Abstract: A propeller blade pitch control system includes a propeller hub for mounting at least one propeller blade, and a propeller shaft which rotates about an axis to rotationally drive the propeller hub. A pitch change yoke located within the propeller hub is configured to change a pitch of the at least one propeller blade in response to hydraulic fluid flow to a pitch change actuator. A propeller gearbox includes a first, rear end and a second, forward end located between the first, rear end and the pitch change yoke, and is configured to apply torque to the propeller hub. A hydraulic transfer bearing located between the first, rear end and the second, forward end of the propeller gearbox is operable to selectively permit a flow of hydraulic fluid from at least one hydraulic flow controller to the pitch change actuator.

Abstract: A propeller system includes a rotor hub which supports a multiple of propeller blades. An electrical generator is mounted between a gearbox and the rotor hub to generate electrical power to drive a pitch change system within the rotor hub.

Abstract: A propeller system includes a propeller hub which supports a multiple of propeller blades. A tailshaft extends from a propeller hub portion of the propeller hub along an axis of rotation with a propeller pitch change yoke mounted within the propeller hub for movement along an axis of rotation to change a pitch of the multiple of propeller blades, the propeller pitch change yoke in sliding engagement with the tailshaft.

Abstract: A propeller blade device used in environments where a propeller system is subjected to blade erosion and wear and may also be subjected to an axial force from water. The propeller blade includes a blade tip mounted on its outer end using a mounting device such as nuts and bolts to form a junction there between. The tip may easily be replaced when worn or damaged without removing the blade. The tip is designed to fracture upon impact with an axial force before transmitting the force radially inward to the propeller blade.

Abstract: A propulsion system for an airship or hybrid aircraft includes a propeller and a pivot mechanism connected to the propeller. The pivot mechanism enables the propeller to pivot around a first pivot axis between a maneuver thruster position and an emergency ballonet fill position. Under normal conditions, when the propulsion system is disposed in the maneuver thruster position, the pivot mechanism also enables the propeller to pivot around a second pivot axis to control the attitude and thrust of the vehicle. However, in an emergency descent situation, the propeller may be rotated to the emergency ballonet fill position.

Abstract: A propeller blade device used in environments where a propeller system is subjected to blade erosion and wear and may also be subjected to an axial force from water. The propeller blade includes a blade tip mounted on its outer end using a mounting device such as nuts and bolts to form a junction there between. The tip may easily be replaced when worn or damaged without removing the blade. The tip is designed to fracture upon impact with an axial force before transmitting the force radially inward to the propeller blade.

Abstract: A propeller system includes a rotor hub which supports a multiple of propeller blades. An electrical generator is mounted between a gearbox and the rotor hub to generate electrical power to drive a pitch change system within the rotor hub.

Abstract: A propeller blade pitch control system includes a propeller hub for mounting at least one propeller blade, and a propeller shaft which rotates about an axis to rotationally drive the propeller hub. A pitch change yoke located within the propeller hub is configured to change a pitch of the at least one propeller blade in response to hydraulic fluid flow to a pitch change actuator. A propeller gearbox includes a first, rear end and a second, forward end located between the first, rear end and the pitch change yoke, and is configured to apply torque to the propeller hub. A hydraulic transfer bearing located between the first, rear end and the second, forward end of the propeller gearbox is operable to selectively permit a flow of hydraulic fluid from at least one hydraulic flow controller to the pitch change actuator.

Abstract: A propeller system includes a propeller hub which supports a multiple of propeller blades. A tailshaft extends from a propeller hub portion of the propeller hub along an axis of rotation with a propeller pitch change yoke mounted within the propeller hub for movement along an axis of rotation to change a pitch of the multiple of propeller blades, the propeller pitch change yoke in sliding engagement with the tailshaft.

