Radially Extensible Or Retractible Rotor Working Member Patents (Class 416/87)
  • Patent number: 11421650
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to towerless vertical-axis wind turbines with pre-tensioned rotors. The present disclosure is further directed to a vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) with supported blade ends (e.g., Darrieus type) which replaces the center tower with tensioned supports, such as tensioned guy wires, and blade pre-load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon L. Ennis, Joshua Paquette
  • Patent number: 11370533
    Abstract: A collapsible flying device is provided having a housing including first and second housing sections forming an enclosure, and a motorized assembly that includes a drive motor and a drive shaft driven by the drive motor. The drive shaft matingly receives the first housing section and is coupled to the second housing section, wherein operation of the drive motor drives the drive shaft to move the first housing section from a closed position adjacent the second housing section to an open position spaced from the second housing section. A rotor hub is rotatingly driven by the drive motor. At least two rotor blades are coupled thereto and positioned within the enclosure in a collapsed position when the first housing section is in the closed position, and extend beyond the enclosure in an expanded position when the first housing section is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: SPIN MASTER LTD.
    Inventors: Daryl R. Tearne, Robert M. O'Brien, Charles Sink
  • Patent number: 11203421
    Abstract: A proprotor system for a ducted aircraft includes a duct and proprotor blades surrounded by the duct. Each proprotor blade is rotatable about a respective pitch change axis. The proprotor blades are configured to change collective pitch about the pitch change axes. The proprotor blades are extendable along the pitch change axes into various positions including a retracted position and an extended position. The proprotor blades change between the retracted position and the extended position based on the collective pitch of the proprotor blades, thereby controlling a tip gap between the proprotor blades and the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Andrew Knoll, George Matthew Thompson, Nicholas Ralph Carlson
  • Patent number: 11118574
    Abstract: A method is provided for installing a jointed rotor blade of a wind turbine. A second section is positioned in a six o'clock position. At least one lifting line is routed through the second section radially inward of an inner surface of the section. A first end of the lifting line is coupled to a first section and a second end of the lifting line is coupled to a power source positioned within at least one of a or a nacelle of the wind turbine. The first section of the jointed rotor blade is lifted toward the second section by driving the lifting line via the power source. The first section and the second section are lined gather at a chordwise joint and coupled at the chordwise joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Jonathon Paul Baker
  • Patent number: 11022138
    Abstract: A fixture mount assembly for coupling with a support includes a fixture mount configured for mounting one or more fixtures on a support. The fixture mount includes a fixture body surrounding a wiring cavity, and one or more fixture coupling features extending from the fixture body. A grasping clamp is coupled with the fixture body. The grasping clamp is configured to grasp the support in an installed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: L70 Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Bingham Koonce, Jonathan Owen Soucoup
  • Patent number: 10856654
    Abstract: Disclosed is a portable workstation apparatus including a flat workbench having a top surface and a bottom surface, the workbench having a proximal end and a distal end. A rod is detachably coupled to the distal end of the workbench. A pair of rails is coupled to the bottom side of the workbench and a sink unit is slidably mounted to the pair of rails. A dispenser is coupled to the proximal end of the workbench, wherein the dispenser and the rod upstands on the ground for supporting the workbench at a predetermined height, the dispenser configured to make ice cubes. A storage unit is mounted on the dispenser. An umbrella having a canopy and a shaft, is coupled to the storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventors: Richard McDonald, Curt Schlager
  • Patent number: 10851798
    Abstract: A linear actuator for use with a fan with deployable fan blades to deploy the fan blades when in use and stow the fan blades when not in use. The linear actuator utilizes a drive element having a driver that moves linearly along a shaft of the linear actuator. Linear movement of the driver causes radial movement of arms connected to the linear actuator and the fan blades. Radial movement of the arms causes rotational movement of gears attached to the ends of the fan blades to cause the fan blades to rotate into the deployed or stowed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: SWISS MODULE GROUP LLC
    Inventors: William P. Conley, Rodger D. Thomason, Ricardo Garivaldo Lopez
  • Patent number: 10837458
