Condition Responsive Thrust Varying Means Patents (Class 60/233)
  • Patent number: 11466573
    Abstract: A turbine vane for a gas turbine engine, including: a first airfoil including leading and trailing edges joined by spaced apart pressure and suction sides to provide an exterior airfoil surface extending from an inner platform in a radial direction to an outer platform, wherein a portion of the exterior airfoil surface of the first airfoil is formed in conformance with a set of Cartesian coordinates set forth in Table 1 as offset by corresponding values in Table 4, and wherein the values of Table 4 are offset from a point of origin that is a point where a radially outward surface of the inner platform meets a surface of a trailing edge of the inner platform and a surface of a mate face of the inner platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Wolfgang Balzer
  • Patent number: 11325699
    Abstract: A ducted fan assembly for generating thrust during edgewise forward flight. The ducted fan assembly includes a duct having an inlet with a leading portion and a diffuser with a trailing portion during the edgewise forward flight. A fan disposed within the duct is configured to rotate relative to the duct about a fan axis to generate an airflow through the duct from the inlet to the diffuser. An active flow control system includes a plurality of injectors including a first injector configured to inject pressurized air substantially tangential with the leading portion of the inlet and a second injector configured to inject pressurized air substantially tangential with the trailing portion of the diffuser such that when the injectors are injecting pressurized air, flow separation of the airflow at the leading portion of the inlet and the trailing portion of the diffuser is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Bryan Robertson, Kirk Landon Groninga, Matthew Edward Louis
  • Patent number: 11247782
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a rotorcraft includes: a plurality of engines; a flight control computer connected to the plurality of engines, the flight control computer being configured to: receive an operating parameter of a first engine of the plurality of engines; determine an engine output ramping rate for the first engine according to a difference between the operating parameter of the first engine and a nominal limit of the first engine; and increase the output of the first engine in response to detecting an outage of another engine of the plurality of engines, the output of the first engine being increased according to the engine output ramping rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Morganne Cody Klein, Jillian Samantha Alfred, Christopher James Ludtke
  • Patent number: 10655630
    Abstract: A fairing installed in a bypass duct defined between an outer casing and an inner casing around an axis of a turbofan engine to make compressed air bypass a low pressure compressor is comprised of a fore section elongated aftward from the inner casing at an inlet of the bypass duct and running along an internal periphery of the outer casing; and an aft section elongated aftward in succession to the fore section and curved in a direction getting away from the internal periphery so as to increase an area of a flow path toward an aft end of the aft section, the whole of the aft section being curved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Ooba, Kazuhiro Suzuki, Takeshi Isokawa
  • Patent number: 9523284
    Abstract: A compressor component having an airfoil with a profile in accordance with Table 1 is disclosed. The compressor component, such as a compressor vane, has a decreased surface area over a portion of the airfoil chord length. The decreased surface area compressor vane operates in conjunction with a compressor blade having an increased surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Edward Len Miller, Stephen Wayne Fiebiger, Wes Carl Smith, Reiner Jochen Digele, Wilm Philipp Hecker, Andreas Martin Mattheiss
  • Patent number: 9388744
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a gas turbine engine control system includes an engine controller configured to control multiple parameters associated with operation of a gas turbine engine system. The gas turbine engine control system also includes multiple remote interface units communicatively coupled to the engine controller. The remote interface unit is configured to receive an input signal from the engine controller indicative of respective target values of at least one parameter, and the remote interface unit is configured to provide closed-loop control of the at least one parameter based on the input signal and feedback signals indicative of respective measured values of the at least one parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Harry Kirk Mathews, Jr., Brent Jerome Brunell, Simon Shlomo Lis, R. Sheldon Carpenter, Samhita Dasgupta, Sridhar Adibhatla, Scott Douglas Waun, Emad Andarawis Andarawis
  • Patent number: 9382011
    Abstract: The multiple aircraft engine control system having a corresponding engine controller associated with each one of the engines, each one of the engine controllers having at least two independent channels, each one of the at least two independent channels having at least two communication buses, each one of the at least two communicating buses of each channel being connected to a respective one of the at least two communicating buses of each one of the other channels. The method can time-interweave originating data of the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Michael Darby, Brant Duke
  • Patent number: 9352854
