Actuated By Runner Or Separate Motor Patents (Class 415/42)
  • Patent number: 10145263
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly of a turbocharger includes a nozzle and a ring-shaped body. The nozzle has flow passages extending through the nozzle and configured to direct air received from a volute housing of the turbocharger through the nozzle to turbine blades of the turbocharger. The ring-shaped body is coupled with the nozzle and is configured to rotate around the nozzle. The ring-shaped body includes blocking segments that block the flow of the air and openings between the blocking segments that permit the air to flow through the ring-shaped body. The ring-shaped body is configured to rotate relative to the nozzle to change how many of the flow passages in the nozzle are blocked by the blocking segments of the ring-shaped body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rodrigo Rodriguez Erdmenger, Sebastian Walter Freund, Ismail Hakki Sezal, Aneesh Sridhar Vadvadgi
  • Patent number: 8651798
    Abstract: A kinetic hydropower generation system has a turbine and a generator coupled to the turbine. An underwater intake nozzle assembly is fluidly coupled to the turbine. For one embodiment, an underwater tower nozzle may be fluidly coupled between the turbine and the underwater intake nozzle assembly. The underwater intake nozzle assembly may include a collector and a converging nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sheer Wind, Inc.
    Inventor: Daryoush Allaei
  • Publication number: 20110250049
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for improving the airflow exiting a blower that has one or more adjustable guide vanes that are affixed to the blower at one or more pivot points located in an outlet of the blower that include: determining a rotational speed of an impeller in the blower and adjusting a position of at least one of the adjustable guide vanes in dependence upon the rotational speed of the impeller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael S. June, Jason A. Matteson, Mark E. Steinke
  • Patent number: 7811048
    Abstract: A turbine-intake tower for delivering wind to a turbine has a hollow support column, an intake nozzle assembly rotatably coupled to the support column, and a tower nozzle disposed within the support column. The intake nozzle assembly is configured to receive and to accelerate wind. The tower nozzle is configured to receive the wind from the intake nozzle assembly and to further accelerate the wind received from the intake nozzle assembly for delivery to the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Quality Research, Development & Consulting, Inc.
    Inventor: Daryoush Allaei
  • Patent number: 7677863
    Abstract: An over-speed safety device for a pneumatic rotation motor having a cylinder (10), a forward end wall (11), a rear end wall (12) with a pressure air inlet opening (21), a rotor (13), and an actuator (15) co-rotative with the rotor (13) and responsive to centrifugal action, and a valve lid (20) tiltable relative to a pivot axis (C) and shiftable between an open position and a closed position for controlling the airflow though the inlet opening (21), wherein the pivot axis (C) extends along a chord in relation to the rotor centre, and the actuator (18) comprises a cam surface (25) for camming engagement with the valve lid (20) for moving the latter in a radial direction toward the closed position. The valve lid (20) is supported by ridge positions (33, 34) on a seat surface (2) disposed around the inlet opening (21), and a wire spring (26) is arranged to retain and bias the valve lid (20) against the seat surface (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventor: Anders Urban Jansson
  • Publication number: 20080315588
    Abstract: Presented is an improved concept for deriving power from flowing fluid currents in the form of a radial outflow turbine that drives a generator. Fluid normally enters the turbine rotor axially and exits radially through power generating elements. Such power generating elements may be airfoil or more blunt shaped where, in the latter instance, rotor rotational power is generated by trailing edge vortex forces acting on the power generating elements. The instant invention turbogenerator may be utilized in either gas or liquid and examples of both are given. Drive fluids are normally derived from the earth's natural occurring fluid currents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Donald E. Burg
  • Patent number: 7134834
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of minimizing steam boiler pressure changes or turbine power changes during turbine control valve operational safety test stroking. The method of the present invention uses control valve positions as feedback into a compensation algorithm to minimize flow disturbance caused by the closing and reopening of a turbine control valve during periodic operational testing. By maintaining the total mass flow through several parallel turbine inlet control valves constant, the steam generator pressure is maintained constant, and the inlet pressure regulator is unaffected during inlet control valve testing. Maintaining the total mass flow through several parallel turbine inlet control valves constant also minimizes turbine power changes during inlet control valve testing. In addition, the monitoring of additional process parameters is not needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Michael James Molitor
