Abstract: A ram air turbine (RAT) in which a cam follower is operably coupled to turbine blades such that a cam follower position determines turbine blade pitch.

Abstract: A pitch control mechanism is provided for angular displacement of propellers of a propeller assembly of an engine arrangement. The pitch control mechanism has an epicyclic gear system rotating with the propeller assembly. The pitch control mechanism further has a drive gear controlling the rotational speed of the first epicyclic input in the rotating frame of reference of the propeller assembly, a control gear controlling the rotational speed of the second epicyclic input in the rotating frame of reference of the propeller assembly, and a drive mechanism rotating with the propeller assembly. The drive mechanism accepts rotary motion from the epicyclic output to deliver an output motion which angularly displaces the propellers of the propeller assembly.

Abstract: This invention provides a composite modular self-actuating, variable pitch propeller with a cylindrical hub housing assembly, a plurality of blades that automatically adjust between an initial, fixed low pitch setting and multiple higher pitch settings that occur in response to centrifugal force, water pressure, spring tension and height adjustment of the upper section of the device and cam profile of the inner section of the blades and adjacent cam ramp on the hub. Also provided is an over hub exhaust design that allows engine exhaust to exit thru ports in the exterior wall of the hub section. Additionally, a threaded cap and spring in the top section provides a means of adjustment to limit the maximum high pitch. Finally, each blade includes a protruding cam profile perpendicular to the blade shaft axis, with a flat surface acting as a low pitch stop and a profile that extends upward.

Abstract: A blade-pitch control system for controlling a pitch angle of blades on a rotor has an input swashplate assembly having non-rotating and rotating portions, the rotating portion being operably connected to blade grips. A feedback swashplate assembly has non-rotating and rotating portions, the rotating portion being connected to the yoke for movement with the yoke during flapping of the yoke. Linear actuators connect the non-rotating portion of the input swashplate assembly to the non-rotating portion of the feedback swashplate assembly. Motion of the yoke during flapping causes a corresponding motion of the feedback swashplate assembly and input swashplate assembly for providing selected pitch-flap coupling between flapping motion of the yoke and pitch motion of the grips.

Abstract: A variable transmission is described having a transmission mechanism and a phase adjustment mechanism. The transmission mechanism has supports that are movable toward or away from one another to vary the effective size of an effective cog. The phase adjustment mechanism has a differential type gear arrangement that creates a phase change to adjust the transmission mechanism. Another configuration is described which includes a subassembly with a phase adjustment mechanism for adjusting the pitch of propellers. Counter-rotating elements to control relative gear phase or pitch are provided externally, internally, distally or proximally relative to the source of mechanical torque in various configurations.

Abstract: A blade pitch controlling apparatus and an application thereof are described. The blade pitch controlling apparatus includes a centrifugal device and a blade pitch variable device, and the blade pitch variable device is arranged under the centrifugal device. The blade pitch variable device has a downward stroke that is variable by the centrifugal device according to a centrifugal force induced thereon so as to drive the blade pitch variable device to change the setting angle of the blades of the wind power generator.

Abstract: The design of a high efficiency, variable performance vaneaxial fan, requires the utilization of typical fan and single stage compressor design methodologies. To be able to replace multiple fans, the variable vaneaxial fan design must be capable of operation at several different flow rates and total pressures. These operation points can be met by varying motor revolutions per minute (RPM) or geometric parameters such as the hub diameter, tip diameter, as well as blade geometry including number of blades, pitch, spacing, and length. An ideal design with variable performance can replace a family of current fan designs by providing the capability for efficient operation over a range of flow rates and total pressures. This level of variability would not only allow the fan to respond to changing environmental conditions but also to be fit into systems with different characteristics.

Abstract: A turbine having a cam follower operable to control turbine blade pitch in association with a position thereof is provided and includes an axially movable plate, a rotational and axially movable flyweight and a system operably coupled to the plate and the flyweight whereby, at low RPMs, the system prevents flyweight rotation such that the plate and the flyweight position the cam follower at a first position, at medium RPMs, the system permits flyweight rotation such that the plate and the flyweight position the cam follower at a second position, and, at high RPMs, the system prevents further flyweight rotation and permits initial axial movement of the plate and the flyweight such that the plate and the flyweight position the cam follower at a third position.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for an emergency feathering control of a wind turbine during emergency feathering of the turbine blades that is independent of a turbine control and pitch control unit. A variable pitch rate controller generates commands to drive an AC servo motor for blade feathering. A first pitch rate is obtained with a back-up storage unit, such as a super capacitor. The commands from the controller vary the pitch rate of the blades during feathering in an emergency to a second pitch rate that is different from the first pitch rate.

