Patents by Inventor Alex J. Simpson

Alex J. Simpson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20150354366
    Abstract: A component according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a wall and at least one rib that protrudes from the wall and extends to a rib end, the rib end having a curved transition portion near a location where the at least one rib meets the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Alex J. SIMPSON, David A. NIEZELSKI
  • Publication number: 20150322797
    Abstract: A blade element and methods of manufacturing blade elements are provided for blade elements of a gas turbine engine. In one embodiment, a blade element includes a first inner surface of the blade element, wherein the first inner surface is associated with a first outer blade surface of the blade element, and a second inner surface of the blade element, wherein the second inner surface is associated with a second outer blade surface of the blade element and wherein the second inner surface is opposite from the first inner surface. The blade element may also include a cross-tie configured to connect the first inner surface to the second inner surface, wherein the cross-tie is positioned along a trailing edge of the blade element and the cross-tie is configured to reduce vibration mode effects of the blade element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel A. SNYDER, Lane Thornton, Alex J. Simpson
  • Patent number: 9163582
    Abstract: A liner assembly includes a plurality of flaps arranged about a central axis and operable to move relative to the central axis. Each of the plurality of flaps defines a forward end and an aft end, lateral sides, and an inner surface and an outer surface relative to the central axis. Each of the plurality of flaps has a thickness between the inner surface and the outer surface, and thickness varies in a lateral direction between the lateral sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher Treat, Christina A. Stenman, Shelton O. Duelm, Alex J. Simpson
  • Patent number: 8733107
    Abstract: A mechanism included in a convergent-divergent nozzle connected to an aft portion of a gas turbine engine, which mechanism includes a convergent flap configured to be kinematically connected to the aft portion of the gas turbine engine, a divergent flap pivotally connected to the convergent flap and configured to be kinematically connected to the aft portion of the gas turbine engine, at least one actuator configured to be connected to the aft portion of the gas turbine engine and to mechanically prescribe the position of the convergent flap and the divergent flap by moving through one or more positions, and at least one biasing apparatus. The biasing apparatus is configured to position at least one of the convergent flap and the divergent flap independent of the positions of the actuator by substantially balancing a force on the at least one of the convergent flap and the divergent flap produced by a gas pressure on the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy A. Swanson, Sean P. Zamora, Robert H. Bush, Alex J. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20130318978
    Abstract: A liner assembly includes a plurality of flaps arranged about a central axis and operable to move relative to the central axis. Each of the plurality of flaps defines a forward end and an aft end, lateral sides, and an inner surface and an outer surface relative to the central axis. Each of the plurality of flaps has a thickness between the inner surface and the outer surface, and thickness varies in a lateral direction between the lateral sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher Treat, Christina A. Stenman, Shelton O. Duelm, Alex J. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20110088403
    Abstract: A mechanism included in a convergent-divergent nozzle connected to an aft portion of a gas turbine engine, which mechanism includes a convergent flap configured to be kinematically connected to the aft portion of the gas turbine engine, a divergent flap pivotally connected to the convergent flap and configured to be kinematically connected to the aft portion of the gas turbine engine, at least one actuator configured to be connected to the aft portion of the gas turbine engine and to mechanically prescribe the position of the convergent flap and the divergent flap by moving through one or more positions, and at least one biasing apparatus. The biasing apparatus is configured to position at least one of the convergent flap and the divergent flap independent of the positions of the actuator by substantially balancing a force on the at least one of the convergent flap and the divergent flap produced by a gas pressure on the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy A. Swanson, Sean P. Zamora, Robert H. Bush, Alex J. Simpson
  • Patent number: 7874160
    Abstract: A mechanism included in a convergent-divergent nozzle connected to an aft portion of a gas turbine engine, which mechanism includes a convergent flap configured to be kinematically connected to the aft portion of the gas turbine engine, a divergent flap pivotally connected to the convergent flap and configured to be kinematically connected to the aft portion of the gas turbine engine, at least one actuator configured to be connected to the aft portion of the gas turbine engine and to mechanically prescribe the position of the convergent flap and the divergent flap by moving through one or more positions, and at least one biasing apparatus. The biasing apparatus is configured to position at least one of the convergent flap and the divergent flap independent of the positions of the actuator by substantially balancing a force on the at least one of the convergent flap and the divergent flap produced by a gas pressure on the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy A. Swanson, Sean P. Zamora, Robert H. Bush, Alex J. Simpson
  • Patent number: 7770399
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine has the convergent flaps and seals of an adjustable cross-sectional area nozzle connected to associated liners with a thermally compliant bracket. The bracket includes spaced feet with an intermediate notch spaced away from the liner. In this manner, a temperature gradient along the liner can be easily compensated at the connection of the bracket to the liner by adjustment within the notch. In other features, the bracket is riveted to the liner, providing further resistance to thermal expansion due to temperature gradiations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew D. Burdick, Kyle J. Osga, Paul R. Senofonte, Richard F. Norman, Alex J. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20090072049
    Abstract: A mechanism included in a convergent-divergent nozzle connected to an aft portion of a gas turbine engine, which mechanism includes a convergent flap configured to be kinematically connected to the aft portion of the gas turbine engine, a divergent flap pivotally connected to the convergent flap and configured to be kinematically connected to the aft portion of the gas turbine engine, at least one actuator configured to be connected to the aft portion of the gas turbine engine and to mechanically prescribe the position of the convergent flap and the divergent flap by moving through one or more positions, and at least one biasing apparatus. The biasing apparatus is configured to position at least one of the convergent flap and the divergent flap independent of the positions of the actuator by substantially balancing a force on the at least one of the convergent flap and the divergent flap produced by a gas pressure on the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy A. Swanson, Sean P. Zamora, Robert H. Bush, Alex J. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20080078163
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine has the convergent flaps and seals of an adjustable cross-sectional area nozzle connected to associated liners with a thermally compliant bracket. The bracket includes spaced feet with an intermediate notch spaced away from the liner. In this manner, a temperature gradient along the liner can be easily compensated at the connection of the bracket to the liner by adjustment within the notch. In other features, the bracket is riveted to the liner, providing further resistance to thermal expansion due to temperature gradiations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Andrew D. Burdick, Kyle J. Osga, Paul R. Senofonte, Richard F. Norman, Alex J. Simpson