Radially Inwardly Movable Wall Patents (Class 239/265.37)
  • Patent number: 11891026
    Abstract: A reverse thrust braking system includes an inlet having propeller fan blades that accelerate air coming into the system. A plurality of chambers receive the air accelerated through the inlet by the propeller fan blades. An exit point receives air from at least one of the plurality of chambers and exhausts the air from the system. The exit point exhausts air at an angle to create a reverse thrust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: KING FAISAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Anil Bangalore Shivappa
  • Patent number: 11815034
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for supplying fuel to a turbomachine. In some embodiments, the system includes a pump, a hydromechanical group, a drive device positioned to drive the pump, and a branch comprising actuators for controlling variable geometry. In some embodiments, the system regulates a fuel flow rate based at least in part on a flow rate set point value. In some embodiments, the system may include a flow rate sensor. A flow rate loop may be arranged to determine a pressure set point value at the outlet of the pump according to the flow rate set point value and a measurement supplied by the flow rate sensor. In some embodiments, a pressure sensor may be positioned in the fuel circuit at the outlet of the pump. In further embodiments, a pressure loop may control the speed of the drive device based at least on a difference between a pressure measurement supplied by the pressure sensor and the pressure set point value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Huguette De Wergifosse, Loïc Pora, Eric De Wergifosse
  • Patent number: 11708145
    Abstract: A hinge assembly 8a for an aircraft component including first and second hinge plates 9, 10, having an aerodynamic surface. A first seal assembly 28 to 32 is provided and arranged to seal between the aerodynamic surfaces of the hinge plates. A second seal assembly 38 to 42 is arranged to seal between the undersides of the hinge plates in order to reduce pressure leakage between voids under the hinge. The provision of two seal assemblies, each having a dedicated function, addresses the competing demands made on the sealing arrangement of an aircraft hinge assembly in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignees: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED, AIRBUS OPERATIONS (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Russell Older, Paul Morrell, Ryan Holland, Oliver Marks, Pierre-Antoine Combes, Guillaume De Almeida
  • Patent number: 11554882
    Abstract: An attitude control and thrust boosting system (100) for a space launcher is disclosed, wherein the space launcher is equipped with a rocket engine (303) provided with an exhaust nozzle. The exhaust nozzle comprises a divergent portion (302) so designed as to make a supersonic gas flow exit through an exit section defined by a given angle of divergence with respect to a longitudinal axis of the rocket engine. The attitude control and thrust boosting system (100) comprises flaps (110, 111, 112, 113) that are arranged around the exit section, are shaped so as to extend the divergent portion of the exhaust nozzle, are mechanically decoupled from said exhaust nozzle and can be actuated to take different angular positions with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rocket engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: AVIO S.P.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Rosati
  • Patent number: 11434017
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of fairings of aircraft propulsion units, and more particularly to an assembly comprising a longitudinal beam (31) configured to be mounted on a lateral of a turbofan (7) engine core (11), oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis (X) of the turbofan (7), an opening fairing (18) cowl (50) of the engine core (11) and a deployment mechanism (60) mounted on the longitudinal beam (31) to move the opening cowl (50) between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Antoine Elie Hellegouarch, Quentin Matthias Emmanuel Garnaud, Marc Patrick Tesniere
  • Patent number: 11427306
    Abstract: A ducted-fan unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of low-energy high-rate maneuvers for both vertical roll control and horizontal pitch control. The UAV includes ducted fans which are with respective piezoelectric-actuated thrust vectoring flaps. Thrust vector control is achieved by controlling the angular positions of a plurality of thrust vector flaps pivotably coupled at respective outlets of a plurality of ducts having fan rotors at the inlets. Each thrust vectoring flap has only one degree of freedom in the frame of reference of the UAV, namely, rotation about a single axis that is perpendicular to the axis of the duct. The angular position of the flap is controlled by sending electrical signals to a piezoelectric actuator (e.g., a piezoelectric bimorph actuator) having a voltage sufficient to cause the piezoelectric actuator to bend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Roger D. Bernhardt, Dan J. Clingman
  • Patent number: 11333102
