Working Member Foldable, Pivotable Or Collapsible To Non-use Position Patents (Class 416/142)
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Patent number: 7857590Abstract: A folding rotor has a hub bar pivotally connected to a rotor blade. The hub bar is adapted to be connected to the rotorcraft, and includes a first locking aperture having a resilient bushing. The rotor blade includes a rotor strap that extends to a mounting element having a second locking aperture. A hinge element hingably connects the hub bar to the mounting element to enable the rotor blade to pivot with respect to the hub bar between a folded position and an extended position. The first and second locking apertures and the resilient bushing are coaxially aligned when the rotor blade is in the extended position, so that a locking pin may be positioned therethrough to lock the rotor blade in the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2007Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Inventor: Larry R. Neal
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Publication number: 20100301607Abstract: An upwind wind turbine (1) of the present invention includes a tilting coupling mechanism (15), a tilting drive means (40) and a rotation stop means (18). The tilting coupling mechanism (15) is configured to couple base end portions of blades (6) to a hub (5) such that the blades (6) can tilt between a normal position and a retracted position in which the blades (6) are tilted in a downwind direction relative to the normal position, and the tilting drive means (4) operates in association with the tilting coupling mechanism (15) to switch the positions of the blades (6). The rotation stop means (18) stops the rotation of the rotor (4). When the blades (6) are switched to the retraced position, the rotation stop means (18) is actuated to stop the rotor (4) in a predetermined rotational position in which the blades (6) can tilt without interference with the tower (2), and the tilting drive means (15) is actuated to tilt the blades (6) to the retracted position after stop of the rotation of the rotor (4).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2008Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Masafumi Morimoto
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Patent number: 7735808Abstract: A wind turbine has a nacelle frame and a first hoist substantially permanently mounted on the frame. The method comprises the processes of hoisting a second, more powerful hoist and crane on the frame with the first hoist; removably mounting the second hoist and the crane on the nacelle frame; hoisting a winch using the second hoist and the crane on the frame, and removably mounting the winch on said frame; performing operations involving handling heavy parts employing said winch; and removing and lowering said winch, crane, and second hoist from the frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Ecotecnia S.Coop.C.L.Inventors: Pere Viladomiu i Guarro, Sebastian Valero Lafuente
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Patent number: 7726941Abstract: The invention relates to methods of handling wind turbine blades and mounting said blades on a wind turbine, said method comprising the steps of lifting a wind turbine hub to the nacelle of wind turbine with a lifting system and mounting the hub on the nacelle. Further, the method comprises the steps of gripping at least one wind turbine blade with a lifting system including at least one gripping unit for handling wind turbine blades, lifting said at least one wind turbine blade into close proximity to said hub, and mounting said at least one wind turbine blade on said hub. The invention also relates to a gripping unit for handling a wind turbine blade during transport.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventor: Anders Greve Bervang
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Patent number: 7648339Abstract: Cloth or fabric fan blades self-inflate when rotated about an axis to produce air movement, the blades being secured to a fan hub which is in turn connected to a fan motor assembly that provides the rotational force to inflate the blades, the blades collapsing upon contact with any object for safety purposes, the innovative blades being lightweight and safe such that no fan guard is required.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Vornado Air Circulation Systems, Inc.Inventors: Glen Wesley Ediger, Luke Edward Kelly
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Publication number: 20090257874Abstract: Large flat blades are put on the ends of long lever arms to maximize the torque produced at a central vertical shaft. Pivoting each blade on its own axis allows it to be positioned to best advantage as it rotates around the central vertical shaft. The positioning is accomplished by gearing the blade to a central control gear. By simply attaching a weather vane to the central control gear, the direction of the entire windmill is controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2008Publication date: October 15, 2009Inventor: Karl Marvin Rice
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Publication number: 20090224098Abstract: Substantial reduction in aircraft stowage space can be achieved by stacking aircraft using minimal or no folding of parts of the aircraft. This results in reduced complexity and reduced cost compared to other aircraft compact stowage schemes including for example fully folding an aircraft. Landing gear variable height, length, or orientation can be used to orient all or a portion of the aircraft for stowage. Alternately or in combination with such orientation by landing gear, other portions of the aircraft including tilting rotors and tilting nacelles can be oriented to achieve a geometric configuration conducive to compact stowage. In preferred embodiments, aircraft are moved relative to each other so that a portion of one aircraft is offset relative to a corresponding portion of the other. In especially preferred configurations, a portion of the first aircraft will overlap or lie on top of without touching a portion of the second aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2009Publication date: September 10, 2009Inventor: Abe Karem
