Having Thrust Reverser Patents (Class 60/226.2)
  • Patent number: 11873782
    Abstract: A method for deploying a thrust reverser includes translating a carrier along a track, transferring a first load between the carrier and a first reverser door in response to the carrier translating along the track, rotating the first reverser door between a closed position and an open position in response to the carrier translating along the track, transferring a second load between the carrier and a deployable fairing in response to the carrier translating along the track, and rotating the deployable fairing between a stowed position and a deployed position in response to the carrier translating along the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Gormley, Imad D Ghandour
  • Patent number: 11773806
    Abstract: An assembly includes a structure with 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock beams and front and rear curved beams, in which the 12 o'clock beam is mounted to be able to rotate on a pylon of an aircraft between a closed position and a raised position, a fan cowl fixed to the structure, a thrust reverser with a rear cowl and that is able to move in translation along the 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock beams between a forward position and a backward position, cascades fixed to the thrust reverser, and a mover for moving the thrust reverser. With such an arrangement, the fan cowl and the thrust reverser are fixed to the same structure, and it is this structure that is hinged to the pylon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Thierry Gaches, Laurent Cazeaux
  • Patent number: 11719188
    Abstract: A thrust reverser for an aircraft includes a jetpipe and a thrust reverser door. The thrust reverser door has an aft end, a forward end, and an interior surface facing radially inward. The interior surface defines a continuous profile with a downstream nozzle portion directly adjacent to the aft end, a concave portion directly adjacent to the downstream nozzle portion, and a convex portion directly adjacent to the forward end and adjacent to the concave portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Tyler Relf, Guilherme Oliveira, Vyacheslav Garb
  • Patent number: 11619953
    Abstract: According to the presently discloses subject matter, a flight path is autonomously generated (e.g. in response to an unexpected need to land the aircraft) leading the aircraft from its current position towards a target destination (e.g. a landing site) where the flight path is generated while taking into consideration flight constraints existing in the area and avoiding violation of the flight constraints. The flight path is then used for autonomous generation of flight instructions for controlling the aircraft and leading the aircraft to the desired destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Ohad Rozenberg, Erez Avrahamov
  • Patent number: 11577849
    Abstract: A nacelle having a fan casing, a cowl that movable between an advanced position and a retracted position that opens an opening between a bypass duct and the outside, deflectors secured to the mobile cowl, wherein, in the advanced position, they are around the fan casing and wherein, in the retracted position, they are across the opening, and a fan ramp with a mounting base and flaps that are able to rotate on the mounting base between a stowed position and a deployed position. For each flap, the fan ramp has a return element that urges the flap) into the deployed position, and the deflectors have a stop in contact with the flap when the mobile cowl passes from the retracted position to the advanced position. Thus, in the advanced position, the flaps are folded back and their bulk is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Fabien Menou, Julie Cazalis
  • Patent number: 11499503
    Abstract: A translating cowl thrust reverser system with efflux management includes a support structure, a transcowl, a cowl shield, and a single cascade structure. The transcowl and cowl shield are moveable together between a first position, in which the transcowl abuts the support structure, and a second position, in which an aperture is formed between the transcowl and the support structure. The cowl shield has cowl shield turning vanes. The single cascade structure is disposed within the aperture and includes a forward wall, a curved vane, internal turning vanes, and external turning vanes. In the first position, each cowl shield turning vane is disposed between a different pair of external turning vanes. The cowl shield turning vanes, the internal turning vanes, and the external turning vanes turn the airflow so that it is directed substantially perpendicular to, and vertically outboard relative to, a plane of symmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Shawn Alstad, Robert L. Hoover
  • Patent number: 11408370
    Abstract: A variable area fan nozzle for a turbofan aircraft engine includes a first structure defining a forward portion of a bypass duct of the turbofan aircraft engine and a second structure defining an aft portion of the bypass duct. The second structure is movable relative to the first structure between a deployed position where a porting flow passage defined between the forward portion of the bypass duct and the aft portion of the bypass duct is open, and a stowed portion where the porting flow passage is closed. The movable second structure comprises a vane and a slat attached to the vane and disposed forward of the vane. The porting flow passage extends between the slat and the vane when the second structure is in the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: SHORT BROTHERS PLC
    Inventors: Finbarr McEvoy, Gary Davison
  • Patent number: 11396847
