[0001] The invention relates to a weight structure rotating about an axle.

Background

[0002] A cylinder structure usually comprises a cylinder and a piston moving inside it. The cylinder structure may be used for producing continuous, rotational motion with a rectilinear movement of pistons, like in a combustion engine. Cylinder structures may also be used for pumping gas or liquid through pipes from one location to another. Rotational motion may also be provided without a cylinder with weights resembling the piston movement.

[0003] To provide a torque by means of a moving, piston-like weight for rotational motion about an axis in such a way that gravitation produces a force and a weight offset from the balance point produces an arm of force poses problems, however. To move a weight against gravitation is heavy and consumes energy. Therefore, there is a need for a more advanced apparatus that comprises a moving piston-like weight structure.

Brief description

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an improved solution. This is achieved by an apparatus according to claim 1.

[0005] The invention also relates to an apparatus according to claim

2.

[0006] The invention also relates to an apparatus according to claim

5.

[0007] The invention also relates to an apparatus according to claim

6.

[0008] The invention also relates to a method according to claim 7.

[0009] The invention also relates to a method according to claim 8.

[0010] The invention further relates to a method according to claim

11.

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0012] The apparatus and method according to the invention provide several advantages. Weight structures interconnected by a transmission mechanism act as counterweights to one another, which facilitates moving of the weight structures, and gravitation generates both vertical motion and rotational motion of the apparatus parts.

List of figures

[0013] The invention is now described in greater detail in connection with preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1A shows a transition phase of weight structures in an apparatus whose weight structures are in contact with different fluids,

Figure 1 B shows a rotational phase of weight structures in an apparatus whose weight structures are in contact with different fluids,

Figure 1C shows a shape of a cylinder structure,

Figure 2A shows a transition phase of weight structures in an apparatus whose weight structures are in contact with different fluids and in which a force of buoyancy provides rotation,

Figure 2B shows a rotational phase of weight structures in an apparatus whose weight structures are in contact with different fluids and in which a force of buoyancy provides rotation,

Figure 2C shows a transition phase of weight structures in an apparatus whose weight structure comprises a gas space;

Figure 2D shows a rotational phase of weight structures in an apparatus whose weight structure comprises a gas space;

Figure 2E shows a cylinder structure in which a weight having a cavity is inside the cylinder;

Figure 2F shows nested axles, the inner one of which connects the weight structures in an openable and closable manner;

Figure 2G shows a cylinder comprising three parts;

Figure 3A shows a transition phase of weight structures in an apparatus whose weight structures are in contact with the same fluid and in which a force of buoyancy provides rotation,

Figure 3B shows a rotational phase of weight structures in an apparatus whose weight structures are in contact with the same fluid and in which a force of buoyancy provides rotation,

Figure 4 shows closed cylinders;

Figure 5 shows lever arms; Figure 6A shows a moving cylinder;

Figure 6B shows the structure of a weight structure;

Figures 7 to 9 show housings for a counterweight system; Figure 10 shows an application of a counterweight apparatus;

Figure 11 is a flow chart of the method;

Figure 12 is a flow chart of the method in which the weight structures are in contact with different fluids, and

Figure 13 is a flow chart of the method in which the weight structures are in contact with the same fluid.

Description of embodiments

[0014] The following embodiments are presented by way of example. Even though the description may refer to "a", "one", or "some" embodiment or embodiments at different points, this does not necessarily mean that each such reference refers to the same embodiment or embodiments or that the feature only applies to one embodiment. Individual features of different embodiments may also be combined to make other embodiments possible.

[0015] The disclosed solution concerns a counterweight structure that rotates about an axle, when the weight structures are moved in a direction perpendicular to the axle. In that case the weight structures are often also moved parallel to gravitation. Thus a rectilinear movement can be transformed to rotational or pendulous motion with respect to the axle.

[0016] In its most general form the apparatus comprises an axle 102 and at least one counterweight system 100, each of which comprises two weight systems 10, 20, of which the first weight system 10 comprises a closed cylinder 104 and therein a weight structure 108 and a movable fluid 120, 122 and the second weight system 20 comprises a weight structure 110 and a transmission mechanism 112 between the weight systems 10, 20. One weight structure 108, 110 weighs more than the other weight structure 110, 108. As the heavier weight structure 108, 1 0 moves downwardly by the effect of gravitation, the transmission mechanism 112 shifts the other weight structure 110, 108 upwardly and the movable fluid 120, 122 shifts inside the cylinder 104 vertically because of the vertical motion of the heavier weight structure 108, 110 and through the shift produces a torque with respect to the axle 102, which is arranged to provide rotation of the counterweight system 100 about the axle 102. The density of the movable fluid may be lower than that of the fluid out- side the apparatus, whereby the movable fluid generates buoyancy that provides torsion on the axle 102. The density of the movable fluid may be higher than that of the fluid outside the apparatus, whereby the movable fluid provides downward torsion on the axle 102 through its own weight. The movable fluid may be moved along with the weight structure 108, if the weight structure 08 includes a space 250. The weight structure 108 may also transfer the movable fluid via a transfer channel inside the cylinder from one end to the other. The figures with their specifications illustrate various embodiments in greater detail.

