Vertical Runner Axis Patents (Class 415/4.2)
  • Patent number: 7077628
    Abstract: A wind machine comprises a plurality of fabrics that are removeably installed on a rotatable carrier. The carrier axis of rotation may be either horizontal or vertical. The carrier has pairs of first and second arms that support opposite ends of a fabric net. Side strands of the net may be reinforced. Each net has a loop that is supported on one carrier arm and a piece of material that is supported on the second carrier arm. The fabric piece of material has holes that receive associated studs on the carrier second arm, which is turnable. By turning the carrier second arm, a tension is imparted to the fabric. The carrier second arm is lockable to maintain the tension. Multiple panels are connected to the net for pivoting between closed and open positions. The panels resist the wind when they are in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Robert J. Acord
  • Patent number: 7071578
    Abstract: A wind turbine which varies an active annular plane area by composing such that blades are attached to a cylindrical rotor movable in the radial direction of the rotor, the blades being reciprocated in the radial direction by means of a blade shifting mechanism connected to the root of each blade, or the blade itself is divided so that the outer one of the divided blade is movable in the radial direction. With the construction, the wind turbine can be operated with a maximum output within the range of evading fatigue failure of the blades and rotor by adjusting the active annular plane area in accordance with wind speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Shibata, Yoshiyuki Hayashi, Toyoaki Furukawa, Yuuji Yatomi, Eiji Kato, Yoshinari Teramoto, Hisao Miyake, Koshi Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 7056082
    Abstract: A wind energy machine has four rotor chambers formed by perpendicular walls. Each rotor chamber has an intake portion, a reversal portion, a parallel portion, and an exhaust portion. Air flow is reversed in each chamber for every 90 degrees of rotation, such that the intake portion becomes an exhaust and the exhaust portion becomes and inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: John B. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7040858
    Abstract: A wind power generator has a windmill for rotating the generator. The windmill includes a main vertical shaft, a rotor, and a wind-receiving blade. The rotor, fixed horizontally at the upper end of the main vertical shaft, comprises a flywheel, and a plurality of wind-receiving blades is spaced equally on the circumference of the rotor. The rotor gives kinetic energy by rotation inertia to the windmill. The wind-receiving blade is excellent in bending properties, and even when it receives breeze, the main vertical shaft is rotated with the principle of leverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Global Energy Co., LTD
    Inventor: Masahiko Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7040859
    Abstract: A wind turbine operable as either a vertical axis wind turbine or a horizontal axis wind turbine is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Vic Kane
  • Patent number: 7008171
    Abstract: A novel modification of a Savonius rotor used as a wind turbine provides an exhaust channel in each vane. The vane of the modified Savonius rotor is formed into an ā€œSā€ shape. The air that enters a given end of the vane exits that end through the new exhaust channel into the freestream. A plurality of modified Savonius rotors are stacked one on top of the other for self-starting and greater power output. The outer surfaces of the entire assembly may be coated with photo voltaic cell material for additional energy production. In one embodiment of the invention, a cone shaped solar collector is placed on top of the entire modified Savonius rotor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Circle Wind Corp.
    Inventor: Art Whitworth
  • Patent number: 6984899
    Abstract: A vertical axis windmill is provided wherein the amount of wind directed to blades in the power producing part of rotation and the mechanical load of multiple generators is controlled by a feedback control to maintain a relatively constant rotational frequency of the shaft of the windmill. In a preferred embodiment, two wind foils extend radially outwardly from the blades to thereby provide a scoop capable of pulling in more air than would normally be received by the blades. The wind foils then direct the wind flow to the power producing part of rotation of the blades for maximum power output, when necessary. The wind foils can close to control the wind flow to the blades. The generating capacity of a plurality of generators is also controlled in response to shaft rotation to maintain substantially constant shaft rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Pahl W. Rice
  • Patent number: 6979170
    Abstract: The present invention provides a structure comprising a blade attachment, a blade structure, an integrated driving shaft/generator for a wind system such as a vertical axis windmill, and a self erecting structure for such a wind system, together with an erecting method thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Dermond Inc.