    Abstract: In order to produce a space flight drive for propelling a spacecraft which can use the available fuel with great efficiency and which can transport heavy payloads to great heights, it is proposed that the space flight drive should comprise a fuel tank for holding a fuel, an oxidizer tank for holding an oxidizer, a combustion chamber device for the conversion of the fuel by the oxidizer, a propulsion nozzle device adjoining the combustion chamber device and a shroud device which surrounds the propulsion nozzle device annularly at least in sections for the production of an air sheath flow during a flight of the spacecraft through the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventor: Wolfgang Kitsche
  • Patent number: 8991186
    Abstract: A fuel control system comprises a metering valve operable to control the flow of fuel between a supply line and a delivery line, a spill valve operable to control fuel flow within the supply line, a pressure raising valve connected to the delivery line, and a control servo valve movable between a thrust control mode in which it modifies the control of the spill valve to reduce the fuel flow delivered via the metering valve and an outlet of the pressure raising valve, and a windmill relight position in which it modifies the control of the pressure raising valve to allow fuel delivery through the outlet of the pressure raising valve at a reduced system pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Engine Control Systems Limited
    Inventors: Daniel James Bickley, Michael Griffiths
  • Publication number: 20150013303
    Abstract: An engine propulsion system is configured to utilize bursts of media in order to create mechanical energy. The engine propulsion system includes at least one cannon, wherein each cannon is configured to displace the media and further includes a firing pin casing configured to accommodate a firing pin. The firing pin is configured to create the mechanical energy when moved thus allowing the media to exit the cannon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: DERRICK T. MILLER, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150013302
    Abstract: An engine propulsion system is configured to utilize bursts of media in order to create mechanical energy. The engine propulsion system includes at least one cannon, wherein each cannon is configured to displace the media and further includes a firing pin casing configured to accommodate a firing pin. The firing pin is configured to create the mechanical energy when moved thus allowing the media to exit the cannon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: DERRICK T. MILLER, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140007554
    Abstract: A rocket having a motor with a user adjustable thrust is provided. The rocket includes a main cylinder containing a rocket propellant, the propellant configured to generate gas during operation and one or more nozzles arranged to direct the gas in a first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: ENSIGN-BICKFORD AEROSPACE & DEFENSE COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew M. Kochanek, Kurt Nelson, Daniel P. Sutula, JR.
  • Patent number: 8590288
    Abstract: A fan control apparatus includes a fan, two engine+compressor combinations, two air supply systems, and an FCC. When an abnormality occurs in one of the air supply systems and one of the engine+compressor combinations, the FCC maintains the flow rate of the normally operating air supply system and then increases the flow rate. As a result, the normally operating drive source is prevented from overloading. In another embodiment, a fan control apparatus includes a fan, an air source, two air supply systems, and a bypass channel. The air is caused to flow through the bypass channel when an abnormality occurs in one of the air supply systems. As a result, the time that elapses till the fluid can be supplied at a necessary flow rate is shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masatsugu Ishiba
  • Patent number: 8528316
    Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling solid propellant gas pressure and vehicle thrust are provided. Propellant gas pressure and a vehicle inertial characteristic are sensed. Propellant gas pressure commands and vehicle thrust commands are generated. A propellant gas pressure error is determined based on the propellant gas pressure commands and the sensed propellant gas pressure, and vehicle thrust error is determined based on the vehicle thrust commands and the sensed vehicle inertial characteristic. Reaction control valves are moved between closed and full-open positions based on the determined propellant gas pressure error and on the determined vehicle thrust error. The system and method allow the reaction control valves to operate at variable frequencies or at fixed frequencies. The system and method also allows propellant pressure to be commanded to follow a predetermined pressure profile or commanded to vary “on-the-fly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark H. Baker, Steve Abel, George Woessner
  • Patent number: 8381510
    Abstract: A method and systems for controlling a thrust output of a gas turbine engine are provided. The system includes a first sensor for measuring a first engine operating parameter, a second sensor for measuring a first engine condition parameter, and a processor programmed to determine an expected value of the first engine condition parameter and determine a first variance value using a difference between the expected value of the first engine condition parameter and the measured first engine condition parameter. The processor is further programmed to determine a trim value using the first variance value and a first engine operating parameter demand and to determine a modified operating parameter demand based on the nominal operating parameter demand and the determined trim value. The system also includes a controller coupled to the processor for controlling engine thrust based on the modified demand of the first engine operating parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Harold Brown
