Abstract:
Multiple pivots are mounted vertically or horizontally within a rotary or stationary support structure or platform. The pivots are interconnected via members, and between these pivots, a flexible sheet of material is suspended. The mechanism operates via oscillation of a flexible sheet that captures the energy in a fluid flow, and converts it into mechanical motion. The interconnected pivots act in synchronization to vary the angle of attack of the flexible sheet, creating low pressure (lift) areas that impart force into the pivots which then move in an oscillating manner, outputting the energy captured to an energy conversion device. An alternate embodiment makes use of anchors and suspension structures that suspend the entire embodiment in the middle of a fluid flow, and enable remote connection to surfaces not immediately near the location of the device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/984,850 
    
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not applicable 
     SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to the capture of energy from natural sources such as wind and water. 2. Prior Art 
     US Patent Documents: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 6,914,345 
                 Jul. 5, 2005 
                 Webster 290/54. 
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 4,348,594 
                 Sep. 7, 1982 
                 Lipfert 290/54. 
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 6,153,944 
                 Nov. 28, 2000 
                 Clark 290/54. 
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 4,476,397 
                 Oct. 9, 1984 
                 Lawson 290/54. 
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,680 
                 Aug. 14, 2001 
                 Arnold 416/1 
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,284 
                 Apr. 17, 2001 
                 Lawrence 416/83 
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 7,045,912 
                 May 16, 2006 
                 Leijon et al. 290/42 
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 4,228,360 
                 Oct. 14, 1980 
                 Navarro 290/43 
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 2,604,882 
                 July 1952 
                 Schnacke 123/185.4 
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 6,581,562 
                 Jun. 24, 2003 
                 Goebel, et al. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 123/185.3 
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,440 
                 Mar. 22, 2002 
                 Pollard 415/41 
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 4,595,336 
                 Jun. 17, 1986 
                 Gross 416/82 
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,232 
                 Jan. 3, 2002 
                 Maxime Lambert 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Bolduc 416/24 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Foreign Patent Documents: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 DE3130002 
                 Mar. 3, 1983 
                 Braun F03D5/06; 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 F03D5/00 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Other References:
     Oscillating Wing≠Vortex Oscillation Technology, Inc. http://www.vortexosc.com/modules.php?name=Content&amp;pa=showpage&amp;pid=87 3. Objects and Advantages   

     The objects of this invention are:
         1. To provide a more cost-effective (over previous inventions) means of capturing the energy in a wind or water flow   2. To maximize energy extraction from wind and water flows       

     This invention has the following advantages:
         1. Prior hydro-oriented energy capture devices rely upon rotary turbines, water diversion and damming to generate energy. These devices are very expensive to build and greatly interrupt the aquatic life and natural flows of water bodies. This invention is not visible to the casual passer-by because it is placed under the surface of a flowing water body. It operates without halting the flow of water and aquatic life or unduly affecting surface use of the water body.   2. This invention has the capability to use multiple flexible sheets to capture energy from the full width of a fluid flow.   3. Arrays of this invention can be used in succession along the course of a water body in hydro energy capture applications, distributing power generation along the length of a flowing water body.   4. The operating principle is one of lift and stall, making the capture of energy from a fluid more efficient than drag-type devices.   5. The functional complexity of this invention is simplified over existing tower-based HAWT (Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines) and hydroelectric turbines.       6. The capability of operating in shallow bodies of water (in hydro energy capture applications) conceivably increases the potential sites the invention can be applied to.
       7. The flexible sheet is much less likely to harm birds in wind energy applications, and much less likely to harm aquatic life in hydro energy applications.   
       

     Other objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description in this application. 
     SUMMARY 
     The mechanism is an energy capture device utilizing one or more flexible sheets of material suspended parallel to the flow of a fluid. The flexible sheets are suspended via cable or solid members that are attached to pivots. The pivots are attached to a platform, either stationary or rotary depending on the medium in which the mechanism to operate, and the pivots are interconnected so as to operate in a synchronous fashion upon urging by the flexible sheets. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DRAWINGS-FIGURES 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Figure 
                 Figure Description 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 FIG. 1 
                 shows a Perspective view of an embodiment utilizing synchronized 
               
               
                   
                 pivots with fixed location 
               
               
                 FIG. 2 
                 shows a side view of the oscillating energy capture mechanism of FIG. 
               
