Abstract: A turbine blade (1), for example, for a ram air turbine engine, and method of making the turbine blade, wherein the turbine blade (1) includes a blade retention insert member (2) having a hub connector (3). The turbine blade (1) is fabricated by using sheet molding compound consisting essentially of discontinuous short fibers (7) initially random spaced within a polymer matrix sheet. A plurality of sheets of sheet molding compound are precut to a desired configuration or shape and placed in a heated blade mold. Heat and pressure are applied to the mold causing the sheet molding compound to flow around the blade retention insert member (2) and fill the mold cavity. The flow of the sheet molding compound causes the initially randomly oriented short fibers (7) to preferentially align in the direction of flow to rigidify the turbine blade (1).

Abstract: An axial flow fan device capable of reducing the stagnant flow at the root area of blades. These blades 18 are arranged so that they extend radially from a boss portion 14 so that they are circumferentially spaced along the circumference of the boss portion 14. Each of the blades 18 has an arc shaped cross section having a bending ratio value .alpha., that is a ratio of the bending height h of the arc shape to the length l of the chord of the arc shape. The value of the bending ratio rapidly increases from the middle portion of the blade to the root portion. The value of the bending ratio at the root portion is about 12%.

Abstract: A rotor for a rotary screw machine has helical lobes (12) and grooves (14). A shell structure (18) forming the external surface of the rotor is made of pressed metal power. The rotor is manufactured by cold isostatic pressing of a powder in a vessel having a surface shaping rotor. The pressure is applied radially by means of a cast bag in which high pressure liquids acts. After the pressing process, the rotor blank is sintered and attached to a shaft (16).

Abstract: The fixed blades of a flow-straightener in a turbomachine each includes a metallic structure having a smooth surface on one side defining one face of the blade and a grid having a plurality of cells on its opposite side which are filled with a composite material such as polyurethane, the filled cellular side of the metallic structure defining an opposite face of the blade.

Abstract: The wheel comprises a central portion, or rim provided with blades at its peripheral portion and is made of a single piece of composite material formed by a fibrous reinforcement densified by a matrix. The fibrous reinforcement is formed from a helical fabric with radially oriented fibers and circumferentially oriented fibers. The density of fibers in a radial direction and the density of fibers in a circumferential direction varies along a radius of the wheel as a function of the variations of the radial stresses and circumferential stresses that are exerted on the wheel when it is in operation. At least part of the circumferentially oriented fibers in the rim are made of a material having high mechanical resistance, while at least part of circumferentially oriented fibers in the blades and at least part of the axially oriented fibers are made of a material having good resistance to high temperatures and chemical attacks.

Abstract: A polyurethane impeller for mixing liquids lasts considerably longer than equivalent metal impellers of the prior art. The impeller comprises a disk having inner and outer portions of polyurethane resin having different flexibilities, the outer portion being bonded to the inner portion and having greater flexibility than the inner portion. The polyurethane portions are chemically reacted with each other to form a strong chemical bond.A method is provided for centrifugally casting a polyurethane impeller having inner and outer sections of different flexibility and hardness.

Abstract: A rotor for an air motor is constructed with a central, milled, aluminum disc having a peripheral flange to which is integrally molded an outer ring of epoxy compound or a composite material, the outer ring defining the series of buckets arranged in an annular ring which are driven by an air nozzle to rotate the rotor. The rotor construction utilizes a combination of old and new materials in a configuration designed to avoid rotor breakup under runaway speed conditions and minimize the damage should such breakup occur.

Abstract: A gearless air motor utilizes a high speed rotor having turbine buckets defined in epoxy rather than metal to substantially avoid the danger inherent in high speed rotor fragmentation. The unit has a housing which contains the compressed air chamber, the rotor chamber and a speed reduction chamber in which a toothed belt speed reduction system avoids the use of gears for speed reduction, with their relatively high friction and noise output.

