Shaft Transmission Train Having Flexible Means Or Coupling Patents (Class 415/124.2)
  • Patent number: 11953227
    Abstract: A fresh air module and an air conditioner are provided. The fresh air module has a housing and a fan assembly. The housing has a fresh air duct inside the housing. The fan assembly has a motor and a wind wheel disposed in the fresh air duct. The motor has a motor body and a motor shaft. The motor shaft drives the wind wheel to rotate, so as to guide airflow to flow through the fresh air duct. The motor cover is arranged on the housing and outside of the fresh air duct. A motor accommodating cavity is defined in the motor cover and accommodates the motor body. A partition member is formed between the motor accommodating cavity and the fresh air duct to separate the motor accommodating cavity from the fresh air duct. The motor shaft penetrates through the partition to connect with the wind wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: GD MIDEA AIR-CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuanle Zhou
  • Patent number: 11619227
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a positive displacement pump having an eccentric piston, comprising a tube having a first end and a second end that is terminated by a cylinder secured to a delivery zone, the tube including an intake opening and a delivery opening, a drive shaft extending between the transmission zone and the tube, a piston arranged in the delivery zone and mounted in a sliding manner at the end of the shaft, being pressed against the cylinder by an elastic presser so as to prevent fluid displacement between the tube and the delivery zone when the pump is dry, and the elastic presser is provided to press the piston against the cylinder when the pump is running under load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: MOUVEX
    Inventors: Yann Besnier, Alexis Fontaine
  • Patent number: 11536203
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan, a fan shaft coupled with the fan and arranged along an engine central axis, and a frame supporting the fan shaft. The frame defines a lateral frame stiffness (LFS). A non-rotatable flexible coupling and a rotatable flexible coupling support an epicyclic gear system. The couplings are subject to a Motion II of cantilever beam free end motion with respect to the engine central axis. The non-rotatable and the rotatable flexible couplings each have a stiffness of a common stiffness type under a common type of motion. The common stiffness type is a Stiffness B and the common type of motion is the Motion II. The Stiffness B of the rotatable flexible coupling is greater than the stiffness B of the non-rotatable flexible coupling, and a ratio of LFS/Stiffness B of the non-rotatable flexible coupling is in a range of 10-40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William G. Sheridan, John R. Otto
  • Patent number: 11506185
    Abstract: A main bearing unit for supporting the rotor shaft of a wind turbine, including a rolling bearing having an inner ring, an outer ring and a rolling element arrangement received between the outer and inner ring and a coupling arrangement which is designed to couple the rotor shaft to an output shaft of the wind turbine at least indirectly and so as to transmit torque. The rotor shaft is coupled to one of the outer and inner ring so as to transmit torque. The coupling arrangement is coupled so as to transmit torque to the one of the outer and inner ring as the rotor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: IMO HOLDING GMBH
    Inventors: Hubertus Frank, Erich Russ
  • Patent number: 11187233
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a molten metal pump comprising an elongated pumping chamber tube with a base end and an open top end. A shaft extends into the tube and rotates an impeller therein, the impeller rotates proximate the base end. The tube has a diameter at least 1.1 times the diameter of the impeller. The pumping chamber tube preferably has a length at least three times the height of the impeller. The base end includes an inlet and the top end includes a tangential outlet. Rotation of the impeller draws molten metal into the pumping chamber and creates a rotating equilibrium vortex that rises up the walls of the pumping chamber. The rotating vortex adjacent the top end exists the device cia the tangential outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: PYROTEK, INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Bright, Jason Tetkoskie, Richard S. Henderson, Herbert L. Ritchie, Jr., Jorge A. Morando
  • Patent number: 11181088
    Abstract: An internal-combustion engine starting device includes a switch section, a motor section, a transmission mechanism section, and a pinion gear section, wherein the transmission mechanism section is configured of a planetary gear train including a pinion which is connected to the rotating shaft of the motor section, a plurality of planetary gears to which the rotation of the pinion is transmitted, and an internal gear which receives the rotation of the planetary gears; and of a machine casing in which is housed the planetary gear train, and wherein elastic bodies are each fitted between a protruding portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the internal gear and a recessed portion in which to receive the protruding portion, and clearances are formed between the internal gear and the machine casing via the elastic bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Junji Kida, Kazuhiro Odahara
