Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for locking both rotor blades of a rotor/wing aircraft at a common point to form a rigid wing having a uniform bilateral aerodynamic response. In one embodiment of the present invention the rotor blades of a rotor/wing aircraft are locked together to form a rigid wing assembly. This is accomplished by locking the blades together by a locking mechanism that engages when the rotor speed drops below a certain threshold. With the rotor blades locked together, the wing assembly can then be locked in position with the appropriate pitch angle simply by securing the pitch link of the rotor blade that is oriented at the leading edge of the fixed wing. In another embodiment of the invention the blades are locked directly to the rotor by two locking mechanisms that engage the hub directly.

Abstract: A high bypass ratio turbojet engine comprising a fan rotated by the shaft of a low pressure turbine via a speed reducer is provided with a thrust reverser device by providing the speed reducer with first and second epicyclic gear trains which are mounted in parallel between the low pressure turbine and the fan and which are arranged in such a way as to drive the fan in a first direction of rotation when the engine is operated in a direct thrust mode, and to drive the fan in the opposite direction of rotation when the engine is to be operated in the reverse thrust mode.

Abstract: A fan blade assembly for a ceiling fan has lightweight, oversized blades formed by a support frame with a blade covering material stretched over the frame. A lighting fixture attached to the support frame rotates with the fan blades. The fan blades are contoured to provide airfoil characteristics having an optimal compromise to maximize air circulation when rotating in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. In a ceiling fan, the fan blade assembly can be used singluarly or used in combination with conventional fan blades on the ceiling fan.

Abstract: A fluid power storage device is provided in which, the prime mover directly or through a slow-down gear train winds up a spring device having a latch attached therein. The spring device can be a spiral spring or simply a rubber band. When the stored up energy is great enough, an adjustable stopper automatically releases the spring device being latched. The spring device in turn, releases the stored energy which then activates a mechanism or drives an electric generator. After a certain amount of energy stored up is released, the latch will automatically be caught by the stopper. Hence the mechanism or the electric generator will be stopped and the fluid power storage device starts to store up energy again for the next release of the spring device.

Abstract: A rotary wing aircraft has an engine, an engine-driven shaft and a main rotor. A rotor drive shaft is mounted to the main rotor and extends substantially 90 degrees to the engine-driven shaft. A drive pulley is mounted to the engine-driven shaft. A driven pulley is operatively coupled to the rotor drive shaft. A drive belt extends around the drive and driven pulleys. A fluid cylinder has one end stationarily mounted to the engine and another end operatively coupled to the driven pulley to selectively move the driven pulley away from the drive pulley. This movement applies tension in the belt to cause the drive pulley to rotate the main rotor.

Abstract: A helicopter rotor brake having a disk connected angularly to a helicopter rotor; a brake caliper having friction members cooperating with the disk; and an actuating device for moving the brake caliper, parallel to the plane of the disk, between a work position engaging the disk and wherein the brake caliper may be operated to brake the rotor, and a safety position releasing the disk and wherein any possibility of the friction members interacting with the disk is prevented.

Abstract: An electric waving fan includes a single air moving fan vane element, a motor for generating power, a transmission apparatus for converting the power to motion, and a power output assembly for moving the single fan vane element simultaneously in two directions such that the fan vane element moves with a waving motion. The fan further includes a base and a wrist assembly that can be moved in two directions relative to the base which can be mounted on a wall, on the floor or desk, or hang from the ceiling.

Abstract: In an underwater device adapted to sink in water, the device having a proler disposed in a tail cone portion thereof and operable to rotate in a first direction to move the device toward a surface of the water, an assembly for preventing the propeller from rotating in a second direction during the sinking of the device in the water. The assembly includes a circular shroud fixed to outboard tips of blades of the propeller and encircling the propeller. A ramp is disposed on an outside surface of the shroud. A tail cone ring is fixed to the tail cone portion and surrounds the shroud. A pivotally movable flap is mounted on an inside surface of the tail cone ring. The ramp and the flap are engageable and configured to prevent rotation of the shroud, and thereby the propeller, in the second direction, and to permit rotation of the shroud, and thereby the propeller, in the first direction.