    Abstract: This invention is a specially designed fans that would feature adjustable blades that would Provide a way of easy cleaning and maintenance it is for all types of fans ceiling fans, box Fans, industrial fans, outdoor AC unit fans, oscillating fans, and individual hospital room fans. Hinged blades can be angled down for easy cleaning and maintenance this is a new improved Fans made up of five assemblies which is a set of blades, a hub, a set of latches, a set of Hinges, a set of latch studs. Fans get so filthy and have been difficult to clean for a century. Now the negative impact filth and dirt have on people with allergies, asthma, colds, emphysema And respiratory problems has been solved with the Break-Away/Easy Clean Non-Detachable Fans forever, history has changed for the new innovative industry of the Break-Away/Easy Clean Non-Detachable Fans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Inventor: Leona Teresa Proctor
  • Patent number: 10800519
    Abstract: A collapsible flying device is provided having a housing including first and second housing sections forming an enclosure, and a motorized assembly that includes a drive motor and a drive shaft driven by the drive motor. The drive shaft matingly receives the first housing section and is coupled to the second housing section, wherein operation of the drive motor drives the drive shaft to move the first housing section from a closed position adjacent the second housing section to an open position spaced from the second housing section. A rotor hub is rotatingly driven by the drive motor. At least two rotor blades are coupled thereto and positioned within the enclosure in a collapsed position when the first housing section is in the closed position, and extend beyond the enclosure in an expanded position when the first housing section is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: SPIN MASTER LTD.
    Inventors: Daryl R. Tearne, Robert M. O'Brien, Charles Sink
  • Patent number: 10506873
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved table structure, which comprises: a central post, formed as a straight post and composed by plural insertion posts, the top thereof is formed with a head portion, and a power cable is provided inside the central post for being connected to a power source; a table stand, installed at the bottom of the central post, formed in a gradually expanded state; a first layer of table surface, fastened at a proper location on the central post, the center thereof is formed with a through hole; and at least two layers of rotary plates, respectively installed at the portion of the central post defined above the first layer of table surface and at a proper location on the central post defined above the lower layer of rotary plate, the center thereof is formed with a through hole corresponding to the insertion post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Inventor: Kun-Yu Hung
  • Patent number: 10407160
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a rotor blade. The rotor blade may comprise a plurality of blade segments; one or more attachment fittings for coupling the plurality of blade segments; and one or more actuators for adjusting an orientation of the plurality of blade segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: Benjamin A. Goldman
  • Patent number: 9926916
    Abstract: The invention concerns a monitored component connection comprising a first component forming a holding portion, a second component forming a receiving portion, and a connecting portion which holds the second component to the first component in the connected condition, wherein the connecting portion engages into a connection receiving means of the receiving portion. According to the invention it is proposed that for monitoring for an unwanted connection weakness in the component connection in the connected condition the connection receiving means can be acted upon with a testing pressure, and the testing pressure can be monitored for a defect deviation which is sufficient to indicate a connection weakness in the component connection in the connected condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventors: Torsten Jepsen, Ralf Kelling
  • Patent number: 9352832
    Abstract: The system may include a ground station, a tether attached to a ground station on a first end and to two or more bridles on a second, and a kite. The kite may include a main wing. Each bridle of the two or more bridles may be attached to the main wing, and the two or more bridles may be adapted to provide a torque on the kite to control a roll of the kite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Damon Vander Lind
  • Patent number: 9255567
    Abstract: Two-bladed vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) have many efficiency advantages over turbines with other numbers of blades. Principles for making them in the ideal fashion are presented for both drag and lift configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Leviathan Energy Wind Lotus Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel Farb, Joe Van Zwaren, Avner Farkash, Ken Kolman
  • Patent number: 9255584