  • Patent number: 10935048
    Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a center body support for a gas turbine engine includes a fan exit guide vane mounting ring and an outer annular wall. An aft flange extends radially outward from the outer annular wall. An inner annular wall is radially spaced from and structurally interconnected to the outer annular wall by a circumferential array of struts. A brace interconnects the aft flange to a forward portion of the outer annular wall. The aft flange includes inner and outer mounting features spaced radially apart from one another. The inner and outer mounting feature respectively receive first and second sets of fasteners. The forward portion extends in a radially outward direction from the outer annular wall. The forward portion includes a forward mounting feature that receives a third set of fasteners. The outer and forward mounting features are secured to the fan exit guide vane mounting ring respectively by the first and third sets of fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Ditomasso, Gregory E. Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 9970320
    Abstract: An exhaust housing hub of a turbomachine, including a connecting wall and an inner channel wall, the connecting wall connecting the inner channel wall to inner attachment flanges, wherein a radial section of the connecting wall is curved and can be formed, as required, as a single component with the inner channel wall, the hub also including a series of ribs extending radially between the connecting wall and the inner channel wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Mario Cesar De Sousa, Frederic Noel, Nicolas Pommier, Olivier Renon
  • Patent number: 9709100
    Abstract: A component that is to be mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation and transmits torque along with a rotating partner includes a first serration that extends about the axis of rotation and is to mesh with the rotating partner which has an adequate second serration mating with the first serration. The first serration has a plurality of teeth which have tooth tips extending substantially in the direction of the axis of rotation and tooth valleys located between the tooth tips. The tooth tips of the first serration each have a meshing edge forming a first line, while the tooth valleys located between the teeth each define a second line. At least two adjacent second lines intersect at an imaginary point lying between the axis of rotation and the maximum circumference of the first serration, in the semicircular surface beyond the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: NEAPCO EUROPE GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Felchner, Luis Hoeks, Wolfgang Jackels
  • Patent number: 9587624
    Abstract: A wind turbine rotor includes a number of blades (5) which are rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation and a number of blade supports (12) each supporting a respective blade (5). Each blade support includes a pair of legs (14) which are spaced apart along the axis of rotation. A pair of hub supports (62) support the legs (14), with the hub supports (62) also being spaced apart along the axis of rotation. The rotor further includes a pair of bearing systems (52), each bearing system being associated with one of the hub supports (62) and each bearing system rotatably supporting its associated hub support so as to allow its associated hub support to rotate about the axis of rotation. Each hub support allows the communication of forces between the blades (5), and each hub support includes at least a pair of radially extending walls (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Eystein Borgen
  • Patent number: 9540956
    Abstract: An integrated single-piece exhaust system (SPEX) with modular construction that facilitates design changes for enhanced aerodynamics, structural integrity or serviceability. The SPEX defines splined or curved exhaust path surfaces, such as a series of cylindrical and frusto-conical sections that mimic curves. The constructed sections may include: (i) a tail cone assembly fabricated from conical sections that taper downstream to a reduced diameter; or (ii) an area-ruled cross section axially aligned with one or more rows of turbine struts; or both features. Modular inner and outer diameter inlet lips enhance transitional flow between the last row blades and the SPEX, as well as enhance structural integrity. Modular strut collars have large radius profiles between the SPEX annular inner diameter and outer diameter flow surfaces, for enhanced airflow and constant thickness walls for uniform heat transfer and thermal expansion. Scalloped mounting flanges enhance structural integrity and longevity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Anil L. Salunkhe, John A. Orosa, Yevgeniy Shteyman, Matthew R. Porter, Lijuan Han, Matthew J. Delisa, III, Daniel F. Riveros
  • Patent number: 9518612
