Abstract: An unducted turbofan engine comprises first and second fan blades journaled for rotation from a folded position substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the engine to a radially orientated propulsion condition. A releasable shroud normally retains the fan blades in the folded condition and releases the fan blades in a controlled sequence.

Abstract: A blade attachment between a propfan blade and a propfan hub in a propfan propulsion system for a tube-launched expendable aircraft, the attachment including a hinger on a rotatable propfan hub on the aircraft, a stem of the propfan blade rotatably supported on the hinge, a pitch control arm rigidly attached to the propfan blade, and a pitch control link universally articulated at opposite ends to the pitch control arm and to the propfan hub. When the hinge is extended, the pitch control arm and pitch control link locate the propfan blade in a folded position generally flat against the fuselage of the aircraft for storage in and launch from a tube. After launch, the hinge rotates to a retracted position and the pitch control arm and pitch control link concurrently rotate the propfan blade to an unfolded position for propelling the aircraft forward when the propfan hub rotates.

Abstract: An adjustable diameter screw propeller includes a hub having a plurality of spindles, each mounted in the hub for rotation about an axis disposed radially of the hub axis and a mechanism for synchronously turning the spindles in a common direction. A plurality of propeller blades having a fixed pitch contour and a skew in the range of 60.degree. to 90.degree. are attached to respective ones of the spindles, such that as the spindles are turned, the blades rotate between a first disposition in which the diameter of the propeller is maximum and a second disposition in which the diameter of the propeller is reduced. In addition, the pitch of the propeller increases as the propeller diameter decreases to compensate for the loss of power that would otherwise occur as the propeller diameter is decreased.

Abstract: A ceiling fan is provided and includes articulated fan blades such that when the fan is off the blades will hang vertically downwardly by force of gravity and when the fan is turned on the blades will rise radially to a horizontal pitched angled position due to the coaction of centrifugal force, and wind reaction force.

Abstract: Folding propeller which consists of blades (1) hinged to a hub (7) in such a way that they can turn about 56 degrees from a position at rest, where they are pointing aft, to a working position towards a stop. The identical movements of the blades (1) are achieved by the use of two cog-wheel connections, where each cog-wheel consists of only one tooth. The two connections are arranged side by side but in opposite directions in order to ensure a fixed connection. The tooth faces (10) may be given the shape of an arc of a circle. The propeller blades (1) may be fixed to the hub mechanism by means of pins (2) arranged in the longitudinal axis of the blades (1). The pitch of the blades (1) may then be changed.

Abstract: A system for folding a helicopter rotor blade in which the lead-lag damper is mounted to the rotor blade spar, attached to the pitch housing and centered at the vertical pin flap hinge axis. This design of the lead-lag damper corresponding to a specially designed cam has a single actuator used to fold the rotor blade by sequentially engaging the cam with the actuator and lead-lag damper. Connected to the lead-lag damper is a lead-lag damper linkage assembly which is located in the operative position of the rotor blade so that flight loads are transferred directly to the pitch housing thereby uncoupling the actuator and cam from the path of these loads. In addition, this linkage is connected over center during blade folding so that the rotor blade cannot be back driven.

Abstract: A new design for large wind turbines permitting a substantial reduction in weight and cost. Lightweight airfoils comprising the turbine blades are supported within an extensive space frame system which eliminates the large bending moments to which the blades of a conventional wind turbine are subject. The turbine's useful power output is produced by lightweight electrical generators mounted inside nacelles located at the wind turbine's rotational perimeter. The nacelle-mounted generators are driven by separate, pivotable, high RPM retropellers whose high RPM is made possible by the resultant high airstream velocity encountered at the turbine perimeter.

Abstract: An aircraft wheel rotation assembly is mountable on the rim of an aircraft wheel and includes a plurality of vanes which are equally spaced around the rim. Each vane has a generally radially aligned airfoil shaped cross section so that when a passing air current impinges on the vanes, each vane contributes a positive torque to rotate the associated wheel through an angle of more than 180 degress about the wheel axis. The vanes may be deployable and retractable, in which case each vane also has an integral segment gear which meshes with a ring gear carrried by the assembly. Rotation of the ring gear, which may be done hydraulically, moves the vanes in unison from a fully retracted position toward a fully extended position.