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Patent number: 7530790Abstract: A rotor blade folding system includes a bearing housing which supports a bearing and rotor blade spindle which folds relative the rotor hub assembly about a fold axis. The rotor blade folding system essentially collapses the rotor hub to facilitate compatibility with a fairing system. By rotating the entire pitch bearing assembly, pitch lock systems are also minimized as the pitch lock system need only react a blade-feathering moment.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft CorporationInventors: Pedro L. Cabrera, David N. Schmaling
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Publication number: 20090102415Abstract: A closeable case includes a power system stored in an interior of the closeable case. The closeable case includes a power system, and at least a portion of the power system is integral to the closeable case. The closeable case also includes at least one power generating device stored in the closeable case and at least partially removable from the closeable case.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventors: David J. Muchow, Sara V. Zulkosky, Hugh Jones
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Publication number: 20090096217Abstract: The horizontal axis wind turbine of this invention has a space frame structure that enables a light weight blade system to force rotation of numerous small wheels into rolling contact with the surface of at least one ring that extends around the perimeter of said blade system. A portion of the wheels drive rotation of multiple small electrical generators, and air compressors (?), at a high initial RPM, in the numbers needed to produce this wind turbine's useful power output. For offshore use, a wind turbine structure as described above surmounts two horizontal toroidal members held apart by multiple vertical columns. The lower toroidal member and the vertical columns above this member float at a depth that is nearly half the column heights. Added structure enables the extraction of energy from waves transiting the vertical columns.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2007Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventor: William Kemper Watson
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Publication number: 20090097973Abstract: A rotor blade folding system includes a bearing housing which supports a bearing and rotor blade spindle which folds relative the rotor hub assembly about a fold axis. The rotor blade folding system essentially collapses the rotor hub to facilitate compatibility with a fairing system. By rotating the entire pitch bearing assembly, pitch lock systems are also minimized as the pitch lock system need only react a blade-feathering moment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2006Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventors: Pedro L. Cabrera, David N. Schmaling
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Publication number: 20090060743Abstract: An impeller includes a hub, and a plurality of blades supported by the hub, the blades being arranged in at least two blade rows. The impeller has a deployed configuration in which the blades extend away from the hub, and a stored configuration in which at least one of the blades is radially compressed, for example by folding the blade towards the hub. The impeller may also have an operational configuration in which at least some of the blades are deformed from the deployed configuration upon rotation of the impeller when in the deployed configuration. The outer edge of one or more blades may have a winglet, and the base of the blades may have an associated indentation to facilitate folding of the blades.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicants: The Penn State Research Foundation, Datascope Investment Corp.Inventors: Mark W. McBride, Thomas M. Mallison, Gregory P. Dillon, Robert L. Campbell, David A. Boger, Stephen A. Hambric, Robert F. Kunz, James P. Runt, Justin M. Walsh, Boris Leschinsky
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Patent number: 7494320Abstract: A rotor (10) that enables an aircraft to become passively stable in hover. The inner part of the rotor blades (11) have a pitch angle fixed relative to a reference plane perpendicular to the rotor shaft (18) axis, and the tip of the rotor blades being connected to a ring (12) encircling the rotor. Each blade is connected to the rotor shaft by a separate hinge having a hinge axis perpendicular to both the rotor shaft axis and to the blade. Because the rotor blades can also easily twist the rotor can tilt freely in any direction. The rotor blades may be disconnected from the ring and folded up for easy transport.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2005Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Inventor: Petter Muren
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Publication number: 20090016883Abstract: Fans with wings that detach, fold or twist for the purpose of cleaning, transport and storage. The twisting embodiment can be used for adjusting the force of the air and its direction. The invention applies to domestic and industrial fans and all kinds of fans including floor standing upright fans, table fans, clip-on fans and ceiling fans.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2007Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventors: Gil Bendiba, Noam Levy, Uzi Ezra Havosha
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Patent number: 7467923Abstract: Tidal forces used for generation of electrical power has long been a solution to a recognized need. A really practical device to convert the energy of the fluid flow through tidal inlets into electrical power is the subject of this invention.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2005Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Inventor: Cecil Albert Rains
