Abstract: A propeller assembly of an aircraft includes a hub, a plurality of propeller blades extending from the hub and secured thereto and a propeller blade pitch change system located at at least one propeller blade of the plurality of propeller blades. The propeller blade pitch change system includes a pitch change actuator located in the propeller blade, and a drive mechanism operably connected to the pitch change actuator and to the propeller blade to urge rotation of the propeller blade about a propeller blade axis.

Abstract: A propeller assembly of an aircraft includes a hub, a plurality of propeller blades extending from the hub and secured thereto and a propeller blade pitch change system located at at least one propeller blade of the plurality of propeller blades. The propeller blade pitch change system includes a pitch change actuator located in the propeller blade, and a drive mechanism operably connected to the pitch change actuator and to the propeller blade to urge rotation of the propeller blade about a propeller blade axis.

Abstract: A hub for mounting propeller blades has a plurality of mount locations for receiving propeller blades at a radially outer location. The hub has a piloting diameter centered on a center axis. The hub has a plurality of openings to receive a drive member for transmitting rotation/torque from an adapter. There are reliefs cut into the piloting diameter at locations circumferentially aligned with the openings.

Abstract: A ball bearing assembly including a plurality of ball bearings and one or more ball separators. Each of the ball separators comprises two pockets, each pocket including a contact surface formed having a shape complementary to the shape of the ball bearings, with one or more lubrication channels formed therein. The pockets also include a secondary surface formed to maintain a gap between one of the ball bearings and the secondary surface when arranged in the circular groove. The presence of the lubrication channels enhances lubrication and reduces the contact area between the ball separators and the ball bearings.

Abstract: A hub for mounting propeller blades has a plurality of mount locations for receiving propeller blades at a radially outer location. The hub has a piloting diameter centered on a center axis. The hub has a plurality of openings to receive a drive member for transmitting rotation/torque from an adapter. There are reliefs cut into the piloting diameter at locations circumferentially aligned with the openings.

Abstract: A pressure relief device for preventing over pressurization of a propeller hub is disclosed. The pressure relief device is designed to fit within a ball hole opening in the hub arm of the hub. The pressure relief device includes a housing which sealably interfaces with an inner wall of the ball loading hole opening and a diaphragm which sealably interfaces with the housing. The diaphragm is designed to rupture at a design pressure thus venting the hub cavity.

Abstract: A propeller blade retention assembly for use with a propeller having a hub rotatable about a propeller axis, is disclosed. The assembly includes a blade receiver for mounting the blade to the hub and an internal surface of a hub arm for interfacing the receiver with the hub. The receiver is positioned in the hub arm and is non-integral with the blade and the hub arm internal surface. A retention mechanism is used for retaining the blade receiver to the hub arm while allowing relative rotatable motion therebetween. A preload device is provided for preloading the retention mechanism prior to centrifugal loading during propeller blade operation. The blade is separable from the blade receiver without disturbing the operability of the retention mechanism.