  • Patent number: 7096657
    Abstract: An electromechanical inlet guide vane actuation system includes one or more electric motor driven actuators that are used to appropriately position the inlet guide vanes in a gas turbine engine. The actuation system includes a control circuit that supplies guide vane actuation control signals in response to guide vane position command signals it receives. The guide vane actuation control signals are supplied to one or more electric motors, which position actuators, and thus the inlet guide vanes, to the commanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Mahoney, James N. Quitmeyer, Darrell Horner, Jeff Miller
  • Patent number: 6899514
    Abstract: An overspeed safety device for a pneumatic rotation motor having a stator (10) with an air inlet passage (16), a rotor (12), and a speed governor for determining a maximum speed level, and comprising a speed responsive actuator (34) connected to the rotor (12) and a valve (33) shiftable by the actuator (34) from a normally open position to a closed position so as to block or substantially restrict the air flow through the inlet passage (16) at the attainment of motor speed levels exceeding a predetermined maximum level should the speed governor malfunction, wherein the actuator (34) comprises a spring biassed contact element (48) connected to the rotor (12) and responsive to centrifugal action, and the valve (33) comprises a disc-shaped valve element (36) pivotally supported in the inlet passage (16) and maintained in its open position by one magnet (42) and in its closed position by another magnet (43).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventors: Karl-Johan Lars Elsmark, Gunnar Christer Hansson, Anders Urban Jansson
  • 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: 6840735
    Abstract: A centrifugal fluid pump apparatus includes a control mechanism; and a body 5 including a pump section having an impeller rotating inside a housing; a rotor having an impeller attraction magnet; a motor for rotating the rotor; an impeller attraction electromagnet for attracting the impeller thereto; an impeller-position detection sensor; and a groove for hydrodynamic bearing provided on an inner surface of the housing. The control mechanism has a position sensor output monitoring function or an electromagnet current monitoring function, a motor current monitoring function; and an emergency impeller rotation function. The impeller rotation function operates when the sensors or the electromagnet has a failure by using the position sensor output monitoring function or the electromagnet current monitoring function to rotate the impeller by utilizing the groove for hydrodynamic bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsutoshi Yaegashi, Takehiko Asada
  • 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: 6533536
    Abstract: A turbine installation comprising a turbine in combination with an electrical closed-loop control system. The turbine is disposed in a flow of water for producing electrical energy. The turbine includes a hollow hub and a plurality of runner blades pivotally connected to a hollow hub. Each blade comprises a hydrofoil being bounded by an inner surface and a distal outer surface, a leading edge and a trailing edge separated by a water directing surface. The blades are adjustable in pitch from a maximum pitch position in which an inner portion of the water directing surface extends substantially in a direction of the water flow, to a minimum pitch position in which an outer portion of the water directing surface is substantially perpendicular to the water flow. The hollow hub has spaced apart inner and outer surfaces and a hub longitudinal axis. Each blade is pivotally connected to the hub about a rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Voith Hydro, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Fisher, Jr., Robert G. Grubb, Joseph M. Cybularz, Richard K. Donelson, Mark E. Kennell, Wolfgang Heine
  • Patent number: 6402477
    Abstract: A turbine, adaptable to improve the survivability of fish present in water flowing therethrough, includes a hub and associated runner blades. Each blade comprises an inner edge and a distal outer edge, a leading edge and a trailing edge separated by a water directing surface. Each blade is rotatable relative to the hub about a blade rotational axis. The turbine is provided with a gap shielding device designed to shield a gap formed between the hub and the blade inner edge as the blade is rotated about its axis. The gap shielding device may comprise a plurality of independently biased pins, a plurality of fluid jets, a plurality of flexible members, a fluid-filled boot, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Voith Siemens Hydro Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Cybularz, Richard K. Donelson, Richard K. Fisher, Jr., Robert G. Grubb, Randy V. Seifarth, Siegbert Etter, Donald E. Zehner