Abstract: A pitch control mechanism is provided for angular displacement of propellers of a propeller assembly of an engine arrangement. The pitch control mechanism has an epicyclic gear system rotating with the propeller assembly. The pitch control mechanism further has a drive gear controlling the rotational speed of the first epicyclic input in the rotating frame of reference of the propeller assembly, a control gear controlling the rotational speed of the second epicyclic input in the rotating frame of reference of the propeller assembly, and a drive mechanism rotating with the propeller assembly. The drive mechanism accepts rotary motion from the epicyclic output to deliver an output motion which angularly displaces the propellers of the propeller assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable propeller arrangement comprising a drive shaft extending in a longitudinal direction and an adjustable propeller connected to the drive shaft. The adjustable propeller comprises at least one propeller blade and an adjusting member connected to the at least one propeller blade such that the pitch if the at least one propeller blade is controlled by the position, in the longitudinal direction, of the adjusting member. The arrangement comprises a conduit assembly which in turn comprises a duct located outside of the drive shaft and the conduit assembly further comprises a first conduit portion extending at least partially within the drive shaft. The conduit assembly is adapted to provide a fluid communication between the adjustable propeller and the duct.

Abstract: A substantially spherical multi-blade wind turbine (SSMBWT) includes: (a) a plurality of multifunctional blades (2); and (b) a rotating axis (3) configured to rotate when the blades capture wind and for coupling to a power generator (4a), wherein each multifunctional blade (2) comprises three integrated functional sections (2a, 2b, 2c), wherein each functional section has a different shape and is configured to guide and evacuate incoming airflow and to capture wind energy from different anisotropic directions, ranging from around to above and below the body of the substantially spherical multi-blade wind turbine (SSMBWT).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a propeller comprising a boss with a boss diameter and at least one propeller blade. The propeller further comprises an adjusting member, adapted to be displaced along a first dimension, and a transformation arrangement connecting the adjusting member to the propeller blade such that a displacement, in the first dimension, of the adjusting member results in a change in the pitch of the propeller blade. The transformation arrangement comprises a slot comprising a slot portion with a slot center extending in a slot extension direction which direction is arcuate with a radius of curvature. The transformation arrangement further comprises a control element slidably engaged with at least the slot portion.

Abstract: A method of operating a blade pitch change system of a gas turbine engine and its arrangement, the system comprising a blade, an actuator, a pressurised fluid system and a control system that regulates pressurised fluid to the actuator to control its position and thereby the blade's pitch; the blade pitch change system operates in a forward thrust mode and a reverse thrust mode, the control system comprises a main pitch control valve and a first reverse blade control valve through which the pressurised fluid passes. The method comprises the steps of a) continuously varying the main control valve to change the blade's pitch within the forward thrust mode at a first rotational rate, b) switching the first reverse blade control valve on to change the blades' pitch between the forward thrust mode and the reverse thrust mode at a second rotational rate that is greater than the first rotational rate.

Abstract: A variable pitch fan blade mechanism, particularly well suited for automotive applications, wherein the blade pitch is compliantly responsive to selective actuation of a linear actuator. A linear actuator is disposed in the fan shaft composed of an electric drive component drivingly engaged with a follower component, a set of fan blades resiliently attached to a head of the follower component, and a push assembly connected to the fan shaft composed of a push plate and a plurality of push rods, one push rod for each fan blade. Each push rod engages its respective fan blade adjacent an edge thereof. The fan blades are resiliently biased toward the push rods such that axial movement of the push rods in response to actuation of the linear actuator results in compliant changes of pitch of the blades.

