Abstract: A flexible fitting for connecting a plurality of rigid tubings to form a tubing assembly including a housing, having a plurality of bores defined therein and a plurality of tube fittings, each fixedly attached to an end portion of one of the plurality of rigid tubings and disposed therein one of the plurality of bores. Each of the plurality of tube fittings includes an o-ring channel having an o-ring disposed therein and in sealing contact with a sidewall of the housing when the flexible fitting is assembled. The combination of the tube fittings and the o-rings permit movement of tubing assembly, and more particularly the rigid tubing, about an axis of the tube fitting, translation along the axis of the tube fitting, and provide angulation of the rigid tubing relative to the housing.

Abstract: A low profile tension style flexible joint for pneumatic ducting may be useful as, for example, a joint for aircraft engine pneumatic ducting. The joint of the present invention may be used at both ends of a duct that passes high temperature (up to about 1200° F.) and high pressure (up to about 110 psia) compressor air to the combustor of a turbomachine. Some turbomachines, such as the turbo engine of a jet-powered aircraft, require a very short curved duct to fit into an unusually small aircraft installation envelope. Moreover, these installations also require those features found in conventional flex joints, including being able to support the axial load inherent in pressurized ducting systems. Unlike conventional flexible joints, such as ball joints, gimble joints and pressure compensated joints, the low profile tension style flexible joint of the present invention provides a low profile, low weight design with the ability to support the axial load inherent in pressurized ducting systems.

Abstract: A compressor scroll housing for use in conjunction with turbo-machinery, particularly applicable in aircraft. The scroll housing can include a plurality of scroll vanes arrayed around the scroll housing. Scroll vanes, integrally formed with the scroll housing, carry stress load on the scroll housing, including the load from fluid pressure within the scroll and carcass loading from the engine. The plurality of scroll vanes adapted for guiding flow of fluid from an inlet to an outlet while supporting the scroll housing. Chord length and cross sectional area of each scroll vane can be sized to maintain an equal stress in all scroll vanes. A method of making the scroll housing for use with an impeller connected to an engine is disclosed, as well as a method of operating turbo-machinery including supporting a load on the scroll housing with scroll vanes while maintaining an equal stress on each scroll vane.

Abstract: A turbine engine compressor design utilizing multiple component integration, thereby reducing the number of required engine components. In conventional compressor designs, a multiple component system makes it difficult to predict the structural behaviors due to thermal and mechanical loading during transient conditions. The compressor design of the present invention has three main parts: a forward bearing housing, a bell-mouth (heat shield) and a coupled impeller shroud/diffuser. Such a design achieves the design objectives of the present invention, including reducing weight, reducing cost, minimizing tolerance build up and improving aerodynamic performance by utilizing multiple component integration for multiple modes of engine operation.