Abstract: A rotor and a method for the production thereof which incorporates the inently strong, highly damped, yet light weight characteristics of fiber reinforced plastic composites, Achieving with a minimal amount of added weight in the form of high density material a significant reduction in the vibratory response of the rotor due to hydrodynamic flow excitation, by selectively tailoring the mass distribution therein as by adding the high density material at selected locations of the rotor.

Abstract: A laminated airfoil for use in a high bypass engine. The airfoil preferably has a large tip chord and is comprised of alternating layers of thin metallic foil and elastomeric layers. The exterior surfaces of the airfoil are comprised of a thin, metallic foil. The airfoil also has a metal sheath secured to the leading edge. High strength metal members extend through the dovetail root sections.

Abstract: A feed unit, in particular for the feed of fuel, has an electric drive motor with a pump unit coupled with it, the pump unit being built of two housing parts and a pump wheel arranged between them. The two housing parts and the pump wheel are each developed as a casting or compression molding from a mixture of graphite and plastic. The end surfaces of the pump wheel and of the two housing parts which contact each other are roughened.

Abstract: A lightweight propulsor blade (10) is constructed 10 of a hollow internal spar (30) and an exterior airfoil shell (20) which defines and encompasses a hollow interior cavity (26). The internal spar (30) is disposed within the cavity 26 and extends spanwisely from its tip portion to terminate in a spar root portion (40). The spar has at least forward and aft spanwisely extending, chordwisely spaced, hollow box-like cavities (52A, 52B), a leading edge shear web (53) projecting chordwisely forward from the forward cavity (52A), a trailing edge shear web (55) projecting chordwisely rearward from the aft cavity (52B), and an intermediate chordwise shear web (57) spanning the space between and interconnecting the forward and aft cavities (52A, 52B). An additional intermediate box-like cavity (52C) may be incorporated in the intermediate chordwise shear web (57) in spaced relationship between the forward and aft cavities (52A, 52B).

Abstract: An elongated, flexible protective urethane member is bonded and firmly affixed to the leading edge of a glass fiber reinforced polyester skin fan blade for large diameter industrial water cooling tower fans. The polyester blade without such protective member would be subject to leading edge abrasion and deterioration during use. The flexible protective member is applied to the blade prior to curing of the chemically thickened polyester skin. Firm bonding and adherence of the protective member to the leading edge of the blade skin is obtained by curing of the skin with the protective member in place over the leading edge of the blade.

Abstract: A root attachment for a turbine blade is integrally molded with a composite turbine blade for a ram air turbine. The root attachment includes an insert at the one end of the root attachment for integrally molding within the blade and a hub connector at an opposite end for connecting the blade to a rotor hub. The insert has a geometry and surface area such that a dual load carrying capability is achieved during molding by the formation of an adhesive bond between the material of the blade and the insert and also a mechanical locking which resists failure in bearing. Each of the adhesive bond and the mechanical locking is designed to fail above an ultimate design load.

Abstract: A method of injection molding a thermoplastic material around a two-piece insert having a rotational axis through which a bore passes is disclosed. The insert is formed from two pieces which are axially spaced to define an annular gate through which the injected thermoplastic material passes radially outward. This technique is particularly useful for forming mixing impellers, because it orients fibers contained within the thermoplastic material in a radially outward direction within the impeller's blades to provide increased strength. The insert also allows improved performance for injection molding parts by reducing their cross-sectional thickness to optimal values. The insert also allows machining the bore without harming the injected plastic material.

Abstract: An engine-cooling fan is made of a synthetic resin, and includes a cylindrical hub, a plurality of fan blades provided integrally and radially on an outer peripheral wall of the hub and an integral member provided on an inner peripheral wall of the hub for mounting the fan on a drive shaft extending at a right angle relative to a plane in which the fan blades lie. At least one reinforcing rib is integrally molded between the outer peripheral wall of the hub and a heel portion of each of the blades.