    Abstract: There is provided a combined ceiling fan and light fitting (10) having blades (1-4) that when the ceiling fan is not in use retract and are stowed above an enclosure (12) containing a light emitting device and that when the fan is in use are extended under centrifugal force. The blades are formed in such a way as to both stow compactly above the enclosure and provide reasonable aerodynamic performance. Each blade partially overlies a neighbouring blade when in its stowed position and the blades are so formed as to permit such stacking while limiting the overall height of the assemblage of stowed blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: BEACON LIGHTING INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Joe Villella
  • Publication number: 20150086365
    Abstract: A retractable rotor blade assembly includes a rotor hub assembly having a rotor hub wall, a pitch disc mounted to the rotor hub wall for undergoing rotation about a longitudinal axis, and retractable rotor blades configured to be extended and retracted relative to the rotor hub assembly. Each of the rotor blades has an interlink assembly, a blade base, and a damper for dampening movement of the interlink assembly during extension and retraction of the rotor blade. The interlink assembly includes a plurality of interconnected link base subassemblies each configured to be translated along a span of the rotor blade such that each subsequent link base subassembly becomes stacked one atop the other while remaining connected to a next link base subassembly. The blade base is interconnected between the pitch disc of the rotor hub assembly and one of the interconnected link base subassemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: ESTEBAN A. CARABALLOSO
  • Patent number: 8985948
    Abstract: A fluid turbine comprises a rotor rotatable in use about an axis transverse to the direction of fluid flow, the rotor having a first part carrying a plurality of arcuate blades that may be arranged selectably in compact straight shapes or in arcuate shapes and a second part journalled in a base structure by two or more bearings. Another aspect of the invention discloses an installation frame, devised to support the turbine or other elongated structures in a folded arrangement for transportation on a trailer, and to support assembly and erection thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Clean Green Energy LLC
    Inventors: Rupert Stephen Tull de Salis, Bryan Joseph Zaplitny
  • Patent number: 8956115
    Abstract: A rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine, and a method for installing a rotor blade assembly on a wind turbine, are disclosed. The rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having exterior surfaces defining an aerodynamic profile including a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The rotor blade further extends in a generally span-wise direction between a root and a tip. The rotor blade assembly further includes a blade extension extending in the generally span-wise direction from the root towards the tip, and a plurality of connection devices connecting the blade extension to the rotor blade. Each of the plurality of connection devices includes a mechanical fastener extending through the root in the generally span-wise direction for connecting the rotor blade to a hub of the wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Robert Tobin, Aaron John Mashue
  • Publication number: 20150016996
    Abstract: A rotor blade includes a first rotor blade section, a second rotor blade section, a control device, and a reset device. The control device is configured to displace the first rotor blade section and the second rotor blade section relative to each other so as to form a telescopic rotor blade which can adopt a minimum position, an intermediate position or a maximum position. The reset device is configured so that, when the control device experiences a functional limitation, the telescopic rotor blade assumes the minimum position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Rolf Rohden
  • Publication number: 20140308124
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a propeller of a contra-rotation open fan (CROF) engine of an aircraft is provided. A diameter of the propeller is set to be at a first diameter during at least a portion of a first flight condition of the aircraft. The diameter of the propeller is set to be at a second diameter, different from the first diameter, during at least a portion of a second flight condition of the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Matthew David Moore, Kelly L. Boren, Robin Blair Langtry
  • Patent number: 8851841
    Abstract: A ceiling fan comprising an electric motor that drives a circular plate, the circular plate has three or four equally spaced quadrants positioned adjacent its periphery each quadrant is secured to the plate to be pivotal thereto to provide limited acuate movement about the pivot axis, each quadrant having a fan blade secured thereto, the acuate movement of each quadrant being confined from a first position where the blades are within the periphery of the plate to a second position where the blades extend radially outwardly at the plate, each quadrant being attached to the plate by a coil spring which urges the quadrant into the first position, each quadrant being directly joined to the adjacent quadrant by a rigid tie bar so that any movement of one quadrant causes the same movement of all the other quadrants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Martec Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Cristian Victor Care
