With Means Controlling Amount, Shape Or Direction Of Discharge Stream Patents (Class 239/265.19)
  • Publication number: 20140131479
    Abstract: This cascade-type thrust reverser with one-piece moving cowl includes rails able to slide in guideways positioned on each side of a suspension pylon. This thrust reverser includes just two actuators positioned near the rails and able to cause this cowl to slide on the guideways between its direct-jet and reverse-jet positions. It also has means capable of compensating for forces that have a tendency to misalign the rails with respect to the guideways, thus preventing them from jamming in one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: AIRCELLE
  • Patent number: 8720182
    Abstract: A variable area fan nozzle for use with a gas turbine engine system includes a nozzle having a cross-sectional area associated with a discharge air flow from a fan bypass passage. The nozzle is selectively moveable between multiple static positions for varying the cross-sectional area and multiple thrust reverse positions that are different from the static positions for reversing a direction of the discharge flow from the fan bypass passage to produce a thrust reversing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Ashok K. Jain
  • Patent number: 8713911
    Abstract: A thrust reverser assembly for use in a turbofan engine assembly. The engine assembly includes a core gas turbine engine and a core cowl which circumscribes the core gas turbine engine. A nacelle is positioned radially outward from the core cowl to define a fan nozzle duct between the core cowl and a portion of the nacelle. The nacelle includes a stationary cowl. The thrust reverser assembly includes a first translating cowl that is slidably coupled to the nacelle. The first translating cowl is positionable with respect to the stationary cowl. A second translating cowl is slidably coupled to the nacelle such that the first translating cowl is positioned between the stationary cowl and the second translating cowl. The second translating cowl is positionable with respect to the first translating cowl. A positioning assembly is coupled to the first translating cowl. An actuator assembly is operatively coupled to the second translating cowl for selectively moving the second translating cowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Woodward HRT, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Thomas Kopecek, Peter William Walker
  • Publication number: 20140117106
    Abstract: Thrust reversers and methods to provide reverse thrust are disclosed. An example thrust reverser includes a cascade to direct air from an interior volume of an engine nacelle to generate reverse thrust with respect to a direction of travel, and an air extractor to extract a portion of air approaching the cascade from within the interior volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: THE BOEING COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20140116025
    Abstract: A blocker door for a gas turbine engine thrust reverser having a tray with a base and sidewalk extending about the base to define a volume, the volume being dosed by a cover that extends beyond the periphery of the tray. The extension of the cover beyond the periphery provides a sealing feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND LTD & CO KG
    Inventor: Predrag TODOROVIC
  • Patent number: 8707675
    Abstract: A hot-gas thruster is actuated using a relatively small electric motor. The hot-gas thruster includes a pressure assisted pilot shaft to keep electric power demand to only a few hundred watts peak and only tens of watts on average, while exhibiting relatively fast response times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Abel, Raymond R. Tseng
  • Publication number: 20140110503
    Abstract: A thrust reverser for a double-flow nacelle that has a cowling, with the thrust reverser having an internal door and an external door designed to be made within the thickness of the cowling. The reverser also has means for simultaneously displacing the doors between a first position called the rest position, in which the doors are integrated into the cowling so as to form an aerodynamic continuity with the external wall and the internal wall of the cowling, and a second active position, in which the doors are open so that the internal and external doors extend toward the inside and toward the outside of the nacelle, respectively, thus at least partially blocking the annular channel of the secondary flow, to deflect the secondary flow and to generate a thrust reversal, with the means being designed to be received in a compartment arranged inside the cowling formed by the doors in the rest position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS
    Inventors: Olivier Teulou, Guillaume Poirier
  • Patent number: 8701386
    Abstract: An aircraft nacelle in which a power plant with an outside surface is arranged, whereby the nacelle has an inside wall that with the outside surface of the power plant delimits a secondary annular pipe, at least one moving part so as to create at least one lateral opening, and a thrust reversal device that has at least one moving physical obstacle that can occupy a first retracted state in which it does not deflect the stream that circulates in the secondary pipe and another deployed state in which it at least partially deflects the stream that circulates in the secondary annular pipe toward the at least one side opening, characterized in that it includes a ring that is arranged in the secondary pipe, distant from the inside wall of the nacelle and the outside surface of the power plant that supports the at least one moving physical obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Benoit Letay, Benjamin Saget, Franck Lesieur, Stephane Flin
