Interrelated Reaction Motors Patents (Class 60/224)
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Patent number: 6966174Abstract: Turbojet engines and aircraft configurations for advantageous use of the turbojet engines; the turbojet engines utilizing ram air turbine units that centrifugally compress air isothermally for use in various combustion configurations designed for stoichiometric combustion, wherein a stream of by-pass ram-air jets is mixed with combustion gas jets for discharge in a common discharge nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Inventor: Marius A. Paul
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Patent number: 6964154Abstract: A rocket engine assembly is provided for a vertically launched rocket vehicle. A rocket engine housing of the assembly includes two or more combustion chambers each including an outlet end defining a sonic throat area. A propellant supply for the combustion chambers includes a throttling injector, associated with each of the combustion chambers and located opposite to sonic throat area, which injects the propellant into the associated combustion chamber. A modulator, which may form part of the injector, and which is controlled by a controller, modulates the flow rate of the propellant to the combustion chambers so that the chambers provide a vectorable net thrust. An expansion nozzle or body located downstream of the throat area provides expansion of the combustion gases produced by the combustion chambers so as to increase the net thrust.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2003Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Robert L. Sackheim, John J. Hutt, William E. Anderson, Gordon A. Dressler
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Patent number: 6926232Abstract: A variable cycle propulsion system for a supersonic airplane, the system comprising at least one engine having at least one compressor and capable of generating thrust for supersonic flight speeds, and at least one auxiliary propulsion assembly separate from said engine, and capable of generating additional thrust for takeoff, landing, and subsonic cruising speeds, at least one pipe connecting the engine to the auxiliary propulsion assembly to convey thereto compressed air produced by the compressor so as to enable the auxiliary propulsion assembly to generate additional thrust for takeoff, landing, and subsonic cruising flight, there being at least one valve enabling the pipe to be closed off for supersonic cruising flight.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: SNECMA MoteursInventors: Michel Franchet, Yann Laugier, Jean Loisy
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Patent number: 6868664Abstract: A main engine mounted auxiliary power unit comprises an auxiliary power unit integrated with a primary gas turbine engine into a single power plant suited for aircraft applications. The auxiliary power unit can be mounted within an engine core compartment of the main engine or at the main engine aft center body. The integration of the auxiliary power unit provides for installation and certification cost savings to the airframer by eliminating the need for mounting an auxiliary power unit to the tail section of the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Jose Albero, Richard Dussault, Robert G. Thompson, Patrick Germain, Michael K. Sahm, Eric Tremaine
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Patent number: 6834495Abstract: This invention provides a multi-fan system separated core engine type turbofan engine in which high pressure air is used as the working fluid for a turbine which drives a fan, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs of the turbofan engine and simplifying the constitution thereof. A turbine for driving a fan 11 which is provided in a propulsion device 3 of the multi-fan system separated core engine type turbofan engine 1 is an air turbine 13 which is driven by the supply through a duct 9 of a part of high pressure air compressed in a compressor 5 of a core engine 2. Since the working fluid of the air turbine 13 for driving the fan 11 is not high temperature combustion gas, there is no need to use expensive heat-resistant material for the turbine, and thus the propulsion device 3 can be manufactured at low cost, the constitution thereof can be simplified, and operational control can be ameliorated.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2003Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: National Aerospace Laboratory of JapanInventors: Yoshio Saito, Masanori Endo, Yukio Matsuda, Nanahisa Sugiyama, Takeshi Tagashira
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Patent number: 6792746Abstract: A low-noise separated core engine type turbofan engine is provided in which noise generated by a control propulsion device is reduced by using high pressure air as the working fluid of a turbine for driving a control fan used in the attitude control of the airframe. A control fan 17 of a separated core engine type turbofan engine 1, which is comprised in a control propulsion device 4 provided for attitude control of the aircraft, is driven by an air turbine 19 which uses as working fluid high pressure air compressed by a compressor 6 of the core engine 2 and supplied through a duct 10. The speed of the working fluid which is discharged from the control fan 17 and air turbine 19 is sufficiently low for attitude control and not as high as the speed of the working fluid which is discharged from a propulsion device 3 which is provided for thrust, and thus noise generated by the control propulsion device 4 can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: National Aerospace Laboratory of JapanInventors: Yoshio Saito, Masanori Endo, Yukio Matsuda, Nanahisa Sugiyama, Takeshi Tagashira
