Patents by Inventor Donald W. Speir

Donald W. Speir 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).

  • Vectorable nozzle
    Patent number: 4280660
    Abstract: A nonaxisymmetric, variable area, exhaust nozzle is provided with thrust vectoring capabilities in one plane. The nozzle incorporates an upper, thrust vectoring flap to control direction of thrust over various flight conditions, and a lower, area control flap that is pivoted to modify size and location of the nozzle throat. The structural aspects of this nozzle provide a unique capability to vector thrust up to 60 degrees while changing the nozzle throat position to a region downstream of the vectoring of the exhaust gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William H. Wooten, Jr., Donald W. Speir
  • Articulated plug nozzle
    Patent number: 4043508
    Abstract: A propulsion nozzle having a substantially axial nozzle shroud and an articulated plug mounted in spacial relation therewith to form a motive fluid flow path having a throat therebetween. The plug is articulative to permit the throat of the nozzle to be disposed, as required, in a position at the downstream end of the shroud or at a position upstream of the downstream end without translating either the shroud or the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1977
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Donald W. Speir, Donald P. McHugh