  • Patent number: 6341238
    Abstract: A method of testing an actuation system for positioning an actuator, the actuation system including a primary electronic system, a secondary hydro-mechanical system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of measuring the actual position of the actuation device as set by the primary electronic system; measuring the system inputs and computing an ideal actuator position based thereon; determining the difference between the actual actuator position and the ideal position. The difference is then compared to a first threshold value which represents a disturbance beyond which the system cannot safely operate. Control is transferred from the primary control to the secondary control if the difference exceeds the first threshold. If the difference is less than the first threshold, the difference is compared to a second threshold value which represents an operating condition that can be tolerated for a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas P. Modeen, John E. Games, Norman J. Faust
  • Patent number: 6270309
    Abstract: A low drag ducted ram air turbine generator and cooling system is provided. The ducted ram air turbine generator and cooling system has reduced drag while extracting dynamic energy from the air stream during the complete range of intended flight operating regimes. A centerbody/valve tube having an aerodynamically shaped nose is slidably received in a fairing and primary structure to provide a variable inlet area. An internal nozzle control mechanism attached to the valve tube positions nozzle control doors to provide variable area nozzles directing air flow to the turbine stator and rotor blades to maintain optimum generator efficiency. An alternate embodiment includes an annular internal nozzle having interleaved panels to modulate the air flow to the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Ghetzler Aero-Power Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Ghetzler, Jerome F. Wojtalik, Jr., Neils Kruse, Kendal R. Stephens, Harold Schmulenson
  • Patent number: 6260358
    Abstract: In a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine including an exhaust gas turbocharger to which at least two separate exhaust lines extend from different groups of cylinders of the engine, the exhaust lines have discharge openings arranged adjacent one another along a control surface area and a control slide member supported so as to be movable relative to the exhaust gas discharge openings includes wall portions movable with the slide member between a position in which the wall portions of the slide member are in alignment with stationary wall portions between the discharge openings for maintaining the exhaust gas flow passages separated from one another and a position in which the wall portions on the slide member are out of alignment with the stationary wall portions, wherein the exhaust gas lines are in communication with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Helmut Daudel, Helmut Finger, Peter Fledersbacher, Siegfried Sumser
  • Patent number: 6210100
    Abstract: An upper reservoir-side conduit or a lower reservoir-side conduit is branched in the vicinity of pump-turbine ends and at least a first pump-turbine out of a plurality of pump-turbines which share the conduit portions located farther than the branch points with the other pump-turbine or pump-turbines is provided with a rotational speed increase detector. When it is detected that the rotational speed of the first pump-turbine has exceeded a second predetermined value higher than a rated speed, a command is issued also to at least one of the other pump-turbines to limit the guide vane closing speed in that pump-turbine to a speed approximately equal to or lower than the speed after the shift to a slow closing of the guide vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Kuwabara
  • Patent number: 6179552
    Abstract: A speed control unit for a pneumatic rotation motor having a stator (10) with an air inlet passage (14), a rotor (11) journalled in the stator (10). The speed control unit includes a speed governor (26) operated by two or more fly-weight members (28), and an overspeed safety device (27). The rotor (11) is formed with a coaxial blind bore (22) in which is secured a mounting structure (23) for supporting the fly-weight members (28), the valve element (29) and the bias spring (35) of the speed governor (26) inside the rotor (11). The overspeed safety device (27) includes a flow restricting element (39) displaceably guided in the air inlet passage (14) and locked in an inactive rest position by a trip element (43), and a speed responsive actuator (45) that is co-rotative with the rotor (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventor: Rolf Alexis Jacobsson
  • Patent number: 6158953