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Publication number: 20080296197Abstract: A retaining apparatus for securing curved wind turbine rotor blades for at least one of storage and transport is described. The retaining apparatus comprises an end frame configured to be connected to a root of a first blade, a connecting frame having a first end and a second end, the first end of the connecting frame rotatably connected to the end frame, a portion of the retaining apparatus configured to be positioned at least partially around a tip of a second blade, the portion rotatably connected to the second end of the connecting frame, the a turnbuckle having a first end and a second end, the first end of the turnbuckle rotatably connected to the end frame, the second end of the turnbuckle rotatably connected to the second end of the connecting frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventor: Dirk-Jan Kootstra
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Patent number: 7442009Abstract: A wind turbine assembly with a driving device for raising and lowering a wind turbine between a lower end and an upper end of a wind turbine tower comprises a guide member extending longitudinally along the outer surface of the tower, a sleeve member coupled to the wind turbine, and means for raising and lowering the sleeve member between the upper end and the lower end of the tower along the guide member. The sleeve member has an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the tower, and is slidably coupled to the tower. The sleeve member also includes a slot configured to engage with the guide member.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: David V. Arel
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Publication number: 20080232966Abstract: A blade assembly for a horizontal-axis wind turbine includes a hub, and a plurality of detachable blade units each mounted on a periphery of the hub and each including a plurality of blades detachably connected with each other by a plurality of connecting devices. Thus, the blade assembly comprises a hub and a plurality of detachable blade units so that all parts of the blade assembly are detachable to reduce the whole volume of the blade assembly before assembly, thereby facilitating packaging, storage and transportation of the blade assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2007Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventors: Wen-Chang Wang, Yu-Ching Wang
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Publication number: 20080232965Abstract: A support system for at least one water drivable turbine (1) that when in operation is immersed in a column of flowing water, characterized in that the system includes a deck or raft (3) for supporting said at least one turbine when immersed, the deck or raft (3) having an inherent buoyancy which is such as to enable the deck or raft (3) to rise through the column of water upon reduction of the buoyancy, the arrangement being such that the associated turbine or turbines (1) can be raised above the surface of said column in order to access the turbine for maintenance purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2004Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: MARINE CURRENT TURBINES LIMITEDInventor: Peter L. Fraenkel
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Patent number: 7416392Abstract: A stow abort mechanism for a ram air turbine (RAT) with a strut that rotates a turbine with associated blades from a stowed position to a deployment condition comprises a stow abort lock plate with an aperture that rotates with the strut and a stow abort lock pin that engages the aperture in the stow abort lock plate when the blades do not align properly for rotating the strut back into the stowed position.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2005Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: David E. Russ
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Publication number: 20080196758Abstract: A self-sustaining, portable, power station that may be moved by land, air, or sea to an area that has no utilities. The station is provided with at least one wind turbine and/or solar panel arrays in communication with at least one electrical distribution and storage means. The derived electricity is used to power various systems including, albeit not limited to, a communications system, a water filtration system, a water distribution system to allow the public to draw potable water and provide basic hygiene. The electricity derived may also be used to run outside systems, such as schools, hospitals, or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2007Publication date: August 21, 2008Inventor: Dennis McGuire
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Patent number: 7396207Abstract: A wind turbine comprising: (1) a support portion; (2) a hub that is mounted to rotate adjacent the support portion; and (3) at least one turbine blade mounted adjacent the hub and that comprises both a rotor and a sail that is mounted adjacent the rotor. The rotor may be in the shape of an airfoil, and the sail is preferably mounted to be selectively extended and retracted adjacent the rotor. The wind turbine may include a boom that extends adjacent the rotor. In one embodiment, the sail is mounted so that the sail is stored adjacent within, or adjacent a rear surface of, the boom when the sail is in a retracted position. The exterior surface of the boom may be substantially in the shape of an airfoil. In one embodiment, the wind turbine is configured to selectively extend or retract its sails in response to varying weather conditions.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2004Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Inventor: Dee James DeLong
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Patent number: 7393181Abstract: An impeller according to an example of the present invention comprises a hub, and at least one blade supported by the hub. The impeller has a deployed configuration in which the blade extends away from the hub, and a stored configuration in which the impeller is radially compressed, for example by folding the blade towards the hub. The impeller may comprise a plurality of blades, arranged in blade rows, to facilitate radial compression of the blades. The outer edge of a blade may have a winglet, and the base of the blade may have an associated indentation to facilitate folding of the blade.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2005Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignees: The Penn State Research Foundation, Datascope Investment CorporationInventors: Mark W. McBride, Thomas M. Mallison, Gregory P. Dillon, Robert L. Campbell, David A. Boger, Stephen A. Hambric, Robert F. Kunz, James P. Runt, Justin M. Walsh, Boris Leschinsky
