Fluid reaction surfaces (i.e. – impellers) – Sustained ancillary movement of rotary working member – Responsive to gravity or working fluid force
Reexamination Certificate
2002-02-27
2003-09-16
Look, Edward K. (Department: 3745)
Fluid reaction surfaces (i.e., impellers)
Sustained ancillary movement of rotary working member
Responsive to gravity or working fluid force
C416S140000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06619921
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to a driving vane assembly for a windmill that provides omnidirectional rotation to an output shaft without the need for providing a device for pointing the windmill assembly into the wind.
2. Description of Background Art
Hitertofore, windmill assemblies normally required a device for pointing the vanes of the windmill into the wind. The normal windmill includes a plurality of vanes of a fan that are mounted for rotation on a derrick. This type of windmill requires the use of a rudder-like member for positioning the plurality of vanes of the fan to be directed into the wind for maximizing power output. The low rotational speed and high torque output permits this type of windmill to be used together with a reciprocating water pump for supplying water to cattle or other livestock. A disadvantage of this type of windmill is that the vanes of the fan may be damaged during high wind conditions. In view of this disadvantage, the rudder-like mechanism is usually manually pivotable so as to align the fan with the wind and thereby prevent the wind from causing the vanes of the fan to rotate. To be properly operated, the windmill must be located within easy access of an operator which is difficult in the case of a remote location.
A class of windmills does exist that do not require the use of a directional rudder or control mechanism. Generally, this type of windmill includes vanes that are spaced about a vertical axis at right angles to each other and are coupled to each other flipping up and down as the vanes rotate in a horizontal orbit. Stops are normally provided for limiting the rotation of the vanes to a particular 90 degree oscillation.
Other types of windmills are known that employ the use of a rudder that is movable by the direction of the wind to position components for regulating the speed of the windmill. In addition, springs may be used to prevent the possible breaking or warping of the vanes in a high wind. The springs are sufficiently strong to resist ordinary wind pressure for holding the vanes in a vertical direction while yielding under excessive pressure to permit the vertical vanes to flatten out rearwardly or with the wind.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an omnidirectional windmill with a blade assembly for providing rotation to an output shaft.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an omnidirectional windmill wherein a first cross-shaft and a second cross-shaft are mounted relative to each other to enable a plurality of blades to be properly oriented relative to a flow of vapor, gas or liquid for imparting movement to selective blades and thereby providing rotation to an output shaft.
A further object of the present invention is to provide stops on the first cross-shaft and the second cross-shaft wherein rotation of each of the first cross-shaft and the second-cross shaft is selectively limited for enabling selective working blades to be properly oriented relative to a flow of vapor, gas or liquid for imparting movement to selective blades and thereby providing rotation to an output shaft while permitting selective return stroke blades to be held in a horizontal or feathering position.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a rotating shaft connector for enabling a first cross-shaft and a second cross-shaft to be mounted substantially orthogonally relative to each other while enabling the stops on the first cross-shaft and the second cross-shaft to rotate a predetermine amount relative to the output shaft.
These and other objects of the invention are achieved by providing a blade assembly for a windmill that includes an output shaft with a first cross-shaft operatively mounted relative to the output shaft. The first cross-shaft includes a first end and a distal end. A second cross-shaft is operatively mounted relative to the output shaft, the second cross-shaft includes a first end and a distal end. A first blade is mounted on the first end of the first cross-shaft and the first cross-shaft is rotated by the first blade to impart rotation to the output shaft. A stop is positioned on the first cross-shaft for limiting the rotation of the first cross-shaft relative to the output shaft. A second blade is mounted on the distal end of the first cross-shaft and the first cross-shaft is rotated by the second blade to impart rotation to the output shaft. A stop is positioned on the first cross-shaft for limiting the rotation of the first cross-shaft relative to the output shaft. A third blade is mounted on the first end of the second cross-shaft and the second cross-shaft is rotated by the third blade to impart rotation to the output shaft. A stop is positioned on the second cross-shaft for limiting the rotation of the second cross-shaft relative to the output shaft. A fourth blade is mounted on the distal end of the second cross-shaft and the second cross-shaft is rotated by the fourth blade to impart rotation to the output shaft. A stop is positioned on the second cross-shaft for limiting the rotation of the second cross-shaft relative to the output shaft. In operation the first blade is driven to impart a predetermined rotation to the output shaft and thereafter the third blade is driven to impart a predetermined rotation to the output shaft and thereafter the second blade is driven to impart a predetermined rotation to the output shaft and thereafter the fourth blade is driven to impart a predetermined rotation to the output shaft for providing continuous rotation to the output shaft.
Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2153523 (1939-04-01), Roberts et al.
patent: 2177801 (1939-10-01), Erren
patent: 2237857 (1941-04-01), Winderl
patent: 2419384 (1947-04-01), Ault
patent: 3810712 (1974-05-01), Hillman
patent: 4039848 (1977-08-01), Winderl
patent: 4213057 (1980-07-01), Are
patent: 4619583 (1986-10-01), Wikstrom
patent: 4822239 (1989-04-01), Tsipov
patent: 5083902 (1992-01-01), Rhodes
patent: 5506453 (1996-04-01), McCombs
Look Edward K.
McCoy Kimya N.
LandOfFree
Driving vane assembly for a windmill does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Driving vane assembly for a windmill, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Driving vane assembly for a windmill will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3066480