Abstract: The hydroelectric generator using a conduit turbine is furnished with a driving shaft which penetrates the center of a conduit through which a flow passes to the inside; a conduit support main body which is provided so as to support the driving shaft; a propeller which is fixed to the driving shaft, and rotates by the movement of the flow; an internal gear which rotates together with the driving shaft from between the conduit support main bodies; an external gear which is driven together with a shaft, outside the conduit, as a rotational force is delivered to the internal gear; and an electric generator.

Abstract: A cement mixing tool with a gearbox transmission assembly, an electric drill tool, a pair of mixing blades, a drive shaft housing assembly, a handle assembly and a splash guard. The electric drill tool is attached to the drive shaft housing assembly. The gearbox transmission assembly is attached to the drive shaft housing assembly. The pair of mixing blades are attached to opposing shafts extending from the gearbox transmission assembly. The splash guard attached to the exterior the drive shaft housing assembly. The handle assembly is attached to the drive shaft housing assembly. The resulting tool can be used by a person to mix wet cement within a wheelbarrow or other similar open topped container.

Abstract: A watercraft propulsion apparatus includes an eccentric crank assembly operatively connected to a pair of fins adapted to sweep back and forth in a generally transverse direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft. The fins may be rotatable about a longitudinal shaft fixedly secure to the bottom of the hull of the watercraft. A drive linkage assembly operatively connecting the eccentric crank assembly to the pair of fins imparts a torque force to oscillate the pair of fins. The oscillating fins provide a propulsive force to propel the watercraft longitudinally forward during both oscillating directions of the fins as they sweep back and forth.

Abstract: An acoustically stealthy, soft-bodied underwater propulsion system includes a central chord member and a series of successive muscle layers each having a skeletal mechanism and a set of actuators. Each skeletal mechanism includes a central vertebra, two or more actuator arms extending radially outward from the central vertebra and disposed axially symmetrically about the central chord member, and an actuator plate extending from a radially outward end of each actuator arm and oriented substantially transverse to the actuator arm. Each actuator is situated between an actuator plate from a first muscle layer of the series and a second muscle layer of the series.

Abstract: A watercraft having propulsion means extending below the water line comprising a pair of flexible fins each adapted to oscillate through an arcurate path in a generally transverse direction across the central longitudinal dimension of the watercraft. As input force is applied, the fins twist to form an angle of attack for providing forward thrust while moving in both directions along the arcurate path. Each of the fins have a generally squared off top and preferably an outer area of harder rubber than the inner area. Each of the fins can be adjusted at the trailing edge to provide adjustable tensioning of the trailing edge.

Abstract: An externally supported foil with reversible camber and variable chord length is described that allows a thin foil of efficient deformed shape to generate lift equally on opposite angles of attack to a fluid flow. The foil is supported at the leading and trailing edges to ribs that are in turn connected to spanwise spars forming an external structure attachable to a body. The foil is held by leading edge hinge(s) and trailing edge elastic membrane(s) along the span or at the ribs. Membrane pretension keeps the foil taut while generating no lift when parallel to a flow. When rotated by an external mechanism to generate an angle of attack, the membrane stretches due to the differential pressures generated on the foil surface; thereby, passively increasing the chord length and camber. Rib cutouts dictate the deformed aerodynamic or hydrodynamic foil shape that then generates lift.

Abstract: Cooling apparatuses, electronic device assemblies, and cooling assemblies having a magnetic shape memory member are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cooling apparatus includes a first compliant member, a magnetic shape memory member, a magnetic field generating device, a second compliant member and a fan member. A first end of the magnetic shape memory member is coupled to the first compliant member. The magnetic field generating device is positioned proximate the magnetic shape memory member, and generates a magnetic field toward the magnetic shape memory member to cause the magnetic shape memory member to expand along a linear translation axis. Expansion of the magnetic shape memory member causes an actuated portion of the second compliant member to translate about an axis. The fan member is coupled to the actuated portion of the compliant member such that translation of the actuated portion translates the fan member.

Abstract: The Variable Foil Machine harnesses fluid flow energy and propels fluids. A variable foil (120) with reversible camber is secured to a leading draft member (150) movable on a leading support (122) and to a trailing draft member (130) movable on a trailing support (136). The trailing draft member (130) is secured to a trailing guide (132) via a crank arm (148). Apparatus can be installed on the ground or on a pivoting base (138). In one embodiment, the leading draft member (150) is fixed while the trailing draft member (130) oscillates. In another embodiment, an oscillation amplitude offset between leading draft member (150) and trailing draft member (130) promotes cyclic translation of the variable foil (120). An energy converter (142) may be cooperatively coupled to produce energy or perform work. Selective combination of moving parts provides a versatile choice of modes of operation for power generation, work and communication.

