By Actuator Eccentric To Rotation Axis Patents (Class 416/108)
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Patent number: 11479356Abstract: The invention relates to a propulsion device for an aircraft, comprising a blade (2) which can be rotated about an axis of rotation (51) of the propulsion device along a circular path (52) and is mounted for pivoting about a blade bearing axis parallel to the axis of rotation; a pitch mechanism having a coupling device (31) and a bearing device (33); and an offset device (4) to which the blade is coupled, the offset device defining an eccentric bearing axis (41) which is mounted at an adjustable offset distance. The coupling device is coupled to the blade at a coupling point (32) which is positioned in such a way that the plane that comprises the blade bearing axis and the coupling point and the tangential plane to the circular path through the blade bearing axis include a certain, non-vanishing angle (w?) when the offset distance is set to zero.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2018Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Cyclotech GmbHInventors: Michael Winderl, Stephan Lanser
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Patent number: 11118565Abstract: In a rotating machine having a fluidic rotor, the rotor comprises at least one blade mounted on an arm rotating about a rotor shaft forming a main axis of the rotor, the rotor being kept by a supporting structure in an orientation such that said axis is substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow of the fluid, the blade being mounted so as to pivot about an axis of rotation of the blade parallel to the main axis. The machine comprises means for generating a relative oscillation movement of the blade with respect to the arm at the axis of rotation of the blade, in order in this way to vary the inclination of the blade during the rotation of the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2017Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: ADV TECHInventor: Arnaud Curutchet
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Patent number: 10479495Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided an aircraft, including a fuselage having a longitudinal axis extending from a front portion through an aft portion; first and second tail members extending from the aft portion; a first cross-flow fan system rotatably mounted to the first tail member; and a second cross-flow fan system rotatably mounted to the second tail member. The first and second cross-flow fan systems are configured to provide a forward thrust vector and an anti-torque vector on the aircraft. The first and second cross-flow fan systems can have a rotational axis oriented generally vertically. In another aspect, there is an aircraft including a fuselage having a front portion and a tail portion; and a cross-flow fan system supported by the tail portion. Embodiments include a cross-flow fan system retrofittable onto an aircraft and methods for retrofitting an aircraft with a cross-flow fan system.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2017Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventors: Kirk L. Groninga, Daniel B. Robertson, Matthew E. Louis
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Patent number: 10458391Abstract: The present invention provides a single-frame impeller of a wind turbine generator set. The impeller includes blades and a blade adjusting device. The blade adjusting device comprises a blade adjusting chamber to which the blades are connected, a motor and an adjusting mechanism. The adjusting mechanism comprises transmission mechanism, adjusting frame, rotating arm and connecting rods. Transmission mechanism comprises swinging arm, a positioning shaft, a main drive arm and a push-pull rod. The adjusting frame is assembled onto blade adjusting chamber; the rotating arms are fixed on the blade shafts and the connecting rods, and the other end of each connecting rod is hinged with the adjusting frame; two ends of the positioning shaft are installed on the fixed seat; swinging arm is fixed at positioning shaft and is hinged with main drive arm, and the main drive arm is connected with the motor.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2016Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Zhang, XiaoxinInventor: Xiaoxin Zhang
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Patent number: 10421541Abstract: An aspect provides an aircraft including a fuselage and a cross-flow fan system attached to the fuselage. The cross-flow fan system including a cross-flow fan assembly associated with a rotatable wing member having an exterior aerodynamic surface. In one aspect, there is provided an aircraft with a fuselage having a forward portion and an aft portion; a first cross-flow fan system rotatably attached to the left side of the forward portion of the fuselage; a second cross-flow fan system rotatably attached to the right side of the forward portion of the fuselage; a third cross-flow fan system rotatably attached to the left side of the aft portion of the fuselage; and a fourth cross-flow fan system rotatably attached to the right side of the aft portion of the fuselage.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2017Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventors: Kirk L. Groninga, Daniel B. Robertson, Matthew E. Louis
