Centrifugal Mass Moved Along Guided Or Lineal Path Patents (Class 416/51)
  • Patent number: 11673660
    Abstract: A parking system for a propulsor teeter of an aircraft is disclosed. The system includes a propulsor including a hub. The hub is mechanically connected to a rotor, wherein the hub is configured to rotate about a rotational axis. A teeter mechanism is connected to the hub, wherein the teeter mechanism is configured to permit a propulsor plane of the propulsor to pivot with respect to a point of intersection between the propulsor plane and the rotational axis of the propulsor. A locking mechanism is configured to selectively lock the teeter mechanism while the aircraft is in flight, wherein selectively locking the teeter mechanism restricts the pivoting of the propulsor plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: BETA AIR, LLC
    Inventor: Kyle Brookes
  • Patent number: 11319927
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for wind turbine vane pitch control including a turbine shaft that transmits mechanical power, a vane support structure that is coupled to the turbine shaft, a vane that is coupled to the vane support structure through a vane shaft, a balancing weight that is coupled to a first location of the vane, and an alignment weight that is coupled to a second location of the vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventor: Noel Richard Potter
  • Patent number: 10934866
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan having a plurality of fan blades configured to rotate about a central axis of the gas turbine engine. Each fan blade is configured to pivot about a pivot axis that extends radially away from the central axis to vary a pitch of the fan blade. The fan further includes a counterforce system configured to resist forces that urge the fan blades away from their pitch positions during operation of the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Bailey
  • Patent number: 10443569
    Abstract: A wind operated electrical power generating system integrating a wind powered turbine with an electric power generator. The generator is capable of outputting a power level that is greater than a power level obtained by the turbine when the system is operating at an operational rotational speed. The power output is optimized by increasing a load upon the generator. The optimization is based upon the rotational speed of the elements of the system. The system adjusts the load applied to the generator as the system meets each of a plurality of predetermined rotational speeds. The load adjustment can be provided by manual or automated intervention. The system can integrated the generator directly within the turbine or remotely. In a remote configuration, a hydraulic pump obtains power from the turbine and transfers the power by flow of hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor drives the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Inventor: Alfred Finnell
  • Patent number: 10309371
    Abstract: A rotor hub provides transfer of centrifugal force while permitting angular motion about a pitch axis, having an outer member and an enveloped concentric inner member with a hollow end part, the two members joined by two spaced radial bearings and each having two diametrically opposed windows that are aligned such that a beam transverse to the pitch axis passes through all four windows, transferring the centrifugal force from the outer member through a small elastomeric thrust bearing within the hollow part to an end cap of the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Inventor: William L. Hinks
  • Patent number: 9341163
    Abstract: A wind-turbine control device controls a wind turbine generator in which a rotor having a plurality of blades receives wind and rotates. The generator generates electrical power through the rotation of the rotor. The electrical power is supplied to a utility grid, and electric energy to be supplied to the utility grid can be changed according to a change in the frequency of the utility grid. The wind-turbine control device includes a subtracter to calculate a frequency change, which is the difference between a measurement value of the frequency of generated output power of the wind turbine generator and a set value of the frequency of the generated output power of the wind turbine generator. The wind-turbine control device further includes a limiter to limit a change in the electrical power corresponding to the frequency change calculated by the subtracter, based on the rotational speed of the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Wakasa, Hisanobu Shinoda, Masayuki Hashimoto, Yukio Yamashita, Takehiro Naka, Akira Yasugi, Takumi Nakashima
  • Patent number: 9205928
    Abstract: A ram air turbine (RAT) in which a cam follower is operably coupled to turbine blades such that a cam follower position determines turbine blade pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: ROSEMOUNT AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventor: David Everett Russ
  • Patent number: 9045983
    Abstract: A turbine having a cam follower operable to control turbine blade pitch in association with a position thereof is provided and includes an axially movable plate, a rotational and axially movable flyweight and a system operably coupled to the plate and the flyweight whereby, at low RPMs, the system prevents flyweight rotation such that the plate and the flyweight position the cam follower at a first position, at medium RPMs, the system permits flyweight rotation such that the plate and the flyweight position the cam follower at a second position, and, at high RPMs, the system prevents further flyweight rotation and permits initial axial movement of the plate and the flyweight such that the plate and the flyweight position the cam follower at a third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: David Everett Russ