[0017] Weight refers to a difference between the force exerted on a mass by gravity and the buoyancy.

[0018] Figures 1A and 1 B show an apparatus comprising a counterweight system 00 and an axle 102. Instead of one, there may also be several counterweight systems 100. In this embodiment the operation of the apparatus is based on a torque produced by water, which is provided, when for example water is shifted from the lower part of the cylinder 104 to the upper part of the cylinder.

[0019] Each counterweight system 100 comprises a closed cylinder 104, a transfer channel 106, two piston-like weight structures 108, 110 and a transmission mechanism 112. The cylinder 104, the transfer channel 106 and the weight structures 108, 110 may be made of metal, for instance. The transmission mechanism 112 may be, for instance, a mechanical or hydraulic power transmission system between the weight structures 108, 110, which may comprise a gear system. Energy may be supplied to the transmission mechanism 112 so as to move the weight structures 108, 110.

[0020] In a general case, different weight structures 108, 110 are placed in different fluids 120, 122. In that case the densities of the fluids 120, 122 are different. One of the fluids 120, 122 may be a liquid and the other a gas. In an embodiment the fluid 120 is a liquid and the fluid 122 is a gas.

[0021] Generally, in the cases of Figures 1A to 2B, 3A to 5 one of said weight structures 108, 110 is placed in said closed cylinder 104 which contains one fluid 120. In the case of Figure 1A, the weight structure 108 is placed in the cylinder 104. The fluid 120 is present in one or both ends 114, 116 of the cylinder 104, on either one side or both sides of said one weight structure 108, 110.

[0022] In an embodiment the space between the weight structure 108 and the cylinder 104 may have been sealed with a seal 118 such that the fluid 120 will not have access between the sides of the weight structure 108 and the cylinder 104, at least not to any significant extent. When the fluid 122 in the cylinder 104 is a gas (as in Figures 2A and 2B), the gas may have access also to the space between the cylinder 104 and the weight structure 108.

[0023] The weight structures 108, 110 rotate in a reciprocating manner or rotate about said axle 102 and produce, in motion, anti-parallel torques with respect to the axle 102. The anti-parallel torques are equal, or the torques may be approximately equal. The weight structures 108, 110 may be different in weight, however. For instance, the weight structure 108 may be heavier than the weight structure 110. The weight structure 108 being heavier than the weight structure 110 means that the mass of the weight structure 108 is larger than that of the weight structure 110.

[0024] The transmission mechanism 112 shifts the weight structures 108, 110 in opposite directions to one another, transversely to the longitudinal direction of the axle 102, in such a way that the torque of the weight structures 108, 110 remains constant with respect to the axle. For instance, if the weight structures 108, 110 have different masses, the transmission mechanism 112 shifts the heavier weight structure less than the lighter weight structure. In fact, the travel the transmission mechanism 112 shifts the weight structures 108, 110 may be in proportion to their mass. In addition, the travel the transmission mechanism 112 shifts the weight structures 108, 110 may be in proportion to the buoyancy experienced by the weight structures 108, 110 in the fluids 120, 122.

[0025] The weight structure 108 that is placed in a fluid having a higher density goes downwardly by the effect of gravitation or another moving force, for instance. In the examples of Figures 1A and 1 B the weight structure 108 is placed in a fluid of higher density, which is the fluid 120. In Figure 1A the weight structure 108 is starting to move downwardly. As a result of the weight structure placed in the fluid of higher density moving downwardly, the transmission mechanism 112 transfers upwardly the weight structure placed in the fluid of lower density. In this example the weight structure 110 is placed in the fluid of lower density, which is the fluid 122.

[0026] In a general case, the weight structure 108 that is placed in said closed cylinder 104 transfers, while moving inside the cylinder 104, the fluid inside the cylinder 104, which in the examples of Figures 1A and 1 B is the fluid 120 and in the examples of Figures 2A and 2B is the fluid 122, from one end 116 of the cylinder 104 to the other end 114 of the cylinder 104 along a transfer channel 106. This fluid transfer inside the cylinder 104 (in the case of Figures 1A and 1 B the fluid 120, in the case of Figures 2A and 2B the fluid 122) produces a torque providing rotational motion with respect to the axle 104. The time instant when rotational motion starts is shown in Figures 1 B and 2B.

