Windmill with vertical axis and vane assemblies on radial spokes - has vanes open and shut automatically

摘要

The windmill vane assemblies are mounted on radial rods (E) which protrude from the hub of the mill rotor. Each assembly has a horizontal bar (C) which carries two pivoting arms (B). The pivoting arms are interlocked by arcs of toothed bearings, in such a way that they move symmetrically and always have the same angle to the horizontal. Mounted on the ends of the arms are flat vanes (A). Mounted on the end of the lower of each pair of vanes is a counterweight (D). When the wind is in one direction, the vanes pivot together, forming a vee-shape to catch the wind. Otherwise, the vanes move to horizontal, parallel positions, where their resistance to the wind is minimal.