Techniques for movement through gas or liquid or liquid without a velocity boundary layer

Abstract

A technique of generating a flow from a gas. The technique includes the steps of selecting molecules from the gas on a nanoscopic or microscopic scale, and generating the flow from the selected molecules. The gas can be air. In one embodiment, the molecules are selected based on the direction of movement of the molecules. In another embodiment, the molecules are selected based on the velocities (i.e., direction and speed) of the molecules. Also, devices that implement the technique.

1 - 29 . (canceled)  
     
     
         30 . A method of moving a surface through a gas or liquid, comprising: 
 disposing nanoscopic or microscopic blades or edges on or in the surface; and    moving the surface through the gas or liquid;    whereby the gas or liquid at the surface lacks a velocity boundary layer.    
     
     
         31 . A method as in  claim 30 , wherein the surface moves through the gas or liquid at a velocity comparable to a mean thermal velocity of the molecules in the gas or liquid.  
     
     
         32 . A method as in  claim 30 , wherein the gas or liquid is air.  
     
     
         33 . A method as in  claim 30 , wherein the surface is a rotating structure.  
     
     
         34 . A method as in  claim 30 , wherein the surface moves linearly through the gas or liquid.  
     
     
         35 . A method as in  claim 30 , wherein the blades or edges are formed from microscopic or nanoscopic holes in the surface.  
     
     
         36 . A method as in  claim 30 , wherein the blades or edges are funnel shaped.  
     
     
         37 . A method as in  claim 30 , wherein baffles separate groups of the blades.  
     
     
         38 . A device, comprising: 
 a surface; and    nanoscopic or microscopic blades or edges on or in the surface;    wherein when the surface moves through a gas or liquid, the gas or liquid at the surface lacks a velocity boundary layer.    
     
     
         39 . A device as in  claim 38 , wherein the surface moves through the gas or liquid at a velocity comparable to a mean thermal velocity of the molecules in the gas or liquid.  
     
     
         40 . A device as in  claim 38 , wherein the gas or liquid is air.  
     
     
         41 . A device as in  claim 38 , wherein the surface is a rotating structure.  
     
     
         42 . A device as in  claim 38 , wherein the surface moves linearly through the gas or liquid.  
     
     
         43 . A device as in  claim 38 , wherein the blades or edges are formed from microscopic or nanoscopic holes in the surface.  
     
     
         44 . A device as in  claim 38 , wherein the blades or edges are funnel shaped.  
     
     
         45 . A device as in  claim 38 , wherein baffles separate groups of the blades.