Thrust Reversers Patents (Class 244/110B)
  • Patent number: 6151884
    Abstract: A bypass turbo-fan type turbojet-engine having a thrust reverser utilizing pivotally mounted bypass flow deflecting doors, each door having a movable, retractable spoiler at its upstream edge. A control actuator for driving each movable spoiler relative to a door is arranged to cause the spoiler to remain in a stowed retracted position during the initial motion of the door toward its open thrust reversed position and to begin to positively move the spoiler to its extended position into the deflected flow stream as the door nears its fully opened position, the spoiler being fully extended when the door is fully opened at its thrust reversed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Hispano Suiza Aerostructures
    Inventors: Patrick Gonidec, Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 6151885
    Abstract: A turbojet-engine thrust reverser comprises a displaceable sub-assembly including two internal clamshells (12) mounted on stationary pivots (18) of a stationary structure (1) and an annular, axially displaceable structure (11). The displaceable structure forms the external, downstream part (13) of a cowling. In the forward-thrust mode, the displaceable structure forms a downstream portion (15) of a radial outer wall of the flow path and forms the entire trailing edge by covering the clamshells (12) such that the clamshells form part of the radial outer wall of the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Hispano Suiza Aerostructures
    Inventors: Fabrice Henri Emile Metezeau, Bernard Guy Vauchel
  • Patent number: 6151883
    Abstract: In an aircraft propulsive power unit a thrust reversing arrangement includes a flow redirecting structure having a flow redirecting downstream wall against which gaseous fluid flow in a first flow direction impinges to turn the flow into a second flow direction to produce reverse thrust and an upstream wall round which the fluid flow turns and which has a boundary surface so formed as to support adherence of a boundary layer of the redirected fluid flow at the boundary surface. The upstream wall is provided with projecting elements to generate vortices which prevent or delay separation of the boundary layer from the boundary surface of the upstream wall. Alternatively, the upstream wall is formed with a plurality of flow apertures which are connected by a duct to a pressure differential region or source to cause gaseous fluid to flow through the boundary surface of the upstream wall to prevent or delay separation of the boundary layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Short Brothers PLC
    Inventors: Michael John Hatrick, Edward Maurice Ashford, Finbarr McEvoy
  • Patent number: 6148607
    Abstract: A thrust reverser for aircraft gas-turbine engines includes latch devices that display a tell-tale visible indication when thrust reverser shutters (doors, etc.) are ajar. A latch of the lock at least partly projects from a wall (13, 14) radially bounding the annular structure (12) of the thrust reverser (10) when the latch (37) is in the open mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Hispano Suiza Aerostructures
    Inventors: Pierre Andre Marcel Baudu, Patrick Gonidec, Pascal Gerard Rouyer, Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 6145786
    Abstract: A latching mechanism is disclosed for a jet engine thrust reverser having a thrust reverser door movably connected to an engine cowling with a reverse thrust opening, the thrust reverser door being movable between a forward thrust position, in which the thrust reverser door covers the reverse thrust opening, and a reverse thrust position, in which the reverse thrust opening is uncovered. The latching mechanism has a lock bar mounted on the thrust reverser door, the lock bar having a distal end, and a latch member pivotally located on the cowling, the latch member having a slot engaged by the distal end of the lock bar when the thrust reverser door is in the forward thrust position. The latch member is movable between a latched position, in which the latch member prevents disengagement of the distal end of the lock bar from the slot, so as to lock the thrust reverser door in the forward thrust position, and an unlatched position which permits disengagement of the distal end of the lock bar from the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Hispano-Suiza Aerostructures
    Inventors: Pierre Andre Marcel Baudu, Patrick Gonidec, Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 6145301
    Abstract: A turbojet-engine thrust reverser includes bypass flow deflectors (3) which in a forward thrust mode are retracted into a wall of the primary cowling (4) of the engine and which are driven by linear actuator (6) mounted inside the primary cowling (4) to form an annular flow-deflecting assembly aft of the outlet of the bypass flow duct for producing thrust reversal. Each deflector (3) is independently driven by an actuator (6) and a linkage element (9) into rotation about one or more displaceable pivots (12) which in turn is or are translated by at least one linear actuator along one or more longitudinal guide elements (10). Each actuator (6) is connected to a deflector at the downstream end of the deflector and drives the associated deflector downstream end in an upstream or forward direction, the guide elements extending in a fore and aft direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Hispano-Suiza Aerostructures
    Inventors: Patrick Gonidec, Pascal Gerard Rouyer, Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 6101807