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Patent number: 10377480Abstract: A variable thrust cross-flow fan system for an aircraft including a rotatable wing member having a first housing member; an actuator assembly operably coupled to the first housing member; and a variable thrust cross-flow fan assembly including a first and second driver plates having a plurality of blades rotatably mounted therebetween. The plurality of blades has a circular path of travel when rotating and includes a control assembly coupled to the plurality of blades to generate a variable thrust force. The control assembly includes a control cam that is substantially non-rotatable relative to the first and second driver plates and a hinge member that is fixedly connected to the control cam and to the first housing member at a hinge axis. Rotation of the first housing member by the actuator assembly imparts rotation of the control cam about the hinge axis, thereby changing the direction of the variable thrust force.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2017Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventors: Kirk L. Groninga, Daniel B. Robertson, Matthew E. Louis
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Patent number: 9950787Abstract: The invention is related to a control system for controlling collective and cyclic pitch of rotor blades of a multi-blade rotor 1a in a rotary-wing aircraft, the control system comprising a swash plate assembly with at least one non-rotating plate and at least one rotating plate that is mounted rotatably to the at least one non-rotating plate, the at least one rotating plate and the at least one non-rotating plate being mounted to a non-rotating sliding sleeve, wherein a spherical bearing is provided on the non-rotating sliding sleeve, wherein at least one non-rotating stop arm is provided for non-rotatably connecting the at least one non-rotating plate to the non-rotating sliding sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventor: Benedikt Bammer
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Patent number: 9359056Abstract: A foot-operated propulsion system for small watercraft, such as kayaks. The propulsion system includes a pedal assembly that controls motion of a fluke fin that is submerged beneath the waters surface. The pedal assembly is located in the bow of the watercraft and the paddler works the pedals with his feet. Operating the pedal assembly causes a force to be transmitted to a drive unit located in the stern of the craft, which then controls movement of linkages in the fluke assembly, to force the submerged fluke fin to swing upward and downward, emulating the motion of flukes on a whale, and thereby propelling the watercraft along the surface of the water.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2015Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Inventor: Michael Lyons
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Patent number: 9346535Abstract: A new ring cam and ring cam assembly, developed for providing more diverse dynamic pitching schedules for cyclorotor blades, particularly for providing both cyclic and collective pitch control, can be used for any apparatus where dynamic variation of cam controlled movement is needed. The new ring cam has its cam surface on the inside of a ring, the cam surface defining a plurality of different cam profiles which can be dynamically chosen and applied according to need. The different cam profiles are provided by different configurations and by combinations of those configurations. One configuration uses a plurality of adjacent different cam profiles across the inside width of the ring, so that a cam follower follows different cam profiles as it moves across or relative to the cam surface. Another configuration moves a center axis of the ring in relation to the axis of rotation of the cyclorotor, or other rotating device, to dynamically change the effective cam profile.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: Zachary H. Adams
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Publication number: 20150147176Abstract: A fluidic rotor rotary machine has a rotor comprising at least one blade (4) mounted on an arm (2) rotating about a main axis (1) of the rotor, the rotor being held by a support structure (5) in an orientation such that said axis (1) is essentially perpendicular to the fluid flow direction, the blade (4) being pivotally mounted about a rotational axis (3) parallel to the main axis (1), the machine being characterized in that it comprises means for generating a relative rotational movement of the blade (4) relative to the arm (2) at the rotational axis (3), thereby varying the blade angle, said means comprising an eccentric mechanism rotating on said blade rotational axis. Application in particular to propellers and generators operating according to Lipp-type or Voith-Schneider-type kinematics, with possible mode switching.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Applicant: ADV TECHInventors: Arnaud Curutchet, Stephane Grismangin, Renaud Fourton, Gabriel Corde
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Patent number: 8870534Abstract: The invention concerns a propeller device with a flow profile body assigned to a propeller and a multiple eccentric arrangement functionally coupled to the flow profile body, which has two eccentric components coupled with one another and able to rotate in opposite directions, and which is configured so as to convert a common rotational movement of the eccentric components in opposite directions into an oscillating movement of the flow profile body along a movement path between two end positions, and vice versa. Furthermore the invention concerns a vehicle drive unit with a propeller device, and also an energy conversion unit with a propeller device.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2009Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Inventor: Bernd Grande
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Patent number: 8602719Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine having a plurality of upright airfoils pivotally engaged. A continuous adjustment of the angle of attack of the airfoils to oncoming wind is provided by rotation of a control plate connected to the vanes which are mounted upon a rotating drive plate. A vane can be employed to rotate the control plate to affect the continuous adjustment of the airfoils.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: AF Energy CorporationInventor: Samuel Thomas Kelly