  • Patent number: 8876474
    Abstract: A ram air turbine (RAT) in which a cam follower is operably coupled to turbine blades such that a cam follower position determines turbine blade pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: David Everett Russ
  • Patent number: 8721259
    Abstract: A planet wind sail mechanism includes a main axis, a first driving unit, and a wind sail body. The first driving further includes a rotation frame with a plurality of ribs, a transmission gear attached on the rib, a fixed gear which is disposed on the main axis and engaged with the transmission gear and a rotary gear is disposed on the edge of the rotation frame and engaged with the transmission gear. The wind sail body includes one rotation axis and the rotation axis is disposed on the edge of the rotation frame. When the wind sail body revolves along the main axis, both the rotary gear and the wind sail body also rotate itself. And the fixed gear rotates in an opposite direction with the rotary gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Nai-Wen Fan
  • Patent number: 8573937
    Abstract: A system for providing dynamic pitch control in a wind turbine. In accordance with an embodiment, the dynamic pitch control uses a starting spring to pitch the blades of the wind turbine into a starting position that is suited for very low wind speeds. The pitch control then automatically pitches the blades into a run position as the rotation speed increases, using a combination of a rotational mass and a restraining spring. This allows the turbine to be started, and to generate power, at a much lower starting wind speed yet still operate at optimal speeds in its typical running range. In accordance with an embodiment, as the wind speed further increases beyond an overspeed limit, the rotational mass overcomes its restraining spring, and automatically pitches the blades back toward and beyond their start position, reducing the likelihood of damage to the turbine caused by high rotation speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Xzeres Corp.
    Inventor: Robert W. Preus
  • Patent number: 8450872
    Abstract: A vertical wind power generator with automatically unstretchable blades is disclosed. The vertical wind power generator includes a generator, a linkage mechanism, a lifting type blade assembly, a resistance type blade assembly and a drive unit. The drive unit provides power for driving the linkage mechanism. The drive unit has an output shaft movable between a first position and a second position. When the output shaft is moved to the first position, the linkage mechanism is driven to move the resistance type blades to a stretched position. When the output shaft is moved to the second position, the linkage mechanism is driven to move the resistance type blades to an unstretched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Hiwin Mikrosystem Corp.
    Inventors: Tzu-Yao Huang, Tso-Cheng Hsiao
  • Patent number: 8403641
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine blade tip and actuator assembly and method for controlling the speed of a wind turbine rotor blade. The invention consists of a moveable and turnable blade tip, an actuator assembly for turning the blade tip, control rods, cables and springs for controlling the blade tip, a magnet assembly for holding the blade tip in position and a hydraulic damping cylinder for controlling the rate at which the blade tip deploys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Lewis Gay
  • Patent number: 8066481
    Abstract: A method of balancing a ram air turbine that has a turbine shaft with a turbine shaft axis, a rotor attached to the shaft, rotor blades attached to the rotor that move between a fine pitch and coarse pitch position, a spring-loaded governor for controlling the position of the blades that has its springing retained by a stationary outer spring seat and a movable inner yoke plate that slides on the turbine shaft and whose position determines blade pitch, comprises the steps of: pulling the yoke plate toward the spring seat to displace the yoke plate toward the spring seat sufficiently to cause the rotor blades to assume a desired degree of pitch; spinning the turbine shaft at a desired rotational speed; balancing the rotor to minimize vibration of the rotor with the desired rotor blade pitch and turbine shaft speed; and releasing the pull of the yoke plate toward the spring seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: David G. Bannon
  • Patent number: 7959404
    Abstract: A wind turbine for generating electricity has been developed. The turbine includes a housing for securement to a support. A wheel is mounted within the housing and is rotatable about a horizontal axis. The wheel has an axle assembly and a number of blade assemblies affixed thereto. Each of the blade assemblies has a frame with a spaced-apart pair of uprights and a crosspiece connecting the uprights. Each of the blade assemblies also having a pair of movable blades positioned within the frame with each of the blades being hingedly fastened to a respective one of the uprights. A brake actuator assembly is associated with each of the blades for relieving pressure imparted by strong winds on the blades. A brake operator assembly, disposed principally within said axle assembly, synchronizes the movement of the blades. An electrical current generator is connected to the wheel so as to be powered thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Dennis P. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 7789624