    Abstract: A gas flow guide is disclosed for an aircraft jet engine thrust reverser having a thrust reverser door movably connected to an engine cowling so as to move between forward and reverse thrust positions, the cowling having a reverse thrust opening bounded by a forward edge having a deflector, an opposite lateral side edges, an inner surface of the cowling forming an outer boundary of a gas flow duct, a forward inner surface of the thrust reverser door tapering toward an outer surface so as to form a cavity opening into the gas flow duct when the thrust reverser door is in the forward thrust position, wherein the gas flow guide has at least one guide vane connected to the cowling so as to be located within the cavity when the thrust reverser door is in the forward thrust position and located rearwardly of the deflector extending from the forward edge so as to guide the gas passing through the reverse thrust opening when the thrust reverser door is in the reverse thrust position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Hispano-Suiza
    Inventors: Patrick Gonidec, Pascal Gerard Rouyer, Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 6094908
    Abstract: A thrust reverser is disclosed for a high bypass ratio turbofan jet engine having a cowling with an inner surface forming an outer boundary of a gas flow duct, the cowling having a plurality of lateral openings and a plurality of thrust reverser doors connected to the cowling so as to be movable between forward thrust positions and reverse thrust positions. The thrust reverser also includes a plurality of linear actuators, one linear actuator connected to the cowling and to each thrust reverser door so as to move the thrust reverser doors between their forward and reverse thrust positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Hispano-Suiza Aerostructures
    Inventors: Pierre Andre Marcel Baudu, Patrick Gonidec, Pascal Gerard Rouyer, Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 6082096
    Abstract: A turbojet-engine thrust reverser comprising at least one pivoting hollow door (3) which in the forward-thrust mode is integrated into the external cowling and which in the thrust-reversal mode constitutes a flow-deflecting obstacle by forming a scoop. A movable deflecting cascade (23) comprising vanes is combined with each door (3). The movable cascade (23) hinges about a pivot (24) and comprises at least one upstream portion forming a deflector (26) projecting, in the thrust-reversal mode of the door (3), beyond the outer surface of an outer panel (4) of this door (3) in such manner that any interference between the exhaust flow from the door (3) and the flow deflected to the outside of the door (3) is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Hispano Suiza Aerostructures
    Inventor: Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 6079201
    Abstract: A self-closing pivoting door thrust reverser is disclosed in which the linkage interconnecting the thrust reverser door and the thrust reverser panel redirects the forces acting on the thrust reverser door by the thrust reverser panel so as to provide a positive, self-closing force on the thrust reverser door urging it toward, or maintaining it in, the forward thrust position. The door actuator, the thrust reverser door and the thrust reverser panel are all pivotally connected to a link member at three spaced apart pivot points. When in the forward thrust positions, the line of force acting on the thrust reverser door by the thrust reverser panel passes through, or lies radially inwardly of the pivot axis of the thrust reverser door. Thus, the force of pressurized gases acting on the inner surface of the thrust reverser panel will urge the assembly toward its forward thrust position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Hispano--Suiza
    Inventor: Michel Christian Marie Jean
  • Patent number: 6076347
    Abstract: A thrust reverser for a turbo-fan type turbojet-engine includes hollow, scoop-type pivoting doors (3) which, in the forward-thrust mode, are integrated into the engine and fan cowling and which, in the reversed-thrust mode, constitute scoop type flow deflecting baffles. A movable upstream visor (23), when in the forward-thrust mode, is situated between the upstream edge of the door (3) and the fixed upstream structure (6) covering the downstream structure of the forward frame (8) of the thrust reverser. The control-driven upstream visor (23) pivots about a pivot mounted on the fixed thrust reverser structure and, in the thrust-reversal mode, uncovers the downstream edge of the structure of the forward frame structure (8) and presents an aerodynamic surface to guide the reverse-thrust flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Hispano-Suiza Aerostructures
    Inventors: Patrick Gonidec, Jean Fabrice Marcel Portal, Vincent Joseph Rodolphe Studer, Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 6050522
    Abstract: A thrust reverser is disclosed for a high bypass ratio turbofan jet engine having a fan cowling forming an outer boundary of an airflow duct and a jet engine structure including a jet engine cowling. The thrust reverser has a casing affixed to the jet engine structure, the casing having a plurality of attaching yokes. A first thrust reverser flap is pivotally connected to a corresponding one of the attaching yokes and is located rearwardly of an exit of the airflow duct, each first thrust reverser flap having a distal end and being movable between a forward thrust position, and a reverse thrust position. A second thrust reverser flap is pivotally connected to the distal end of a corresponding one of the first thrust reverser flaps and is also movable between a forward thrust position, and a reverse thrust position, wherein the second thrust reverser flaps also redirect air flow emanating from the air flow duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation (S.N.E.C.M.A.)