  • Publication number: 20140097271
    Abstract: An aircraft jet engine includes an exhaust-gas nozzle having a device configured to blow out an exhaust gas in a pulsating manner into an exhaust-gas stream so as to reduce noise. The exhaust-gas nozzle includes openings distributed along a circumference of the exhaust-gas nozzle and disposed upstream from a nozzle outlet. The openings communicate with the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Bauer, Ludwig Schauwecker, Daniel Redmann, Josef Steigenberger
  • Patent number: 8683807
    Abstract: A jet engine exhaust nozzle flow effector is a chevron formed with a radius of curvature with surfaces of the flow effector being defined and opposing one another. At least one shape memory alloy (SMA) member is embedded in the chevron closer to one of the chevron's opposing surfaces and substantially spanning from at least a portion of the chevron's root to the chevron's tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Travis L. Turner, Roberto J. Cano, Richard J. Silox, Ralph D. Buehrle, Christopher M. Cagle, Randolph H. Cabell, George C. Hilton
  • Publication number: 20140076998
    Abstract: A nacelle assembly includes a thrust reverser moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position, a variable area fan nozzle, a motor to move the variable area fan nozzle, a drive shaft including a first portion coupled to the motor and a second portion coupled to the variable area fan nozzle, and a clutch mechanism that couples the first portion of the drive shaft and the second portion of the drive shaft The first portion of the drive shaft decouples from the second portion of the drive shaft when the thrust reverser moves from the stowed position to the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ian T. Marchaj
  • Publication number: 20140076999
    Abstract: A tertiary locking assembly for a thrust reverser includes a tertiary lock, a primary control line associated with the tertiary lock, and a secondary control line. The primary control line includes a primary electromechanical valve and a primary power supply line connected to the primary electromechanical valve. In addition, the secondary control line has a secondary electromechanical control valve and a secondary power supply line connected to the secondary electromechanical control valve. In particular, the secondary control line is provided with at least one manually controlled switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Aircelle
    Inventors: Corentin Hue, Mathieu Lerouvreur
  • Patent number: 8671693
    Abstract: A multi-layered honeycomb structure adapted to reduce and/or eliminate thermal deformation is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, walls of the honeycomb structure comprise a first layer, optionally, a second layer, and a core layer adjacent to the first layer or between the first and second layers. The first and second layers may be compositions of Inconel or other high strength materials. The core layer may be copper or another thermally conductive material. The core layer is adapted to transmit heat between a first region of a structure and a second region. In this manner, heat can be transferred from the heated region to an unheated region, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the regions and thus the amount of thermal deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: George C. P. Straza
  • Publication number: 20140061332
    Abstract: An assembly includes a suspension pylon and a thrust reverser which has vanes for deflecting flow and a cowl able to move between an open position and a closed position by an actuator. The thrust reverser further includes rails able to slide in slideways. In particular, the actuator is disposed in line with a corresponding rail. The actuator may be an actuator having a rotating nut connected to an endless screw or an actuator suitable for pulling on the corresponding rail or on the corresponding slideway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Nicolas DEZEUSTRE, Olivier Kerbler, Herve Hurlin, Pierre Moradell-Casellas
  • Patent number: 8662417
    Abstract: An example nacelle assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a nacelle defined about an axis and defining a boundary of a fan bypass flow path. A fan variable area nozzle includes a plurality of inserts movably mounted to said nacelle. Each of the multiple of inserts is located at a circumferential position about the nacelle. The multiple of inserts are each independently moveable into the fan bypass flow path relative the nacelle to selectively vary a fan nozzle exit area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Edward B. Pero
  • Publication number: 20140026536
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are presented for detecting a misaligned or otherwise skewed variable area fan nozzle (VAFN) that is mounted on a thrust reverser sleeve of an aircraft engine. Rods project from different parts around the arcuate VAFN, the rods having patterns at their ends. In normal operation when the thrust reverser is stowed, the rods project over the thrust reverser into a fixed area of the engine. Sensors in the fixed area determine the position of the VAFN from the patterns on the rods. When the thrust reverser deploys, the rods are pulled aft with the VAFN, which is mounted on the thrust reverser sleeve, and separate from the sensors. When the thrust reverser stows, the rods move forward with the VAFN and re-engage with the sensors. Repeating patterns on the rods allow for simple, relatively low-cost sensors to read their relative positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Gormley