               
                   
                 1, situated in a water flow 
               
               
                 FIG. 3 
                 shows a top view of the oscillating energy capture mechanism of FIG. 1 
               
               
                 FIG. 4 
                 shows a perspective view of an embodiment with two flexible sheets 
               
               
                 FIG. 5 
                 shows an end view of an embodiment suspended in water flow 
               
               
                 FIG. 6 
                 shows a top view of the oscillating energy capture mechanism of FIG. 5 
               
               
                 FIG. 7 
                 shows a side view of pivot of oscillating energy capture mechanism of 
               
               
                   
                 FIG. 5 
               
               
                 FIG. 8 
                 shows a perspective view of an embodiment with a rigid frame 
               
               
                 FIG. 9 
                 shows a side view of pivot of oscillating energy capture mechanism of 
               
               
                   
                 FIG. 8 
               
               
                 FIG. 10 
                 shows a perspective view of an embodiment with a rigid frame and floats 
               
               
                 FIG. 11 
                 shows a perspective view of an embodiment with a rotary platform 
               
               
                 FIG. 12 
                 shows a top view of the Energy Capture Mechanism Cycle (1 of 8) 
               
               
                 FIG. 13 
                 shows a top view of the Energy Capture Mechanism Cycle (2 of 8) 
               
               
                 FIG. 14 
                 shows a top view of the Energy Capture Mechanism Cycle (3 of 8) 
               
               
                 FIG. 15 
                 shows a top view of the Energy Capture Mechanism Cycle (4 of 8) 
               
               
                 FIG. 16 
                 shows a top view of the Energy Capture Mechanism Cycle (5 of 8) 
               
               
                 FIG. 17 
                 shows a top view of the Energy Capture Mechanism Cycle (6 of 8) 
               
               
                 FIG. 18 
                 shows a top view of the Energy Capture Mechanism Cycle (7 of 8) 
               
               
                 FIG. 19 
                 shows a top view of the Energy Capture Mechanism Cycle (8 of 8) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DRAWINGS-REFERENCE NUMERALS 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Reference Numeral 
                 Reference Name 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 188 
                 Flexible Sheet 
               
               
                   
                 188a 
                 Flexible Sheet Side 
               
               
                   
                 188b 
                 Flexible Sheet Side 
               
               
                   
                 190 
                 Pivot 
               
               
                   
                 190a 
                 Pivot (Upstream) 
               
               
                   
                 190b 
                 Pivot (Downstream) 
               
               
                   
                 192 
                 Pivot Mounting Base 
               
               
                   
                 194 
                 Pivot Pole 
               
               
                   
                 196 
                 Flexible Sheet Carrier 
               
               
                   
                 198 
                 Pivot Arm 
               
               
                   
                 200 
                 Suspending Member 
               
               
                   
                 202 
                 Suspension Pivot Arm 
               
               
                   
                 204 
                 Connection Pivot Arm 
               
               
                   
                 206 
                 Connecting Member 
               
               
                   
                 208 
                 Energy Output Shaft 
               
               
                   
                 210 
                 Ground 
               
               
                   
                 212 
                 Fluid Flow 
               
               
                   
                 214 
                 Reference Plane 
               
               
                   
                 216 
                 Energy Conversion Device Support 
               
               
                   
                 218 
                 Bearing 
               
               
                   
                 220 
                 Anchor 
               
               
                   
                 222 
                 Anchor Member 
               
               
                   
                 224 
                 Energy Conversion Device 
               
               
                   
                 226 
                 Rotational Hanger 
               
               
                   
                 228 
                 Frame Member 
               
               
                   
                 230 
                 Floatation Frame Member 
               
               
                   
                 232 
                 Rotary Base 
               
               
                   