    Inventors: Pascal Noel Brossier, Philippe Jean-Pierre Pabion
  • Patent number: 6051302
    Abstract: Thrust reverser inner wall structure comprising a thermally conductive nonmetallic carbon pitch fiber honeycomb core sandwiched between a top and bottom layer. The core is adhered by a reticulated layer of adhesive to a perforated carbon fiber top layer, and adhered to a base layer of nonmetallic, nonperforated carbon fiber reinforced fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Francis W. Moore
  • Patent number: 6045091
    Abstract: An aircraft gas turbine-engine thrust-reverser specifically designed to withstand impacts possibly caused by objects propelled from the engines around which they are mounted, for instance disk or blade fragments. These impacts have the energy to distort the annular thrust-reverser structure or to break its bracing components. An emergency locking system for such thrust reverser (35) each comprises a hinging latch (38) of which one end is in the form of a hook (40) partly enclosing the lock-interfacing mechanism (43) with the latch (38) being automatically biased into closing by an elastic arrangement (47). Such a configuration allows setting up additional mechanical connections which are able to compensate for any distortion of the thrust-reverser's annular structure or for any ruptured bracing component in the event of impact by an engine piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Hispano Suiza Aerostructures
    Inventors: Pierre Andre Marcel Baudu, Patrick Gonidec, Pascal Gerard Rouyer, Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 6044641
    Abstract: A locking system is disclosed for an aircraft jet engine thrust reverser door that is movably connected to an engine cowling so as to be movable between a forward thrust position and a reverse thrust position, the cowling having a reverse thrust opening that is covered by the thrust reverser door when in the forward thrust position and uncovered when the thrust reverser door is in the reverse thrust position. The locking system has a plurality of locking devices attached to the cowling at the forward side of the reverse thrust opening with at least one locking device located on opposite sides of a longitudinal line equidistantly spaced from opposite lateral sides of the thrust reverser door such that the locking devices simultaneously lock the thrust reverser door in the forward thrust position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Hispano-Suiza
    Inventors: Pierre Andre Marcel Baudu, Patrick Gonidec, Pascal Gerard Rouyer, Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 6042053
    Abstract: An actuation activation system for an aircraft engine thrust reverser system is provided including an improved locking actuator (29), a sleeve sensor mechanism, and auto-restow control logic. The locking actuator (29) includes a lever (57) corresponding to whether the actuator is locked or unlocked. A slide-by first proximity sensor (45) is positioned near the lever and set to normally far and triggering near. The first proximity sensor produces a first trigger signal for use in the auto-restow control logic. The sensor mechanism includes a second slide-by proximity sensor and a target in communication with a thrust reverser translating sleeve. The second sensor is connected to the forward side of an engine torque box. A preferred embodiment sensor mechanism (78) is provided and includes a pivotable target arm (96) having a proximal end (98), a distal end (100), and a middle portion pivotably connected to fixed engine structure, preferably torque box (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Joe E. Sternberger, Gregory S. Hills, Kurt R. Kraft
  • Patent number: 6029439
    Abstract: A gas flow guide is disclosed for an aircraft jet engine thrust reverser having a thrust reverser door movably connected to a cowling so as to move between forward and reverse thrust positions, the cowling having a reverse thrust opening bounded by a forward edge having a deflector, an opposite lateral side edges, an inner surface of the cowling forming an outer boundary of a gas flow duct, a forward inner surface of the thrust reverser door tapering toward an outer surface so as to form a cavity opening into the gas flow duct when the thrust reverser door is in the forward thrust position, wherein the gas flow guide has at least one guide vane connected to the cowling so as to be located within the cavity when the thrust reverser door is in the forward thrust position and located rearwardly of the deflector extending from the forward edge so as to guide the gas passing through the reverse thrust opening when the thrust reverser door is in the reverse thrust position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Hispano-Suiza
    Inventors: Patrick Gonidec, Pascal Gerard Rouyer, Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 6026638
    Abstract: A thrust reverser is disclosed for an aircraft jet engine having a bypass duct enclosing a cowling with an outer cowling surface and a reverse thrust opening extending through the cowling. The thrust reverser has a thrust reverser door in the opening movable between a forward thrust position, in which the thrust reverser door covers the reverse thrust opening, and a reverse thrust position in which the thrust reverser door is moved within the thrust reverser opening, which is then uncovered, into a gas deflecting position at which position a portion of the door extends into the bypass duct. The thrust reverser door has an inner panel defining a part of the gas duct and an outer panel having an outer surface substantially flush with the outer cowling surface when the thrust reverser door is in the forward thrust position. The inner panel is sealed against the cowling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Hispano-Suiza Aerostructures
