Abstract: A propeller control unit (PCU) for controlling pitch angles of blades of a propeller, has: a pitch angle actuator; a servo valve hydraulically connected to the pitch angle actuator and to a first hydraulic fluid source; and a feather valve having a body movable within a cavity, the feather valve having a first actuation port and a second actuation port both in fluid communication with the cavity, the body between the first actuation port and the second actuation port, the body being movable to selectively hydraulically connect the pitch angle actuator to the servo valve through the feather valve or to hydraulically connect the pitch angle actuator to a drain line through the feather valve, the first actuation port and the second actuation port hydraulically connected to a second hydraulic fluid source independent from the first hydraulic fluid source.

Abstract: A vacuum pump includes: a casing formed with an inlet port or outlet port; a stator disposed inside the casing; and a rotor enclosed in the casing and including a shaft rotatably supported on the stator, and a rotor blade formed in a cylindrical shape with a plurality of blades arranged in multiple stages on an outer circumferential portion thereof, and secured to the shaft such as to be integrally rotatable therewith. The rotor blade is provided with a rupture location control groove as a rupture location control means that locally reduces rigidity of the rotor blade to control a location where the rotor blade ruptures.

Abstract: A rotor blade control system includes a main control valve having an inlet for receiving liquid and an outlet for issuing liquid to a rotor pitch change actuator. The main control valve is configured to control flow of liquid from the inlet to the outlet to modify pitch angle of rotor blades. A feathering system has a first conduit in fluid communication with the outlet of the main control valve, a second conduit in fluid communication with the rotor pitch change actuator, and a drain conduit in fluid communication with a liquid return system. The feathering system has a normal operation mode for supplying liquid from the main control valve to the rotor pitch change actuator, and a feathering mode for allowing drainage from the rotor pitch change actuator to the drain conduit across a range of flow rates.

Abstract: The variable pitch propeller control system can have a source of adjustable, actuation hydraulic pressure, a feather valve openable to provide an actuation path of the actuation hydraulic pressure between the source and the actuator, and closeable to connect the actuator to a drain below the actuation hydraulic pressure and close the actuator path, and a bypass path parallel to the actuator path, the bypass path having a restricted flow area relative to a flow area of the actuator path.

Abstract: A retractable component actuator that comprises a first portion, fixable to a fixed component and comprising a first engagement feature, and a second portion, fixable to a retractable component and comprising a second engagement feature releasably supportable on the first engagement feature. The retractable component actuator further comprises an automated drive mechanism operable to move the first engagement feature upward and downward relative to the fixed component when the first portion is fixed to the fixed component. Downward movement of the second engagement feature relative to the first engagement feature is constrained by the first engagement feature. Upward movement of the second engagement feature relative to the first engagement feature is unconstrained by the first engagement feature. The second engagement feature is upwardly and downwardly co-movable, relative to the fixed component, with the first engagement feature.

Abstract: A turbomachinery sealing apparatus including a first turbomachinery component having a first end face, and a seal extending away from the first end face, the seal being connected to a wall of the component by a tab extending between the wall and the seal.

Abstract: A device can be housed coaxially inside a sleeve in which the supplies are situated, and includes: a hollow cylindrical body that fits inside the sleeve and accepts the mechanism in the housing of the hollow body, with passages for respectively connecting the supplies to said mechanism; and a cover which is integrated or fixed, removably, on the front side of the cylindrical body and connects the hidden supplies to the respective passages of the body.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat-dissipating system and a control method thereof. The heat-dissipating system has a plurality of fans and is configured for adjusting rotation-speeds of the fans. The control method includes following steps: obtaining a plurality of rotation-speed values of the fans; computing out a rotation-speed reference value according to the rotation-speed values; when the rotation-speed reference value is greater than a first threshold value, decreasing the rotation-speeds of the fans through a corresponding fan control signal; when the rotation-speed reference value is less than a second threshold value, increasing the rotation-speeds of the fans through the corresponding fan control signal.

Abstract: Systems for increasing the power productivity of two bladed teetering hinge, yaw controlled wind turbines by varying rotor shaft restraining torque and yaw angle.

