Abstract: An aircraft including an airframe and a plurality of propulsion assemblies coupled to the airframe, wherein each propulsion assembly includes an electric motor, a propeller coupled to the electric motor, and a tilt mechanism that connects the propulsion assembly to the airframe and transforms the propulsion assembly between a forward configuration and a hover configuration; wherein the plurality of propulsion assemblies is transformable between a forward arrangement and a hover arrangement, wherein each of the plurality of propulsion assemblies is in the forward configuration in the forward arrangement, wherein each of the plurality of propulsion assemblies is in the hover configuration in the hover arrangement, wherein the spacing between at least two of the propellers of the plurality of propulsion assemblies changes between the forward arrangement and the hover arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention includes a hybrid propulsion system for an aircraft comprising: an engine disposed within a fuselage of the aircraft, two electrical generators disposed within the fuselage and connected to the engine, and two nacelles. Each nacelle comprises a proprotor, and each nacelle houses two electric motors connected to the proprotor. Each electrical generator is connected to the two electric motors in each nacelle. The proprotors provide lift for vertical takeoff and landing in a helicopter mode. A fan is coupled to the fuselage and connected to two additional electric motors. Each additional electric motor is connected to one of the two electric generators. The fan provides thrust for forward flight during an airplane mode. The airplane mode includes increasing power to the fan while decreasing power to the proprotors to zero.

Abstract: A propeller apparatus of an air mobility may include blades configured for being folded or unfolded in a response to flight situation of the air mobility, so that energy efficiency of the air mobility is improved and flight distance is increased by efficient use of the plurality of blades in each flight situation. Furthermore, as a pitching motion of the plurality of blades is performed in addition to a folding or unfolding motion of the plurality of blades, flight performance is improved.

Abstract: A transportable ground tower for an aircraft landing system, and methods of assembling and raising the same, are disclosed. The ground tower may include at least lower and upper tower sections configured to be assembled to form a ground tower structure extending substantially vertically from a ground surface in an operational orientation. The lower tower section may have a pivot configured to be pivotally secured to a stationary ground base. The ground tower may also include a stand pivotably secured to one of the plurality of tower sections, which is configured to support an end of the assembled tower structure in an assembly orientation to permit assembly of one or more tower devices to the tower structure.

Abstract: In a method for assembling a wind power generator, a tower of a floating-type offshore wind power generation device is placed and fixed to a tower standing frame, blades of the floating-type offshore wind power generation device are fixed and stacked on a first mount and a second mount, a carriage is used to move a blade installing structure including a blade assembly table formed on a first side and a blade carrier formed on a second side opposite to the first side, the blade carrier is vertically moved below the blades, the blade carrier is vertically moved to correspond to the height of the blade assembly table in a state in which the blade is gripped by the blade installer, the blade installer is moved from the second side to the first side, and the blade is assembled to a nacelle formed at one end of the tower.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turbomachine module (1), comprising: —a rotating housing (7-8) supporting a propeller provided with a plurality of blades (5), —a system for varying the pitch of the propeller blades (5), the system comprising a control means, and a mechanism for varying the pitch of the propeller blades, characterised in that the system is supported by the rotary housing (7-8), in that the control means comprise an annular row of rotary actuators (16), and in that the mechanism for varying the pitch of the blades comprises a synchronisation ring (11) that is driven to rotate by rotary output shafts (17) of the actuators (16), the synchronisation ring (11) being guided in rotation relative to the rotary housing (7-8) by guide means and meshed by a first toothing (13) with pinions (14) of the blades (5).

