Back to results
US 4,112,686 AGranted
Method and apparatus for harnessing the power of moving water
OwnerRobert Trottainventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus of harnessing the power of water in a moving body of water, e.g., a river or stream, wherein such waters are utilized to successively fill containers to effect a displacement thereof and which displacement is translated into rotational mechanical energy for producing useful work.
Claims5
A system for harnessing the power of moving water for producing useful work comprising:
- a pair of spaced apart shafts,
- rotary means journalled on said shafts for effecting the drive thereof,
- an endless flexible drive means threaded over said rotary means for effecting the drive thereof,
- a plurality of containers connected to said flexible drive at spaced intervals therealong,
- said containers having an open upper end portion,
- means for successively filling each of said containers with water whereby the weight of water in said containers effects the drive of said flexible drive and associated rotary means,
- said containers being emptied as they round one of said rotary means,
- and control means for controlling the flow of water to successively fill each of said containers with a predetermined amount of water in accordance with the demand for power and the speed of said system, wherein said control means includes a valve means for controlling the flow of water of a water supply,
- acutating means operatively connected to said valve means for operating said valve means between an operative and inoperative position,
- and means connected to said container for energizing said actuating means when said container has reached a predetermined filling position.
7 more elements
A system for harnessing the power of moving water for producing useful work comprising:
- a pair of spaced apart shafts,
- rotary means journalled on said shafts for effecting the drive thereof,
- an endless flexible drive means threaded over said rotary means for effecting the drive thereof,
- a plurality of containers connected to said flexible drive at spaced intervals therealong,
- said containers having an open upper end portion,
- means for successively filling each of said containers with water whereby the weight of water in said containers effects the drive of said flexible drive and associated rotary means,
- said containers being emptied as they round one of said rotary means,
- said control means for controlling the flow of water to successively fill each of said containers with a predetermined amount of water in accordance with the demand for power and the speed of said system, wherein said control means includes:
- a valve means adapted to be disposed in a water pipe,
- actuating means for electrically operating said valve means between and open and closed position,
- said actuating means including a solenoid operatively connected to said valve,
- a light beam,
- a photo cell disposed opposite to said light source,
- and a relay connected in circuit with said light source and solenoid whereby said photo cell causes said relay to energize said solenois when said light beam is cut-off;
- and
- means connected on each of said containers for cutting off said light beam when said container has reached a predetermined filling position.
13 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.