  • Patent number: 8784057
    Abstract: A disc rotor blade retraction system includes a main blade spar incorporating a hydraulic cylinder and having a screw thread. A ball screw is concentrically carried within the main blade spar and is operably connected to a ball nut which has an outboard end connected to an intermediate spar with a hydraulic piston received for reciprocation in the hydraulic cylinder. A first geared actuator engages the ball screw and a second geared actuator engages the main blade spar screw thread. A hydraulic fluid accumulator providing pressurized hydraulic fluid is connected to an outboard end of the hydraulic cylinder and a controller actuates the first and second geared actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Daniel M. Podgurski
  • Publication number: 20140193260
    Abstract: A radial pump for water has a drive motor, a pump chamber and an impeller revolving in the pump chamber. The impeller has a plurality of impeller blades which are designed, at least in regions, to be elastic and have a fixed mounting arranged in a region located near the impeller axis of rotation. They can bend elastically radially outward from this fixed mounting counter to a spring force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: E.G.O. ELEKTRO-GERAETEBAU GMBH
    Inventors: Volker Block, Tobias Albert
  • Patent number: 8770935
    Abstract: A propeller arrangement has a first propeller assembly providing a row of first propellers, and a second propeller assembly, rearward of the first propeller assembly, providing a row of second propellers. The first and second propellers are radially extendable and retractable. The propeller arrangement further has a control system for controlling the extension and retraction of the first and second propellers. The control system is arranged such that when the propellers of one of the first and second propeller assemblies extend, the propellers of the other of the first and second assemblies retract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Alexander V. Lavrenko
  • Patent number: 8613596
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique turbomachinery device, a non-limiting example of which is a gas turbine engine. Another embodiment is a unique vane assembly for a turbomachinery device. Another embodiment is a unique seal assembly for a vane of a turbomachinery device. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for turbomachinery devices, and for vane assemblies and seal assemblies for turbomachinery devices. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventor: Theodore J. Fritsch
  • Patent number: 8579587
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing the vibration of a lift and propulsion rotor (5) of a rotorcraft (1), the rotor having a plurality of airfoil assemblies (10) that perform rotary movement around a drive axis (AX) of the rotor (5), each airfoil assembly (10) comprising a blade (20) extending longitudinally from a root (22) suitable for being fastened to hinge means (4) of a hub (6) of said rotor (5) to a free end (21), a first distance (D1) extending between said free end (21) and said hinge means (4). In the method, said first distance (D1) is caused to vary cyclically so that the projection (TR) of the center of gravity (Cg) of a blade (20) on a horizontal plane (P) perpendicular to said drive axis (AX) and containing said hinge means (4) describes a circle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventor: Gilles Herpin
  • Publication number: 20130251529
    Abstract: An extendable/retractable rotor for vertical lift has plural rotor blades, each with a rotor hub assembly, blade top and bottom hinged casings and a pitch disc rotateable about its longitudinal axis to change the rotor blade pitch angle. An interlink assembly has a blade base, a link base subassembly of top and bottom link hubs, two locking arms, a retracting reel assembly having exterior and interior rotor axles, a breaking actuator having plural outer breaking notches, plural recoiling spools forming a reel cage and a locking mechanism preventing blade retraction. A helical ribbon assembly with plural sequentially overlapped ribbons has pin restraints, plural layers each helically wound around the interlink assembly and a flexible and elastic sleeve of plural elastic ribs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: ESTEBAN A CARABALLOSO
  • Publication number: 20130251528
    Abstract: A compressor rotor includes a rotor body mounting a disk supporting an array of blades on a radially outer surface of the disk in a primary flow path. A radially inner portion of the disk is formed with an annular array of radially extending vanes adapted to move cooling air flowing in a secondary flow path from a radially-inward direction to an axial direction at a substantially center portion of said disk. Some of said radially-extending vanes have relatively longer radial lengths and some of the radially extending vanes having relatively shorter radial lengths to thereby provide a sufficient flow area while also lessening the formation of vortices along the vanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Eric David ROUSH, Suresh SHANKARANARAYANA RAO, Andrew Clifford HART