    Inventors: Jacquelin Dery, Laurent Mondou
  • Patent number: 6962478
    Abstract: A vertical axis windmill has an immovable, hollow circumferential frame having a plurality of peripheral openings, and rotatable turbine arranged inside the frame and connectable to a generator of electric energy, the turbine having a plurality of vanes each having a working side and a non-working side, and a plurality of gate elements turnably connected with the frame for closing and opening of the openings of the frame by wind flowing substantially in a horizontal plane, the gate elements and the vanes of the turbine being formed so that at one side of the frame the wind opens the gate members by turning them in a predetermined direction, so that at one side the wind turns the gate elements so as to open corresponding ones of the openings, enters the frame through the corresponding opened openings and acts on the working side of corresponding ones of the vanes so as to rotate the turbine in the predetermined direction, while at the same time at the other side of the frame the wind closes other offset gate m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Tsipov
  • Patent number: 6957946
    Abstract: A kaleidoscopic wind machine for visual entertainment and other uses. The framework of the wind machine includes a vertical mast and a horizontal axle that can swivel about the mast. One or more wheel structures are rotatably attached to the horizontal axle. Each wheel structure includes a rim, a hub, and a plurality of stays extending between and attached to the rim and hub. A plurality of jib sails are attached to each wheel framework in a manner adapted to cause the wheel to rotate about the axle when the wind blows against the sails. A positioning vane is rotatably attached to the downwind end of the axle and is adapted to point the upwind end of the axle into the wind when the wind blows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Christopher J. Vander Kley
  • Patent number: 6955521
    Abstract: A flow-forced generator adapted with a turbo-charging deflection hood having at the peripheral of the vortex ring in the generator provided with an automated directional turbo-charging deflection hood for the air or fluid to produce turbo-charging results due to the reducing deflection of the hood, thus to increase the power of the generator in case of insufficient flow force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 6948905
    Abstract: A horizontal wind generator comprises a horizontal windmill drivingly coupled to an electrical generator. The windmill includes a vertical drive shaft mounted for rotation in a base, with a plurality of wind drive units being mounted in wind catching positions at spaced axial locations along the drive shaft. The drive units comprise oppositely facing wind catching elements mounted on opposite sides of crossbars or frames non-rotatably attached to the pole. Multiple wind drive units are spaced along the pole and angularly displaced from adjacent units at regular intervals around the pole. Two or four spaced drive units are particularly desirable. Wind catcher elements formed of cup shaped bowls or split barrels are particularly effective and are inexpensive. The wind generator is drivingly attached to an electrical generator through a gear box and belt or chain drive mechanism. The horizontal windmill rotates the electrical generator within its desired speed range without any governor or speed control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas W. Horjus
  • Patent number: 6942454
    Abstract: The vertical axis wind turbine has two counter-rotating rotors mounted on first and second spaced apart vertical axes. Each rotor has a plurality of rotor blades extending generally inwardly from an outer circumference, the vertical axes being mounted on a support structure which is in turn rotatable on a third vertical axis on a platform. The third axis is spaced from a point midway between the first and second axes in a direction at 90 degrees to and forward from a line between the first and second axes. The vertical axis wind turbine further has a guide vane mounted on the support structure, having a vertex forward of the third vertical axis in the direction at 90 degrees from a line between the first and second axes. The guide vane has left and right symmetrical vane portions extending towards the rotors so as to direct airflow from wind primarily towards portions of the rotors outboard of the first and second axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Hans-Armin Ohlmann
  • Patent number: 6939101