Abstract: An upwind wind turbine includes a tilting coupling mechanism configured to couple base end portions of blades to a hub such that the blades can tilt between a normal position and a retracted position in which the blades are tilted in a downwind direction relative to the normal position. The upwind wind turbine also includes a tilting drive operating in association with the tilting coupling mechanism to switch the positions of the blades and a rotation stop to stop the rotation of the rotor. When the blades are switched to the retracted position, the rotation stop is actuated to stop the rotor in a predetermined rotational position in which the blades can tilt without interference with the tower, and the tilting drive is actuated to tilt the blades to the retracted position after stop of the rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A system for controlling at least two variable geometry apparatuses of a gas turbine engine that includes at least a first body and a second body, the first apparatus including a stator blade stage with a variable setting angle of a compressor of the first body capable of switching between a closed position in an idle mode and an open position in a high-speed mode, and the second apparatus including at least one discharge valve of a compressor of the second body capable of switching between an open position in an idle mode and a closed position in a high-speed mode. The system further includes an actuator for actuating the two apparatuses.

Abstract: A blade adjusting device for a wind turbine is connected to a plant safety chain and can open and close the plant safety chain by activating a switch. If a fault is detected in one of the blade adjusting devices, the respective control unit can open the plant safety chain. By opening the safety chain, a signal is sent to the blade adjusting devices, and so all the blade adjusting devices initiate a synchronous safety operation of at least two rotor blades when the signal is received.

Abstract: A system for controlling at least two sets of variable geometry equipment of a gas turbine engine including at least one first body and a second body, the first set of equipment being a stage of variable stator vanes of a compressor of the first body moving between a closed position during idling and an open position at high speed, and the second set of equipment being at least one bleed valve of a compressor of the second body moving between an open position during idling and a closed position at high speed. An actuator actuates the two sets of equipment.

Abstract: A system for controlling at least two sets of variable geometry equipment of a turbine engine. The turbine engine includes at least one first body and a second body, the first set of equipment being a stage of variable stator vanes of a compressor of the first body moving between a closed position during idling and an open position at high speed, and the second set of equipment being at least one bleed valve of a compressor of the second body moving between an open position during idling and a closed position at high speed. The actuator drives the second set of equipment by an actuating part that is actuated over part of the course of the actuator and idle on an abutment over the rest of the course, and by a sliding joining element providing a backlash in the actuation of the second set of equipment.

Abstract: A system for arranging and operating an array of wind machines to protect crops from damaging weather conditions, such as freezing frost, rain and heat. The method includes a wind machine positioned to force air across the crop. The wind machine is preferably a propeller/tower configuration. The operational method of the wind machine array includes the steps of sensing ambient meteorological and the hardiness of the crop to withstand a particular adverse weather condition and operating the wind machines in response to these factors. Multiples of wind machines are employed in the preferred embodiment of the method, the siting of the wind machines preferably based upon topographic and historical meteorological conditions. The operation of the wind machines can be automatically and remotely operated with the aid of satellite communications including internet links.

Abstract: A control system for controlling at least two variable-geometry devices of a turbomachine, and a turbomachine including such a control system, the system including an actuator that actuates both devices; one of the devices including at least one stage of variable-pitch stator vanes, and the other device being an air-bleed valve for a turbomachine body. The system is configured to control progression opening of the vane stage and progressive closing of the air-bleed valve as an actuation parameter of the actuator increases. As a result, the control system serves advantageously to control two devices using a single control system.

Abstract: A ram air turbine governor includes a hub carrying multiple turbine blades. A sensor is configured to detect a parameter. A counterweight is coupled to at least one turbine blade and is configured to provide an input to the turbine blade in response to a centrifugal force to move the turbine blade from a first pitch position to a second pitch position. An electromechanical actuator is operatively coupled to the counterweight. A controller is in communication with the mechanical actuator and the sensor. The controller is configured to command the electromechanical actuator and move the turbine blade from the second pitch position to a third pitch position in response to the detected parameter.