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Patent number: 6792745Abstract: A turbofan jet engine having a housing and an engine core disposed in the housing. The engine core includes at least a compressor, turbine, and a drive shaft. The drive shaft defines a drive shaft axis. A plurality of fans are disposed in the housing and each is rotatable about a separate fan axis. Each of the fan axes are axially offset from the drive shaft axis. The turbofan jet engine further includes a drive system operably interconnecting the engine core and fans so as to rotatably drive the fans and selectively disengage select fans from the engine core.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Paul M. Wojciechowski
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Patent number: 6705569Abstract: A mixed compression supersonic inlet system is provided which includes an external cowl, and an axisymmetric centerbody which preferably translates fore and aft. The centerbody of the inlet system is further provided with indexing segments which circumferentially rotate to provide longitudinal grooves or channels located on the outer periphery of the centerbody and which increase the effective flow area of the inlet. As the indexing segments rotate circumferentially, the channel width varies. The centerbody may also be provided with indexing segments formed of a first and second portion having hinged joints which slide forward and aft in a groove. One end of the indexing segment is hinged to the non-translating section of a translating centerbody. The indexing segments are positioned over a longitudinal channel. As the translating centerbody is translated forward, the hinges of the indexing segment slide in their respective grooves to expose the channel.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Inventors: Bobby W. Sanders, Lois J. Weir
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Patent number: 6698693Abstract: This invention relates generally to method and apparatus for solar-boost assist and solar-sail assist by a mini-optics light concentrator system utilizing a dynamic ensemble of mini-mirrors. In the boost phase of a rocket ship launch, the system focusses solar energy into the rocket chamber to raise the temperature of the propellant and increase the impulse. In the mid-course phase, the system focusses solar energy onto the rocket's solar sail to increase the thrust. In both cases, the system reduces the weight of the rocket by providing a weightless source of thrust.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventors: Mark P. Davidson, Mario Rabinowitz
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Publication number: 20040035098Abstract: An engine arrangement (14) comprises a gas turbine engine unit (16) and first and second support members (18, 20). The support members (18, 20) extend from a structural component (24) of the engine casing (22) to support the engine unit in a position spaced from the body or airframe of the aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2002Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventors: Karim El Hamel, Arnold C. Newton
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Publication number: 20040031259Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuator system comprising: a matrix (100) of pyrotechnic microthrusters; and control means for controlling the respective firing of said microthrusters (100), and being suitable for generating a specific desired effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2003Publication date: February 19, 2004Inventors: Jean Baricos, Yan Guelou, Jean-Pierre Gaechter, Daniel Esteve, Carole Rossi
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Publication number: 20040025493Abstract: A turbofan jet engine having a housing and an engine core disposed in the housing. The engine core includes at least a compressor, turbine, and a drive shaft. The drive shaft defines a drive shaft axis. A plurality of fans are disposed in the housing and each is rotatable about a separate fan axis. Each of the fan axes are axially offset from the drive shaft axis. The turbofan jet engine further includes a drive system operably interconnecting the engine core and fans so as to rotatably drive the fans and selectively disengage select fans from the engine core.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2002Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventor: Paul M. Wojciechowski
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Patent number: 6634596Abstract: An integrated aircraft system which comprises an aircraft frame, a nacelle cowl mounted to the aircraft frame, a primary gas turbine engine mounted within the nacelle cowl, a secondary power system incorporated within the nacelle cowl and being driven by a flow of air created by or through the engine, and an electrical power and cooling unit for supplying electrical power and cabin cooling air. The electrical power and cooling unit is pneumatically driven by engine bleed air.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2002Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Inventors: Jose Albero, Louis J. Bruno, Richard Dussault, Charles E. Lents, Wayne A. Thresher, Michael K. Sahm, Robert G. Thompson
