Patents by Inventor Brian Lewis Devendorf

Brian Lewis Devendorf 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: 20240133318
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine, comprising a turbomachine and a housing at least partially encasing a portion of the turbomachine, the housing having an inner surface and defining in part a void between the inner surface and the portion of the turbomachine, the housing moveable relative to the portion of the turbomachine; and an engine component selectively coupled to the portion of the turbomachine or to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2022
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Brian Lewis Devendorf, Arthur William Sibbach
  • Publication number: 20240093644
    Abstract: An aircraft engine is provided. The aircraft engine includes a compressor section having a compressor. A turbine section is downstream of the compressor section. The turbine section includes a turbine having turbine blades arranged in counter rotating stages. The aircraft engine further includes one or more fluid supply lines and a fuel cell assembly fluidly coupled to the one or more fluid supply lines for receiving one or more input fluids. The fuel cell assembly is in fluid communication with the turbine section to provide one or more output products to the turbine section. The aircraft engine further includes a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the turbine downstream of the counter rotating stages of turbine blades to receive exhaust gases from the turbine. The heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the one or more fluid supply lines of the fuel cell assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Paul Hadley Vitt, Matteo Renato Usseglio, Brian Lewis Devendorf
  • Publication number: 20240003294
    Abstract: A turbofan engine is provided. The turbofan engine includes a fan comprising a plurality of fan blades; a turbomachine operably coupled to the fan for driving the fan, the turbomachine comprising a compressor section, a combustion section, and a turbine section in serial flow order and together defining a core air flowpath; a nacelle surrounding and at least partially enclosing the fan; an inlet pre-swirl feature located upstream of the plurality of fan blades, the inlet pre-swirl feature attached to or integrated into the nacelle; and a means for reducing ice buildup or ice formation on the inlet pre-swirl feature, the means in communication with the inlet pre-swirl feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Arthur William Sibbach, Allan George van de Wall, Sean Christopher Binion, Brian Lewis Devendorf, Brandon Wayne Miller
  • Patent number: 11795964
    Abstract: A fan assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a fan disk, a trunnion, a fan blade, and a counterweight assembly. The fan disk is configured to rotate about an axial centerline of the gas turbine engine when installed in the gas turbine engine. The trunnion is mounted to the fan disk and defines a slot extending through a portion of the trunnion. The fan blade defines a pitch axis and is rotatably attached to the fan disk about its pitch axis through the trunnion. The counterweight assembly includes a link arm extending to the trunnion and an engagement device mounted to the link arm that is disposed to move through the slot of the trunnion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Daggett, Gert Johannes van der Merwe, Daniel Alan Niergarth, Brian Lewis Devendorf
  • Patent number: 11761344
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a thermal management system of a gas turbine engine. The method includes: operating the gas turbine engine to start-up the gas turbine engine; receiving data indicative of a state of a thermal transport bus of the thermal management system using a sensor, the state of the thermal transport bus including a phase of a thermal fluid within the thermal transport bus; and starting a pump of a pump assembly in response to receiving data indicative of the state of the thermal transport bus of the thermal management system, the pump in fluid communication with the thermal transport bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brandon Wayne Miller, Brian Lewis Devendorf, Jeffrey Douglas Rambo, Brian Gene Brzek, Kevin Edward Hinderliter, Erich Alois Krammer, Arthur William Sibbach
  • Publication number: 20230279805
    Abstract: A fan assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a fan disk, a trunnion, an actuation device, a fan blade, and a counterweight assembly. The trunnion is mounted to the fan disk. The actuation device is operably coupled to the trunnion. The fan blade is rotatably attached to the fan disk. The counterweight assembly includes a link arm, a lever arm, a hinge, and a counterweight. The link arm is connected to the trunnion, to the actuation device, or to both. The link arm is configured to drive rotation of the trunnion relative to the fan disk. The hinge is pivotably connected to the lever arm. The lever arm is connected to the link arm and is disposed to rotate about a connection point of the lever arm and the hinge. The counterweight is mounted to the lever arm at a location spaced from the hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Daggett, Gert Johannes van der Merwe, Daniel Alan Niergarth, Brian Lewis Devendorf
