Abstract: An overspeed spoiler for vertical axis wind turbines of the type having straight or curved airfoil blades attached to a vertical shaft formed by a relatively thin flat blade shaped spoiler element hinge mounted on the trailing edge, leading edge, or at a central position of a portion of the airfoil section with the element having two portions one of which is held flush or against a surface by spring means with a surface of the blade towards the turbine rotor axis and the other lies substantially parallel to the chordline of the airfoil, the weight and configuration of the element being such that a predetermined turbine rotor speed the element rotates against the spring force because of centrifugal action and takes up a position generally transverse to the air flow direction such as to cause much increased drag and control overspeeding of the rotor.

Abstract: A self-feathering propeller for use on sail boats having an auxiliary power source. The propeller blades are rotated automatically to working pitch positions to provide an ahead or an astern thrust in accordance with the direction of rotation of the propeller shaft. When the shaft is stationary and water flow is substantially parallel to the shaft axis, as when the boat is under sail, the blades are automatically feathered thereby to minimize resistance to movement of the boat.

Abstract: A cutter ring operable to sever the blades of a turbine wheel in a gas turbine engine upon failure of a thrust bearing carrying the wheel in the turbine. Severance occurs while the blades are within the confines of a containment ring to prevent fragments from being ejected out of the turbine housing. The cutter also presents a friction pad of high heat absorption characteristics for reducing maximum temperature developed in the engine upon bearing failure.

Abstract: Compound helicopters, those having a rotor blade and a small wing, possess rear propulsion propeller adjacent to the tail rotor. The tail gearbox is driven through a drive train coupled to the main rotor drive shaft. In such aircraft the tail rotor is in operation when the propulsion propeller is turning, and vice versa. A mechanism is provided herein for stopping or feathering the tail rotor when driving the propulsion propeller, or for stopping the propulsion propeller when the tail rotor is in operation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a detachable lock mechanism which can be installed on automotive-type cooling fans having a conventional fan clutch connection between the fan and the fan drive shaft. The lock mechanism functions by providing a positive mechanical lock between the drive shaft and the cooling fan, thereby bypassing the drive clutch and its function. The locking mechanism provides a desirable positive lock to insure maximum fan speed when operating a vehicle in low gears and low forward speeds. The device is of particular value for off-road service of recreational vehicles and the like which are often operated for extended periods in low gears, conducive to overheating. In these applications, the operation of the fan clutch is detrimental to adequate engine cooling and a mechanical locking mechanism thereby serves a useful function in avoiding overheating of these vehicles.

Abstract: Flywheel assembly with anti-cracking safeguard for protection against overspeed, including a frustroconical shaft portion, a flywheel mounted in press-fitting engagement on the shaft portion and having a force applied thereto directed toward the end of the frustroconical shaft portion having the smaller diameter, and a catching and centering device for the flywheel located adjacent the flywheel.