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Publication number: 20030177757Abstract: A propellant supply device (10) is provided for a vehicle (11) having a main propulsion motor (12) and having an attitude control system (11) including a plurality of thrusters (14A, 14B, 14C, . . . , 14F). The improved device comprises: a pressure vessel (15); first and second movable walls (20, 21) operatively arranged within the pressure vessel and dividing the interior space therewithin into three separate sealed chambers (22, 23, 24) from each of which fluid may be supplied; a first fluid (e.g., a first bipropellant)in one of the chambers; a second fluid (e.g., a second bipropellant) in a second of the chambers; and a third fluid (e.g., ammonia) in a third of the chambers, the third fluid being a volatile liquid having a liquid phase and a gaseous phase, and wherein all three chambers are pressurized to the vapor pressure of the third fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2002Publication date: September 25, 2003Applicant: Moog Inc.Inventor: Robert H. Reinicke
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Patent number: 6568171Abstract: Augmentation of the thrust achieved by a supersonic nozzle of continuous curvature is achieved by causing secondary combustion to occur in an annular region of the interior of the divergent section of the nozzle. The secondary combustion forms a secondary combustion gas that complements the primary combustion gas passing through the nozzle and maintains a wall pressure that is equal to or greater than ambient pressure at low altitudes, eliminating the negative component of the thrust in an overexpanded nozzle at takeoff.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Aerojet-General CorporationInventor: Melvin J. Bulman
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Publication number: 20020189230Abstract: A variable cycle propulsion system for a supersonic airplane, the system comprising at least one engine having means for producing exhaust gas and a gas exhaust nozzle for generating thrust for supersonic flight speeds, and at least one separate auxiliary propulsion assembly dissociated from said engine, having no gas generator, and capable of generating thrust for takeoff, landing, and subsonic flight speeds. The system further comprises gas flow tapping means movable between a position in which they tap off at least a fraction of the exhaust gas produced by said engine and feed it to said propulsion assembly to enable it to generate thrust for takeoff, landing, and subsonic cruising flight, and a position in which the gas produced by the engine is directed solely to the engine nozzle for supersonic cruising flight.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Applicant: SNECMA MOTEURSInventors: Michel Franchet, Yann Laugier, Jean Loisy
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Patent number: 6488237Abstract: A propellant cross-feed system of the present invention for use with a two-stage rocket. The rocket (or reusable launch vehicle) includes a booster and an orbiter. The booster includes a booster propellant tank that is connected to a booster engine by a booster feed line. The orbiter includes an orbiter propellant tank that is connected to an orbiter engine by an orbiter feed line. Each propellant tank supplies propellant through its respective feed line to its respective engine. The cross-feed system includes a cross-feed line that connects the booster feed line to the orbiter feed line, thereby allowing propellant flow from the booster tank to the orbiter engine for parallel (simultaneous) engine burn. Cross-feed propellant flow is managed by a low pressure, cross-feed check valve that is responsive to propellant flow rate changes that occur as a result of the motorized operation of a switch-over valve.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Sidney P. Glasser, Charles J. Sosa
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Patent number: 6415597Abstract: A jet engine for supersonic aircraft which enables supersonic flight and high fuel efficiency to be achieved while suppressing noise at take-off. The engine comprises a front engine consisting of a turbofan engine, and a rear engine or engines consisting of a turbofan or turbojet engine disposed to the rear of said front engine, the rear engine(s) being coupled switchably by a tube to the bypass duct of the front engine, the air inlet(s) of the rear engine(s) being coupled to the bypass duct during supersonic flight, or during acceleration to supersonic speed, whereby the pressure and temperature of the bypass air from the front engine is raised by the rear engine(s), and the air inlet(s) of the rear engine(s) being separated from the bypass duct during take-off, in such a manner that the bypass air is discharged without the temperature or pressure thereof being raised further.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2000Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: National Aerospace Laboratory of Science and Technology AgencyInventors: Hisao Futamura, Hideyuki Taguchi
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Patent number: 6378292Abstract: A microelectrical mechanical system (MEMS) microthruster array is disclosed. The MEMS microthruster array of the present invention can be used for maintaining inter satellite distance in small satellites. One microthruster array includes numerous microthruster propulsion cells, each having a vacuum enclosed explosive igniter disposed on one side by a breakable diaphragm and having a propellant-filled chamber on the opposite side of the diaphragm. Upon explosion of the explosive igniter, the first diaphragm breaks, which, together with the explosion of the explosive igniter, causes the propellant to expand rapidly, thereby providing exhaust gases which are ejected from an exterior face of the microthruster propulsion array, thereby providing a small unit of thrust.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Daniel W. Youngner