    Abstract: A windmill. A wind intake section has wind guide plates, a wind inlet defined between two adjoining wind guide plates, and a wind inlet opening and closing device placed at the wind inlet. The wind inlet opening and closing device is opened by the wind flowing through the wind inlet into the windmill and closed by the wind flowing through the wind inlet out of the windmill. A power generating section is disposed to rotate rotors by the wind introduced into the windmill through the wind intake section and thereby generate electricity. A wind exhaust section has a wind outlet, and a wind outlet opening and closing device placed at the wind outlet. The wind outlet opening and closing device is opened by the wind flowing through the wind outlet out of the windmill and closed by the wind flowing through the wind outlet into the windmill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventors: Young-Sil Yu, Byung-Soo Yu
  • Patent number: 6929450
    Abstract: A turbine system (10) for capturing energy from a fluid stream includes a torque arm (12). At least a pair of, preferably symmetrical clam shell, turbine blades (14) with the upper (16) and lower (18) halves are oppositely connected to the torque arm (12). A coordinating system (46) is connected to the symmetrical clam shell turbine blades (14). The coordinating system (46) further comprises a first system (48) and second system (52). The first system (48) is connected to control and regulate opening and closing of the upper (16) and lower (18) halves of each individual clam shell turbine blade (14). The second system (52) is connected between each pair of the symmetrical clam shell turbine blades (14) so that as one clam shell turbine blade (14) closes the opposite clam shell turbine blade (14) is forced open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: James D. Noble
  • Patent number: 6921243
    Abstract: The system comprises a nacelle mounted to turn about a vertical axis on the top of a mast and carrying a rotary portion which rotates about a substantially horizontal axis in a large diameter bearing. The rotary portion comprises a hub to which blades are fixed. The system has an electric generator comprising a stator and a rotor in the shape of a disk. The rotor is fixed by a connecting member to the hub adjacent the bearing so that the forces exerted by the wind on the rotary portion are transmitted directly to the bearing without passing through the electric generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Jeumont S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Canini, Yves Milet, Patrick Brutsaert
  • Patent number: 6884020
    Abstract: A turbine for production of electric energy in flowing water, comprising a number of shaped foils (5), each foil (5) being attached with a shaft (6) to a supporting structure (3) which is connected to the main shaft (2) of the turbine, and the shaft (6) of each foil (5) being mainly parallel with the main shaft (2). Each foil (5) is equipped with a step motor (8) and encoder (16), and the main shaft (2) is equipped with an encoder (18) and circuit breaker (19); an external measuring device (22) for measuring the speed of the water (11); and a computer (23) comprising a particular computer programme, to obtain that the signals from said encoders (16,18) and said measuring device (22) being processed in said computer (23), to achieve by assistance of said step motors (8) that the angle of a main surface of each foil (5) be individually regulated into a desired direction of attack relative to the direction of said flowing water (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Water Power Industries AS
    Inventors: Finn Kaare, Jr., Even Evensen
  • Patent number: 6872045
    Abstract: A fluid drive conversion system having a plurality of flat foils rotatably connected to a vertical shaft such that the foils are generally vertical in position, pivot about a vertical axis, are a predefined distance, at least about one quarter of the width of a foil, from the vertical shaft thereby creating a central space. In operation, fluid flows through the central space and simultaneously pushes the back side of at least one foil while pushing the front side of one or more remaining foils, resulting in all of the foils rotating about the vertical shaft and contributing to the generation of usable energy. A wing is pivotally connected to the distal end of each radial arm and a bottom radial arm wherein each wing is in a general vertical orientation. The fluid drive conversion system employs either a conventional gear system, a conventional pulley system, or an electrical generation assembly using magnets, coils, and a means for harnessing an electrical current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventors: David Eugene Weaver, Richard E. Nash, James W. Blake
  • Patent number: 6857846