[0027] By means of Figure 1 B there is now examined an embodiment the first weight structure 108 being placed in the closed cylinder 104 containing a liquid serving as the first fluid 120. The density of the liquid is higher than that of the gas surrounding the apparatus and serving as the second fluid 122. The liquid may be water and the gas may be air.

[0028] The first weight structure 108 may go downwardly, for instance, by the effect of gravitation in the cylinder 104 containing liquid, as a result of which the transmission mechanism 112 may transfer the second weight structure 110 upwardly.

[0029] The first weight structure 108, while moving downwardly inside the cylinder 104, transfers the liquid inside the cylinder 104 from the cylinder end 116 below the weight structure 108 to the cylinder end 114 above the weight structure 108 along the transfer channel 106. In that case, by the effect of gravitation the liquid inside the cylinder 104 tends to go downwardly, producing a torque that provides rotational motion in the apparatus with respect to the axle 102. Because the counterweight structures 108, 10 cancel out each other's torque with respect to the axle 102, the up lifted liquid produces a torque with respect to the axle 102 by the effect of gravitation. In that case the whole counterweight system 100 revolves about the axle. After completed revolution, the mutual transfer of the weight structures 108, 110 in the transverse direction to the axle 102 starts again. The weight structure 108 that is placed in the fluid 120 having higher density starts going downwardly by the effect of gravitation, as a result of which the transmission mechanism 1 2 receives the motion of the weight structure 108, transmits it on the side of the weight structure 110 and transfers upwardly the weight structure 1 0 that is placed in the fluid 122 having lower density. In this way rotational or pendulous motion may be repeated ad infinitum.

[0030] The axle 102 may be supported with support structures 150 to the ground, for instance. [0031] The weight structures 108, 110 may be locked into place for a period of the counterweight structure 100 to turn to another position. Locking and unlocking may be performed in one or more cylinders 104, 200 and/or transmission mechanism 112. The locking may be performed when the fluid is transferred inside the cylinder from one end to the other, or when rotation starts or is about to start. The locking time may be predetermined, or it may end when rotation ceases or is about to cease. After the rotation has ceased, the locking may be released, whereby the weight structures 108, 110 may move again parallel to gravitation, i.e. in the same direction with gravitation or at an angle of 180 degrees to gravitation. These directions correspond to the direction that is transversal to the axle 102.

[0032] The weight structures 108, 110 may be transferred, for instance, hydraulically in such a way that the weight structure 108 pushes a piston in the hydraulic cylinder downwardly and the piston pushes oil along a transfer pipe into the cylinder. The oil pressure in this cylinder, in turn, pushes the piston upwardly, which lifts the weight structure 110 upwardly. Operation in the opposite direction takes place in a similar manner. A hydraulic system is not shown in the figures.

[0033] Figure 1 C, which is a modification of the solutions in Figures 1A and 1 B, shows yet another form of a cylinder 104 and a weight structure 108.

[0034] Let us now examine the solution of Figure 2A. In this embodiment the first weight structure 108 may be placed in a closed cylinder 104, where the first fluid 122 is a gas. In this example the density of the fluid 122 is lower than that of a liquid serving as the second fluid 120. In this example the second fluid 120 surrounds the apparatus.

[0035] A second weight structure 1 0, which may be inside a cylindrical structure 200, may go downwardly in the fluid 120 by the effect of gravitation. From this, it follows that a transmission mechanism 112 transfers the first weight structure 108 upwardly. The weight structures 108, 10 may have gear racks 210, for instance, which may be moved by cogwheels 212 of the transmission system 112.

[0036] The first weight structure 108 transfers, while moving upwardly inside the cylinder 104, the fluid 122 (= gas) inside the cylinder 104 from the end 114 of the cylinder 104 above the weight structure 108 to the end 116 below the weight structure 108 along a transfer channel 106. The transfer channel 106 may be a groove or a clearance between the weight structure 108 and the cylinder 104. In that case, by the effect of buoyancy the fluid 122 (= gas) inside the cylinder 104 tends to go upwardly, producing a torque that provides rotational motion in the apparatus with respect to the axle 102. The axle 102 may be supported with a support structure 150 to the bottom of a lake, a river, a sea or a basin, for instance.

[0037] In Figure 2B, the second weight structure 110 has gone down and lifted the first weight structure 108 up through the transmission mechanism 112. Because the air, i.e. fluid 122, has been transferred into the lower part of the cylinder 104, its buoyancy in the liquid, i.e. fluid 120, provides that the cylinder 104 starts rotating about the axle 102. In that case the whole counterweight system 100 revolves about the axle. After completed revolution, the mutual transfer of the weight structures 108, 110 in the transverse direction to the axle 102 starts again. The weight structure 110 that is placed in the fluid 120 having higher density starts going downwardly by the effect of gravitation, as a result of which the transmission mechanism 112 transfers upwardly the weight structure 108 that is placed in the fluid 122 having lower density. In this way rotational or pendulous motion may be repeated ad infinitum.