    Abstract: A thrust reverser may include a frame, a track disposed on the frame, a carrier operatively coupled to the track, a first reverser door operatively coupled to the carrier, the first reverser door is movable relative to the frame, wherein 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, and a deployable fairing pivotally coupled to the frame, the deployable fairing operatively coupled to the carrier, wherein the deployable fairing is configured to move away from a central axis of the thrust reverser to provide clearance for the reverser door to rotate into a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Gormley, Imad D Ghandour
  • Patent number: 11319898
    Abstract: To reduce the number of necessary actuators, improve reliability and redundancy, as well as reducing weight and fuel consumption, a thrust reverser assembly configured for reversing thrust of an aircraft engine is proposed. The thrust reverser assembly comprises flaps and linkage arrangements, wherein the flaps are driven between a stowed position and a deployed position by the linkage arrangement due to an axial movement of a part of the engine nacelle. The linkage arrangement is configured as a four bar linkage, in particular, a double rocker bar linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Luc Andréani
  • Patent number: 11142327
    Abstract: A turbomachine assembly comprising a nacelle having an air inlet and comprising a structure. A forward hood is fixed to the structure and extends backwards from the air inlet. An articulated hood is arranged in the upper part of the nacelle and at the rear of the forward hood and comprises a front edge arranged at the front of the articulated hood. A rear edge is arranged at the rear of the articulated hood. A joint is disposed at the front edge between the articulated hood and the structure and ensures a displacement of the articulated hood between a closed position and an open position. A locking system is arranged at the rear edge, and is mobile between a locked position and an unlocked position, where in the closed position, the front edge is under the forward hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Christophe Labarthe, Jean Geliot
  • Patent number: 11073104
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a thrust reverser system of an aircraft comprising: a translating cascade sleeve, a blocker door, and a kinematic mechanism configured to actuate the blocker door, the kinematic mechanism comprising: a first link coupled to the translating cascade sleeve, a second link coupled to the first link and a fixed structure, and a third link coupled to the first link and the blocker door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Gormley
  • Patent number: 10774786
    Abstract: A pod for a turbojet engine includes an outer cowl having a structure with at least one opening and a panel pivotably mounted about an axis between a closed position and an open position, and a system for actuating the panel designed to lock the panel in closed position and to move same between the closed position and the open position thereof. The actuation system includes a lateral connecting rod connected to the panel and to the structure, pivoting relative to the structure about a first pivoting axis and about a second pivoting axis, and a linear actuator attached to the lateral connecting rod. The actuator system is designed to move the lateral connecting rod during the extension of the actuator, and the lateral connecting rod exerts a force on the panel during the movement thereof, pivoting the panel about the axis thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Safran Nacelles
    Inventors: Patrick Gonidec, Loïc Chapelain, Faycel Bouabdallah
  • Patent number: 10767597
    Abstract: A thrust reverser system of a nacelle is provided. The thrust reverser system may include a pressure shell, a blocker door, and a drag link. The blocker door may be pivotably coupled to the pressure shell. The drag link may include a first segment pivotably coupled to a second segment and a third segment pivotably coupled to the second segment and the blocker door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventor: Bryce Tyler Kelford
  • Patent number: 10550797
    Abstract: A turbine engine having an engine core, an inner cowl radially surrounding the engine core, an outer cowl radially surrounding the inner cowl and spaced from the inner cowl to form an annular passage between the inner and outer cowls that defines a nozzle, at least one control surface provided on the inner cowl and movable between a retracted position, where the nozzle has a first cross-sectional area, and an extended position where the nozzle has a second cross-sectional area that is less than the first cross-sectional area and an actuator operably coupled to the control surface and configured to move the control surface to control the cross-sectional area of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: MRA Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Graham Frank Howarth, David Patrick Calder
  • Patent number: 10443542
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for locking the position of the flaps of a thrust reverser of a turbojet nacelle, said flaps being controlled by actuators, each one swinging about a tranverse pivot in order to partially close off the air stream so as to guide it forwards, further including locks for locking the flaps in an intermediate opening position, between the closed position and the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Corentin Hue, Rodolphe Denis, Denis Guillois, Sarah Tissot
  • Patent number: 10378451