    Abstract: A curvic coupling for rotational coupling is provided herein. The curvic coupling includes: plural teeth arranged in a circle and protruding from a circle plane extending in a radial direction and a circumferential direction, wherein a side surface of a tooth of the plural teeth is opposite to a side surface of another tooth of the plural teeth, and wherein the tooth is adjacent to the other tooth and is separated from the other tooth by a separating surface. The separating surface includes a flat surface lying in the circle plane, wherein the separating surface includes a central protrusion between the side surface of the tooth and the side surface of the other tooth, and wherein the protrusion protrudes from the circle plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Adrian Brathwaite, Shane Butler
  • Patent number: 8967950
    Abstract: A turbine driving a planet gear and an epicyclic gear train and including a planet pinion cage and a ring driving two propellers in rotation, is connected to the planet gear through a flexible sleeve surrounding a turbine support shaft rather than through a support shaft itself to achieve a flexible assembly with a limit stop position in contact with the shaft to limit parasite internal forces applied to the epicyclic gear train without tolerating a loose assembly or breakage of the sleeve due to a condition of the limit stop after a clearance has been eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Gilles Alain Charier, Francois Gallet
  • Publication number: 20150037143
    Abstract: A coupling includes a first element having an annular projection and a second element having an annular recess. Both the first element and the second element have a common axis. A radius of the annular projection varies circumferentially around the axis to thereby define a connection profile. The annular projection is removably accommodated within the annular recess to couple the first and second elements to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Wayne MILLER
  • Patent number: 8944748
    Abstract: A fluid pump device, in particular for a medical application, is described having a compressible pump housing and rotor, as well as with a drive shaft which runs in a sleeve and on whose end the fluid pump is arranged. In order to utilize all possibilities of a space-saving arrangement of the respective pump housing of the rotor, which is compressible per se, and as the case a bearing arrangement, the mentioned elements are displaceable to one another in the axial direction compared to an operation position. In particular these elements may be end-configured by way of an axial movement of the drive shaft after the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: ECP Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventor: Reiner Liebing
  • Publication number: 20150023785
    Abstract: A coupling to attach an impeller of a compressor to a shaft of an electric motor. The coupling has a coupling body that is attached at a first of the ends thereof to the impeller and at the opposite second end, to the motor shaft. The coupling body has a deformable section between the first and second ends of the coupling body. The deformable section is configured such that under an unbalanced loading exerted against the coupling body upon a failure of the impeller, the deformable section will permanently deform without the ultimate strength of a material forming the coupling body being exceeded and prior to a permanent deformation of the shaft. In such manner, the electric motor is protected from damage upon a failure of the impeller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Stanko, Carl L. Schwarz, William J. Owens
  • Patent number: 8915702
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a central body support that provides an inner annular wall for a core flow path. The central body support includes a first mount feature. A geared architecture interconnects a spool and a fan rotatable about an axis. A flex support interconnects the geared architecture to the central body support. The flex support includes a second mount feature that cooperates with the first mount feature for transferring torque there between. A method of disassembling a front architecture of a gas turbine engine includes the steps of accessing forward-facing fasteners that secure a central body support to a flex support, wherein the flex support includes a geared architecture supported thereon, removing the fasteners, and decoupling first and second mount features respectively provided on the central body support and the flex support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Otto, Brian P. Cigal, Sunil Sharma
  • Patent number: 8911203
    Abstract: A turbofan engine comprises an engine case. A gaspath extends through the engine case. A fan has a circumferential array of fan blades. A fan case encircles the fan blades radially outboard of the engine case. A plurality of fan case vanes extend aftward and outward from the engine case to the fan case. A forward frame comprises a plurality of vanes radially across the gaspath. A torque box couples the fan case vanes to the forward frame. A transmission couples a shaft to a fan shaft to drive the fan. A fan bearing assembly couples a stationary forward hub structure to the fan shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory E. Reinhardt, Karl D. Blume, John P. Tirone, III, John C. Ditomasso, Enzo DiBenedetto, Jason W. Mazanec
  • Patent number: 8911204