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Publication number: 20080056898Abstract: An outdoor umbrella includes a supporting frame, an awning frame and a ventilation arrangement. The awning frame includes a functional umbrella hub suspendedly supported by the supporting frame, a plurality of awning frames radially and outwardly extended from the functional umbrella hub, and an awning supported by the awning arms to define a shading area under the awning. The ventilation arrangement includes a ventilation power unit, a driving rotor, and a plurality of fan blades. The fan blades are spacedly mounted to the driving rotor such that when the driving rotor is driven to rotate, the fan blades are swinging for creating an airflow under the awning arms within the shading area, so as to provide a ventilating effect as an additional function for the outdoor umbrella.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2006Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventor: Wanda Ying Li
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Patent number: 7338257Abstract: A device (10) for interacting with a fluid (12) moving relative to the device. The device comprises a body with an axis of rotation (22) and a periphery (24). The body is rotatable about the axis of rotation. The device also comprises a plurality of vanes (16i) associated with the body. Each one of the plurality of vanes is movable between an extended position relative to the periphery of the body and a retracted position relative to the periphery of the body. The device further comprises a control mechanism (18) coupled to the plurality of vanes for selectively moving each one of the plurality of vanes between the extended position and the retracted position during rotation of the body. A vehicle and a stationary energy generator including a device as described above are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2004Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Inventor: Serge Allaire
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Patent number: 7326035Abstract: An attachment device for attaching a blade to a turbine rotor disk in a turbomachine, the blade root forming a male portion engaged and held radially in a cavity of complementary shape in the rotor disk, with means for preventing the blade root from moving axially in the cavity, the blade axis being inclined relative to a perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotor, in a direction and at an angle that are designed to compensate at least in part for the displacement of the axis of the blade caused by the mechanical and thermal stresses applied to the rotor during operation of the turbomachine.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2004Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Snecma MoteursInventors: Paul Rodrigues, Jean-luc Soupizon
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Patent number: 7318702Abstract: A water wheel assembly is disclosed and comprises a water wheel including a plate having a rotation axis and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced receivers, each including a first slit defined through the plate, proximal to the axis, and a second slit defined through the plate, distal to the axis. A vane is provided for each receiver and includes: a body hinged to the plate for movement between a lowered position, flush therewith, and a raised position, angularly extending therefrom; and a pair of flaps extending from the body to: project through respective slits and beyond the plate when the body is lowered; and define, in combination with the body and the plate, a scoop, when the body is raised. The plate is mounted in a flow of water with its axis normal thereto and such that the plate is free to rotate about the axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2005Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Inventor: Joseph Benedek Büdi
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Patent number: 7296974Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine and to the installation of such a wind turbine, particularly offshore. When wind turbines are installed in the previously known manner, a tower of the wind turbine is firstly manufactured, said tower being a steel tower, a concrete tower or a lattice tower. After the tower has been erected, a machine house is mounted on the top of the tower and said machine house then consists of the entire nacelle, the generator, the rotor and other parts. Such a machine house with rotor blades attached thereto and a generator connected thereto is referred to in the following as a rotor unit. _The object of the present invention is to provide technical measures enabling the installation of offshore wind turbines in almost any weather, even when waves are small or moderate in height.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Inventor: Aloys Wobben
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Patent number: 7207777Abstract: The invention relates to methods of handling wind turbine blades and mounting said blades on a wind turbine, said method comprising the steps of lifting a wind turbine hub to the nacelle of wind turbine with a lifting system and mounting the hub on the nacelle. Further, the method comprises the steps of gripping at least one wind turbine blade with a lifting system including at least one gripping unit for handling wind turbine blades, lifting said at least one wind turbine blade into close proximity to said hub, and mounting said at least one wind turbine blade on said hub. The invention also relates to a gripping unit for handling a wind turbine blade during transport.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2002Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Vesta Wind Systems A/SInventor: Anders Greve Bervang