Abstract: A novel oscillator comprises a curved sheet structure. The curved sheet structure comprises a curved sheet and a tensioner. The curved sheet structure oscillates when the tensioner of the curved sheet structure is extended between two rigidly or semi rigidly fixed points and the curved sheet structure is exposed to a fluid flow. The oscillation results in oscillating tension in the tensioner and oscillating motion of the tensioner in directions perpendicular and parallel to the direction of fluid flow. Energy conversion devices to couple the energy out of the oscillator include a coupling in line with the tensioner and a coupling generally perpendicular to the extension of the tensioner.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for converting the kinetic energy of a moving fluid stream into useful work by using a parallel cascade of aerofoils or hydrofoils positioned therein. The foils may be provided with at least two degrees of freedom and adjacent foils move in antiphase. The foils are subjected to resonant oscillations, known as flutter, induced by the fluid flow. Profiled inflow and outflow ducts may be positioned upstream and downstream, and the apparatus may be enclosed in a profiled duct, to increase efficiency by altering the fluid velocity and pressure. The foils are cantilevered, supported by vertical rods but are otherwise unattached. A cascade comprised of independent foil modules, each including a foil, a power conversion module and a motion control module, may be programmed to (1) receive energy from a fluid stream to generate power, or (2) transfer energy into a fluid stream to create propulsion or pumping.

Abstract: A watercraft having a plurality of flexible section secured to a mount, having a drive assembly, wherein the water craft can move the flexible section upwardly and downwardly to propel the watercraft through the water.

Abstract: Multiple pivots are mounted vertically or horizontally within a rotary or stationary support structure or platform. The pivots are interconnected via members, and between these pivots, a flexible sheet of material is suspended. The mechanism operates via oscillation of a flexible sheet that captures the energy in a fluid flow, and converts it into mechanical motion. The interconnected pivots act in synchronization to vary the angle of attack of the flexible sheet, creating low pressure (lift) areas that impart force into the pivots which then move in an oscillating manner, outputting the energy captured to an energy conversion device. An alternate embodiment makes use of anchors and suspension structures that suspend the entire embodiment in the middle of a fluid flow, and enable remote connection to surfaces not immediately near the location of the device.

Abstract: Two or more pivots are mounted vertically or horizontally onto a rotary or stationary support structure or platform, and between these pivots, a flexible sheet of material is suspended. The mechanism operates via oscillation of the pivots that results from the upwind or upstream pivot determining the side of the flexible sheet the low-pressure (lift) area favors. The downwind or downstream pivot captures the energy from the lift generated. The mechanism makes use of adjustable pivot arm lengths and pivot spacing to tension or relax the flexible sheet, enabling control in various wind and water speeds. Alternate embodiments make use of cord attachments instead of rigid pivots, a double pivot that engages two flexible sheets in opposing action, circular/partial hemispherical sheets than enable omni-directional operation from a fixed embodiment, and shallow water body capability.

Abstract: A watercraft having a plurality of flexible section secured to a mount, having a drive assembly, wherein the water craft can move the flexible section upwardly and downwardly to propel the watercraft through the water.

Abstract: A device for converting wind energy into a reciprocating motion. The device has a sail that extends in a main wind direction and pivotally oscillates when subjected to wind. The sail is connected to a first support that is configured to move in a first direction when the sail during its oscillation moves towards any of two outermost positions from a neutral position, and move in a second direction opposite the first direction when the sail during its oscillation moves towards its neutral position from any of its outermost positions, thereby creating a reciprocating motion of the first support when the sail is subjected to the wind. A further device, a method and a system are also described.

Abstract: A vehicle for flying and having a forward portion and a rearward portion opposite the forward. The vehicle includes a first pair of wings arranged at the forward portion of the vehicle, a second pair of wings arranged at the rearward portion of the vehicle, and a support structure. The support structure is connected to the forward pair of wings and connected to the rearward pair of wings, the support structure being arranged to drive the forward pair of wings alternately toward each other and apart and drives the second pair of wings alternately toward each other and apart.

Abstract: The multi-functional motion converting unit can be compact, efficient and inexpensive. In the motion converting unit of the present invention, a holding member is provided in a plane. A swing fin is extended, from the holding member, in a direction perpendicular to the plane. The swing fin has a first face and a second face, which cross a swing direction of the swing fin. The faces are capable of guiding a flow of a fluid. A swing width of a free end of the swing fin is wider than that of a base end thereof when the holding member is moved in the direction parallel to the plane. Guiding means guides the movement of the swing fin with the holding member.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for converting the kinetic energy of a moving fluid stream into useful work by using a cascade of thin aero or hydro foils positioned therein. The foils may be provided with at least two degrees of freedom and adjacent foils move out of phase. The foils are subjected to fluid induced oscillations known as flutter. Barriers (3, 43) may be positioned upstream, above, or at sides of the apparatus for increasing efficiency by increasing the fluid velocity. A system of flywheels (17, 18) are used to increase inertia of the foils and are particularly useful with hydrofoils. A cascade of aero or hydro foils may be mechanically oscillated to transfer energy to a fluid.