  • Publication number: 20110277446
    Abstract: Rockets, rocket motors, methods of controlling a rocket and methods of evaluating a rocket design are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of controlling a rocket may include measuring a combustion chamber pressure, calculating a logarithm of the measured combustion chamber pressure, and computing the difference between the logarithm of the measured combustion chamber pressure and the logarithm of a reference combustion chamber pressure value to generate an error signal. The method may further include filtering the error signal to generate a compensated signal in the logarithm domain, and exponentiating of the compensated signal in the logarithm domain to provide a compensated signal in the physical domain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Sean S. Stroud, Michael J. Piovoso
  • Patent number: 8038091
    Abstract: When a FADEC detects an abnormality in any of engine+compressor combinations, a FCC controls the amount of air for driving the fan to a level that is lower than that before the abnormality has been detected, until a state is assumed in which the normally operating engine+compressor combination can supply the air at a flow rate necessary for a fan to generate a propulsion force that has been attained before the abnormality has been detected. As a result, the normally operating engine+compressor combination can be prevented from the occurrence of a surge and a resultant overload state. Therefore, when some drive sources from a plurality of drive sources fail, normally operating drive sources can be prevented from being in an overload state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masatsugu Ishiba
  • Publication number: 20110179768
    Abstract: A rocket thruster of this invention includes a nozzle and a valve assembly. The valve subassembly includes a pintle with a head portion, which has a truncated substantially conical surface region facing and concentric with converging and throat regions of the nozzle to provide a variable effective throat area therebetween. The truncated portion of the head portion has an outer edge defining a bleed passageway opening communicating with a primary bleed passage leading through the head portion to a bleed cavity located on an opposite side of the head portion. During activation of a rocket motor to which the rocket thruster is coupled, gases imparting a load on the head portion pass through the primary bleed passage to the opposite side of the head portion for counterbalancing loads acting on the head portion. A thrust control subassembly moves the pintle axially for changing the effective throat area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Cary L. Cover, Albert S. Drendel
  • Patent number: 7931238
    Abstract: A flight control system for an aircraft receives a selected value of a first parameter, which is either the airspeed or inertial velocity of the aircraft. A primary feedback loop generates a primary error signal that is proportional to the difference between the selected value and a measured value of the first parameter. A secondary feedback loop generates a secondary error signal that is proportional to the difference between the selected value of the first parameter and a measured value of a second flight parameter, which is the other of the airspeed and inertial velocity. The primary and secondary error signals are summed to produce a velocity error signal, and the velocity error signal and an integrated value of the primary error signal are summed to produce an actuator command signal. The actuator command signal is then used for operating aircraft devices to control the first parameter to minimize the primary error signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Builta, Kynn J. Schulte
  • Publication number: 20100313546
    Abstract: The invention relates to a turbojet engine nacelle that includes a power supply source (113) for a system for actuating and controlling a thrust reverser device (121), and for a system for actuating and controlling a variable nozzle device (120), characterised in that the power supply can be switched between a first position in which it powers the system for actuating and controlling the thrust reverser device, and a second position in which it powers the system for actuating and controlling the variable nozzle device, wherein the switching is carried out under the action of a control output from a computer (103) capable of receiving a thrust reverser opening control (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: Benoit Kubiak
  • Publication number: 20100275575
    Abstract: A method and systems for controlling a thrust output of a gas turbine engine are provided. The system includes a first sensor for measuring a first engine operating parameter, a second sensor for measuring a first engine condition parameter, and a processor programmed to determine an expected value of the first engine condition parameter and determine a first variance value using a difference between the expected value of the first engine condition parameter and the measured first engine condition parameter. The processor is further programmed to determine a trim value using the first variance value and a first engine operating parameter demand and to determine a modified operating parameter demand based on the nominal operating parameter demand and the determined trim value. The system also includes a controller coupled to the processor for controlling engine thrust based on the modified demand of the first engine operating parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Harold Brown
  • Publication number: 20100269484
    Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling solid propellant gas pressure and vehicle thrust are provided. Propellant gas pressure and a vehicle inertial characteristic are sensed. Propellant gas pressure commands and vehicle thrust commands are generated. A propellant gas pressure error is determined based on the propellant gas pressure commands and the sensed propellant gas pressure, and vehicle thrust error is determined based on the vehicle thrust commands and the sensed vehicle inertial characteristic. Reaction control valves are moved between closed and full-open positions based on the determined propellant gas pressure error and on the determined vehicle thrust error. The system and method allow the reaction control valves to operate at variable frequencies or at fixed frequencies. The system and method also allows propellant pressure to be commanded to follow a predetermined pressure profile or commanded to vary “on-the-fly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark H. Baker, Steve Abel, George Woessner
  • Patent number: 7815146
    Abstract: A fixed sized bell rocket nozzle is lined with a layer of combustible material that is ignited during launch ignition and burns to outgas into the rocket exhaust for spatially variably confining the exhaust and perfecting an effective variably sized altitude compensating exhaust nozzle that maximizes lift during the launch of a spacecraft into orbit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Gary F. Hawkins, John W. Murdock
  • Publication number: 20090260343
    Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling solid propellant burn rate, propellant gas pressure, propellant gas pressure pulse shape, and propellant gas flow rate, rely on the position of a throttling valve. A throttling valve that is movable to a control position is disposed downstream of, and in fluid communication with, a solid propellant gas generator, and in parallel with a plurality of reaction control valves. The solid propellant in the solid propellant gas generator is ignited, to thereby generate propellant gas. The throttling valve is moved to a control position to attain a desired solid propellant burn rate, propellant gas pressure, and/or propellant gas pressure pulse shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Edward E. Woodruff, Donald J. Christensen, George T. Woessner, Steven G. Abel
  • Patent number: 7603842
    Abstract: A method for reducing the nonsteady side loads acting on a nozzle of a rocket engine during a startup phase of said engine. The nozzle comprises a combustion chamber (1) where exhaust gases are generated, a divergent portion (3) in which a supersonic flow of said exhaust gases occurs, and a throat (2) connecting the combustion chamber to the divergent portion, which method comprises the positioning of a body of rounded shape (5) inside the divergent portion (3) along its axis corresponding to an axial position such that, during at least part of the startup phase, a shock wave (8), induced by the distrubance of the flow of the exhaust gases by the body of rounded shape (5) is incident to the wall of the divergent portion (3) at an axial incidence position where it produces a jet separation or a separation in the form of a toroidal separation bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Agence Spatiale Europeenne
    Inventor: Christian Dujarric
  • Publication number: 20090107110
    Abstract: When a FADEC detects an abnormality in any of engine+compressor combinations, a FCC controls the amount of air for driving the fan to a level that is lower than that before the abnormality has been detected, until a state is assumed in which the normally operating engine+compressor combination can supply the air at a flow rate necessary for a fan to generate a propulsion force that has been attained before the abnormality has been detected. As a result, the normally operating engine+compressor combination can be prevented from the occurrence of a surge and a resultant overload state. Therefore, when some drive sources from a plurality of drive sources fail, normally operating drive sources can be prevented from being in an overload state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Masatsugu Ishiba
  • Patent number: 7478526
    Abstract: A turbine for a sprinkler is disclosed for self-governing its rotational velocity. As a rate of fluid through the sprinkler increases, particularly when air is used to flush the sprinkler system, a portion of the turbine shifts outwardly so as to decrease alignment of vanes located thereon with directed water streams for controlling the rotation of the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. McAfee, Cesar A. Gomez
  • Publication number: 20080289317
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control method for opening or closing a turbojet engine thrust reverser (1) by using at least one mobile cowl (2) displaceable by means of at least one electric motor (7) consisting in analysing at least one parameter representative for a pressure in the turbojet engine jet and in carrying out an operating sequence in which the operating parameters of the electric motor (7) are adjusted to a situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Michel Philippe Dehu, Fabrice Henri Emile Metezeau
  • Patent number: 7010904
    Abstract: A method for achieving linear engine thrust response comprising the steps of measuring a throttle position (FNRQ), measuring a plurality of engine parameters, inputting the plurality of engine parameters and the throttle position into a plurality of schedules to produce a plurality of outputs, combining the plurality of outputs to produce a part power scheduled airflow (W2RSCH), and using the W2RSCH to produce a near linear thrust response of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Richard W. McBride