Abstract: A system for controlling at least two variable-geometry equipments of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The engine includes at least a first core rotating at a first speed and a second core rotating at a second speed. The first equipment includes at least one variable-pitch stator blade of a compressor of the first core and the second equipment includes at least one air bleed valve of a compressor of the second engine core moving between an open position at idle speed and a closed position at high speed. The system includes an actuator which actuates both equipments.

Abstract: A system for controlling at least two variable-geometry equipments of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The engine includes at least a first core rotating at a first speed and a second core rotating at a second speed. The first equipment includes at least one variable-pitch stator blade of a compressor of the first core and the second equipment includes at least one air bleed valve of a compressor of the second engine core moving between an open position at idle speed and a closed position at high speed. The system includes an actuator which actuates both equipments.

Abstract: A system for controlling at least two variable-geometry equipments of a turbomachine, in which the first equipment is a variable pitch stator blade stage of a compressor of a first core moving between a closed position at idle speed and an open position at high speed, and the second equipment is at least one bleed valve of a compressor of a second core moving between an open position at idle speed and a closed position at high speed, is disclosed. The actuator operates over a portion of its travel a first branch of an angle transmission member which actuates the first equipment and leaves this branch at rest on an abutment over the rest of its travel. The actuator operates the second equipment via a sliding junction member arranging a free travel in the actuation of said second equipment.

Abstract: A system adjusts the pitch of a variable pitch propeller having a non-rotating side and a rotating side. The rotating side of the propeller has a hub, a propeller blade mounted to the hub, a propeller shaft that rotates the hub and propeller blade, and an actuation system. The actuation system has a screw and a piston. A motor has a non-rotating component in communication with the non-rotating side of the propeller and a rotating component in communication with the actuation system. When the motor increases speed, the screw rotates and the piston moves laterally in a first axial direction to decrease the pitch of the propeller and, when the motor decreases speed, the screw rotates and the piston moves laterally in a second axial direction to increase the pitch of the propeller.

Abstract: A method and system for repairing a wind turbine component in a wind turbine is provided. A damaged region of a drive assembly affects the wind turbine component. The method includes the steps of, providing a replacement wind turbine component, providing a mount for the replacement wind turbine component, and installing the replacement wind turbine component and mount in an undamaged region of the drive assembly. The replacement wind turbine component and mount are located to avoid interaction with the damaged region.

Abstract: A system for arranging and operating an array of wind machines to protect crops from damaging weather conditions, such as freezing frost, rain and heat. The method includes a wind machine positioned to force air across the crop. The wind machine is preferably a propeller/tower configuration. The operational method of the wind machine array includes the steps of sensing ambient meteorological and the hardiness of the crop to withstand a particular adverse weather condition and operating the wind machines in response to these factors. Multiples of wind machines are employed in the preferred embodiment of the method, the siting of the wind machines preferably based upon topographic and historical meteorological conditions. The operation of the wind machines can be automatically and remotely operated with the aid of satellite communications including internet links.

Abstract: A propeller assembly has a plurality of propeller blades, and a pitch change mechanism including at least one motor. A drive input drives the plurality of propeller blades to rotate about a central drive axis. The pitch change mechanism is operable upon driving of the motor to move the propeller blades relative to the drive input. The drive input includes a drive input gear transmission to change a pitch angle of the blades when the blades are moved relative to the drive input by the pitch change mechanism. Further, a method of operating a propeller assembly to change a pitch angle is disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A dual redundant permanent magnet type dynamoelectric machine includes a dual flux throttle system to selectively disable one of a first motor and a second motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling the blades of a wind turbine. According to the invention, each blade (7) is associated with means enabling same to rotate about the longitudinal axis thereof in order to: alter the angle of attack of the blades (7) in relation to the wind and select the power required, while maintaining a constant rotor speed; or stop the blades (7) when a pre-established rotation speed is exceeded. The invention is characterised in that the above-mentioned rotation means include: an electric motor (11) having an electronically-variable speed, a hydraulic pump/motor (10) included in a standard hydraulic circuit (1), and control means (12) for rotating the blades (7) using the electric motor (11) and the hydraulic pump/motor (10) in the presence of a power supply and for rotating the blades (7) using only the emergency and safety control module (4) and the emergency and safety hydraulic accumulator (5) in the absence of a power supply.