                 234 
                 Frame Rotation Wheel 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Preferred Embodiment—FIGS.  1 ,  2 ,  3   
     The perspective view in  FIG. 1  shows the invention as utilized within a fluid flow such as a stream, river or other current. Multiple Pivot Mounting Bases  192  are affixed to the ground beneath a fluid flow such as a stream, river or other current. The Pivot Mounting Bases  192  may also be attached to a singular vane-type structure in wind-oriented applications. 
     Pivot Poles  194  are attached to each respective Pivot Mounting Base  192  via a circular Bearing  218  as shown in the side view in  FIG. 2 . The Pivot Poles  194  are attached perpendicular to the Reference Plane  214  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Each Pivot  190  is composed of a Pivot Pole  194  that has attached to it multiple Suspension Pivot Arms  202  and Connection Pivot Arms  204 . The Suspension Pivot Arms  202  and Connection Pivot Arms  204  provide connection points for Suspending Members  200  and Connecting Members  206  as shown in  FIG. 1   
     The Connection Pivot Arms  204  on each Pivot  190  are connected to Connection Pivot Arms  204  on adjacent Pivots  190  via Connecting Members  206 , creating a tensile connection between all Pivots  190 . 
     The Suspension Pivot Arms  202  of a Pivot (Upstream)  190   a  are connected to the corresponding Suspension Pivot Arms  202  of another Pivot (Upstream)  190   a  via Suspending Members  200 , forming an upper and lower support tensile structure that enables single or multiple Flexible Sheets  188  to be supported at the upstream location via a Flexible Sheet Carrier  196 . 
     The Suspension Pivot Arms  202  of one Pivot (Downstream)  190   b  are connected to the corresponding Suspension Pivot Arms  202  of another Pivot (Downstream)  190   b  via Suspending Members  200 , forming an upper and lower support tensile structure that enables single or multiple Flexible Sheets  188  to be supported at the downstream location via a Flexible Sheet Carrier  196 . 
     The Suspending Members  200  support single or multiple Flexible Sheets  188  via Flexible Sheet Carriers  196  affixed at the Suspending Members (Upstream)  200   a  and Suspending Members (Downstream) locations that in turn attach to Flexible Sheets  188 . 
     Internal to single or multiple Pivot Poles  194  are fixed Energy Conversion Device Supports  216  that are affixed to their respective Pivot Mounting Bases  192 , with a singular example being shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Each Energy Conversion Device Support  216  is attached to an Energy Conversion Device  224  as shown in  FIG. 2 . In this embodiment, the Pivot Pole  194  is lengthened so as to protrude above the surface of the fluid flow forming what is then termed an Energy Output Shaft  208  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The Energy Output Shaft  208  attaches to an Energy Conversion Device  224  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The Energy Conversion Device  224  may also be located within or below the Fluid Flow  212 . 
     The side view in  FIG. 2  shows the invention attached to the Ground  210  that forms the foundation. The invention itself is situated within the Fluid Flow  212 . The Reference Plane  214  is shown as the surface of the Ground  210  at the location of the Pivot Mounting Bases  192 . 
     Embedded in the Ground  210  are multiple Pivot Mounting Bases  192 . Pivots (Upstream)  190   a  and Pivots (Downstream)  190   b  are attached to these Pivot Mounting Bases  192  via circular Bearings  218 . In this view, only one of each Pivot position (Upstream and downstream) is visible. 
     The Pivot (Upstream)  190   a  and Pivot (Downstream)  190   b  are situated fore and aft of the Flexible Sheet Carriers  196  which in turn attach to single or multiple Flexible Sheets  188 . In this view, only one Flexible Sheet  188  and its corresponding Flexible Sheet Carriers  196  is visible. 
     The Pivot (Downstream)  190   b  in this view shows the fixed Energy Conversion Device Support  216  embedded into a Pivot Mounting Base  192 . The Energy Output Shaft  208  forms an outer shell about the Energy Conversion Device Support  216  and is supported via a circular Bearing  218  above the Fluid Flow  212  surface in addition to the circular Bearing  218  at the Pivot Mounting Base  192 . 
     The top view in  FIG. 3  shows the Pivot Poles  194  with their affixed Connection Pivot Arms  204  and Suspension Pivot Arms  202 . The Connecting Members  206  are strung between the attachment points of the Connection Pivot Arms  204 . The Suspending Members  200  are strung between the attachment points of the Suspension Pivot Arms  202 . 
     The Flexible Sheet Carriers  196  are attached to the Suspending Members  200 . In this view a single Flexible Sheet  188  is attached to the Flexible Sheet Carriers  196 . 
