Apparatus and method for folding and locking rotor blades

US5031858A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. · US

Inventors

• Ernst C. Schellhase · Fort Worth, US
• Dan Anastas, deceased · Swarthmore, US
• by Peggy Anastas, executrix · Swarthmore, US
• Paul E. Keefer · Bedford, US
• Cecil E. Covington · Hurst, US
• Joseph John Zierer · Niskayuna, US
• William D. Neathery · Fort Worth, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 20, 1989
• Grant date: Jul 16, 1991
• Expiry date: Nov 20, 2009

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64C27/50
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Folding and folding locking apparatus for rotor blades that includes a power actuator for rotating the blades and locking means for securing the blade in the deployed position and securing the blades against rotation of the pitch angle during and when the blades are folded. The apparatus also provides for the complete fairing of the blades at their connections with the rotary drive hub and provides a powered door in the fairing that can be opened and closed to permit the quick and easy folding and redeployment of the blades.