[0038] In the presented solution, one weight structure 108/110 goes downwardly. This movement lifts the second weight structure 110/108 up transmitted by the transmission mechanism 112. Either one of the weight structures 108, 110 also pumps one fluid from one end of the cylinder 104 to the other. Because the weight structures are all the time in balance in relation to the axle 102, the weight structures 108, 110 do not produce a torque on the axle 102. But a transfer of fluid inside the cylinder 104 provides a change in the equilibrium and a torque on the axle 102 is produced. In that case the whole counterweight system 100 revolves about the axle 102 towards a new equilibrium. But then the weight structure 108/110 starts going downwardly and the sequence of events will repeat. It is possible to use external energy to move the weight structures 108, 110 upwardly and downwardly. In that case the need for energy is insignificant, because it is easy to move balanced weight structures 108, 110.

[0039] In general, the weight structure 108 may have a steel housing and there may be water inside the weight structure 108. The weight structure 110 may be completely of steel. Thus, the weight structure 108 is larger in size than the weight structure 110. The density of the weight structure 110 is higher than that of the weight structure 108. The masses of the weight structures may range from a few kilos to tens or hundreds of tons, for instance. The size of the apparatus may be, for instance, from less than one metre up to hundreds of metres, for instance, in the transversal direction to the axle 102. The lengths of the weight structure movements in a direction transversal to the axle 102 may range from a few centimetres to tens of metres, for instance.

[0040] As regards Figures 2A to 2B, when the weight structure 110 is dimensioned, it is necessary to consider the buoyant force of fluid 120 and to calculate the transmission ratio of the transmission mechanism.

[0041] Figures 2C, 2D and 2E show an embodiment, in which the weight structure 108 comprises a gas space 250, but the total mass of the weight structure 108 is heavier than that of the weight structure 110. The gas space 250 may contain air, for instance.

[0042] Figure 2C shows the weight structure 108 in its upper position. Between the ends 114, 116 of the cylinder 104 there is a pipe 252 that comprises at least one openable and closable valve 254, 256, 258, 260. The pipe 252 serves as a transfer channel along which one or more fluids may be transferred inside the cylinder 104. In addition, between the cylinder 104 and the weight structure 108 there is a seal 262 that separates the upper part 280 of the cylinder 104 from the lower part 282 and prevents fluids from flowing between the upper part 280 and the lower part 282 of the cylinder 104. The cylinder 104 may also comprise a bypass pipe 270 to bypass the seal 262, the pipe including an openable and closable valve 264. When at least one valve 254 to 260 is opened and the weight structure 108 goes downwardly in the cylinder 104 by the effect of gravitation, the fluid 122 in the lower part 280 of the cylinder 104 may flow through the pipe 252 and the opened at least one valve 254 to 260 into the upper part 282 of the cylinder 104. Because the weight structure 108 is heavier than the weight structure 110, the weight structure 108 lifts the weight structure 110 up. When the weight structure 108 has moved from its upper position of Figure 2C to its lower position in the cylinder 104 and the fluid has flown from the lower part 280 of the cylinder 104 to the upper part 282, the weight structures 108, 110 may be locked in place, at least for a moment, and said at least one valve 254 to 260 may be closed.

[0043] Figure 2D shows the weight structure 108 in its lower position. After the weight structure 108 has reached its lower position, the valve 264 may be opened, whereby the fluid 120, which was in the upper part 282 of the cylinder 104, is able to flow into the lower part 280 of the cylinder 104 via a bypass pipe 270. Instead of or in addition to the bypass pipe 270 and the valve 264, the seal may be bypassed by means of pipes 272, 274 and valves 276, 278. The pipes 272, 274 communicate with the pipe 252 and the space 160 between the cylinder 104 and the weight structure 108, which space in this embodiment does not interconnect the lower part 280 of the cylinder 104 and the upper part 282 of the cylinder 104, and consequently does not enable flow of the fluid 122 between the lower part 280 and the upper part 282 of the cylinder 104. In that case the fluid 120 in the upper part 282 of the cylinder 104 may flow into the lower part 280 through the space 106 and the pipes 272, 274, when the valves 274, 276 are opened and the valves 256, 258 are closed. After completed flow, the valves 274, 276 may be closed, which may take place after the fluid 122 has moved from the lower part 280 to the upper part 282 and the valves 254 and 260 have been closed. In addition, in the situation of Figure 2D it is possible that the valve 284 that is in the lower part 280 of the cylinder 104 is opened to equalize pressure in the fluid 120 inside and outside the cylinder 104.