    Inventors: Patrick Gonidec, Gerard Pascal Rouyer, Bernard Guy Vauchel
  • Patent number: 6027071
    Abstract: A thrust reverser comprising a pair of symmetrical thrust reverser doors pivotally mounted on an axis which is substantially diametrically positioned with respect to the exhaust nozzle of an engine, hinge fittings secured to the doors, pivot brackets secured to a fixed part of the engine, pivot bolts securing the hinge fittings of the thrust reverser doors to the pivot brackets and forming the pivot axis for the doors, the pivot brackets having elongated openings formed therein for receiving the pivot bolts, the pivot bolts having elongated shoulders for engaging one of the elongated openings and positioning the pivot bolts therein, and a washer having an elongated boss for engaging another of the elongated openings and thereby positioning the pivot bolt in the elongated openings. A method for carrying out the trimming of the throat area is also disclosed and comprises changing the pivot bolts in order to shift the pivot axis from its original position to a new, offset position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Lair
  • Patent number: 6021636
    Abstract: An aircraft thrust reverser mechanism comprises a thrust reverser moveable between a deployed position in which at least a portion of gas flowing through the aircraft engine is redirected in a non-rearward direction and a stowed position in which gas flowing through the engine is not redirected. A thrust reverser lock is provided to prevent inadvertent deployment of the thrust reverser. The thrust reverser lock comprises a locking element rotatable about a pivot between a closed position in which the locking element prevents deployment of the thrust reverser and an open position in which the locking element permits the thrust reverser to be deployed. A retractable blocking element prevents the locking element from moving to the second position unless the blocking element is first withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Johnson, Donald I. Takeuchi, Kevin Chakkera
  • Patent number: 6009702
    Abstract: A thrust reverser is disclosed for a turbojet engine having a cowling forming an outer boundary of a gas flow duct through which gases flow from a front to a rear, the cowling having at least one reverse thrust opening communicating with the gas flow duct and a thrust reverser door pivotally connected to the cowling so as to move between a forward thrust position wherein the thrust reverser door covers the reverse thrust opening, and a reverse thrust position wherein the reverse thrust opening is uncovered and the thrust reverser door directs at least a portion of the gases flowing through the duct through the reverse thrust opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Hispano-Suiza
    Inventors: Patrick Gonidec, Gerard Pascal Rouyer, Bernard Guy Vauchel
  • Patent number: 6000216
    Abstract: A thrust reverser is disclosed for a turbojet engine having a cowling with a longitudinal axis, the cowling having an inner surface forming an outer boundary of a gas flow duct and a reverse thrust opening. The thrust reverser has a panel movable with respect to the cowling, the panel being movable between a forward thrust position in which it covers the reverse thrust opening in the cowling and reverse thrust position wherein the opening is uncovered. Thrust reversing cascades are located in the reverse thrust opening of the cowling to direct gases passing through the opening in a reverse thrust direction. A cowling frame is connected through the cowling by a flange engaging a groove on the cowling structure, the flange and the groove having mutually engaging surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Societe Hispano Suiza
    Inventor: Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 5996937
    Abstract: A variable turbofan bypass cowling includes a movable cowling assembly (12) with pivoting door type thrust reversers (20) connected to a fixed upstream cowling structure (11). The movable assembly may be translated between an upstream position whereat an upstream portion of the reverser and cowling assembly (12) is housed inside an enclosure formed by the upstream cowling structure (11) and a downstream position whereat the assembly (12) effects a variation in the exhaust duct (17) cross-section between an inner primary turbojet-engine cowling (15) and a radially inner wall of the assembly (12). The reverser doors (20) in their closed position are integrated into the cowling wall and contain at least part of the exhaust flow. When pivoted to thrust reversed positions following translation of the assembly (12) to a downstream rearward position, thrust reversal is provided in the usual manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Societe Hispano Suiza Aerostructures
    Inventors: Patrick Gonidec, Bernard Vauchel Guy
  • Patent number: 5987881
    Abstract: A thrust reverser is disclosed for an aircraft jet engine having a cowling with an outer surface and at least one reverse thrust opening, the thrust reverser including a thrust reverser door assembly movable with respect to the cowling between a forward thrust position, in which the reverse thrust opening is uncovered, and a reverse thrust position in which the thrust reverser door uncovers the reverse thrust opening. The thrust reverser door assembly includes an inner structure, an external panel movably connected to the inner structure and one or more resilient devices acting on the inner structure and the external panel to bias the external panel toward the inner structure such that, when the thrust reverser door is in the forward thrust position the external panel is displaced away from the inner structure by contact with the cowling such that an outer surface of the external panel is substantially flush with the outer surface of the cowling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Societe Hispano-Suiza Aerostructures