  • Publication number: 20130251583
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a rotor for hydraulic motor comprising a plurality of vanes spacedly apart inserted into a plurality of vane slots formed on the rotor respectively, at least one groove is provided in outer edge of the rotor between the neighboring vanes, and extending inside along the axial direction of the rotor. wherein the groove has a first inner side and a opposite second inner side, and the first inner side of the groove is comb teeth-shaped. The rotor and the hydraulic motor using the rotor according to the present invention increases force bearing area by providing grooves on the rotor, so as to increase power output, lower the manufacturing cost, reduce the moment of inertia, and improve the starting speed and rotating speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Kin Wa Chan
  • Publication number: 20130189103
    Abstract: A rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine, and a method for installing a rotor blade assembly on a wind turbine, are disclosed. The rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having exterior surfaces defining an aerodynamic profile including a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The rotor blade further extends in a generally span-wise direction between a root and a tip. The rotor blade assembly further includes a blade extension extending in the generally span-wise direction from the root towards the tip, and a plurality of connection devices connecting the blade extension to the rotor blade. Each of the plurality of connection devices includes a mechanical fastener extending through the root in the generally span-wise direction for connecting the rotor blade to a hub of the wind turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: James Robert Tobin, Aaron John Mashue
  • Patent number: 8479581
    Abstract: A device for measuring fluid pressure, includes at least one flexible layer having a first surface adapted for fixing the layer to a structure, and having a second surface having at least one recess; at least one pressure sensor, provided in the at least one recess; and at least two wires connected to the at least one pressure sensor for connecting the at least one pressure sensor to a signal receiving unit. Further, a method for measuring fluid pressure is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andreas Herrig, Klaus Ulrich Koegler
  • Patent number: 8403641
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine blade tip and actuator assembly and method for controlling the speed of a wind turbine rotor blade. The invention consists of a moveable and turnable blade tip, an actuator assembly for turning the blade tip, control rods, cables and springs for controlling the blade tip, a magnet assembly for holding the blade tip in position and a hydraulic damping cylinder for controlling the rate at which the blade tip deploys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Lewis Gay
  • Patent number: 8292585
    Abstract: A fan device having simultaneously foldable blades includes a rotatable driving unit. A plurality of supporting frames extend outwardly from the driving unit, each supporting frame has a pivot mounted on one end thereof. A plurality of shells are respectively mounted on the supporting frames, each shell has a center hole defined therein. A plurality of blades are respectively disposed on the shells. Each blade has an assembling portion disposed thereon. Each assembling portion has a through hole defined therein. A plurality of coupling rods respectively positioned between every two adjacent shells. When the driving unit rotates, the shells synchronously rotate and driving the coupling rods to be moved for simultaneously driving the blades to retractably fold/unfold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Pan Air Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Wen Liu
  • Publication number: 20120195757
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertical axis turbine rotor blade arrangement for a wind power generator adapted to rotate around a vertical axis. The vertical axis turbine rotor blade arrangement comprises a rotor blade having a first and a second end and being pivotally connected to a pivot arm. The pivot arm has a first and a second end and is pivotally connected to a base member. The rotor blade is adapted to be displaced between an active position and a retracted position. The base member and the pivot arm defines a horizontal plane when the rotor blade is in the active position, the base member is rotateable around a pole, the pole is configured to extend in a first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: PAULIN MOTOR COMPANY AB
    Inventor: Daniel Paulin
  • Patent number: 8231347
    Abstract: Drive units for variable-length rotor blades are located so as to move mass closer to the center of a wind turbine rotor. In some cases, drive units are located within a root portion of a base blade of a blade assembly. In other cases, drive units are located outside of the blade assemblies. In some such cases, drive units are contained within separate couplers used to connect blade assemblies to a wind turbine rotor hub. In other cases, one or more drive units are located within a rotor hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Frontier Wind, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Dawson, Jack Wallace