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Patent number: 6276632Abstract: A mixed compression supersonic inlet system is provided which includes an external cowl, and an axisymmetric centerbody which preferably translates fore and aft. The centerbody of the inlet system is further provided with indexing segments which circumferentially rotate to provide longitudinal grooves or channels located on the outer periphery of the centerbody and which increase the effective flow area of the inlet. As the indexing segments rotate circumferentially, the channel width varies. The centerbody may also be provided with indexing segments formed of a first and second portion having hinged joints which slide forward and aft in a groove. One end of the indexing segment is hinged to the non-translating section of a translating centerbody. The indexing segments are positioned over a longitudinal channel. As the translating centerbody is translated forward, the hinges of the indexing segment slide in their respective grooves to expose the channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Inventors: Bobby W. Sanders, Lois J. Weir
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Patent number: 6227486Abstract: A single-stage earth-to-orbit launch vehicle employs a combination of rocket engines and turbojet engines to propel a device into orbit. The vehicle is driven through a unique set of operating conditions of the engines to conserve oxidizer and optimize acceleration. Cooling effects of fuel used by both types of engines is employed to maintain operating temperature of the turbojet engines within limits of lightweight materials. The rocket engines are used during initial acceleration and then permitted to remain deeply throttled or idle until the vehicle reaches a speed of about Mach 6. The rocket engine, with most of its oxidizer intact, is then used to accelerate the vehicle into orbit.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: MSE Technology Applications, INC.Inventor: Vladimir Balepin
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Patent number: 5661970Abstract: Thrust-generating device with rocket engines arranged in pairs opposite each other for multiple ignition as well as individual and group activation and with an amount of fuel sufficient for the duration of the mission. The thrust-generating device is designed as a closed, storable, modular unit. The rocket engines are operated with liquid fuel and liquid oxidizing agent. At least one tank is provided for each fuel component. The tanks are in the filled, pressureless state before the activation of the thrust-generating device. The rocket engines and a fuel distributor of block design are integrated within a central bulkhead. The thrust-generating device is surrounded by a sealed outer jacket and is divided by the bulkhead into two separate chambers. The outer jacket is lined on the inside with a "self-sealing" film. The oxidizing agent is stored in one chamber, and the fuel in the other chamber. The empty spaces in the chambers contain an adsorbent filling.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1995Date of Patent: September 2, 1997Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aerospace AGInventors: Wolfgang Muller, German Munding
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Patent number: 5537815Abstract: The power unit of ram-jet type comprises an aerobic combustion chamber supplied by a fuel gas generator and by at least one air intake. The gas generator is essentially constituted by a solid propellent whose combustion generates a reducing gas and starting means are provided so that there occurs upstream or at the intake of the combustion chamber a primary combustion which raises the temperature of the air to a value such that stable combustion is produced between the oxidizing air and the reducing gases.(FIG.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1986Date of Patent: July 23, 1996Assignee: Office National d'Etudes et de Recherches AerospatialesInventors: Roger Marguet, Bernard Petit, Lionel Naduad, Pierre Borton
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Patent number: 5517819Abstract: An engine controller system maintains a desired mach number for an aircraft. The fan speed of a slave engine is synchronized with the fan speed of a master engine. A previous Mach number value is compared with an actual Mach number value to determine a Mach number error. The resulting error corresponds to a fan speed which increases or decreases engine thrust to achieve a Mach number error equal to zero, maintaining the desired aircraft Mach number.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1994Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: John F. Martin