[0044] Because the weight structure 108 comprises a gas space 250, which may contain air, a movement of the weight structure 108 with respect to the axle 102 provides that the centre of gravity of the gas space 250 will be below the axle 102. The buoyancy of air or other gas in the gas space 250 in relation to the fluid 120 outside the apparatus and of higher density produces, in turn, a torque on the axle 102. Consequently, the buoyancy of the fluid of lower density inside the cylinder 108 makes the apparatus revolve together with its cylinders 104, 200 and weight structures 108, 110.

[0045] The gas space 250 may comprise a single compartment or multiple compartments. Irrespective of the number of compartments in the gas space 250, the gas space 250 is always symmetrical in relation to the centre of gravity of the weight structure 108. In Figure 2D, the dashed lines denote the optional two-compartment structure of the gas space 250.

[0046] The lower part 280 of the cylinder 104 is the part which at any time instant in the course of the revolution of the apparatus is lower than the upper part 282 of the cylinder 104. Thus, the lower part 280 of the cylinder 104 is always the end that is closer to the centre of the earth.

[0047] In an embodiment, there are seals 268, 269 at the ends of the weight structure 108. In that case the fluid, if any, between the weight structure 108 and the cylinder 104 will remain in place. In that case the bypass pipe 270 is so long that it extends from one end of the cylinder 104 to the other, like the pipe 252, without remaining in the area between the seals 268, 269.

[0048] Figure 2E shows yet another embodiment, in which the cylinder structure comprises a cylinder 104 and weight structures 108, 110 that move in relation to one another. The weight structure 108, in turn, comprises a gas space 250. In the example of Figure 2D the cylinder 104 is inside the weight structure 110. The axle 102 may extend up to the surface of the cylinder 104 or through the cylinder 104. In order for the weight structure 110 to move in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the weight structure 110 (up and down in Figure 2D) the weight structure 110 has an opening 144 for the axle 102. In case the axle 102 extends through the cylinder 104, also the weight structure 108 has an opening 146 for the axle 102. The openings 144 and 146 are sealed to be fluid-proof. The gas space 250 may be dimensioned to have a desired size according to the weight structures 108, 110. In particular, the weight structure 110 may produce a torque on the cylinder structure, which may be considered in the design of the gas space 250. Inside the cylinder 104 there may be a fluid 122 (= gas such as air) and outside the cylinder structure a fluid 120 (= liquid such as water).

[0049] Figure 2F shows an embodiment, in which inside the axle 102 there is an inner axle 102B. The inner axle 102B connects the weight structures 108 and 110. The inner axle 102B is connectable to the weight structures 108, 110 and detachable from the weight structures 108, 110 with a locking element 299 in a repeatable manner. When the weight structures 108, 110 are to be moved, the locking element 299 is opened, whereby the inner axle 102B and the weight structures 108, 110 may move freely in relation to one another. When the weight structures 108, 10 are to be locked and connected to the inner axle 102B, the locking element 299 is locked in a fixed manner to the inner axle 102B. The locking element 299 may be either on one side of each weight structure 108, 110, as shown in Figure 2F, or on both sides of at least either one of the weight structures 108, 1 0, in case the inner axle 102B traverses at least one weight structure 108, 110 (not shown in the figures). The inner axle 102B is detached from the weight structures 108, 110 prior to the movement of the weight structures 108, 110 and it is locked once the movement of the weight structures 108, 110 has ceased. An advantage with this solution is that the weight structures 108, 110 are interconnected di- rectly and not through any transmission part (e.g. transmission mechanism 1 2, cylinders 104, 200). In that case, as the centre of gravity of a heavier weight structure 108, 110 goes downwardly and rotates the axle 102 by the effect of gravitation, the inner axle 102B locked to the weight structures 108, 110 makes the centre of gravity of the other weight structure 110, 108 to rise upwardly along with the rotation of the axle 102. Thereafter the locking element 299 is opened and the weight structures 108, 110 may move freely, or they may be moved independently of the rotation of the axle 102 to a new position for new locking so as to continue the rotation of the axle 02.

[0050] Figure 2G shows an embodiment, in which the valves 284 are replaced with an openable cylinder 104. The cylinder 104 comprises three parts 104A, 104B and 104C and it opens at two points 288, 290. The openable point 288, 290 that is lower during each revolution is opened so that the fluid 120 outside the apparatus can flow into the space 160 and is thus able to equalize the pressure in the lower part 280 of the cylinder 104. The openable point 288, 290 locating higher up remains closed.

[0051] Figure 2G also shows an embodiment, in which air spaces 292, 294 are at the ends of the cylinder 04. Without the air spaces 292, 294 the cylinder 104 and the weight structure 108 have a downwardly directed total force, the magnitude of which is the difference between the gravitational force and the buoyancy due to the fluid 122. The volume of the air spaces 292, 294 is designed such that their buoyancy in the fluid 120 is at least approximately the same as said total force, whereby the downwardly directed force of the cylinder 04 and the weight structure 108 will be cancelled out partly or completely. Because of the cancellation of the weight of the cylinder 104 also the cylinder part 04B in the middle may contain fluid 122, for instance, adjacent to the interspace 160 (not shown in Figure 2E). Figure 2F and Figure 6A illustrate similar structures.