    Abstract: The present invention is for an apparatus and method for a passive pitchable device for wind turbines comprising: a camshaft having cam grooves engraved; a cylindrical shell; an axial compression spring; said blade assembly and said cylindrical shell are fastened together by screws; a plurality of balls that roll along said cam grooves, and convert the axial displacement to rotation or pitch angle; and wherein the passive pitchable device ensures said blades are at the optimum angle of incidence in the stationary position; as the rotor turns, the net force between centrifugal force on said blade and the resistant force from said compression spring causes the device to move axially outward while rotating to adjust the pitch of the rotor blade so that angle of incidence is optimal for the given wind speed; as the wind speed exceeds the design speed and the centrifugal force on the rotor blade continues to increase, the device continues the move axially outward while rotating in the opposite direction as to adju
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventors: Kari Appa, Suri Appa
  • Publication number: 20090317251
    Abstract: A stabilizing apparatus is provided, applicable to all kinds of vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT), including at least two rolling units, at least two guiding units and at least an engaging unit. The engaging unit is engaged to the guiding units to fix the relative position among the guiding units. The guiding units are symmetrically extending from the center area of the apparatus to the outer brink of the circumference of the apparatus with a housing space formed inside each guiding unit. The rolling units are uniformly housed inside the housing space of the guiding units. The inner wall of the bottom of the housing space inside the guiding unit forms a guiding track. The guiding track also extends from the center of the apparatus towards to the brink of the circumference of the apparatus. The straight line connecting the starting and the ending points of the guiding track forms an angle of 0-45° to the horizon surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Kuei-Sheng Tsou
  • Patent number: 7462015
    Abstract: A rotorcraft rotor with hinged blades, includes: a hub; a plurality of blades hinged to flap relative to the hub; bottom abutments of the hub, and bottom abutments of the blades suitable for co-operating with the bottom abutments of the hub; and top abutments of the hub, and top abutments of the blades suitable for co-operating with the top abutments of the hub; the top abutments of the hub being movable between a deployed position in which they extend facing the top abutments of the blades, and a retracted position in which they are offset angularly away from the top abutments of the blades. The rotor also includes elements for locking the top abutments of the hub in the deployed position, and inertial means for releasing the top abutments of the hub and for deactivating the locking means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventors: Stephane Mazet, Jean Mondet, Philippe Antomarchi, Jean-Marc Latorre
  • Publication number: 20080260532
    Abstract: A turbine with a vertical axis of rotation is described, with particular reference to a wind powered embodiment. It is advantageous to ensure that a turbine rotates at a substantially constant speed despite variations in the driving force and to ensure that the turbine is not damaged when the driving force is excessive. The turbine includes a plurality of turbine blades arranged about a central axis, with each turbine blade being pivotally mounted towards its outer periphery about an axis substantially parallel to the central axis. A biasing element biases the inner periphery of the turbine blades towards the central axis. As the speed of rotation of the turbine increases, the blades swing out of the wind and there center of gravity moves away from the central axis, tending to slow the speed of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Matthew Luethi
  • Patent number: 7419357
    Abstract: An improved ram air turbine (RAT) prevents release of its turbine blades due an over-speed condition by detecting an over-speed condition with a trigger mechanism and rotating the blades to a fixed coarse pitch position with a release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Gary D. Nohr, William E. Seidel, David G. Bannon, David E. Russ
  • Patent number: 7354246
    Abstract: An electronics cooling fan comprises at least one collapsible fan blade driven by centrifugal force to extend radially as the fan spins and driven by elastic force to retract as spinning slows or stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Christopher G. Malone, Glenn C. Simon, Ricardo Espinoza-Ibarra
  • Patent number: 7296970
    Abstract: A ram air turbine (RAT) prevents release of its turbine blades due an over-speed condition by detecting an over-speed condition with a turbine hub-mounted centrifugally operated trigger mechanism and rotating the blades to a fixed coarse pitch position with a release mechanism that responds to the trigger mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: David G. Bannon, William E. Seidel
  • Patent number: 7186083
