Relatively Movable Working Member Portions Patents (Class 416/82)
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Patent number: 11465719Abstract: Fluke drive system for a vessel (100), comprising a pivot element (114) having a forward end and an aft end, which pivot element (114) is pivotally connected at the forward end to a hull (101) of the vessel (100) and which pivot element (114) is connected at the aft end to a flexible fluke (125); a driving mechanism having a drive point (120), which driving mechanism is arranged to impart a reciprocal or rotary movement to the drive point (120); and a drive rod (121) having a first end and a second end, which drive rod (121) is connected at the first end to the drive point (120) and at the second end to the pivot element (114), which second end is connected to the pivot element (114) at a point (122) along the pivot element (114) between said forward and aft ends.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: DOLPROP INDUSTRIES ABInventor: Thomas Jemt
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Patent number: 10196118Abstract: A propellable aquatic board includes a main body that is at least partially buoyant. The propellable aquatic board also includes a flexible member secured to the main body by a fastener. The flexible member extends away from the main body in a longitudinal direction. The flexible member is configured to selectively deflect to propel the aquatic board through water.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2016Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Inventor: Wayne H. Strak
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Patent number: 10190570Abstract: The TRAVELING WAVE PROPELLER, PUMP AND GENERATOR APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS include force or forces applied to an arc-like flexible sheet-like material to create a deformed crenated strip fin with strained-deformations. The strained-deformations take on a sinusoid-like form that express the internal energy state of the flexible sheet-like material after it has been configured into a crenated strip fin. After being incorporated into a mechanism with couplings that prevent the crenated strip fin from returning to its un-strained state, the strained-deformations persist. Actuators may be used to sequentially rotate vertebrae attached to the fins causing the travel of sinusoid-like deformations along the fins. In a fluid medium, the traveling waves of sinusoidal deformations may exert force on the fluid causing the fluid to move and/or creating thrust.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2016Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: Pliant Energy Systems LLCInventor: Benjamin Pietro Filardo
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Patent number: 9511837Abstract: A device for propelling a vessel through water that includes an elongated handle; a grip at one end of the elongated handle; a paddle-shaped frame at an opposite end of the handle; a pair of blades that are pivotally supported at opposed respective sides of the frame and that have an open position and a normally biased closed position; and a cam supported by the frame and operated from the grip end of the handle. The cam is constructed and arranged to control the position of the blades so that in one position thereof the blades are partially opened allowing the blades to pivot, and in another position thereof the blades are nested against the frame so that the blades are maintained in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2015Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Inventor: John Reeves
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Patent number: 8591168Abstract: A subsurface wave power generation system includes a seabed mounting plate adapted for securing to a seabed, a wing having generally opposed first and second wing surfaces extending between a first and second wing ends, the second wing end being pivotably mounted to the seabed mounting plate such that pivoting motion about a pivot axis generally parallel to the mounting plate is imparted to the wing by subsurface wave action acting on the first and second wing surfaces, and a drive arm pivotably connected to the wing to convert the pivoting motion into reciprocal motion. An electrical generator can be driven by the drive arm through a slip linkage. The slip linkage includes a first stage that converts the reciprocal motion of the drive arm into rotational motion and a second stage that selectively engages the a drive shaft of the generator drive to impart the rotational motion thereto.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Clean and Green Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Elbert Lee Marcum
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Patent number: 8469663Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2006Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: ResHydro LLCInventor: Colin C. Kerr
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Patent number: 8212187Abstract: A heater with 360° rotation of a heated air stream is provided. The device includes a housing, a motor, an impeller, a heating element, an air stream deflector and a rotational engine. More specifically, the device is directed toward a portable space heater having an outward radial projection of a heated air stream in combination with 360° rotational movement for reducing air temperature stratification and uneven heating problems in a room.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Lasko Holdings, Inc.Inventor: William E. Lasko
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Publication number: 20120038164Abstract: A wave power plant is disclosed which has one or more foils that are pivotally movable about a body. The foil is set into an oscillating, pivotal motion about the body by the force of the waves. A power engine is mounted between the body and the foil and extract works as the foil pivots about the body. The foil and body are held submerged below the surface of the water to reduce the effects of extreme weather conditions on the structural components.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2011Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: Tidal Sails ASInventor: Are Borgesen