  • Publication number: 20140027536
    Abstract: A nacelle assembly for a turbofan engine includes a forward nacelle portion having an aft edge and defining a bypass duct that transports bypass airflow of the turbofan engine, a translatable sleeve that is translatable aft of the forward nacelle portion and a reverse thrust apparatus that is movable between a stowed position, and a deployed position. When the reverse thrust apparatus is deployed, the translatable sleeve is moved aft to a position away from the aft edge of the forward nacelle potion to expose a cascade assembly comprising an opening in the bypass duct, and one or more blocker doors are deployed so as to extend into the bypass duct, such that at least a portion of the airflow in the bypass duct is directed out the bypass duct through the cascade assembly. Also, during deployment of the reverse thrust apparatus, at least a portion of the cascade assembly translates toward the engine centerline. The cascade assembly may have a cross-section that is non-uniform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Gormley
  • Publication number: 20130341426
    Abstract: A sealed joint may include a first plate with a seal land, a second plate that moves relative to the seal land, and a leaf spring seal. The leaf spring seal includes a stack of seal leaf elements that extend laterally from a first stack end, which is connected to the second plate, towards a distal second stack end. The stack may include a seal land contact segment and a base segment. The seal land contact segment is engaged with the seal land, and spatially separated from the second plate. The base segment is configured laterally between the seal land contact segment and the first stack end, and spatially separated from the first plate. A first of the seal leaf elements has a first longitudinal length, and a second of the seal leaf elements has a second longitudinal length that is different than the first longitudinal length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas M. Barry, JR., Corina Scanio
  • Patent number: 8613398
    Abstract: A trans cowl for a jet engine includes a chevron coupled with a linear actuators. The chevron is movable by the linear actuator forward or aft to change a gas flow path formed by an core cowl and thrust reverser translating cowl. In a first position, the chevrons are disposed substantially parallel the gas flow path to attenuate drag and/or loss of engine thrust. In a second position, the chevrons are moved aft to project, or further project, into the gas flow path. In one embodiment, the linear actuator comprises a first component that is coupled with the outer cowl. A second component of the linear actuator is coupled with the chevron. When installed, the linear actuator can be coupled with a controller and an electrical power source. A position sensor coupled with the controller senses a position of the linear actuator and/or the chevron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Patrick Calder, Pupinder Bhutiani
  • Patent number: 8590316
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixer (100) for a separate-stream nozzle of a turbojet, the mixer being designed to mix a hot inner stream from the combustion chamber of the turbojet with a cold outer stream from the fan of the turbojet. The mixer comprises an inner shroud (120) defining a flow channel for said hot inner stream, an outer shroud (110) disposed around the inner shroud (120) and co-operating therewith to define a flow channel for said cold outer stream, and a lobed structure (130) having lobes (1321, 1322) extending longitudinally from the trailing edges (110a, 120a) of said shrouds. The lobed structure (130) is made of a ceramic matrix composite material and is attached to the outer shroud (110) by flexible fastener tabs (140).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: SNECMA Propulsion Solide
    Inventors: Eric Conete, BenoƮt Carrere, Laurent Baroumes
  • Patent number: 8584356
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a lobed structure for a gas turbine flow mixer having an annular upstream portion extended downstream by a portion forming a multilobed skirt, the method comprising: making a fiber preform (100) out of refractory fibers and having a shape corresponding to the shape of the lobed structure to be fabricated, from a plurality of component elements of fiber texture that are assembled together and shaped by means of tooling of a shape corresponding to the shape of the lobed structure to be fabricated so as to obtain an assembled fiber preform having a first preform portion (111) corresponding to the annular portion of the lobed structure and a second preform portion (112) corresponding to the multilobed skirt of the lobed structure, the component elements of the fiber preform being assembled together at least in part along connection lines (121) extending substantially in the flow direction of the flow past the lobes of the multilobed skirt preform portion; and densifying the assembled an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Snecma Propulsion Solide
    Inventors: Eric Philippe, Jean-Daniel Lalanne, Pascal Ducharlet, Dominique Coupe
  • Publication number: 20130298524