Abstract: The disclosed wind turbine has a circular turbine wheel with a plurality of soft, furlable and unfurlable airfoils depending between a rim and hub. Each airfoil has associated with it a stepping motor for selectively furling and unfurling the airfoils. The turbine wheel is supported on a carriage which is in turn supported in a cantilevered manner from a central anchor which allows for revolving of the carriage, and therefore the turbine wheel, about the anchor. Control is provided for rotating the turbine wheel into a position upwind and normal to the wind direction. An upstanding pylon mounted on the anchor maintains the turbine wheel in an upright position. The pylon allows for revolving and rotating of the turbine wheel. It also provides for pivoting of the turbine wheel about a generally horizontal axis parallel to and spaced from the plane of the turbine wheel. A plurality of generators are driven by power take-off wheels mounted on the carriage which directly support the turbine wheel rim.

Abstract: The wind machine has at least two rotors fixed to a tower. The tower is rotatably supported by a foot bearing at its base and a second bearing positioned below a horizontal stud which supports a pair of rotor units. The second bearing is supported by guy wires and the rotor units can pivot about the stud axis. The wind machine is used to drive a pump and a plurality of wind machines can drive pumps in series or in parallel.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for folding the wing of a tilt-rotor aircraft, hav a rotatable load bearing member cooperatively disposed between a high point of the fuselage and the tilt-rotor wing, and a plurality of locking, load bearing pin joints disposed between the fuselage and the tilt-rotor wing, concentric to the rotatable load bearing member, and wherein the tilt-rotor wing may be stored by rotating the tilt-rotor wing, as a single segment, about the rotatable load bearing member, to a position substantially parallel to the fuselage, and wherein the wing may be locked in the flight configuration and the storage configuration with the same pin joints.

Abstract: Disclosed is a windmill whose impeller and strut are protected from harms by high wind, comprising an impeller; a strut; weight; and means for supporting said strut in such a manner that said strut is capable of rotating and inclining around pivot, wherein said impeller and weight are installed at different sides of said strut, and wherein said strut is supported by said means at the pivot located between said impeller and the center of gravity.

Abstract: A collapsible vertical wind mill is disclosed, which comprises four main wings arranged in a rhombic form having a pair of opposed corners fitted on a shaft and auxiliary wings each provided on each of the main wings. The upper one of the pair corners on the shaft is fitted via a bearing capable of movement along the shaft. The other pair of opposed corners of the rhombic structure each have a hinged structure capable of variation of the angle.

Abstract: A wind driven power generating apparatus which is automatically vertically adjustable depending upon the wind velocity.

Abstract: Wind turbine apparatus includes a plurality of sail elements secured to a circular frame rotatable in response to wind reacting with the sail elements and a control system for the sail elements includes a weight having cables extending from the weight to the sail elements. Movement of the weight in response to wind velocity results in a change in the sail elements exposed to the wind.

Abstract: A wind driven power generating apparatus which is automatically vertically adjustable depending upon the wind velocity.

Abstract: A pumping unit suitable for driving an electric generator and which is powered by ocean surf and waves. The unit includes a tower which is located on an ocean beach, and which includes a generally horizontal boom. The boom includes two forward sections disposed at right angles to one another. Two blades are mounted on the respective ends of the forward sections, and the forward sections are controlled so that the blades can be alternately dropped into the water to be driven toward the shore by the incoming surf and waves. As one blade is driven to the shore, it turns the boom in one direction about the vertical axis, causing the other blade to be moved out over the water. Then, the first blade can be lifted out of the water, and the second blade dropped into the water, so that the incoming surf will drive the second blade towards the shore turning the boom in the opposite direction about the vertical axis.

