Rodney W Balke

US Patent:

42759927, Jun 30, 1981

Filed:

Apr 9, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/028341

Inventors:

James R. Andrews - Arlington TX
Rodney W. Balke - Arlington TX
Victor L. Berry - Arlington TX

Assignee:

Textron, Inc. - Providence RI

International Classification:

B64C 700

US Classification:

416146R

Abstract:

An above-rotor mount (30) for a helicopter (10) comprises an upper plate (32) coupled to a lower plate (34) by means of links (42, 44, 46 and 48). The lower plate (34) is connected to a rotating rotor shaft (16) and a non-rotating stand pipe (40) extending inside the rotor shaft. The links (42, 44, 46 and 48) are focused to control the mode shapes and dynamic response of the mounted components at a preselected frequency, such as the predominant rotor harmonic. Springs (50, 52) are connected between the plates (32, 34) for damping.

US Patent:

41343093, Jan 16, 1979

Filed:

Nov 5, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/739272

Inventors:

Rodney W. Balke - Arlington TX
Frank R. Oradat - Hurst TX
Cecil W. Haga - Arlington TX

Assignee:

Textron Inc. - Providence RI

International Classification:

F16F 1522
F16F 1504
F16C 3500

US Classification:

74573F

Abstract:

A relatively stiff spring cooperating with an oil film resists inertial, gearing, and chucking loads and reduces the inertial forces generated by the operation of a rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft is mounted directly in conventional ball bearings that in turn are mounted in engagement with the inner of two concentrically mounted cylindrical members, wherein the concentrically mounted members have facing walls radially displaced to form an annular cavity therebetween. The outer of the two cylindrical members is in engagement with and supported to the housing. Interconnecting the two cylindrical members is a flange spring that also serves as an end wall for a reservoir in communication with the annular cavity. The reservoir and the annular cavity are filled with a dampening fluid, such as a lubricating oil, to serve as a cushion for axially and radially directed force transfers between the two concentrically mounted members.