    Abstract: A seal assembly is provided for a gas turbine engine. This seal assembly includes a tadpole seal with a bulb and a tail, where the tail is directed toward a backwall. The seal assembly also includes a faying extension that at least partially extends into the channel and into contact with the bulb. An exhaust duct is also provided for a gas turbine engine. This exhaust duct includes a seal assembly between a first exhaust duct section and a second exhaust duct section. The seal assembly includes a tadpole seal with a bulb and a tail, where the tail is directed upstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Gary J. Dillard
  • Patent number: 10094333
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan duct, an inner fixed structure, and a thrust reverser assembly. The inner fixed structure forms an inner diameter of the fan duct and encloses a core compartment. The thrust reverser assembly includes a linkage assembly mounted to the inner fixed structure within the fan duct. The linkage assembly is adapted to act as a ventilation system that allows for communication between the fan duct and the core compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Federico Papa, Pilar Del Carmen Vivar
  • Patent number: 10041443
    Abstract: A thrust reverser is adapted to be fixed within a turbofan engine nacelle that extends substantially about an engine core cowl. The nacelle and engine core cowl together define an axially extending annular duct for receiving an aft flowing fan bypass air stream that is forwardly redirected upon deployment of the thrust reverser. The nacelle includes an axially translating sleeve, circumferentially arranged translating cascade sets, and axially translatable blocker doors adapted to pivot radially inwardly from the translating sleeve to extend at least partially into the fan bypass air stream. A blocker door deployment drag linkage is pivotally coupled to each of the translating sleeve and the blocker doors. When stowed, an axially extending outer wall of the bypass duct is radially interposed between each blocker door and the fan bypass air stream to assure that the blocker doors remain entirely concealed from the fan bypass air stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: David W. Foutch
  • Patent number: 9938929
    Abstract: A thrust reverser of a turbofan engine has a translating structure and a blocker door device capable of diverting a bypass flowpath for reversing propulsion direction. The translating structure moves axially between a forward position and a rearward position and thereby drives a compound motion of a blocker door of the blocker door device that moves between a respective stowed state and a deployed state. The compound motion is attributable through the blocker door being pivotally engaged to the translating structure, and through a multi-armed linkage of the device being pivotally engaged between a stationary structure, the blocker door and the translating structure. The linkage is further orientated such that it does not appreciably obstruct the bypass flowpath when the blocker door is in the stowed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Gormley
  • Patent number: 9803585
    Abstract: An aircraft engine variable area fan nozzle structure disposed abaft a thrust reverser, including a sleeve translatable over a cascade array, comprises two semi cylindrical segments that can be axially translated and radially tilted to enlarge the fan duct exhaust area in order to optimize exhaust pressure and associated noise in high thrust circumstances such as on take-off, and to constrict that area under lower thrust conditions such as cruise. The segments are moved by actuators anchored to the fixed engine framework and independently of the thrust reverser translating sleeve. Each actuator incorporates a linear variable differential transformer acting as a fan nozzle position sensor. The tilting movement is imposed by the pivoting links of each segment to carriages that ride in a non-linear trackway secured to a thrust reverser translating sleeve slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: Geoffrey P. Pinto
  • Patent number: 9664141
    Abstract: A thrust deflecting device for deflecting a thrust stream is disclosed, which includes a flap system having a plurality of deflecting flaps, each of which is pivotable around its yaw axis, the flap system being situated between parallel control surfaces such as baffle plates which, together with the flap system, form a box structure, which is pivotable around a pivot axis running in the direction of the transverse axis for the purpose of deflecting the thrust stream in the pitch direction, an aircraft engine also being disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines AG
    Inventors: Hermann Klingels, Stephan Klaen, Christian Scherer, Uwe Vogel
  • Patent number: 9581109
    Abstract: An aircraft engine variable area fan nozzle structure disposed abaft a thrust reverser, including a sleeve translatable over a cascade array, comprises two semi cylindrical segments that can be axially translated and radially tilted to enlarge the fan duct exhaust area in order to optimize exhaust pressure and associated noise in high thrust circumstances such as on take-off, and to constrict that area under lower thrust conditions such as cruise. The segments are moved by actuators anchored to the fixed engine framework and independently of the thrust reverser translating sleeve. Each actuator incorporates a linear variable differential transformer acting as a fan nozzle position sensor. The tilting movement is imposed by the pivoting links of each segment to carriages that ride in a non-linear trackway secured to a thrust reverser translating sleeve slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Inventor: Geoffrey P. Pinto