Abstract: A rollable airfoil, and aircraft for utilizing the airfoil. The airfoil is made of an upper skin having a cambered configuration and formed of a material having sufficient elasticity that the camber can be broken and the skin rolled into a coil. The lower skin is straight to provide the desired flat under surface of an airfoil, and to pull the edges of the upper skin towards each other to assist in maintaining the camber. The lower skin is stretchable to allow the upper skin to be flattened for rolling. A filler material, such as an expanded plastic, can fill the space between the upper skin and lower skin to dampen vibration.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inclined axis windmill. The windmill has a plurality of blades generally transverse to the upstanding rotor shaft. The blades have an airfoil cross-sectional shape and are oriented with a negative angle of attack, thereby allowing the leading edge of the airfoil to turn into the wind. The windmill preferably has a tilting assembly which tilts the rotor shaft and blades at an angle dependent upon the velocity of the wind. As the wind velocity increases the rotor shaft is automatically tilted into a more nearly vertical position by the control tail. This automatic tilting of the windmill provides automatic control of the rotor speed. The rotor blades are preferably pivotally connected to the rotor shaft.

Abstract: A spindle assembly for a soft airfoil wind turbine wheel having an elongate support cable connected in tension between the rim and hub of the wheel, an elongate, rotatable spindle mounted adjacent the elongate support member and a constraint mechanism for constraining the spindle against excessive bowing in response to wind pressure. The constraint mechanism includes a plurality of clamps mounted to the elongate support member which loosely surround the spindle and any airfoil furled therearound except for a slot for passage of the airfoil. Rollers are located adjacent the slots to guide the airfoil therethrough and are mounted to rotate about members interconnecting the clamps so that the wind pressure exerted by the soft airfoil is distributed along the length of the support members. Bracing cables connected to the elongate support member further distribute the wind pressure forces to the wheel structure and ground.

Abstract: A large diameter propeller for starting a watercraft or aircraft has blades which fold forward about tangents along the hub circuit for very high speed operation. Then, the flank pressure radial to the propeller axis will reduce induction, cavitation, noise and centrifugal power, and as a consequence, the radial acceleration of the seized medium (while the speed of the traveling craft is very high) will be so slow that turbulances resulting in propulsion losses are minimized.

Abstract: A wind responsive power generating apparatus (20) comprises a pair of normally mutually orthagonal cross arms (22,24) carrying impeller members (22a,22b, 24a,24b) that apply torque to a load (38) through an output shaft (26). The power output of the apparatus (20) is reduced from maximum by reducing the angle between adjacent cross arms and simultaneously rotating impeller members about corresponding cross arm axes to provide air spillthrough. The impellers are selectively vented by valves (46) to reduce drag as each impeller member swings upstream. Operation of the valves (46) is synchronized to impeller rotation and wind direction by a synchronization device (54). Various different types of impeller members and applications are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for furling, unfurling, and controlling a flexible airfoil for use in connection with a wind turbine wheel, comprising a rotatably mounted spindle journaled at one of its ends (the head end) to the hub of a wind turbine wheel, and at its other end (the foot end) in a foot plate bracket adjacent the rim of the wheel. The bracket is attached to a diametral bracing cable, and a soft airfoil is furled on the spindle. The foot plate is rotatably mounted so that the spindle foot can swing through a small arc about a centerline defined by the outer end of the cable. A "V"-shaped boom is rotatably secured to the foot plate and the bracing cable at its free ends such that the boom is pivotable with the spindle about a common axis spaced from the rotational axis of the spindle. A pulley is affixed to the outer, apex end of the boom.

Abstract: A rotary wing aircraft is disclosed and includes a fuselage, a gas turbine engine operated air compressor within the fuselage, and a jet nozzle driven rotor assembly situated over the fuselage and having a rotor axis about which the assembly rotates. The rotor assembly includes a generally hollow rotor hub and a plurality of generally hollow jet nozzle driven rotor blades extending radially outwardly of the rotor hub. The rotor hub defines air conduit means to the rotor blades. A section of at least one rotor blade comprises a foldable flexible air conduit for folding the rotor blade in a radial plane relative to the rotor hub. Releasable stabilizing means, including a droop stop, is disposed between the rotor hub and an outboard portion of the rotor blade beyond the flexible air conduit section, whereby the stabilizing means may be released and the blade folded in its radial plane with the flexible air conduit section acting as a hinge.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in equipment for the adjustment of blades, particularly propeller blades of fans, turbines, and the like, and especially for propulsion plants on aircraft, adapted to be selectively shut-off in a low-resistance position, the improvement comprising means whereby said blades are selectively foldable out of the operating position thereof about pivot axes transversely to their longitudinal axes, whereby said axes being tangential with respect to a common base circle are inclined with respect to the axis of rotation of said propeller blades in dependence upon the degree of twist of the blades, so that the blades in the folded-in position thereof are positioned next to each other jointly as parts of an imaginary cylindrical or conical envelope surface having a helical path with respect to the longitudinal envelope surface axis.