    Abstract: A wind energy conversion device includes a propeller in which each of the propeller blades includes a proximal (radially inward) non-airfoil mounting section, a medial section and a distal tip section mounted to pivot relative to the medial section about a pitch axis running lengthwise of the blade. At low wind speeds, each tip section and its associated medial section cooperate to provide a single airfoil. When the propeller rpm exceeds a predetermined threshold, each of the tip sections begins to pivot toward a full governing position, which tends to reduce the propeller rpm. To permit wind tracking, the device is mounted to pivot on a vertical axis. The propeller blades are downwind of the vertical axis, and slightly inclined to define a cone diverging in the downwind direction. The electrical power generating components are located upwind of the propeller and centered about the propeller axis, and have a radius less than the length of the proximal blade sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Elliott Bayly
  • Patent number: 7044713
    Abstract: A wind power generating apparatus having a plurality of rotary wings can reduce the load and resistance on the rotary wings due to wind to obtain a highly effective rotation power as well as to flexibly absorb the impact applied to the rotary wings due to varying wind pressure. Each one of the rotary wings has a radius of rotation different from the others and rotates separately according to the direction of the wind, by which the rotation power resulting from load and resistance in the integrally elongated rotary wings in relation to the wind is prevented from being canceled, and the wind acceleration via the accelerator covers and the wind distribution to the rotary wings result for highly efficient rotation power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Jang-sik Joo
  • Patent number: 6935841
    Abstract: A fan assembly includes a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) which is coupled to an air extraction or air supply fan. The VAWT is located above and is coupled coaxially to the fan. The fan assembly also includes an auxiliary turbine to provide start-up torque to initiate rotation of the VAWT. The VAWT is typically a Darrieus-type turbine and the auxiliary turbine is typically a Savonius-type turbine. In the preferred embodiments, the fan assembly includes a rotational speed governor to avoid damage to the turbine and/or fan in high winds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Mark Rainbow
  • Patent number: 6910873
    Abstract: A machine that is a self regulating rotor with a set of cups or vanes that are pivotally attached about a central axis such that they form a closed three dimensional shape when closed, and when rotated into an open orientation form an S-shaped rotor, when viewed as a horizontal cross section, a cup shaft to which each cup is attached, such that the cup can pivot or rotate from a closed shape to an open S-shaped rotor, end plates through which cup shafts are pivotally supported, a central shaft to which end plates are attached, a rotational energy connecting element attached to the cup shafts, that control rotation of cup shafts, a rotational speed sensor, and a braking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventor: Arthur Kaliski
  • Patent number: 6761533
    Abstract: A pitch governing mounting assembly for a windmill blade and a windmill incorporating such an assembly. The assembly has a first member coupled to a second member in a manner which causes simultaneous axial and rotational movement of the second member relative to the first member. Input for axial movement of the second member relative to the first member is provided by centrifugal force arising from rotation of the windmill blades secured to the second member about a windmill input shaft. A biasing member is provided acting between the second member and the first member to urge the second member toward its first position relative to the first member as centrifugal input diminishes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Natus Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Primo Favaro
  • Publication number: 20040061337
    Abstract: A hybrid blade wind turbine device formed of at least a pair of straight outer airfoil blades, and a pair of inner helical wing blades, as supported for rotation within a safety protective cage structure, which wind turbine can be mounted in the vertical, horizontal, or other aligned operational positions. The inner helical half wing blades, being preferably somewhat shorter than the length of the outer airfoil blades, act to “regularize” the swirling wind regime flowing through the hybrid wind turbine, so as to maximize the efficiency of the outer airfoil blades. The helical half wing blades can be formed of individual segmented vane segments to provide improved operational capabilities for the overall hybrid wind turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: William S. Becker
  • Publication number: 20040042899
    Abstract: The technology of all weather wind turbine is disclosed by applying it to a savonius design wind turbine although it can be applied to all kinds of windmills based on rotational mechanism in general and specifically in the field of wind turbines. In this current embodiment the art is used to a savonius design rotor. A Savonius rotor assembly includes two blades. Each of the blades has an outer edge and an inner edge with the outer edges of the blades lying on a circle which define the diameter of the rotor. Each of the blades has a linear portion adjacent to the inner edge and a first curved portion which is substantially an arc of a circle tangent to the linear portion and tangent to the circle defining the rotor diameter. A second curved portion is substantially coincident to the circle defining the rotor diameter. In some applications multiple blades or multiple units are mounted in layers for more torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Ghazi Khan
