Controller Moves Into Fluid Path From Position Closing One Outlet Patents (Class 239/265.29)
  • Patent number: 11959439
    Abstract: A thrust reverser includes a diverter configured to divert at least a portion of an air flow from a nacelle and a cowl movable relative to an outer fixed structure of the thrust reverser. The thrust reverser further includes at least one rotatably hinged flap. The cowl configured to move from a closure position in which it provides aerodynamic continuity of the nacelle with the flap and covers the diverter. The flap is movable from a retracted position to an opening position in which it opens a passage in the nacelle and uncovers the diverter. The flap obstructs a portion of an annular channel of the nacelle when in the opening position. The thrust reverser also includes a cable-pulley system for driving the flap. The cable-pulley system includes at least one cable associated with at least one pulley to connect the flap to the thrust reverser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Safran Nacelles
    Inventor: Vincent Peyron
  • Patent number: 11952963
    Abstract: A thrust reverser for a turbojet aircraft nacelle includes a fixed structure, a movable structure and an actuator. The actuator extends along a main axis and is connected by a first connection to the fixed structure and by a second connection to the movable structure for the deployment of the movable structure between a direct jet position and a reverse jet position. The actuator is also connected to the fixed structure by a third connection arranged longitudinally between the first connection and the second connection. An axis of the third connection is radially eccentric from the main axis and the third connection allows a predetermined displacement of the actuator with respect to the fixed structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Safran Nacelles
    Inventors: Xavier Cazuc, Vincent Dutot, Sébastien Laurent Marie Pascal, Stephane Riquier, Patrick André Boileau, Fabien Jourdan
  • Patent number: 11927150
    Abstract: A nacelle may comprise a fixed structure and a translating structure configured to translate relative to the fixed structure. A first drive system may be operationally coupled to the translating structure. The drive system may comprise a primary actuator coupled to the fixed structure and including a primary rod and a primary gear rotationally coupled to the primary rod, a torque shaft rotationally coupled to the primary gear, and a secondary actuator operationally coupled to the primary actuator via the torque shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy Gormley
  • Patent number: 11913407
    Abstract: A thrust reverser includes a frame, a track disposed on the frame, a carrier operatively coupled to the track, and a first reverser door operatively coupled to the carrier. The first reverser door is movable relative to the frame. The first reverser door is configured to move to a first position in response to the carrier moving with respect to the track in a first direction, and move to a second position in response to the carrier moving with respect to the track in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Gormley, Imad D. Ghandour
  • Patent number: 11891964
    Abstract: A propulsion unit includes a gas turbine engine and an exhaust nozzle coupled to an aft end of the gas turbine engine. The exhaust nozzle is configured to interact with exhaust gases exiting the gas turbine engine in an aft direction. The exhaust nozzle includes an outer nozzle case and an inner plug that cooperate to define an exhaust flow path therebetween. The exhaust nozzle is configured to manipulate the exhaust gases to provide different thrust capabilities for the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Pesyna, Andrew M. Simonich
  • Patent number: 11835015
    Abstract: An assembly is provided for an aircraft propulsion system. This assembly includes a fixed structure, a translating structure, a blocker door and a folding linkage. The translating structure is configured to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. The blocker door is pivotally attached to the translating structure at a first pivot joint. The folding linkage links the blocker door to the fixed structure. The folding linkage includes a member pivotally attached to the blocker door at a second pivot joint that is radially outboard of a skin of the blocker door when the translating structure is in the stowed position. The second pivot joint is radially outboard of the first pivot joint when the translating structure is in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy Gormley
  • Patent number: 11788490
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a linear actuator lock apparatus having a housing having an inner surface defining an axial cavity having a first housing portion where the axial cavity has a first lateral size, a second housing portion having a second, larger lateral size, and a face from the first housing portion to the second housing portion, a lock assembly having a lock carrier configured for movement within the cavity between a first position and a position, and a lock finger affixed to and extending away from the lock carrier, where the second finger end is configured to contact the face when extended and fit within the first housing portion when retracted, and a sleeve configured to move between a position in which the lock finger is permitted to extend and a position configured to contact and retract the lock finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Thomas Kopecek