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Patent number: 7204674Abstract: A rotor for a wind power installation having at least one rotor blade. The smaller the surface area on which the wind acts, that is to say in particular the rotor blade area, the correspondingly lower is the load level for which installation has to be designed and the correspondingly more easily can the rotor blade be transported. On the other hand the size of the wind power installation entails minimum dimensions which are unavoidable for operation and below which the installation dimensions may not fall. In order to provide a rotor blade which on the one hand has the aerodynamically required surface area but which on the other hand is so designed that the surface area of the rotor blade and therewith the depth thereof can be reduced in predetermined situations a part of the surface of the rotor blade is deformmable or movable.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Inventor: Aloys Wobben
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Patent number: 7192252Abstract: The mast (2) of the wind turbine is formed by at least two segments (13, 15) articulated to one another so as to pivot between a straightened position and a folded position. The pivoting of the two segments (13, 15) is coordinated in such a way that they always form the same angle (a1) with the vertical, making it possible to maintain the centre of gravity of the wind turbine in vertical alignment with the lower segment (11). Consequently the wind turbine can be folded down in the case of high winds under optimum safety conditions and with reduced space occupied.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Societe Francaise des AlizesInventors: Olivier Duguet, Jean-Marc Jailloux
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Patent number: 7090550Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a propeller having a blade assembly with a plurality of linking members operatively connected to change dimensions of the blade assembly as the linking members are moved with respect to one another. It further includes a blade surface operatively arranged to cover at least a portion of the blade assembly and to change shape in response to the changes in the dimensions for the blade assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Geoffrey D. M. Wilkie
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Patent number: 7077631Abstract: A ram air turbine power system includes a ram air turbine having a turbine shaft, turbine blades for rotating the turbine shaft; and an electrical generator or other power source device driven by a power shaft, for providing power. The power shaft has a generally hollow tubular shape, and the turbine shaft extends coaxially within the power shaft. The ram air turbine power system also includes a gearbox housing a planetary gear train, where one end of the gear train is a planetary sun gear spline coupled to the power shaft and the other end of the gear train is a planetary ring gear spline coupled to the turbine shaft so that the rotating turbine shaft drives the power shaft through the gear train increasing the speed of the power shaft over the speed of the turbine shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventors: Steven R. Eccles, Wayne G. Schindler, Wei-Shing Chaing
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Patent number: 6991431Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceiling fan blade capable of producing full wind pressure and much wind. The solution of the present invention is to form a front and a rear wind receiving surfaces on the ceiling fan blade. A tangent angle of the rear wind-receiving surface is bigger than that of the front wind-receiving surface. A wavy wind guide surface is formed between the two wind receiving surfaces. The wavy wind guide surface and the two wind receiving surfaces can effectively increase the wind pressure and the wind; in addition, sinuous flow is substantially reduced when the blade is rotating.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Inventor: Winston Liu Ching Wen
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Patent number: 6863498Abstract: A blade spreading assembly for quick ceiling fan installation is disclosed. The blade spreadingassembly comprises a fan rotor bracket attached to the fan rotor and operatively coupled to an arm which connects to fan blade. The assembly allows the attached fan blade to collapse for storage and shipment and spread for operation. Since the blades are pre-attached by the manufacturer, the user is only required to unpack the ceiling fan from the shipment box and hang the fan up at a desired location and have the fan blades spread out with a simple single push. The fan blades can likewise be collapsed for storage with relative ease.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2003Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Hoo Cheung Group Ltd.Inventor: Hai Liang
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Patent number: 6860713Abstract: A redundant fan system for a computer includes two fans installed in series with at least one of the fans having collapsible blades. A fan system of this type reduces the fan inefficiency caused when one fan in a series mounted pair is not operating, either because it is free-wheeling or in a locked rotor condition. When non-operational, the fan blades of the collapsible fan fold inward due to airflow generated by the operational fan over the collapsible blades. The ability of the blades to fold reduces the inefficiency of the operational fan, having less of an effect on fan life. Also, because the flow of air is less restricted, proper airflow can be maintained, thus preventing overheating of the computer.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Nidec CorporationInventor: John Hoover
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Patent number: 6830430Abstract: A Frisbee™ fan comprises a fan body made from a fabric bordered by a flexible strip on the peripheral rim thereof and a folding plate clamping the fan body for generating a strong air flow. The fan body may be printed with a selected pattern. The fan body may be separated from the folding plate to become a Frisbee™ for recreational use. The flexible strip allows the fan body be twisted and folded to a smaller size and be encased in the folding plate to facilitate carrying and storing.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2002Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Inventor: Jack Lien