    Abstract: A method of operation for a gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, reducing a rotational speed of a fan relative to a shaft through a gear train, driving the shaft with a low pressure turbine, driving a high pressure compressor with a high pressure turbine, communicating airflow from the fan through a bypass passage defined by a nacelle, the nacelle extending along an engine axis and surrounding the fan, discharging the airflow through a variable area fan nozzle defining a discharge airflow area, detecting an airfoil flutter condition associated with adjacent airfoils of the fan, and moving the variable area fan nozzle to vary the discharge airflow area and mitigate the airfoil flutter condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William E. Rosenkrans, Robert J. Morris
  • Patent number: 11346303
    Abstract: A thrust reverser actuation system includes a first cowl actuation system for translating a first cowl of a thrust reverser and a second, separate cowl actuation system for translating a second cowl of the thrust reverser. The system also includes a device operatively connected between the first cowl actuation system and the second cowl actuation system, and configured to transmit drive from one of the first and second cowl actuation systems to the other of the first and second cowl actuation systems in the event of a failure of the other of the first and second cowl actuation systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventor: Antony Morgan
  • Patent number: 11286881
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine system includes a gas turbine engine having a fan bypass duct, a heat exchanger system, and a flow transfer unit configured to selectively allow or preclude flow between the fan bypass duct and the heat exchanger system. A controller is coupled to and configured to vary the state of one or more of a fan exit nozzle, a heat exchanger exit nozzle, and a flow control valve controlling flow between the fan bypass duct and the heat exchanger system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Boyd, Douglas D. Dierksmeier, Douglas J. Snyder, Graham Burkholder, William B. Bryan
  • Patent number: 11274676
    Abstract: A ducted fan module with variable-pitch blades for a turbo engine includes a rotor carrying a plurality of blades, a stationary casing, and a blade pitch changing and control system. The rotor includes a central shaft and a surrounding blade support ring. A front end of the blade support ring is connected to a front end of the central shaft, creating a rearward-opening annular space between the blade support ring and the central shaft. A tubular part is connected to the stationary casing and extends into the annular space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Serge René Morreale, Yanis Benslama, Jérémy Dievart, Dominik Igel
  • Patent number: 11220978
    Abstract: A turbofan having a nacelle comprising a slider mobile in translation between an advanced and a retracted position to open a window between a duct and the exterior, a plurality of blades, each one mobile in rotation on the slider between a stowed and a deployed position, where the blades are split into groups, where each group comprises a first blade, and a maneuvering system moving each blade and comprising a cam integral with the first blade of one of the groups and having a tooth, a groove receiving the tooth, a first transmission system transmitting the movement of the first blade bearing the cam to a first blade of each other group, and, for each group, a second transmission system transmitting the movement of the blade that bears the cam or is moved by the first transmission system to each of the other blades of the group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Pascal Gardes, José Goncalves, Bastian Sabathier
  • Patent number: 11215142
    Abstract: A bypass turbojet nacelle comprising a fixed structure, a fixed cowl and a cowl movable in translation between advanced and withdrawn positions by a ram with a reverser flap movable thereon, and a deployment system comprising a first slider integral with the movable cowl, a first groove comprising a first part and a curved, second part integral with the fixed structure, a second slider movable in translation in the second groove part, a first connecting rod rotatable on the first slider and on the second slider, and a second connecting rod articulated on both the first connecting rod first end and the reverser flap. The ram rod is articulated on the first connecting rod. Moving the first slider from the advanced to the withdrawn position moves the second slider along the first part and, when the first slider reaches the withdrawn position, the second slider moves along the second part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventor: Olivier Pautis
  • Patent number: 11199158
    Abstract: An aircraft propulsion assembly with an engine provided with a cascade-type thrust reverser includes cascades of mobile deflection vanes connected to cascade rails with a slideway connection that allows the cascades of vanes a translational movement between a cruising-flight position and a reverse-thrust position. The thrust reverser allows the cascade rails to be positioned in a forward position, in which the engine, the cascade rails and the deflection vanes can be removed from the propulsion assembly without the cascade rails colliding with the mobile cowl of the reverser. Dismantling and assembly or reassembly methods allow maintenance operations to be carried out on the engine thus dismantled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Safran Nacelles
    Inventors: Pierre Caruel, Vincent Peyron
  • Patent number: 11193379
    Abstract: A turbofan having a nacelle including a slider mobile in translation between advanced and retracted positions to open a window between a duct and the exterior, a plurality of blades, each being mobile in rotation on the slider between stowed and deployed positions, and a maneuvering system that moves each blade and includes, for each blade, a shaft mobile in rotation on the slider and on which the blade is fixed, an arm having a first end fixed to the shaft and a second end, an arc which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis and is rotatably mounted on the slider, about the longitudinal axis, a lever mounted in articulated fashion between the arc and the second end of the arm, and an actuation system which rotates the arc in one direction and in the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Pascal Gardes, Antoine Cousin, Antoine Boudou
