Abstract: A helicopter rotor blade having a blade body that defines a confined space and a control flap that is secured to the blade body that moves through a range of motion. An electric machine is secured inside of the rotor blade body that rotates a motor shaft. A transmission device is secured to the motor shaft and the control flap that transfers rotary motion of the motor shaft to the control flap to generate movement of the control flap through its range of motion. The transmission device remains substantially within the confined space throughout the range of motion.

Abstract: A communication system includes a first communication module within a rotating frame of reference and a second communication module within a fixed frame of reference. The first communication module and the second communication module in wireless communication at least partially through a hollow shaft.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a combined heat and power (CHP) system which can include one or more CHP units, can comprise a high level optimizer and one or more low level optimizers. The high level optimizer can be configured to optimize a total cost of producing heating, cooling, and electric power, by allocating total heating, cooling, and/or electric power setpoints one or more CHP unit types, based on the fuel price, CHP unit operational constraints, and/or heating, cooling, and/or electric power demand. The low level optimizer can be configured to allocate cooling, heating, and/or electric power setpoints to individual CHP units, based on the high level allocation to CHP unit types.

Abstract: A communication system includes a first communication module within a rotating frame of reference and a second communication module within a fixed frame of reference. The first communication module and the second communication module in wireless communication at least partially through a hollow shaft.

Abstract: A helicopter rotor blade that has a blade body and a control flap secured to the blade body. The rotor blade has a first primary mover capable of generating a first linear motion that is sufficient to generate a high amplitude, low frequency motion of the control flap; and a second primary mover capable of generating a second linear motion that is sufficient to generate a small amplitude, high frequency motion of the control flap. Further, the rotor blade has a coupling transmission for combining the first linear motion with the second linear motion that generates a cumulative linear motion; and a second transmission device that causes the cumulative linear motion to rotate the control flap.

Abstract: A self-lubricated actuator for a rotor blade flap of a helicopter having a housing; a motor having a shaft disposed in a bearing is provided. The actuator further has an output rod and a mechanism operatively associated with the motor and the output rod to transmit movement from the motor to the output rod. The housing includes a lubrication medium capable of substantially immersing the bearing, the motor shaft and the mechanism during operation.

Abstract: A helicopter rotor blade that has a blade body and a control flap secured to the blade body. The rotor blade has a first primary mover capable of generating a first linear motion that is sufficient to generate a high amplitude, low frequency motion of the control flap; and a second primary mover capable of generating a second linear motion that is sufficient to generate a small amplitude, high frequency motion of the control flap. Further, the rotor blade has a coupling transmission for combining the first linear motion with the second linear motion that generates a cumulative linear motion; and a second transmission device that causes the cumulative linear motion to rotate the control flap.

Abstract: A helicopter rotor blade having a blade body that defines a confined space and a control flap that is secured to the blade body that moves through a range of motion. An electric machine is secured inside of the rotor blade body that rotates a motor shaft. A transmission device is secured to the motor shaft and the control flap that transfers rotary motion of the motor shaft to the control flap to generate movement of the control flap through its range of motion. The transmission device remains substantially within the confined space throughout the range of motion.

Abstract: A self-lubricated actuator for a rotor blade flap of a helicopter having a housing; a motor having a shaft disposed in a bearing is provided. The actuator further has an output rod and a mechanism operatively associated with the motor and the output rod to transmit movement from the motor to the output rod. The housing includes a lubrication medium capable of substantially immersing the bearing, the motor shaft and the mechanism during operation.

Abstract: An adjustable magneto-rheological fluid device includes a movable piston adjacent a first chamber containing a first hydraulic fluid for moving the piston. The first hydraulic fluid interacts with a flexible magneto-rheological compartment containing a magneto-rheological fluid that flows between a first magneto-rheological fluid chamber and a second magneto-rheological fluid chamber. By controlling the flow of the magneto-rheological fluid, the device controls the first hydraulic fluid in the first chamber to bias the piston in a first direction. Additionally, the magneto-rheological fluid device may include a second chamber, containing a second hydraulic fluid, spaced apart from the first chamber on the opposite side of the piston. The second hydraulic fluid interacts with the flexible magneto-rheological compartment allowing the device to control the second hydraulic fluid to bias the piston in a second direction opposite the first direction.