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Patent number: 5419117Abstract: An integral turbo jet/ram jet propulsion system has co-axial forward and rear portions and includes a converging supersonic compression chamber and an inlet in the forward portion for directing air into the supersonic compression chamber. A diverging subsonic compression chamber is disposed rearwardly of the supersonic compression chamber. An inlet sonic throat connects the supersonic compression chamber and the subsonic compression chamber and directs a flow of air from the supersonic compression chamber through the throat and into the subsonic compression chamber. A high by-pass turbo jet engine is disposed adjacent to the subsonic compression chamber for heating and expanding the air which passes into the engine. A subsonic expansion exhaust chamber and supersonic expansion exhaust chamber are disposed rearwardly of the engine with an exhaust sonic throat between the two.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1993Date of Patent: May 30, 1995Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Leonard M. Greene
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Patent number: 5343698Abstract: A rocket engine thrust nozzle assembly is disclosed wherein combustion products from a plurality of rocket engines having hexagonally-shaped exhaust areas flow to the inlet of a main nozzle that transitions the flow of the combustion products from a non-circular flow area to a circular flow area.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1993Date of Patent: September 6, 1994Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Lane Porter, Edward B. Thayer
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Patent number: 5269134Abstract: A variable cycle propulsion unit comprises at least two turbojet engines of the bypass type in which the low pressure compressor of each engine is in two parts connected by a shaft, and the flow of compressed air issuing from the first part of the low pressure compressor of a first of the engines is supplied to the second part of the low pressure compressor of a second of the engines and the flow of compressed air issuing from the first part of the low pressure compressor of the second engine is supplied to the second part of the low pressure compressor of the first engine. At full throttle operation the combustion chambers of the two engines are both ignited, and at operation at reduced engine speeds the combustion chamber of one of the engines is extinguished and the engine windmills while the other engine continues to run normally.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1993Date of Patent: December 14, 1993Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation "S.N.E.C.M.A."Inventor: Claude C. F. Menioux
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Patent number: 5224340Abstract: An improved synchrophasing system for synchrophasing fan spools and engine core spools of one or more "slave" turbofan engines to a "master" engine is disclosed. A fuel control means is provided for modulating the flow of fuel to the slave engines to first synchrophase the operation of the engine fan spools. A variable stator vane control means is provided for then modulating the position of variable stator vanes within the slave engines to synchrophase the operation of the engine core spools.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1991Date of Patent: July 6, 1993Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Barton H. Snow
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Patent number: 5191761Abstract: An engine for an aerospace plane has an inlet in association with which a core member is provided to render the inlet annular. The inlet leads into a combustion chamber and an outlet. The core member houses a rocket engine which, in use, induces ambient air to flow into the inlet at low and even zero speed, thus allowing the combustion chamber and outlet to be operated as a ram jet engine at low and even zero speed. By way of development, the core member houses oxygen liquification means adapted to capture ambient air and to liquify and separate oxygen therefrom. The oxygen is used in the rocket engine and allows the mass of on-board oxygen at take-off to be reduced. This increases the potential payload.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1991Date of Patent: March 9, 1993Inventor: Charl E. Janeke
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Patent number: 5150571Abstract: A stationary centerbody includes vaulted areas displaced substantially by 180.degree. axially as well as along the circumference with respect to one another on its largest relative diameter. The vaulted areas, while enclosing a shut-off surface which is diagonal on the circumference side with respect to the end of an engine shroud forming a casing lip, encloses an axially spaced circumferential surface which is shut off in the manner of an annular slide valve from the end of the shroud.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1990Date of Patent: September 29, 1992Assignee: MTU Motoren- Und Turbinen-Union Munchen GmbHInventor: Claus Herzog
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Patent number: 5111657Abstract: The invention concerns a propulsion device for acceleration of a self-propelled engine, such as a missile or a rocket. The propulsion device comprises a body (1) equipped with a nozzle (2) and a block of propellant (3) having a longitudinal central duct (4) of variable section. The block of propellant comprises a downstream part (5) having a cylindrical duct (6) which has a circular section whose diameter is less than two thirds of the diameter of the throat of the nozzle (2) and an upstream part (7). The duct (8) of this upstream part (7) on the one hand has a diameter which exceeds the diameter of the duct (6) of the downstream part and is less than the diameter of the throat of the nozzle (2), and on the other hand is connected to the duct (6) of the downstream part by a portion in the shape of a truncated cone (9).Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1990Date of Patent: May 12, 1992Assignee: Societe Nationale des Poudres et ExplosifsInventors: Michel Hivert, Raymond Coleno