  • Patent number: 11187109
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine casing is described as having a cowl door hinged to a casing support structure by at least one hinge. The cowl door is openable outwardly from the casing to expose a casing interior. The hinge is located above a longitudinal axis of the casing and comprises a pivoting linkage arranged such that, upon actuation between closed and open cowl door conditions, the pivoting linkage moves an upper portion of the cowl door downwards towards the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Richard G Stretton, Steven A Radomski
  • Patent number: 11161619
    Abstract: A turbojet engine comprising an engine, a nacelle comprising a fan case, an intermediate case having a part forming a hub and an outer shroud radially spaced away from the hub by a secondary, or bypass, flow path and fixed to the hub via arms, in which the outer shroud is situated to the rear and in the continuity of the fan case, a fixed structure fixed to the outer shroud, a mobile assembly mounted with the ability to effect translational movement on the fixed structure, and a ramp fixed to the outer shroud and configured to direct the secondary or bypass flow to exit the outer shroud. Such a turbojet engine makes it possible to simplify assembly and among other things, makes it possible to fix the ramp directly to the outer shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Pascal Gardes, Frédéric Ridray, Frédéric Piard, José Goncalves
  • Patent number: 11136938
    Abstract: A bypass turbofan engine with a nacelle comprising a fan case and a thrust-reversal system. The fan case comprises an exterior wall, and the reversal system comprises a slider having an upstream frame, a downstream frame and a plurality of spars fixed between the upstream frame and the downstream frame, in which the slider is able to move between a forward position and a retracted position. The fan case comprises, at a rear edge of its exterior wall, a support. Each support comprises, for each spar, a shoe fixed to the exterior wall and positioned radially about the spar, and a skirt secured to the shoes and extending the rear edge, in which, in a forward position, the skirt bears around the downstream frame, and in which in a forward/retracted/intermediate position, the shoes are distant from the spars from the upstream frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Pascal Gardes, Frédéric Ridray, José Goncalves
  • Patent number: 11111879
    Abstract: A thrust reverser pivot door may comprise a support structure configured to pivot between a stowed position and a deployed position, and a pivot door outer skin coupled to the support structure, wherein a forward lip of the pivot door outer skin is configured to extend forward of a torque box and overlap the fan case to advantageously increase the overall size or area of the pivot door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Soria, Brian A Sherman
  • Patent number: 11108649
    Abstract: An integrated unitary internet protocol (IP) control system with a rapid spanning tree protocol (RSTP), multi-port high speed switch, supervisor, web display and/or an expansion plant input/output (IO) capabilities. The system may have communication modules associated with encrypted file subsystems integrated with an IO network. A resulting secure IP based communication network may be connected between a software framework and the hardware IO network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Pouchak, Ravi Bharathi Krishnan
  • Patent number: 11085310
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine including a core having in serial flow order a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine—the compressor, combustor, and turbine together defining a core air flowpath. The gas turbine engine additionally includes a fan section mechanically coupled to the core, the fan section including a plurality of fan blades, and each of the plurality fan blades defining a pitch axis. An actuation device is operable with the plurality fan blades for rotating the plurality fan blades about their respective pitch axes, the actuation device including an actuator located outward of the core air flowpath to, e.g., simplify the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel Alan Niergarth, Darek Tomasz Zatorski, Brandon Wayne Miller
  • Patent number: 11060481
    Abstract: A thrust reverser system for a turbine engine includes a support structure, a transcowl, a door, a lock, and a first elastic element. The transcowl is mounted on the support structure and is translatable between a stowed position, a deployed position, and an over-stow position. The door is pivotally coupled to the support structure and is rotatable between at least a first position, a second position, and a third position. The lock is movable between a locked position, to prevent transcowl translation toward the deployed position, and an unlocked position, to allow transcowl translation toward the deployed position. The lock is only able to move to the unlocked position when the transcowl is in the over-stow position. The first elastic element is disposed within the stowed position aperture and, when engaging both the support structure and the transcowl, supplies a force to the transcowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Danis Burton Smith, Robert Romano
  • Patent number: 11053889