Abstract: A boat propeller with foldable blades, a so-called folding propeller, in which the mounting axes of the blades in the hub are inclined towards the rotational axis of the hub, so that the blades are movable between their folded and unfolded positions by rotating essentially one-half turn.

Abstract: A vertical-axis windmill comprising a central pole having a longitudinal axis about which a plurality of sales may revolve as would the main sails of three sailing boats restricted to follow a horizontal circular course and including means for lowering the windmill for protection or service without the sails engaging the ground.

Abstract: A wind-wheel for a wind-operated power generator comprises a rotor shaft, carrying the vanes of the wind-wheel, and mounted at its ends in rotary bearings supported by a frame. The frame is mounted on the top of a tower by means of a support member which itself is rotatable about a vertical axis through the tower. The connection between the support member and the frame enables the frame to be rotated about a horizontal axis below the bottom of the vanes. In a high wind, the wind-wheel can, thus, swing out of the vertical plane, spilling wind from the vanes, to avoid damage.

Abstract: A wind turbine for generation of electricity comprising a large, lightweight wheel attached to a fixed vertical central pylon and oriented to rotate in a vertical plane around a boom having an axis that is substantially horizontal, and pivoted at one end to the pylon. The wind wheel is supported at its rim by a carriage assembly that is constrained to move in a circular horizontal path about the central pylon. The wheel has a cylindrical outer rim and may include one or more perimeter frame structures. The outer surface of the rim is essentially flat in cross section and presents a traction surface for the takeoff of energy from the rim of the wheel. The wheel has a plurality of uniformly spaced radial spindles on which are rolled sails (soft airfoils), which when unfurled catch the wind to provide the rotational motion to the wheel.

Abstract: Wind energy is converted in a system having a telescoping, rotating, tiltable tower. A variable number of airfoil members is unfurled in accordance with the area of wind stream to be swept. The tiltable windmill rotating mast is a telescoping tower, which is retracted into storage mode, usually during dangerous windstorms. Each intermediate telescoping member carries a supporting member for an airfoil above and below such support, so that all sails are taut only when the tower is fully raised. Sails can be flapping when only partially raised. The number of sails unfurled is adjustable by reason of such telescoping mast. Resilient means urge the rotatable mast into a truly vertical position, while permitting such mast to tilt not more than a controlled angle in response to the wind, thereby permitting the airfoils more efficiently to rotate the mast.

Abstract: A wind power generating system is provided to generate power for the farm or ranch, state or county service buildings, and light industrial uses. The concept utilizes wind energy efficiently to convert power and can be rendered inoperative to avoid destruction by excessive wind flows.

Abstract: A wind turbine system utilizes a bicycle wheel type turbine having airfoils mounted on various spoke pairs. The vertical yaw axis lies in the horizontal projection of the airfoils to offer better control of the system; for example, automatic stowage in the case of excessive wind is provided since the superstructure of the turbine provides a torque around the vertical yaw axis which moves the wheel into a stowed position. At the same time, the wheel diameter can be made larger and thus heavier since the drive connection to the generator also helps support the weight of the wheel, since it is a rim drive. Greater electrical generation is also provided since an air scoop facing into the wind allows the effective generator capacity to be increased with air velocity. Lastly, the radial rate of change of the angle of the airfoils can be closely controlled.