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Publication number: 20110150650Abstract: The invention concerns a propeller device with a flow profile body assigned to a propeller and a multiple eccentric arrangement functionally coupled to the flow profile body, which has two eccentric components coupled with one another and able to rotate in opposite directions, and which is configured so as to convert a common rotational movement of the eccentric components in opposite directions into an oscillating movement of the flow profile body along a movement path between two end positions, and vice versa. Furthermore the invention concerns a vehicle drive unit with a propeller device, and also an energy conversion unit with a propeller device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventor: Bernd Grande
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Patent number: 7914258Abstract: The present teachings relate to a fluid mechanical converter having at least one energy-accumulator mass system that can be powered by a power drive. To provide a fluid mechanical converter, which improves overall efficiency using the simplest components, it is proposed according to the present teachings that the displacement of the driven energy accumulator-mass system is overlaid with a displacement that is caused by at least one inertial force.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: bionic motion GmbHInventor: Robert Spillner
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Patent number: 7811059Abstract: An adjusting mechanism for desired angle of an oscillating electric fan is disclosed. The adjusting knob is conveniently located about the top rear portion of the fan motor, adjacent the clutch knob. Adjusting the oscillating angle may be made when the fan is at rest, when it is running and oscillating at the same time, or when it is running at a fixed direction. Adjusting is fast and simple, only one hand is needed and no tools and mechanical know-how is necessary.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2008Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Inventor: Esteban Nacapuy Sagucio
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Patent number: 7771167Abstract: The concealed rotary fan includes a rotary vane, a drive motor and a base. The drive motor is assembled into the base. The first end of the drive motor with the revolving shaft can be assembled onto a front support in a rotary state. The second end of the drive motor is fitted with a crank link, the first end of which can be driven to make the second end rotate. The second end is screwed onto a pivot point on to the base. When the revolving shaft of the drive motor rotates, the second end of the crank link will rotate synchronously, enabling the drive motor and revolving shaft to rotate axially and obliquely along with the rotary vane. Thus, the rotary fan allows automatic change of the outlet direction through the axial rotation of the rotary vane, the outlet area being expanded to improve the actual applicability.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: King Jih Enterprise Corp.Inventor: Chiao Fu
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Patent number: 7530785Abstract: A wind turbine with improved response to wind conditions is provided. Blade flap angle motion is accompanied by a change in pitch angle by an amount defining a pitch/flap coupling ratio. The coupling ratio is non-constant as a function of a flap angle and is preferably a substantially continuous, non-linear function of flap angle. The non-constant coupling ratio can be provided by mechanical systems such as a series of linkages or by configuring electronic or other control systems and/or angle sensors. A link with a movable proximal end advantageously is part of the mechanical system. The system can provide relatively large coupling ratios and relatively large rates of coupling ratio changes especially for near-feather pitches and low flap angles.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2005Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: The Wind Turbine CompanyInventors: Kenneth J. Deering, Keith P. Wohlwend
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Patent number: 7518864Abstract: A cooling fan is provided that does not place limitations on the installation conditions for the fan, is capable of cooling a backlight unit of a display panel with high efficiency, and produces less noise during operation. Also provided is an image display apparatus equipped with the cooling fan. The cooling fan includes a fan rotator composed of a rotational shaft that is rotationally driven by a driving motor and two vanes that have parallel revolution shafts that rotate together with the rotational shaft, are freely rotatable on the shafts, face one another, and revolve around the rotational shafts and a vane angle control unit that implements control so that each vane has a maximum rotation angle when a revolution angle of the vanes is in a vicinity of a first revolution angle and each vane has a rotation angle of 0° when a revolution angle of the vane is in a vicinity of a second revolution angle that is perpendicular to the first revolution angle.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2005Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Akira Kimura
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Publication number: 20080181776Abstract: A phase control structure for crank-connecting control disk has a control disk on a helicopter body. The control disk is connected with a crank assembly pivotally connected to the body. The crank assembly includes a connecting element, a first crank and a second crank. The connecting element, the first crank, and the second crank can pivotally rotate with respect to each other. When the control disk is pulled by a first or second pulling rod, the phase thereof can be achieved using the crank assembly. This can increase the precision in the motion of the helicopter.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: Aling Lai