Abstract: An assembly which is adapted for mounting inside a mixing drum and a mobile system for mixing and dispensing concrete includes fin structure for mixing and guiding a substance when the mixing drum is rotated. The fin structure is constructed of a lightweight polymeric material which is resistant to abrasion and is many times lighter than steel. As a result, the weight of such a system is reduced in comparison to systems which were heretofore known. Preferably, the fin structure is fabricated from a polymer which tends to wear smooth rather than rough, which increases the cleanability of the fin structure over its entire design life. Novel structure for securing the fin structure to an outer wall of the mixing drum is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite gas turbine engine blade is made by braiding a plurality of fibers to form a preform having an airfoil precursor portion and an integral root precursor portion. A plurality of fiber shaping inserts are positioned in the root precursor portion, either by braiding the root precursor portion around the inserts or inserting the fiber shaping inserts into the root precursor portion after braiding, to impart an enlarged, divergent shape (e.g., dovetail precursor shape) to the braided root precursor portion. The braided preform with the enlarged, shaped root precursor portion is infiltrated with matrix material and shaped to near net shape to provide the composite blade with a dovetail shaped root.

Abstract: The blade of composite materials and its manufacturing process according to the invention are such that the spar includes at least one bundle (10a, 10b) extending longitudinally in the shell (4), between the fillings of the leading edge (12a) and the trailing edge (12c) and which adheres directly to the laminated pressure face and suction face coverings, (4a, 4b) of the rigid shell (4).Beyond the blade footing (3), the spar is shaped to form a root loop flexible in torsion (8) and passing round an attaching socket (9) on the hub.Application to variable pitch multi-blade propellers for the streamlined tail rotors of helicopters.

Abstract: Engine pre-engage starters formed of compactly interfit sections featuring a universally applicable high speed turbine rotor, formed preferably of nylon based plastic, the body of which is distinguished by low tensile strength, high impact resistance, radial growth and adjustment in correspondence with the speed of its rotation, minimal evidence of stress and no material fracture even under the most adverse conditions of its use and a structural composition which reduces to powder form when subjected to friction at such time the speed of its rotation reaches and exceeds a prescribed limit. The rotor is so connected with its power transmission shaft to position beyond and form an axial extension of one end thereof. The rotor is contained by a peripherally encompassing structurally complementary plastic buffer which enhances its fail safe properties. Optionally, the starter housing may be provided with discretely positioned sound deadening inserts.

Abstract: A fan and hub assembly (60) having a plastic fan structure (62) molded to a hub (66) to achieve a predetermined resonance frequency. The hub (66) has a plurality of integrally formed arms (84) having one of more openings (88) of a predetermined size and predetermined location for permitting the flow-through of the plastic and to achieve a predetermined resonance frequency of the fan blades (64). A plurality of openings (86) are formed in the hub body (82) to permit the flow-through of liquid plastic to achieve a strong attachment of the blade root (76) to the hub (66).

Abstract: A plastic blower impeller including an integrally formed plastic hub having three axial slots therein equidistantly located around the hub. A bore in the hub includes transverse ribs for engaging with an annular groove in the driving shaft of an electric motor. A flat surface is formed inside the bore for engaging with the corresponding flat surface on the driving shaft of an electric motor. A resilient expandable split metal sleeve engages the exterior surface of the hub.

Abstract: Helicopter rotor blade constructed of composite materials has a structural core (1) and a covering of profiled cladding (8). The structural core (1) includes all the structural elements of the blade, while the covering of the cladding (8) is a non-stress-bearing covering comprising an external rigid and thin shell (9a-9b), with the desired aerodynamic porfile, and a layer (10a-10b) of a ligth and flexible comformable non-stress-bearing material, such as a foam, ensuring the filling between the structural core (1) and the external shell (9a-9b). The foam layer (10a-10b) absorbs and compensates for the differences in shape between the contour of the structural core (1) and the precise aerodynamic profile of the non-stress-bearing external shell (9a-9b). The blade covering is expendable and evolutive spanwise as well as chordwise, with an external shell exhibiting an excellent surface condition, good erosion behavior and impact resistance, and easy to repair.