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Publication number: 20040151588Abstract: A blade spreading assembly for quick ceiling fan installation is disclosed. The blade spreading assembly comprises a fan rotor bracket attached to the fan rotor and operatively coupled to an arm which connects to a fan blade. The assembly allows the attached fan blade to collapse for storage and shipment and spread for operation. Since the blades are pre-attached by the manufacturer, the user is only required to unpack the ceiling fan from the shipment box and hang the fan up at a desired location and have the fan blades spread out with a simple single push. The fan blades can likewise be collapsed for storage with relative ease.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2003Publication date: August 5, 2004Inventor: Hai Liang
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Publication number: 20040101406Abstract: A redundant fan system for a computer includes two fans installed in series with at least one of the fans having collapsible blades. A fan system of this type reduces the fan inefficiency caused when one fan in a series mounted pair is not operating, either because it is free-wheeling or in a locked rotor condition. When non-operational, the fan blades of the collapsible fan fold inward due to airflow generated by the operational fan over the collapsible blades. The ability of the blades to fold reduces the inefficiency of the operational fan, having less of an effect on fan life. Also, because the flow of air is less restricted, proper airflow can be maintained, thus preventing overheating of the computer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2002Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventor: John Hoover
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Patent number: 6695253Abstract: To fold/unfold blades of a rotor, at least one variable-length linear actuator is removably attached to two blades locked in the flight position. A first blade is unlocked, and the actuator is actuated to vary its length and bear against the other blade which remains locked. This causes the first blade to pivot about its pivot axis and move to a folded position where it is again locked. The other blade is then unlocked and the actuator once again actuated but this time bearing against the first blade. In this way the other blade pivots into the folded position where it is again locked. The two locked folded blades may be connected to each other by a link rod. Rotors with three blades, four blades, five and six blades can be folded/unfolded with only two actuators.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: EurocopterInventors: Michel Romani, Marcel Cayol
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Patent number: 6676376Abstract: The present invention provides for an easily installed ceiling fan. The fan includes a quick-connect device for physically mounting the fan blades to a ceiling fan hub. The fan blades may be re-positioned from an operating position to an assembly position. In the operating position, the fan blades are locked into position and retained relative to the fan hub by a locking means. In the assembly position the fan blades may be to hung from the drive hub in a collapsed, vertical orientation and then quickly snapped into the extended position during operation. The articulating fan blade assembly of the present invention includes a fan blade hub, a fan blade, and a locking mechanism. The hub includes at least one receiving slot. The fan blade includes a mounting portion extending from its end and includes a tab configured for being received in the receiving slot. The locking means retains the fan blade shaft within the receiving slot upon insertion of the shaft into the receiving slot.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Angelo Fan Brace Licensing, LLCInventor: Jack Russell Kerr, Jr.
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Patent number: 6676379Abstract: A ram air turbine power system includes a ram air turbine having a turbine shaft, turbine blades for rotating the turbine shaft; and an electrical generator or other power source device driven by a power shaft, for providing power. The power shaft has a generally hollow tubular shape, and the turbine shaft extends coaxially within the power shaft. The ram air turbine power system also includes a gearbox housing a planetary gear train, where one end of the gear train is a planetary sun gear spline coupled to the power shaft and the other end of the gear train is a planetary ring gear spline coupled to the turbine shaft so that the rotating turbine shaft drives the power shaft through the gear train increasing the speed of the power shaft over the speed of the turbine shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Steven R. Eccles, Wayne G. Schindler, Wei-Shing Chaing
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Patent number: 6652221Abstract: A flowing water actuatable turbine system, wherein the turbine system is mounted for operational co-operation with water current by means of an upstanding column/pile in such manner as to be axially displaceable length ways of the column/pile. The turbine system is preferably arranged to be rotatably about the longitudinal axis of the column. Floatation means can be provided for operationally supporting the turbines which can include blade pitch control.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Inventor: Peter Praenkel