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Patent number: 7989973Abstract: Power generation apparatus includes a wing-shaped blade having opposite sides, opposite ends and leading and trailing edges extending between those ends. A lift differential producing device in the blade produces a lift differential at the opposite sides of the blade and that device is switched so that one blade side or the other produces the greater lift. A blade shaft extends along an axis in the blade that is in close parallel relation to the leading edge of the blade and that shaft is fixed to move with the blade. Supports support the blade shaft so that the blade can be positioned in a fluid stream with the leading edge facing upstream and swing about the axis between first and second extreme positions on opposite sides of a neutral position, the blade shaft oscillating with the blade. A coordinating device coordinates the switching of the lift differential producing device with the swinging of the blade so that the switching occurs at the extreme positions of the blade.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Inventor: Orville J. Birkestrand
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Publication number: 20110064576Abstract: A wind oscillator configured for power generation is provided. The wind oscillator includes an upwardly oriented elongate rotatable support beam configured to rotate to enable the wind oscillator to be approximately oriented with respect to a wind direction, a bracket supported by the support beam, the bracket extending transversely and outward therefrom, a shaft operably connected to the bracket at a first end of the shaft, and a gear attached to a second end of the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventor: Tianshu Liu
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Patent number: 7905705Abstract: A fluid flow-driven energy conversion system configured to oscillate in the presence of fluid flow. The system comprises an adjustable electromechanically controlled fluidfoil, a balance beam, a compensatory weight and an angle of attack positioner to adjust the angle of attack of the fluidfoil with respect to fluid flow. The fluidfoil is controlled to permit a consistently optimum angle of attack into the prevailing flow. The kinetic energy of the oscillating action is transferred to a connector for energy transfer to one of a variety of energy storage systems for converting the energy of the linear oscillating motion to other desired forms of energy.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2009Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: W2 Energy Development CorporationInventor: Gene Ryland Kelley
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Patent number: 7632069Abstract: A fluid flow-driven energy conversion system configured to oscillate in the presence of fluid flow. The system comprises an adjustable electromechanically controlled fluidfoil, a balance beam, a compensatory weight and an angle of attack positioner to adjust the angle of attack of the fluidfoil with respect to fluid flow. The fluidfoil is controlled to permit a consistently optimum angle of attack into the prevailing flow. The kinetic energy of the oscillating action is transferred to a connector for energy transfer to one of a variety of energy storage systems for converting the energy of the linear oscillating motion to other desired forms of energy.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: W2 Energy Development CorporationInventor: Gene Ryland Kelley
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Patent number: 7520788Abstract: A manually-operable reciprocating rowing system having a reversible oar for forward or reverse propulsion. The oar has a plurality of pivoting blades mounted in a housing and movable between open and closed positions with each stroke of the oar. In the open position, the blades are positioned to allow water passage through the housing, while in the closed position, the blades are positioned to obstruct water passage through the housing. Gates are provided for stopping the pivoting movement of the blade at the blade housing. A reversing mechanism selectively pivots the gates to allow the blades to pass from one side to an opposite side of the housing, thereby allowing propulsion in a reversed direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Inventor: Gustavo Gonzalez
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Patent number: 7204731Abstract: The invention comprises a scalable, configurable “propulsor” system. A propulsor system is an assembly of individual propulsors that act in concert to form a substantially continuous control surface that undulates in a working fluid. Each propulsor is driven and configured by computer-controlled actuators so that the control surface undulates in various wave forms. Optional actuators that may refine the surface shape include an “orientation” actuator that drives rotation about the propulsor's longitudinal axis, and a “geometry” actuator that controls each propulsor's geometric configuration.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Carl Phillip Gusler
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Patent number: 6959895Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2004Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: David A. Cylinder
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Patent number: 6652232Abstract: The present invention shows an oscillating wing system like lifting surface featuring a symmetrical profile mounted free to rotate over a fixation point located ahead neutral point and self-trimming at angle of attack in the flow by adjustment of a trailing edge elevon, and whose the system is actuated by linear lateral or vertical movement allowing to produce electrical energy with the wind flow or water flow of a deep river or at flood/ebb tide.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2002Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Inventor: Maxime Lambert Bolduc
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Patent number: 6273680Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Inventor: Lee Arnold
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Patent number: 5820342Abstract: A fluid forcing device comprising many rotatable slender elements that converts mechanical energy into fluid energy by mechanically arranging and maintaining, at all time, the rotatable slender elements in a predetermined wave form and by mechanically moving the wave form in a direction normal to the rotation of the elements by an improved drive comprising two fluted rollers. The new drive reduces the weight and complexity of the entire fluid forcing device and renders it more mechanically rigid and less vibration prone.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1996Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Inventors: Ching Yin Au, Lawrence Au