  • Patent number: 11739689
    Abstract: A turbofan engine is provided. The turbofan engine includes a fan comprising a plurality of fan blades; a turbomachine operably coupled to the fan for driving the fan, the turbomachine comprising a compressor section, a combustion section, and a turbine section in serial flow order and together defining a core air flowpath; a nacelle surrounding and at least partially enclosing the fan; an inlet pre-swirl feature located upstream of the plurality of fan blades, the inlet pre-swirl feature attached to or integrated into the nacelle; and a means for reducing ice buildup or ice formation on the inlet pre-swirl feature, the means in communication with the inlet pre-swirl feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Arthur William Sibbach, Allan George van de Wall, Sean Christopher Binion, Brian Lewis Devendorf, Brandon Wayne Miller
  • Patent number: 11702985
    Abstract: A thermal management system is provided for incorporation into a gas turbine engine, wherein the gas turbine engine, the aircraft, or both define a vertical direction. The thermal management system including: a thermal transport bus having a thermal fluid flowing therethrough; a plurality of heat source exchangers in thermal communication with the thermal fluid in the thermal transport bus; and a pump assembly in flow communication with the thermal transport bus, the pump assembly including: a pump; and a pump protection device positioned below the pump along the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brandon Wayne Miller, Daniel Alan Niergarth, Brian Gene Brzek, Kevin Edward Hinderliter, Brian Lewis Devendorf, Nathan Evan McCurdy Gibson
  • Patent number: 11674435
    Abstract: A fan assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a fan disk, a trunnion, an actuation device, a fan blade, and a counterweight assembly. The trunnion is mounted to the fan disk. The actuation device is operably coupled to the trunnion. The fan blade is rotatably attached to the fan disk. The counterweight assembly includes a link arm, a lever arm, a hinge, and a counterweight. The link arm is connected to the trunnion, to the actuation device, or to both. The link arm is configured to drive rotation of the trunnion relative to the fan disk. The hinge is pivotably connected to the lever arm. The lever arm is connected to the link arm and is disposed to rotate about a connection point of the lever arm and the hinge. The counterweight is mounted to the lever arm at a location spaced from the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Daggett, Gert Johannes van der Merwe, Daniel Alan Niergarth, Brian Lewis Devendorf
  • Publication number: 20230053554
    Abstract: A turbofan engine is provided. The turbofan engine includes a fan comprising a plurality of fan blades; a turbomachine operably coupled to the fan for driving the fan, the turbomachine comprising a compressor section, a combustion section, and a turbine section in serial flow order and together defining a core air flowpath; a nacelle surrounding and at least partially enclosing the fan; an inlet pre-swirl feature located upstream of the plurality of fan blades, the inlet pre-swirl feature attached to or integrated into the nacelle; and a means for reducing ice buildup or ice formation on the inlet pre-swirl feature, the means in communication with the inlet pre-swirl feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Arthur William Sibbach, Allan George van de Wall, Sean Christopher Binion, Brian Lewis Devendorf, Brandon Wayne Miller
  • Publication number: 20230021280
    Abstract: A fan assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a fan disk, a trunnion, a fan blade, and a counterweight assembly. The fan disk is configured to rotate about an axial centerline of the gas turbine engine when installed in the gas turbine engine. The trunnion is mounted to the fan disk and defines a slot extending through a portion of the trunnion. The fan blade defines a pitch axis and is rotatably attached to the fan disk about its pitch axis through the trunnion. The counterweight assembly includes a link arm extending to the trunnion and an engagement device mounted to the link arm that is disposed to move through the slot of the trunnion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Daggett, Gert Johannes van der Merwe, Daniel Alan Niergarth, Brian Lewis Devendorf
  • Publication number: 20220412254
    Abstract: A fan assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a fan disk, a trunnion, an actuation device, a fan blade, and a counterweight assembly. The trunnion is mounted to the fan disk. The actuation device is operably coupled to the trunnion. The fan blade is rotatably attached to the fan disk. The counterweight assembly includes a link arm, a lever arm, a hinge, and a counterweight. The link arm is connected to the trunnion, to the actuation device, or to both. The link arm is configured to drive rotation of the trunnion relative to the fan disk. The hinge is pivotably connected to the lever arm. The lever arm is connected to the link arm and is disposed to rotate about a connection point of the lever arm and the hinge. The counterweight is mounted to the lever arm at a location spaced from the hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Daggett, Gert Johannes van der Merwe, Daniel Alan Niergarth, Brian Lewis Devendorf