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Patent number: 6840738Abstract: A feathering fluid-driven turbine comprises impellers, arranged around the turbine axis and affixed to axles disposed parallel to the axis of rotation of the turbine, and further comprises a vane, such as a wind vane, which points in the current direction of fluid flow, mounted on an axis. The impellers are operatively engaged by a feathering mechanism, which, responsive to the direction indicated by the vane, rotates the impellers along their axles so that impellers on the windward side of fluid flow are aligned to present maximum aerodynamic resistance to fluid flow and impellers on the leeward side of fluid flow are aligned to present minimum aerodynamic resistance, thereby maximizing torque output of the turbine regardless of direction of fluid flow. The feathering mechanism comprises an offset cam affixed to the axis of the vane, moving in conjunction therewith as the direction of fluid flow changes. Fitted to the cam is a collar that is rotatable with the rotation of the turbine.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2004Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Inventor: Marvin L. Swanberg
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Publication number: 20020009366Abstract: A helicopter blade assembly for permitting rapid forward flight in a helicopter having separate means for providing a forward impetus is disclosed. The assembly has a set of rotatable blades attached to a substantially vertical mast. These blades slope downward near to their distal ends, thereby creating an inverted disk virtual air foil when the blades are rapidly rotated by the mast. In a preferred embodiment the camber of the blades and, therefore, the shape of the virtual air foil is controllable.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 1999Publication date: January 24, 2002Inventor: DAVID CURT MORRIS
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Patent number: 6283709Abstract: An electric fan mounted overhead for universal adjustment of the air flow direction. A mounting plate clamped to an overhead beam carries a sleeve that rotatively receives a vertical column. The lower end of the column pivotally connects with a mounting arm which carries the fan. A rotation motor can rotationally adjust the column to adjust the lateral direction in which the fan faces. A linear actuator pivots the mounting arm up and down to adjust the tilt angle of the fan.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1998Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.Inventors: D. Lee Hill, Jimmy D. Vanfossan
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Vertical axis and transversal flow nautical propulsor with continuous self-orientation of the blades
Patent number: 6244919Abstract: A vertical axis and transversal flow nautical propulsor continuously self-orients the blades. The propulsor includes a plurality of blades rotatable about a vertical axis; a blade supporting plate for supporting the blades, wherein the blade supporting plate is rotatable about a vertical axis independent of rotation of the blades; a motor for rotating the blade supporting plate; a motor for each blade, for rotating the blade about its own vertical axis; and a rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft is supported by a rotor body coupled with the blade supporting plate. A plurality of spindles are provided on the rotatable shaft, wherein the spindles are coaxial with one another and with the rotatable shaft. The number of spindles corresponds to the number of blades, and the spindles are rotatable independent of one another in such a way to allow independent rotation of the relevant blade. The rotatable shaft and the spindles each have an inner end within the rotor body and an outer end outside the rotor body.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: S.P.N. S. R. L.Inventor: Piero Valentini -
Patent number: 6135713Abstract: An actively controlled helicopter rotor blade includes a trailing edge flap actuated by a fast-acting actuator. A lightweight, rugged, fast-acting actuator suitable for use as the flap actuator comprises a pair of column actuators composed of a smart material such as piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, shape memory alloy or other material that exhibits a shape change when subjected to an external stimulus. Each of the column actuators is composed of multiple piezoelectric ceramic actuator elements bonded together to form the individual columns. Each of the column actuators engages the base of an actuator tube that, in turn, is urged against the column actuators by a tension member. Differential voltage applied to the columns causes a differential elongation of the column actuators, which causes the actuator tube to pivot about an axis proximal the tips of the column actuators. The movement of the actuator tube is coupled by a linkage to the rotor blade flap.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1999Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: The McDonnell Douglas Helicopter CompanyInventors: David B. Domzalski, Friedrich K. Straub, Dennis K. Kennedy
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Patent number: 6109875Abstract: A cycloidal propeller including a so-called slider-crank mechanism. The couplers of the slider-crank mechanism are attached to a control ring which is attached to a ball socket located at the lower end of a control rod. The required torsional retention relative to the rotor housing is accomplished by a dual parallel guide, which is mounted by revolute joint connections to the control ring on one side and by revolute joint connections to the rotor housing on the other side.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1999Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Voith Hydro GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Harald Gross