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Patent number: 5094070Abstract: A propelling nozzle for a hypersonic jet plane having movable upper and lower primary and secondary flaps assigned to the gas turbojet engine as well as to the ramjet engine, both engines being arranged axially above one another, their outlet ducts being separated by means of a partition extending in the downstream direction to the narrowest cross-section of the propelling nozzle. The nozzle flaps can place themselves against the end edge of the partition on both sides in a manner advantageous with respect to the flow in the transition area from the primary flaps to the secondary flaps. As a result, each of the two outlet ducts can advantageously, either alternatively or simultaneously, be closed or opened, while, at the same time, a narrow cross-section and a divergence of the propelling nozzle can be adjusted which are optimal for the respective flying Mach number.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1990Date of Patent: March 10, 1992Assignee: MTU Motoren- und Turbinen Union Munchin GmbHInventor: Heinrich Enderle
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Patent number: 5074118Abstract: A jet engine designed to power a supersonic airplane throughout a range of speeds from subsonic to high supersonic includes a housing which bounds an internal passage having in succession a fixed-area inlet section, a diverging passage section, a mixing section, a combustion section, and an outlet section. A fan rotor rotates in the inlet section and includes a plurality of rotor blade members. The housing includes a main body and at least one flap which is movable between one end position in which it externally bounds a portion of the diverging passage section and another end position in which it externally delimits a diverging discharge passage connecting the diverging passage section with the exterior of the housing. The cross-sectional area of the outlet section is adjustable.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1989Date of Patent: December 24, 1991Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Charles E. Kepler
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Patent number: 5058377Abstract: A turbine ramjet engine is provided which has a ram pressure air duct shrouding the basic turbo-engine in an annular manner. When the ramjet operation is disconnected, this ram pressure air duct, while at the same time intake air is released into the basic engine, is blocked off with respect to the supply of ram pressure air. It is provided to unblock or block an intake-side air inflow cross-section of the basic engine by the axial adjustment of a drop-shaped body with respect to a flow divider. A ring slide is provided which is axially adjustable to always be opposite this body which blocks the ram pressure air duct when the inflow cross-section of the basic engine is unblocked and unblocks it when the inflow cross-section is blocked. In addition, the ram pressure air duct is to be widened in a multicornered manner in the upstream direction at the level of a blocking zone caused by a local overtravelling of countersurface of the mentioned body and the ring slide.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1990Date of Patent: October 22, 1991Assignee: MTU Motoren- und Turbinen-Union Munchen GmbHInventor: Walter Wildner
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Patent number: 5058378Abstract: A change-over arrangement for an integrated turboramjet engine has a guide ring which can be displaced in the axial direction and an annular cone which can be displaced against the guide ring. In the turbo-operation, the annular cone is in its front position and the guide ring is in its rear position closing off a ram air inlet duct, and in the ramjet operation, the annular cone, in its rear position, closes off the turbo-inlet duct, and the guide ring opens up the ram air inlet duct. As a result, a low-loss introduction of the air current can take place into the turbo-inlet duct or into the ram air inlet duct, without, at the same time, requiring disadvantageous enlargements of the diameter of the outer casing of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1990Date of Patent: October 22, 1991Assignee: MTU Motoren- und Turbinen-Union Munich GmbHInventor: Heinrich Enderle
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Patent number: 5044155Abstract: Integration of engine functions and data communications between an aircraft propulsion module and an airframe is enabled by the use of fiber optic links which multiplex information and control functions without risk of an electrical failure in one portion of the aircraft electronics system propagating to other portions of the aircraft electronic systems.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1989Date of Patent: September 3, 1991Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Ward H. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 5014508Abstract: A combination engine for a flying craft capable of flying at speeds within a wide range from subsonic speeds to hypersonic speeds, is equipped with a rocket engine section that is independent of an atmospheric air supply, and a turbo air jet engine section having a compressor which is driven by a turbine that is also independent of an external air supply. The combination may further include extra fuel supply nozzles for operation as a ram jet which uses the same flow channel as the turbo air jet engine section. A gas generator equipped with two valving mechanisms is arranged coaxially with the rocket engine section. The valving mechanisms are controllable to open the gas generator chamber to the rocket combustion chamber while closing off gas flow to the turbo air jet section or vice versa. Either section can work alone or in parallel and simultaneously with the other section.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1990Date of Patent: May 14, 1991Assignee: Messerschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm GmbHInventor: Hans Lifka