  • Patent number: 9341141
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a low signature jet engine outlet comprising movable border segments forming at least one circular arc and being movable radially for controlling the form and area of the outlet, at least one stationary border element for defining the form and area of the outlet, and movable coupling means for connecting the at least one circular arc to the at least one stationary border element. The coupling means are movable along a connection part of the at least one stationary border element, and the connection part of the at least one stationary border element is substantially flat and extending in a substantially radial direction of the at least one circular arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Jakob Bjerkemo
  • Patent number: 9341082
    Abstract: A turbine engine pipe having a longitudinal axis, which, at an upstream end thereof, includes an outer wall and a core, only an upstream portion of which is surrounded by the outer wall. The boundary between the upstream portion and a downstream portion is defined by the intersection between the core and the surface formed by bisectors of acute angles formed by straight lines perpendicular to the outer wall and straight lines perpendicular to an outer surface of the core passing through the downstream end of the outer wall. The outer surface of the downstream portion of the core has a sharply curved convex region close to the boundary, the region having a radius of curvature in a radial plane of less than 30 times the radius of the core at the boundary, and a first slightly curved region between the boundary and the sharply curved convex region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Stephane Emmanuel Daniel Bensilum, Jean Bertucchi, Mathieu Gaillot
  • Patent number: 9297623
    Abstract: The system of the present disclosure includes at least one flow deflector located outside the nozzle of the mobile and hinged on the rear bottom of the latter, and angular orientation means for the deflector by rotation about the longitudinal axis of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: MBDA FRANCE
    Inventor: Laurent Carton
  • Patent number: 9243587
    Abstract: The invention relates to a nacelle (1) for an aircraft bypass turbojet engine comprising, in downstream cross section, an inner fixed structure (8) intended to surround part of the bypass turbojet engine and an outer structure (9) at least partially surrounding the inner fixed structure (8) so as to delimit an annular flow path (10), the outer structure (9) comprising at least one inner flap (101) positioned facing the annular flow path (10), an outer flap (103) not in contact with the annular flow path (10) at least partially surmounting each inner flap (101) in aerodynamic continuity with the rest of the outer structure (9), and an intermediate flap (105) positioned between each inner flap (101) and each outer flap (103), said intermediate flap (105) being capable of translational movement so as to increase or decrease the cross section of the annular flow path (10), and each inner flap (101) and each outer flap (103) being capable of rotational movement so as to remain in permanent contact with the interme
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Herve Hurlin, Olivier Kerbler, Olivier Gilo
  • Publication number: 20150129676
    Abstract: Embodiments may include an actuation system for an exhaust nozzle of a gas turbine engine. The actuation system may comprise a plurality of flap assemblies including a plurality of convergent flaps movable between first and second convergent positions and a plurality of divergent flaps movable between first and second divergent positions. Each of the plurality of divergent flaps may extend from a respective one of the plurality of convergent flaps. The system may further include a first sync ring rotatably carried by an engine body and configured to synchronously move the divergent flaps between the first and second divergent positions and a second sync ring rotatably carried by the engine body and configured to synchronously move the convergent flaps between the first and second convergent positions. A method may translate rotation of the sync ring to movement of a vehicle surface between radially outward and inward positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Pesyna
  • Patent number: 9021813
    Abstract: An apparatus installed on an aircraft, comprising: a sleeve or duct having a trailing lip area; a plurality of petals arranged side by side with gaps therebetween, one end of each petal being attached or pivotably coupled to the lip area; and a plurality of elastomeric seals configured and disposed to close the gaps between adjacent petals. Each elastomeric seal comprises a first portion that moves with a portion of a first petal that is in contact therewith, a second portion that moves with a portion of a second petal that is in contact there, and a third portion which is stretched as the first and second petals move further apart from each other. Petal deflection is actuated by a system comprising a flexible member, a motor, a shaft driven by the motor, and an arm projecting from the shaft. One end of the flexible member is attached to the arm, the flexible member being movable to deflect the petals inward in response to a shaft rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Christopher Jasklowski, Michael L. Sangwin, David William Foutch, Mehmet Bahadir Alkislar, Matthew Anthony Dilligan