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for linking a front frame of a thrust reverser to a fan casing, which includes a linking flange capable of engaging with a receiving part secured to the casing and an annular receiving part secured to the front frame. The linking flange is made up of two flange sectors, movably mounted around an axis, pivoting between an engaged position and an open position. In the engaged position, the flange engages with the annular receiving part of the fan casing and the annular receiving part of the front frame so as to connect them. In the open position, the flange is radially separated from the annular receiving part of the fan casing and the annular receiving part of the front frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Loic LE BOULICAUT
  • Patent number: 8578699
    Abstract: The invention relates to a turbojet engine nacelle that includes a power supply source (113) for a system for actuating and controlling a thrust reverser device (121), and for a system for actuating and controlling a variable nozzle device (120), characterised in that the power supply can be switched between a first position in which it powers the system for actuating and controlling the thrust reverser device, and a second position in which it powers the system for actuating and controlling the variable nozzle device, wherein the switching is carried out under the action of a control output from a computer (103) capable of receiving a thrust reverser opening control (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventor: Benoit Kubiak
  • Publication number: 20130292489
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a thrust reverser including at least one translatably movable cowl capable of alternately shifting between a closed position in which same ensures the aerodynamic continuity of the nacelle and which covers the deflecting means, and an open position in which same opens a passage in the nacelle and uncovers the deflecting means, said thrust reverser likewise including at least one variable nozzle section arranged in the extension of the movable thrust-reversing cowl and provided with at least one locking means capable of engaging with a complementary locking means of the movable reversing cowl so as to optionally mechanically link the movable nozzle section of the movable reversing cowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: AIRCELLE
  • Publication number: 20130284822
    Abstract: A thrust reverser assembly and operation suitable for high-bypass turbofan engines. The thrust reverser assembly includes a translating cowl mounted to a nacelle of an engine and adapted to translate in an aft direction of the engine. The translating cowl has a radially inner wall that defines a radially outer flow surface of a bypass duct of the engine. The thrust reverser assembly includes blocker doors axially guided adjacent first ends thereof by a fixed structure and pivotally and slidably connected along lengths thereof to the inner wall of the translating cowl so that translation of the translating cowl in the aft direction causes each blocker door to move from a stowed position to a deployed position as a result of the blocker door sliding at its first end relative to the fixed structure and sliding along its length relative to the inner wall of the translating cowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: MRA SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Graham Frank Howarth, Bryan Wayne Hughes
  • Publication number: 20130277454
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an aircraft propulsion assembly including a nacelle having an intermediate housing and a front frame that is to be mounted downstream of an outer envelope of the intermediate housing. The front frame includes a deviation edge and an element forming a direct or indirect support for at least one flow deviation vanes, in particular, the deviation edge and the support-forming element are built into the outer envelope of the intermediate housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicants: Snecma, AIRCELLE
    Inventors: AIRCELLE, Snecma
  • Patent number: 8561384
    Abstract: The cross sectional flow area of a fan discharge nozzle on one side of a central plane of an associated gas turbine engine power plant is greater than the corresponding flow area of the fan discharge nozzle on an opposite side of the central plane to compensate for the blockage of fan airflow by a pylon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: John McCall
  • Publication number: 20130263600
    Abstract: A reverse thrust device and a system for actuating the reverse thrust device is provided by the present disclosure. The device includes at least one cowl that is translatably mounted in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a nacelle. The actuation system includes an actuation means that is capable of activating translational and rotational movement of the cowl and a panel of a nozzle. The actuation system also includes a downstream locking means for the nozzle and the cowl. The downstream locking means includes at least two reversible states, one of the states being a locked state in which the downstream locking means is suitable for locking the panel of the nozzle into a position for varying the section for outputting the nozzle with the cowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: Aircelle
  • Publication number: 20130264399