    Abstract: A stackable, vertical axis windmill comprised of a braced external frame that enables stacking of multiple windmill assemblies. Couplings are located on both ends of the vertical rotor shaft to enable stacking and the transmission of power, an internal wind flow cavity, and controlled wind guides is described. The external frame includes structural bracing that allows for two or more windmill to be stacked one upon another to optimize the use of land or rooftop space for the generation of electricity from wind power. The computer controlled wind guides automatically close partially in high wind conditions in order to prevent damage to the windmill. The internal wind flow cavity allows wind to transfer power to both the windward and leeward rotors blades. The rotor axis is constructed so that all bearings can be replaced without dismantling the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Lewis H. Miller
  • Patent number: 6840738
    Abstract: A feathering fluid-driven turbine comprises impellers, arranged around the turbine axis and affixed to axles disposed parallel to the axis of rotation of the turbine, and further comprises a vane, such as a wind vane, which points in the current direction of fluid flow, mounted on an axis. The impellers are operatively engaged by a feathering mechanism, which, responsive to the direction indicated by the vane, rotates the impellers along their axles so that impellers on the windward side of fluid flow are aligned to present maximum aerodynamic resistance to fluid flow and impellers on the leeward side of fluid flow are aligned to present minimum aerodynamic resistance, thereby maximizing torque output of the turbine regardless of direction of fluid flow. The feathering mechanism comprises an offset cam affixed to the axis of the vane, moving in conjunction therewith as the direction of fluid flow changes. Fitted to the cam is a collar that is rotatable with the rotation of the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Marvin L. Swanberg
  • Publication number: 20040265116
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a windmill device rotating by a wind power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Fumiro Kaneda
  • Patent number: 6824348
    Abstract: A wind rotor comprises a base, a rotor frame rotationally supported on the base for movement about a substantially vertical axis in one of a clockwise or counter clockwise direction, and a plurality of wind receiving vanes pivotally disposed on the rotor frame for movement about a substantially vertical axis in a clockwise and counter clockwise direction between a first closed position and a second open position. The movement of each vane from the first closed position to the second open position further being independent of the other vanes. A variable resistance damping mechanism assembly is disposed between each vane and the rotor frame. The variable resistance damping mechanism is configured to provide damping in both the clockwise and the counterclockwise directions, and to dampen a greater amount in one of the clockwise or counterclockwise directions than in the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventors: Barton D. Alexander, James C. Helfrich
  • Publication number: 20040191053
    Abstract: A flow-forced generator adapted with a turbo-charging deflection hood having at the peripheral of the vortex ring in the generator provided with an automated directional turbo-charging deflection hood for the air or fluid to produce turbo-charging results due to the reducing deflection of the hood, thus to increase the power of the generator in case of insufficient flow force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Publication number: 20040184909
    Abstract: A stackable, vertical axis windmill comprised of a braced external frame that enables stacking of multiple windmill assemblies. Couplings are located on both ends of the vertical rotor shaft to enable stacking and the transmission of power, an internal wind flow cavity, and controlled wind guides is described. The external frame includes structural bracing that allows for two or more windmill to be stacked one upon another to optimize the use of land or rooftop space for the generation of electricity from wind power. The internal wind flow cavity allows wind to transfer power to both the windward and leeward rotors blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Lewis H. Miller
  • Publication number: 20040156723