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Patent number: 6634861Abstract: A power plant for propeller aircraft has two propulsion devices, each having a propeller, an engine for powering the propeller, and a gear transmission interposed between the engine and the propeller. The transmission has a power input shaft connected directly to the engine, and a power output shaft supporting the propeller and rotated with respect to the input shaft about a hinge axis perpendicular to the output shaft. The gear transmission also has a single gear fitted to the output shaft and having two opposed sets of teeth meshing with a pair of pinions. One of the pinions extends coaxially with the hinge axis, and is connected to the input shaft by a single pair of gears.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2000Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Fiatavio S.p.A.Inventor: Paolo Altamura
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Patent number: 6580179Abstract: A ram air turbine system provides liquid cooling of its generator by employing a closed loop liquid cooling line originating from a pump in the gearbox of the system. In the preferred embodiment the pump may be a pitot pump to which gearbox lubricating oil may be channeled along a trough that is located in the gearbox. At least a portion of the trough is immersed in the oil which travels along the trough toward the pump in response to turbine shaft rotation. The oil is directed into a cooling jacket which is integral to the generator and then to a heat exchanger exposed to airflow. The oil is then returned to the gearbox.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Steven R. Eccles, Wayne G. Schindler
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Publication number: 20030108426Abstract: A ram air turbine power system includes a ram air turbine having a turbine shaft, turbine blades for rotating the turbine shaft; and an electrical generator or other power source device driven by a power shaft, for providing power. The power shaft has a generally hollow tubular shape, and the turbine shaft extends coaxially within the power shaft. The ram air turbine power system also includes a gearbox housing a planetary gear train, where one end of the gear train is a planetary sun gear spline coupled to the power shaft and the other end of the gear train is a planetary ring gear spline coupled to the turbine shaft so that the rotating turbine shaft drives the power shaft through the gear train increasing the speed of the power shaft over the speed of the turbine shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2001Publication date: June 12, 2003Applicant: Honeywell International , Inc.Inventors: Steven R. Eccles, Wayne G. Schindler, Wei-Shing Chaing
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Patent number: 6559370Abstract: A submarine countermeasure vehicle includes an elongated body for supporting a countermeasure device, and a propulsion assembly mounted on an after end of the body. The propulsion assembly includes a rotatable propeller hub, propeller blades mounted on the hub and moveable between a first position wherein the blades extend substantially radially outwardly from the hub, and a second position wherein the blades extend generally axially of the hub. A spring is mounted on each of the blades and in the hub, the spring biasing the blades toward the first position, but of sufficient flexibility to permit the blades to move to the second position upon launch of the vehicle from an underwater launch tube.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: William P. Barker
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Publication number: 20030059307Abstract: An electric fan assembly 10 is disclosed. The assembly 10 comprises a base 16 having an open display area 36 between a front edge region 32 and a rear edge region 34 with the base having at least one compartment 38 adapted to hold personal items, such as office supplies, to thereby provide a fan assembly with a desk organizer in the base. A support member 14 is also disclosed extending from the base 16 and being adapted to support and electric fan blower 12 in an elevated position above said base 16. The fan assembly also is collapsible between a use position and a non-use position in which the fan body is directed toward the base 16.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: Eleobardo Moreno, Charles H. Herndon, Yung Chen
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Patent number: 6522025Abstract: The apparatus of this invention is utilized for mounting a wind turbine on the upper end of a wind turbine tower. The invention also relates to the method of erecting the same. The tower is provided with a pair of guide rails positioned on opposite sides thereof which extend from the lower end to the upper end of the tower. A sled is movably mounted on the guide rails and has a platform mounted thereon which is adapted to support the wind turbine thereon. In one form of the invention, the sled is self-contained in that it has an engine and a winch mounted thereon. In another form of the invention, the winch and engine are mounted on a self-propelled vehicle which is designed to transport the sled from one tower location to another. In another form of the invention, the winch is detachable from the self-propelled vehicle so that the winch may be anchored to the ground.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2002Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey O. Willis, Anthony J. Hansen, Mark J. Perina
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Patent number: 6503056Abstract: The heating apparatus and method for the nose fairing of a rotating blade assembly has an electrical generator connected to a heating element attached to the interior of the forward end of the nose fairing. The electrical generator has a rotor with conductor windings attached to the aft end of the rotating blade assembly hub housing. The stator of the electrical generator is attached opposite the rotor on the support structure for the hub housing with stator magnets spaced from and opposite the rotor windings. When the hub housing is rotated by for example airflow through the blades of the rotating blade assembly the rotor moves relative to the stator thereby creating an induced current in the windings. This converts the rotational energy to electrical energy to power the heater to heat the nose fairing to inhibit the formation of ice thereon.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Steven R. Eccles, Wayne G. Schindler