    Abstract: A method for servicing a gas turbine engine includes disassembling a bearing compartment, providing access from a forward side of the gas turbine engine to a gearbox contained within said bearing compartment. The gas turbine engine provides a core flow path that extends from the forward side aftward in a core flow direction. The method includes servicing a component located within the bearing compartment. A method for servicing a gas turbine engine includes providing access from a forward side of a front center body assembly, and servicing a component located within a bearing compartment aft of the front center body assembly. The gas turbine engine includes a seal package located aft of a bearing package. A front wall is mounted to the front center body support and is removable from a front center body support to access at least one of the gearbox, the bearing package and the seal package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Todd A. Davis, Brian P. Cigal
  • Patent number: 8911211
    Abstract: A wind turbine is described. The turbine includes a hub with one or more blades that rotatably mounted on a frame and operatively coupled to a shaft. The shaft is provided at least partially internally to the frame, and a center piece from which a plurality of spokes extends substantially radially is mounted on the shaft. The hub is provided with a plurality of circumferentially arranged axial protrusions. Flexible elements are arranged to connect the spokes to the protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Alstom Wind, S.L.U.
    Inventors: Daniel Castell Martínez, Carlos Casanovas Bermejo
  • Publication number: 20140363276
    Abstract: An ultra high bypass ratio turbofan engine includes a variable pitch fan, a low pressure turbine, a reduction gearbox, and a plurality of outlet guide vanes. The ultra high bypass ratio turbofan engine has a bypass ratio between about 18 and about 40. The variable pitch fan and the low pressure turbine are coupled together by the reduction gearbox. The reduction gearbox reduces the speed of the variable pitch fan relative to the low pressure turbine. The plurality of outlet guide vanes are spaced aft of the variable pitch fan and are axially swept. The variable pitch fan and the low pressure turbine are configured to generate a fan pressure ratio between about 1.15 and about 1.24.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicants: Rolls-Royce Corporation, Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel K. Vetters, Michael Karam, Roy D. Fulayter
  • Publication number: 20140252769
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine including high and low pressure shafts, an electromechanical device having a rotor and a stator coupled such that the rotor is rotatable with respect to the stator, the rotor having a device gear secured thereto, the device being secured to a support structure in a bearing housing forming part of a bearing assembly supporting a portion of the low pressure shaft extending in proximity of the high pressure shaft and of the shaft gear, and a coupling idle gear secured for rotation about a stationary gear support mounted in the bearing housing, the idle gear being in toothed engagement with the shaft gear and with the device gear. An electromechanical device assembly for a gas turbine engine and a method of operating an electromechanical device are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: David MENHEERE, Andreas ELEFTHERIOU, Richard KOSTKA
  • Patent number: 8814503
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan shaft and a support which supports the fan shaft. The support defines a support lateral stiffness. A gear system drives the fan shaft. A flexible support at least partially supports the gear system, and defines a flexible support lateral stiffness with respect to the support lateral stiffness. An input to the gear system defines an input lateral stiffness with respect to the support lateral stiffness. A method of designing a gas turbine engine is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Jason Husband
  • Publication number: 20140234079
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a flex mount for a fan drive gear system. A very high speed fan drive turbine drives the fan drive gear system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Jason Husband, Frederick M. Schwarz, Daniel Bernard Kupratis, Gabriel L. Suciu, William K. Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20140227079
    Abstract: A compression system may include a compressor having first and second sides separated by a division wall, first and second shafts, and first and second radial bearings. The first and second shafts may be axially connected to each other at respective first ends via a rotor portion of an intermediate radial bearing. The rotor portion may include a plurality of laminations stacked between first and second plates fastened to each other. The first radial bearing may be disposed on a first side of the intermediate radial bearing and may be proximate a second end of the first shaft. The first radial bearing may be configured to support the first shaft. The second radial bearing may be disposed on a second side of the intermediate radial bearing and may be proximate a second end of the second shaft. The second radial bearing may be configured to support the second shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: DRESSER-RAND COMPANY
    Inventors: Jose L. Gilarranz, Timothy R. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20140219774