  • Publication number: 20040022628
    Abstract: A pitch governing mounting assembly for a windmill blade and a windmill incorporating such an assembly. The assembly has a first member coupled to a second member in a manner which causes simultaneous axial and rotational movement of the second member relative to the first member. Input for axial movement of the second member relative to the first member is provided by centrifugal force arising from rotation of the windmill blades secured to the second member about a windmill input shaft. A biasing member is provided acting between the second member and the first member to urge the second member toward its first position relative to the first member as centrifugal input diminishes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Primo Favaro
  • Patent number: 6082968
    Abstract: A centrifugally activated variable damper assembly for a stopped-rotor aircraft is disclosed for adjusting dampening level of teetering motions produced by the rotors during the in-flight conversion process from rotary-wing to fixed-wing flight, or vise versa. The assembly includes a damper valve responsive to centrifugal forces produced by rotational speed of the aircraft rotor. The assembly also includes dampers within the rotor system that operate at variable damping levels in response to centrifugal forces acting upon the damper valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Dan Nyhus
  • Patent number: 5897293
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: David Arel, Robert Perkinson, Charles DeGeorge
  • Patent number: 5820341
    Abstract: The device includes anti-cone stops projecting outward from at least two coaxial rings that can rotate about the rotor axis on the top face of the hub. Flyweights are each mechanically joined to one of the rings by a mechanism for driving the latter in rotation from the "ground" position, in which each anti-cone stop is facing an upper bearing shoe of the corresponding blade, to the "flight" position, in which the anti-cone stops are retracted against elastic mechanisms returning them to the "ground" position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Eurocopter France
    Inventors: Jean Joseph Henri Mondet, Sylvie Jacqueline Garcin
  • Patent number: 5779446
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Jon B. Althof, Shan-Chin Tsai, Teddy L. Jones
  • Patent number: 5588801
    Abstract: The device comprises anti-cone stops projecting outwards from a common ring that can rotate about the rotor axis on the top face of the hub and flyweights are each individually joined to the ring for driving the latter in rotation from the "ground" position, in which each anti-cone stop is facing an upper bearing shoe of the corresponding blade, to the "flight" position, in which the anti-cone stops are retracted, returning them to the "ground" position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Eurocopter France
    Inventors: Sylvie J. Commelin, Jean J. Mondet
  • Patent number: 5487645
    Abstract: A ram air turbine is provided for use in driving electric and/or hydraulic power systems in an aircraft, wherein the ram air turbine includes primary and secondary speed control governors. The primary governor includes centrifugal flyweights for cam-actuated adjustment of the pitch angle of a turbine blade or blades, within a selected adjustment range, to achieve substantially constant turbine speed in response to varying air speed and/or load. The secondary governor preloads the turbine blade or blades to a selected midrange pitch angle in the at-rest condition, wherein the midrange pitch angle is chosen for faster turbine acceleration on deployment to the desired full-speed rotation. The secondary governor controls blade pitch angle until the turbine reaches a selected rotational speed, after which the primary governor regulates and adjusts blade pitch angle within the selected adjustment range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventor: Steven R. Eccles
  • Patent number: 5456579
    Abstract: A wind turbine blade with governor for maintaining optimum rotational speeds comprising, in combination: a main body portion with a linear leading edge and a trailing edge, a trailing edge, a tip end and an axis end, the leading edge being linear and fixed and the trailing edge being formed at an angle with respect to the leading edge over the majority of its central extent, the trailing edge being formed with a rectangular recess; and an aileron formed within the recess of the trailing edge of the main body portion with a pivot pin extending through a central extent thereof, the aileron coupled to the main body portion adjacent to the opposed edges of the recess for rotation thereof about an axis parallel with the trailing edge of the main body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Inventor: Timothy G. Olson
  • Patent number: 5240374