Abstract: A paddle for use with watercraft can include a shaft assembly, a handle connected to a first end of the shaft assembly, and a blade assembly including a flexible blade part removably connected at a second end of the shaft assembly, the blade part being foldable when removed from the shaft assembly. In some examples, the blade part is foldable into a rolled-up position when removed from the shaft assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a folding propeller, comprising a hub, which may be driven via a drive shaft around a rotation axis, at least two propeller blades, which are pivotably arranged on the hub between a folded position and an unfolded position, and a propeller blade arresting means, which is configured for arresting the propeller blades in the unfolded position, wherein the propeller blade arresting means is movable relative to the hub in rotation direction between a starting position and an arresting position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including a blood pump that includes a catheter, a proximal impeller disposed on the catheter inside a proximal impeller housing, and which is configured to pump blood by rotating inside the proximal impeller housing. A distal impeller is disposed on the catheter inside a distal impeller housing, distally to the proximal impeller, and the distal impeller is configured to pump blood by rotating inside the distal impeller housing. A tubular element is disposed between the proximal impeller housing and the distal impeller housing, the tubular element being configured to have a tubular configuration during rotation of the proximal and distal impellers. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a rotor blade comprising a blade tip attached to the outboard end of the rotor blade. The blade tip has at least two sides that are tapered together to an edge. The length of the blade tip extending away from the outboard end to the edge is a distance that is greater than half the thickness of the outboard end. When the rotor blade is operating in a folded configuration, air flows over the sides in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the rotor blade. The sides have profiles that minimize or prevent separation of the air flow from the blade tip.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a blade lock comprising a fold lock adapted to prevent folding of a rotor blade in a fold-lock position and to allow folding of the rotor blade in a pitch-lock position. The blade lock further comprises a pitch lock adapted to allow pitch movement of a rotor blade in a fold-lock position and to prevent pitch movement of the rotor blade in the pitch-lock position. A spring-loaded link pivotally connects both the fold lock and the pitch lock and is adapted to provide passive, overcenter locking in the fold-lock position. An actuator is coupled to the pitch lock and is adapted to move the pitch lock and the fold lock between the fold-lock and pitch-lock positions.

Abstract: A horizontal axis wind turbine (1) with a wind turbine blade (5) is disclosed, the wind turbine blade (5) comprising a hinge (6) arranged to connect the wind turbine blade (5) to a blade carrying structure (4) of the wind turbine (1), at a non-zero distance from an inner tip (5a) and at a non-zero distance from an outer tip (5b) of the wind turbine blade (5). An outer blade part (7) is arranged between the hinge region and the outer tip (5b), and an inner blade part (8) is arranged between the hinge region and the inner tip (5a). The outer blade part (7) extends from the hinge region along a first direction and the inner blade part (8) extends from the hinge region along a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction form an angle, ?, there between, where 0°<?<90°.

Abstract: A ceiling fan includes a hub adapted to be rotated, such as by an onboard motor in a low-profile motor housing. One or more fan blades are adapted to extend radially from the hub. At least one magnet is provided for coupling at least one fan blade to the hub. A hinge may connect the at least one fan blade to the hub, and may be located radially outwardly of overlapping portions of the fan blade and hub. In this manner, the blade may be adapted to extend radially from the hub when deployed and generally vertically when stowed, but in a deployed configuration, the radial extension overlies and contacts at least a portion of the fan blade along an overlapping region, but does not contact the portion of the at least one stowable fan blade when stowed. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: An impeller for a pump is disclosed herein. The impeller can include a hub having a fixed end and a free end. The impeller can also have a plurality of blades supported by the hub. Each blade can have a fixed end coupled to the hub and a free end. The impeller can have a stored configuration and a deployed configuration, the blades in the deployed configuration extending away from the hub, and the blades in the stored configuration being compressed against the hub.

Abstract: An impeller for a pump is disclosed herein. The impeller can include a hub having a fixed end and a free end. The impeller can also have a plurality of blades supported by the hub. Each blade can have a fixed end coupled to the hub and a free end. The impeller can have a stored configuration and a deployed configuration, the blades in the deployed configuration extending away from the hub, and the blades in the stored configuration being compressed against the hub.

Abstract: A fan, which has a downrod and a motor fixed at the bottom of the downrod; the motor drives a rotating disc, and a plurality of mounting brackets are installed on the rotating disc, which can swing up and down in the vertical direction with the connection with the rotating disk as a shaft; the outer end of the mounting bracket can be rotatably installed with a blade, the blade and the mounting bracket can swing up and down in the vertical direction as a whole so as to be adjusted to the most balanced position, canceling the vibration caused by the installation and weight error of the blade, and carry out internal self-regulation, so it can reduce the overall shaking; the blade does not have an upwarped part, and there is a certain distance between the adjacent two blades, which will not cover and overlap.