    Abstract: A vertical axis windmill has an immovable, hollow circumferential frame having a plurality of peripheral openings, and rotatable turbine arranged inside the frame and connectable to a generator of electric energy, the turbine having a plurality of vanes each having a working side and a non-working side, and a plurality of gate elements turnably connected with the frame for closing and opening of the openings of the frame by wind flowing substantially in a horizontal plane, the gate elements and the vanes of the turbine being formed so that at one side of the frame the wind opens the gate members by turning them in a predetermined direction, so that at one side the wind turns the gate elements so as to open corresponding ones of the openings, enters the frame through the corresponding opened openings and acts on the working side of corresponding ones of the vanes so as to rotate the turbine in the predetermined direction, while at the same time at the other side of the frame the wind closes other offset gate m
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Tsipov
  • Publication number: 20040120801
    Abstract: A self-guiding wind turbine made of two reinforced parallel girders whose side center of thrust is displaced from the column axis where it is supported and turns. Its dihedral-shaped two-bladed rotor is self-stabilizing since its center of thrust is behind its center of gravity and the guiding axis of the turbine, thus improving self-guiding whilst in motion. The axial thrust is controlled, whilst the head and rotor are tilting, hydraulically by counter-pressure, ensuring they do not surpass the power collected and the moments on the structure, shoe and ground. The self-guiding structure can tilt hydraulically lowering its head and rotor and facilitating its assembly and maintenance, and can remain “asleep” when not in use, thus reducing the visual impact on the environment. This turbine makes use of the force of the wind to control itself, simplifying the manufacture of large turbines connected to the network or in isolated applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Ivan Lahuerta Antoune, Sebastian Manuel Lahuerta Antoune, Maria Lahuerta Antoune
  • Patent number: 6749393
    Abstract: A wind power plant for producing electrical energy on a large scale, comprising a base, a housing, rotatable on said base around vertical axis. A wind tail, attached to the housing, rotate the housing toward direction of the wind, utilizing the power of the wind, and produces additional tunnel suction to the flow of the wind from front side to back side of the housing. A plurality of turbines, equipped with rotors with wide blades, is mounted inside the housing one above another. Deflectors cover from the wind the front side of the rotors above their axis of rotation while computer controlled governors are covering the remaining front side of the rotors below their axis of rotation, keeping steady the speed of rotation of the rotors. Working surfaces of turbines are covered from heavy snow and during the storm and protected from birds. Power plant saves the area of occupied land, utilizing higher speed of wind on higher elevations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Yevgeniya Sosonkina
  • Patent number: 6749394
    Abstract: A rotating display apparatus includes a support structure, a rotor mounted rotatably on the support structure for rotation about a vertically disposed rotational axis, and at least two (preferably more) wind-reactive elements on the rotor on which a user may display promotional, political, or other information, including using the shape of the wind-reactive elements as the displayed information. The wind-reactive elements (airfoil or non-airfoil) cause the rotor to rotate about the rotational axis in response to wind passing the rotating display apparatus. Each is free to pivot between a respective one of first and second pairs of stop positions as the rotor rotates about the rotational axis in order to self-align according to wind direction and impart rotational movement to the rotor, moving through five phases per revolution as they orbit the rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Bruce E. Boatner
  • Patent number: 6740989
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine with a turbine rotor with rotor blades disposed for rotation about a substantially vertical axis. The turbine includes multiple vertically extending stator vanes circumferentially spaced apart about the rotor in an annular array. Each vane has a radially inward facing surface, a radially outward facing surface and a flange on an outer edge of each vane. The flange serves to create a turbulent swirling boundary layer on the vane surfaces that rotates in a direction that draws and redirects air flow into the air flow channels defined by the stator vanes that is then compressed by the narrowing of the channels and directed to the rotor blades to drive the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Pacifex Management Inc.