    Abstract: There is provided a self-actuating variable pitch marine propeller which incorporates two or more blades, each independently rotatable, relative to the propeller hub, between a first lower and a second higher pitch. The blades are preferably mechanically linked by coordinating means and are caused to move preferably by a combination of centrifugal force effect resulting from inertial mass means and the hydrodynamic forces acting upon the blade hydrodynamic surface. The rotation of the blades relative to the propeller hub is limited primarily as to speed of rotation by restricted viscous fluid flow damping means operably connected to the blades. In one preferred embodiment, the viscous flow means further acts as an initial restraint against all motion by closing off the viscous flow orifice until a certain minimum propeller rotational speed is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Nautical Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen R. Speer
  • Patent number: 5219272
    Abstract: A marine propeller includes a hub rotatable about a longitudinal axis and having a plurality of blades extending radially outwardly therefrom and pivotable about respective radial pivot axes between a low pitch position and a high pitch position. Each blade has a hydrodynamic force characteristic which shifts the location of the resultant hydrodynamic force on the blade in a direction aiding up-pitching of the blade, and increasing the up-pitching pivot moment with decreasing angles of attack. A counteractive hydrodynamic force generating area is provided on the negative pressure backside surface of the blade and shifts the location of the resultant hydrodynamic force on the frontside surface forwardly with decreasing angle of attack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald M. Steiner, Roger E. Koepsel, Michael A. Karls
  • Patent number: 5129785
    Abstract: A self-actuating variable pitch marine propeller which incorporates two or more blades having cylindrical shafts which are rotatably connected to a central hub via cylindrical joints; the blades rotate about and translate radially, relative to the hub center, along the blade shaft, or shank, axis. In operation, the blades move radially outwardly from the hub center as they rotate from lower to higher pitch. The blades are biased towards the lower pitch. As the propeller rotational speed increases, centrifugal forces act on the blade mass creating a radially directed outward force. This radially outward force, upon reaching a sufficient magnitude, causes the blades to move radially outward. A blade positioning mechanism connected between each blade and the hub directs the blades to rotate to a higher pitch angle as the blades move radially outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Nautical Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen R. Speer
  • Patent number: 4913623
    Abstract: A pitch feathering system for a gas turbine driven aircraft propeller having multiple variable pitch blades utilizes a counter-weight linked to the blades. The weight is constrained to move, when effecting a pitch change, only in a radial plane and about an axis which rotates about the propeller axis. The system includes a linkage allowing the weight to move through a larger angle than the associated pitch change of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jan C. Schilling, Arthur P. Adamson, Julius Bathori, Neil Walker
  • Patent number: 4743163
    Abstract: A blade pitch control mechanism for a ram air driven turbine blade mounted for rotation on a hub assembly having a central axis. A governor control member, including a seat, is mounted on a portion of the hub assembly for reciprocation along the central axis. A first spring acts on the governor control member in a first axial direction. A governor slide member is mounted for reciprocation along the central axis. The blade is in mating engagement with the governor slide member. A second spring acts between the governor slide member and the seat of the governor control member for biasing the slide member opposite the first axial direction. This causes the blade to assume a course pitch when the blade and hub assembly are in storage and to allow the blade to move to fine pitch during start-up. A flyweight is mounted on the hub assembly and engages the governor control member for acting against the first spring to control blade pitch and govern turbine speed after start-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Albert L. Markunas, Mordehy Cohen
  • Patent number: 4701104
    Abstract: Complexity, and thus reliability difficulties, are avoided in a ram air turbine including a stationary shaft 14 defining an axis of rotation 16. A hub 24 is journalled on the shaft 14 and in turn movably mounts at least one blade 38 for positioning between a feathered position and a plurality of positions of different pitch. A selectively operable brake 96, 100, 116 is mounted on the shaft 14 and a screw 112 is journalled on the shaft for rotation about the axis 16. The screw has a head 114 engageable by the brake 96, 100, 116 and exterior, widely spaced threads 120. A governor plate 50 is disposed about the shaft 14 and includes a sleeve 124 with widely spaced internal threads 126 surrounding the screw 112. The governor plate is connected to the blades 38 to position the same in response to movement of the governor plate 50. A torsional spring 130 is connected to the screw 112 to effect rotation of the same when the brake 90, 100, 116 is disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Modehy Cohen
  • Patent number: 4632637