Abstract: The present invention includes a vertical axis wind turbine apparatus including a spindle tube connectable to a permanent foundation such that a spindle axis is oriented substantially orthogonal to a surface upon which it is placed, such as the ground or other stable surface. The apparatus described herein also includes a rotor disposed at least partially within the spindle tube and rotationally engaged therewith such that a rotor axis is oriented substantially parallel to the spindle axis. The apparatus can also include a truss system extending radially from the rotor and a blade assembly movably connected to the truss system and adapted for rotation about the spindle axis and the rotor axis. The truss system functions in part to permit rotation of the blade assembly while increasing the swept area of the turbine and thus the resultant energy capture.

Abstract: A pitch drive system for a wind turbine is provided which comprises a regulation drive for regulating the pitch of a rotor blade of the wind turbine during normal operation, the regulation drive comprising at least one drive train, and an emergency drive for pitching the rotor blade in case of emergency, the emergency drive comprising at least one drive train, wherein the at least one drive train of the emergency drive is separate from the at least one drive train of the regulation drive.

Abstract: A stackable, vertical axis windmill comprised of a braced external frame that enables stacking of multiple windmill assemblies. Couplings are located on both ends of the vertical rotor shaft to enable stacking and the transmission of power, an internal wind flow cavity, and controlled wind guides is described. The external frame includes structural bracing that allows for two or more windmill to be stacked one upon another to optimize the use of land or rooftop space for the generation of electricity from wind power. The computer controlled wind guides automatically close partially in high wind conditions in order to prevent damage to the windmill. The internal wind flow cavity allows wind to transfer power to both the windward and leeward rotors blades. The rotor axis is constructed so that all bearings can be replaced without dismantling the structure.

Abstract: A pop-off valve that, in one embodiment, provides overboost protection for an aircraft engine, is described. The pop-off valve includes a housing adapted for connection to a portion of a drive device containing a pressure medium. It also includes a pressure body movably disposed in the housing such that, in operation, a first side of the pressure body is exposed to the pressure medium while a second side is exposed to a reference force. In addition, the pop-off valve incorporates a control device adapted to receive at least one signal concerning at least one operating parameter of the drive device and, in response to the operating parameter signal, to control the reference force. As a result of movement of the pressure body within the housing, at least one first opening in the housing is exposed, permitting venting of the pressure medium.

Abstract: A control device for use in unmanned model aircraft for a constant speed propeller is disclosed. The device comprises a propulsion engine coupled to the propeller. The rotational speed of the propulsion engine is regulated through an automatic change of the angle of attack of the propeller and a manual or automatic adjustment of the throttle. It also comprises an electric servomotor device, a power transmission and a controller. The servomotor device is positively coupled to the propeller via the power transmission. The controller controls the servomotor device. The variable angle of attack of the propeller is adjusted by the power transmission from the servomotor device and the propulsion engine, manually by an operator or automatically by the controller.

Abstract: An aircraft control system includes a propeller governor in which a stepper motor is used to apply a compression force on a speeder spring, and a turbocharger in which a stepper motor is used to actuate a needle valve associated with a diaphragm cell. An electronic control unit may be used to control the stepper motor in the propeller governor and the stepper motor in the turbocharger. The integration of the propeller governor and the turbocharger into a single control system decreases the number of individual adjustments that must be performed manually by the pilot.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling an aircraft engine with a single, manually-operable lever includes structure and function for generating a pilot thrust command from the single lever. A processor is coupled to the single lever and (i) receives the generated pilot thrust command, (ii) receives a plurality of detected ambient air flight conditions, (iii) receives a plurality of detected engine performance parameters, (iv) determines first and second engine control commands based on the received pilot thrust command, the detected ambient air flight conditions, and the engine performance parameters, and (v) outputs first and second output signals respectively corresponding to the first and second engine control commands. Preferably, the engine control commands comprise propeller RPM and engine inlet manifold air pressure commands, and the detected ambient air flight conditions comprise air speed and altitude.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically setting a flat rate engine power setting of an aircraft determines the weight of loaded cargo containers to determine the total gross weight of the aircraft prior to take-off, determines, from the total gross weight, the required flat rate engine power for the aircraft, such as by inputting the stored value into a look-up table, and automatically sets the flat rate setting of the aircraft's engines to correspond to the determined required engine power, prior to take-off, by sending the obtained required flat rate engine power as a command signal to an engine control system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling an aircraft engine with a single, manually-operable lever includes structure and function for generating a pilot thrust command from the single lever. A processor is coupled to the single lever and (i) receives the generated pilot thrust command, (ii) receives a plurality of detected ambient air flight conditions, (iii) receives a plurality of detected engine performance parameters, (iv) determines first and second engine control commands based on the received pilot thrust command, the detected ambient air flight conditions, and the engine performance parameters, and (v) outputs first and second output signals respectively corresponding to the first and second engine control commands. Preferably, the engine control commands comprise propeller RPM and engine inlet manifold air pressure commands, and the detected ambient air flight conditions comprise air speed and altitude.