    Abstract: A wind turbine has an internal rotor carrying a plurality of turbine vanes in a circular path between an inlet opening and an exhaust opening. The inlet opening includes a stationary dividing vane that delivers one portion of the inlet airflow to a primary flowpath traversing the turbine vanes at two locations. The stationary dividing vane also delivers a second portion of the inlet airflow to a second flowpath which drives the turbine vanes as those vanes move in the part of the circular path from the exhaust opening toward the inlet opening. The turbine vanes may be mounted so as to have variable angular positions in different portions of the circular path. Turbine vane position can be controlled either magnetically or mechanically. Where vane position is varied magnetically, a plurality of permanent magnets with suitable controls adjust the turbine vane position. Where vane position is varied mechanically, a pair of cam arrangements may be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: John S Lamont
  • Patent number: 6113350
    Abstract: A vertical-axle wind power machine comprises a vertical axle, a plurality of jointed radial arms, a plurality of counterbalanced oblique blades at the support points thereof, a friction-rewarding rotary speed multiplying transmission, and an automatic rotary speed regulating means to be performed by either a wind-operated or an alternative digital controlled rotary speed regulating device; the combination of which provides the oblique blades with great sensitivity to the alternation of lee wind and head wind for automatic swinging to the most efficient lee angle at upstanding and overturned positions to sail nearly three quarters and streamline against the head wind resistance for the remaining quarter every circle of rotation, is able to convert the centripetal and centrifugal component forces to the same torque direction of the tangential component force from the same blade by an eccentric-guided angular bracket means and a fork-rooted radial arm, is able to offset the friction loss in the rotary speed mult
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Stokwang Windpower Industrial Inc.
    Inventor: Hsun-Fa Liu
  • Patent number: 6109863
    Abstract: A fully submersible apparatus for generating electricity from liquid flow as in an ocean or river current. A buoyant structure is fully submersible and has at least one pair of counter-rotating side-by-side motors with a plurality of angularly spaced radial vanes each having a plurality of rotatable subvanes such that current impinging upon the motor will impinge on a closed or solid vane to effect rotation of the motor and its shaft during a first phase of the rotational cycle and will impinge on open vanes for free passage therethrough on the return or second phase of rotation of the motor. Motors may also be provided with vanes in overlying and underlying relationship. An associated method is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Larry D. Milliken
  • Patent number: 6042331
    Abstract: An upper reservoir-side conduit or a lower reservoir-side conduit is branched in the vicinity of pump-turbine ends and at least a first pump-turbine out of a plurality of pump-turbines which share the conduit portions located farther than the branch points with the other pump-turbine or pump-turbines is provided with a rotational speed increase detector. When it is detected that the rotational speed of the first pump-turbine has exceeded a second predetermined value higher than a rated speed, a command is issued also to at least one of the other pump-turbines to limit the guide vane closing speed in that pump-turbine to a speed approximately equal to or lower than the speed after the shift to a slow closing of the guide vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Kuwabara
  • Patent number: 6015258
    Abstract: Wind turbine apparatus is described for converting wind energy into electrical energy. The apparatus includes a rotatable central shaft, a plurality of rotor blades attached to the central shaft, and a plurality of convex airfoils spaced around the periphery of the rotor blades. The ratio of the number of rotor blades to the number of airfoils is at least 1.25 to 1. The size of the apparatus may vary, and the apparatus is useful in a variety of applications and environments. It is very efficient in converting wind energy to electrical energy. It may be operated even in very high wind conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Ronald J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5954474
    Abstract: A turbine, disposed in water flowing therethrough, includes a hub and associated runner blades. Each blade comprises an inner surface and a distal outer surface, a leading edge and a trailing edge separated by a water directing surface. Each blade is rotatable relative to the hub about a blade rotational axis. The hub includes a spherically-shaped outer surface in a region of the hub swept by the inner surface of the blades when the blades are rotated from maximum to minimum pitch. The hub may also be associated with blades in which the chord is reduced in the root region of the blade. The turbine may also include seals attached to the blade inner surface and an essentially spherically-shaped discharge ring to improve certain turbine parameters such as cavitation, efficiency, flow disturbance, and fish survivability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Voith Hydro, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard K. Fisher, Jr., Robert G. Grubb, Joseph M. Cybularz, Richard K. Donelson, Mark E. Kennell, Wolfgang Heine