       FIG. 3  also shows the Energy Conversion Device Support  216  centered within the Energy Output Shaft  208 . 
     OPERATION 
     Preferred Embodiment—FIGS.  1 ,  12 - 19   
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a Fluid Flow  212  approaches the upstream end of a single Flexible Sheet  188 , and strikes the leading edge of the upstream Flexible Sheet Carrier  196  which splits the Fluid Flow  212  at this point into Flexible Sheet Side  188   a  and Flexible Sheet Side  188   b . The Pivots  190  (See  FIG. 1 ) are fixed perpendicular to their respective Pivot Mounting Bases  192 , and are free to pivot about their longitudinal axis via a Bearing  218  assembly. The Pivots  190  (See  FIG. 1 ) are synchronized in their rotational pivoting motion via the Connecting Members  206  that create a tensile connection around the perimeter of the invention. 
       FIGS. 12-19  show a sequence of time steps as the Fluid Flow  212  flows through the embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the curvature of the Flexible Sheet  188  forces the Fluid Flow  212  into separate positive (as indicated by the “+” symbols) and negative (as indicated by the “−” symbols) pressure areas on each side of the Flexible Sheet  188 , depending upon the angle of attack presented by the Flexible Sheet  188 . 
     The lift generated by the negative pressure on the Flexible Sheet Side  188   a  causes the shape to become convex on the Flexible Sheet Side  188   a , at which point the lift generated is focused at the downstream end of the Flexible Sheet Side  188   a  as shown in  FIG. 13 . This lift force is then transmitted into the downstream Flexible Sheet Carrier  196  which in turn pulls the downstream Suspending Members  200  in the direction of the lift force. 
     This pulling force in turn causes the downstream Suspension Pivot Arms  202  to also move in the direction of the lift force. Because of the tensile connection formed by the Connecting Members  206  between all four Pivots  190  in this embodiment (As shown in  FIG. 1 ), the upstream Suspension Pivot Arms  202  move in the opposite direction to the downstream Suspension Pivot Arms  202 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the motion generated by the lift continues as in  FIG. 13  until the relative position of the upstream end of the Flexible Sheet  188  and the downstream end of the Flexible Sheet  188  begin to create a concave pocket on the Flexible Sheet Side  188   b.    
     In  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the lift being generated by the negative pressure at the downstream end of the Flexible Sheet Side  188   a  is still strong enough to continue pulling in the direction established in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . However, the upstream end of the Flexible Sheet  188  is now moving into a position where a large negative pressure area is forming on the Flexible Sheet Side  188   b  near the upstream end. In  FIG. 16 , the negative pressure on the Flexible Sheet Side  188   b , midway along, is set to overcome the negative pressure being generated on the Flexible Sheet Side  188   a.    
     This causes the Flexible Sheet  188  to reverse shape as shown in  FIG. 17 , creating a focused negative pressure area near the downstream end of the Flexible Sheet Side  188   b . This transmits force into the downstream Flexible Sheet Carrier  196  toward the Flexible Sheet Side  188   b , which in turn transmits the force into the downstream Suspension Members  200  and downstream Suspension Pivot Arms  202 . This reverses the motion of all four Pivots  190  via the Connecting Members  206 . 
       FIG. 18  shows the continued motion toward in the direction of the Flexible Sheet Side  188   b.    
       FIG. 19  shows the downstream end of the Flexible Sheet Side  188   b  near its maximum lift extent prior to the pivoting cycle beginning again as shown in  FIG. 12  due to the increasing negative pressure on the upstream Flexible Sheet Side  188   a  side. 
     The pivoting motion is transmitted into the Energy Output Shaft  208 , at which time it is converted into electrical, mechanical or other forms of energy. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Alternate Embodiment—FIG.  4   
     The perspective view in  FIG. 4  shows an embodiment with two Flexible Sheets  188  spaced along the Suspending Members  200 . This embodiment is composed of the same elements as described in the “DETAILED DESCRIPTION—PREFERRED EMBODIMENT— FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 ” section, with the addition of a second Flexible Sheet  188 , attached via a second set of Flexible Sheet Carriers  196 . 
     OPERATION 
     Alternate Embodiment—FIG.  4   