    Abstract: The present subject matter can be embodied in, among other things, a two-speed thrust reverser actuation system for actuating a thrust reverser element experiencing an assisting load during movement between a stowed and deployed positions. The system includes a hydraulic actuator to move the thrust reverser element between the stowed and deployed positions, and a directional control valve with a regeneration feature including a restrictor and a velocity fuse arranged in parallel with the restrictor. The velocity fuse is configured to close when the assisting load on the thrust reverser element increases the flow rate of hydraulic fluid through the velocity fuse above threshold value. In operation, the system defines a first movement speed when the velocity fuse is open, and a second movement speed when the velocity fuse is closed, thereby decreasing an effective exit orifice size of the hydraulic actuator when the assisting load increases the deploy rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Thomas Kopecek
  • Patent number: 11015532
    Abstract: A system for starting a turbine engine is provided. The system may comprise a gearbox, an electric starter, and an air turbine starter. The gearbox may have a gearbox input shaft. The gearbox may be coupled to the turbine engine. The gearbox input shaft may be coupled to a spool of the turbine engine. The electric starter may have an electric-starter shaft. The electric-starter shaft may be coupled to the gearbox input shaft. The air turbine starter may have an air-turbine-starter shaft. The air-turbine-starter shaft may be coupled to the gearbox input shaft. The electric-starter shaft and the air-turbine-starter shaft may be radially displaced, circumferentially displaced, or both radially and circumferentially displaced, with respective to an axis of the turbine engine, from one another. The electric starter may be a starter-generator connected alternatively between an auxiliary power source and an auxiliary load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kusnierek, Matthew J. Starr
  • Patent number: 11008945
    Abstract: A system for starting a turbine engine is provided. The system may comprise an gearbox, and electric starter, and an air turbine starter. The gearbox may have a gearbox input shaft. The gearbox input shaft may be coupled to a turbine engine. The gearbox input shaft may be rotationally coupled to a spool of the turbine engine. The electric starter may be coupled to the gearbox input shaft. The air turbine starter may be coupled to the gearbox input shaft. The electric starter and the air turbine starter may be separated by the gearbox. The electric starter may be a starter-generator connected alternatively between an auxiliary power source and an auxiliary load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kusnierek, Matthew J. Starr
  • Patent number: 11008944
    Abstract: A system for starting a turbine engine is provided. The system may comprise a gearbox, a first starter, and a second starter. The gearbox may have an gearbox input shaft. The gearbox input shaft may be rotationally coupled to a spool of the turbine engine. The first starter may have a first-starter shaft. The second starter may have a second-starter shaft. The second-starter shaft may be coaxial with the first-starter shaft. The first starter and the second starter may each be coupled to the gearbox input shaft independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kusnierek, Matthew J. Starr
  • Patent number: 10907578
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an air-driven augmentor fan equipped aircraft propulsor. The augmentor fan may increase the effective bypass ratio of the aircraft propulsor and reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions of the aircraft. The augmentor fan may be driven by air energized by a ducted fan powered by the core engine of the aircraft propulsor. The energized air may be received by an inlet, flowed through a flow path, and exhausted out the outlet to drive the augmentor fan. The exhausted energized air may impart a torque on the augmentor fan or blades of the augmentor fan. One or more of the inlet, flow path, or outlet may be variable in size to control the volume of air flowed through the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Mithra M. K. V. Sankrithi
  • Patent number: 10883447
    Abstract: An aircraft propulsion assembly including a bypass turbojet having a stationary inter-compressor casing positioned upstream from a space between passages, a nacelle including at its downstream end an inner wall that defines the outside of the space between passages and the inside of the bypass stream flow passage, and an outer wall arranged around the inner wall and that defines the outside of the bypass stream flow passage, at least a portion of the inner wall being suitable for moving between a maintenance position and a working position, and a thrust-reverser including a downstream element of the outer wall that is movable in translation between a retracted position and a thrust-reversal position in which it allows bypass stream deflector elements to be deployed in a radial direction, the deployment of the stream deflector elements being controlled by guide rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignees: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES, SAFRAN NACELLES
    Inventors: Carmen Gina Ancuta, Kevin Morgane Lemarchand, Olivier Kerbler, Melody Seriset
  • Patent number: 10851734
    Abstract: A thrust reverser assembly for high-bypass turbofan engine. The thrust reverser assembly includes a translating cowl mounted to a nacelle of an engine. The thrust reverser assembly includes blocker doors axially guided adjacent first ends thereof by a fixed structure and pivotally and slidably connected along lengths thereof to an inner wall of the translating cowl so that translation of the translating cowl in the aft direction causes the blocker door to move from a stowed position to a deployed position. The thrust reverser assembly includes a stop disposed on the core engine or on the blocker door, receiving the load from the high pressure airflow, otherwise borne by an actuation system when deploying the translating cowl and blocker door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: MRA SYSTEMS, LLC.