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Patent number: 5611666Abstract: A fluid forcing device comprising many rotatable slender elements that converts mechanical energy into fluid energy by mechanically arranging and maintaining, at all times, the rotatable slender elements in a pre-determined wave form and by mechanically moving the wave form in a direction normal to the rotation of the elements.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1996Date of Patent: March 18, 1997Inventors: Ching Y. Au, Lawrence Au
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Patent number: 5466124Abstract: A device for converting a rotational movement for directing displacement of a flowable medium is provided with a mount and two rotatably mounted fixed axles which are arranged at a distance from one another on the mount and on which are articulated two end portions of a half cube-linkage chain having two lateral members and a middle member, the two lateral members being connected to the fixed axles and to the middle member by means of pivot axles which are successively offset relative to one another by in each case 90.degree.. The device is characterized in that the middle member and at least one of the two lateral members of the half cube-linkage chain cooperate to form sheet-like driving elements for displacing flowable substances.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1993Date of Patent: November 14, 1995Inventor: Hermann Dettwiler
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Patent number: 4688994Abstract: A watercraft propulsion device having a forward and a rearward foil in nested relationship for reciprocal oscillating movement in opposite directions having a foil angle greater than 0.degree. and less than 60.degree..Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1986Date of Patent: August 25, 1987Assignee: Innerspace CorporationInventor: Calvin A. Gongwer
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Patent number: 4595336Abstract: An elevated and elongated boom is centrally pivoted for rocking movement in a vertical plane through the horizontal plane. Provision is made to align such plane with the direction of the wind. A pair of free wings are mounted on the fore and aft ends of the boom with control panels being oscillatably mounted on such wings for determining, by their relative positions and aerodynamic equilibrium reaction thereto, the angle of attack of such wings. Provision is made to control the relative positions of the control panels with respect to their respective wings so that the wings have angles of attack of opposite sense, with such senses being reversed as the boom approaches each predetermined limit of its rocking motion. The fore (canard) and aft wings are positioned and sized relative to each other to equalize their moment contributions to the rocking motion of the boom. Alternative wing structures are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1984Date of Patent: June 17, 1986Assignee: Solartech Energy and Research CorporationInventor: David L. Grose
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Patent number: 4525122Abstract: A wind-powered machine is provided in which a vane is driven through a vertical or horizontal arc with a back and forth motion, the motion of the vane serves to actuate a power generating mechanism, in the case where the vane moves in a vertical arc the actuation of the power generating mechanism can be achieved without any translation of the direction of the power transmission system; a governing mechanism serves to vary the response of the vane relative to the wind velocity.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1983Date of Patent: June 25, 1985Inventor: Ondrej Krnac
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Patent number: 4486145Abstract: A fluid machine which converts fluid movement into a useful force utilizing a pivotally mounted first plate which is hingedly connected to a second plate, the first plate first contacting the moving fluid and the second plate causing the first plate to move.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1982Date of Patent: December 4, 1984Inventors: Charles L. Eldredge, John T. Eldredge
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Patent number: 4470770Abstract: An elevated and elongated boom is centrally pivoted for rocking movement in a vertical plane through the horizontal plane. Provision is made to align such plane with the direction of the wind. A pair of free wings are mounted on the fore and aft ends of the boom with control panels being oscullatably mounted on such wings for determining by their relative positions and aerodynamic equilibrium reaction thereto the angle of attack of such wings. Provision is made to control the relative positions of the control panels with respect to their respective wings so that the wings have angles of attack of opposite sense, with such senses being reversed as the boom approaches each predetermined limit of its rocking motion.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1982Date of Patent: September 11, 1984Assignee: Solartech Energy and Research CorporationInventor: David L. Grose
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Patent number: 4178128Abstract: A propulsion device and its method of use, the device having a forward foil and a rearward foil adapted for alternate transverse reciprocal and alternate pivotal movement in opposed direction about parallel axes. The forward and rearward foil axes are perpendicular to the chords of the forward and rearward foils and the rearward foil is positioned to the rear of, and in a nested relationship with, the forward foil. The axes of the forward and rearward foils are positioned a distance of less than one-quarter of the chord length from the leading edge of the forward and rearward foils, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1977Date of Patent: December 11, 1979Assignee: Innerspace CorporationInventor: Calvin A. Gongwer
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Patent number: 4170882Abstract: An agitator for a vertical axis washing machine and for effecting uniform, repetitive oscillations about the machine axis has upper, lower and middle portions with different degrees of lost motion so that the agitator can achieve multiple stroke lengths and so relative motion can be effected between the vanes and the skirt, for example, because of different stroke lengths.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1977Date of Patent: October 16, 1979Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Robert A. Brenner, Victor W. Cuthbert