    Inventors: Patrick Gonidec, Pascal Gerard Rouyer, Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 5987880
    Abstract: A thrust reverser system for a gas turbine engine 10 of the type which includes an outer nacelle 16 spaced apart from a core engine to define an annular bypass duct 32 therebetween and having a fan 22 disposed in an inlet for providing forced air to the bypass duct 32 and core engine. The thrust reverser system includes at least one passageway 40 through the nacelle 16 having a plurality of vanes 42 disposed therein. An internal reverser door 44 is disposed to be movable between a closed position wherein the internal reverser door 44 generally covers the at least one passageway 40 and an open position so as to allow at least a portion of air flow in the bypass duct 32 to pass through the at least one passageway 40. At least one mixer lobe 54 is disposed upstream of the at least one passageway 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher C. Culbertson
  • Patent number: 5984241
    Abstract: An electrical lock for a moving part prevents the part from moving unless a device controlled by the part is in a safe mode. The invention may find a use in many different environments. The specific example here described is a set of reverse thruster doors on a jet engine. The lock prevents a throttle from applying or removing power unless the reverse thruster doors are properly set for such application or removal of power. The lock is removed when the doors reach full deployment or retraction, respectively, which is appropriate for the direction in which said throttle is moved. These functions are provided under the control of a single solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: MPC Products Corporation
    Inventor: Gary A. Sparks
  • Patent number: 5983625
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a thrust reverser for a turbojet engine having a cowling bounding a gas flow duct, the cowling having at least one reverse thrust opening communicating with the gas flow duct. The thrust reverser has a thrust reverser door with forward and rear portions, a first opening in the forward portion, a second opening in the rear portion and a passage communicating with the first and second openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Societe Hispano-Suiza
    Inventors: Patrick Gonidec, Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 5974783
    Abstract: A thrust reverser is disclosed for a turbofan type turbojet engine assembly with a cowling having an inner cowling surface forming an outer boundary of a gas flow duct, and an outer cowling surface spaced from the inner cowling surface, the inner and outer cowling surfaces joining at a rearmost edge of the cowling, the thrust reverser having a thrust reverser baffle with an outer baffle surface and an inner baffle surface, a forward linkrod pivotally connected to a forward portion of a thrust reverser baffle and to the cowling, and a rear linkrod pivotally connected to the thrust reverser baffle and to the cowling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Societe Hispano-Suiza
    Inventors: Patrick Gonidec, Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 5967460
    Abstract: An actuating mechanism is disclosed for a thrust reverser of a turbojet engine having an engine cowling with a reverse thrust opening, a thrust reverser door pivotally connected to the engine cowling so as to pivot between forward and reverse thrust positions, and a linear actuator having a casing with an extendable and retractable piston rod. The piston rod is connected to the thrust reverser by a first connection forming a first connection point. An interface bracket is fixedly attached to the turbojet engine structure and engages a mounting flange in a connector affixed to the actuator casing at a second connection point, the mounting flange being in contact with the interface bracket at a third connection point, the first, second and third connection points lying in a straight line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Societe Hispano-Suiza
    Inventors: Pierre Andre Marcel Baudu, Xavier Raymond Yves Lore
  • Patent number: 5960626
    Abstract: An electric control system is disclosed for a turbojet engine thrust reverser having at least one movable component movable between a forward thrust position and a reverse thrust position, the control system having at least one electromechanical drive device mechanically connected to the moveable component such that actuation of the electromechanical drive device moves the component between the forward and reverse thrust positions, and an electronic control unit electrically connected to the electromechanical drive device and to a turbojet engine control system to transmit actuation signals to the electromechanical drive device to control the movement of the component between the forward and reverse thrust positions. The electronic control system preferably also has at least one electrically actuated locking device to hold the movable component in the forward thrust position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Societe Hispano Suiza
    Inventors: Pierre Andre Marcel Baudu, Patrick Gonidec, Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 5956939
    Abstract: A bypass jet engine which includes a confluent nozzle (8) and a thrust reverser (7), controlled means (14) arranged at the periphery of the confluent nozzle (8) adjacent to the mouth of an annular bypass duct (4) and inside this nozzle to vary the confluence cross section. The bypass jet engine also includes means of shifting the pivot pins (20) of the reverser doors (7) in order to reduce the cross section of the outlet orifice of the nozzle when the controlled means (14) of varying the confluence cross section increase the confluence cross section and, conversely, to increase the cross section of the outlet orifice of the nozzle when the controlled means (14) reduce the confluence cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Etienne Fage