  • Patent number: 5947679
    Abstract: A turbine, adaptable to improve the survivability of fish present in water flowing therethrough, includes a hub and associated runner blades. Each blade comprises an inner edge and a distal outer edge, a leading edge and a trailing edge separated by a water directing surface. Each blade is rotatable relative to the hub about a blade rotational axis. The turbine is provided with features designed to shield a gap formed between the hub and the blade inner edge as the blade is rotated about its axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Voith Hydro, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Cybularz, Richard K. Donelson, Richard K. Fisher, Jr., Robert G. Grubb, Randy V. Seifarth, Siegbert Etter, Donald E. Zehner
  • Patent number: 5938401
    Abstract: A method of testing an actuation system for positioning an inlet guide vane, the actuation system including a primary electronic system, a secondary hydro-mechanical system is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas P. Modeen, Christopher E. Paul, Kristin M. Devlin
  • Patent number: 5921745
    Abstract: A low speed water driven turbine having a housing to be erected vertically in a water course, a water intake and a water outlet, a drive shaft rotatably mounted along a central vertical axis of the housing, a shaft sleeve non-rotatably mounted in the housing and supporting and enclosing the shaft, a guide casing of generally bell-like shape and defining a lower edge, the casing being connected to the shaft sleeve within the housing and extending outwardly from the sleeve to define a reduced cross-sectional area within the housing in the region of the guide casing, a turbine blade mounting hub driveably mounted at the lower end of the shaft, a plurality of turbine blades mounted around the hub and extending outwardly therefrom the turbine blades being mounted at angles with respect to the vertical axis of the housing, and being located to receive water from the reduced cross-sectional portion of the casing, so that water passing down through the housing will flow onto and past the turbine blades and cause rota
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Hydroenergy Corporation
    Inventors: George F. Round, Viljo K. Valavaara
  • Patent number: 5910688
    Abstract: An improvement for windmill includes a rotor unit, a transmission unit and a stabilizer. The rotor unit includes a plural number of blades with one end riveting to an annular outer ring and another end being twisted at an angle to engage with the slots formed in the hub of the rotor unit. The transmission unit includes a transmission box, an input shaft to receive wind generating power from the rotor unit and an output spindle for delivering output power for productive use. The stabilizer connects with the transmission unit at an opposite side to the rotor unit. The stabilizer has a tail fin for reducing the swaying of the windmill in the wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Inventor: Wan-Tsai Li
  • Patent number: 5855470
    Abstract: This invention accomplishes these and other objectives with a wind wheel (1) having at least one planetary gear wheel (10) affixed rigidly to a wind-wheel axle (2) from which gear trains for each of a plurality of wind-wheel plates (9) are rotated to maximum plate frontage in wind flow (30) by gear belts (21) intermediate the gear trains and axes of the plurality of wind-wheel plates. The gear trains each have a second gear wheel (12) with a 0.50-to-1.0 gearing ratio to the planetary gear, a third gear wheel (15) with a 2.0-to-1.0 gearing ratio to the planetary gear, a first gear-belt wheel (18) extended concentrically from a side of the third gear wheel and having a 0.60-to-1.0 gearing ratio to the planetary gear and, a second gear-belt wheel (20) having a gearing ratio that is equal to the first gear-belt wheel. The plurality of wind-wheel plates with corresponding drive trains is preferably six but can be any number appropriate for design preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Alan G. Holmes
  • Patent number: 5852331
    Abstract: A booster (34) for a wind turbine (12) of the type containing an impeller (14) having a plurality of radial curved vanes (16) mounted on a shaft (18) connected to an electric generator (20). The booster (34) comprises a structure (36) mounted in a stationary manner about the impeller (14) for increasing rotation speed of the radial curved vanes (16) on the shaft (18) and operate more efficiently the electric generator (20), to put out more electrical energy therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Inventor: Roberto Giorgini
  • Patent number: 5844324