    Abstract: Actuator assembly includes a housing assembly, a ball screw, a ball nut, and a lock. The ball screw is rotationally mounted on and extends from the housing assembly, is coupled to receive an actuator drive torque, and is configured, upon receipt thereof, to rotate. The ball nut is rotationally supported on the ball screw and is configured, in response to rotation of the ball screw, to translate thereon between a stowed position and a deployed position. The lock is disposed at least partially within the housing assembly and is configured to move between a lock position and an unlock position. The lock prevents the ball nut from translating out of the stowed position when the lock is in the lock position and the ball nut is in the stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Paul T. Wingett, Kevin K. Chakkera, Ron Vaughan, Dan Birchak, Albert Kang, Rich Gockel, Bill Ryan, Brent Bristol
  • Patent number: 8544278
    Abstract: According to the invention, a plurality of embossments (20) having a rectangular section is provided at the inner periphery of the outlet opening (7) of the fan duct (12), said embossments being separated by longitudinal channels (21) having a convergent (22C) and a divergent (22D) for the cold flow (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (SAS)
    Inventors: Amadou AndrƩ Sylla, Franck Crosta, Olivier Pelagatti, Damien Prat
  • Patent number: 8516824
    Abstract: A gas ejection cone for an aircraft turbojet, the cone including a hollow main body defining, on the outside, a radially inner skin of an annular primary flow channel, and a device generating turbulence in the primary flow limiting jet noise, mounted so as to move on the main body so as to be able to be displaced from an extracted position in which the device projects toward downstream in relation to a downstream end of the hollow main body, and a retracted position in which the device is retracted into the hollow main body, and vice versa. Further, the device includes a cylindrical support body having an axis parallel to an axis of the ejection cone, and at least one fin supported by the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Frederic Journade, Jerome Journade, Jerome Huber
  • Publication number: 20130206858
    Abstract: A variable area mechanism and methods are disclosed. A movable surface comprising a contoured interface surface is operable to rotate about an off-body axis-of-rotation such that the movable surface expands from and retracts into an angle notched surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Eric Lee Werner
  • Publication number: 20130200178
    Abstract: An aircraft nacelle comprising an outer cowl having an inner wall and an outer wall surrounding the inner wall. The inner wall may have an inner opening formed therethrough and the outer wall may have an outer opening formed therethrough at an aft end of the nacelle. The nacelle may further comprise a translating panel configured to cover the inner and outer openings in a stowed position and to translate aft to a deployed position. The translating panel may be fixed to cascade guide vane panels which rest between the inner and outer wall in the stowed position and are exposed to airflow via the inner and outer openings when translated aft to the deployed position, thereby increasing a nozzle area of the nacelle. Guide vanes of the cascade guide vane panels are angled slightly aftward to direct the nacelle's airflow outward and aftward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Welch, Thomas Scott, Michael P. Urban, Matthew Tymes
  • Publication number: 20130161415
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a beam, in particular for a cascade thrust reverser, including a skin made of a composite material and defining a closed section, wherein said beam is filled with a core material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: AIRCELLE
  • Publication number: 20130161414
    Abstract: A variable area fan nozzle assembly for a turbofan engine includes a nacelle having an aft edge and a translating thrust reverser sleeve with a trailing edge. The thrust reverser sleeve is movably disposed aft of the nacelle's aft edge and is movable between a forward position and an aft position. A translating fan nozzle having a forward edge is movably disposed behind the trailing edge, and is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. An upstream bypass flow exit is defined between the trailing edge and the forward edge when the fan nozzle is in the deployed position. An extendable actuation system is configured to move the fan nozzle between the stowed position and the deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicants: Goodrich Actuation Systems Limited, Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Rohr, Inc., Goodrich Actuation Systems Limited
  • Patent number: 8464512
    Abstract: This actuator for an aircraft engine nacelle mobile structure (9) comprises a motor (1) intended to be mounted on a fixed part of the said nacelle, an endless screw (21) able to be turned by this motor (1), a slideway (5) intended to be connected to the said mobile structure (9) and comprising a nut (29) in mesh with the said endless screw, and a first ball end (15) allowing an angular offset between the axis of the said endless screw (21) and the said slideway (5). This actuator is notable in that it comprises a sleeve (19) able to accommodate the said screw (21) and extending with clearance inside the said slideway (5), the said nut (29) being mounted on that end of the said sleeve (19) that is closest to the said motor (1), and the said first ball end being interposed between the other end of the said sleeve (19) and the said slideway (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Aircella
    Inventors: Guy Vauchel, Jean-Philippe Joret, Pierre Baudu, Christophe Guenadou
  • Patent number: 8453458