Abstract: An improved electronic hydraulic propeller control designed as a retro-fit kit for existing Hamilton Standard Division 54460 and 54H60 propeller controllers includes an apparatus for controlling the pitch angle of a propeller blade. The retro-fit kit includes an electro-hydraulic servo valve, an electronic controller, a protection valve, and a propeller maintenance interface panel. These components functionally replace the existing hydromechanical propeller control system without reconfiguration of the existing interface. The apparatus converts mechanical inputs of the propeller and airframe systems to electronic signals, which can be measured by the electronic control. The apparatus also receives and converts the electronic control's commands into hydraulic pressure and flow changes through an electro-hydraulic servo valve. The electronic controller performs the required calculations to interpret and then react to changes in the propeller/airframe systems.

Abstract: An engine plant for aircraft comprising a multicylinder internal combustion engine (1) whose crankshaft drives an adjustable pitch propeller (5), mechanisms for adjusting the engine speed and a common power stick (4) that controls the operation of the engine and of the adjustment mechanisms, characterized in that said engine is a compression ignition engine (1) that cooperates with an electronic control system (3) controlling the quantity of the fuel injected.

Abstract: A propeller pitch control apparatus for an aircraft in which the vector sum of the aircraft forward speed and the propeller rotational tip speed is a selected fraction of the speed of sound, the fraction based on percent power and altitude, to maximize efficiency and minimize noise.

Abstract: A system for controlling functions of a propeller having a plurality of blades is disclosed. The system comprises an electronic control for controlling the functions of the propeller. A plurality of backup devices are provided for backing up the electronic control upon the occurrence of conditions. These conditions include at least one of testing, manual override, and a malfunction in the electronic control causing at least one of the functions to endanger safety. The system further includes a bypass device for bypassing the electronic control and for invoking at least one of the plurality of backup devices to acquire control over at least one of the functions. The bypass devices include a mechanism for determining the occurrence of at least one of the conditions and for actuating electronic control override.

Abstract: A control system for an aircraft that controls the set speed of the propeller governor and the degree of opening of the throttle valve using a single control lever. The speed setting mechanism of the propeller governor is directly connected to the power lever by a push and pull cable, and the set speed of the propeller governor changes in proportion to the stroke of the power lever. Therefore, the propeller speed changes in proportion to the stroke of the power lever. On the other hand, the throttle valve is connected to the power lever by a nonlinear cam and a push and pull cable. Therefore, the degree of opening of the throttle valve does not change in proportion to the stroke of the power lever (i.e., the change in the degree of opening of the throttle valve has a nonlinear characteristic), and the engine output power changes in the nonlinear manner with respect to the change in the propeller speed.

Abstract: An air driven turbine having variable pitched blades is provided that includes a pitch change mechanism and associated control circuits for automatically adjusting the pitch of the blades during either rotating or non-rotating operational modes of the air driven turbine. The pitch control mechanism includes a resettable overspeed protection device which is directly actuated by an overspeed condition of the turbine and operates independently from the pitch change mechanism to move the blades to a failsafe, feathered, or coarse pitch, low speed position. The pitch control mechanism utilizes a linear actuator in the form of an acme screw drive. The air driven turbine includes a ball ramp thrust bearing for attaching the blades to a hub of the turbine in such a manner that during rotation of the turbine actuation loads on the pitch change mechanism are reduced.

