Importance

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Abstract

A rotor device is provided for converting the energy of a flowing fluid, such as air or water, into mechanical energy. The device comprises a rotor mounted within a housing. Two or more vanes having inner and outer ends extend parallel to the axis of the rotor and are movable inwardly and outwardly between retracted and extended positions radially with respect to the cylindrical side wall of the rotor within slots therein The vanes have side shoulders which slide in corresponding guide slots in the end of the rotor body. The outer ends of the vanes are positioned adjacent to the inner wall of the housing and the vanes are spaced preferably equally from adjacent vanes about the rotor such that there is always at least one vane positioned between fluid inlet and outlet ports of the housing. Means are provided to move each of the vanes radially within its associated slot between an extended position and a fully retracted position so that the outer extremity of each vane is positioned adjacent a corresponding portion of the inner wall of the housing. The rotor, housing and vanes are constructed so that, during operation of the device, fluid entering the housing drives the rotor and is carried by the rotor in compartments formed between adjacent vanes and, opposing walls of the housing and rotor, until the adjacent vanes encompass the outlet port whereby the fluid is allowed to escape. Such a device provides a novel and efficient structure having application, for example, as a fluid motor such as an air motor, pump, metering device or turbine for harnessing power.

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First Claim