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Patent number: 6065935Abstract: The invention provides for a cycloidal propeller, in strictly rudder operation, accessory apparatuses that mesh with a gear drive connected to a shaft of the respective wing. The invention accomplishes relatively small actuation movements of the accessory apparatuses, sufficient to achieve a large pivoting movement of the wings, so that the wings can be adjusted over large angles without impediment. Therefore, wings having normal profiles may be utilized.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1997Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Voith Hydro GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Herbert Perfahl
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Patent number: 5993157Abstract: A cycloidal propeller to achieve strictly a rudder operation includes accessory apparatuses containing accessory drives. Clutches are used to couple the accessory drives to the propeller shafts, and additional clutches are provided to disengage the fixed connection of the normal propeller mechanism to the wing shafts in cruising operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Voith Hydro GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Herbert Perfahl
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Patent number: 5931639Abstract: A helicopter blade assembly for permitting rapid forward flight in a helicopter having separate means for providing a forward impetus. The assembly has a set of rotatable blades attached to a substantially vertical mast. These blades slope downward near to their distal ends, thereby creating an inverted disk virtual air foil when the blades are rapidly rotated by the mast. In a preferred embodiment the camber of the blades and, therefore, the shape of the virtual air foil is controllable.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1996Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Inventor: David Curt Morris
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Patent number: 5844323Abstract: In the rotatable wheel having several radiate skeletons, some auxiliary axles are mounted on each radiate skeleton and provided at the lateral of a limb of the radiate skeleton to the direction opposite to that of external forces; a movable blade or a force accepting assembly accompanied with two movable blades is connected to an auxiliary axle, they contact one extension portion of radiate skeleton when subjected to a force to be folded inwardly and contact another extension portion when subjected to a force to be folded outwardly; the pushing forces from all directions, except that the force exerted on the movable blades is applied along the auxiliary axle, can be turned into forces to drive the rotating axle, this can be used to develope wind power, kinetic energy of liquid flow such as tide, or rapid water flow etc.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1996Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Inventor: Ming-Tung Hung
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Patent number: 5800126Abstract: A swinging head gear shell for an electric fan is provided and includes a body and a cover respectively molded from reinforced engineering plastics. The body has a mounting plate for mounting with screws, a first open top chamber and a second open top chamber linked in parallel and adapted for receiving a swinging head gear. The body has a plurality of screw holes for the mounting of the cover, and a vertical locating barrel through which one gear shaft of the swinging head gear passes. The mounting plate has a circular through hole through which the worm of the swinging head gear passes. The cover overlays the body to close the first open top chamber and the second open top chamber, and has a plurality of mounting holes respectively fastened to the top screw holes of the body by screws. The cover has a raised portion, and a through hole formed in the raised portion in communication with the second open top chamber for the control lever of the swinging head gear to pass.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1996Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Inventor: Ching-Lang Tsai
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Patent number: 5599167Abstract: The device for controlling the pitch of the blades of a rotor using a mechanism having swashplates includes an auxiliary plate mounted on the non-rotating plate of the mechanism and which is secured in terms of rotation to the rotating plate of this mechanism and, for each blade, an articulated link in series with the corresponding pitch rod to which it is articulated, and including at least one arm articulated to the rotating plate, each articulated link being controlled by a lever articulated to it and to the auxiliary plate which is off-centered to the desired value so that each of the control levers controls the itch of the corresponding blade by applying a bicyclic component to it, the amplitude and phase of which component depend on the eccentricity of the auxiliary plate as defined with respect to the non-rotating plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1995Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Assignee: Eurocopter FranceInventor: Louis J. Daldosso