Abstract: A constant velocity drive mechanism of a rotary-wing aircraft rotor, comprises a torque splitting differential mechanism, comprising a driving disc integral in rotation with a rotor mast and connected to each of two driven discs either side of the driving disc, by a least one connecting pin hinged to each of the discs by one of three ball joint connections. Each of the driven discs is connected to a hub of the rotor by at least one of two driving devices, each of which is also hinged to the hub, so as to drive the hub in rotation about a geometrical axis which can be inclined in all directions about the axis of rotation of the mast.

Abstract: A pitch change mechanism for a plurality of fan blades (12) comprises adjustment device (60) to rotate the blades (12) about their longitudinal axes. A gear box (34) provides rotary power to drive the adjustment device (60) in response to a control signal. The gear box (34) is mounted in the fan shaft (30) and rotates therewith. An input shaft (33) to the gear box (34) is mechanically connected to a turbine shaft (32) so that the input shaft (33) rotates with the turbine shaft (32). The difference between the speeds of the fan shaft (30) and the turbine shaft (32) is used to drive an output shaft (39) of the gear box (34). The rotary power of the output shaft (34) drives the pitch adjustment device (60) via a plurality of gears (50).

Abstract: A lightweight and compact apparatus is provided for altering and controlling the pitch of a plurality of rotating blades during rotation using a mechanical clutch and gear arrangement driven by a rotational speed differential between the blade drive shaft and the blades. A first set of clutches and gears controls the direction of rotational power to the pitch change mechanism and is disengaged from rotation when desired blade pitch is established. A second set of clutches and gears controls the speed of rotational power applied to the pitch change mechanism. This pitch change mechanism includes a failsafe capability against pitch change through disengagement of the directional clutches except when needed, and an inherent rotational lock resulting from the rate change clutches' bias to simultaneous engagement. Variation of that speed of rotational power permits coarse and fine pitch adjustments at variable rates.

Abstract: Fault-tolerant apparatus for controlling first and second input members of a mechanical actuator includes first and second electrical machines and at least two controllers. The first and second electrical machines, which apply braking forces to the first and second input members, respectively, are provided with stators having pluralities of isolated phase windings. Each controller is coupled to a phase winding of the first electrical machine, and also to a phase winding of the second electrical machine. Any one controller can excite the first electrical machine to apply the braking force to the first input member or the second electrical machine to apply the braking force to the second input member.

Abstract: A pitch controller (10) for controlling the pitch of a plurality of blades (11) of a fan powered by a turbine propulsion engine, with a pitch adjusting device (16) having an input (18) for controlling the pitch of the blades. An input drive shaft (15) provides rotary power from the free turbine to the first input of a transmission (14). The transmission also has a second input (25) controlling the input to the pitch adjusting device, a first output (18) which is the input to the pitch adjusting device and a second output (21) which is applied to a rotary power device (20). Input power from the free turbine is provided to the rotary power device by the transmission which in response to a pitch control signal (28) causes the second input to rotate at a speed different from the first input thereby changing the pitch of the blades in proportion to the pitch control signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for adjusting the pitch of a fluid reactive blade member carried upon a rotor in response to a speed difference between the rotor and a reference speed shaft.

Abstract: A guidance system for small spinning projectiles which is mechanically simple, has low power requirements, uses relatively unsophisticated electronics, and is capable of withstanding large gas pressures and accelerations. The system uses a one-piece fin assembly which is de-spun so that its guidance fins maintain a constant attitude with respect to the ground. The guidance fins and their hub can be nutated simultaneously and independently in two orthogonal planes by pivoting and translating a single control rod. The hub cooperates with the projectile body to reduce its base drag and thereby extend its range.

Abstract: Automatic torque control of wind energy conversion devices is provided through the utilization of turbine reaction torque. In the preferred embodiment, the frame of the driven machine is arranged to be rotatable through a limited angle. As rated torque of the system is exceeded, a force proportional to the turbine reaction torque is exerted by said frame to adjust the turbine aerodynamic configuration in such a manner as to reduce the torque error to substantially zero.

Abstract: This application discloses means for driving a device, such as a cooling fan of a vehicle motor, together with means for changing the phase relationship of an element moving with the driven device whereby to change the effect of the driven device; in a specific application, to change the pitch of cooling fan blades in response to the requirements of the motor; the phase change being effected by changing the angular relationship of an auxiliary adjusting shaft which is being positively driven while maintaining the main fan shaft drive means unchanged.