  • Patent number: 11732675
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a linear actuator lock apparatus having a housing having an inner surface defining an axial cavity having a first housing portion where the axial cavity has a first lateral size, a second housing portion having a second, larger lateral size, and a face from the first housing portion to the second housing portion, a lock assembly having a lock carrier configured for movement within the cavity between a first position and a position, and a lock finger affixed to and extending away from the lock carrier, where the second finger end is configured to contact the face when extended and fit within the first housing portion when retracted, and a sleeve configured to move between a position in which the lock finger is permitted to extend and a position configured to contact and retract the lock finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Thomas Kopecek
  • Patent number: 11661173
    Abstract: An aircraft nacelle air intake includes sectors each having a lip forming portion, an outer panel forming portion and an inner panel forming portion. The outer panel forming portions and lip forming portions are formed by a continuous one-piece wall. At at least one junction between two adjacent sectors, an opening and a hatch are provided between the outer panel forming portions of the sectors. The inner panel forming portions and the lip forming portions of the sectors are edge to edge and fixed to each other by fixing devices accessible from the inside of the sectors and invisible from outside of the sectors. A maintenance method in which, when a zone of a sector is damaged, the sector concerned is removed as a whole and is replaced by a new of “recycled” sector is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Inventors: Alain Porte, Francois Pons, Arnaud Bourhis, Julien Sentier
  • Patent number: 11655722
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to sealing a dynamic gap between a moveable flap and a sidewall. The apparatus may be a seal assembly that includes a spring body, a clip coupled to a distal end of the spring body, and a wear shoe coupled to the clip. The spring body includes a flap arm adjacent the flap and a wall arm adjacent the sidewall. The flap arm and the wall arm bias away from one another when under compression in the gap. A distal end of the wall arm includes a first knuckle and a second knuckle that are pivotally coupled to the clip to create a hinge feature. The wear shoe is pivotally coupled to the clip to create another hinge feature. A distal end of the flap arm includes a skirt that is received by the clip seal an interior space of the spring body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dale Szul, Donald M. Corsmeier, Bernard J. Renggli, Andrew Keppeler, Steven Kirgiss
  • Patent number: 11619191
    Abstract: A turbofan propulsion assembly includes a thrust reverser with movable flaps. The propulsion assembly further includes an engine and a nacelle surrounding the engine, and the nacelle includes a thrust reverser with sliding cowls and thrust reverser flaps, and an inner structure. The portion of the inner structure positioned perpendicular to the thrust reverser flaps includes two halves that can open toward the exterior of the nacelle cowls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignees: Safran Nacelles, Safran Aircraft Engines
    Inventors: Quentin Garnaud, Guillaume Glemarec, Patrick Boileau, Ludovic Toupet
  • Patent number: 11566584
    Abstract: A variable area nozzle assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a fixed structure surrounding an exhaust duct extending along a nozzle centerline. The fixed structure further includes a first lateral side and a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side. The variable area nozzle assembly further includes a nozzle. The nozzle includes a nozzle outlet including a nozzle outlet cross-sectional area. The variable area nozzle assembly further includes a thrust reverser system including a first thrust reverser door and a second thrust reverser door. The first thrust reverser door is pivotably mounted to the fixed structure at the first lateral side. The second thrust reverser door is pivotably mounted to the fixed structure at the second lateral side. The first thrust reverser door and the second thrust reverser door define a portion of the nozzle outlet of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Gormley
  • Patent number: 11536223
    Abstract: A thrust reverser actuation system for a jet propulsion engine for a vehicle, the thrust reverser actuation system comprising: a plurality of hydraulically-driven thrust reverser actuators for actuating one or more thrust reverser components of the jet propulsion engine, each actuator comprising: a hydraulic circuit; and a bi-directional electrically-driven pump configured to pump hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit, wherein the hydraulic circuit and the pump are configured such that the direction of the pump dictates the direction of the actuation of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Tim Hudson, Nicholas Sloane
  • Patent number: 11506144