  • Patent number: 5953904
    Abstract: A lock for an engine thrust reverser comprises a latch member (2) that cooperates with a thrust reverser door to keep it closed. An actuator plunger (9) moves longitudinally to cooperate with the latch member (2) to hold it against movement that would allow the door to open. Either a sleeve (12) is located longitudinally on the plunger (9) so that opposite lateral sides thereof are engaged between the latch member (2) and a fixed abutment (13) to hold the door closed, or the plunger controls a pivoted pawl (32) that is loaded in compression by the latch member (2) when under a door-opening load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Dowty Boulton Paul Limited
    Inventor: Arthur Derek Mountney
  • Patent number: 5937636
    Abstract: A thrust reverser is disclosed for an aircraft turbojet engine having a cowling with an inner surface forming an outer boundary of a gas flow duct, the cowling having at least one reverse thrust opening and a thrust reverser door pivotally attached to the cowling so as to move between a forward thrust position, wherein the thrust reverser door closes the at least one reverse thrust opening and a reverse thrust position, wherein a forward portion of the thrust reverser door moves outwardly from the cowing and a rear portion of the door moves inwardly into the gas flow duct so as to redirect a first portion of the gases flowing through the gas flow duct through the reverse thrust opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Societe HISPANO-SUIZA
    Inventors: Patrick Gonidec, Pascal Gerard Rouyer, Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 5934613
    Abstract: The thrust reverser for a turbo-fan engine is comprised of: a plurality of oors located in openings radially spaced in a shroud enclosing the engine and canalizing the jet flow from the engine, the doors being adapted to be pivoted, within a fixed structure, from a stowed position, in which they do not interfere with the jet flow, to a deployed position in which they block the jet flow and deflect it through the openings; an actuator having a body attached to the fixed structure and a rod attached to the center of each pivoting door for moving the door from the stowed position to the deployed position, and vice versa; and sealing elements comprising a main seal provided on the fixed structure and a separate annular seal located around the actuator body, the sealing elements mating with each door, when in the stowed position, and with the fixed structure to prevent pressure leakage of the jet flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Societe de Construction des Avions Hurel-Dubois (societe anonyme)
    Inventors: Robert R. Standish, Alain Fournier
  • Patent number: 5930991
    Abstract: A pivoting door type thrust reverser assembly for a dual flow engine incls a fixed cowling construction with a front body portion (9) and a rear body portion (12) joined by longitudinal beams (10,11) and defining reversal chambers in each of which a door (7) is pivotably received. The door pivot pins (17) are carried by two pairs of struts (15,16) such that the pivot pins are spaced from the engine axis X-X'.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Societe de Construcion des Avions Hurel-Dubois (societe anonyme
    Inventors: Alain M. Fournier, Bernard Laboure
  • Patent number: 5927647
    Abstract: An improvement in the translating cowl of a cascade type thrust reverser for a high bypass aircraft jet engine that provides a novel blocker door frame arrangement for the inner panel of such cowl. A plurality of forwardly opening spaced circumferentially arranged apertures are provided in the inner panel of the translating cowl and an outer edge portion of a one piece imperforate blocker door frame is sealingly inserted in each such opening by extending the edge portion between the facing sheets of the inner panel for bonding thereto. Each blocker door frame is configured to receive a blocker door that is hinged to such frame at the forward portion of the frame and which is connected by a drag link to a core cowl of the aircraft engine. An annular reinforcing section is secured to the inner surfaces of the blocker door frames and to an end slider portion of the translating cowl for longitudinal reciprocal motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Abbott R. Masters, Ruben Garcia, Norman J. James
  • Patent number: 5915651
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for inhibiting the formation of inlet vortices in a turbofan engine/nacelle installation 10 for use with an aircraft. The present invention redirects fan air from a fan air bypass duct 16, in a generally downward direction from the outer nacelle 18 in order to generate an air curtain 48 for inhibiting inlet vortex formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Sam Isamu Asaki, Kenneth Jack Cooper, Gordon L. Hamilton, Christopher J. Johns, James R. Jones, James G. McComb
  • Patent number: 5904041
    Abstract: A fail safe emergency lock for a thrust reverser is disclosed in which the thrust reverser is located on a jet engine having a cowling bounding a gas flow duct, the cowling having at least one reverse thrust opening in communication with the gas flow duct. The thrust reverser has a thrust reverser panel movably mounted on the cowling so as to be movable between a forward thrust position, in which the thrust reverser panel covers the reverse thrust opening, and a reverse thrust position in which the reverse thrust opening is uncovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Societe Hispano-Suiza Aerostructures