Abstract: A propulsion system for an airship or hybrid aircraft includes a propeller and a pivot mechanism connected to the propeller. The pivot mechanism enables the propeller to pivot around a first pivot axis between a maneuver thruster position and an emergency ballonet fill position. Under normal conditions, when the propulsion system is disposed in the maneuver thruster position, the pivot mechanism also enables the propeller to pivot around a second pivot axis to control the attitude and thrust of the vehicle. However, in an emergency descent situation, the propeller may be rotated to the emergency ballonet fill position.

Abstract: A wind turbine assembly with a driving device for raising and lowering a wind turbine between a lower end and an upper end of a wind turbine tower comprises a guide member extending longitudinally along the outer surface of the tower, a sleeve member coupled to the wind turbine, and means for raising and lowering the sleeve member between the upper end and the lower end of the tower along the guide member. The sleeve member has an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the tower, and is slidably coupled to the tower. The sleeve member also includes a slot configured to engage with the guide member.

Abstract: A wind turbine assembly with a driving device for raising and lowering a wind turbine between a lower end and an upper end of a wind turbine tower comprises a guide member extending longitudinally along the outer surface of the tower, a sleeve member coupled to the wind turbine, and means for raising and lowering the sleeve member between the upper end and the lower end of the tower along the guide member. The sleeve member has an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the tower, and is slidably coupled to the tower. The sleeve member also includes a slot configured to engage with the guide member.

Abstract: A propeller control generates a once per revolution (1P) blade thrust variation through cyclic pitch of rigidly mounted non-flapping propeller blades. The resultant shaft bending moment is used to provide aircraft attitude control. Axial translation of a pitch change assembly including a pitch change yoke along an axis of rotation drives a pitch link attached to each propeller blade to collectively change the propeller blade pitch angle. The pitch change yoke includes a translating pitch change yoke portion and an articulatable pitch change yoke portion. Deflection of the articulatable pitch change yoke portion changes the pitch change effect of each pitch link as a function of its angular position such that a sinusoidal pitch angle is superimposed on normal pitch angle. Cyclic pitch change actuators deflect the articulatable pitch change yoke portion in any angular direction while the linear deflection of the cyclic pitch change actuators generate the magnitude of the cyclic pitch.

Abstract: A propeller control system provides for actuation through supply pressure only. A transfer bearing thereby requires only a single land. The supply pressure is metered at a pitch change valve within the rotating propeller shaft downstream of the transfer bearing to provide hydraulic pressure for actuation and control. A feather override mode is provided by energizing a feathering solenoid. The increased supply pressure changes the hydraulic force balance of the pitch change valve to allow the increased supply pressure into a Coarse Pitch chamber and simultaneously allow fluid within the Fine Pitch chamber to flow to drain pressure. The flow to drain changes the hydraulic balance on the Pitch Change Actuator Piston to drive a pitch link attached to each propeller blade and thereby change the pitch thereof towards coarse pitch.

Abstract: A propeller control system provides for actuation through supply pressure only. A transfer bearing thereby requires only a single land. The supply pressure is metered at a pitch change valve within the rotating propeller shaft downstream of the transfer bearing to provide hydraulic pressure for actuation and control. A feather override mode is provided by energizing a feathering solenoid. The increased supply pressure changes the hydraulic force balance of the pitch change valve to allow the increased supply pressure into a Coarse Pitch chamber and simultaneously allow fluid within the Fine Pitch chamber to flow to drain pressure. The flow to drain changes the hydraulic balance on the Pitch Change Actuator Piston to drive a pitch link attached to each propeller blade and thereby change the pitch thereof towards coarse pitch.

Abstract: A blade angle feedback system for use with a propulsion system having a plurality of angularly adjustable blades, wherein each of the blades has an axis of rotation and is rotatable about the axis of rotation through a plurality of blade angles. The system includes a mechanism for indicating blade angle position of each of the sensed blades. The mechanism for indicating is movable through the plurality of blade angles with the blades, wherein the mechanism for indicating has a plurality of identities depending on and indicative of the blade angle. Mechanisms for designating a plurality of reference positions on the blades of the propulsion system and relative the mechanism for indicating are also provided.