  • Publication number: 20150053789
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems for controlling movement of a divergent flap (24) in an exhaust nozzle (20). A nozzle flap assembly may include a first link (42) pivotably coupled to a divergent flap (24). A second link (40) may be pivotably coupled to the first link and a static portion (44) of the exhaust nozzle. The second link may comprise a bumper (50). The first link may be configured to contact the bumper in response to the divergent flap being in a high thrust mode. The second link may be configured to contact the divergent flap in response to the divergent flap being in a low thrust mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Gary A. Schirtzinger
  • Publication number: 20150048177
    Abstract: Provided is an exhaust nozzle and a method for changing an exhaust flowpath, whereby noise can be reduced by using a simple and light-weight mechanism without increasing the complexity and size of the structure of the exhaust nozzle, and furthermore, the efficiency during cruising at supersonic speeds can be improved. The rear end side of main nozzle pieces 110 of an exhaust nozzle 100 are provided swingably in an inward and outward direction of an exhaust flow path 101, about an open/close bend section 111 to the rear of an engine, coupling nozzle pieces 120 are coupled bendably to adjacent main nozzle pieces 110 on either side, and when the main nozzle pieces 110 are swung inside the exhaust flow path 101, the coupling nozzle pieces 120 form projecting sections 102 inside the exhaust flow path 101.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: JAPAN AEROSPACE EXPLORATION AGENCY
    Inventors: Junichi Akatsuka, Yasushi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8839601
    Abstract: A door for a thrust reverser of a nacelle of an aircraft being pivotally amounted on a fixed structure of the nacelle, in particular, the door being fitted with deflectors deflecting air flow is disclosed. The deflectors are arranged at an upstream end of the door and mounted such that they can move in a deflection plane perpendicular to the plane of the door. Each deflector is associated at its ends with an articulation arm capable of rotating about a pivot axis perpendicular to the deflection plane, allowing the deflectors to move in a straight line in the deflection plane. The present disclosure also relates to a thrust reverser system including the door and a fixed structure on which the door is pivotally mounted between a closing position and an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventors: Loic Chapelain, Denis Guillois
  • Patent number: 8793973
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thrust reverser (1) for the nacelle of a dual-flow turbine engine, in which the bypass means (4) and the actuation jacks (22) of the sliding cowling (2) and of the reverse flaps (20) are arranged in two substantially parallel planes arranged above one another in the radial direction of the nacelle. The invention also relates to a nacelle for a dual-flow turbine engine that comprises such a thrust reverser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventor: Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 8769959
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a nozzle defining a passage to receive and discharge working fluid to produce thrust. The nozzle includes the first wall structure opposite a second wall structure. The first wall structure includes a first convergent flap pivotally connected to a first divergent flap. The second wall structure includes a second convergent flap pivotally connected to a second divergent flap. The first wall structure and the second wall structure define the throat along the passage and are reconfigurable to adjust dimensional area of the throat. One or more control valves modulate flow of the pressurized fluid into the passage through a first opening in the first wall structure and a second opening in the second wall structure approximate to the throat to change effective area of the throat by fluidic control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Von David Baker, Baily Ramachandra Vittal
  • Publication number: 20140103141
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a low signature jet engine outlet comprising movable border segments forming at least one circular arc and being movable radially for controlling the form and area of the outlet, at least one stationary border element for defining the form and area of the outlet, and movable coupling means for connecting the at least one circular arc to the at least one stationary border element. The coupling means are movable along a connection part of the at least one stationary border element, and the connection part of the at least one stationary border element is substantially flat and extending in a substantially radial direction of the at least one circular arc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: SAAB AB