Abstract: A rotor blade actuation system is disclosed for controlling extension and retraction of an outboard blade section of a rotor blade by varying the speed and direction of rotation between a main rotor shaft and a blade actuation shaft. The rotor blade actuation system includes a drive gear on the main rotor shaft and a blade actuation drive gear on the blade actuation drive shaft. A primary drive unit is engaged with and transmits rotary motion from the main rotor shaft to the blade actuation shaft. The primary drive unit includes an input gear engaged with the drive gear. A primary drive is engaged with the drive gear through an input gear and a master clutch. An output drive is engaged with the blade actuation drive gear. A forward clutch controls engagement of a forward planetary gearset with the primary drive and the output drive. The engagement of the forward planetary gearset causes the blade actuation shaft to rotate in the same direction as the rotation of the main rotor shaft.

Abstract: A fluid-activatable vane is defined by a thin vane body having opposed narrow leading and trailing side edges and opposed substantially smooth large top and bottom surfaces. The body has a central longitudinal axis and is substantially symmetrical on opposed sides of the axis. An attachment shaft is aligned with the central axis at a near end edge of the vane to secure two diametrically opposed vanes through a coupling wherein the vane will tilt along a 90.degree. arc from a horizontal plane to a vertical plane when exposed to a fluid flow. The two vanes form a propeller and are fixed to a respective end of the attachment shaft in a respective plane and offset 90.degree. from one another. A fluid actuatable torquing curved outer end edge portion is formed integral with the vane body in an outer end edge portion thereof and on a respective side of a central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An anti windmilling device 10 for fan blades 103 including a housing member 20 adapted to be secured to the wire grid 101 of a fan 104. The housing member 20 rotatably supports a sail member 40 mounted on a shaft element 42 dimensioned to engage a portion 28 of the housing member 20. The sail member 40 is normally spring biased into the arc of rotation of the fan blades 103 for preventing the unwanted rotation of the blades 103 when the fan 104 is not energized.

Abstract: A propeller is made up of a propelling unit having a plurality of blades, a driving unit for driving the propelling unit, and a plurality of deformable transmission units located between the propelling unit and the driving unit such that the transmission units are retained in the retaining slots of the propelling unit and the driving unit. The transmission units are tubular in shape and capable of deforming to absorb an impact force exerting on the transmission units in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the transmission units, so as to safeguard the structural integrity of the propeller at such time when the propeller in motion is impacted on by a foreign object.

Abstract: A helicopter rotor brake assembly for arresting rotational movement of a main rotor drive shaft, wherein the helicopter rotor brake assembly is mechanically interconnected with the main rotor drive shaft through a main transmission. The helicopter rotor brake assembly includes a brake disc rotatably mounted about an axis, wherein the brake disc is mechanically interconnected with the main transmission, and wherein the brake disc defines a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis. A bracket is provided for disposal in combination with the brake disc, and comprises a beam member defining a first end and a second end, a first arcuate member connected to the first end of the beam member and disposed substantially co-planar with the plane defined by the brake disc, and a second arcuate member connected to the second end of the beam member and disposed substantially co-planar with the plane defined by the brake disc.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Apparatus for peripherally supporting the rotor of a fluid driven turbine and for power take-off of energy by transformation of peripheral speed of the rotor to use such as to drive one or more electric generators to provide electric power output as determined by available wind energy.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine is supported by a frame held in place by an encircling series of crescent-shaped tubular deflector vanes. The vanes widen towards the turbine core, concentrating the wind. The wind is trapped momentarily on entering the turbine cavities. Air can be supplied to such cavities from a compressed air source driven by wave action on a body of water.