Abstract: An impeller for a pump is disclosed herein. The impeller can include a hub having a fixed end and a free end. The impeller can also have a plurality of blades supported by the hub. Each blade can have a fixed end coupled to the hub and a free end. The impeller can have a stored configuration and a deployed configuration, the blades in the deployed configuration extending away from the hub, and the blades in the stored configuration being compressed against the hub.

Abstract: An impeller for a pump is disclosed herein. The impeller can include a hub having a fixed end and a free end. The impeller can also have a plurality of blades supported by the hub. Each blade can have a fixed end coupled to the hub and a free end. The impeller can have a stored configuration and a deployed configuration, the blades in the deployed configuration extending away from the hub, and the blades in the stored configuration being compressed against the hub.

Abstract: The invention to which this application relates is to a propeller of the type for use in relation to water vessels and which can be moved between an in-use position in which the blades of the propeller extend outwardly to provide a propulsion force when rotated and, a storage position in which the desire is to minimize the effect of the blades as the vessel moves through the water and in which the blades are held substantially in line with the body of the propeller. The location means which allow the blades to be connected to the body are located within the body and thereby minimize the risk of corrosion and thereby increase the life of the propeller whilst also providing a secure fitment of the blades to the body and allowing ease of movement of the blades between in-use and storage positions.

Abstract: A combined flying-driving vehicle having a unique hybrid propulsion system architecture that provides a very high level of reliability and functionality to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drone configured for multiple uses. The drone may include a body and a sensor configured to be attached to the body. Further, the drone may include a plurality of arms configured to be attached to the body. Further, a first end of an arm of the plurality of arms may be attached to the body at a first movable joint. Further, the arm may include a first part connected to the first movable joint. Further, the arm may include a second part attached to the first part at a second movable joint. Further, the arm may include a powered rotor including a shaft configured to provide rotatory motion. Further, the powered rotor may be attached to one or more of the first part and the second part. Further, the drone may include a plurality of propeller blades attached to the shaft.

Abstract: A method for transporting people by providing a vehicle with a cab having a moveable actuator coupled to the propulsion unit to move the propulsion unit between a first position above the cab during lift-off and a second position during lateral flight; determining a hand control gesture as captured by a plurality of cameras or sensors in the vehicle, wherein a sequence of finger, palm or hand movements represents a vehicle control request; and determining vehicle control options based on the model, a current state of the vehicle and the environment of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a foldable pinwheel, which comprises a central pole (1); and a blade assembly rotatably disposed on the central pole (1); the blade assembly comprises a plurality of rotary blades (2) and at least one locking mechanism (4), which is rotatably disposed on the central pole (1); the plurality of rotary blades (2) can be stacked up together when the locking mechanism (4) is in an unlocked state, and the locking mechanism (4) can secure the plurality of rotary blades (2) in a stacked up position. The folding and unfolding of rotary blades are realized by a locking mechanism. The overall volume can be effectively reduced during transportation or storage. When in use, the pinwheel can be mounted quickly. It is convenient and fast.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable propeller (1) for a boat, e.g. for a sailboat or a multihull yacht, where the foldable propeller (1) comprises a hub (2) with a plurality of blades, each blade comprising a blade root arranged to pivot around a separate pivot pin in order to be either in a first operative orientation, where the blade (4) is pointing mainly in a radial direction, or in a second inoperative orientation, where the blade is pointing mainly in an axial direction. The hub (2) comprises a number of hub flanges (28) for holding the pivot pins (9). The pivot pin (9) comprises at its second end (21) a head (26) with a recess (24) that accommodates the first end (20) of another of the pivot pins (9) inside the head (26).

Abstract: A rotatable locking member for locking an aircraft wing with a movable wing tip device. The rotatable locking member including a U-shaped receiving portion arranged such that in an unlocked position the locking pin may be moved into and out of the U-shaped receiving portion, and in a locked position the locking pin is not able to be moved out of the U-shaped receiving portion, and the rotatable locking member is configured to be moved between the unlocked and locked position by rotational movement around the longitudinal central axis of the locking pin.

