Propeller unit with controlled cyclic and collective blade pitch

US5028210A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force · US

Inventors

• Frank B. Peterson · McLean, US
• William E. Schneider · White Pine, US
• Christopher N. Sears · Shady Side, US
• Darrel J. Brydebell · Arnold, US
• Mark W. Smith · Morgantown, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 5, 1990
• Grant date: Jul 2, 1991
• Expiry date: Jan 5, 2010

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63H2001/105
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An improved integral marine propulsion unit is disclosed that can generate a thrust vector in any of three degrees of motion. The unit utilizes both collective and cyclic propeller blade pitch angle variation to generate these thrust. This unit obviates the need for control surfaces and rudders for motion control of a marine vessel. Additionally, this unit provides flexibility in external propulsor arrangements on a marine hull. The unit integrates the swash plate mechanism and actuators within the central bore of a ring type prime mover.