Abstract: The yaw control in an air vehicle having counter rotating rotors is provided by selectively and controllably applying a frictional drag or braking force to drive gears for the two rotors. Each of the drive gears includes a friction surface. Friction pads are located adjacent to and are releasably engagable with the friction surfaces of the drive gears. The friction pads are supported by a control mechanism for selectively moving each of the friction pads into engagement with the respective drive gear to provide a frictional drag on the drive gear and to a disengaged position spaced from the respective drive gear. The frictional forces created by engagement of the friction pads with the drive gear friction surfaces cause net torques on the air vehicle frame to rotate the air vehicle in the desired directions. Normally, the torque developed the counter rotating rotors is canceled, maintaining the air vehicle in the desired yaw orientation.

Abstract: A support for peripherally supporting the rotor of a fluid driven turbine and for power take-off of energy by transformation of peripheral speed of the rotor to use such as to drive one or more electric generators to provide electric power output as determined by available wind energy.

Abstract: The axial flow fan structure has an outer ring and an inner ring that establish an annular air passage. An odd-number of arms join the inner and outer rings together and at least one of the arms is skewed with respect to a radius of the annular air passage in order to reduce noise and vibration and to increase fan efficiency. Labyrinth air passages are provided between the fan and the outer ring to impede air blow-past and to improve further efficiency and noise reduction. Internal vanes are also provided to cool the fan-driving motor in which each of the vane members have at least two edges, the respective edges forming different angles relative to the axis of fan rotation.

Abstract: A helicopter transmission presenting at least a first reduction unit receiving motion from a respective engine on the helicopter; and a second reduction unit connected to the first reduction unit and transmitting motion to the shaft of the main rotor; both reduction units presenting one reduction stage, and each including a pair of face gears coaxial with and facing each other and only one of which is fitted to the output shaft of the respective reduction unit; and two pinions of which one is a floating input pinion and the other is a fixed-axis pinion, and each of which meshes with both the face gears.

Abstract: An anti-rotation device for fin-fans is provided. The anti-rotation device provides a one-way clutch on the vertical shaft of a fin-fan to prevent backward rotation of the fin-fan in order to reduce stresses to the fin-fan system during start-up. The invention also provides a clutch adaptor to enable attachment of the one-way clutch to a variety of fin-fan installations as well as a locking system to decrease the risk of injury during maintenance operations.

Abstract: A ship's drive with two counterturning propellers, the rear propeller of which is fastened to an inner shaft and the front propeller of which is fastened to the head end of a hollow shaft, which runs concentrically with the inner shaft. The hollow shaft is connected to a gearing and the inner shaft is connected to a propulsion unit. A gearwheel is disposed at the foot end of the hollow shaft which engages a further gearwheel which is fastened to an input shaft running parallel to the inner shaft. The input shaft can be connected with the output of a second engine.

Abstract: A floating impeller assembly for use with an electromagnetic stator unit includes a stationary shaft with a magnetic rotor rotationally mounted on the shaft. An impeller unit is rotationally mounted on the shaft and a unitary retaining and clutch mechanism between the magnetic rotor and the impeller unit drives the impeller unit by means of rotation of the magnetic rotor. The magnetic rotor and the impeller float on the shaft facilitating reducing the noise, friction and wear, heretofore, present in prior art units. The floating impeller assembly is used within an aquarium filter for drawing water from the aquarium into the aquarium filter for filtration and discharge back into the aquarium tank.

Abstract: A twin engine helicopter has an accessory drive system that will operate with only one engine while the other engine is off. The system also allows starting of the second engine without turning the first engine off. An input clutch for the first engine will rotate an inner drive member when it is being driven by the first engine. An accessory drive member mounts to the inner drive member. A collector gear mounts in engagement with the blade drive train and has a drive member. A movable clutch shaft has one end that engages the inner drive member of the input clutch and another end which will engage the drive member of the collector gear. An actuator will move the clutch shaft out of engagement with the drive member of the collector gear to disengage the drive engine from the blade drive train. A synchronizing clutch mounts in engagement with the clutch shaft for causing the clutch shaft to rotate with the collector gear if the second engine is started and operated at a speed faster than the first engine.