Abstract: A folding and unfolding structure of blade of a ceiling fan includes a driving device, a rotary member, multiple connection arms, multiple fixed arms, multiple extension arms, multiple elastic members and multiple blades. The rotary member rotates synchronously with the driving device. One end of the connection arm is connected to the rotary member, and the other end of the connection arm is pivotably connected to one end of an extension arm by a first pivot. One end of the fixed arm is connected to a blade, and the other end of the fixed arm is pivotably connected to the other end of an extension arm by a second pivot. The elastic members are provided between the extension arms and the connection arms to restricting outward expansion of the extension arms, such that the extension arms are pivoted upward about the first pivots and move close to the rotary member.

Abstract: A mast is erected to support a load. At least one stay cable supports the mast. The stay cable is oriented to the mast within a radial distance of the blade from the mast. The stay cable is stressed to support the mast while the wind drives the blade without collision of the stay cable.

Abstract: An upwind wind turbine includes: a hub provided so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis; a plurality of blades configured to rotate together with the hub; a tilting mechanism configured to couple the hub and the blades such that the blades are tiltable relative to a rotational plane around the rotation axis; a driving device configured to drive the tilting mechanism to switch between a standing state where the blades stand and a tilted state where the blades are tilted; and a fixing/supporting mechanism provided independently from the tilting mechanism and the driving device and configured to be switched between a locked state where the blades in the standing state are prevented from tilting and an unlocked state where the blades are allowed to tilt to become the tilted state.

Abstract: An unmanned flying device including a body, a first blade and at least a second blade, and a coupling assembly for coupling the first blade and the at least second blade to the body. Both the first blade and the at least second blade are rotateable about the body and are deployable away from the body via rotation of the first and the at least second blades about the body. The coupling assembly urges the collapsing of the first blade and the at least second blade towards the body.

Abstract: A wind turbine is disclosed. The wind turbine includes comprising an inflatable portion comprising one or more blades and a device for rotatably driving the inflatable portion at a predetermined rate for a predetermined time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drilling tool and method for modifying a blind hole in a blade root insert of a wind turbine. The invention further relates to an apparatus and method for cleaning a blind hole. The method for modifying a blind hole comprises: removing a blade screw located in the blind hole, inserting a drilling tool into the blind hole, fixing the drilling tool in a drill, recessing the blind hole by a predetermined depth, with a maximum diameter of the end section and of the hole bottom after recessing being smaller than or equal to a diameter of the end section prior to recessing and a transition from the end section to the hole bottom being round after recessing, removing the drilling tool and the drill, mounting the blade screw in the modified blind hole.

Abstract: An impeller includes a hub and a blade supported by the hub. The impeller has a stored configuration in which the blade is compressed so that its distal end moves towards the hub, and a deployed configuration in which the blade extends away from the hub. The impeller may be part of a pump for pumping fluids, such as blood, and may include a cannula having a proximal portion with a fixed diameter, and a distal portion with an expandable diameter. The impeller may reside in the expandable portion of the cannula. The cannula may have a compressed diameter which allows it to be inserted percutaneously into a patient. Once at a desired location, the expandable portion of the cannula may be expanded and the impeller expanded to the deployed configuration. A flexible drive shaft may extend through the cannula for rotationally driving the impeller within the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle within an environment are provided. In one aspect, a system comprises one or more sensors carried on the unmanned aerial vehicle and configured to receive sensor data of the environment and one or more processors. The one or more processors may be individually or collectively configured to: determine, based on the sensor data, an environmental complexity factor representative of an obstacle density for the environment; determine, based on the environmental complexity factor, one or more operating rules for the unmanned aerial vehicle; receive a signal indicating a desired movement of the unmanned aerial vehicle; and cause the unmanned aerial vehicle to move in accordance with the signal while complying with the one or more operating rules.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle within an environment are provided. In one aspect, a system comprises one or more sensors carried on the unmanned aerial vehicle and configured to receive sensor data of the environment and one or more processors. The one or more processors may be individually or collectively configured to: determine, based on the sensor data, an environmental complexity factor representative of an obstacle density for the environment; determine, based on the environmental complexity factor, one or more operating rules for the unmanned aerial vehicle; receive a signal indicating a desired movement of the unmanned aerial vehicle; and cause the unmanned aerial vehicle to move in accordance with the signal while complying with the one or more operating rules.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a number of passive and active defense designs and methods that enable a wind turbine to escape high wind events. The disclosure includes descriptions of multiple designs and methods for lowering the elevated portion of a wind turbine. Other embodiments of the invention concern ways to connect the elevated portion of a wind turbine to the tower. Numerous counterweight systems are also disclosed which enable the lowering of the elevated portion of the wind turbine.

