Abstract: The present invention relates to a way to convert energy from a fluid flow, using a fluid-flow transducer, having a frame anchorable against the flow, an elongated conveyor supported by the frame, and a plurality of vanes distributed along the conveyor, adapted to engage the fluid flow and to drive the conveyor in response to urging of the fluid flow, in combination with a power take-off coupled to be driven by the conveyor and adapted to drive a load.

Abstract: Hydroconveyors are described which utilize magnetic levitation or magnetic suspension to support a collection of conveyor elements. The hydroconveyors are located above or partially within a flowstream such as a river. Additional versions of the hydroconveyors are described which include velocity increasing waterways located upstream of an end of the hydroconveyor. The various hydroconveyors can be used in conjunction with electrical generators to provide electrical power.

Abstract: The present invention has for object to show how to realize a machine allowing to transform fluid energies into mechanical energy, or conversely, mechanical energy in fluid energy, this machine being able to be used as windmill, in air or in water, as vacuum cleaner, in air or in water, as propeller, as pump, in air or in water, this machine having the capacity to produce or to receive some energy, with a volume of much lower the one that one realizes at present with windmill, or conventional pumps, or other hatch current.

Abstract: A method for controlling a wind turbine installation for the damping tower oscillations, in particular a buoyant wind turbine installation comprising a buoyant body, a tower arranged over the buoyant body, a generator mounted on the tower that is rotatable in relation to the wind direction and fitted with a wind turbine, and an anchor line arrangement connected to anchors or foundations on the sea bed. The tower oscillations are damped by the control with the blade angle controller in the constant power or RPM range of the wind turbine being performed by the rotor velocity (which is the input to the blade angle controller) being estimated in an estimator for the wind turbine. The input to the wind turbine estimator is the estimated incoming wind, so that the tower movements are not visible to the blade angle controller.

Abstract: A method for converting kinetic energy in horizontal currents of naturally occurring fluids above ground into mechanical energy. A circulating element is guided in a closed cycle and is arranged substantially in a plane parallel to the ground. The circulating element has two lengthwise adjustable traction ropes/chains fastened in two opposite positions. The ropes/chains have buoyancy elements at their free ends. The buoyancy elements have cross-sections for the current to impact. In an embodiment, a traction rope/chain fixed to a section of the circulating element facing the horizontal current is adjusted to be longer than the traction rope/chain fixed to a section of the circulating element facing away from horizontal current.

Abstract: A wind turbine captures energy from a flowing fluid medium using drum-shaped drive elements that spin while traveling along a continuous orbiting course around a base. Attached roller bearings engaging stationary raceways can guide the drive elements. Means for spinning the drive elements can include toothed belts engaging drive element cog wheels. Spinning can provide Magnus effect enhancement. Wind energy is captured by the drive element motion, then transferred to the base cog wheels by a toothed belt and finally fed to an output shaft. The invention includes locating drive elements in a moving fluid medium, spinning the drive elements as they are urged by the wind along a continuous orbiting course and capturing energy by linking the motion of the drive elements to an external device. The method includes adjusting the base's azimuth and the angle of incidence of the wind in response to wind direction and speed.

Abstract: A tandem axial turbine that comprises a front confusor, a funnel-shaped runner having inner blades and capable of accelerating and directing an oncoming flow toward a co-axial rear runner which rotates in an opposite direction. A tangential turbine has a hub, blades capable of rotating in relation to the hub between positions across and along the flow, and propulsion springs for controlling the movement of the blades in relation to the hub and the transfer of the energy. A second tangential turbine comprises a runner having a hub and blades and a shroud capturing the runner from above and around and permitting the blades to dip into water flowing immediately below the hub and an opening of the shroud. A surface vessel comprises a stabilized frame rotatably affixed on a vessel hull about a center of wave induced rocking motions of the vessel and therefore isolated from a rocking motion of the vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for harvesting power from the wind, mounted on a vertical support or pole, has two linear “power harvesting devices” arranged in V-shaped configuration with the apex of the “V” mounted for rotation in a horizontal plane about the vertical support. The two power harvesting devices move under the influence of incoming wind to orient themselves such that the apex of its “V”-shape structure always faces the incoming wind. The power harvesting devices are each provided with blades attached for movement with a linear endless drive conveyor. With the apex of the “V” facing the wind, the blades are oriented to intercept this wind and to cause movement of the conveyor drive to which they are attached.