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Patent number: 5012638Abstract: A fuel feed method and apparatus for a turboramjet engine having a combustion chamber operable as a turbine engine afterburner and as ramjet engine combustion chamber is disclosed which features the concurrent injection of kerosene and hydrogen. At low Mach numbers, kerosene is the predominant fuel injected, while at growing speeds, hydrogen is injected in increasing proportions. This provides for a short combustion chamber length while minimizing the on-board fuel load and benefits especially small-size hypersonic aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1989Date of Patent: May 7, 1991Assignee: MTU Motoren- Und Turbinen-Union Munchen GmbHInventors: Hubert Grieb, Burkhard Simon, Martin Albers
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Patent number: 5001644Abstract: A throttle split monitor (11) for monitoring a multiple engine aircraft having an automatic throttle (A/T) control system is disclosed. The throttle split monitor (11) comprises a throttle angle section (13), a tachometer section (15) and a throttle limit section (17). The throttle angle section receives signals containing information representative of the positions of the throttles of an aircraft. Based on the throttle position information, the throttle angle section determines the throttle split angle between the positions of the throttles associated with similarly placed engines on opposite sides of the aircraft and adjusts said throttle split angle to compensate for throttle position differences associated with engines producing equal levels of thrust. The throttle angle section produces an A/T disengage signal when said adjusted throttle split angle exceeds a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1989Date of Patent: March 19, 1991Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Kenneth E. Goheen, Douglas O. Jackson
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Patent number: 4679394Abstract: A nozzle structure for a gas turbine power plant for a V.T.O.L. or S.T.O.L. type aircraft includes a main engine and at least one auxiliary engine; the efflux from the at least one auxiliary engine may be directed downwardly or alternatively horizontally through a convergent/divergent nozzle which may be closed off when the at least one auxiliary engine is inoperative.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1979Date of Patent: July 14, 1987Assignee: Rolls-Royce plcInventor: Maurice I. Taylor
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Patent number: 4546353Abstract: An asymmetric thrust warning system for an aircraft having two gas turbine engines. The compressor discharge pressures of the two engines are compared to determine the engine providing the lower thrust and to provide a signal indicative of the actual difference in thrust. If the difference in thrust exceeds a prescribed value related to aircraft altitude, a low thrust warning lamp is illuminated. In addition, the positions of the two augmenter metering valves are compared. If their positions significantly differ, the warning light associated with the valve having the minimum opening will be illuminated. A stall warning circuit may also be included as a part of the system.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1984Date of Patent: October 8, 1985Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: William W. Stockton
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Patent number: 4527390Abstract: A jet propulsion engine with a fan bypass duct includes a duct burner with a plurality of flame stabilizers therein each mounted to inner case and outer case members through spherical bearings. Each of the stabilizers consists of two blade members having integral arms thereon actuated by fore and aft motion of an external actuating ring to assume an expanded position to increase duct turbulence for mixing air flow therethrough with a fuel supply and into a retracted position against each other to reduce pressure drop under nonafterburning operation. Each of the flame stabilizer blades has a platform that controls communication between a hot air source and a duct for improving fuel vaporization during afterburner operation thereby to increase afterburning limits; the platforms close communication between the hot air source and the duct during nonafterburning operation when flame stabilization is not required.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1977Date of Patent: July 9, 1985Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Henry M. Mar, Samuel B. Reider
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Patent number: 4519563Abstract: Aircraft engine exhaust is mixed with air and fuel and recombusted. Air is drawn into the secondary combustion chamber from suction surfaces on wings. Exhaust of the secondary combustion chamber is blown over wing and fuselage surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1983Date of Patent: May 28, 1985Inventor: Raymond M. Tamura