  • Patent number: 6951317
    Abstract: A vehicle, such as a missile, with a pilot valve system controls the vehicle's thrust valves despite a hostile propellant gas environment. The pilot valve system can have one or more pilot valves. Using refractory elements, the pilot valve ball reciprocates between a supply seat and a vent seat which is subject to the filtered inflow of propellant thrust gases. When open, the pilot valve allows the stray thrust gas to communicate to a control chamber which closes a poppet against a valve seat in the nozzle. When an associated solenoid closes the pilot valve by pushing the pilot valve ball against the supply seat, the control chamber is vented to ambient. The poppet may then travel into the cylinder bore and the nozzle is opened to exhaust propellant gases and exert lateral thrust on the vehicle. Certain nozzle thrust geometries provide useful vehicle guidance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: George T. Woessner, Stephen G. Abel, Mark H. Baker, Dennis M. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6892127
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing damage to machine components is provided. The method includes calculating an expected parameter value based on a first parameter value indicator, calculating an estimate of an actual parameter value based on a second parameter value indicator, the second parameter value indicator being different than the first parameter value indicator, determining if the calculated expected parameter value is different than the calculated estimate of the actual parameter value by a predefined limit, and generating a damage flag based on a result of the comparison. The apparatus includes a computing device including a processor and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor, the processor programmed to execute a software product code segment that includes a detection boundary module, an estimator, and a comparator wherein the computing device is programmed to assess damage within an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Matthew William Wiseman
  • Publication number: 20040139727
    Abstract: A control apparatus 50 for a gas turbine engine for an aircraft includes engine control means 52 forming part of an outer fuel control loop and fuel control means/overthrust protector 76 forming part of an inner fuel control loop. Overthrust protection is provided within each of the engine control means 52 and the fuel control means/overthrust protector 76, which are powered and housed separately. Thus, a failure within one of these systems could not result in overthrust and demonstrably reliable overthrust protection is provided within a single channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Michael A. Horswill, Stephen G. Garner
  • Patent number: 6745570
    Abstract: A method for assembling a flap system for a gas turbine engine exhaust nozzle including a plurality of backbone assemblies facilitates extending a useful life of the exhaust nozzle. The method includes providing a flap basesheet having a width defined between a pair of side edges that are coupled together by a leading edge and a trailing edge, and including at least one stiffener that extends between the basesheet side edges and includes an intermediate portion that has a width that is smaller than that of the basesheet and is at least one of bonded to and formed integrally with the basesheet, and coupling the basesheet to the gas turbine engine with a backbone assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Bernard J. Renggli, Darrell Senile
  • Publication number: 20030217547
    Abstract: A side thruster valve of an aerospace craft is improved to reduce torque of a servo-motor, etc. needed for nozzle opening and closing to thereby realize a compact and light weight device. The side thruster valve comprises a valve plug having its back directed to an axis of the aerospace craft and independently movable between a fully opened position and a fully closed position of the valve plug in a plane orthogonal to the axis of the aerospace craft, an actuating means for moving the valve plug in an axial direction of the valve plug and an elastic member for activating the valve plug in the axial direction of the valve plug. In a side thruster device comprising a plurality of the side thruster valves, the side thruster valves are arranged independently of each other to thereby broaden freedom of combustion control and improve fuel consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Toshiharu Fujita
  • Publication number: 20020078680
    Abstract: A rocket engine (10) generates a flow of hot propulsion fluid through a nozzle (14N) for generating propulsive thrust along a thrust vector 8. One or more hybrid exhaust gas generators (36,38) have their exhausts (44,54) through the side of the nozzle. Each gas generator includes a fuel grain (46,56) and a source of oxidizer (16,40,50). The fuel grain produces exhaust gas only when oxidizer is provided. The fuel grain is kept hot by either or both (a) direct radiation or conduction from the hot propulsion fluid, or (b) by a trickle of oxidizer. The fuel grain can thus react quickly to a substantial flow of oxidizer. When the thrust vector is to be modified, the appropriate one of the hybrid gas generators receives a flow of oxidizer, and the resulting exhaust gas is injected through the side of the nozzle to disrupt the flow of propulsion fluid and modify the thrust vector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Lockhead Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Herbert Stephen Jones, Joseph Paul Arves, Darren Andrew Kearney, Ryan Earl Roberts, Rory Neil McLeod
  • Patent number: 6270037
