick Dam. During these operations, transition gateways facilitate the transition from falling to floating, and vice versa, as required. In rough applications, some power may be required to sufficiently initiate, motivate, control, or moderate the active operation of the gateways. However, in power generating applications, optimizing the height or geometry of the channels, increases the power generating potential of the system, compensating for auxiliary power drains. The optimizablity of the power generating potential of the system is a key to the robustness of the design.

The gateways of the system are generic in design, chosen from a wide variety of methods based upon efficiency and robustness.

The functionality of the gateways is as follows;

• • 1. The base gateway must allow for the efficient introduction of a fallen rotor into the ascent channel with a optimum of transfer of fluid. The base gateway is placed at the end of the system closest to the source of gravity.
  • 2. While the top gateway must retrieve a floating rotor from the ascent channel, and efficiently, with a optimum fluid transfer, place it at the top of the descent channel to continue the cycle.

The key to the net power generation potentials of the Trick Dam are scale, and materials. The key synthetic opposition to the design is net power concerns. The concern is that ascent consumes as much power, as is generated during descent.

There are three control variables here;

• • 1. The ascent of the rotor is gravitationally powered or leveraged.
  • 2. The only power requirements of the ascent phase are in the efficient introduction of the rotor into the ascent channel, and sump operations if required. The base level of optimal introduction of a rotor to the ascent channel will require the power to displace the dry weight of the rotor into the column at the depth of the insertion point, determined by the rotors dry weight, and the fluid pressure (P.S.I.) at the entry.
  • 3. The rotors design makes it of maximum weight during descent, but of minimal weight during ascent. This significant state change, [weight of rotor], between ascent and descent leverages power requirements. The design of the rotor leverages the weight of the rotor for ascent and for descent. The dry/wet weight differentials of the absorbent component are critical here. During ascent, the fluid environment neutralizes the weight of contained fluid. For example, a 1 oz dry sponge in 16 oz of water, together weighs 17 oz. However, the same soaked 1 oz sponge weighs 3 oz, out of water, where 2 oz is the weight of the held fluid.

This optimal weight shift along with collection potentials, via magnetic induction, or rotation of a paddle wheel, during the ascent phase is more than compensatory.

In addition, the scaling of the system, via rotor size, channel length, and gateway efficiency are optimizable.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION: TRICK DAM

The Trick Dam is a simple yet powerfully elegant method of generating a continuous load generating cycle, with the least possible moving parts. The Trick Dam is comprised of three elements (FIG. 1: Basic System: Scaleable). These elements are ascent and descent channels, gateways that connect the channels, and a rotor system. I will describe the design steps, and considerations of a basic Trick Dam. It must be noted that the Trick Dam is independent of magnetic induction, although magnetic induction will be discussed here as a pedagogic device.

The Trick Dam can be primarily constructed from materials suited to a particular application. Plastics, metals, wood, and even paper are useful for channel construction. The channel construction materials must withstand the movement, and impacts of the rotors, while accomplishing the primary goals of the structure. The primary goals in all cases are to present an optimal path for the flow of the rotors through the systems cycles. Application optimized materials, fluids, gases, and solids are necessary to the construction and operation of the Trick Dam.

In an efficient commercial implementation of the Trick Dam, I envision a domestic air compressor unit as exemplar like a backyard central air-conditioning unit. The unit would be sealed, and most likely use some un-friendly materials in its operation. A single unit will energize an entire residence or business. While excess is stored in batteries for bursty applications.

Construction: Trick Dam

I will now discuss the construction of the Trick Dam, as a scaleable power source. The output of the Trick Dam will be determined by the efficiency of the gateways, and the potentials of the rotors and channels. For the purpose of this description, this Trick Dam will consist of two long most likely non-insulating tubes, Ten to 20 feet tall, declivitous or mounted against a vertical structure, or braced. Angle of orientation and various channel lengths are optimization tools.