    Inventor: John Rowe
  • Publication number: 20040086373
    Abstract: The invention is a vertical axis wind turbine that utilizes leverage to compound the force from the wind, thereby creating exstordinary power, enough to turn a plurality of generators, thereby reducing the cost per kilowatt of electricity. It has wind blocking means that when struck by the wind from behind they shift to a position to block the wind to absorb energy from the wind thereby causing the turbine to revolve. At the same time, the wind blocking means on the opposite side of the turbine are being struck by the wind on their front leading edge causing them to rotate up to a position where they do not block wind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: John S. Page
  • Publication number: 20040071541
    Abstract: The invention concerns a fan assembly (10, 100) which includes a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) (12, 102) which is coupled to an air extraction or air supply fan (14, 146). The VAWT is located above and is coupled coaxially to the fan. The fan assembly also includes an auxiliary turbine (36, 140) to provie start-up torque to initiate rotation of the VAWT. The VAWT is typically a Darrieus or Gyromill-type turbine and the auxiliary turbine is typically a Savonius-type turbine. In the preferred embodiments, the fan assembly includes a rotational speed governor to avoid damage to the turbine and/or fan in high winds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Mark Rainbow
  • Publication number: 20040047723
    Abstract: A horizontal wind generator comprises a horizontal windmill drivingly coupled to an electrical generator. The windmill includes a vertical drive shaft mounted for rotation in a base, with a plurality of wind drive units being mounted in wind catching positions at spaced axial locations along the drive shaft. The drive units comprise oppositely facing wind catching elements mounted on opposite sides of crossbars or frames non-rotatably attached to the pole. Multiple wind drive units are spaced along the pole and angularly displaced from adjacent units at regular intervals around the pole. Two or four spaced drive units are particularly desirable. Wind catcher elements formed of cup shaped bowls or split barrels are particularly effective and are inexpensive. The wind generator is drivingly attached to an electrical generator through a gear box and belt or chain drive mechanism. The horizontal windmill rotates the electrical generator within its desired speed range without any governor or speed control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas W. Horjus
  • Patent number: 6682302
    Abstract: A turbine system (10) for capturing energy from a fluid stream includes a torque arm (12). At least a pair of, preferably symmetrical clam shell, turbine blades (14) with the upper (16) and lower (18) halves are oppositely connected to the torque arm (12). A coordinating system (46) is connected to the symmetrical clam shell turbine blades (14). The coordinating system (46) further comprises a first system (48) and second system (52). The first system (48) is connected to control and regulate opening and closing of the upper (16) and lower (18) halves of each individual clam shell turbine blade (14). The second system (52) is connected between each pair of the symmetrical clam shell turbine blades (14) so that as one clam shell turbine blade (14) closes the opposite clam shell turbine blade (14) is forced open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: James D. Noble
  • Patent number: 6682296
    Abstract: Turbine for flowing fluid, especially a turbine having a vertical power output shaft and formed with several wings projecting radially out from the power output shaft, which wings are rotatable over an angle of about 90° about horizontal shafts extending closely adjacent and along the trailing edge of the wing as seen in the flow direction, so that the wings, in an operative, first position, are positioned at right angle to the flowing fluid and in a second, non-operative position, are located horizontally or nearly horizontally and on plane with the flowing fluid. Each wing is formed with a fin portion for catching, at a very early stage of an operation cycle, flow medium passing by and to thereby initiate a pressing down of the wing to a portion at right angle to the flow medium for, as far as possible, maintaining the flow medium against the wing during the active moving path thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Water-Wing Power System AB
    Inventors: Assar Jonsson, Anders Stenlund, Tommy Ohlund
  • Patent number: 6666650
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind power facility with a vertical rotor for generating energy, wherein a three-blade rotor (5) operates according to the cross-flow principle. The outer admission surface construction (1) and the facility has the shape of a tower consisting of stories. The individual stories are separated by floors (7). Vertical and horizontal admission surface elements (12, 13) form compartments through which wind is fed to the blades (1, 2,3) of the rotor (5). The admission surface construction (11) and the blades (1, 2, 3) of the rotor have a specific constructional design and form an integral unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Ramona Themel
  • Publication number: 20030231951