Abstract: A marine propulsion unit including a conduit having opposed, inlet and outlet ends. A first pivot pin is pivotally secured within the conduit adjacent its inlet end. A second pivot pin is pivotally secured within the conduit adjacent its outlet end. The forward end of a flexible sheet is secured to the first pivot pin, and the rearward end of the flexible sheet extends freely from the outlet end of the conduit. The flexible sheet is also secured to the second pivot pin between the forward and rearward ends thereof in a longitudinally compressed manner so as to impart a waveform to the flexible sheet. At least one crank arm is secured to the first pivot pin for oscillating the first pivot pin to cause the rearward migration of the waveform in the flexible sheet from the first pivot pin to the second pivot pin.

Abstract: A device for converting the energy of a flowable medium into torque, or vice versa, employs a pair of linkages positioned on opposite sides of a common mount such that the linkages form mirror images of each other. Each linkage comprises a plurality of link members which are pivotally attached to each other. A first rotatable axle is attached to one end of each linkage, while a second rotatable axle is attached to an opposite end of each linkage.

Abstract: A duct for use with an oscillating fan blade has a preferred height which is a function of the blade height and a preferred width which is related to the maximum excursion of the blade leading edge. The duct is positioned at a preferred gap distance which is related to a maximum blade excursion distance and the velocity of the blade. A duct for a twin blade fan and a single blade fan is disclosed.

Abstract: A non-vibrational oscillating blade piezoelectric blower is disclosed, including: a piezoelectric bender and means for supporting the piezoelectric bender at its inertial nodes. Weights may be attached to the bender to control the location of the inertial nodes. Flexible blades may be attached to the bender at various locations and with their planes in various orientations. The blower according to this invention may also consist of two benders oscillating 180 degrees out of phase to further minimize vibration and noise.

Abstract: A fluid operated motor utilizes one or more flexible rectangular sails and associated supporting frames, sail guides and drive apparatus enabling each of the sails to cyclically fold and unfold, drive the sail supporting frames and provide a source of power when placed in a moving stream of fluid such as in a wind stream, river or gas stack.

Abstract: This sail power device consists of a sail having a minimally stretchable material along the peripheral sides thereof, a rigid means disposed along the horizontal axis of said sail and connected to the minimally stretchable material, means disposed at the opposed horizontal end portions of said sail to bend sail end portions in opposite direction, means for supporting the upper end of said sail, and a spring-biased means connected to the lower end of said sail.

Abstract: A wind power generator includes a flexible sheet or fabric supported under tension within a housing frame which guides an airflow therethrough and across the surfaces of the membrane. As the airflow passes over the surfaces, vortices are created which cause the membrane to vibrate. Energy conversion units are coupled to the membrane to tap the oscillatory motion and convert it into other useful energy forms, e.g., electrical, hydraulic or mechanical. Alternately, the membrane can be formed of a plurality of fabric strips which are connected to the energy conversion unit and are dimensioned in width equal to the pitch of the vortices. The distances between the strips preferably are also equal in dimension to the vortices' pitch.

Abstract: A propulsion unit for driving water craft, particularly those of the floating lounge type, is disclosed as including a fin made from a flexible material with a first end formed to define a foil into which the lower end of an oscillatory drive member projects downwardly in a fixedly secured relationship and with a second flexible fin end that extends from the foil end to provide a flapping movement through the water upon oscillation of the drive member in order to propel the water craft. Movement of the drive member through the water is facilitated by the foil shape of the first fin end which is also more rigid than the second flexible end so as to increase the moment arm about the drive member where the flexible flapping movement is concentrated. Flexible sheet plastic is preferably used to form the fin with a folding operation at a score line to define the foil shape.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which utilizes a member which oscillates in response to movement of a fluid past it and a means for utilizing the energy generated by the oscillation. In one embodiment the oscillating member is a cable utilizing wind or water as generator or pump. In a second embodiment, the oscillating member is an airfoil having either pitch control or active circulation control.

Abstract: Wave producing apparatus, as for simulated surfing, skateboard riding, and the like, including a flexible elongate web and nether carriage means upwardly flexing the web and movable longitudinally thereof to produce a traveling wave.