Patent ID: 8596059

Claim:
A method for generating rotational movement, the method comprising: supporting an output shaft for rotational movement, the output shaft including at least two one-way clutch mechanisms attached thereto, each one-way clutch mechanism configured to rotationally drive the output shaft in a first direction and to freely rotate relative to the output shaft in a second, opposite direction; positioning an infton assembly in association with each one-way clutch mechanism such that each infton assembly is surrounded by a buoyancy fluid, each infton assembly including: a weighted member; an inflatable bladder associated with the weighted member and having a fluid inlet into the inflatable bladder and a fluid exit from the inflatable bladder; at least one inlet valve positioned along the fluid inlet; at least one outlet valve positioned along the fluid exit; and a chain associated with the weighted member and extending over and drivingly engaging the respective one-way clutch mechanism; and controlling the inlet and outlet valves such that each inlet valve is opened while the respective outlet valve is closed to facilitate flow of a filling fluid having a density less than that of the buoyancy fluid into the respective inflatable bladder as the respective weighted member reaches a lower limit of travel and each outlet valve is opened while the respective inlet valve is closed to facilitate exhausting of the filling fluid within the respective inflatable bladder as the respective weighted member reaches an upper limit of travel, wherein movement of each weighted member is guided by one or more guides which include radially outwardly extending guide rods, each guide rod having a friction reducing structure thereon configured to engage an inside surface of a container in which the weighted member is positioned and wherein one or more of the guide rods defines a portion of a fluid path between an internal chamber of the weighted member and one of the inlet or outlet valves.