    Abstract: A wind powered electrical generator for a recreational vehicle comprising a mounting assembly including a vertical rod removably coupled to the recreational vehicle. A horizontally oriented stator is provided including a torroid fixedly coupled at a top end of the vertical rod with a coil wrapped about the torroid. A turbine is provided including a frusto conical inner shell, a frusto conical outer shell, and a plurality of turbine vanes coupled therebetween. Next included is a rotor having a plurality of magnets fixedly coupled to the turbine and rotatably coupled to the stator for inducing a current within the coil upon the rotation thereof. A wire has a first end connected to the coil and a second end strung through the mounting assembly and terminating in a plug for coupling with the recreational vehicle for recharging batteries thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Wayne D. Spriggle
  • Patent number: 5709419
    Abstract: A method and device for collecting energy from wind includes an airfoil having an outer surface defining a leading edge, a central section of greatest breadth adjacent to which a Bernoulli effect reduced pressure region results as an air flow passes over the airfoil from the leading edge to a trailing edge, an air passage contained within the outer surface, and a plurality of edge nozzles penetrating the outer surface within the section of greatest breadth. The edge nozzles each have an outlet orifice oriented toward the trailing edge and an inlet orifice feeding into the air passage and being positioned to communicate between the air passage and the Bernoulli effect reduced pressure region. The airfoil is positioned in the wind with the leading edge facing substantially into the wind and with the wind passing over the edge nozzles. An airflow-driven turbine capable of converting an airflow into rotational mechanical energy is also provided, the turbine being in airflow communication with the air passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: John E. Roskey
  • Patent number: 5664418
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine is supported by a frame held in place by an encircling series of crescent-shaped tubular deflector vanes. The vanes widen towards the turbine core, concentrating the wind. The wind is trapped momentarily on entering the turbine cavities. Air can be supplied to such cavities from a compressed air source driven by wave action on a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: Victor Walters
  • Patent number: 5553995
    Abstract: A turbine device and a method of driving the turbine device are disclosed. The turbine device includes an admission channel, a turbine, and an injection channel. The turbine device may also include a regulator. The turbine is driven by injecting a primary fluid into the admission channel at a given velocity and simultaneously causing a secondary fluid to flow into the admission channel at a lower velocity. The primary fluid and the secondary fluid form a mixture in the admission channel, which flows toward the turbine. The velocity of the mixture is less than that of the primary fluid, while the mass flow of the mixture is approximately equal to the sum of the mass flows of the primary and secondary fluids. The regulator compares the rotational speed of the turbine to a target speed and regulates parameters associated with the turbine device if the rotational speed of the turbine and the target speed differ by more than a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Mich ele Martinez
  • Patent number: 5553996
    Abstract: A wind powered turbine comprises a plurality of vanes 1 tangentially angled about the axis 2 of a drum-like frame. The frame is arranged to rotate about its longitudinal axis 2 and it has a tubular member 5 mounted co-axially with the longitudinal axis 2, within the path swept by the vanes 1 as they rotate. The tubular member 5 constrains the wind to follow an arcuate path between entry and exit points where it reacts with the vanes 1 of the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Austin P. Farrar
  • Patent number: 5478197
    Abstract: A device including a flow unit generating a potential vortex having an inflow aperture and an outflow aperture, together with a turbine arranged in the direction of flow of the potential vortex. The flow unit comprises an outer hollow member having a plurality of flaps and plates at both ends, with one plate containing the outflow aperture, and an inner hollow member arranged concentrically of the outer hollow member. The built-up pressure acting on the outer hollow member opens some of the movable flaps and closes others, which generates a rotary flow. The rotary flow, while flowing tangentially into the inner hollow member, is accelerated further and forms a swirl flow which is directed outwardly by the vacuum at the outflow aperture and which, after having passed through the outflow aperture, is converted into the potential vortex by the shear forces of the parallel flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventors: Olaf Schatz, Jurgen Schatz
  • Patent number: 5454694