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Patent number: 4314445Abstract: Trim signals are removed from the fuel control computers of aircraft propulsion engines to increase thrust upon detection of a predetermined difference between engine speeds.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1979Date of Patent: February 9, 1982Inventor: Leon D. Lewis
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Patent number: 4306412Abstract: A jet engine having its turbine section and exhaust nozzles particularly arranged to alleviate noise. There is a forward turbine section positioned in a first passageway to receive all or substantially all of the gaseous discharge from the combustion section of the jet engine. There are second and third coannular passageways positioned downstream of the first passageway, with the second passageway being positioned radially inwardly of the third passageway. A second turbine stage is positioned in the second inner passageway to receive a portion of the gaseous flow from the first passageway so as to be driven thereby, with the first portion of gaseous flow being discharged at a relatively low velocity at a radially inward location. A second portion of the gaseous flow passes from the first passageway to the third passageway and is discharged at a relatively high velocity in a generally annular pattern radially outward of the flow of the first portion of the gaseous flow.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1978Date of Patent: December 22, 1981Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Garry W. Klees
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Patent number: 4303976Abstract: An electronic fuel control for a multi-engine gas turbine engine provides either independent or master-slave operation according to the position of a selector switch. In one position independent speed demand signals are separately compared with independent actual speed signals and the error signals produced are fed to proportional-plus-integral fuel controls. In the other position engine fuel control receives a signal corresponding to the error between 1/2 of the sum of the average speed demand and the actual speed of that engine whereas the other engines fuel control receives only an error signal representing the difference between the two engine speeds.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1979Date of Patent: December 1, 1981Assignee: Lucas Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Michael J. Joby
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Patent number: 4296601Abstract: Fuel flow to a gas turbine engine is controlled in response to power lever position and CDP by a hydromechanical section. The hydromechanical section includes a torque motor which may be activated to modify the fuel flow to the engine in response to a control signal produced by an electronic control section. The electronic control section senses a number of engine and ambient parameters and generates engine operating limits from these parameters. The limit corresponding to the lowest maximum engine speed is selected and referenced to actual engine speed for generating the control signal, thereby providing a closed loop engine speed control. At least one of the computed limits is an actual maximum engine speed for steady state engine operation and is used to recompute the engine scheduled speed so that the actual maximum engine speed is obtained at the maximum power lever advance position; in this way power lever dead band is eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1979Date of Patent: October 27, 1981Assignee: Otis Elevator CompanyInventor: Anthony N. Martin
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Patent number: 4259838Abstract: A throttle servo for each engine of a multiengine aircraft and servo tracking means for detecting and compensating for servo drift during autothrottle mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1979Date of Patent: April 7, 1981Assignee: Rockwell International CorporationInventors: James H. McCollum, Jr., Leo P. Kammerer
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Patent number: 4248041Abstract: A V.S.T.O.L. gas turbine power plant includes a main gas turbine engine having an exhaust gas propulsion nozzle and a fan arranged within a fan duct, which duct terminates in two nozzles such that a portion of the fan air may be directed vertically downwards or horizontally, the remaining portion of the fan air acts as a working fluid in one or more further auxiliary gas turbine engines each engine including a vectorable exhaust nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1978Date of Patent: February 3, 1981Assignee: Rolls-Royce LimitedInventors: Geoffrey L. Wilde, Maurice I. Taylor, Geoffrey P. Medland
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Patent number: 4244183Abstract: This invention serves to improve augmentor effectiveness of a turbine fan engine that has a bypass airstream and a core stream by synthesizing signals indicative of both the airflow of the bypass stream and core stream and directly scheduling fuel/air ratio for both streams and ascertaining the desired fuel flow to be used to meter fuel to each of the streams.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1978Date of Patent: January 13, 1981Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Edmond Preti