    Abstract: A thrust reverser cascade for an aircraft nacelle includes a plurality of blades having a first and a second surface, the blades being connected to members connected to attachment flanges for attaching the thrust reverser cascade to the nacelle. At least one of the surfaces of the blades is covered with at least one layer of fibers, each layer including a plurality of fiber pieces which are pre-impregnated with resin. The fiber pieces are superimposed on one another, positioned parallel to the aerodynamic surface of the blade and oriented in different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignees: Safran Nacelles, Safran
    Inventors: Géraldine Oliveux, Bertrand Desjoyeaux, Cedric Thomas
  • Patent number: 11499504
    Abstract: A propulsion assembly for an aircraft includes a pylon, a turbofan including a structure fixed to the pylon, and at least one thrust reverser, each having a top beam extending parallel to a longitudinal direction and mobile in rotation on the structure around a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal direction. For each thrust reverser, an actuator is provided, a first end of which is articulated on the pylon and a second end of which is articulated on the top beam of the thrust reverser and the articulation axis of the actuator on the top beam is not coaxial with the rotation axis. Such assembly allows a positioning of the actuator in the upper part of the turbofan between the top beam of the thrust reverser and the pylon to free some space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventor: Laurent Cazeaux
  • Patent number: 11492999
    Abstract: A bypass turbofan engine comprising a nacelle surrounding a flow path for a secondary flow and comprising a fixed structure, a mobile assembly with a slide capable of translational movement on the fixed structure and bearing a mobile cowl and a frame capable of translational movement on the fixed structure and bearing deflectors. The mobile assembly is able to move between a forward position and a retreated position making it possible to open a passage between the flow path and the outside through the deflectors. A differentiation mechanism ensures a length of travel of the slide that is different from the length of travel of the frame, and actuators providing a translational travel of the slide. Fitting a differentiation mechanism means that the length of travel of the deflectors with respect to the length of travel of the mobile cowl can be regulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Fabien Menou, Stéphanie Fesquet
  • Patent number: 11448161
    Abstract: A thrust reverser arrangement may comprise an inner fixed structure (IFS), a track beam, a translating sleeve slideably mounted to the track beam, a bypass duct defined between the IFS and the translating sleeve, and an acoustic treated fairing coupled to the translating sleeve, wherein the acoustic treated fairing is configured to attenuate noise generated during operation of a gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventors: Pablo T. Sanz Martinez, Jose S. Alonso-Miralles, Bryce Tyler Kelford
  • Patent number: 11434848
    Abstract: A nacelle may comprise a fixed structure and a translating structure configured to translate relative to the fixed structure. A first drive system may be operationally coupled to the translating structure. The drive system may comprise a primary actuator coupled to the fixed structure and including a primary rod and a primary gear rotationally coupled to the primary rod, a torque shaft rotationally coupled to the primary gear, and a secondary actuator operationally coupled to the primary actuator via the torque shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy Gormley
  • Patent number: 11414200
    Abstract: A nacelle may comprise an inlet and a fan cowl aft of the inlet. The fan cowl may include a fan cowl panel configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position. The nacelle may further comprise a securement retainer including a first portion coupled to an interior surface of the fan cowl panel and a second portion coupled to an aft inlet flange of the inlet. The first portion of the securement retainer may be configured to engage the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Shashidhar Shivarudrappa, Rohit Kumar Sharma
  • Patent number: 11408369
    Abstract: A nacelle may comprise an inlet cowling defining an inlet of the nacelle, wherein the inlet cowling comprises an inlet cowling maximum point and an inlet cowling aft edge, wherein the inlet cowling aft edge comprises an aft edge length; and a boat tail cowling disposed aft of the inlet cowling, wherein the boat tail cowling comprises a boat tail cowling forward edge having a forward edge length, and wherein the boat tail cowling forward edge is disposed adjacent to the inlet cowling aft edge. The forward edge length may be smaller than the aft edge length, forming a step, the step being defined by a portion of the inlet cowling aft edge that is radially outward of the boat tail cowling forward edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Dmitriy B. Sidelkovskiy, Steven H. Zysman
  • Patent number: 11391241
    Abstract: A nacelle system having a translating structure is disclosed. In various embodiments, the nacelle system includes a fixed structure; a thrust reverser having a translating sleeve configured to translate relative to the fixed structure and in response to a first dual-circuit hydraulic system; and a variable area fan nozzle having a translating nozzle configured to translate relative to the translating sleeve and in response to a second dual-circuit hydraulic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Gormley