Abstract: The need for a separate seal spring and sealing boot in an automotive water pump seal is eliminated by molding a flexible seal face mount integrally with the impeller.

Abstract: The blade of composite materials and its manufacturing process according to the invention are such that the spar includes at least one bundle (10a, 10b) extending longitudinally in the shell (4), between the fillings of the leading edge (12a) and the trailing edge (12c) and which adheres directly to the laminated pressure face and suction face coverings, (4a, 4b) of the rigid shell (4). Beyond the blade footing (3), the spar is shaped to form a root loop flexible in torsion (8) and passing round an attaching socket (9) on the hub. Application to variable pitch multi-blade propellers for the streamlined tail rotors of helicopters.

Abstract: A pump including an impeller adapted to be removably mounted on a powered shaft, the impeller including a bore opening for complimentary reception of the shaft. The bore opening of the impeller has a torque inducing surface which abuts a complimentary torque inducing surface on the shaft. The impeller includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced flexible finger members disposed in axially extending relation about the bore opening which include inwardly directed bosses for axially securing the impeller to the shaft, and a cap element to retain the finger members compressively against the shaft.

Abstract: A dynamoelectric machine has a housing and a rotor assembly including a rotatable non-stepped shaft which projects through an opening in an end wall of the housing. A fan moves air through the machine to ventilate it and keep it cool. The fan is secured to an end of the shaft extending through the opening by a tab fitting in a groove formed in the shaft and a retention ring fitting over a hub portion of the fan in which the tab is formed.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced thermoplastic propeller is attached to a metallic rotor by an integral shank at the base of the propeller. By virtue of the manufacture of the shank and the propeller as an integral construction, improved transmission of centrifugal forces especially where the propeller and hub have greatly different cross-sections can be effected while simultaneously reducing weight. Attachment of the shank to the hub is made through a connection by which pre-stress can be applied to the propeller to assist in resistance of lateral impact force.

Abstract: A marine propeller possessing several features; e.g., one-piece cast or molded construction which in one embodiment preferably of the invention is a plastic of the class including polyester; an improved center or core structure in the form of a nave or barrel having an annular wall concentrically surrounding a power-shaft-receiving hub joined to the annular wall by relatively thin spokes configured as vanes functioning as an interior turbine. Propeller blades are joined to and project radially from the exterior of the nave in typical fashion.

Abstract: A composite, carbon-carbon rotor or rotor hub (20) for use in power translating devices, such as in a turbine engine or in fluid pumps, includes a plurality of carbon-carbon laminate plies (P1-P25) layered to form the thickness of the rotor. The plies include alternating plies of cloth and spiral plies of fibrous material having different diameters to provide a desired variation in the cross-sectional configuration of the rotor. The individual spiral plies may vary in thickness from near the center to the outer edge and may be either tapered or formed to other contours. The cloth plies are positioned at predetermined orientations such that the strand axes are not aligned. These plies consist of fibrous carbon or graphite filament tape preimpregnated with a thermosetting polymer material, such as phenolic resin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a corrosion-resistant magnet pump comprising a front casing, a rear casing provided behind the front casing with a partition wall interposed therebetween, a rotary shaft extending from the front casing into the rear casing and supported by a bearing provided at least in the partition wall, an impeller fixed to the rotary shaft within the front casing, a driven magnet drivingly connected to the rotary shaft within the rear casing and a drive magnet provided outside the rear casing and drivingly rotatable by a motor, the portions of the pump to be exposed to a liquid being made of a corrosion-resistant material, the impeller being fitted around the front end of the rotary shaft and fastened to the rotary shaft by an impeller nut screwed on the front end, the magnet pump being characterized in that the impeller comprises a ceramic insert in the center of the impeller and the remaining portion of corrosion-resistant synthetic resin around the insert, the insert having a rear end face projecting rearw

Abstract: Disclosed is a marine propeller for inboard, outboard, or inboard/outboard motors. The propeller is made from a non-metallic composite material that will not deform or deflect even at very high horsepower or RPMs. At the same time, the propeller is substantially less expensive than traditional metallic propellers. An especially unique feature of the propeller is that, unlike metallic propellers, it will shatter when it strikes a solid object in the water, thereby avoiding the engine and drive line damage that occurs when rigid metallic propellers strike a solid object. Also disclosed is a coupling member that permits the propeller to be adapted for use with most inboard/outboard motor configurations.