Abstract: A river power generating apparatus is provided in which a plurality of angular baffles are configured to extract and combine the available energy from flowing river water into a force for rotating an electric generator to 1800 rpm to produce large quantities of electric current without using a hydro-electric dam thereby allowing wild salmon to spawn upstream of the river. The angular baffles can harvest and convert the energy of the ocean currents and tides into great amounts of electric power.

Abstract: A wind-hydro power generation system and its power generation method which use both wind power and hydraulic power. Increasing the size of a hydraulic turbine for the hydraulic power generation may result in the decreased rotation power of the hydraulic turbine caused by the resistance of the wind when blades on the hydraulic turbine come out of the water. The present invention has a blade rotation system on the blades of the hydraulic turbine so that the blades may rotate according to the direction of the wind. As a result, wind resistance is not effected to the rotation of the hydraulic turbine even when the blades on the hydraulic turbine are out of water, but enhances the rotation power of the hydraulic turbine, which enables the use of wind power and hydraulic power at the same time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power generating system utilizing hydraulic force, and, more particularly, is a hydraulic power generating system, in which a plurality of water receiving plates are mounted on an elongated looped rail floating on the surface of water, thereby allowing the looped rail to be rotated by hydraulic force. To solve a conventional problem in that each of the water receiving plates on the looped rail receives a deteriorated hydraulic force due to the presence of a preceding water receiving plate and results in low use efficiency of hydraulic force, the looped rail is obliquely installed with respect to a water flow direction by an angle of 10 to 45 degrees, and the water receiving plates are installed at a right angle to the water flow direction.

Abstract: Wind motor with a drive, the input of which is coupled with a rotor shaft, which has a separate mount, characterized in that a holding device is provided between the mount and the drive, which in its mounted state holds the rotor shaft in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A hydraulic power generating system is disclosed. The hydraulic power generating system includes a looped rail, a plurality of pulleys moving along the looped rail, a plurality of water receiving plates, each being installed to each of the pulleys, side plates which are hingedly coupled to left and right side portions of each of the water receiving plates by hinge shafts, and spread adjusting devices which make the side plates spread against a direction of water flow. Accordingly, since the spread direction of the side plates hingedly coupled to both side portions of the water receiving plate can be changed forward and backward according to the direction of water flow so as to receive a larger amount of water, efficiency in generating power using water energy increases.

Abstract: An underwater power generation system (10) that has a line member (30) that moves along a defined pathway. A number of foils (40) drive the line member using the flow of a water current. The defined pathway lies in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the flow of water current. A power take-off (114, 124) is connected to the line to produce power.

Abstract: A linear fluid impulse engine enables efficient conversion of the kinetic energy of large volume flows of fluid at low velocity into useful work. The linear fluid impulse engine uses symmetrically curved blades that are mounted to continuous power transmission belts that revolve on a pair of axles. The blades move in substantially linear paths on both the upstream and downstream sides of the inter-axle plane, which extends between the axes of the shafts. A linear cascade of stationary mid-plane guidevanes, located between the two sets of moving blade cascades, acts as a row of nozzles, accelerating the fluid so that it interacts with the downstream blade cascade with the proper velocity characteristics of an impulse device. Water entering the upstream blade cascade may be accelerated by stationary guidevanes to enable impulse operation.

Abstract: The apparatus for use of flow energy has elongated circumferential elements (18) with incident-flow surfaces (34, 35) facing the flow, which elements (8) are connected parallel to one another at intervals to form a rotating cage (1) or to form a strip, which is circumferential on a guide and in which they form crossbars, and the rotation axis or deflection axes is or are arranged transversely to the flow direction, with the elements (8) each having two incident-flow surfaces (34, 35). The two incident-flow surfaces (34, 35) may have the capability to swivel into the direction facing the wind by rotation of the elements (8) when the rotor (1) or strip is running. Outside the rotating cage (1), the apparatus may be provided with essentially radially aligned guide walls (22), and the rotor (1) and the walls (22) may be provided with a roof (24) in the form of a flat truncated cone.