[0052] Figures 3A and 3B show an embodiment, in which the apparatus comprises an axle 02 and at least one counterweight system 100 as the solutions of the preceding embodiments do. Each counterweight system comprises two cylinders 104, 200, both of which are closed in this embodiment. Further, the counterweight system comprises two transfer channels 106 , 206, two piston-like weight structures 108, 110 and a transmission mechanism 112.

[0053] The weight structures 108, 110 are placed in cylinders 104, 200, which in this embodiment contain a fluid 122 the density of which is lower than that of the fluid 120 outside the apparatus. In the examples of all figures the fluid 122 may be air and the fluid 120 may be water.

[0054] The weight structures 108, 110 may rotate with respect to said axle 102 and thus produce opposite torques on the axle 102.

[0055] The transmission mechanism 112 shifts the weight structures 108, 110 in opposite directions to one another, transversely to the longitudinal direction of the axle 102, in such a way that the torque of the weight structures 108, 110 remains constant with respect to the axle 102.

[0056] The weight structure 108 goes downwardly in its cylinder 104 by the effect of gravitation, as a result of which the transmission mechanism 12 shifts the other weight structure 110 upwardly in the cylinder 200. The weight structure 108 is slightly heavier than the weight structure 110.

[0057] While moving, the weight structures 108, 110 transfer the fluid 122 inside the cylinder 104 from one end 116, 216 to the other end 114, 214 of the cylinders 104, 200 along transfer channels 106, 206.

[0058] The fluid 122 inside the cylinder 120, which fluid is in the lower end 216 of the cylinder 200, produces a torque that provides rotational motion with respect to the axle 102.

[0059] In the case of Figures 3A and 3B the cylinder 110 and the weight structure 110 therein may be placed inside the cylinder 104. In that case the cylinder 110 and the weight structure 110 therein may be partly or completely inside the weight structure 108.

[0060] Figure 4 shows an embodiment, in which both weight structures 108, 110 are in closed cylinders 104, 200, on which an external fluid 300 cannot act. Only the axle 102 emerges from the cylinders 104, 200. The round shape makes the cylinders 102, 200 withstand even high pressure in the fluid 300, whereby the solution is applicable in deep waters or otherwise under high pressure. In addition, the cylinders 104, 200 may have a high internal pressure, which compensates for the effect of external pressure on the structure of the apparatus.

[0061] Figure 5 shows an embodiment, in which the transmission mechanism 112 is a lever arm arrangement. The arm lengths are arranged to comply with the masses of the weight systems 108, 110 and the buoyancy acting thereon in different fluids.

[0062] Figure 6A shows an embodiment, in which the cylinder 104 and the weight structure 110 move rectilinearly in opposite directions, trans- versely to the axle 102 and parallel to the force induced by gravitation. The weight structure 108 comprises a gas space 250 like in the cases of Figures 2D and 2E. The buoyancy in the fluid 20 in the gas space 250 provides a rotational torque on the axle 102, when the centre of gravity of the gas space 250 has shifted in vertical direction, i.e. in parallel direction to gravitational force, off the axle 102. This is in line with the operating principle of also other embodiments set forth in the present application. In other embodiments the weight structure 108 moves transversely to the axle 102, for instance by the effect of gravitation, but in the embodiment of Figure 6A the whole cylinder 104 with its weight structure 108 may be transferred.

[0063] The buoyancy in the fluid 120, which may be water, in the gas space 250 is designed such that buoyant force in the gas space 250 is equal to the gravitational force in the cylinder 104. Thus, these forces cancel each other out. The weight structure 108 with its gas space 250 has a larger mass than that of the weight structure 110. The weight structure 110 may be placed in a cylinder 200 that is open to the fluid 120 surrounding the apparatus.

[0064] In the situation of Figure 6B the cylinder 104 is up and the weight structure 110 is down, and they are locked to this position in such a way that they cannot rotate about the axle 102 and cannot move rectilinearly either, at least not to any great extent, in opposite directions to one another.