  • Patent number: 8221078
    Abstract: Power and signals may be transmitted from a root portion of an extendable rotor blade to a moving tip portion using a slide block and a slide channel. The slide block is configured to fit within the slide channel and includes a conductive element that comes into contact with a conductive element of the slide channel. The tip portion may be attached to the slide block such that as the slide block moves along the slide channel, the tip portion is extended or retracted accordingly. The conductive elements may be fixed within each of the slide block and slide channel so that when the tip portion is retracted or extended, the conductive elements do not move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Frontier Wind, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Dawson, Jack Wallace
  • Patent number: 8206107
    Abstract: A wind turbine blade having a longitudinal axis is provided. The wind turbine blade includes a root portion and a tip portion. The root portion has a supported end and an unsupported end. The tip portion is configured to be slidably received within the unsupported end of the root portion. A transverse gap is defined between the root portion and the tip portion. A transition element is affixed to the unsupported end of the root portion such that the transition element at least partially bridges the transverse gap. The wind turbine blade may further include blade cleaning elements and/or sensing elements, particularly in the vicinity of the transition element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Frontier Wind, LLC
    Inventors: Mark H. Dawson, Jack Wallace
  • Publication number: 20120070282
    Abstract: A high torque vertical axis windmill that has blades with curved parts secured together. The second part of each blade is movable to deploy the maximum surface of the blade to the wind for maximum torque during a portion of the cycle of the blades. The second part of each blade is movable to a second position to deploy the minimum surface of the blade to the wind for minimum drag during another portion of the cycle of the blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Ghulam Murtaza Khan, SR., Ghulam Ahmad Khan, JR.
  • Patent number: 8133023
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing wind turbine damage includes a propeller having a plurality of blades projecting radially from a hub. The blades may be adjustably combined to form variable cross-sections that either increase or decrease propeller rotation speed dependent on wind speed and weather conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Elliott Reitz
  • Patent number: 8128361
    Abstract: A wind turbine may be controlled in a variety of manners to optimize operating parameters. In one arrangement, for example, the length or the pitch of a wind turbine rotor blade may be adjusted to avoid harmonic resonance frequencies. In another example, the length of a rotor blade may be modified to reduce noise or to optimize profits or both. The controls may be based on data from various types of sensors including accelerometers, sound meters, strain gauges and the like. Actuation of extendable rotor blades can rotate wind turbine rotors without wind or generator pulsing affording multiple advantages. A battery test control may also be used to determine the operational readiness of a battery useful for a variety of purposes in a turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Frontier Wind, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Dawson, Jack Wallace
  • Patent number: 8122586
    Abstract: A method for connecting a tension-torsion strap. The method includes sliding a sleeve into an arm of a hub; aligning holes in the sleeve with holes in the hub; installing a bushing in each aligned hole in the sleeve; sliding a first end of the tension-torsion strap through the sleeve; and placing a pin through the bushings and the tension-torsion strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Neal W. Muylaert, Lyndon Claudius Lamborn
  • Patent number: 8113778
    Abstract: A wind turbine blade stowage arrangement includes a first section of the wind turbine blade nested at least partially inside a second section of the wind turbine blade; and a conformable spacer, arranged between the first and second sections of the wind turbine blade, for positioning the first section inside the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jamie T. Livingston, Nicholas J. Tobergte
  • Patent number: 8029241
    Abstract: A wind turbine includes a plurality of rotor blades, with each blade having a root portion connected to a rotor hub and an airfoil portion extending radially outward from the rotor hub. The airfoil portion further includes a main foil section and a winglet pivotally connected to the main foil section so as to pivot from an in-line position wherein the rotor blade has a first sweep length to an articulated position wherein the rotor blade has a second sweep length. In the articulated position, the winglet may pivot to not more than 90 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the main foil section. A deployable sleeve may be connected to the winglet so as to extend between the winglet and the main foil section in the articulated position of the winglet. The sleeve is stowable within either or both of the main foil section or the winglet in the in-line position of the winglet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Edward Lee McGrath, David Samuel Pesetsky, Jing Wang