Abstract: The improvement in a wind turbine comprises providing a tower with a freely liftable mount and adapting a nacelle which is fitted with a propeller windwheel consisting of a plurality of rotor blades and provided therein with means for conversion of wind energy to be shifted onto said mount attached to the tower. In case of a violent wind storm, the nacelle can be lowered down to the ground to protect the rotor blades from breakage due to the force of the wind. Required maintenance and inspection of the nacelle and replacement of rotor blades can be safely carried out on the ground.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a foldable propeller assembly adapted for connection to a drive shaft. The propeller assembly includes a propeller carrier having an open end portion defining an axially extending mounting socket for receiving the drive shaft and a hub end portion spaced from the open end portion. A pair of propeller blades are pivotally mounted on the hub end portion for movement from a folded-together, collapsed position to a radially outwardly extending operative position in response to rotation of the propeller carrier and for movement from the operative position to the collapsed position in response to cessation of rotation of the propeller carrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boat propeller with foldable blades, a so-called folding propeller. The characteristic feature of the propeller is that it is provided with resilient structure disposed to brake the swinging movement of the blades as they are spread out from the folded position to the operating position.

Abstract: A wind turbine on an essentially vertical mast converting wind power to electric power for the propulsion motors of a screw propelled ship. The turbine is omnidirectional and capable of being reefed for speed control.

Abstract: A wind power plant comprising a tower carrying a power system including a power house and vanes rotatable by the wind. The tower has a lower natural frequency of vibration between the lower and higher critical frequencies of vibration of the power system, and the tower has a higher natural frequency of vibration above the higher critical frequency of vibration of the power system. A ring surrounds and is disconnectably attached to the tower, and guy wires extend from the ring to the ground. The power system is assembled on the ground and so that it surrounds the tower, and the power system is then elevated, together with the ring, along the tower. Elevation may be accomplished with cables and a winch. Alternatively, a thread-like ledge may surround the tower and the power house may carry means for engaging and moving along the ledge to elevate and lower the power house.

Abstract: A foldable boat propeller comprising a hub to which the propeller blades are pivotally connected and which has two mutually turnable portions, one of which is fixedly secured to the propeller shaft and has a cam surface whereas the other one carries the propeller blades, and an axially shiftable plunger member which is mechanically connected to the propeller blades and unfolds them to working position on relative turning of the hub portions and axial shifting of said plunger means in response thereto only when the propeller shaft is driven in the reverse propulsion direction. Said plunger means is released for blade unfolding by centrifugal and water thrust force when the propeller shaft is driven in the forward propulsion direction.

Abstract: For a watercraft which may be a powered craft or a sailboat with an auxiliary engine, a propeller which will pivot relative to its propeller shaft about an axis extending transversely of the propeller shaft so that the propeller retracts into general longitudinal alignment with the propeller shaft. The propeller includes two blades fixed to each other as a unit with a pivot pin passage formed at the juncture of the two blades. In one preferred form, one of the propeller blades is made larger than the other with the smaller blade positioned rearwardly in relation to the pivot pin passage and the larger blade forwardly of the passage. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pivot pin passage extends at a relatively slight teetering angle to a plane extending perpendicular to the propeller shaft axis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a foldable propeller assembly adapted for connection to a drive shaft. The propeller assembly includes a propeller carrier having an open end portion defining an axially extending mounting socket for receiving the drive shaft and a hub end portion spaced from the open end portion. A pair of propeller blades are pivotally mounted on the hub end portion for movement from a folded-together, collapsed position to a radially outwardly extending operative position in response to rotation of the propeller carrier and for movement from the operative position to the collapsed position in response to cessation of rotation of the propeller carrier.

Abstract: Wind-driven power plant comprising a rotor with any desired number of blades and rotating during operation in an at least approximately vertical plane, the individual blades of the rotor being attached by means of articulations to a hub, which hub is fastened to the rotor shaft, the hub being mounted in a head of the plant which is carried by a tower at a height above the ground which is greater than the length of the rotor blades. The rotor is mounted in a head part, the latter swinging into a vertical position when the plant is at standstill; the rotor blades are swung around their articulations when the plant is at standstill up to a position which is at least approximately vertical; and the ends of the rotor blades are kinematically coupled for joint swinging motion with the swingable head part.