    Abstract: This turbine is to be used in flowing water for production of electric energy, comprising a number of shaped foils (5) of a suitable length, width and thickness, each foil (5) being attached with the upper part of its shaft (6) to a rotating, discoid, supporting structure (3) which is connected to the main shaft (2) of the turbine, and the longitudinal shaft (6) of each said foil (5) being mainly parallel with the main shaft (2),
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Finn Kaare, Even Evensen
  • Patent number: 6655907
    Abstract: A fluid-driven power generator having a turbine with several vanes, an exhaust chamber, a device for directing a first fluid towards the vanes of the turbine, a device for directing a second fluid through the generator housing assembly without contacting said turbine, a device for combining the first fluid and the second fluid in an exhaust chamber, and a device for creating a vacuum in the exhaust chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Future Energy Solutions Inc
    Inventors: Gerald E. Brock, Garry P. Haltof, Howard J. Greenwald
  • Patent number: 6638005
    Abstract: A coaxial wind turbine apparatus which includes a pair of rearward-mounted, spring-loaded fins to orient the air inlet opening to face the direction of the oncoming wind and close a damper panel or shutter array at the air inlet opening during very high wind conditions. Thereby, the pair of rearward-mounted, spring-loaded fins stabilizes the apparatus during strong ambient wind conditions and minimizes damage to the rotating turbine wheel in the presence of a strong wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventors: John W. Holter, Eric G. Holter
  • Publication number: 20030194310
    Abstract: The system comprises a nacelle (3) mounted to turn about a vertical axis on the top of a mast (2) and carrying a rotary portion (10) which rotates about a substantially horizontal axis in a large diameter bearing (15). The rotary portion (10) comprises a hub (13) to which blades (14) are fixed. The system has an electric generator (12) comprising a stator (17) and a rotor (16) in the shape of a disk. The rotor (16) is fixed by a connecting member (20) to the hub (13) adjacent the bearing (15) so that the forces exerted by the wind on the rotary portion (10) are transmitted directly to the bearing (15) without passing through the electric generator (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Canini, Yves Milet, Patrick Brutsaert
  • Publication number: 20030185666
    Abstract: The present invention provides a prime mover (2) for harnessing energy from a flow of fluid, the prime mover (2) comprising a shaft (4) having a rotational axis, arranged to be rotatably mounted to a substructure, the shaft (4) comprising at leas one arm (6) extending radially from the shaft (4), the or each arm (6) comprising at least one blade (8) wherein the or each blade (8) is oriented such that flow action on the blade (8) effects rotation of the shaft (4), characterized in that the or each blade (8) is movably mounted on an arm (6) and wherein each blade (8) is movable from a first position, having a first drag, to a second position, having a second drag, wherein the first drag is higher than the second drag. The prime mover (2) of the invention provides substantially reduced drag in a flow of fluid, and an increased torque output, compared to prior art prime movers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Isidro U. Ursua
  • Patent number: 6626636
    Abstract: A column airflow power apparatus for creating mechanical power is provided. The column airflow power apparatus comprises a column structure having an open first end and an open second end with airflow moving through the column structure from the first end to the second end. A rotatable blade is mounted within the column structure with the airflow rotating the rotatable blade. A power shaft is connected to the rotatable blade with the power shaft rotating with the rotatable blade. A rotatable turret device is mounted to the second end of the column structure and an adjustable airfoil mounted to the rotatable turret. An air concentrator can be mounted within the column structure between the first end and the rotatable blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: AWA Research, LLC
    Inventor: Jerry W. Bohn
  • Publication number: 20030175109
    Abstract: A fluid-driven power generator having a turbine with several vanes, an exhaust chamber, a device for directing a first fluid towards the vanes of the turbine, a device for directing a second fluid through the generator housing assembly without contacting said turbine, a device for combining the first fluid and the second fluid in an exhaust chamber, and a device for creating a vacuum in the exhaust chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Gerald E. Brock, Garry P. Haltof, Howard J. Greenwald
  • Publication number: 20030156938
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for capturing and converting wind energy to electrical energy. The apparatus includes a tower member arranged in the form of an elongated conduit having first and second end portions. A wind collector is provided and is associated with the conduit first end portion. The wind collector has an air inlet to capture environmental wind originating from one or more directions and then deflect the captured wind into the conduit to create an axial airflow therein. Finally, a wind turbine device is disposed at the conduit second end portion for receiving the airflow from the conduit in order to generate electricity therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Verini
  • Publication number: 20030133782
