GB546567A - Improvements in and relating to methods of and means for hydraulic generation of power - Google Patents

Abstract

546,567. Hydraulic generation of power. DRAKE, J. H. Jan. 18, 1941, No. 715. [Class 69 (i)] Hydraulic power is generated by a number of units disposed in vertical relation and each comprising a pair of balanced vessels 3, 4, one at each end of a pivoted beam 8, a liquid reservoir above the vessels, inlet means controlled by a vessel in raised position and outlet means controlled by a vessel towards its lowered position, the liquid passing successively through the several units, being directed into an elevated vessel and discharged when the vessel descends under the weight of the liquid, whereby rockshafts 9 on which the beams are mounted are oscillated. In each unit, two parallel beams may be provided to maintain the vessels in vertical position. An upright structure may be divided by horizontal partitions into cells, each containing one of the units, each partition having apertures 5 controlled by valves, cocks, pistons, doors &c. operated by the vessels or from the rockshafts to admit the fluid to the vessels below; the bottom of each vessel may comprise a divided floor, each half 10 being counterweighted and pivoted to the vessel, and a spring or gravity actuated catch holding the halves closed until, towards the lowest position of the vessel, a stop &c. frees the catch and the liquid is discharged by its own weight. The halves may be connected by linkage. Alternatively, an upwardly projecting shaft may cause the halves to open inwardly, and carry a horizontal member to maintain contact with the halves during opening. The rockshafts may be geared or linked together, and one or more of the beams may be connected by connecting rod and crank to a power shaft carrying a flywheel. According to the Provisional Specification, the beams may be omitted, and each pair of vessels may be formed by placing a partition across the short diameter of a diamond-shaped vessel.