Abstract: A yawing system for a wind mill consists of two yawing motors (9, 11) acting on a toothed rim of the yawing bearing. On each its drive shaft (21) the motors (9, 11) are provided with a free wheel (23) and an electromagnetic friction brake (25). The free wheel devices (23) are directed opposite each other. A control system operates in a passive state in such a manner that the motors give opposite and relative to the braking moment of the brake (25) of a second motor smaller torque thereby avoiding dead clearance between drive wheel (15) and toothed rim (17) while at the same time keeping the generator housing (5) of the mill at rest. In the active state of the control system both brakes (25) are disengaged and both motors give a higher torque in the same direction. The system acts as a shock absorber by loads exceeding the fixed slip moment of the friction brake (25).

Abstract: By mounting an axle (18,19) in a wind mill wing (1) having a wing tip (22) capable of swinging out by means of a mounting (2,7,8) which may be bolted to the wing and which can furthermore squeeze about the axle (18), it is possible to mount this mounting on new wings as well as old wings in case the mountings thereof have become loose.

Abstract: A hub assembly comprising a driver telescoped within a driven member is disclosed. A plurality of elastomeric members are disposed between the driving and driven members within mating parallel semi-circular grooves in the opposed surfaces of the driving and driven members of the hub.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a marine propulsion system including a double propeller. To obtain a forward thrust, the two propellers are driven in opposite directions while producing forward propulsion forces. To obtain a rearward thrust, only one propeller is driven in the direction to produce a rearward force. The two propellers are attached to coaxial inner and outer horizontal shafts. A single vertical shaft is coupled by bevel gears to the shafts, and movable clutches couple the driving force to the horizontal shafts.

Abstract: A transport refrigeration system including a compressor, a prime mover for the compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator blower assembly. The evaporator blower assembly includes a shaft driven by the prime mover, a first blower fixed to the driven shaft, a second blower journaled for rotation about the driven shaft, and a clutch for coupling and decoupling the first and second blowers. The volume of air moved through the evaporator and into the conditioned space or cargo area is thus selectable based upon need of the transport refrigeration system, without the necessity of changing the speed of the prime mover. The resulting savings in power realized when only one blower is being driven is automatically translated into fuel savings and/or increased cooling capacity.

Abstract: A hydraulic speed control device for limiting the speed of a wind turbine rotor by controlling the deployment of rotor braking devices includes four fluidicly interconnected elements: one or more fluid cylinders, a relief valve, an accumulator, and a check valve. Each of the fluid cylinders is mechanically coupled between a blade and an associated rotor braking device, and controls the movement of the rotor braking device between its aligned and braking positions. The relief valve opens to fluidicly connect the fluid cylinders and the accumulator when the rotational speed of the rotor exceeds a limit value. The accumulator receives fluid through the relief valve when the relief valve opens, thereby reducing the fluid pressure in the fluid cylinders and allowing the rotor braking devices to move from their aligned positions to their braking positions.

Abstract: A wind turbine for a wind turbine electrical generator set in which movable nose portions are located at or adjacent the leading edge of the blade and at or adjacent the tip of the blade but is dispaceable purely longitudinally of the blade, i.e. radially outwardly of the blade, from the normal retracted position, in which the portion contributes to the lift of the aerofoil section, to an advanced position in which drag is produced, to prevent unwanted increase in the speed of the rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: Wind turbine blades for use e.g. in generating electricity are described in which the blades have fixed lift spoilers in the form of deep spars projecting on the normally high pressure side of the blades where they are relatively ineffective, but which, in down-wind operation of the turbine, are on the low pressure side which generates (but for the spars) substantially all the lift and are therefore very effective. Active spoilers are also disclosed on the low pressure side of the blade rapidly deployable to control an overspeed condition. The whole is controlled by a computer to maintain desirably constant tip speed ratio, the variable rotor speed being converted hydraulically or electrically to constant frequency current, or to maintain a constant turbine speed to generate constant frequency current with overspeed protection.