    Inventor: Jakob Bjerkemo
  • 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: 20130327847
    Abstract: An exhaust nozzle flap for a turbine engine may include an exhaust nozzle flap linkage, an exhaust nozzle flap panel and a mounting pin. The linkage may include a first linkage segment that extends longitudinally from a linkage end to a second linkage segment, and a mounting aperture that extends transversely through the second linkage segment. The panel may include a first panel segment that extends longitudinally from a panel end to a second panel segment. The first panel segment may be pivotally engaged with the first linkage segment. The mounting pin may extend through and move transversely within the mounting aperture, and may be connected to the second panel segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Francis R. Moon, Claude I. Barnett, JR., Jeffrey M. Jacques
  • Publication number: 20130292490
    Abstract: A door for a thrust reverser of a nacelle of an aircraft being pivotally amounted on a fixed structure of the nacelle, in particular, the door being fitted with deflectors deflecting air flow is disclosed. The deflectors are arranged at an upstream end of the door and mounted such that they can move in a deflection plane perpendicular to the plane of the door. Each deflector is associated at its ends with an articulation arm capable of rotating about a pivot axis perpendicular to the deflection plane, allowing the deflectors to move in a straight line in the deflection plane. The present disclosure also relates to a thrust reverser system including the door and a fixed structure on which the door is pivotally mounted between a closing position and an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Loic Chapelain, Denis Guillois
  • Publication number: 20130213006
    Abstract: An actuator assembly includes a rotatable first shaft, a second shaft, and a ball screw mechanism. The second shaft is telescopically received in and extensible relative to the first shaft. The second shaft is rotatable with the first shaft and is connected to and drives the ball screw mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Teddy L. Jones
  • Publication number: 20130062435
    Abstract: An aircraft engine nacelle is provided that includes a fixed front frame, a thrust reverser cowling mounted to slide with respect to the front frame between a direct-jet position and a reversed-jet position, a variable-geometry nozzle positioned in a downstream continuation of the reverser cowling, thrust-reversal jacks interposed between the front frame and the thrust-reverser cowling, adaptive nozzle jacks interposed between said thrust reverser cowling and the variable-geometry nozzle, drive shafts mounted on the front frame, transmission shafts extending along the thrust reverser cowling as far as the variable-geometry nozzle jacks, and mechanical means for coupling said transmission shafts to said drive shafts, and means for locking rotation of said transmission shafts before decoupling of the transmission shafts from their respective drive shafts, and when the decoupling is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: AIRCELLE
  • Publication number: 20120067976
    Abstract: The system of the present disclosure includes at least one flow deflector located outside the nozzle of the mobile and hinged on the rear bottom of the latter, and angular orientation means for the deflector by rotation about the longitudinal axis of the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Laurent Carton
  • Publication number: 20110289900
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine system includes a first nozzle section associated with a gas turbine engine bypass passage and a second nozzle section that includes a plurality of positions relative to the first nozzle section. In at least one of the positions, there is a gap between the first nozzle section and the second nozzle section. A movable door between the first nozzle section and the second nozzle section selectively opens or closes the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Alfred M. Stern
  • Publication number: 20110127353
    Abstract: An aircraft nacelle in which a power plant with an outside surface (46) is arranged, whereby the nacelle has an inside wall (44) that with the outside surface (46) of the power plant delimits a secondary annular pipe, at least one moving part (52) so as to create at least one lateral opening (54), and a thrust reversal device that has at least one moving physical obstacle (56, 58) 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 (54), characterized in that it includes a ring (50) that is arranged in the secondary pipe, distant from the inside wall (44) of the nacelle and the outside surface (46) of the power plant that supports the at least one moving physical obstacle (56, 58).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Benoît LETAY, Benjamin SAGET, Franck LESIEUR, Stéphane FLIN
  • Patent number: 7721551
    Abstract: A fan variable area nozzle (FVAN) selectively rotates a synchronizing ring relative the static ring to adjust a flap assembly through a linkage to vary an annular fan exit area through which fan air is discharged. By adjusting the FVAN, engine thrust and fuel economy are maximized during each flight regime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Russell B. Hanson
  • Patent number: 7716932