One tube is brackish water filled, (the ascent or float channel), while the other is apparently empty, (the descent or fall channel) [the descent channel is actually filled with atmosphere at an optimal PSI]. The two tubes are connected by gateways at the top and bottom. The base gateway will insert rotors into the bottom of the filled tube, while minimizing the loss of water, and returning any lost water back to the water column via a sump system. The sump system can easily by driven by capturing the impacts of the falling rotors in the descent channel, or an active water source could be used to maintain the ascent channel at the functional level, and dislocated water can simply be drained. In a larger implementation, the capture of impacts may also be necessary to prolong the life of the rotors and channels, if the rotors are of significant dimension they will generate large energy potentials as they fall in the descent channel. The Trick Dam featured herein contains a loaded paddle wheel, in the middle of the descent channel, featured for this purpose, although it is not necessary for the fundamental design.

The gateway at the top will retrieve rotors floating at the top of the water column, and drop them down the empty tube. As long as the gateways operate effectively, the cycle automatically repeats. Magnetic induction can then generate power from the rotor circulation. Alternatively, rotational torsion from paddle-wheel generators is available, illustrated herein. For magnetic induction purposes, a vented metal foil coats the rotors. The magnetic properties of the rotors and the channels are used in the harvesting magnetic fields conflicts, for inductive generation via a field generated in the channels. A predictable rotor magnetic polarity, refreshed at the gateways, further optimizes the magnetic conflicts available for inductive use.

Tubes (Channels):

The basic implementation of the Trick Dam requires two declivitous tubes, which will comprise the ascent and descent channels, mounted at useful angles. The channels constructed of flat materials such as plastic or plexi-glass, as is illustrated below. Increasing the number of ascent and descent channels will easily optimize the systems for a particular application. The ascent channel(s) is filled with a flotation medium, (usually water), to optimize the ascent of the rotors which are introduced at the base. The descent tube (empty), optimized actively to enhance the gravitational potential of the rotors as they return to the base, by falling. Evacuation or drainage is of the descent tube is paramount.

A useful angle will provide the optimum throughput for each channel of the Trick Dam. The angle, the length, and the geometry of the tubes are factors balanced against the power requirements for both sump operations, and base insertions. The longer the filled ascent channel the greater the power requirements for the base insertions if required to support the fluid column. The use of a ratcheted paddle wheel can significantly reduce the power requirements at the base. Also illustrated herein, are several methods to minimize transference of fluids from ascent to descent channels. These methods are also employed to reduce any auxiliary power required for sump or rotor propulsion. The methods illustrated include; (1.) flexible base paddles, employing strategic barriers to evacuate, to the sump system, a particular segment of the paddle wheel assembly when it reaches a specific point in its rotation [see FIG. 3] (2.) Tension mounted base paddles, which collapse as they are forced through a severely flow restricted area of normal rotation. Once the critical segment is passed, the tension mounting will return the paddle to an ideal position for it optimal operation.

A gateway method connects the channels at each end. The materials used for the ascent tubes are chosen to optimize material aspects of the application. The relevant considerations include the friction levels of the material at external and internal operating temperatures. The ability of the chosen material to withstand the impacts of the falling rotors, with deformation, is another consideration. The choice of liquid and of gas also affects the selection of materials for the tubes.

Gateways:

The design objectives of the gateways are to transfer the rotors from decent to ascent channels, while maintaining separation of gas and liquid. Similar to the operation of a revolving door, which separates two environments, with some predictable and manageable transfers. In rough application, some power will often be required to impel the rotors to change state, while resisting flooding or splash transfer. In tightly engineered or large scale, implementations, no auxiliary power is required. The operational speed of either gateway, if moderated, can control the rotor flow. In power generating applications, this feature can be used to reduce power output, and start or stop the systems operation. The gateway, at either end can consist of paddle wheels rotating in a close fitting fluid management cowl.