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Patent number: 5462406Abstract: The present invention provides an offset control mechanism and a variable blade-pitch mechanical kinematic system for cycloidal propellers. This is achieved by the concentric positioning of the drive shaft, the variable offset circular guide track, the eccentric X-Y slide plates, the propeller hub and the variable blade-pitch kinematic linkages, all about the axis of propeller rotation. The control actuation system is free-flooded in water and non-rotating, yet in close proximity to the rotating propeller hub. The pitch of each propeller blade is cyclically varied by the kinematic levers on each blade following a circular guide track during each revolution. Additionally, the circlar track swivel guide in the blade lever kinematics can also lever a trailing blade-flap to provide additional cyclic propeller lift in the direction of motion. The propeller improvements include a low-drag propeller hub and a variable-pitch blade ground plane ring about the ends of the blades.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1993Date of Patent: October 31, 1995Assignee: Vitron Systems Inc.Inventors: Barry A. Ridgewell, Miles Fenton
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Patent number: 5411372Abstract: Disclosed is a new pole mounted revolving air circulating fan for inducing air movement within an air mass by use of a rotating impeller which simultaneously revolves around a vertical axis. The pole mounted revolving air circulating fan comprises a telescoping support pole extending substantially vertically upwardly from a mounting floor surface to a mounting ceiling surface, the ends of the support pole frictionally engaging the mounting surfaces. A fan, comprising a rotary air impeller coupled to an electric motor through a drive shaft, is revolvedly mounted on the vertical support pole. A generally cylindrical motor housing encloses the motor and the motor power supply leads. A blade guard, constructed of wire rods forming a substantially annularly shaped wire cage, encloses the impeller to prevent injury from contact therewith. The guard has a central hole through the back wherethrough the front end of the motor housing extends.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1994Date of Patent: May 2, 1995Inventor: Michael L. Clark
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Patent number: 5104541Abstract: A pump has an impeller with a circular series of airfoil vanes rigidly mounted thereon. The impeller is mounted in a casing which has a radially outwardly increasing internal axial extent, such that fluid flowing through the pump has a less constricted path peripherally of the pump chamber than centrally of the pump chamber. In another aspect of the invention, the impeller comprises two axially adjacent series of vanes separated by a radially extending partition which divides the interior of the pump casing into a vacuum chamber and a pressure chamber interconnected by a hole formed in the center of the partition. At least one of the central partition and the impeller plate are conical in shape, thereby to impart a radially outwardly expanding axial extent to the vacuum chamber, and a decreasing axial extent to the pressure chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1990Date of Patent: April 14, 1992Inventor: William H. Daniel
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Patent number: 5011373Abstract: An individual pitch control device for the blades (7) of a rotor of a rotor craft employing respective rotating linear jacks (29) for controlling the pitch of the rotor blades. The linear jacks are implanted in a rotating support (25) which is driven in rotation with the rotor. The jacks (29) include rods (31) which are connected via additional rods (33) to drive pitch control levers (24) for each respective blade. The jacks (29) are linear, electrohydraulic, dual-action jacks having at least one body, and are supplied by control servovalves (36) which are also mounted in a rotating reference system. The servovalves (36) are supplied from a hydraulic circuit in a fixed reference system positioned on the rotor craft, having at least one hydraulic collector (27) which is at least partially rotating.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1989Date of Patent: April 30, 1991Assignee: Societe Nationale Industrielle et AerospatialeInventors: Jacques A. Aubry, Jean J. Mondet
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Patent number: 4957413Abstract: An omnidirectional variable thrust propeller for a vehicle includes a hub, plurality of blades, and a plurality of shafts. Each shaft is coaxially rotatably connected to a respective blade and extends through the hub at an acute angle to a hub longitudinal axis. Each shaft has a lever arm and an inner end portion which terminates inside the hub. A reciprocably moveable device engages the inner end portions of the blade shafts to uniformly rotate the blades in one direction when the device moves longitudinally in one direction and uniformly rotate the blades in an opposite direction when the device moves in an opposite direction to enable a change of thrust. Another device pivotally supports the reciprocably movable device at a variable acute angle to the longitudinal axis. Another device selectively move the reciprocably movable device about the pivot point to nonuniformly change the rotation or pitch of the blade that alters the propeller's thrust direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1986Date of Patent: September 18, 1990Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Ronald S. Reich, Richard W. Uhrich
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Patent number: 4752258Abstract: To enable an exact and quick adjustment of the control point of a cycloid propeller ("Voith-Schneider-Propeller"), hydraulic adjustment cylinders are provided with electric proportional valves whose set value is determined by a cylinder stroke control circuit--preferably by way of an auxiliary valve current control circuit and a valve position control circuit. The travel and the rudder commands are transformed, by means of incremental transmitters which limit the adjustment velocity as a function of the load and the travel direction, according to suitable characteristics to control inputs which are transformed from ship coordinates to actuator coordinates and converted according to Pythagoras' theorem to set values for the cylinder strokes.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1986Date of Patent: June 21, 1988Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, J. M. Voith GmbHInventors: Josef Hochleitner, Harald Gross