    Abstract: Variation in the available mixing plane areas in an exhaust arrangement of a gas turbine engine enables alteration and configuration for better thermal cycle performance of that engine. A shaped centre fairing is associated with an exit nozzle and a bypass duct such that channels between the fairing, nozzle exit and duct can be adjusted to change the available areas. Such variation is achieved by relative axial displacement, typically of the exit nozzle using an appropriate mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: John R Whurr, Richard G Stretton, David M Beaven, Nicholas Howarth
  • Patent number: 8453999
    Abstract: A high-velocity water misting gun with a very high-speed radial inflow hydraulic turbine mounted on the same shaft with an axial flow air compressor wheel compressing air discharged at high velocities through an exhaust air nozzle. All of the water discharging from the hydraulic turbine wheel is channeled directly into a water misting nozzle providing a fine water mist discharging into a high-velocity air flow provided by the axial-flow compressor. Preferred embodiments utilize a manually operated ball valve to control water pressure supplied to the gun. A second valve is a manually operated turbine water bypass valve that is integral part of the preferred embodiment which allows for change of turbine power and air flow independently of water flow. With turbine water bypass valve open, most of the turbine flow is bypassed around the turbine and directly into the water misting nozzle, increasing the water flow and decreasing the air flow and air velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Davorin Kapich
  • Patent number: 8453457
    Abstract: Dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators are used to manipulate exhaust flow within and behind a jet engine nozzle. The dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators may be used to direct cooling airflow near the surface of the nozzle to reduce heating of the nozzle, create thrust vectoring, and reduce noise associated with the exhaust flow exiting the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry B. Ginn, Stewart A. Jenkins, David M. Wells, Brent N. McCallum
  • Publication number: 20130126638
    Abstract: A thrust reversal device for a turbojet engine nacelle is provided that includes a deflection means and at least one cowl moveable relative to at least one fixed structure including at least one at least partly peripheral front frame and equipped with means for connection to a corresponding upstream portion. The front frame has a deflection edge having an upstream extension forming a deformable flap intended to become an aerodynamic interface with the corresponding upstream portion to which is attached the front frame, and in that a portion of the moveable cowl is conformed so as to, in the closing position, interface with said upstream attachment portion by forcing withdrawal of the deformable flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: AIRCELLE
  • Publication number: 20130112776
    Abstract: A nozzle arrangement is disclosed herein for use with a supersonic jet engine that is configured to produce a plume of exhaust gases. The nozzle arrangement includes, but is not limited to, a nozzle having a trailing edge and a plug body partially positioned within the nozzle. The plug body has an expansion surface and a compression surface downstream of the expansion surface. A protruding portion of the plug body extends downstream of the trailing edge for a length greater than a conventional plug body length. The plug body is configured to shape the exhaust gases to flow substantially parallel to a free stream of air flowing off of the trailing edge of the nozzle and to cause the plume of exhaust gases to isentropically turn the free stream of air to move in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the plug body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy R. Conners, Preston A. Henne, Donald C. Howe
  • Patent number: 8434293
    Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuated aerostructure operable to dynamically change shape according to flight conditions is disclosed. Deformable structures are actuated by SMA actuators that are coupled to face sheets of the deformable structures. Actuating the SMA actuators produces complex shape changes of the deformable structures by activating shape changes of the SMA actuators. The SMA actuators are actuated via an active or passive temperature change based on operating conditions. The SMA actuated aerostructure can be used for morphable nozzles such as a variable area fan nozzle and/or a variable geometry chevron of a jet engine to reduce engine noise during takeoff without degrading fuel burn during cruise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard D. Widdle, Jr., Matthew T. Grimshaw, Kava S. Crosson-Elturan, James H. Mabe, Frederick T. Calkins, Lynn M. Gravatt, Moushumi Shome
  • Publication number: 20130092754
    Abstract: A power plant includes a nacelle with a bypass turbojet engine having a ducted fan with a low compression ratio. A secondary flow, drawn in and accelerated by the fan, is channeled through a secondary duct installed in the nacelle between the inner surface of the nacelle and the outer surface of the turbojet, toward a fan nozzle. The power plant has at least two moving parts on either side of a vertical plane of symmetry of the nacelle, at least one moving part being able to adopt one of a discrete number of positions, the moving part containing or releasing a portion of the secondary flow, depending on the moving part's position. A control unit controls a different displacement of each of the moving parts between their possible positions in order to create asymmetry of the moving parts relative to the vertical plane of symmetry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Guillaume Bulin, Patrick Oberle, Nicolas Devienne