    Abstract: An example turbomachine geared architecture support assembly includes a subpart having a more compliant portion and a less compliant portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: John R. Otto
  • Patent number: 8794909
    Abstract: A water pump for a vehicle, may include a first shaft fixed to a pulley to be rotated thereby, a second shaft fixed to an impeller for pumping, and clutch that is disposed between the first shaft and the second shaft to selectively connect the first and second shafts to transfer a rotation torque of the first shaft to the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Bong Sang Lee
  • Publication number: 20140196471
    Abstract: A disclosed gear assembly support for a gas turbine engine includes a first portion configured for attachment to a case of the gas turbine engine and a second portion configured for supporting a gear assembly. The support further includes a snap portion defining a fit within the case. The snap portion includes a tunable feature for adjusting a fit within the case. A torque reacting portion of the support transfers torque from the second portion to the first portion separate from the snap portion and include separately tunable features fore adjusting the snap fit independent of the torque transfer portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8770922
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan shaft and a support which supports the fan shaft. The support defines at least one of a support transverse and a support lateral stiffness. A gear system drives the fan shaft. A flexible support at least partially supports the gear system, and defines at least one of a flexible support transverse and a flexible support lateral stiffness with respect to at least one of the support transverse and the support lateral stiffness. An input to the gear system defines at least one of an input transverse and an input lateral stiffness with respect to at least one of the support transverse and the support lateral stiffness. A method of designing a gas turbine engine is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Jason Husband
  • Publication number: 20140161592
    Abstract: Turbine engine (1), especially for aircraft, comprising a power gear box shaft (30), a turbine shaft (28), and a connecting part (38) of annular shape by which one end of the power gear box shaft (30) and one end of the turbine shaft (28) are connected in a rotationally fixed manner, the turbine engine also including a structural housing (3) and a guide bearing (44) for guiding the connecting part (38) relative to the housing (3), the guide bearing (44) being mounted between the connecting part (38) and the housing (3) and comprising an external ring (48) mounted on the housing (3), an internal ring (46) mounted on the connecting part (38) and at least one rolling element (50a, 50b) configured in order to enable the external ring (48) to roll around the internal ring (46), characterised in that the guide bearing (44) is configured in order to form a ball joint link (R) enabling a relative angular displacement of its external ring with respect to its internal ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Olivier Belmonte, Julien Austruy, Mathieu Perrier
  • Publication number: 20140140819
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan shaft and a support which supports the fan shaft. The support defines a support lateral stiffness. A gear system drives the fan shaft. A flexible support at least partially supports the gear system, and defines a flexible support lateral stiffness with respect to the support lateral stiffness. An input to the gear system defines an input lateral stiffness with respect to the support lateral stiffness. A method of designing a gas turbine engine is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Jason Husband
  • Publication number: 20140140818
    Abstract: A method for servicing a gas turbine engine includes disassembling a bearing compartment, providing access from a forward side of the gas turbine engine to a gearbox contained within said bearing compartment. The gas turbine engine provides a core flow path that extends from the forward side aftward in a core flow direction. The method includes servicing a component located within the bearing compartment. A method for servicing a gas turbine engine includes providing access from a forward side of a front center body assembly, and servicing a component located within a bearing compartment aft of the front center body assembly. The gas turbine engine includes a seal package located aft of a bearing package. A front wall is mounted to the front center body support and is removable from a front center body support to access at least one of the gearbox, the bearing package and the seal package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130302144
    Abstract: A power transmission system for increasing the rotational speed from a rotor of a wind turbine comprises a main shaft configured to be driven by the rotor, a support structure, and a gearbox. The support structure includes at least one bearing supporting the main shaft for rotation about the main axis, with no other degrees of freedom between the main shaft and support structure. The gearbox includes a gearbox housing rigidly coupled to the support structure and a gearbox input member coupled to the main shaft. The gearbox housing supports the gearbox input member for rotation about the main axis without any other degrees of freedom, and the gearbox input member is coupled to the main shaft with translational degrees of freedom in all directions and rotational degrees of freedom about axes perpendicular to the main axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Jens Demtröder, Christoph Bugiel, Andreas Lakämper, Michael Lundgaard Bitsch, Ralf Rüschoff, Antonino Pizzuto, Søren Skovlund