Abstract: A hybrid blade wind turbine device formed of at least a pair of straight outer airfoil blades, and a pair of inner helical wing blades, as supported for rotation within a safety protective cage structure, which wind turbine can be mounted in the vertical, horizontal, or other aligned operational positions. The inner helical half wing blades, being preferably somewhat shorter than the length of the outer airfoil blades, act to “regularize” the swirling wind regime flowing through the hybrid wind turbine, so as to maximize the efficiency of the outer airfoil blades. The helical half wing blades can be formed of individual segmented vane segments to provide improved operational capabilities for the overall hybrid wind turbine. To best harness annualized available wind conditions, the hybrid wind turbine can be customized, through modification of the number of vane segments, the selection of the specific shape of the outer airfoil blades, and the specific operational positioning of the outer airfoil blades.

Abstract: Apparatus for harvesting power from the wind, mounted on a vertical support or pole, has two linear “power harvesting devices” arranged in V-shaped configuration with the apex of the “V” mounted for rotation in a horizontal plane about the vertical support. The two power harvesting devices move under the influence of incoming wind to orient themselves such that the apex of its “V”-shape structure always faces the incoming wind. The power harvesting devices are each provided with blades attached for movement with a linear endless drive conveyor. With the apex of the “V” facing the wind, the blades are oriented to intercept this wind and to cause movement of the conveyor drive to which they are attached.

Abstract: A portable hydro-generator (100), for the generation of power, including a tower (10) filled with a driving fluid (110), a semi-sealed curved tubular housing (80) with a drive portion (81) and a return portion (82) primed with a fluid (70), said drive portion (81) having a larger diameter than the return portion (82), an inlet means (60) to allow said fluid to enter said tubular housing (80), a plurality of paddles (30) to harness the kinetic energy of the fluid entering the curved tubular housing, a linkage assembly (34) to link said plurality of paddles, a drive chamber (83), a sprocket (50) within said drive chamber (83) to engage a portion of said paddles, and an output power generator attached to said sprocket.

Abstract: A water torque converter for extracting energy from the reciprocal motion of water beneath waves in a body of water comprising an open frame on which is mounted a rigid sail. The rigid sail is guidingly moved from one end of the frame to the opposite end of the frame by the reciprocal motion of the water. An elongated driving member is connected through a multi-clutch mechanism to the sail. This elongated driving member is also connected to an output shaft. The reciprocal movement of the sail results in the output shaft to be rotationally driven in one direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for generating a torque, having at least two bodies (12) which are coupled to one another in such a way that they can perform a rotational movement, in which one body (12) moves in the direction of the force of gravity and the other in the direction opposite thereto, each body (12), when changing the direction of movement, altering its volume so that the volume of the body or bodies (12) moving in the direction of the force of gravity is less than that of the bodies (12) moving in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A method of assembling a turbine comprises coupling at least one bucket to a rotor wheel. The bucket includes an upstream side, a downstream side, an airfoil extending therebetween and a dovetail extending radially inwardly from the airfoil to the rotor wheel. The method further comprises fixedly securing the bucket to the rotor wheel with a locking pin that extends from the bucket upstream side through the bucket dovetail to the bucket downstream side.

Abstract: A once-through pump is provided which is able to improve air-blowing efficiency, reduce operation noise, and achieve a sufficient amount of blast or flow rate even within a limited design space. The once-through pump for accelerating fluid (F) in a flow passage (P) while passing the fluid (F) through the flow passage (P) includes a cylindrical impeller (10) rotatably supported in the flow passage, a plurality of vanes (11) provided on the outer periphery of the impeller (10), and a motor for driving the impeller to rotate. The impeller (10) has a substantially D-shaped cross sectional configuration with a suction side, at which the fluid (F) is sucked into the impeller (10), being formed into a straight portion (10a). Each of the vanes (11) has a positive vane angle with respect to a fluid advancing or flowing direction (A) in the straight portion (10a).