  • Patent number: 11391242
    Abstract: A nacelle system having a translating structure is disclosed. In various embodiments, the system includes a fixed structure; a thrust reverser having a translating sleeve configured to translate relative to the fixed structure and in response to a first hydraulic system; and a variable area fan nozzle having a translating nozzle configured to translate relative to the translating sleeve and in response to a second hydraulic system. In various embodiments, the first hydraulic system and the second hydraulic system include a primary hydraulic actuator, the primary hydraulic actuator having a primary hydraulic fluid end and a primary gaseous fluid end; a secondary hydraulic actuator having a secondary hydraulic fluid end and a secondary gaseous fluid end; and a hydraulic supply line configured to fluidly couple the primary hydraulic fluid end of the primary hydraulic actuator to the secondary hydraulic fluid end of the secondary hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Gormley
  • Patent number: 11378037
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of operating a translating cowl for a turbine engine. The translating cowl is moveable between a first position and a second position. The translating cowl includes a fixed cascade element located within and a blocker door that is operably coupled to die translating cowl. Hie blocker door is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: MRA SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Qiming Song
  • Patent number: 11286879
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a thrust reverser comprising a stationary structure defining an annular body with a centerline, a first reverser door pivotally coupled to the stationary structure by a pair of first reverser door hinges, a first reverser door hinge axis extending through the first reverser door hinges and positioned at a first angle relative to a centerline, and a second reverser door pivotally coupled to the stationary structure by a pair of second reverser door hinges, a second hinge line axis extending through the second reverser door hinges and positioned at a second angle relative to the centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy Gormley
  • Patent number: 11187187
    Abstract: An assembly for an aircraft propulsion system is provided, the assembly having an axial centerline. The assembly comprises a fixed structure, a first thrust reverser door, and a second thrust reverser door. The first thrust reverser door being pivotally attached to the fixed structure along a first pivot axis, and the second thrust reverser door being pivotally attached to the fixed structure along a second pivot axis. The first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are both radially located at a first distance from the assembly axial centerline. The first pivot axis is located at a first axial position, and the second pivot axis is located at a second axial position. The second axial position is displaced from the first axial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Gormley
  • Patent number: 11168644
    Abstract: A turbofan including a motor, nacelle and a secondary duct therebetween. The nacelle includes a fan casing with front and rear parts, a fixed assembly including a fixed structure and the front part, a mobile assembly with an openwork frame, a mobile cowl and the rear part and mobile between advanced and retracted positions in which a window is open between the secondary duct and the exterior of the nacelle, inner doors articulated between stowed and deployed positions, a first actuator for moving the frame and a second actuator for moving each inner door. The rear part is divided into outer flaps mobile between lowered and raised positions and is moved by an electric motor. A jet engine accordingly serves to increase retraction distance by freeing up part of the fan cowl and improve orientation of flow of air passing through the window by orienting the outer flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Laurent Presseq, Julie Cazalis, Lionel Sillieres, Bastian Sabathier, José Goncalves, Frédéric Piard, Lionel Czapla, Thierry Gaches, Frédéric Ridray, Pascal Gardes
  • Patent number: 11149686
    Abstract: A thrust reverser assembly for a gas turbine engine including a core engine, a nacelle surrounding at least a portion of the core engine defining a bypass duct between the nacelle and the core engine where an outer door movable between a stowed position and a deployed position extends outwards from the nacelle and a blocker door movable between a stowed position and a deployed position extends into an airflow conduit defined by the bypass duct to deflect air outwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: MRA SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: David Patrick Calder, Graham Frank Howarth, Andrew Michael Roach, Timothy Robert Beasman
  • Patent number: 11136939
    Abstract: A nacelle for a turbojet includes a thrust reverser having cascades, movable cowls adjacent to the cascades in a closed position, linkage systems for connecting the cowls and the cascades, and tilting closure flaps. Each linkage system is arranged radially outside the cascades, and includes, in a tangential plane, a lever, connecting rods, and pivots allowing a movement substantially in this plane. The pivots include a fixed pivot connected to a fixed element of the nacelle, a pivot connected to the cascades and a pivot connected to the cowls. The lever, termed first lever, includes two arms forming a “V,” and two connecting rods are fixed to the end of an arm by a pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Safran Nacelles