  • Publication number: 20130259657
    Abstract: A support assembly for a geared architecture includes an engine static structure. A flex support is secured to the engine static structure and includes a bellow. A support structure is operatively secured to the flex support. A geared architecture is mounted to the support structure. First members are removably secured to one of the engine static structure and the flex support and second members are removably secured to the support structure. The first and second members are circumferentially aligned with one another and spaced apart from one another during a normal operating condition. The first and second members are configured to be engageable with one another during an extreme event to limit axial movement of the geared architecture relative to the engine static structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: James B. Coffin, Alessio Pescosolido
  • Patent number: 8517672
    Abstract: An epicyclic gear train includes planetary gears rotatably mounted on spindles supported by an annular carrier and including axially spaced apart forward and aft sets of output teeth extending radially outwardly from a planetary gear hub and axially spaced apart forward and aft roller bearings disposed between planetary gears and spindles. The forward and aft roller bearings are axially aligned with or adjacent to spaced apart forward set of output teeth and input gear respectively. A ring gear meshes with forward set of output teeth and an external gear meshes with aft set of output teeth. An input gear fixedly attached to hub aft of aft set of output teeth and engaged with a sun gear. The output teeth, input gear, ring gear, external gear, and sun gear may all be helical. A turbofan gas turbine engine may include counter-rotatable first and second fan stages driven by a low pressure turbine through the gear train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Francis William McCooey
  • Publication number: 20130195604
    Abstract: An example turbomachine geared architecture support assembly includes a subpart having a more compliant portion and a less compliant portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: John R. Otto
  • Publication number: 20130170958
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a central body support that provides an inner annular wall for a core flow path. The central body support includes a first mount feature. A geared architecture interconnects a spool and a fan rotatable about an axis. A flex support interconnects the geared architecture to the central body support. The flex support includes a second mount feature that cooperates with the first mount feature for transferring torque there between. A method of disassembling a front architecture of a gas turbine engine includes the steps of accessing forward-facing fasteners that secure a central body support to a flex support, wherein the flex support includes a geared architecture supported thereon, removing the fasteners, and decoupling first and second mount features respectively provided on the central body support and the flex support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: United Technologies Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130129485
    Abstract: A pumping device ensures that the fluid materials such as water and liquid are transmitted from one area to another area. The pumping device includes an outer flexible pipe forming an enclosed volume between a first suction area and a destination area, which has a flexible shaft through winch the rotational motion from the said pumping device is transferred and at least one impeller to which rotational motion is transferred through this flexible shaft and multiple centering components ensuring that the flexible shaft is centered and/or bedded inside the outer flexible pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Osman Kücük
  • Publication number: 20130071233
    Abstract: A device for driving an auxiliary unit, in particular a high-pressure pump, includes a rotatably supported drive shaft of an internal combustion engine, wherein the drive shaft and a unit shaft of the auxiliary unit are operatively connected to each other by a coupling. The unit shaft has a first bearing on the side facing away from the coupling, and the coupling is a second bearing for the unit shaft. The device provides a low-cost, acoustically inconspicuous, tolerance-insensitive coupling solution for connecting, for example, a high-pressure pump camshaft to an available intake or exhaust camshaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
  • Patent number: 8376690
    Abstract: A three journal bearing supported shaft with a link between two of the bearings may allow for longer spacing between the wheels supported by the shaft. The flexible shaft may move one bending critical speed below the minimum operating speed of the shaft and the next bending critical speed above the maximum operating speed of the shaft, thus extending the speed range significantly. A tie rod may be used as the link in the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Marshall Saville, David G. Elpern