     The operation of this embodiment is identical to that described in the “OPERATION—PREFERRED EMBODIMENT- FIGS. 1 ,  12 - 19 ” section, with the addition of a second Flexible Sheet  188  spaced at an adequate distance so as to generate optimal lift without interfering with the lift generated by the first Flexible Sheet  188 . This enables the Flexible Sheets  188  to move in synchronous fashion in terms of their contours, so as to generate optimal energy output. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Alternate Embodiment—FIGS.  5 ,  6 ,  7   
     The alternate embodiment in  FIG. 5  is composed of the same components and interconnections as described in the “DETAILED DESCRIPTION—PREFERRED EMBODIMENT— FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 ” section, with the following exceptions: 
     As shown in the end view of the alternate embodiment in  FIG. 5  it does not make use of Pivot Mounting Bases  192  (See  FIG. 1 ) but instead attaches the Pivot Poles  194  to Rotational Hangers  226 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , one Rotational Hanger  226  is attached via a Bearing  218  at one end of a Pivot Pole  194  and another Rotational Hanger  226  is attached via a Bearing  218  at the other end of the same Pivot Pole  194 . In  FIG. 5 , The Rotational Hangers  226  are connected via Anchor Members  222  to Anchors  220  embedded into the Ground  210  of a riverbed, streambed or other flowing water body bottom or shoreline. The Pivots  190  are aligned on a Reference Plane  214  independent of the Anchor  220  locations. 
     An Energy Output Shaft  208  passes through a Rotational Hanger  226  on one end of a selected Pivot Pole  194  and into an Energy Conversion Device  224 . 
     Anchor Members  222  suspend the Energy Conversion Device  224  above the Fluid Flow  212  by connecting to the Energy Conversion Device  224  housing and to the Anchors  220 . In addition the Energy Conversion Device  224  could be supported by the Rotational Hanger  226  that the Energy Output Shaft  208  passes through. 
       FIG. 6  shows this embodiment from a top view. The Anchors  220  attach to the Rotational Hangers  226  via the Anchor Members  222 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a side view of the Pivot  190  mechanism used in this embodiment. A Pivot Pole  194  with shaft extensions at each end and attached Pivot Arms  198  is coupled with the Rotational Hangers  226 , one at each end. A Bearing  218  is used to enable the Pivot Pole  194  and Pivot Arms  198  to rotate freely according to their constraints while the Rotational Hangers  226  are held stationary. 
     OPERATION 
     Alternate Embodiment—FIGS.  5 ,  6 ,  7   
     The operation of this embodiment is identical to that described in the “OPERATION—PREFERRED EMBODIMENT— FIGS. 1 ,  12 - 19 ” section, with the following exceptions: 
     The Pivots  190  are free to rotate within the constraints of the other components via their Bearing  218  connections to the Rotational Hangers  226 . The Rotational Hangers  226  are held stationary by their connections to the Anchor Members  222  and by extension their respective Anchors  220 . This structure provides the same support to the Pivots  190  as the Pivot Mounting Bases  192  of the preferred embodiment. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Alternate Embodiment—FIGS.  8 ,  9   
     The perspective view in  FIG. 8  shows an embodiment with multiple Frame Members  228  connecting the Pivots  190  to form a rigid frame structure. This embodiment is composed of the same elements as described in the “DETAILED DESCRIPTION—PREFERRED EMBODIMENT— FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 ” section, with the following exceptions: 
     As shown in  FIG. 8  this embodiment does not make use of Pivot Mounting Bases  192  (See  FIG. 1 ) but instead attaches the Pivot Poles  194  to rigid intersections of the Frame Members  228 . 
       FIG. 9  shows a detailed side view of a Pivot  190  of  FIG. 8 . The intersections of the Frame Members  228  are located at both ends of the Pivot Pole  194 . The Pivot Poles  194  have shaft-like extensions that are passed through the intersections and supported via Bearings  218 . An Energy Conversion Device Support  216  is shown mounted to one of the Frame Members  228 . 
     Shown in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9  is a Pivot  190  having a further extension at one end of the Pivot Pole  194  that forms an Energy Output Shaft  208 . 
     OPERATION 
     Alternate Embodiment—FIGS.  8 ,  9   
     The operation of this embodiment is identical to that described in “OPERATION—PREFERRED EMBODIMENT— FIGS. 1 ,  12 - 19 ” section, with the following exceptions: 
     The Pivots  190  are free to rotate within the constraints of the components they are connected to via their Bearing  218  connections to the intersections of the Frame Members  228 . 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Alternate Embodiment—FIG.  10   