Abstract: Aerial vehicles may be equipped with collapsible lift propellers and thrust propellers. The collapsible lift propellers may include retractable tips that may pivot or rotate from a first orientation substantially co-aligned with a main body of the collapsible lift propellers during ordinary operations and a second orientation substantially transverse to the main body of the collapsible lift propellers when rotation of the collapsible lift propellers is stopped. The collapsible lift propellers may further include biasing elements, e.g., springs for biasing the retractable tips into the second orientation, and mechanical stops for inhibiting the pivoting or rotation of the retractable tips beyond the first orientation.

Abstract: A method for assembling a wind turbine includes: unloading a nacelle and hub from a truck; connecting the nacelle and hub to a carriage of an elevator in a vertical position; connecting blades to the hub, thereby forming a rotor; raising the carriage, nacelle, and rotor along a tower to a top of the tower; and pivoting the carriage, nacelle, and rotor to a horizontal position at the top of the tower.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle within an environment are provided. In one aspect, a system comprises one or more sensors carried on the unmanned aerial vehicle and configured to receive sensor data of the environment and one or more processors. The one or more processors may be individually or collectively configured to: determine, based on the sensor data, an environmental complexity factor representative of an obstacle density for the environment; determine, based on the environmental complexity factor, one or more operating rules for the unmanned aerial vehicle; receive a signal indicating a desired movement of the unmanned aerial vehicle; and cause the unmanned aerial vehicle to move in accordance with the signal while complying with the one or more operating rules.

Abstract: A wind power generation assembly having a rotatable base. Attached to the base are a plurality of arcuate panels that surround a turbine assembly. The center axis of the base and the center axis of the turbine assembly are offset. The panels are positioned to capture the wind and redirect the wind energy to the turbine assembly.

Abstract: A fluid flow rotary driven apparatus includes a support having an axis of rotation and a plurality of elongate, curved rotor wings attached to and extending outwardly from the support. Each wing is attached to the support at an inner end and projects outwardly in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation to a distal end. Each wing includes a convex surface defining a plurality of logarithmic spiral line segments interconnecting the inner and outer ends. Each spiral line segment extends completely within a respective plane transverse to the axis of rotation. The wings are responsive to a fluid flow across the outer surface of the wings for driving the support to turn about the axis of rotation. A rotary transmission device is operably connected to the support and responds to turning of the support for producing an energy output.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a marine streamer towed underwater and related methods are provided. The cleaning device includes a housing configured to be attached to the streamer, a motor mounted inside the housing, a propeller configured be rotated by the motor and to drive the housing along and relative to the streamer in a towing direction, and a controller configured to control the motor and the propeller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertical axis turbine rotor blade arrangement for a wind power generator adapted to rotate around a vertical axis. The vertical axis turbine rotor blade arrangement comprises a rotor blade having a first and a second end and being pivotally connected to a pivot arm. The pivot arm has a first and a second end and is pivotally connected to a base member. The rotor blade is adapted to be displaced between an active position and a retracted position. The base member and the pivot arm defines a horizontal plane when the rotor blade is in the active position, the base member is rotatable around a pole, the pole is configured to extend in a first direction.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine system having a vertical mast with one or more turbine units supported thereon. The turbine units are of modular construction for assembly around the foot of the mast; are vertically moveable along the height of the mast by a winch system; and are selectively interlocking with the mast to fix the turbine units in parked positions. The turbine system and each turbine unit includes a network of portals and interior rooms for the passage of personnel through the system, including each turbine unit. The electrical generators, and other sub-components, in the turbine units are of modular construction that permits the selective removal and replacement of component segments, including the transport of component segments through the portals and interior rooms of the turbine system while the turbine units remain supported on the mast. The electrical generators are also selectively convertible between AC generators and DC generators.