  • Patent number: 8366385
    Abstract: A method for servicing a gas turbine engine includes providing access from a forward section of the gas turbine engine to a gearbox contained within a bearing compartment. A gas turbine is also disclosed in which a bearing package is mounted to a front center body support and a low spool. A front wall is removable from the front center body support to provide access to the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Todd A. Davis, Brian P. Cigal
  • Patent number: 8360714
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a central body support that provides an inner annular wall for a core flow path. The central body support includes first splines. A geared architecture interconnects a spool and a fan rotatable about an axis. A flex support interconnects the geared architecture to the central body support. The flex support includes second splines that intermesh with the first splines for transferring torque there between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Otto, Brian P. Cigal, Sunil Sharma
  • Patent number: 8297916
    Abstract: A geared architecture with a flex mount for a Fan Drive Gear System defined by a lateral stiffness relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Jason Husband
  • Patent number: 8297917
    Abstract: A geared architecture with a flex mount for a Fan Drive Gear System defined by a transverse stiffness relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Jason Husband
  • Publication number: 20120263579
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a central body support that provides an inner annular wall for a core flow path. The central body support includes first splines. A geared architecture interconnects a spool and a fan rotatable about an axis. A flex support interconnects the geared architecture to the central body support. The flex support includes second splines that intermesh with the first splines for transferring torque there between.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: John R. Otto, Brian P. Cigal, Sunil Sharma
  • Patent number: 8282351
    Abstract: A gearbox for a wind turbine, comprising a first planetary gear set; and a second planetary gear set having the same transmission ratio as the first planetary gear set; and, a load splitter to split the torque between the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set, wherein the load splitter is adapted to provide slip for absorbing deviations in the rotational position between the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set; and, wherein the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set are coupled in a split load arrangement for transmitting torque from a rotor shaft to a high speed shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Jacob Johannes Nies
  • Patent number: 8167531
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing dynamic loading of a gas turbine engine is provided. The gas turbine engine includes a rotor shaft assembly including a rotor shaft, a bearing assembly, a mounting race, and a support frame, the mounting race including a spherical surface. The method includes supporting the rotor shaft on the gas turbine engine support frame with the bearing assembly, the rotor shaft including a yield portion configured to permit bending of the rotor shaft during an imbalance operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel E. Mollmann, Steven A. Ross, Richard Wesling, Thomas Edward Agin, Charles Orkiszewski
  • Patent number: 8128340
    Abstract: A stacked pump arrangement for mixed-media flow includes a first, self-priming, centrifugal pump with a volute having an inlet and an outlet and a second straight centrifugal pump mounted to an upper portion of the first centrifugal pump, the second straight centrifugal pump also having a volute with an inlet and an outlet. A transition chamber is connected, at one end, to the first centrifugal pump volute outlet and is connected, at another end, to the second straight centrifugal pump volute inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Gorman-Rupp, Co.
    Inventors: Donald W. Racer, Michael L. Keith
  • Patent number: 8123458
    Abstract: A stacked pump arrangement for mixed-media flow includes a first, self-priming, centrifugal pump with a volute having an inlet and an outlet and a second straight centrifugal pump mounted to an upper portion of the first centrifugal pump, the second straight centrifugal pump also having a volute with an inlet and an outlet. A transition chamber is connected, at one end, to the first centrifugal pump volute outlet and is connected, at another end, to the second straight centrifugal pump volute inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: The Gormann-Rupp Co.
    Inventors: Donald Racer, Michael L. Keith
  • Patent number: 8057166
    Abstract: A passive fan includes a frame, at least one impeller and at least one driving device. The impeller is disposed in the frame. The driving device is disposed in the body of the frame and separated from the impeller, and drives the impeller to rotate. The driving device is an independent motor, a driver, a rotating wheel or a driving gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Li-Hui Hsiao, Tsung-Yu Lei, Yen-Chun Huang