    Abstract: A turbofan engine includes an engine core and a ducted fan assembly, with the ducted fan assembly including an annular cowling and a dilating fan duct nozzle. The nozzle includes continuous nozzle sections with intermeshing tiles. The tiles include drive tiles that are pivotal between nominal and dilated positions and driven tiles that intermesh with the drive tiles and shift with the drive tiles between the positions. The intermeshing tiles cooperatively adjust an orifice size of the nozzle by shifting between the positions and thereby affect the thrust and noise developed by the ducted fan assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Core
  • Patent number: 7520124
    Abstract: An exhaust nozzle for use in a gas turbine engine comprises a flow body for receiving exhaust gas from the turbine engine and includes a leading edge and a trailing edge. The leading edge connects with the gas turbine engine such that the flow body surrounds a centerline of the engine. The trailing edge comprises a serrated portion and a non-serrated portion. The serrated portion is formed from a plurality of tabs for mixing exhaust gas exiting the flow body with gases passing by an exterior of the flow body. The non-serrated portion is positioned along a lower portion of the trailing edge with respect to the engine centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Satish Narayanan, John Simonich, Robert Hans Schlinker
  • Publication number: 20090072049
    Abstract: A mechanism included in a convergent-divergent nozzle connected to an aft portion of a gas turbine engine, which mechanism includes a convergent flap configured to be kinematically connected to the aft portion of the gas turbine engine, a divergent flap pivotally connected to the convergent flap and configured to be kinematically connected to the aft portion of the gas turbine engine, at least one actuator configured to be connected to the aft portion of the gas turbine engine and to mechanically prescribe the position of the convergent flap and the divergent flap by moving through one or more positions, and at least one biasing apparatus. The biasing apparatus is configured to position at least one of the convergent flap and the divergent flap independent of the positions of the actuator by substantially balancing a force on the at least one of the convergent flap and the divergent flap produced by a gas pressure on the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy A. Swanson, Sean P. Zamora, Robert H. Bush, Alex J. Simpson
  • Publication number: 20090065610
    Abstract: A mechanism included in a convergent-divergent nozzle connected to an aftward portion of a gas turbine engine, which mechanism includes at least one actuator configured to be connected to the aftward portion of the engine and to move through one or more positions, a first link pivotally connected to the at least one actuator, a convergent flap pivotally connected to the first link, a divergent flap rotatably connected to the convergent flap and configured to be kinematically connected to an annular ring connected to the at least one actuator, and at least one track configured to extend from the aftward portion of the engine and to movably and pivotally receive the pivotal connection between the convergent flap and the first link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Curtis C. Cowan, Robert H. Bush
  • Publication number: 20080163904
    Abstract: A nozzle structure of a dish washer is provided. In the nozzle structure, a nozzle holder is provided, a gasket unit is mounted on an end of the nozzle holder and it includes at least one inlet port, a flap support unit is protruded from a front of the gasket unit, and a check valve flap is rotatably coupled to the flap support unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Gab Kyu Hwang
  • Patent number: 7213393
    Abstract: A device for supplying cooling air to a hollow flap of an exhaust nozzle in a turbojet engine. The device includes a tube connecting the hollow flap to a cooling air source. The tube comprises at least one telescopic portion and at least one ball-joint connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Snecma Moteurs
    Inventors: Guy Lapergue, Raphael Curtelin, Didier Feder
  • Patent number: 7174704
    Abstract: A variable geometry convergent-divergent nozzle for a gas turbine engine includes a centerbody extending rearward along a longitudinal axis of the engine which has a throat section of increased diameter. An inner shroud surrounds the centerbody and cooperates with the centerbody to define the throat of the nozzle. An outer shroud surrounds the inner shroud and cooperates with the centerbody to define the exit area of the nozzle. Both shrouds are independently translatable to provide independent control of the nozzle throat area and the nozzle expansion ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Bernard James Renggli
  • Patent number: 7043897
    Abstract: A thrust reverser system for jet engine comprising a tailpipe, Square/trapezoidal clamshell doors and actuators, wherein the tailpipe and clamshell doors may be corrugated, the corrugations can be mating, the actuators may be situated out of the external free air flow, the doors may be stowed out of contact with internal engine gas flow and that may include a tail pipe a fairing having a movable section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Medhat A. Osman