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a fluid flow is disclosed that circulates a plurality of spaced blades or airfoils attached to one or more drive belts about two or more spaced rotatable members. Each blade is commonly journalled with another blade. The inclination angles of each blade and each commonly journalled blade are independently controlled by a control mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for generating a torque, having at least two bodies (12) which are coupled to one another in such a way that they can perform a rotational movement, in which one body (12) moves in the direction of the force of gravity and the other in the direction opposite thereto, each body (12), when changing the direction of movement, altering its volume so that the volume of the body or bodies (12) moving in the direction of the force of gravity is less than that of the bodies (12) moving in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Wind energy conversion apparatus comprises vertical endless travelling belt means and a plurality of inter-spaced hydrodynamic foil members mounted thereon. Passage of fluid, i.e. wind, over the foil members creates lift forces thereon serving to drive the endless belt means about belt circulating parts. The foil members may have a fixed angle of incidence with respect to the belt runs i.e. between the circulating parts at the top and bottom of the endless belt means; or they may be of variable pitch. In one embodiment the belt means comprises two separate endless belts the foils are carried on arms which have pivotal connections with both belts; and a tension spring connects the belts. A belt circulating part, the lower wheel is coupled to a rotary load, an electric generator. Aerodynamic lift on the foils drives the belt and, by the spring connection, the belt and the rotary load. The foil angle of incidence is determined by the lift and the spring reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a linear propeller device capable of use for propulsion of amphibious vehicles or for liquid pumping, the device having an endless outer surface having a substantially uniform width and being arranged to be movable along a predetermined path substantially perpendicular to the width, at least one row of spaced blades extending along the length of the outer surface and projecting outwardly therefrom, and each blade being disposed at a predetermined acute angle to the path, whereby, upon movement of the outer surface along the path with a portion of the row of blades submerged in a liquid, the blades induce relatively undisturbed flow of the liquid from one side of the blades to the other side of blades through the spaces between the blades and thereby produce thrust for propelling a craft in water or pumping liquids.

Abstract: A chain turbine system of the type including pairs of chains supporting a plurality of pivoted deflection buckets. The pairs of chains are suspended across a moving stream, so that a lower portion of the chains and the deflection buckets travel through the stream at right angles to the current and an upper or returning portion of the chains and deflection buckets is out of contact with the stream. Modifications of the invention include affixing one or more guide wheels to the discharge ends of the deflection buckets such that the guide wheels engage a stabilizing track, while traversing the stream bed as the lower driving portion of the chain, and on the return upper portion of the chains the guide wheels engage a stabilizing cable or rod. Also, when the stream current is scant, the system may be built with a pressure or accumulation tank across the stream so that the flowing stream may be accumulated, then discharged downwardly through discharge ducts to the deflection buckets.

Abstract: A fluid flow engine for converting flow energy into useful energy, which includes essentially identically constructed structural parts moving in the same direction along an endless circulatory path. The circulatory path is guided or determined by way of at least two guide rollers whereby the circulatory path and/or the structural parts are in force-transmitting engagement with the guide rollers within the deflection area of the rollers. The structural parts are constructed as compact blades in the manner of the gas turbine technology and in operation produce a rotary drive of the guide rollers during the occurrence of flow energy; for example, an electric generator may be coupled to the guide rollers.

Abstract: A wind-operated power-generating module for operation at high altitudes such as 1000 meters comprising a frame structure mounting a pair of vertically-separated parallel shafts around which pass endless belts supporting a series of parallel, elongate wing-like elements for movement around a closed path including the parallel shafts. Wind flow drives these elements around the closed path, to enable electrical power to be generated, and also provides lift to hold the module up at the appropriate high altitude. A number of such modules are tethered in fixed positions in the sky, and are controllable as is appropriate to accommodate changing wind conditions.

Abstract: A wind lift generator includes a housing structure formed by a pair of spaced apart plates mounted on support structure for pivotal rotation about a vertical axis at the forward end thereof for orienting into the wind, and said plates supporting a plurality of coaxially disposed sprockets arranged to support a pair of spaced apart drive chains in a quadrilateral configuration with lift foils connected and supported between the chains with the quadrilateral chain configuration supporting the chain for an initial lift mode at the forward end of the housing, followed by a direct impact mode extending from the front of the housing upward and backward to the rear of the housing and a negative lift mode extending from the top rear of the housing to the bottom with the vanes returning via a neutral mode to the front of the housing for repeating the lift cycle. A suitable electrical generator is driven from one or more shafts of the assembly driven by the drive chains.