Abstract: Cooling apparatus for a gas transmission system which includes radiator fans each driven in a desired direction from its respective drive-motor by way of a drive-belt with an associated belt tensioner, such belt tensioner including a one-way sprag-clutch coupled through a shaft and sheave to a respective drive-belt and having a direction of free rotation which corresponds to the direction of motion of said drive-belt necessary to produce motion of its respective radiator fan in the desired direction.

Abstract: A helicopter rotor control system (13) including a stop azimuth controller (32) for establishing the value of a deceleration command (15') to a deceleration controller (23), a transition azimuth predictor (41) and a position reference generator (55), which are effective during the last revolution of said rotor (14) to establish a correction indication (38) to adjust the deceleration command (15') to ensure that one of the rotor blades (27) stops at a predetermined angular position.

Abstract: Wind turbines, improved gear box assemblies, sub-assemblies and components therefor, and a braking system adaptable for use with such wind turbines and improved gear box assembly.

Abstract: Wind turbines, improved gear box assemblies, sub-assemblies and components therefor, and a braking system adaptable for use with such wind turbines and improved gear box assembly.

Abstract: In an aircraft propulsion system including a gas turbine engine driving a pair of counter rotating bladed members through a planetary gear set, a brake for simultaneously retarding rotation of both bladed members after engine shut-down includes a pair of concentric transfer shafts each rotatably connected to separate elements of the planetary gear set, a pair of friction plates supported on respective ones of the transfer shafts for rotation therewith, a plurality of non-rotatable reaction members between the friction plates, and a single actuator selectively operable to compress the stack of friction plates and reaction members to simultaneously retard rotation of both transfer shafts and thereby simultaneously retard rotation of and eventually simultaneously stop both of the counter rotating bladed members.

Abstract: A continuously rotating shaft is constructed as a hollow shaft with basically radially, outwardly oriented bores and rotating within a second shaft or hub; for purposes of effecting coupling a friction medium is released from the interior of the hollow shaft to pass through the bores and to fill the gap between the hollow shaft and the hub or the second shaft to effect friction a coupling under utilization of galling.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for use with a marine propeller wherein a rigid bushing is adapted to be connected to a drive shaft for rotation therewith, while an annular elastomeric ring in radial compression has its inner surface bonded to such bushing. The outer surface of such deformed elastomeric ring is in frictional engagement with an anti-functional cylindrical member which in turn is connected to a plurality of circumferentially spaced propellers via a hub.

Abstract: This invention concerns a wind driven machine including a clutch mechanism for connecting a rotary output shaft from a wind driven member to a second shaft adapted to be rotated by the output shaft. The mechanism comprises a clutch drive portion arranged to rotate with but to be axially moveable in relation to the output shaft between a disengaged and an engaged position in which it engages a clutch driven portion fixed to the second shaft. The drive portion is biased towards the disengaged position and is moveable to the engaged position under the influence of weights mounted on a lever pivoted to a member fixed to the output shaft and linked to the drive portion.

Abstract: An improved gear box assembly is provided for a vertical axis wind turbine, the vertical axis wind turbine having a rotor having a centrally disposed axis oriented in the vertical direction, a bull gear supporting the rotor, a base below the bull gear, the bull gear being adapted to rotate above the base, the bull gear and base presenting a hollow housing and shaft terminating in an inner end wall and end surface respectively, the housing for receiving the shaft, one of the said hollow housing or shaft being stationary and the other being rotatable with respect thereto and secured to the bull gear, the shaft and housing when secured together presenting a space between the inner end wall and end surface, bearings supported between the housing and shaft, and sealing means for sealing the space between the housing and shaft, a fluid passageway extending into the space created between the inner end wall and end surface for feeding hydraulic fluid under pressure into the space for hydraulically elevating the bull

Abstract: Several embodiments of coupling arrangements for resiliently coupling a propeller to a driving shaft. In each embodiment, a first resilient means provides a resilient coupling for absorbing circumferential vibrations and a second resilient means for absorbing axial vibrations. In one embodiment of the invention, one of the resilient means comprises a coil spring. In the other embodiment, all of the resilient means comprise elastomeric sleeves. In a further embodiment of the invention, axial damping in both forward and reverse directions are provided.

