Patents by Inventor Ganey W. Bradfield

Ganey W. Bradfield 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).

  • Patent number: 4709880
    Abstract: A method and system for improved performance of a V/STOL aircraft characterized by directing a major portion of exhaust gas flow from a propulsion system through a closed conduit means to exit through a thrust producing primary nozzle that includes turning apparatus for forming a bend for the exhaust flow downstream of the propulsion source; turning the exhaust flow while simultaneously bleeding-off through at least one secondary nozzle a second and minor portion of the exhaust flow from an outer portion of the bend downstream of the bend leasing edge to reduce the vortex formation in the bend and directing the bleed-off and exhaust flows adjacent each other and oriented in the same direction in all flight modes for recovery of the maximum thrust potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Ganey W. Bradfield, Glynn P. Cragin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4505443
    Abstract: A propulsion system for an airplane to permit it to achieve vertical and/or short take-offs and landings. The propulsion system is integrated into a wing/nacelle unit and includes a thrust vectoring system. A separate flow turbofan engine is mounted in each wing/nacelle unit. A system of three flaps is located at the rear of each wing/nacelle unit for deflecting the turbofan engine exhaust downward, rearward, or any angle in between. These three flaps are arranged to provide a main thrust nozzle in the horizontal flight position without any additional flaps between them. One flap is located at the wing/nacelle upper surface trailing edge. Two slots are provided at the leading edge of this flap. The upper forward most slot is provided as an exit nozzle for the engine turbine exhaust, which is shrouded from the fan exhaust. The second of these two slots removes a portion of the high energy fan exhaust from the fan discharge duct and ejects it over the flap upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Ganey W. Bradfield, Glynn P. Cragin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4301980
    Abstract: A propulsion system for an airplane to permit it to achieve vertical and/or short take-offs and landings. The propulsion system is integrated into a wing/nacelle unit and includes a thrust vectoring system. A separate flow turbofan engine is mounted in each wing/nacelle unit. A system of three flaps is located at the rear of each wing/nacelle unit for deflecting the turbofan engine exhaust downward, rearward, or any angle in between. These three flaps are arranged to provide a main thrust nozzle in the horizontal flight position without any additional flaps between them. One flap is located at the wing/nacelle upper surface trailing edge. Two slots are provided at the leading edge of this flap. The upper forward most slot is provided as an exit nozzle for the engine turbine exhaust, which is shrouded from the fan exhaust. The second of these two slots removes a portion of the high energy fan exhaust from the fan discharge duct and ejects it over a flap upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: Ganey W. Bradfield, Glynn P. Cragin, Jr.