Base Gateway: [Located Closest to the Source of Gravity]

At the base, the gateway would transfer fallen rotors to the bottom of the liquid filled assent chamber, with an optimum transfer, usually minimal, of liquid from the assent chamber to the descent chamber. The design of the paddle wheels at the base is with fixed solid but flexible materials, tightly fitting inside of a curved cowl. Each paddle has a flexible foot, to greater reduce unwanted transfer of fluid from the descent to the ascent channels^vi. The paddle wheel/cowling assembly must be sufficiently hermetic, to maintain separation between the channels when the system is idle or dormant. The cowling will also include drainage, to remove excess flotation material prior to ascent. The cowl forms a close connection between the ascent and descent channels. It comprises the base of the system. The combined assembly acts as check valve, and turnstile and inserts rotors from the descent channel to the base of the ascent channel. The cowling for the paddle wheel includes drainage to the sump system during the transition from the fluid filled ascent channel to the evacuated descent channel, and from descent to ascent channels.

In order to compensate for the relative slowness of the ascent phase, of the rotors circulation, relative to the descent phase, a number of compensating methods may be required. The primary compensation is in multiplexing the ascent channels. Other methods may include auxiliary power for lifting or assisting in the lifting of rotors from the base gateway to the useful end point at the top of the ascent channel. Electromagnetic force can be applied at the ends of the channels, and or at the base of the ascent channel to facilitate quicker transit through the ascent phase. In the implementations shown below, the river application features a lifting gateway, to bring the floating rotors from the surface of the river to the origin of the descent channel, and a pre-descent mass enhancement method, saturates the rotors with water prior to descent. The drag coefficient of the rotors in a particular fluid, will determine the appropriate method.

Head Gateway: [Located Farthest from the Source of Gravity]

The task of the head gateway is to retrieve the rotors arriving at the top of the ascent channel, and then transfer the rotors to the staging area of the descent channel. A vented paddle wheel in a closely fitting cowl, comprise this assembly. The axis of the paddle wheel and the length of the individual paddles should be such that it enters the fluid column with sufficient depth to trap a floating rotor. During the transit from the ascent to descent channels, the vents in the paddle wheels allow the bulk of any transient liquid to drain back into the channel.

Excess ascent fluid, is passively trapped during the transition, and this excess fluid captured at the base gateway, are returned to the ascent channel via a sump system. However, it is important to note that as much fluid as possible being retained in the neutral buoyancy materials of the rotor, will enhance the potential energy of the descent phase of the rotors circulation.

Summary: Gateways:

Gateway methods described herein as objectives and considerations rather than fixed designs. This is due to the wide array of implementations considered (see: FIGS. 11, 12, 13). Wherein either the top of base gateway may be unnecessary.

Rotors:

The rotors are comprised of an object with certain properties that is the object of the cyclic action. It can be composed of individual units, units attached in meshes or chains, or a continuous system. A principle for rotor design is optimum cyclic flow potentials.

The first design objective of the rotors is to facilitate low energy ascent or, return to the top transfer point, with sufficient velocity, to overcome drag, and temperature related changes in fluid density, in the shortest possible cycle. I have chosen buoyancy as the method for this basic system, but other methods may be used. The second design objective of the rotors is to fall effectively during the descent phase, overcoming drag, channel pressure, and repeated high velocity impacts at the base. The third design objective of the rotors is to ease the burden of the gateways design, and provide the level of system reliability desired.

The application dictates rotor design and optimization. The basic design is a floatable magnetizable¹ object capable of moving through both channels of the Trick Dam, under the force of gravity. In simple applications, the rotors are composed of three layers, a porous shell [negative buoyancy], an absorbing cavity [neutral buoyancy], and a flotation chamber [positive buoyancy]. The flotation chamber would be of such buoyancy that the rotor could float given the neutralization of the weight of the absorbing cavity. The absorbing cavity in a closed system could be composed of an absorbent sponge, which would retain water, but have near neutral buoyancy when in the fluid environment of the ascent chamber. In a rough or open system, the absorbing cavity could contain any material, which provides absorbency and optimum drainage rate. A simple construction would be ping-pong ball, covered with a sponge, wrapped in porous metal foil of sufficient thickness to generate the desired affect during descent. ¹ If the application does not require power generation, the design simply features a method of utility.