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Patent number: 4465431Abstract: Disclosed is an overload protection apparatus for variable pitch propellers, particularly cycloidal propellers. The apparatus is of the kind having a hydraulic servomotor (2) with an adjustment rod (1) for actuating a propeller, and having mechanical restoration means comprising an auxilliary adjustment means for adjusting a restoring lever (5) via an intermediate lever (6). As disclosed, the restoring lever (5) is pivotally linked to a first arm of the intermediate lever (6) which in turn is pivotally mounted on said adjustment rod (1) at a fulcrum (9). The first and second arms of the intermediate lever extend from opposite sides of the fulcrum. The second arm of the intermediate lever preferably includes a slideway (15) which receives a slide-shoe (16) affixed to an auxilliary adjustment lever (7), which is preferably an angular lever on which the auxilliary adjustment means acts at the end (12).Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1982Date of Patent: August 14, 1984Assignee: J. M. Voith GmbHInventor: Harald Gross
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Patent number: 4392780Abstract: A vertical rotatable shaft is fitted with sets of radial arms extending from it to which are connected the leading edges of vanes rotatable about that member as axis. The vanes have sheets of flexbile material so that they may act like sails under pressure of the wind. A cam track, machined in a horizontal surface of a planar member just adjacent and outside the path of the vanes, guides the trailing edges of the vanes so that as the shaft rotates, the vanes are oriented about their axes to reach, run and tack before the wind. The member having the surface defining the cam track is attached to a tail assembly that orients the cam track to the wind direction. The inner assembly, which is pinned to the shaft makes a power rotor. The outer assembly which is free to rotate independently of the shaft is a cam cage.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1978Date of Patent: July 12, 1983Inventor: John R. Taft
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Patent number: 4380417Abstract: An installation for extracting useful work, such as driving an electric generator from a fluid stream, includes a platform rotatable about a central axis and supporting a plurality of blades or vanes, each of which is rotatable about its individual blade axis to vary the angle of attack between the blades and the fluid stream during each revolution of the platform. The blades are coupled together so that each blade executes a similar motion during each platform revolution and so that the angle of attack of the fluid stream relative to a given blade is substantially zero when the fluid stream direction is perpendicular to the plane including the central platform axis and the axis of the given blade, the amount of variation in blade angle of attack during each revolution is variable to compensate for variations in the fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1980Date of Patent: April 19, 1983Assignee: J. M. Voith GmbHInventor: Werner Fork
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Patent number: 4301981Abstract: An aircraft is provided with a wing in the form of an annulus having an airfoil shape in radial section, the wing being concentrically mounted on a vertical axle shaft which in turn is rotatably carried by a mounting on the fuselage. Rotation of the wing drives air centrifugally across the upper and lower surfaces to energize the boundary layer, enhance laminar flow, and produce lift. Vanes may be mounted on the inner portion of the surface to increase the flow and thus produce greater life. The vanes may be attached to a stabilizer ring which is eccentrically adjustable by a controlling mechanism to vary the extension of the vanes into and out of the wing at various points in the cource of rotation and thus vary the degree of lift produced. The wing may also be provided within its inner perimeter with airfoil lifting blades which produce additional lift, and the blades may be swung by a stabilizer ring to positions producing a desired thrust in a desired direction as the wing rotates.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1979Date of Patent: November 24, 1981Inventor: Joseph Hartt
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Patent number: 4299537Abstract: Disclosed herein is a windmill comprising a vertical shaft mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis, a number of blades each pivotally mounted for angular orientation about a longitudinal axis disposed parallel to the axis of rotation of the vertical shaft, supporting arms extending radially outwardly from the vertical shaft for supporting each blade, and interconnecting links connecting each of the blades to a junction adjacent the vertical shaft longitudinal axis for controlling the angular orientation of the blades relative to the supporting arms. The interconnecting links have inner ends connected to the junction and connect the blades together at corresponding points so that the blades counterbalance each other to resist centrifugal force during rotation of the windmill.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1980Date of Patent: November 10, 1981Inventor: Frederick C. Evans
