Patent ID: 7204731
Filing Date: 2007-04-17
Classification: B63G,B63H,F01D,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A machine that acts in a working fluid such that a machine action causes a reaction movement of the working fluid or the machine, the machine comprising: a mounting surface; a plurality of propulsor elements mounted on the mounting surface, each propulsor element comprising a bar having a base, a control tip, and a pivot, and a primary actuator coupled to the base for causing the bar to rotate about the pivot; and a computer for synchronizing the primary actuator of each of the plurality of propulsor elements so that each of the control tips in each of the propulsor elements form a substantially continuous control surface that undulates in the working fluid, and an orientation actuator coupled to at least one propulsor element for causing the propulsor element to rotate about an axis connecting the base and the control tip of the propulsor element; and wherein the computer is operable to control the orientation actuator so that the propulsor element is rotated to alter a shape of the substantially continuous control surface.