    Abstract: A short take-off and vertical landing (“STOVL”) aircraft has a conventional gas turbine engine that is selectively mechanically connected to a vertically-oriented lift fan by a drive shaft when the aircraft operates in a vertical flight mode. An engine control provides for rapid response attitude control of the aircraft when the pilot initiates desired changes in the attitude (i.e., pitch, roll and/or yaw) of the aircraft. The control achieves the rapid response by varying both the inlet guide vanes of the lift fan and the area of the engine nozzle. These variations result in a substantially constant low rotor speed, which facilitates the desired rapid attitude response and corresponding aircraft control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Freese, Julio Perez
  • Patent number: 6269627
    Abstract: A short take-off and vertical landing (“STOVL”) aircraft has a conventional gas turbine engine that is selectively mechanically connected to a vertically-oriented lift fan by a drive shaft when the aircraft operates in a vertical flight mode. An engine control provides for rapid response thrust control of the lift fan and low rotor spool when the pilot initiates desired changes in thrust. The control achieves the rapid thrust response by varying the inlet guide vanes of the lift fan, together with selective fuel flow scheduling. These variations result in a substantially constant low rotor speed, which facilitates the desired rapid thrust response and corresponding aircraft control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Freese, Eric T. Meyers
  • Patent number: 6233919
    Abstract: A thruster valve has a continuously positionable piston between a closed position and a maximum open position. The piston moves in response to the difference in pressure between the pressure of the valve's inlet and thruster nozzle and the pressure behind the piston. A pivotable flapper valve regulates this pressure difference. When a change in thrust is required a force is applied to the flapper causing a change in this pressure difference which causes the piston to move until the desired thrust level is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen G. Abel, William F. Ryan, Michael A. Pepe, Joseph P. Silk, Douglas T. Hopper
  • Patent number: 6186447
    Abstract: In an autothrottle system having the capability to reduce engine throttle setting from a first position to an idle position, an improvement including calculating a rate of throttle reduction as a function of the combination of a nominal retard rate value (10) and a retard rate adjustment value (12). In one embodiment, the nominal retard rate value (10) is equal to the angular difference between a current engine throttle control lever position (TRA) and an idle engine throttle control lever position (TRAIDLE), the difference being divided by an amount in the range of about 3 seconds to about 10 seconds. The retard rate adjustment value (12) is calculated as a function of the difference between current airspeed (VC) and a commanded airspeed (VCMD). During an underspeed condition, the retard rate adjustment signal decreases the rate of throttle reduction from the nominal retard rate value (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Arvinder S. Virdee
  • Patent number: 5775094
    Abstract: When the operation of an electromagnetic thruster valve disposed in a fluid assage for establishing the connection between a gas tank and a thruster unit for jetting gas filled in the gas tank is controlled to follow a thrust command, rise time of thrust at certain thrust is measured based on a state of the operation of the electromagnetic thruster valve. Then, the measured value and a predetermined delay value are subject to a comparison. The obtained difference is used as previous delay time to correct delay time of operation control of the electromagnetic thruster valve with respect to a next thrust command when the operation of the electromagnetic valve is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: The Director-General of the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science
    Inventors: Junichiro Kawaguchi, Tatsuaki Hashimoto, Yasuhiro Morita
  • Patent number: 5463458
    Abstract: A Mach number sensor comprises a first pulse speed sensor situated in direct contact with an open area through which a first pressure pulse can pass and a second pulse speed sensor situated in a thermally conductive tube with membrane-covered ends having stationary air through which a second pressure pulse can pass. Each of the first and second pulse speed sensors may comprise two total internal reflection detectors and a timer for determining elapsed time for passage of the pressure pulse between the two detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ertugrul Berkcan
  • Patent number: 5442909
    Abstract: A method for controlling the amount of side load experienced by a gas turbine engine and associated airframe components is provided, where the gas turbine engine includes a thrust vectoring system which deflects thrust at a vector angle away from a centerline thereof. The method includes the steps of calculating engine thrust, calculating a side load vector angle limit as a function of the calculated engine thrust and a side load limit, and limiting the vector angle of the thrust vectoring system to the side load vector angle limit in order to maintain operation of the gas turbine engine within the side load limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Barton H. Snow, David J. Markstein, Thomas K. Wills, Thomas P. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 5437151
