Abstract: A wind operated generator is disclosed herein having a stationary frame or base rotatably supporting at least four sets of pivotal blades intended to be driven by impinging wind currents. Each set of blades operate in unison for opening and closing air passageways between adjacent ones of the blades as the sets of blades rotate about a common vertical axis. A wind direction sensor is provided which moves into the direction of the wind and electro-mechanical or electrical interface networks operably couple the wind direction sensor to the respective sets of blades whereby the blades are responsive to wind direction so as to be properly feathered to propel the sets of blades. By employment of the interface network, those blades that are in position to actuate or rotate the windmill will receive the full force of the wind while other blades which are not in a position to accomplish the proper operation will be turned to permit passage of the wind thereby.

Abstract: A wind driven blade is pivotally carried by a rotatable crank arm. The blade rotates relative the crank arm from a position perpendicular to the wind during the power stroke to a position parallel to the wind during the return stroke. The moving mass is dynamically balanced to provide a self-contained single blade modular unit. A selected number of the modular units are adjoinable to form a multi-blade wind motor in which any given module may be functionally disconnected.

Abstract: A fluid mill having a tandem set of vanes is mounted within a vehicle and subject to the air stream during forward motion of the vehicle. Rotation of the sets of vanes in response to the force of the air stream drives an electrical generator which supplies charging current to a bank of batteries. Electrical power available from the bank of batteries is harnessed to energize one or more electric motor driven wheels of the vehicle. During deceleration of the vehicle, the wheel mounted electric motors act as electric generators and provide further charging current for the bank of batteries.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine comprises one or more aerofoil section blades attached to a support structure. The blade has at least one part thereof which is acted on by centrifugal forces as the blade rotates with the support structure and thereby caused to increase its angle of inclination to the said vertical axis when the speed of rotation increases beyond the normal operating range, whereby the rate of increase of rotational speed with wind speed is reduced.

Abstract: A turbine with a water-driven motive element adapted for being immersed in a body of water and comprising a disc having a density close to that of the water in which it is immersed. The disc is horizontally disposed and has a plurality of cells containing a mixture of liquid and gas and the disc carries on the upper and lower surfaces thereof a plurality of blades which are pivotably movable about a horizontal axis. The blades each have at least one pocket containing a mixture of gas and a liquid such that the density of the blades connected to the upper surface of the disc is less than that of water and the density of the blades connected to the lower surface of the disc is greater than that of water. The disc carries a structure which holds the blades in one direction of pivotal movement when the blades reach a vertical position. As a consequence, under the action of water current, the blades are driven to their vertical position and they then effect rotation of the disc.

Abstract: A fluid current motor adapted to extract energy from flowing natural currents is disclosed wherein a wheel-like frame is rotatably mounted about a vertical axis. The frame is positioned over a flowing water current, such as a stream, river, or the like, and is provided with a plurality of radial arms or spokes each of which is fitted with an articulated knuckle intermediate its length. At the outer extremity of each spoke there is mounted a yoke which pivotally supports a fluid reaction blade journaled intermediate its height in its associated yoke. Each yoke and blade assembly is buoyantly supported on the surface of the water by a pair of pontoons which maintain the blade at the same depth relative to the water surface regardless of variations in the level of the flowing water current.

Abstract: A mill, particularly windmill of the horizontal or Chinese type having a l shaft supporting a vane rotor provided with a plurality of vane shafts rotatably mounted therein and with vanes secured to these vane shafts which vanes, when engaged by a wind flowing in a direction perpendicular to the mill shaft, will swing about their vane shafts from an operating position in which the vane is held by a stop on the rotor at an angle to the wind, to a free position parallel to the wind when reaching the lee-side of the rotor. Each vane shaft is coupled to an individual gear means carried by the rotor and engaging a stationary annular ring gear common to all gear means which gear means comprises a one-way free-wheel drive whereby when a vane swings about at the lee-side of the rotor an additional rotary driving force is transmitted to the latter.

Abstract: An omnidirectional turbine providing a rotational output of one sense in response to fluid flow approaching the turbine from any direction parallel to its plane of rotation. The invention is contemplated for use in conjunction with electric generators or power generating systems in general capable of utilizing power output from said turbine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for converting fluid flow kinetic energy into rotational kinetic energy comprising a body mounted for vertical rotation about a longitudinal axis thereof, a plurality of horizontally spaced vertically extending vanes pivotably mounted on said body and rotatable between an open position in which the vane extends outwardly from the body and a closed position in which the vane lies with one surface thereof adjacent the surface of the body, and the plurality of feather members spacedly mounted longitudinally of each frame and extending outwardly and transversely of the surface opposite to said one surface of said vane, said feathers being dimensioned to abut said body when said vane is in said open position to provide stop means for each vane, the center gravity of each vane being located at the position in the feather members such that on the rotational speed of the body reaching a preselected maximum all the vanes assume a position between the open and closed position w