  • Publication number: 20130075493
    Abstract: A cascade thrust reverser for an airplane dual flow jet engine nacelle is provided that includes a front frame holding a plurality of cascades, a cowling slidably mounted between a direct jet position and a reverse jet position. The cowl includes a substantially annular diaphragm that is placed edge-to-edge with the front frame and radially inside said cascades when said cowl is located in the direct jet position. Thrust reversal flaps are pivotably mounted onto the diaphragm, and cylinders for actuating the cowl are also provided. Upstream ends of the cylinders are mounted on a stationary portion of the nacelle, and the downstream ends of the cylinders are mounted on an upstream edge of the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: AIRCELLE
  • Publication number: 20130075492
    Abstract: A translating sleeve assembly for use with an aircraft engine thrust reverser broadly comprises a slider track, a lifting bolt, and a hinge. The slider track may include a tubular sidewall and a guide channel formed therein that follows a curved path along a length thereof. The lifting bolt may be slidably positioned within the slider track. The hinge may include a first hinge element with a base coupled to an outer cowl shroud, a second hinge element with a hinge rod slidably positioned within the guide channel, and a pin about which the first hinge element and the second hinge element pivot. During deployment of the thrust reverser, the lifting bolt slides aftward and the hinge rod slides within the guide channel, urging the lifting bolt to pivot and the hinge to open, thereby lifting the outer cowl shroud away from the center of the aircraft engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: John Michael Welch, Christopher Steven Sawyer
  • Publication number: 20130062434
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided that includes a thrust reverser flap link rod on an internal fixed structure of a turbojet engine nacelle. The link rod is connected to the internal fixed structure by an elastic means that is a spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Aircelle
    Inventor: Aircelle
  • Publication number: 20130062433
    Abstract: A nacelle for an aircraft engine is provided that includes a thrust reverser cowling slideably mounted between a direct jet position and a reversed jet position, an outlet jet pipe nozzle with variable cross-section positioned in a downstream extension of the reverser cowling, and means for respectively actuating the cowling and the nozzle. The nozzle is slideably mounted on the thrust reverser cowling, and the means includes at least one actuator for actuating said thrust reverser cowling, at least one driving pinion rotatably mounted on a fixed structure of said nacelle, and at least one rack for actuating the nozzle, secured to the nozzle and meshing with the driving pinion when the thrust reverser cowling is in the direct jet position, and escaping from this pinion when said reverser cowling is in the reversed jet position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: AIRCELLE
  • Publication number: 20130056553
    Abstract: The invention aims at providing a sufficient air exchange in the engine area without raising the static pressure in the outlet area of the air exchange duct. In order to do this, the invention provides for an outlet section capable of concentrating the outlet of the exchange airflow towards zones with smaller static pressure. An turbojet engine outlet according to the invention provides an engine cowl, which comprises an external wall of a circumferential duct in which circulates an exchange airflow of the turbines, and an airflow mixer. At the outlet, the duct delivers the exchange airflow towards the mixer for the primary and secondary airflows of the turbojet engine. The mixer presents hot and cold lobes. In particular, the engine outlet also comprises guiding means of the exchange airflow towards the cold lobes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Pierrick Mouchoux, Eric De Vulpillieres, GaƩtan Jean Mabboux, Marion Verdier
  • Publication number: 20130056554
    Abstract: A thrust reverser with doors having at least one stationary structure is provided, on which at least one door is mounted pivoting between a closed position in which the door closes the reverser and makes up an outer cowling part, and an open position in which the door opens a passage in the stationary structure and can at least partially block a flow of air generated by a turbojet engine so as to reorient the door. The stationary structure includes at least two sets of cascade vanes that can be covered by the door when in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: AIRCELLE
  • Patent number: 8375722
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inducing waves within a container arranged to permit a through-flow of fluid flowing generally from an inlet of the container to an exit of the container, wherein the container has wave inducing means located at the exit of the container, the wave inducing means being operable to vary the area of the exit thereby inducing waves within the container. The apparatus may form part of a combustor test rig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Nickolaos Pilatis, Arthur L Rowe