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Patrice Dhainault
  • Patent number: 5904320
    Abstract: A blockerless thrust reverser for an aircraft having a podded nacelle housing a turbofan engine which produces core flow and a fan exit stream. Reverse thrust is obtained by diverting the fan exit stream into an annular slot formed in an outer wall of the nacelle where it is turned and discharged forwardly. The fan exit stream is directed into the annular slot by injecting high pressure streams of core flow into the fan exit stream at positions which are upstream of and adjacent to the annular slot. Reverse thrust is selectively obtained by a control means which selectively opens and closes the annular slot and the core jet injectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Northrop Gunman Corporation
    Inventor: Runyon H. Tindell
  • Patent number: 5899059
    Abstract: A thrust reverser is disclosed for a turbojet engine having a cowling forming an outer boundary for a gas flow duct, the cowling having at least one reverse thrust opening communicating with the gas flow duct. The thrust reverser includes a thrust reverser door pivotally attached to the cowling so as to move between a forward thrust position, in which the reverse thrust opening is uncovered and the thrust reverser door covers the reverse thrust opening, and a reverse thrust position in which the thrust reverser door directs at least a portion of the gas flow from the duct through the reverse thrust opening. A panel is incorporated into the thrust reverser such that it is movable between a first position in which an inner surface of the panel forms a portion of the outer boundary of the gas flow duct and a second position wherein the entire panel is located within the gas flow duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Societe Hispano-Suiza
    Inventors: Patrick Gonidec, Gerard Rouyer Pascal, Bernard Vauchel Guy
  • Patent number: 5893265
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a thrust reverser for a turbojet engine having a cowling bounding a flow duct through which gases flow from the front of the cowling towards a rear of the cowling, the cowling having at least one reverse thrust opening communicating with the gas flow duct. The thrust reverser has a thrust reverser door pivotally mounted on the cowling so as to be movable between a forward and a thrust position, wherein the thrust reverser door covers the reverse thrust opening, and a reverse thrust position wherein the thrust reverser door uncovers the reverse thrust opening and directs at least a portion of the gases flowing through the gas flow duct outwardly through the reverse thrust opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Societe Hispano-Suiza
    Inventors: Patrick Gonidec, Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 5875995
    Abstract: A novel pivoting door thrust reverser which provides a nozzle for the exhaust of a bypass engine that ensures a smooth continuous flow path for the exhaust without leakage around the pivoted upper and lower reverser doors. The upper reverser door is provided with a pair of biased cooperating crescent shaped kicker members that are biased outwardly in a controlled movement when the doors are deployed to deflect the upper portion of the reversed exhaust efflux forwardly in a predetermined direction to avoid interference with the control surfaces of the aircraft. The lower reverser door is provided with pivoted splitter plates that are biased outwardly when the door is deployed to abut and form a unitary splitter element that divides the lower exhaust efflux into two portions that are directed forwardly and away from the inlet of the engine to preclude foreign object damage to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Moe, Roy E. Cariola, Dennis E. Lymons
  • Patent number: 5863014
    Abstract: The thrust reverser has an external cowl and a fixed engine core cowl, defining together an annular duct through which high bypass fan air is driven rearwardly. The external cowl has a section adapted to be translated between forward and rearward positions, under control of linear actuators. The translating section includes openings fitted with doors pivotally mounted on the translating section and linked to the engine core cowl so that the translating section translating movement in a rearwardly direction causes the doors to pivot from a stowed position in which they close the openings and a deployed position in which they block the annular duct. The thrust reverser includes only two such doors, the surface area occupied by each door representing more than 30% of the peripheral surface area of the inner wall of a portion of the translating section limited by the vertical planes including the upstream end of the translating section and the pivot axis of the door, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Societe de Construction des Avions Hurel-Dubois
    Inventor: Robert R. Standish
  • Patent number: 5852928
    Abstract: A thrust reverser is disclosed for a turbofan jet engine having a fan cowling with an inner surface and a rear edge, and a jet engine cowling having an outer surface spaced from the inner surface of the fan cowling so as to form an annular gas flow duct, the engine cowling extending rearwardly of the rear edge of the fan cowling. A first thrust reverser baffle is located rearwardly of the rear edge of the fan cowling and is pivotally attached to the engine cowling so as to be movable between a forward thrust position, wherein a first surface of the first thrust reverser baffle forms a portion of the outer surface of the engine cowling, and a reverse thrust position in which a first end of the first baffle moves away from the engine cowling such that the first baffle extends into the gas flow from the gas flow duct so as to redirect at least a portion of the gas flow in a reverse thrust direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Societe Hispano-Suiza