     The perspective view in  FIG. 10  shows an embodiment with multiple Frame Members  228  and multiple Floatation Frame Members  230  connecting the Pivots  190  to form a rigid frame structure. This embodiment is composed of the same elements as the alternate embodiment as described in the “DETAILED DESCRIPTION—ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT— FIGS. 8 ,  9 ” section, with the following exceptions: 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the Floatation Frame Members  230  form a box shape connecting the Pivots  190  at the top of the structure, while the Frame Members  228  form a box shape connecting the Pivots  190  at the bottom of the structure. 
     OPERATION 
     Alternate Embodiment—FIG.  10   
     The operation of this embodiment is identical to that described in “OPERATION—PREFERRED EMBODIMENT— FIGS. 1 ,  12 - 19 ” section, with the following exceptions: 
     The Pivots  190  are free to rotate within the constraints of the components they are connected to via their Bearing  218  connections to the intersections of the Frame Members  228  and intersections of the Floatation Frame Members  230 . This embodiment would operate with buoyancy, and could alternately substitute Floatation Frame Members  230  for the Frame Members  228  to increase buoyancy. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Alternate Embodiment—FIG.  11   
     The perspective view in  FIG. 11  shows an embodiment with a rigid structure composed of Frame Members  228  that is supported via Frame Rotation Wheels  234  riding on a Rotary Base  232 . This embodiment is composed of the same elements as the alternate embodiment as described in the “DETAILED DESCRIPTION—ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT— FIGS. 8 ,  9 ” section, with the following exceptions: 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the Pivots  190  have attached Frame Rotation Wheels to one end, which ride atop a circular Rotary Base  232  to enable 360 degree rotation capability. 
     OPERATION 
     Alternate Embodiment—FIG.  11   
     The operation of this embodiment is identical to that described in “OPERATION—PREFERRED EMBODIMENT— FIGS. 1 ,  12 - 19 ” section, with the following exceptions: 
     The Pivots  190  are free to rotate within the constraints of the components they are connected to via their Bearing  218  connections to the intersections of the Frame Members  228 . The rigid structure formed by the Frame Members  228  is rotatable so as to position the Flexible Sheet  188  into a parallel orientation to a fluid flow. The primary application for this embodiment is in fluid flows that change directions. 
     CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE 
     While the above descriptions contain many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example:
         1. Scaling of the Flexible sheet to increase energy capture   2. Alternate shapes of pivot structures to optimize fluid flow around them   3. The use of tension/compression and tension-only Connection Members and Support Members.   4. The use of natural and synthetic materials for the Connection Members and Support Members.   5. The use of multiple Energy Output Shafts, attached to separate Pivots, to distribute force to multiple Energy Conversion Devices.   6. The use of tension/compression Anchor Members.   7. Optimizations to riverbeds/streambeds to enhance performance.   8. Optimizations to water courses to enhance performance. (e.g. Narrowing)   9. Addition of the device to high-rise building structures   10. Application of the invention embodiments normally intended for wind to water, and vice versa.   11. Other shapes for the flexible sheet that encourage improved lift generation   12. Other appendages to the structure of the mechanism to encourage fluid flow speed increases past the mechanism.   13. Use of the water-based embodiments in tidal areas of oceans or in areas of strong current movement.   14. Floating the water-based embodiments upon the surface of the water, suspending their energy capture components below the water surface.   15. Refinements to the structure and flexible sheet to improve performance   16. The use of synthetic or natural materials for the flexible sheet, including semi-rigid and rigid materials.   17. The optimization of the layout of the mechanical components such that the disturbances to fluid flow are minimized.   18. The stacking of multiple vertical or horizontal flexible sheets and related structure to enable operation in a deeper/shallower fluid flow   19. Adjustable height flexible sheets and related structure to enable adjustment for fluid flow depth.   20. To optimize the layout of multiple Oscillating Energy Capture Mechanisms as described, to create a greater result than an individual mechanism, or optimized to avoid detrimental effects.   21. The use of synthetic or natural materials for the structure of the mechanism including composites.   22. The use of the flexible sheet as a public advertising or information medium, including the projection of images onto the surface.       

     Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.