Abstract: A windmill structure in which a combined structure of sails and electrical generator device is pivotally suspended so that the position of the combined structure may be shifted in accordance with the wind velocity.

Abstract: Mounted on a vertical axis there is a horizontal axis and, vertically spaced therefrom, a wind wheel generator and counterweight unit. When the wind speed exceeds a predetermined limit, the unit is swung thereby, in a vertical plane, decreasing the effect of the wind on the wheel and protecting it from overload.

Abstract: Feathering propeller particularly for auxiliary engines of sailing boats. The propeller comprises a device for transmitting a rotary and a positioning motion to the blades including planetary gear means for converting an angular motion of the drive shaft into an angular motion for inclining the propeller blades and means for halting the angular motion to halt the blades at the required inclination and render the blades of such inclination rigid both with the relative hub and with the drive shaft.

Abstract: A deployable stowed rotor having a rotor hub to which a pair of telescoping otor blades are connected is foldable into a package suitable for stowage prior to use. When the rotor is deployed, for example, as a lifting device for an ejection seat, positive preconing of the blades is provided by a spreading link arrangement connected to a drogue chute. Further coning during rotor spin-up is synchronized by intermeshed gears provided at respective one ends of the blades attached to the hub by teeter link hinges. Rotor speed is automatically regulated by a governing spring formed in conjunction with a helical spline arrangement between each of the blades and the hub and which varies the pitch of the spinning blades according to rotational velocity.

Abstract: A universally flexible rotor mast for a rotary wing aircraft wherein the universal flexing of the mast is accomplished by the use of multiple elastomer mounts of elastomer metal plate sandwich formation and with high strength cables embedded in the elastomer and anchored to opposing metal plates of the sandwich mounts. A static on-ground rotor mast lock is employed to secure the rotor mast in an upright position, the mast lock is used in conjunction with the elastomer mounts of the flexible mast.

Abstract: A deployable stowed rotor having a rotor hub to which a pair of telescoping otor blades are connected is foldable into a package suitable for stowage prior to use. When the rotor is deployed, for example, as a lifting device for an ejection seat, positive preconing of the blades is provided by a spreading link arrangement connected to a drogue chute. Further coning during rotor spin-up is synchronized by intermeshed gears provided at respective one ends of the blades attached to the hub by teeter link hinges. Rotor speed is automatically regulated by a governing spring formed in conjunction with a helical spline arrangement between each of the blades and the hub and which varies the pitch of the spinning blades according to rotational velocity.

Abstract: A vertical take-off and landing aircraft features an improved tail-lifting rotor and rotor directional controls. A new type of suction pressure jet-mechanical-flap rotor blade with a higher coefficient of lift is employed. The aircraft has a mechanism for loading and unloading passengers and a more efficient method of handling baggage and cargo. A much more efficient utilization of space in the fuselage is achieved through a reduced height passenger space and overhead rotor storage compartment.

Abstract: A fluid pump including a shaft arranged to be rotatably driven by a motor of the like which includes one or more blades pivotally mounted at their inner ends on the shaft so as to be freely pivotal during the rotation of the shaft into an equilibrium angular position throughout an angular range extending in both directions from a 90.degree. position and in an axial plane with respect to the axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A propeller such as a ship's propeller or screw comprises at least one propeller blade, and a propeller drive shaft. The propeller blade is mounted on the propeller drive shaft by employing a hub having a free end secured on the propeller drive shaft. The hub is provided with a central bore in the free end thereof. A pivot axis is defined mounted within the hub and perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft. The pivot axis comprises a pivot shaft.The blade is pivotally mounted about the inner end of the blade freely about the pivot shaft, the pivot shaft intersecting the longitudinal direction of the blade. Abutment means for the blade are provided for limiting the free pivotal movement of the blade between two extreme positions at either side of the position in which the propeller blade extends substantially perpendicular to the axis of the shaft. The abutment means comprises a pair of abutment members secured in the bore to serve as abutments for the blades.