  • Patent number: 8021114
    Abstract: A self-adjusting blade for wind turbine generator or windmill will change width of blades according to wind speed to optimize efficiency. The windmill comprises a brace, rib tubes, cylinders, cylinder holders, hose holders, non-movable shells, and movable shells. The movable shells and rib tubes are organized like extendable antennas of portable radios. The movable shells are moved and held by cylinders. There are sets of hose holder for hoses and wires for cylinders. A micro-controller controls cylinders to move the movable shells according wind speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Guixian Lu
  • Patent number: 7985048
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a folding rotor blade for an autogyro device comprises a plurality of connected rotor members. When the folding rotor blade is in a compressed state the folding rotor blade has a compressed length, and some of the connected rotor members are disposed in a non-parallel arrangement. When the folding rotor blade is in an extended state the folding rotor blade has an extended length, which is greater than the compressed length, and the connected rotor members are disposed in a parallel arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Richard D. Jones
  • Publication number: 20110150645
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a propeller of a contra-rotation open fan (CROF) engine of an aircraft. A diameter of the propeller is set to be at a first diameter during at least a portion of a first flight condition of the aircraft. The diameter of the propeller is set to be at a second diameter, different from the first diameter, during at least a portion of a second flight condition of the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Matthew D. Moore, Kelly L. Boren, Robin B. Langtry
  • Publication number: 20100310374
    Abstract: An extendable blade structure includes an extender blade module and a base blade module. The extender blade module includes a carrier airfoil shell housing, an extender blade and an adjusting device for positioning the extender blade between a retracted position within the carrier airfoil shell and an extended position. The extender blade is provided with trailing edge flaps and a support structure between the trailing edge flaps. The flaps are urged together to form a trailing edge in the extended position. The carrier airfoil shell is provided with a carrier airfoil shell support structure and slots formed at upper and lower sides of the carrier airfoil shell support structure. Each slot is adapted to accommodate one of the flaps, the flaps being forced apart and guided into the slots by the carrier airfoil shell support structure in the retracted position of the extender blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: James G. P. Dehlsen
  • Publication number: 20100266408
    Abstract: Power and signals may be transmitted from a root portion of an extendable rotor blade to a moving tip portion using a slide block and a slide channel. The slide block is configured to fit within the slide channel and includes a conductive element that comes into contact with a conductive element of the slide channel. The tip portion may be attached to the slide block such that as the slide block moves along the slide channel, the tip portion is extended or retracted accordingly. The conductive elements may be fixed within each of the slide block and slide channel so that when the tip portion is retracted or extended, the conductive elements do not move.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: FRONTIER WIND, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Dawson, Jack Wallace
  • Publication number: 20100260603
    Abstract: A wind turbine blade having a longitudinal axis is provided. The wind turbine blade includes a root portion and a tip portion. The root portion has a supported end and an unsupported end. The tip portion is configured to be slidably received within the unsupported end of the root portion. A transverse gap is defined between the root portion and the tip portion. A transition element is affixed to the unsupported end of the root portion such that the transition element at least partially bridges the transverse gap. The wind turbine blade may further include blade cleaning elements and/or sensing elements, particularly in the vicinity of the transition element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Frontier Wind, LLC
    Inventors: Mark H. DAWSON, Jack WALLACE
  • Publication number: 20100226773
    Abstract: The impeller for a centrifugal pump includes a carrier disk and possibly a shroud. The blades of the impeller are identical, but are arranged in pairs such that impellers of different hydraulic characteristics are formed with blades of the same shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: GRUNDFOS MANAGEMENTAS
    Inventors: Aage BRUHN, Lars ØSTERGAARD