GB190015954A - Improvements in and relating to Water Current Motors. - Google Patents

Abstract

15,954. McGregor, D. Sept. 7. Water-current motors.-A drum A is mounted on a vertical spindle B, the lower end of the spindle running in a lignum - vitµ bearing, or in a metal bearing lubricated through a feed p i p e D. Blades E are hinged or pivoted to the drum, and opposite pairs of blades are connected by links F, slotted to encircle the spindle, and arranged so that when one blade is extended by the water current the other is closed round the drum. Each blade is provided with a projecting lip G pivoted to it and working against a stop, for the purpose o f enabling the current to open the blade readily. The drums may be mounted o n fixed or floating piers, shaped so as to concentrate the current upon the blades. Where the current is tidal, hinged flaps are arranged to direct the water, the flaps reversing when the tide turns. The drum is placed so that the top is about level with the surface of the stream, and it may be arranged to slide longitudinally on the shaft, to adjust itself for variation in level by its own buoyancy. In some oases the drum is mounted in a frame supported on floats immersed in wells. The floats are preferably provided with arrangements for altering the amount of air contained therein, so as to adjust the buoyancy. The drum A may be provided with a hole R near the bottom and a cock S near the top. Air is pumped in, or exhausted through the cock, for the purpose of altering the water level in the drum and thereby adjusting the buoyancy. The motor is employed for generating electricity, and according to the Provisional Specification, sewage may be employed for operating the motor.