    Abstract: The position of the normal airflow shock pattern in the airflow inlet of a supersonic aircraft jet engine assembly is detected by a light beam position sensor assembly. A narrow band coherent source light beam is angularly transmitted across the engine assembly airflow inlet and is angularly refracted by the normal shock pattern. A bank of light beam sensor assemblies is mounted on the airflow inlet so as to detect the position of the refracted light beam relative to the leading surface of the power section of the engine. Selectively adjustable airflow control tabs are mounted on the engine assembly and are operably connected to an airflow inlet controller. The airflow inlet controller monitors ambient flight conditions and the location of the refracted light beam, and will selectively adjust the position of the airflow control tabs so as to maintain the position of the normal shock pattern at a calculated desired distance from the leading surface of the engine power section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony N. Martin
  • Patent number: 5431010
    Abstract: A high speed control apparatus and method utilized in a system having a high pressure fluid supply for producing precisely controlled, amplitude and duration variable thrust are disclosed, the apparatus including a piezoelectric stack responsive to a control signal input, a displacement amplifier operatively associated with the stack, and a high pressure axial valve assembly coupled with the amplifier. A microprocessor control system and energy storage and power amplifier system provide the calibrated output voltage control signal which drives the piezoelectric stack in such a manner as to produce rapidly changing displacements in the stack (as frequent as 10 microseconds) which are subsequently amplified by the displacement amplifier. The valve assembly opens as the piezoelectric stack expands upon application of a step change in voltage, allowing fluid to expand through the valve assembly and create thrust that is substantially equal in duration and directly proportional in amplitude to the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Commerce
    Inventor: William C. Stone
  • Patent number: 5394690
    Abstract: A pressure controlled pintle is employed in combination with a throttling quid, gel, or hybrid engine to provide a constant pressure and variable thrust from a single operating engine. As the propellants are throttled back and the chamber pressure drops, the pintle moves and closes the gap between the pintle and nozzle throat, thereby lowering the throat area and re-establishing the design chamber pressure related to pintle spring tension. By retaining the design pressure over a wide thrust range, the engine efficiency remains at the design value. This eliminates the drop of Isp due to pressure and keeps the cost of the system reasonable because only one engine is required. When a higher thrust is desired, a throttling valve in an injector increases the propellant flow rate, which causes a higher pressure in the combustion chamber. The constant pressure actuator moves the pintle to open the nozzle throat, which reduces the pressure to the design value. The design value may not be optimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Jerrold H. Arszman, William M. Chew, Barry D. Allan
  • Patent number: 5271226
    Abstract: A high speed control apparatus and method utilized in a system having a high pressure fluid supply for producing precisely controlled, amplitude and duration variable thrust are disclosed, the apparatus including a co-fired piezoelectric stack connected with a control signal input, a low-loss mechanical displacement amplifier operatively associated with the stack, and a high pressure spring-loaded axial valve assembly coupled with the amplifier. A microprocessor control system and energy storage and power amplifier system are utilized to provide a calibrated output voltage control signal which drives the piezoelectric stack in such a manner as to produce rapidly changing displacements in the stack (as frequent as 10 microseconds) which are subsequently amplified by the displacement amplifier. The valve assembly is connected with the amplifier and includes a valve core which is normally forced closed upon a valve seat by a compression spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Commerce
    Inventor: William C. Stone
  • Patent number: 5136841
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Inventor: Ward H. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 5048285
    Abstract: A control system for use in gas turbine engines simultaneously provides for improved engine efficiency and extended engine life without sacrificing engine performance. The control system is characterized by both standard and extended engine life (EEL) operating modes. The extended engine life (EEL) mode can be requested by the pilot during periods of less extreme flight maneuvers. The control system will, in response to pilot request, determine the current thrust provided by the engine and reconfigure the engine to provide that value of thrust at values of engine pressure ratio (EPR) as a function of engine airflow which produce a reduction in turbine inlet temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Untied Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas P. Schmitt, Stephen L. Collins
  • Patent number: 5044155
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Ward H. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 4991393
    Abstract: Apparatus and a corresponding method for controlling the attitude of a space vehicle during operation of its propulsion engines, without gimbaling of the engines. Two engines are differentially throttled, one above and one below a nominal thrust setting of the engines, in response to an error signal indicative of the difference between an actual attitude angle and a desired attitude angle. Three or four engines can be used to control attitude about two orthogonal axes, or a greater number of engines can be used for redundancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Otten, Robert L. Sackheim