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind mill with retractable sails comprising a central core which has vertical side walls in a generally cylindrical configuration. The core has an upper end and a lower end and a drive shaft positioned along the central axis therefor. The drive shaft has an upper end and a lower end. The core also has curved vanes extending radially outwardly therefrom for rotation under the force of the wind to rotate the core and the drive shaft. The device also includes a fixed support which receives the shaft through bearings to allow for rotation of the core while the upper support remains fixed. Also included is a housing with a generator located within the lower extent of the housing beneath the core. The generator has an upper end secured to the lower end of the shaft for generating electricity in response to rotation of the shaft. The sails are radially retracted by coiling up into a lower portion of a U-shaped bracket, with a drive system for raising and lowering the sails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Clarence E. O'Dell
  • Patent number: 5447412
    Abstract: A wind driven turbine installation has a rotatable enclosure with closable inlet and outlet openings. The rotatable enclosure includes a driving arrangement and a wind direction sensor arrangement that monitor the incident wind direction and align the enclosure such that the inlet opening is aligned with the prevailing wind direction. The inlet opening includes an acceleration passage which increases wind velocity and directs the wind to a wind driven turbine device disposed within the installation. The turbine device includes a converging inlet passage, a secondary inlet passage, and an exhaust passage. A turbine rotor is disposed within the turbine device such that wind entering the primary inlet drives the rotor in part by following rotor vanes, and in part by passing across the rotor vanes. Wind entering the secondary passage is redirected toward the primary inlet and drives the rotor in the forward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventor: John S. Lamont
  • Patent number: 5375968
    Abstract: An improved wind turbine is provided with a rotor assembly provided with a plurality of wind-drivable blades and surrounded by a rotatable wind deflector assembly. The deflector assembly is provided with a plurality of deflector vanes and two semicylindrical deflector panels of unequal length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventors: Gerhard Kollitz, Ronald W. Kollitz
  • Patent number: 5350273
    Abstract: A wind-driven apparatus for converting the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy. This invention incorporates a wind collector that is rotated upon an elevated turntable in order to position the wind collector as required. This turntable incorporates both a covered track and casters so as to provide weather protection. Additionally, a shroud secured to the entrance to the wind collector helps direct the wind energy against the wind collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Inventors: Francis N. Hector, Sr., Francis N. Hector, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5336933
    Abstract: A fluid-augmented free-vortex power generating apparatus (10) that is driven by either prevailing winds or water and which has a turbine (24) that includes a number of axially extending cup like sails (20) mounted on a freely rotating hub (22). A fluid mover (28) in the form of a fan or blower as would be used when the fluid medium is air or a water pump when the fluid medium is water, tangentially directs a flow of fluid under high velocity onto the turbine sails inducing rotation and creating an unconfined vortex around the apparatus (10). A power generator produces electrical energy from the rotation of the rotor which revolves due to the combined impingement of the fluid mover (28) and intensified regenerated circular fluid movement created by the artificially created unconfined vortex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Bru-Mel Corporation
    Inventor: Melvin J. Ernster
  • Patent number: 5333989
    Abstract: Linear electric actuators powered by DC brushless servomotors are individually controlled to position steam turbine valves by way of levers, pins and links to thus eliminate hydraulics and the attendant disadvantages of fluid filtering, conditioning and leakage as well as obtaining more flexible individual valve control, vis-a-vis, camshaft operated hydraulic actuators. Additionally, low friction actuators and springs are employed to automatically close the turbine valves in the event of a power failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Adrian Missana, Russell A. Gary
  • Patent number: 5332354
    Abstract: A wind driven turbine installation has a rotatable enclosure with closable inlet and outlet openings. The rotatable enclosure includes a driving arrangement and a wind direction sensor arrangement that monitors the incident wind direction and aligns the enclosure such that the inlet opening is aligned with the prevailing wind direction. The inlet opening includes an acceleration passage which increases wind velocity and directs the wind to a wind driven turbine device disposed within the installation. The turbine device includes a converging inlet passage, a secondary inlet passage, and an exhaust passage. A turbine rotor is disposed within the turbine device such that wind entering the primary inlet drives the rotor in part by following rotor vanes, and in part by passing across the rotor vanes. Wind entering the secondary passage is redirected toward the primary inlet and drives the rotor in the forward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Inventor: John S. Lamont