    Inventors: Timothy Robert Beasman, Andrew Michael Roach, Graham Frank Howarth
  • Patent number: 10844807
    Abstract: A system for actuating a blocker door of a thrust reverser, in which a drag link assembly is removed from the airflow through the engine during flight. The assembly couples the door to a sleeve so that translation of the sleeve between deployed and stowed positions moves the door to open and closed positions, respectively. The assembly includes a drag link track having a channel extending between first and second track ends, and a drag link having a link end which is slidable in the track channel between the first and second track ends. During deployment, translation of the sleeve causes the second link end to slide within the channel toward the second track end which causes the door to open, and during stowage, translation of the sleeve causes the second link end to slide within the channel toward the first track end which causes the door to close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Jon Carr
  • Patent number: 10787995
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device for controlling a variable section ejection nozzle of a turbojet engine nacelle of an aircraft. The device includes a calculator adapted to determine a position setpoint of the nozzle and a management system of the servo-control of the position of the variable nozzle depending on the flow rate of the fuel supplying the turbojet engine. The management system includes at least one instantaneous flow rate sensor of the fuel and a management unit which is designed to compare the flow rate measured by the flow rate sensor with a theoretical fuel flow rate depending on the parameters of the flight of the aircraft, to determine a correction value of the position of the nozzle depending on the comparison of the measured flow rate and the theoretical fuel flow rate, and to correct the position setpoint of the nozzle according to the correction value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Safran Aircraft Engines
    Inventor: Pierre Caruel
  • Patent number: 10648427
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a thrust reverser for a gas turbine engine. As a translating cowl is translated aft from the nacelle of the gas turbine engine, a cascade is also translated in the aft direction and a blocker door coupled to the cascade is pivoted into a fan duct by means of a camming surface, thereby diverting air in the fan duct through the cascade. In the stowed position, both the cascade and the blocker door are disposed radially outward of a radially inner wall of the nacelle and/or the translating cowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nigel David Sawyers-Abbott, James Power
  • Patent number: 10648426
    Abstract: A thrust reverser system comprising a single row vane assembly is provided. The provided thrust reverser system is capable of meeting performance requirements for turbine engines with reduced weight and cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Danis Burton Smith, Mark Knowles, Shawn Alstad, Robert Romano, John Taylor Pearson, Morris Anderson, David Robinson
  • Patent number: 10641207
    Abstract: There is provided an air flow deflector apparatus for a thrust reverser system of an engine of an air vehicle. The air flow deflector apparatus is movable between a stowed non-reversing position and a deployed thrust reversing position, to deflect an air flow out of the engine, and to provide an effective reverse thrust for the thrust reverser system. There is further provided an air flow deflector assembly for a structure. The air flow deflector assembly has the air flow deflector apparatus, an extender member, and a recessed housing disposed in the structure. The air flow deflector assembly has an air flow deflector actuator that moves the air flow deflector apparatus between a stowed position and a deployed position adjacent to a reverse efflux air flow exit portion of the structure. The air flow deflector assembly deflects a reverse efflux air flow away from being re-ingested into the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Chen Chuck, Suk C. Kim
  • Patent number: 10605198
    Abstract: A thrust reverser of a nacelle is orientated at least in-part about a fan case of a turbofan engine. The thrust reverser includes an outer fixed structure assembly and a radial spacer. The outer fixed structure assembly circumferentially extends about a centerline and is spaced, at least in part, radially outward from the fan case. The radial spacer is engaged to the outer fixed structure assembly and is in sliding contact with the fan case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventor: Sara Christine Crawford
  • Patent number: 10578055
    Abstract: A thrust reverser assembly for a turbine engine can include a core engine surrounded by a nacelle. A bypass duct can be formed in the space between the core engine and the nacelle. A blocker door can be movable to a deployed position extending into the bypass duct. A stop can be provided on the core engine to abut and support force applied to the deployed blocker door. The stop can have an airfoil shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: MRA Systems, LLC
