To view the slide show imagesbelow [including explanatory text], CLICK on each thumbnail image. Proceed left to right in each row. [images from 3-D animation by Impulse Creative, Ardmore, PA ]
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SOME DESIGN and FUNCTION DETAILS
exponential pitch design of the continuous vane with changing coils.
curved vane helps prevent sound transmission within the cylinder.
acoustic advantage of diminished potential for cavitation-- Diminu-Cav [R].
generate high axial thrust without requiring high RPM.
increased water-holding capacity in the space of each subsequent coil.
conservation of mass: add more water through boat hull slipstream channels [tm] water induction system or pipeline pre-inlet bypass channels, ducted in mid-cylinder.
adding extra water is almost like the Turbofan with jet engines.
self-priming--turned vertically, it sucks up water, tested in forward and reverse.
root bending stress of the coiled vane is constantly changing and is distributed; the vane is mostly self-supporting and can be relatively thin.
innovative hull design opportunities, including shallow draft.
The patented designs [reg. USPTO ] with one moving part, tested by research, produce power without the complexity of variable pitch propellers or turbines. With strong thrust at lower r.p.m.'s and virtually no cavitation, there is opportunity for moving spawning fish up a new "fish-ladder" to bypass falls or dams, for pumping blood in aortic bypass, or as propulsors or directional thrusters for surface and submersible use. Want to help enable the fish population ?
The September 2003 issue of Look science magazine [KIJK [tm], p. 11] from the Netherlands. This website contains an attached translation.
Peripheral and Central Design models, 1st generation.
The Ribbon Drive propulsor/ thruster/ pumping apparatus consists of an outer cylinder, with an internal rotating ribbon-like band in a continuous, unwinding series of 2 or more coils. The angle and frequency of each 360 degree coil decreases, as the helix stretches out. Conservation of energy derives from:
containing the tangential velocity--the centrifugal outward splay of water--during the acceleration phase within the cylinder, thereby diminishing loss of available axial thrust and avoiding mixing of high energy with low energy water until final exit....
sequential, incremental acceleration of water from tight to gradual coils.....
the concave rear face of the vane to achieve a more parallel, more laminar flow toward the exit....
focused thrust with the adjustable, tapered exit cone.
Ribbon Drive is designed and functions differently from the constancy and singular acceleration or lift of an Archimedes screw. This is confirmed visually and by a mathematical model.