Abstract: A marine propeller hub has an axial hole therein having a wavy, non-cylindrical surface consisting of a plurality of alternating peaks and valleys. A closely fitting resilient insert slips into the axial hub hole of the propeller hub and has an outer surface with peaks that extend into the respective valleys of the axial hub hole. The resilient insert has a cylindrical axial hole therein with a plurality of longitudinal keyways disposed in the surface of that hole. The keyways receive respective keys rigidly attached to the outer surface of a spline driver adaptor sleeve, the inner surface of which has keyways that receive the splines of a drive shaft of a marine motor. The resilient insert transfers torque from the driving shaft to the hub without slippage if the torque is less than a predetermined amount, and absorbs shock if the propeller strikes a rock or the like by allowing the peaks of the hub hole to compress the peaks of the resilient insert.

Abstract: An aerodynamic spoiler system for a vertical axis wind turbine includes spoilers on the blades initially stored near the rotor axis to minimize drag. A solenoid latch adjacent the central support tower releases the spoilers and centrifugal force causes the spoilers to move up the turbine blades away from the rotor axis, thereby producing a braking effect and actual slowing of the associated wind turbine, if desired. The spoiler system can also be used as an infinitely variable power control by regulated movement of the spoilers on the blades over the range between the undeployed and fully deployed positions. This is done by the use of a suitable powered reel and cable located at the rotor tower to move the spoilers.

Abstract: A wind energy collecting device comprise a vertical rotor and blade of which the face exposed to the wind includes cells for engulfing air currents. The blades drive a uses device through unique shock absorber means.

Abstract: An electric fan and mechanism therefore for controlling the wind direction of the fan upwardly and downwardly and rotationally through 360.degree. as well as 90.degree.. Separate clutch elements are provided with a cooperating clutch pin selectively controlled by a rotatable lever to engage one or the other clutch element, or neither, to regulate the desired rotational movement of the fan.

Abstract: A new type of overspeed control system for a rotor driven by wind or some other fluid flow. The rotor support is mounted so that it can move back some small distance along the direction of the fluid flow, the rotor axis remaining in substantially the same direction during this movement. This backward movement is in response to the thrust generated by the lift and drag forces on the rotor impellers. At a predetermined thrust force, indicating that the rotor is operating in a fluid velocity high enough to cause overspeeding, the backward movement of the rotor engages a brake to slow the rotor. Essential to the invention is the use of the backward movement of the rotor to brake the rotor.

Abstract: A propeller brake for a twin spool turbo-prop engine which permits the propeller to be locked in a stationary position with the engine running is disclosed. The propeller brake has a hydraulically actuated friction brake and hydraulically actuated locking mechanism rotatably connected to the engine spool turning the propeller. The friction brake stops the propeller from rotating in response to an external command. A hydraulic signal indicating the propeller has stopped rotating actuates the mechanical lock holding the propeller in a stationary position. A safety latch prevents the mechanical lock from being actuated in event of a hydraulic pressure or engine failure in flight.

Abstract: An improved clutch assembly for use between a propeller and a propeller drive shaft. A bushing preferably in the form of an internally splined tube is adapted to fit over the splined output end of a drive shaft. One or more longitudinally raised ridges extend along a portion of the tube exterior. At least one radial flange extends at least partially around the tube exterior, spaced from one end of the tube. At least one elastomeric cushion, having the configuration of a radial tube section, engages the exterior wall of the tube between ridges. The diameter of this assembly is such as to allow insertion into a propeller bore with a tight friction fit between the cushion and the interior wall of the bore.

Abstract: An outboard motor propulsion unit which is manufactured and sold without a clutch is provided thereafter with a clutch, as follows. The spring connecting the propeller to the output shaft is removed. Interengageable clutch members are fitted to the thrust bearing and to the hub of the propeller. A spring is fitted to the output shaft so as to urge the propeller along the shaft to effect driving engagement of the clutch members, and a manual control member is provided for effecting disengagement of the clutch.