    Inventors: David Patrick Calder, Keith E J Blodgett, Graham Frank Howarth, Andrew Michael Roach
  • Patent number: 10539095
    Abstract: An aircraft gas turbine engine nacelle comprises a thrust reversal arrangement. The thrust reversal arrangement comprises at least first and second circumferentially spaced fixed thrust reverser cascade boxes each comprising a plurality of thrust reverser vanes configured to direct air forwardly and circumferentially and at least one inter-leaved translating circumferential turning vane configured to direct air in a direction having a circumferential component. The circumferential turning vane is moveable from a stowed position provided between the first and second circumferentially spaced thrust reverser cascade boxes, and a deployed position axially rearwardly of the thrust reverser cascade boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Richard G. Stretton
  • Patent number: 10533520
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a cascade array may comprise an actuator, a first cascade having a first integral flange, and a second cascade having a second integral flange, wherein the first cascade and the second cascade are operatively coupled to one another via the first integral flange and the second integral flange to form a cascade assembly, and the actuator is disposed between the first cascade and the second cascade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ray Aten, Adam Stein
  • Patent number: 10519863
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a turbine engine case assembly, the turbine engine case assembly including a fan case including an outer frame encircling an axis, the outer frame including an outer frame exterior surface and an outer frame interior surface, at least two mounts disposed on the outer frame exterior surface, wherein the at least two mounts are circumferentially spaced along the outer frame exterior surface, and a compliant attachment device operably coupled to the at least two mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James T. Roach, Darin S. Lussier
  • Patent number: 10400629
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a core housing that includes an inlet case and an intermediate case that respectively provide an inlet case flow path and an intermediate case flow path. A first shaft supports a low pressure compressor section that is arranged axially between the inlet case flow path and the intermediate case flow path. A first bearing supports the first shaft relative to the inlet case. A second bearing supports a second shaft relative to the intermediate case. A low pressure compressor hub is mounted to the first shaft. The low pressure compressor hub extends to the low pressure compressor section between the first bearing and the second bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Brian D. Merry, Gabriel L. Suciu, Todd A. Davis, Gregory E. Reinhardt, Enzo DiBenedetto
  • Patent number: 10393065
    Abstract: A variable nozzle apparatus may include a radially inward structure and a radially outward structure circumscribing the radially inward structure. An annular flow channel is defined between the radially inward structure and the radially outward structure. One of the radially inward structure and the radially outward structure includes a static portion and a moveable portion. The moveable portion may be to the static portion via helical threads and may thus configured to rotate circumferentially and translate axially relative to the static portion. Movement of the moveable portion relative to the static portion may change a radial dimension of the annular flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael Joseph Murphy
  • Patent number: 10370111
    Abstract: A linkage system for a nacelle may comprise a pivot configured to extend through a second aperture disposed in a link arm, a base member, and a retaining member at least partially defining a first aperture and a cavity. The pivot is configured to extend at least partially into the first aperture. The cavity is configured to accommodate a portion of the link arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Nigel David Sawyers-Abbott, Matthew Exner
  • Patent number: 10371091
    Abstract: A thrust reverser control system includes a plurality of actuators, an electric motor, an electric brake, and a control. Each actuator is responsive to an actuator input torque to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. The electric motor is coupled to each of the actuators and is configured, upon being energized from a voltage source having a supply voltage magnitude, to supply the actuator input torque to the actuators and further configured to selectively generate regenerative current. The electric brake is coupled to be selectively supplied with the regenerative current and is configured, upon being supplied with the regenerative current, to supply a braking torque that slows movement of the actuators. The control is coupled to the electric brake and is configured, upon the supply voltage magnitude exceeding a predetermined value, to cause the regenerative current to be supplied to the electric brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Steve Abel, James Wawrzynek, Patrick Hinke
  • Patent number: 10294892