The choice of rotor materials optimizes the rotors gravitational potential at each end of the cycle. Variable attributes include materials, size, construction method, and dynamics both aero and hydro. The design efficiencies also allow for a simple rotor with a metallic shell, trapping a very low-density gas, or vacuum, or a complex material with all properties integrated into a moldable medium. Perhaps such a moldable material would be Styrofoam, doped with magnetizable domains of metal. An engineered design would most likely be shell of rotationally molded polyethylene and a magnetizable low-density core of doped syntactic foam. However, the basic design does not require the magnetic properties, but instead simply maximizes the weight of the rotor by optimization of its properties.

The power generation potentials of the Trick Dam are best realized when rotors of significant loaded weight are considered. In a backyard application, rotors engorged with fluid can weigh 1-5 lbs each. In a municipal application, the loaded rotor could weigh in at over a ton each. When you consider that multiple rotors can be circulating simultaneously, the energy potentials are extraordinary.

The minimum characteristics of a rotor are that it be able to circulate in the system. This means that rotors as small as a single molecule are feasible. In process control, or materials handling this characteristic of the system, would facilitate many processes wherein energy is required for multiple passes through a process or system.

Liquid (High-Relative Viscosity, or Density, Material for Ascent Channel):

The role of a relatively high-viscosity fluid will be to optimize rotor buoyancy in the ascent channel. The fluid or liquid used must optimize the energy potentials of both ascent and descent. Brackish water is used here due to its ubiquity, and safety. However, other materials with sufficient density and buoyancy characteristics are also useable. Mercury would seem to have such properties.

The other factors are cost, life cycle issues, and ease of management. We envision a system sealed at the factory that would require the release of some fluid of optimal nature for the particular application, at initiation.

In such a self-contained unit, the choice of high-density liquid, or some other method to aid the ascent of the rotors, are feasible. Other considerations include the suitability of the buoyancy agent under various operating conditions.

Especially sub-optimal temperature, gravitational fields, atmospheric pressure, etc.

Gas (Low Relative Density Material for the Descent Channel):

The contents of the descent channel must optimize the flow of the rotors, primarily by not impeding the gravitational descents. The basic design features an apparently empty descent channel, filled with ambient atmosphere at a natural pressure. In power generating applications, the descent channel may offer significant resistance to the descent of the rotors via magnetic friction. In these types of applications, other enhancing gas in the descent channel is optimum. Other considerations may include friction reduction, impact diffusion, and the maintenance of some useful descent properties.

Embodiments of the Invention: Trick Dams

Scaleable Embodiment:

A Trick Dam generator can be implemented at almost any scale, relative to the gravitational field. The channels, gateways, and rotors are scaleable for municipal power requirements, or down to a size that could replace a typical commercial battery. In the smaller scale units, the entire unit is enclosed in a lubricated sphere. A weighted base, maintains correct operational context. See FIG. 9

Body of Water Embodiment:

The Trick Dam is implemented easily in a body of water. The stator, or container for the cycle, is a floating enclosure, such as a mesh box. The rotors are buoyant objects, which will when released at the base of the descent channel, float back to the surface. The ascent channel is the body of water itself. The descent channel(s) can be formed of tubes, descending into the water column, with descent/ascent gateways closing the submerged end. In the case of power generation, either magnetic induction or rotation torsion is generated as the rotors descend. See FIG. 12

Moving Water Embodiment:

Any river or moving waterway can be used to implement the Trick Dam. In this embodiment, the river is used to transport the floating rotors, from the base of the descent channel, to the opening of the same channel. The descent channel can be formed from a long pipe, or other structure, and could be miles long. At the mouth of the descent channel, some method is used to lift the floating rotors to its elevated mouth. The rotors are saturated with water to assist in the descent momentum. In power generating applications, either magnetic induction or rotational torsion is generated during the descent. See FIG. 11

Municipal Embodiment:

The Trick Dam is easily implemented for municipal use, with a deep-water filled hole. The hole will form the channels for the system, and most likely be concrete lined. The hole is divided two channels, ascent and descent, with a tight, but passive gateway at the base. The ascent channel is water filled, and the descent channel will likely require an active sump system. The operation of the system is similar to the scaleable version, with the added concern about rotor impacts. Due to this concern, a rotational torsion will be the most effective method to extract power from the system. However, this is a great use of abandoned structures such as missile silos. See FIG. 13

DRAWING NOTES

FIG. 1:

Basic scaleable system. This is an overview of the design concept.

• • A. Descent channel: where energy is harvested from falling rotors (E.)
  • B. Ascent channel: where high-density buoyancy is used to elevate rotors (E.)
  • C. Upper gateway method: Rotors (E.) are transferred from ascent channel(s) (B.), to descent channel(s) (A.). The upper gateway is located, relative to the lower gateway, furthest away from the source of gravity.
  • D. Lower gateway method: Rotors (E.) are transferred from the descent channel(s) (A.) to ascent channel(s) (B.). The lower gateway is located, relative to the upper gateway, closest to the source of gravity.
  • E. Rotors: Independent objects that can rise as efficiently as possible in the ascent channel(s), but which can also fall effectively in the descent channel(s). The rotors are optimal for transfer through the upper and lower gateways.

FIG. 2:

A. Sump drainage area

B. Drainage from descent channel

C, Drainage from upper gateway prior to descent

D. Diffusion paddle-wheel assembly to generate torsion for auxiliary power

E. Upper drainage chamber

F. Torsion distribution belt

G. Auxiliary power motor (optional)

H. Descent/Ascent paddle-wheel assembly

I. Ascent/Descent paddle-wheel assembly

J. Descent channel

K. Sump pump

FIG. 3:

Demonstrates the various phases of the lower gateway. As rotors enter from the descent channel(s), this particular method (paddle-wheel), the blades of are flexible. This flexibility is used to compress fluid from the empty chamber, after the rotor has been released into the ascent chamber. Notice how the paddle is distorted to minimize the volume of that particular section.

FIG. 4:

a. Flow direction of paddle-wheel
b. Vents to sump system
c. Sump drainage chamber
d. Sump pump system
e. Fluid filled ascent channel
f. Paddle-wheel assembly
g. Drainage chamber (related to position of wheel)
h. Sump return line to ascent channel
i. Transition chamber
j. Seepage resistant cowling
k. Dry chamber (related to position of wheel)
m. Drained return path from descent channel

FIG. 5:

A. Cowling for paddle-wheel assembly

B. Paddle-wheel assembly to capture floating rotors then position for descent

C. Flexible paddle construction to aid in trapping floating rotors

D. Vented paddles to return fluid to ascent channel

E. Sump return path to ascent channel

F. Flooded cistern for the rotor flotation

M. Water level in cistern, sufficient to allow rotors to be retrieved

N. Entrance to descent channel

Q. Excess fluid removal method.

R. Sump chamber to minimize fluid transfer to descent channel

FIG. 6:

A. Buoyancy Core:Vacant or gas filled

B. Absorbent Cavity: Sponge or other absorbent materials

C. Magnetizable outer shell—Metal or doped plastic

D. Ventilation openings to the absorbent cavity

FIG. 7:

A. Buoyancy Core:Vacant or gas filled

B. Absorbent Cavity: Sponge or other absorbent materials

C. Open mesh Impact Resistant outer shell

FIG. 8:

A. Descent channel

B. Internal cavity for optional operations

C. Rotor drainage system

D. Ascent/Descent paddle wheel

F. Draining paddles

G. Sump return channel

H. Rotor drainage system

I. Descent/Ascent paddle-wheel

R. Torsional output, for diffusion, auxiliary power, etc.

T, Ascent channel—Fluid filled

FIG. 9:

Battery Replacement Configuration:

Here the TD design is used in a small format, as a battery replacement. The outer case is round to allow the TD to orient itself with the source of gravity. The lower gateway is weighted to allow for automatic correct orientation. The outer case is also filled with lubricant, to facilitate ease of orientation.