    Inventor: Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 5853148
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thrust reverser for a bypass jet engine that reverses the fan flow. The thrust reverser is installed in the fixed outer cowl and is comprised of pivoting doors that block the fan flow in order to create reverse thrust. A translating annular nozzle is located aft of the pivoting doors in the stowed position, preventing in flight inadvertent deployment. When the nozzle are translated aft, the doors are free to pivot and, at the same time, the section of the fan nozzle can be adjusted to produce more or less fan flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Societe de Construction des Avions Hurel-Dubois
    Inventors: Robert R. Standish, Bernard Laboure
  • Patent number: 5836149
    Abstract: The invention concerns a thrust reverser for a jet engine, of the type having swing doors (6) pivoting about fixed transverse pivots (7) secured to the rear end of flanges extending in line with pipe of the engine. According to the invention, each door (6) is borne by a connecting piece (10) offset towards the front with respect to a transverse plane passing through the pivot axis and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the door. Furthermore, the fairing (4a, 4b) extends as far as the rear end of the flanges, the said fairing and each door (6) being arranged, on the one hand, so as to cover completely the flanges in the folded position of the said door, and, on the other hand, to enable each door (6) to be brought into its deployed position without any interference between the said fairing and door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Conception Aeronautique Du Sud-Ouest
    Inventor: Guy Servanty
  • Patent number: 5826823
    Abstract: An actuator and safety lock system for a pivoting door thrust reverser for an aircraft jet engine. An actuator having a plunger upon which an integral carriage is secured is slidably disposed upon a central guide rod which extends from the actuator. An over center link mechanism is pivotally secured to the carriage and to the thrust reverser doors so that upon movement from an extended position that locks the associated reverser doors in a locked position to a retracted position the doors are rotated to an open, deployed position. An actuator is positioned in each side beam of the fixed structure of a thrust reverser and provides a simple mechanism to operate a target type pivoting door thrust reverser and significantly reduces the bulk of such side beam and reduces the weight and aerodynamic drag of such side beam and contained mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis E. Lymons, Michael R. Aten
  • Patent number: 5819527
    Abstract: A thrust reverser for a turbo-fan engine having an improved system for security against inflight inadvertent deployment. The reverser has two pivoting doors for use on engines mounted on an aircraft rear fuselage or under the aircraft wing. The pivoting doors are positioned forward of an aft ring structure that is essentially the nacelle exit nozzle in forward thrust mode. The pivoting doors are actuated by a hydraulic actuator and are locked and unlocked by hook locks operated by an electric solenoid on one side of the door and a small hydraulic actuator on the opposite side. The two locking systems are completely independent, thereby assuring that an inadvertent in-flight deployment will not occur as a result from failure, faulty command or maintenance malpractice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Societe de Construction des Avions Hurel-Dubois
    Inventor: Alain M. Fournier
  • Patent number: 5819528
    Abstract: A thrust reverser for a turbojet engine is disclosed having a first thrust reverser door pivotally attached to the engine cowling so as to be movable between a forward thrust position and a reverse thrust position, the first thrust reverser door having a first inner surface forming a portion of the outer boundary of the gas flow duct when the first thrust reverser door is in the forward thrust position, a first outer surface and a rear portion which extends into the gas flow duct when the first thrust reverser door is in the reverse thrust position so as to direct at least a portion of the gases passing through the duct outwardly through an opening in the cowling, and a second thrust reverser door pivotally connected to the cowling so as to also be movable between a forward thrust position and a reverse thrust position, the second thrust reverser door having a second outer surface which, with the first inner surface of the first thrust reverser door, form opposite boundaries of a passage directing the gases i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Societe Hispano Suiza
    Inventor: Bertrand H. E. F. P. Masson
  • Patent number: 5813220
    Abstract: A thrust reverser is disclosed in which a panel is pivotally attached to the cowling downstream of the movable thrust reverser door and is connected to the door such that movement of the thrust reverser door causes the panel to pivot about its attachment to the cowling. When the door is in its forward thrust position, the inner wall of the door and an inner wall of the panel form a portion of the boundary of the duct through which pass pressurized gases. The pressurized gases exert forces on the inner wall of the door and the inner surface of the panel such that the forces urge the thrust reverser door toward its forward thrust position. Thus, the thrust reverser door is prevented from being inadvertently deployed toward its reverse thrust position even upon failure or malfunction of the door locking or latching mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Societe Hispano Suiza
    Inventors: Jean-Fabrice Marcel Portal, Guy B. Vauchel