    Abstract: Systems for thrust reverser link arm connections are described herein. A fitting for a thrust reverser link arm may comprise a base plate configured to be fastened to a proximal surface of an inner fixed structure (IFS), a first wall extending orthogonally from the base plate, a pin extending orthogonally from the first wall, a second wall extending orthogonally from the base plate, a removable member, a first column located between the first wall and the second wall, and a second column located between the first wall and the second wall. The removable member may surround at least a portion of the pin. The removable member may be removed from a radially outward side of the IFS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Nigel David Sawyers-Abbott, Priscilla Chin
  • Patent number: 10295420
    Abstract: A deflection measurement assembly according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a nacelle arranged about an axis to define a flow path, a cable assembly arranged at least partially about the axis, and a transducer coupled to the cable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joshua V. Wood, Michael Joseph Murphy, Justin R. Urban, Robert E. Malecki, William W. Rice, David W. Lamarre
  • Patent number: 10247137
    Abstract: A thrust reverser system suitable for a high-bypass turbofan engine of a type having a nacelle. The thrust reverser system includes a transcowl having a stowed, deployed and open positions. A hinge assembly translationally and rotationally couples the transcowl to a fixed structure that does not translate when the transcowl is translated in the aft direction. The hinge assembly includes a first member connected to the transcowl for translation therewith, and a fixed second member that defines a channel in which a portion of the first member is slidably received. The first and second members are configured to enable the portion of the first member to translate within the slider channel in an aft direction corresponding to a translational movement of the transcowl, and to enable the portion of the first member to rotate within the channel corresponding to a pivotal movement of the transcowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Alan Roy Stuart
  • Patent number: 10184340
    Abstract: A rotor blade comprises an airfoil extending radially from a root section to a tip section and axially from a leading edge to a trailing edge, the leading and trailing edges defining a curvature therebetween. The curvature determines a relative exit angle at a relative span height between the root section and the tip section, based on an incident flow velocity at the leading edge of the airfoil and a rotational velocity at the relative span height. In operation of the rotor blade, the relative exit angle determines a substantially flat exit pressure ratio profile for relative span heights from 75% to 95%, wherein the exit pressure ratio profile is constant within a tolerance of 10% of a maximum value of the exit pressure ratio profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Constantine Baltas, Jonathan Gilson
  • Patent number: 10036323
    Abstract: A rear nacelle assembly for turbojet engine includes an inner structure surrounding a downstream portion of the turbojet engine. In particular, the inner structure is movable in rotation between an operating position in which it forms a downstream fairing and defines an annular stream of cold air with a thrust reverser cowl, and a maintenance position in which the inner structure moves away from the downstream portion. A suspension pylon is further provided to mount the thrust reverser cowl and the inner structure. The thrust reverser cowl slides between an opening position clearing air flow deviation grids and a closing position recovering the air flow deviation grids. Moreover, the thrust reverser cowl is mounted on the suspension pylon by a pivot connection sliding around a main axis, and the inner structure is mounted on the suspension pylon by a pivot connection around the main axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Herve Hurlin, Nicolas Dezeustre, Olivier Kerbler
  • Patent number: 9951720
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a thrust reverser including a plurality of blocker doors moveable between a deployed position and a stowed position. A gap is defined between adjacent blocker doors when in the stowed position. A plurality of divots are mounted forward of the plurality of blocker doors to substantially cover the gap between the adjacent blocker doors when in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Edward F. Migliaro, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9945324
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a system for a thrust reverser of an aircraft comprising: a primary sleeve, and a secondary sleeve, wherein a first stroke associated with the primary sleeve is different from a second stroke associated with the secondary sleeve, and wherein the primary sleeve traverses a first distance associated with the first stroke at the outset of a deployment of the thrust reverser and a second distance associated with the first stroke at a later stage of the deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Gormley