  • Patent number: 5313103
    Abstract: An auger shaped, fluid medium engaging member is disclosed which includes a helically or auger shaped outer region disposed about a longitudinal axis which passes through a central region of the member. The auger shaped outer region establishes at least one auger or helically shaped fluid medium engaging surface, which intercepts the flow of a fluid medium such as air or water, for effecting rotational movement of the fluid medium engaging member about its longitudinal axis. The auger shaped, fluid medium engaging member may be coupled to an electrical generator, for generating electrical energy upon rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: John J. Hickey
  • Patent number: 5302084
    Abstract: An improved windmill has an approximately vertical center support post. The windmill also has a plurality of wheels, each rotatably mounted on a separate horizontal axis, each axis being radially disposed about the center support post. The windmill also has a horizontal annular ring disposed radially about the center support post. The ring is mounted on the wheels so that the ring can rotate about the center support post. The windmill also includes a plurality of approximately horizontal beams. Each beam is radially disposed about the center support post. A first end of each beam is connected to the center support post and a second end of each beam is connected to the annular ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventor: Wilbert B. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5272378
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating power by utilizing the wind produced from the passage of vehicular traffic such as on a highway or freeway includes a plurality of vertical axis rotors mounted vertically within a support structure. Each of the vertical axis rotors is coupled to a generator adapted to convert rotational energy of the rotors into electrical energy. The apparatus is particularly well adapted for placement between two opposing lanes of vehicular traffic in order to provide a barrier which replaces conventional barriers with one adapted to harness a previously unused source of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Inventor: Thomas A. Wither
  • Patent number: 5269647
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotor driven by wind power with a vertical rotating axis and radial arms distributed at uniform angular intervals over its periphery which bear bodies with an aerodynamic profile such that one side of the profile exhibits a lower air resistance with a current at right angles than with a current from the opposite side.Known vertical rotors should be of simple construction and should be capable of being manufactured at low cost. At the same time their efficiency should be high enough for them to be used to generate wind power economically. To this end, the rotor of the generic type is improved such that the rotor arms consist of one or a plurality of loops in vertical planes with an aerodynamic profile, where the profile shape is maintained essentially uniform over the entire length of the loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: Josef Moser
  • Patent number: 5195871
    Abstract: A windmill includes a plurality of fan blade units pivotally mounted in a central vertical transmission shaft each unit having a right-leaf vertical fan blade and a left-leaf horizontal fan blade in which the vertical fan blade as rotated to the leeward can be feathered by a forward rotation of a driving motor to reduce its wind resistance during its leftward rotation towards the windward, and the horizontal fan blade when rotated to the windward can be vertically erected ready for receiving wind energy by a reverse rotation of the motor during its righward rotation towards the leeward for efficiently collecting the wind energy for driving the transmission shaft for power generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Inventor: Leu Hsech-Pen
  • Patent number: 5183386
    Abstract: A vertical axis turbine is provided which comprises a plurality of flexible sail blades attached to a vertically extending, rotatable shaft by upper and lower blade attachment devices, and a power absorbing load device coupled to the rotatable shaft. The flexible sail blades are deployed and stabilized in operation by the centrifugal forces produced in response to rotation of the blades about the vertical axis of the shaft, whereby, in operation, aerodynamic forces acting on the sail blades can be transmitted to shaft without generating bending movements. The sail blades comprise plural elongate flexible sail panels, with flyweights being disposed between and secured to the ends of pairs of the sail panels. In different embodiments, passive flyweights, active flyweights (secondary turbines) and combinations of both types are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Inventors: Lewis Feldman, Michael Concannon