    Abstract: A high speed, downwind horizontal axis wind turbine includes three circumferentially spaced lightweight blades having inner support arms and radially outwardly disposed airfoil configured blade segments which are pivotally connected to the support arms, so as to fold straight downwind under high wind conditions or high rotating speeds. A spring biased control mechanism serves to rotate the airfoil segment of each blade about its longitudinal axis as the blade is folded downwind, so that a simultaneous folding and feathering action is obtained to prevent damage to the turbine in high wind conditions or under high rotating speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: Analytics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ray F. Traudt
  • Patent number: 4609152
    Abstract: Wind-powered apparatus for applying a powdered substance over a given area including a housing designed to receive a quantity of the powdered substance, a sieve located within the housing and a wind motor assembly. The powdered substance is contained within the housing above the sieve. The wind motor assembly is rotatably received by the housing and extends through the housing. The wind motor assembly includes a center pole, a hub located on top of the center pole, a plurality of blades attached to the hub by spokes, a flexible plate which is attached to the bottom end of the pole beneath the sieve, a counterweight assembly and a scraper bar. The counterweight assembly and scraper bar are attached to the plate. As the wind acts on the blades and rotates the wind motor assembly, the scraper contacts and vibrates the sieve. This releases the powdered substance for distribution over the given area by the wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Inventor: Genaro C. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 4507049
    Abstract: A wheel intended to work with a fluid includes wing-shaped components (2) arranged around a central shaft (1) generally perpendicular to the direction of relative movement of the fluid (5). The wing-shaped components are articulated along pivoting axes (3) parallel to the central shaft and their orientation during the rotation around the central shaft is determined by a control mechanism (6,7,10, 11 and 16) made so that, in each angular position of the wheel, the planes (12) aligned along the pivoting axes of the wings and perpendicular to the main planes of the latter intersect approximately along the same straight line (13) located on the outside of the trajectory cylinder of the axes of the wings (4). The control mechanism has, for this purpose, an annular part (6) with an axis of rotation (8) parallel to but distinct from that of the central shaft (1) and adjustment parts (10) sliding on rods (9) mounted tangentially to annular part (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Inventor: Carl B. Strandgren
  • Patent number: 4500257
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1985
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: William N. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 4483657
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine having a horizontal arm member which supports an upright blade assembly. Bearing structure coupling the blade assembly to the turbine arm permits blade movement about its longitudinal axis as well as flexing motion of the blade assembly about axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A latching mechanism automatically locks the blade assembly to its supporting arm during normal turbine operation and automatically unlocks same when the turbine is at rest. For overspeed prevention, a centrifugally actuated arm functions to unlatch the blade assembly permitting same to slipstream or feather into the wind. Manually actuated means are also provided for unlatching the moving blade assembly. The turbine arm additionally carries a switching mechanism in circuit with a turbine generator with said mechanism functioning to open and hence protect the generator circuit in the event of an overspeed condition of the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Inventor: Heinz W. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 4411596
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved blade pitch control mechanism for an air driven turbine blade mounted for rotation in a hub assembly. The control mechanism includes a drive member mounted for reciprocation along a central axis of the hub assembly. The drive member has a control member secured to one end and a seat member at the other end. The blade has operatively coupled thereto, a centrifugally responsive means which includes a pin in mating engagement with the control member. A spring is positioned between the hub assembly and the control member to thereby cause the blade to assume a coarse or high pitch position when the blade and hub assembly are in storage. A slide member is mounted on a portion of the hub assembly for reciprocation along the central axis. A spring is positioned between the seat member and the slide member. A flyweight is supported on the hub assembly and engages the slide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1983
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: John A. Chilman
  • Patent number: 4363241
    Abstract: An improved rotational speed governor characterized by a non-linear response to speed changes, includes a control arm, the angular position of which changes in response to the rotational speed of the governor, the control arm carrying a weight held to a fixed position with respect to the control arm at speeds less than a first predetermined speed and displaced from said control arm by centrifugal force at speeds greater than that predetermined speed to effect a non-linear pivotal displacement response to the control arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1982
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas A. Egolf