    Inventor: Pierre Caruel
  • Patent number: 11067034
    Abstract: An engine assembly includes a nacelle configured to at least partially surround an engine and a thrust reverser coupled to the nacelle. The thrust reverser includes: a thrust-reversing element movable relative to the nacelle between a stowed position and a deployed position; a hydraulic actuator operably coupled to move the thrust-reversing element; and a fluid control system configured to operate the hydraulic actuator. The fluid control system includes: a directional control unit including a directional control valve operable to selectively route fluid between a pressurized fluid source, the actuator, and a fluid return reservoir; one or more bypass fluid lines providing fluid communication between the actuator and the fluid return reservoir independent of the directional control valve; and a flow limiter residing between the pressurized fluid source and the directional control valve, the flow limiter configured to inhibit a pressure draw by the actuator from surpassing a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Thomas Kopecek
  • Patent number: 11046445
    Abstract: A nacelle may comprise an inlet cowling comprising an inlet cowling aft edge having an aft edge length; a boat tail cowling comprising a boat tail cowling forward edge having a forward edge length, wherein the boat tail cowling forward edge is disposed adjacent to the inlet cowling aft edge. The forward edge length may be shorter than the aft edge length, forming a step being defined by a portion of the inlet cowling aft edge that is radially outward of the boat tail cowling forward edge. The nacelle may further comprise a transition fairing coupled to the boat tail cowling, wherein the transition fairing comprises a fairing forward edge disposed adjacent to the inlet cowling aft edge and a fairing ramp surface spanning between the inlet cowling aft edge and a boat tail cowling external surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Dmitriy B. Sidelkovskiy, Steven H. Zysman
  • Patent number: 11028801
    Abstract: A grating for the formation of a reverse flow of a turbofan engine and comprising fins of a first type having a curved profile whose rounding is oriented aft and whose center of curvature is forward relative to the fin of the first type, fins of a second type having a curved profile whose rounding is oriented aft and whose center of curvature is forward relative to the fin of the second type. In this grating, each fin of one of the two types is inserted between two fins of the other type moving from forward to aft and the cord of the fins of the second type is smaller than the cord of the fins of the first type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Christophe Bourdeau, Quentin Vaucouloux, Romain Cusset
  • Patent number: 10954889
    Abstract: A thrust reverser actuation system for a jet propulsion engine for a vehicle, the thrust reverser actuation system comprising: a plurality of hydraulically-driven thrust reverser actuators for actuating one or more thrust reverser components of the jet propulsion engine, each actuator comprising: a hydraulic circuit; and a bi-directional electrically-driven pump configured to pump hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic circuit, wherein the hydraulic circuit and the pump are configured such that the direction of the pump dictates the direction of the actuation of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Tim Hudson, Nicholas Sloane
  • Patent number: 10907576
    Abstract: A nacelle for a gas turbine engine, comprising a thrust reverser movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, and a locking system configured to selectively prevent movement of the thrust reverser from the stowed position, the locking system comprising a locking mechanism and an actuator configured to actuate the locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is positioned aft of a blade-off zone defined across the nacelle and the actuator is positioned fore of, or at least partially within, the blade-off zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Antony Morgan, Michael Paul Somerfield
  • Patent number: 10814997
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a support device for an actuator. The support device includes a support unit adapted to be mounted to a stationary structure, an attachment unit adapted to be attached to an actuator casing and a single pivot shaft, and the attachment unit is pivotably connected to the support unit via the single pivot shaft. The support device according to the present disclosure has a simple structure and is stable in operation. The present disclosure further relates to an air intake system for an auxiliary power unit, which includes the above support device for the actuator. In addition, the present disclosure further relates to an aircraft including the air intake system for the auxiliary power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Feng Zhang, Na Shi, Ying An
  • Patent number: 10724474