[0065] In an embodiment the weight structure 108 is arranged fixedly to the cylinder 104, so they constitute one integrated whole. Because the weight structure 108 is heavier than the weight structure 110, the weight structure 108 goes downwardly and lifts the weight structure 110 up by the effect of gravitation, when the locking is released. In that case, however, the gas space 250 will be asymmetrically positioned to the axle 102, whereby the main part of the gas space 250 is below the axle 102. This produces a torque on the axle 02, whereby the cylinder 104 and the weight structure 110 with optional cylinders 200 revolve about the axle 102. The cylinder 104 and the weight structure 110 may be locked again for a moment to this position in such a way that at least the revolving motion ceases. After a revolution the weight structure 110 is down again and the cylinder 104 is up, whereby the vertical movement of the cylinder 104 and the weight structure 110 in the opposite directions may start again, which leads to a new revolution. [0066] In an embodiment the weight structure 108 is not arranged fixedly to the cylinder 104, but it may move to some extent, because the interior of the cylinder 104 is slightly longer than the weight structure 108. Inside the cylinder 104 there may be a fluid 120. The cylinder 104 also comprises seals 620 on the end inner surfaces 622, 624 of the cylinder 104. In the situation of Figure 6B the weight structure 108 may be pressed onto the seal 620 of the lower end inner surface 622, 624. This is provided by moving either the cylinder 104 or the weight structure 08. The lower end inner surface is at each particular time the end inner surface 622, 624 that is lower than the second end inner surface 622, 624, i.e. closer to the centre of the earth. Thus, the fluid 120 inside the cylinder 104 may be discharged, via a transfer channel 626, from between the lower end inner surface 622, 624 and the weight structure 108 either outside the cylinder 104 or onto the side of the cylinder 104. The transfer channel 626 may comprise a pipe and a valve that prevents the fluid from flowing back. Moving the weight structure 108 onto the seal 620 and discharging the fluid 120 are intended to eliminate the pressure caused by the fluid 120 on the lower surface between the weight structure 108 and the seal 620. In that case the buoyancy does not act inside the cylinder 104 on the weight structure 108. When the weight structure 108 is moved downwardly, an opening is created between the weight structure 108 and the seal 620 in the upper end part of the cylinder 104. In that case the fluid 120 may flow freely from the side of the cylinder 104 into the interspace between the upper end inner surface 624, 622 of the cylinder 104 and the weight structure 108. When the weight structure 108 is in contact with the seal 620 of the lower end inner surface 622, 624, the locking between the cylinder 104 and the second weight structure 110 may be released for the vertical movement, whereby the cylinder 104 goes downwardly lifting the second weight structure 110 upwardly. The vertical movement being completed, the interspace between the seal 620 and the weight structure 108 may be opened on the lower end inner surface 622, 624, whereby the interspace between the seal 620 and the weight structure 108 on the upper end inner surface 622, 624 is closed. Thus the buoyancy of the weight structure 108 inside the cylinder 108 starts acting. Thereafter, the locking of the apparatus for rotation may be released, whereby both the cylinder 104 with its weight structure 108 and the second weight structure 110 with optional cylinder 200 rotate with respect to the axle 102. Thereafter, the sequence may be repeated, and a new revolution will be provided. [0067] In a general case, it is possible to supply energy to the apparatus for providing movements and rotations. The need for energy is considerably small, however, because the components of the apparatus are balanced in relation to one another and the buoyant force is utilized to cancel out gravitational forces caused by the masses.

[0068] Figure 6B shows a weight arrangement that comprises several weight elements 600, 602, 604 in a cylinder 606, which may represent a closed cylinder 104 or an open cylinder 200. The multi-part weight arrangement may affect the centre of gravity of the weight arrangement with respect to the axle 102, if the weight elements 600 to 604 are unevenly distributed in the cylinder 506 or if the weight elements 600 to 604 have different densities.

[0069] Figure 7 is a side view of the apparatus. This embodiment employs two crosswise mounted counterweight systems 100 that operate in water. In a general case, there may be one or more counterweight systems. In an embodiment the crosswise mounted counterweight systems 100 have a closed housing, i.e. frame 700. The frame 700 is sealed and does not let a surrounding fluid inside the apparatus. Inside the frame 700 there may be sections 702, 704 which are mutually separated by partition walls and of which the sections 702 contain air and the sections 704 contain water. Sectioning reduces water motion inside the frame and thus the water will participate in the rotational movement. The ends of the cylinders 04, 200 extend into water, outside the frame 700. In an embodiment all sections 702, 704 contain water. Thus is obtained a flywheel that has a constant rotational speed in a wide loading range.

[0070] Figure 8 shows a solution that is otherwise the same as in Figure 7, but in this solution the frame 700 extends up to the edges of the counterweight systems. In that case the ends of the cylinders 104, 200 are not outside the frame 700.

[0071] Figure 9 shows an embodiment which employs a plurality of nested frames 900, 902. The counterweight systems 100 extend, however, into the water outside the apparatus. Between the outermost frame 900 and an inner frame there is water. The inner frame is filled with air whose pressure may correspond to the pressure of water outside the apparatus.