Abstract: This fan cage is formed from a plastics material and locking, locator and drive devices integral with the cage and extend from one edge thereof into a "snap fit" connection with a motor driven rotor plate. With this construction, the fan cage can be readily removed from the rotor plate for inspection and replacement as required.

Abstract: An integral connection for a plastic water pump impeller includes a molded non circular plug and inwardly facing, radially flexible cylindrical wall in the center of the impeller, and a matching female socket and matching outwardly facing cylindrical wall on the end of the shaft. A rib on the impeller wall and groove in the shaft wall pop fit together and flex the impeller wall out as the impeller and shaft are push pitted together. The socket and plug prevent relative turning, and the rib and groove prevent the impeller from pulling off of the shaft.

Abstract: A pump impeller is coated essentially without use of core structures. The pump impeller coating is performed in several stages. Partial units of the impeller are coated, whereafter the coated partial units are assembled together. Exposed areas of the impeller are then coated to provide a continuous coating over the entire impeller.

Abstract: A composite article includes a compressively stressed plating which provides increased static strength and fatigue life. In particular, a fan exit guide vane (1), made of a graphite fiber reinforced composite material and including a conductive plating (7), achieves a 380% increase in static load capability over an unplated composite vane and a low cycle fatigue life of over 1 million cycles through the application of a compressively stressed nickel plating (8) which produces a residual compressive stress state of between -5,000 and -15,000 psi.

Abstract: A generally flat core of foam material extends outwardly from a wedge-shaped metal base plug, and the core is covered with overlapping plies of resin-bonded plastics materials having unidirectional fibers. The plies are covered by outer layers or skins of resin-bonded woven fabric plastics materials. The fibers of the inner plies are orientated at positive and negative acute angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the blade to provide the blade with predetermined torsional stiffness, and the fibers of the outer plies extend generally parallel to the axis and wrap around the base plug in an interleaving manner to provide high stiffness and strength to bending forces. Some of the plies extending around the base plug receive metal shell elements, and the shell elements engage propeller hub lip portions which cooperate to define an under-cut recess and clamp the plies to the base plug.

Abstract: A rotor for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The rotor comprises a glass or glass ceramic matrix reinforced with silicon carbide yarn fiber reinforcement and with silicon carbide yarn reinforcement. The local volume fraction of silicon carbide monofilament increases with increasing radial distance from the inner diameter of the rotor. The rotor exhibits high hoop strength, high oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures and nonuniform elastic modulus which increases with increasing radial distance from the inner diameter of the rotor.

Abstract: A molded fiber-filled polymer impeller having a polygon molded hole with machined grooves at the apexes of the polygon and a process for forming such grooves.

Abstract: The water pump impeller comprises a boss with a disk part shaped thereon and a circular or paraboloid transition region is provided between the boss and the disk part. A metal reinforcing disk is embedded round on either side by injection moulding in the disk part, including the transition region. The reinforcing disk has as a component of the boss, a boss part with which it can be mounted on a drive shaft.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a fan blade and a method for making a fan blade wherein the stresses within the blade material are substantially constant throughout the length of the blade and the unique construction of the blade reduces the concentration of loading on the blade material. Preferably, the blade is molded of a synthetic plastic material and includes a ribbed structure locating material offset from the concave convex configuration of the blade air flow portion such that the section modulus of blade sections from the air flow portion toward the root portion increases by increasing the distance of the blade material from the neutral bending axis in such a manner that no abrupt changes occur and the stresses imposed upon the blade material throughout its length are substantially constant.