    Abstract: A thrust reverser for a gas turbine engine may comprise a frame, a first reverser door pivotally mounted to the frame at a first pivot point, a second reverser door pivotally mounted to the frame at a second pivot point, a first nacelle defining a first trailing edge of the gas turbine engine coupled between the frame and the first reverser door, and a second nacelle defining a second trailing edge of the gas turbine engine coupled between the frame and the second reverser door. The first nacelle and the second nacelle translate in an aft and radial outward direction relative to the gas turbine engine in response to the thrust reverser moving to a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy Gormley
  • Patent number: 10724473
    Abstract: A system for actuating a blocker door of a thrust reverser, in which a drag link assembly is removed from the airflow through the engine during flight. The assembly couples the door to a sleeve so that translation of the sleeve between deployed and stowed positions moves the door to open and closed positions, respectively. The assembly includes a telescoping drag link having one end rotatably coupled with a drag link anchor and another end coupled with the door. During deployment and stowage, translation of the sleeve causes the door to move and the link to extend or collapse and rotate until it contacts a stop element of the anchor, and then rotate in the opposite direction as the door opens or closes, respectively. A channel may be provided in the door to accommodate the link. The anchor may include a spring which exerts a rotational force on the link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Jon Carr
  • Patent number: 10724475
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a thrust reverser system with a straight vane thrust reverser cascade. The thrust reverser system may also include a blocker door and a turning door. The blocker door may divert air flowing within a bypass flow path of the aircraft propulsor to flow through the thrust reverser cascade. The turning door may then deflect air flowing from the thrust reverser cascade to provide reverse thrust. The straight vane thrust reverser cascade may allow for increased reverse thrust and/or a smaller, more efficient, aircraft propulsor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANy
    Inventors: Chen Chuck, Zachariah B. VanDeMark
  • Patent number: 10704497
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a turbofan engine assembly includes a engine, a nacelle defining a generally forward-to-aft bypass air flow path, a thrust reverser comprising a first movable element, movable to and from a reversing position where at least a portion of the bypass air flow is reversed, a hydraulic actuator coupled to the first movable element to move the first movable element into and out of the reversing position, and a second moveable element, configured to move in synchronicity with the first moveable element, a first hydraulic valve operable to control a flow of hydraulic fluid for actuation of the hydraulic actuator, a second hydraulic valve operably coupled to the second moveable element and moveable between a restricted condition wherein the flow of hydraulic fluid is restricted, and a permit condition wherein the flow of hydraulic fluid is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Thomas Kopecek
  • Patent number: 10704495
    Abstract: A pre-exit thrust reverser includes an upper reverser door pivotally mounted to a frame and having an upper trailing edge, a lower reverser door pivotally mounted to the frame and having a lower trailing edge and an exhaust duct fixedly mounted to the frame. The upper trailing edge is configured to extend aft of the lower trailing edge when the thrust reverser assumes a deployed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventor: Martin Channell
  • Patent number: 10677192
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure may include a fan nacelle that extends circumferentially about a fan, and at least one integrated mechanism coupled to the fan nacelle. The at least one integrated mechanism includes a variable fan nozzle and a thrust reverser, with the thrust reverser and the variable fan nozzle having a common part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Richard M. Marshall
  • Patent number: 10669971
    Abstract: A thrust reverser for a turbojet engine nacelle includes movable cowls which move backward relative to a front frame under the action of an actuation system, thereby making flaps tilt, via a control mechanism, so as to substantially close the annular cold air flow path, and by opening cascades disposed around this flow path and which receive the cold air flow and return it forward. When the thrust reverser is closed, the cascades are partially integrated in the cowls, and the thrust reverser includes an actuation system which makes the cascades move backward along a stroke which is shorter than the stroke of the cowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: Pierre Caruel
  • Patent number: 10641208
    Abstract: A thrust reverser for a gas turbine engine includes a reverser door pivotally mounted to a frame, an exhaust duct translationally mounted to the frame and an actuator having an actuator rod connected to the reverser door and to the exhaust duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventor: Anthony Lacko
  • Patent number: 10605197
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a thrust reverser for a gas turbine engine. As a translating cowl is translated aft from the nacelle of the gas turbine engine, a cascade is also translated in the aft direction and a blocker door coupled to the cascade is pivoted into a fan duct, thereby diverting air in the fan duct through the cascade. In the stowed position, both the cascade and the blocker door are disposed radially outward of a radially inner wall of the nacelle and/or the translating cowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nigel David Sawyers-Abbott, James Power