[0072] Figure 10 shows an application of the presented solution. The axle 102 of the apparatus 1000 shown in Figures 1 to 9 may be coupled, for instance, to a converter 1002 that changes rotational speed. Thereafter the shaft 1004 of the converter 1002 may be connected to a machine 1006, which may be a pump, for instance, that carries out a desired operation. A pump may pump various liquids or gases. The machine 1006 may also be a generator, which may produce electricity. In an embodiment the converter 1002 is not necessarily needed, but the axle 102 may be connected directly to the machine 1006. The presented embodiments enable a large amount of work to be performed with little energy. For instance, if the size of the apparatus is such that the weight structures of the counterweight system mutually move 0 metres in the vertical direction and the buoyancy is designed to be e.g. 10000 Newtons, a mass of 1000 kgs can be lifted more than 10 metres with an energy corresponding to a conventional sewing machine, or even less. Even in that case, the actual lifting does not necessarily consume energy at all, but energy is required for the control of the apparatus to actuate the lifting.

[0073] Figure 1 is a flowchart of a general method. The apparatus comprises an axle 102 and at least one counterweight system 100, each of which comprises two weight systems 10, 20, of which the first weight system 10 comprises a closed cylinder 104 and therein a weight structure (108) and a movable fluid 120, 122 and the second weight system 20 comprises a weight structure 110 and a transmission mechanism 112 between the weight systems 10, 20. One weight structure 108, 110 weighs more than the other weight structure 110. In step 1100 the heavier weight structure 108, 110 is allowed to go downwardly by the effect of gravitation. In step 1102 the second weight structure 110, 108 is moved upwardly by the transmission mechanism 112 while the heavier weight structure 108, 110 goes downwardly. In step 1104 the movable fluid 120, 122 is shifted inside the cylinder 104 in the vertical direction by means of the vertical movement of the heavier weight structure 108, 110, whereby the shift of the movable fluid 120, 122 produces a torque on the axle 102 and enables a counterweight system 100 to rotate with respect to the axle 102.

[0074] Figure 12 is a flow chart of the method in which different weight structures are in contact with different fluids. The method employs the axle 102 and at least one counterweight system 100, each of which comprises a closed cylinder 104, a transfer channel 106, two piston-like weight structures 108, 110 and a transmission mechanism 112. Different weight structures 108, 110 are placed in different fluids 120, 122 having different densities. One of said weight structures 108 is placed in said closed cylinder 104 that contains one fluid 120, 122 present in one or both ends 114, 116 of the cylinder 104, on either one side or both sides of said one weight structure 108. The weight structures 108, 110 are arranged to perform rotational motion with respect to said axle 102 and to produce torques in opposite directions with respect to the axle 102. In step 1200 of the method, the weight structure 108, 110, which is placed in the fluid 120 having higher density, is allowed to go downwardly by the effect of gravitation. As a result, in step 1202 the weight structure 108, 110, which is placed in the fluid 122 having lower density, is transferred upwardly by the transmission mechanism 112 in such a way that the torque of the weight structures 108, 110 remains constant with respect to the axle 102. In step 1204, the weight structure 108, which is placed in said closed cylinder 104, transfers the fluid 120, 122 inside the cylinder 104 from one end 116 of the cylinder 104 to the other end 114 along the transfer channel 106. In step 1206, the fluid 120, 122 inside the cylinder 104 is allowed to produce a torque providing rotational motion with respect to the axle 102.

[0075] Figure 13 is a flow chart of the method in which the weight structures are in contact with the same fluid. The method employs an apparatus that comprises an axle 102 and at least one counterweight system 100, each of which comprises two closed cylinders 104, 200, two transfer channels 106, 206, two piston-like weight structures 108, 1 0 and a transmission mechanism 112.

[0076] The weight structures 108, 110 are placed in cylinders 104, 200, which contain a fluid 122 the density of which is lower than that of the fluid outside the apparatus.

[0077] The weight structures 108, 110 are arranged to perform rotational motion with respect to said axle 102 and to produce torques in opposite directions with respect to the axle 102.

[0078] The transmission mechanism 112 is arranged to shift the weight structures 108, 10 in opposite directions to one another, transversely to the longitudinal direction of the axle 102, in such a way that the torque of the weight structures 108, 110 remains constant with respect to the axle 102. In step 300 of the method, the weight structure 08 is allowed to go downwardly in its cylinder 104 by the effect of gravitation. As a result, in step 1302 the second weight structure 110 is transferred upwardly in the cylinder 200 by the transmission mechanism 112. In step 1304, the fluid 122 inside the cylinders 104, 200 is transferred by the weight structures 108, 110, while they move, from one end 116, 216 of the cylinder 104, 200 to the other end 114, 214 along the transfer channels 106, 206. In step 1306, the fluid 122 inside the cylinder 200 is allowed to produce a torque providing rotational motion with respect to the axle 102.

[0079] Even though the invention has been described above with reference to the examples according to the attached drawings, it is clear that the invention is not restricted thereto but may be modified in many ways within the scope of the accompanying claims.