    Abstract: A coaxial wind turbine apparatus which includes a pair of rearward-mounted, spring-loaded fins to orient the air inlet opening to face the direction of the oncoming wind and close a damper panel or shutter array at the air inlet opening during very high wind conditions. Thereby, the pair of rearward-mounted, spring-loaded fins stabilizes the apparatus during strong ambient wind conditions and minimizes damage to the rotating turbine wheel in the presence of a strong wind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: John W. Holter, Eric G. Holter
  • Publication number: 20030133783
    Abstract: A fluid-driven power generator that contains a turbine within a housing, a device for directing fluid towards the tangential portions of the turbine, and a device for creating a venturi flow of fluid within the housing. The fluid flowing around the turbine is constricted for at least about 120 degrees of its flow around the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Gerald E. Brock, Garry P. Haltof, Howard J. Greenwald
  • Patent number: 6537018
    Abstract: A rotational power transfer device includes a rotatable shaft, a plurality of arm structures attached to the shaft and extending radially outward from the shaft, a plurality of pin structures attached to and extending radially outward from the shaft such that the arm structures and the pin structures are aligned, a plurality of panel members attached to the arm structures and hanging downward therefrom, and an energy converting member for converting energy to electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Foy Streetman
  • Publication number: 20030035725
    Abstract: A wind power plant for producing electrical energy on a large scale, comprising a base, a housing, rotatable on said base around vertical axis. A wind tail, attached to the housing, rotate the housing toward direction of the wind, utilizing the power of the wind, and produces additional tunnel suction to the flow of the wind from front side to back side of the housing. A plurality of turbines, equipped with rotors with wide blades, is mounted inside the housing one above another. Deflectors cover from the wind the front side of the rotors above their axis of rotation while computer controlled governors are covering the remaining front side of the rotors below their axis of rotation, keeping steady the speed of rotation of the rotors. Working surfaces of turbines are covered from heavy snow and during the storm and protected from birds. Power plant saves the area of occupied land, utilizing higher speed of wind on higher elevations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Yevgeniya Sosonkina
  • Patent number: 6518680
    Abstract: A fluid-powered energy conversion device for converting energy in a moving fluid such as air into mechanical energy. A rigid cylindrical frame includes an upstream annular chamber and a downstream annular chamber, each of the chambers having sides that are open to allow entry of the wind. A plurality of longitudinal baffles form a toroidal pattern that creates an upstream drive vortex in the upstream chamber, and a downstream extraction vortex rotating in the opposite direction in the downstream chamber. The drive vortex rises and changes direction as it passes through a turbine mounted on a longitudinal drive shaft in a central aperture between the chambers. The turbine is rotated by the rotational momentum of the drive vortex, by lift that is generated by each turbine blade, and by additional momentum that is created by the vortex reversal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: William K. McDavid, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030026684
    Abstract: A column airflow power apparatus for creating mechanical power is provided. The column airflow power apparatus comprises a column structure having an open first end and an open second end with airflow moving through the column structure from the first end to the second end. A rotatable blade is mounted within the column structure with the airflow rotating the rotatable blade. A power shaft is connected to the rotatable blade with the power shaft rotating with the rotatable blade. A rotatable turret device is mounted to the second end of the column structure and an adjustable airfoil mounted to the rotatable turret. An air concentrator can be mounted within the column structure between the first end and the rotatable blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Jerry W. Bohn
  • Publication number: 20020192069
    Abstract: Wind machines are disclosed in which the pressure energy of the wind is converted into electrical energy. A nozzle unobstructed by any turbine or propeller bearing a significant load is made to face the wind. The nozzle converts the pressure energy of the wind into kinetic energy. In one embodiment a turbine is disposed around the throat of the nozzle and air sucked through the turbine and exhausted through the throat of the nozzle. An obstruction at the turbine inlets is placed in such a way as to cause a pressure variation on either side of the obstruction, causing the turbine to rotate. In a second embodiment a small turbine within the throat of the nozzle is made to revolve several three way ball valves. These valves open and close passage-ways so as to admit or evacuate air from one side of pistons in cylinders of an atmospheric engine. The low pressure in the volume of the nozzle throat serves as an energy sink. The other side of the pistons are open to the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Edwin Newman