  • Patent number: 11506067
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine is provided. The gas turbine engine includes a turbomachine having a low speed spool and a high speed spool; a rotor assembly coupled to the low speed spool; an electric machine rotatable with the low speed spool for extracting power from the low speed spool, for adding power to the low speed spool, or both; and an inter-spool clutch positioned between the low speed spool and the high speed spool for selectively coupling the low speed spool to the high speed spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Brian Lewis Devendorf
  • Publication number: 20220289398
    Abstract: Gas turbine engines and methods of their operation are provided. For example, a method of operating a gas turbine engine comprises selectively engaging and disengaging an engine clutch disposed between a low speed spool and a rotor assembly of the engine. Engagement or disengagement of the engine clutch is selected based on an operating condition of an aircraft comprising the engine. Further, an inter-spool clutch disposed between the low speed spool and a high speed spool of the engine transitions between engaged and disengaged, disengaging when the high speed spool reaches a speed greater than an operational speed of the low speed spool. Similarly, a gas turbine engine comprises an engine clutch configured to selectively position a low speed spool in operative communication with a rotor assembly and an inter-spool clutch configured to position the low speed spool in operative communication with a high speed spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventor: Brian Lewis Devendorf
  • Publication number: 20220250758
    Abstract: An aircraft includes a fuselage, a wing connected to and extending from the fuselage, a pylon mounted to a portion of the wing, an engine attached to the pylon, and an accessory system. The accessory system is mounted remotely from the engine and includes at least one of a fuel pump and a lubrication system. The fuel pump is disposed to supply fuel to portions of the engine and is the downstream-most fuel pump in fluid communication with the combustion section. The lubrication system is disposed to provide oil to portions of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventor: Brian Lewis Devendorf
  • Publication number: 20220195886
    Abstract: A turbomachine for a vehicle is provided. The turbomachine includes a first rotatable component; a first power source operatively coupled with the first rotatable component; a second power source selectively coupled with the first rotatable component; and a controller having one or more processors and one or more memory devices, the one or more memory devices storing instructions that when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to perform operations, in performing the operations, the one or more processors are configured to: receive an input indicating an engine shutdown of the turbomachine; and in response to the engine shutdown, cause the second power source to provide power to and rotate the first rotatable component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Brian Lewis Devendorf, Christopher Michael Chapman, Arthur William Sibbach
  • Publication number: 20210222628
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine is provided. The gas turbine engine includes a turbomachine having a low speed spool and a high speed spool; a rotor assembly coupled to the low speed spool; an electric machine rotatable with the low speed spool for extracting power from the low speed spool, for adding power to the low speed spool, or both; and an inter-spool clutch positioned between the low speed spool and the high speed spool for selectively coupling the low speed spool to the high speed spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventor: Brian Lewis Devendorf
  • Publication number: 20210108573
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a gas turbine engine core having a high pressure compressor, a combustor, and a high pressure turbine in serial relationship; and a low pressure compressor upstream of the gas turbine engine core; wherein the low pressure compressor driven by a variable speed power source such that the rotational speed of the low pressure compressor is controllable independently from the rotational speed of any turbine of the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: Arthur William Sibbach, Brandon Wayne Miller, Justin Paul Smith, Brian Lewis Devendorf, Carlos Walberto Perez
  • Publication number: 20210108569
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventor: Brian Lewis Devendorf
  • Patent number: 10836499
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a turbine engine to an aircraft can include an engine core for the turbine engine including a compressor section, a combustor section, and a turbine section in flow arrangement. At least one strut couples to the engine core about a single mount plane. A structural wall at least partially defining a mainstream flow path couples to the at least one strut and passes through the compressor section and the turbine section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Kenneth Arthur Gould, Martin Miles D'Angelo, Daniel Waslo, Brian Lewis Devendorf, Mark Gregory Wotzak