Abstract: A wind driven device capable of generating electrical power or performing other useful work by transforming wind energy into a rotational power source.

Abstract: At least two spaced piers are constructed on a suitable tidal beach extending from the shore into the water a predetermined distance to meet the first breaking waves at low tide. A carriage is movably supported on the piers on an inclined path, the carriage having a frame supporting a pair of spaced sprocket wheels on each end over which is passed an endless belt. The ends of a plurality of blades are secured to the chain in spaced relation completely thereabout. Each sprocket wheels closest to shore is connected to a gear train for transmitting the torque generated by the wave action to a power belt extending along each pier to a transducer located at the shore end of the pier. Means are provided for moving the carriage on the pier on an inclined path in and out from the shore to meet the level of the changing tide so as to continuously generate power throughout the tidal wave.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wind power generating apparatus for producing megawatt levels of power. The apparatus comprises at least one endless flexible cable supported on the peripheries of two spaced apart wheels. Airfoils are attached to the cable and disposed for generating aerodynamic forces which cause the cable and supporting wheels to turn allowing for the generation of power.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to bucket elevators of the type having a series of rotatably mounted buckets carried by and extending between spaced apart, parallel traction chains or belts. The traction chains or belts are, at the discharge station, disposed to run up over guide rollers, the cam surface of the discharge station consisting of a circular cam surface concentric with the guide rollers, and the cam follower surface of each bucket consisting of a corresponding arcuate cam follower surface, in order that the buckets abut with their arcuate cam follower surface against the circular cam surface of the guide rollers during the passage of the traction chains or belts over the guide rollers of the discharge station.

Abstract: A water sports craft comprises two laterally-spaced elongated pontoons with fixed, vertically inclined tread-mill propulsion apparatus mounted therebetween one end of which extends into the water the propulsion apparatus characterized by two superposed cleated, movable endless belts so mounted that linear movement of the upper belt in one direction i.e. by running on the belt causes the lower belt to move linearly in the opposite direction whereby its cleats effect propulsion of the craft through the water.

Abstract: An aerodynamic lift mechanism comprises a plurality of aerofoils mounted on two continuous toothed belts which are driven by toothed pulleys. A lever connects each aerofoil to a continuous member which substantially follows the contour of the belts but which is movable relative to the belts. Movement of the continuous member alters the angles of attack of the aerofoils.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating electric current by the force of a fluid in motion. The device comprises a support structure; two substantially parallel axles positoned in an alterable vertically extending plane detachably supported by said housing and capable of rotation within the support means therefor; two substantially parallel wheels positioned on each of said axles and the wheels on one axle being in substantially the same vertically extending planes as the wheels on the other axle; two belts, one of which connects the two wheels in one plane and the other belt connects the other two wheels in the other plane; and a series of blades each one of which is detachably connected at the opposite ends thereof respectively to the two belts. In operation, fluid entering a second stage of a two-staged cascaded flow device consists only of fluid from the exhaust of the first stage of such device.

Abstract: An elongated base is positioned longitudinally in the direction of the wind and has first and second endless carriers operable longitudinally thereof. A plurality of vanes are operably connected to said carriers such that they are disposed upright for surface engagement by the wind while moving from the rearward end of the base to the forward end and are disposed edgewise to the wind for returning, thus providing a driving force for an output from a shaft of one of the carriers. A plurality of side baffles are provided at a rearwardly inclined angle to direct wind into the vanes from the sides.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting torque to a load includes a pair of pulleys vertically spaced apart by a great distance for movably mounting a long endless belt in a substantially vertical disposition to move it freely in a closed loop path, a plurality of spaced-apart arm devices connected to and extending from the belt, and a plurality of weights adapted to be carried by the arm devices. The weights and the arm devices are arranged in pairs, and each one of the pairs provides a larger moment acting through the belt on at least one of the pulleys when falling vertically downwardly under the force of gravity and alternately provides a relatively smaller opposing moment acting through the belt on at least one of the pulleys when being pulled vertically upwardly by the belt, whereby torque may be transmitted from at least one of the pulleys for driving the load.