Abstract: An example ram air turbine stow abort assembly includes a release pin movable between an engaged position that prevents rotation of a drive shaft and a released position that allows rotation of the drive shaft. A release lever is rotatable about an axis in response to the release pin being in the engaged position or the released position. A pawl has a link to the release lever. The link causes the pawl to move toward the axis from a locking position to a clearance position. The pawl is positioned to engage a lock when in the locking position to prevent movement of the ram air turbine assembly to a stowed position when the turbine blades are misaligned.

Abstract: The present invention provides a maintenance system for wind turbine equipment. The maintenance system includes a trolley support unit (130), a trolley (140), a pulley, a winch unit (150) and a door (160). The trolley support unit is provided in the nacelle so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the nacelle. The trolley is provided on the trolley support unit so as to be movable in the lateral direction of the nacelle. The pulley is rotatably installed in the trolley. The winch unit is connected to the pulley through a wire. The door is provided in the nacelle so that an element of the nacelle to be repaired is removed from or inserted into the nacelle through the door. Therefore, in the present invention, when maintenance or repair of an element in the nacelle is required, it can be conveniently conducted without using a separate crane.

Abstract: An impeller includes a hub, and a plurality of blades supported by the hub, the blades being arranged in at least two blade rows. The impeller has a deployed configuration in which the blades extend away from the hub, and a stored configuration in which at least one of the blades is radially compressed, for example by folding the blade towards the hub. The impeller may also have an operational configuration in which at least some of the blades are deformed from the deployed configuration upon rotation of the impeller when in the deployed configuration. The outer edge of one or more blades may have a winglet, and the base of the blades may have an associated indentation to facilitate folding of the blades.

Abstract: A fluid turbine comprises a rotor rotatable in use about an axis transverse to the direction of fluid flow, the rotor having a first part carrying a plurality of arcuate blades that may be arranged selectably in compact straight shapes or in arcuate shapes and a second part journalled in a base structure by two or more bearings. Another aspect of the invention discloses an installation frame, devised to support the turbine or other elongated structures in a folded arrangement for transportation on a trailer, and to support assembly and erection thereof.

Abstract: A portable cooling device including an insulated housing and a water cooler system, whereby water stored in a reservoir, or alternatively water introduced into the system through a specific inlet, is directed through a boustrophedonic series of piping to an ancillary misting head and to at least one misting orifice disposed proximal to at least one fan, which fan is directable within a fan housing, when a chilled mist is directionably propelled from the device. The device has a power system including a photocell, a power inlet, and a battery, configureable to different situations to selectively engage the water cooler system and each fan.

Abstract: An articulated erection structure is disclosed for use in mobilizing a wind energy extraction device. The wind turbine has blades capable of being disposed in side-by-side, parallel alignment for transportation. The erection structure has a mast that can be configured in a horizontal orientation for transportation with the turbine generator lowered, and reconfigured for power-generating operations in a vertical orientation with the turbine raised. The turbine generator may be mounted with an erection structure to a variety of transportation platforms, such as on a self-propelled vehicle, towed trailer, or transportation pallet. A hybrid system may integrate photovoltaic cells in addition to a wind energy extraction device.

Abstract: A deployment device and system for a hydrokinetic energy converter such as a hydrokinetic turbine that can be coupled to a generator to produce electricity. The deployment device can include a floatable platform including a central aperture sized to allow a hydrokinetic turbine to be lowered therethrough into water. A pair of deployment swing members are rotatably attached to the platform and located adjacent to the central aperture. Each deployment swing member has a support for connection to an end of a hydrokinetic turbine. Each deployment swing member is rotatably supported for rotating the swing members from a first position in which the swing member and any attached turbine are raised at least partially out of the water, through the central aperture, and to a second position in which the swing member and any attached turbine are lowered beneath the platform at least partially in the water.