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Patent number: 4286923Abstract: An overload protection device for the drive engine of a propeller, wherein the pitch of the propeller blades may be adjusted: A servomotor with a piston therein and the servomotor being controlled by a control valve which is adjustable by an adjustment lever. The piston of the servomotor is connected via a push rod to the control station of the propeller. An adjustment device is associated with the control valve for adjusting the control valve in a direction to reduce the pitch thereof when drive engine overload occurs. A signal from the drive engine passes through a converter which magnifies it. The magnitude of the signal, as converted, is proportional to the loading of the drive engine. A reversing valve, controlled by the position of the control piston of the servomotor, operates a double acting piston connected with the operating rod of the control valve. Depending upon the shifting of the operating piston of the control valve, the servomotor is operated to adjust the pitch of the propeller blades.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1978Date of Patent: September 1, 1981Assignee: J. M. Voith GmbHInventor: Harald Gross
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Patent number: 4278894Abstract: A wind-driven power generator comprising a plurality of blades mounted between a pair of spoked wheels on a vertical column, said blades being connected through an eccentric rod system to a vane for detecting the direction of the wind and positioning the blades so that at least one blade on one side of said column is directed perpendicularly to the direction of the wind whereas the blade or blades on the opposite side of said column are directed parallel to the direction of the wind.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1978Date of Patent: July 14, 1981Inventor: Gelindo Ciman
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Patent number: 4225286Abstract: A device for generating a thrust in a liquid utilizing rotating cylinders. The cylinders are mounted on a rotatable hub and rotate about their own axes relative to the hub. The relative rotation follows, preferably, a sinusoidal path for producing the thrust, and in particular, each cylinder undergoes a reversal in its direction of rotation after each half rotation of the hub. A common control bar is included which is connected to each cylinder and eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation of the hub so that the points of reversal and the direction of thrust can be adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1978Date of Patent: September 30, 1980Assignee: J. M. Voith GmbHInventor: Werner Fork
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Patent number: 4194707Abstract: A lift augmenting device to provide a vertical take-off capability in aircraft which includes a pair of rotor assemblies with independently individually pivoted rotor vanes so that the attitude of the vanes can be changed at different positions along the circumferential rotational path of the vanes as they rotate with the rotor assemblies to pump air therethrough and selectively generate lift on the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1977Date of Patent: March 25, 1980Inventor: Thomas H. Sharpe
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Patent number: 4084537Abstract: The invention relates to a flank drive for propelling a boat wherein a plurality of propeller housings are rotatably mounted in a wheel body about and in driving engagement with a normally stationary guide wheel centrally of the wheel body, which wheel body is rotated about its own central axis by means of a propulsion motor to carry the housings about the wheel body axis and rotate the housings about their own axes, so that the propeller housings undergo epicyclic motion.The propeller blade in each propeller housing can be adjusted relative to its housing passively by relative motion between abuttments or positively by means of an automatic hydraulic control to the most effective angle of attack, whereby the blades mainly exert flank force to the surrounding water. The guide wheel may be swivelled to steer the boat.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1976Date of Patent: April 18, 1978Inventor: Horst Eichler
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Patent number: 3941502Abstract: A screw propeller assembly comprising a propeller shaft rotatable co-axially with a swash member, a propeller having a hub connected to the propeller shaft by way of a universal joint wherein the hub is mounted to the universal joint indirectly through jointing members, the jointing members and swash plate co-operating to cause the axis of rotation of the hub to move at an incline to the axis of rotation of the propeller shaft thereby providing a paddle action to the propeller in addition to the rotary motion thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1974Date of Patent: March 2, 1976Inventor: Albert Jackson
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Patent number: RE36514Abstract: Disclosed is a new pole mounted revolving air circulating fan for inducing air movement within an air mass by use of a rotating impeller which simultaneously revolves around a vertical axis. The pole mounted revolving air circulating fan comprises a telescoping support pole extending substantially vertically upwardly from a mounting floor surface to a mounting ceiling surface, the ends of the support pole frictionally engaging the mounting surfaces. A fan, comprising a rotary air impeller coupled to an electric motor through a drive shaft, is revolvedly mounted on the vertical support pole. A generally cylindrical motor housing encloses the motor and the motor power supply leads. A blade guard, constructed of wire rods forming a substantially annularly shaped wire cage, encloses the impeller to prevent injury from contact therewith. The guard has a central hole through the back wherethrough the front end of the motor housing extends.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1997Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Honeywell, Inc.Inventor: Michael L. Clark