  • Patent number: 10598127
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a thrust reverser cascade assembly including positioning a first frame section on an assembly fixture, positioning a first set of turning vanes on a first elongated stiffener of the first frame section, securing the first set of turning vanes to the elongated stiffener, positioning a second frame section on the assembly fixture adjacent to the first frame section such that the first set of turning vanes are between the elongated stiffeners of the first and second frame section, adding additional sets of turning vanes and frame sections, and fastening the frame sections together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Anthony Wadsworth, Henry Arnold Schaefer
  • Patent number: 10590885
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Kurt Erik Acheson, Chen Chuck
  • Patent number: 10563615
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine and thrust reverser assembly having a set of outer doors movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, where the set of outer doors extends outwards from the nacelle and a set of blocker doors movable between a stowed position and an deployed position, where the set of blocker door extends into an air flow conduit defined by the bypass duct to deflect air outwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: MRA SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Graham Frank Howarth, Andrew Michael Roach, Timothy Robert Beasman
  • Patent number: 10486820
    Abstract: Systems for thrust reverser link arm connections are described herein. A linkage system for a nacelle may comprise a thrust reverser link arm and a fitting. The fitting may comprise a base plate configured to be fastened to a proximal surface of an inner fixed structure (IFS), a first wall extending orthogonally from the base plate, a second wall extending orthogonally from the base plate, and a pin extending orthogonally from the first wall and extending orthogonally from the second wall. A first end of the thrust reverser link arm may comprise a removable member, the removable member having an inner surface comprising a semi-circle, the inner surface configured to seat against the pin. The removable member may be removed from the linkage system from a radially outward side of the IFS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Nigel David Sawyers-Abbott
  • Patent number: 10480453
    Abstract: A linkage system for a nacelle may comprise a pivot configured to extend through a second aperture disposed in a link arm, a retaining member having a first end and a second end and defining a first aperture and a cavity, wherein the pivot is configured to extend at least partially into the first aperture and the cavity is configured to accommodate a portion of the link arm, and wherein the retaining member comprises an attachment aperture located at the first end and a lip extending from the retaining member at the second end, the attachment aperture configured to receive a fastener and the lip configured to be placed under a distal layer of an inner fixed structure (IFS).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Nigel David Sawyers-Abbott, Matthew Exner
  • Patent number: 10465538
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine having a forward thrust mode and a reverse thrust mode is provided. The gas turbine engine includes a variable pitch fan configured for generating forward thrust in the forward thrust mode of the engine and reverse thrust in the reverse thrust mode of the engine. The engine also includes a fan cowl surrounding the variable pitch fan, wherein the fan cowl forms a bypass duct for airflow generated by the fan. The fan cowl includes an aft edge that defines a physical flow area of the bypass duct, and a deflection device configured for deflecting airflow near the aft edge, wherein the deflection device is configured for operation in the reverse thrust mode of the engine. The physical flow area of the bypass duct at the aft edge remains the same in the forward thrust mode of the engine and in the reverse thrust mode of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Darek Tomasz Zatorski, Patrick John Lonneman, Alan Roy Stuart
  • Patent number: 10443541
    Abstract: A thrust reverser system for a gas turbine engine includes a support structure, a transcowl, and an actuator. The transcowl is mounted on the support structure and is axially translatable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The actuator is coupled to the transcowl and the support structure, and is configured to supply an actuation force to the transcowl to thereby move the transcowl between the stowed and deployed positions. The actuator includes an actuator housing, a screw, a nut, a rod end, and a tension rod. The tension rod is engaged by the nut when the transcowl is in the deployed position and is engaged by the rod end when the transcowl is in the stowed position, whereby actuator loads, in both the deployed and stowed positions, are transmitted through the tension rod to the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kevin K Chakkera, Daniel C Birchak, Donald Jeffrey Christensen, James Wawrzynek