FIG. 10:

Scaleable-Multiple Descent Channels:

This illustration demonstrates one method of increasing the scale of the unit by employing multiple descent channels. This method is demonstrates one of the four optimization methods. These methods include channel length, channel width, channel array dimensions, and fluid densities.

FIG. 11:

A. Descent channel

B. Rotor saturation station

C. Elevation of descent channel

D. Rotor elevator

E. Rotor cycle through system

F. Bank or shore of river

G. Ramp to return rotors to river

H. Corral for rotor return

I. Flow direction of river

J. Floating rotor

L. Pump to supply water for rotor irrigation

M. Irrigation supply line

N. Irrigation system

FIG. 12:

A. Gateway to descent channels

B. Rotor elevator and angle creator

C. Rotor collection scoop

D. Water level

E. Rotors floating to water level

F. Corral to keep rotors from floating away

G. Descent/Ascent gateways

H. Descent channel

FIG. 13:

A. Top Gateway

B. Ground level

C. Ascent/Descent transfer method

D. Descending rotor

E. Descent channel

F. Ascent Channel

H. Base gateway transfer method

I. Fluid drain method prior to ascent

J. Ascending rotor

Claims

1. A system, which uses gravity to circulate an independent object, along a continuous path, using buoyancy and free fall, whereby continuous gravity powered motion of an object is generated.

2. a system, which uses gravity powered ascent via buoyancy, and gravity powered descent via free fall, to continually circulate an independent object, whereby the circulated said independent object, or its circulation, are employed as a source of power,

3. a method of circulating rotors, of useful size, using gravity as primary power, comprised of;

a. two or more channel methods maintained in a useful orientation, to both the field of gravity and between the said channels, which provide at least one ascent channel, and at least one descent channel, for the said rotors, whereas; i. at least, one of the said ascent channels uses buoyancy in its method of moving the said rotors from the said ascent channels origin to a useful end point, whereas; 1. the ascent channel is comprised of methods, or materials, which can maintain sufficient buoyancy and orientation, whereby gravity will transit said rotors from the origin to the said useful end point, ii. at least, one of the said descent channels uses gravity induced descent in its method of moving the said rotors from origin of the said descent channel, to a said useful end point, whereas; 1. the descent channel is comprised of methods, or materials, which can maintain attributes sufficient to cause gravity to transit said rotors appearing at its origin to the said useful end point of the descent channel,

b. two or more gateway methods for the transference of said rotors, between the said ascent and descent channel(s), whereas; i. at least, one of the said gateway methods, 1. connects the origin of the said descent channel to a useful end point of the said ascent channel, and, 2. moves the said rotors which arrive at a useful end point of the said ascent channel to the origin of the said descent channel, ii. at least one of the said gateway methods, 1. connects the origin of the said ascent channel to the useful end point of the said descent channel, and, 2. moves the said rotors which arrive at a useful end point of the said descent channel to the origin of the said ascent channel,

c. one, or more, said rotor objects designed to move easily through all of the said channel, and the said gateways. whereas; i. the said rotors are of materials, or construction, that will provide sufficient positive buoyancy in the said ascent channel, to facilitate transit from the origin to a said useful end point of the said ascent channel, ii. the said rotors are of materials, or construction, that will be sufficiently compelled by gravity to facilitate transit from the origin to a said useful end point in the said descent channel.