Abstract: An airfoil particularly suited for use in rotor blades of large wind-driven ower plants is formed in three modular sections including a nose or leading section, a spar section and a trailing section, each separately formed and subsequently assembled. In the method of the invention the spar section is formed in two separate mold units which are configured to form part of the upper and lower aerodynamic profile of the airfoil and the two spar section units are trimmed along a junction plane and then joined together at the junction plane to form the spar section of the airfoil.

Abstract: An elastomeric-covered shrouded impeller having a pair of disk-like shrouds enclosing vanes and vane passages which has an improved throat opening having sweeping internal sidewalls is disclosed. A three-piece mold core is utilized to form the vane passage and the sweeping curved throat inlet of the impeller.

Abstract: A mixing blade assembly including a hub, a set of impeller blades having air foil configurations and flat end portions for attachment to corresponding flat surfaces of mounting members which attach the blades to the hub. The flat attachment surfaces avoid stresses tending to distort the blades. The hub is a hollow member made from a set of plates. The leading edges of the blades are generally straight, and the trailing edges are inclined rearwardly from the tips towards the roots of the blades.

Abstract: There are disclosed a blade for use as part of an axial flow fan and a method of forming such a blade wherein a large concentration of silica particles are molded into the leading edge of a hollow, one-piece molded body which includes a core of reinforced, thermosetting resin having relatively low abrasion resistance.

Abstract: An elastomeric-covered shrouded impeller having a pair of disk-like shrouds enclosing vanes and vane passages which has an improved throat opening having sweeping internal sidewalls is disclosed. A three-piece mold core is utilized to form the vane passage and the sweeping curved throat inlet of the impeller.

Abstract: The invention relates to the smooth coating with a lyophilic (non-welling) material the passive surfaces of elements moving through or having contact with a fluid medium, such as, water, oil or the like. In one embodiment the under surfaces of the pistons, outer surfaces of the connecting rods and the crank shaft of an internal combustion engine are coated with polytetrafluoroethylene or the like which is lyophilic to the lubricating oil to which it comes in contact. Other embodiments employ lyophilic smooth coatings for ship rudders and outboard lower end units.

Abstract: A hollow aerofoil cross-section aircraft propeller blade is provided with a tow of KEVLAR fibres internally thereof. The fibres which are anchored to the blade root and tip portions are arranged to be passive under all normal operating conditions of the blade. However in the event of a structural failure of the blade between its root and tip portions the fibres serve to contain the blade tip together with any portion of the blade attached thereto. The invention is additionally applicable to prop-fan and fan blades for gas turbine engines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high peripheral speed centrifugal compressor of the kind comprising curved hollow sector shaped scoops juxtaposed circumferentially about an axis to form a disc, and a drive shaft for rotating said disc about said axis.According to the invention, the scoops are made from material loaded with high mechanical strength fibers and are connected together circumferentially and radially by filaments wound and stretched in radial clearances between the scoops, the filaments being of material generally similar to the fibers of the scoops and being coated with a bonding agent compatible with the material of the scoops and the filaments, the bonding agent being cured so as to bond the scoops and filaments solidly together in the form of a stable unitary member.The resulting wheel has light weight and high mechanical breakage strength, enabling high peripheral speed.

Abstract: An aircraft or sailboat structure and the method of manufacturing it in which the wing is formed of an elongated leading edge core of lightweight formable cellular material having an aerodynamically configured semi-circular forward surface and a substantially planar rearward vertical surface. A thin structural impervious skin is bonded to the leading edge core forward surface, an elongated trailing edge core formed of lightweight formable cellular material with a thin structural impervious skin bonded to the trailing edge upper and lower aerodynamic surfaces. The trailing edge portion has a substantially vertical forward surface, the vertical surfaces of the leading edge and trailing edge portions being secured to each other to complete the wing. The structural skins are secured to the core portions employing a bonding material and a molding system in which the skins are held in contact with the cores without sufficient pressure, temperature, and time to secure complete bonding.