Abstract: A rotor hub is provided for coupling a wind turbine rotor blade and a shaft. The hub has a yoke with a body which is connected to the shaft, and extension portions which are connected to teeter bearing blocks, each of which has an aperture. The blocks are connected to a saddle which envelops the rotor blade by one or two shafts which pass through the apertures in the bearing blocks. The saddle and blade are separated by a rubber interface which provides for distribution of stress over a larger portion of the blade. Two teeter control mechanisms, which may include hydraulic pistons and springs, are connected to the rotor blade and to the yoke at extension portions. These control mechanisms provide end-of-stroke damping, braking, and stiffness based on the teeter angle and speed of the blade.

Abstract: A pitch control system has a main electronic control, a mechanical back-up control and a switching system for transferring pitch control from the electronic to the mechanical control in the event of electronic control failure. The switching system utilizes a switch for comparing the output of the electronic and mechanical control systems, the switch choosing the mechanical system if a failure occurs in the electronic control system. By utilizing the switching system, a failure of the electronic control does not permit the blades to go to feather. In certain failure modes, an enable valve or an enable solenoid locks out the switch, to ensure mechanical pitch change control.

Abstract: A pitch control system has a main electronic control, a mechanical back-up control and a switching system for transferring pitch control from the electronic to the mechanical control in the event of electronic control failure. The switching system utilizes a switch for comparing the output of the electronic and mechanical control systems, the switch choosing the mechanical system if a failure occurs in the electronic control system. In certain failure modes, an enable solenoid simultaneously locks out the switch, to ensure mechanical pitch change control, and resets the mechanical back-up control to provide a lower degree of pitch control than conventional back-up controllers.

Abstract: Overspeed conditions in a ram air turbine are eliminated through a novel blade pitching mechanism. The mechanism includes a rotatable shaft with a hub mounted thereon for rotation therewith. The hub rotatably mounts at least one blade and a hollow blade pitch control shaft extends generally concentrically about the rotatable shaft and is mounted for reciprocating movement in a path toward and away from the hub. A reciprocating to rotary motion converting mechanism interconnects the control shaft and the blade so that the pitch of the blade can be controlled by controlling the position of the control shaft in the path. A first motor is provided for incrementally moving the control shaft within the path and a second motor is provided for rapidly moving the control shaft within the path to a position therein corresponding to a feathered position of the blades.

Abstract: In a propeller pitch control system, a selector 10 isolates engine (42) speed control in one of two engine governor (175 and 300) systems. The selector is input with fluid pressure signals from a pair of pilot valves (215 and 325), each operated by a corresponding one of the governors. The selector passes the signal of lowest magnitude to an actuator 40 which sets blade pitch in accordance with the magnitude of the signal whereby the governor providing such signal (through its associated pilot valve) controls engine speed independently of the other governor.

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 propeller pitch control system having a mechanical low pitch stop which includes an electrical backup therefor. The backup comprises an electrically operatable means (245) to effect blade pitch adjustment toward feather under conditions of failure of the low pitch stop indicated by propeller operation at pitch angles in the range of beta operation, but power settings in the range of normal engine speed governor pitch control. Such operating conditions actuate a pair of switches (190 and 195) connecting the means (245) to a voltage source to increase blade pitch toward feather, thereby preventing overspeed operation of the propeller.

Abstract: A helicopter having a mast 50 which drives a rotor and which is driven from a transmission 16 has a swashplate 10 individually linked to pitch horns on each rotor blade. At least four control channels 11-15 are coupled to the swashplate. Three channels may control the attitude and position of the swashplate. The control channels 11-15 are actuated in response to pilot commands transmitted by means including mechanical, optical or electrical systems. A separate power unit 21-25, 31-35 supplies each control channel. Each power unit is directly driven by the transmission 16. Means 11c-15c applies control of the swashplate 10 from among the control channels 11-15.