Patents Assigned to Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
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Publication number: 20080187877Abstract: A liner for use within a gasifier vessel includes a plurality of elongated channels and a plurality of ceramic sheaths. The elongated channels pass coolant through the gasifier. The ceramic sheaths surround the elongated channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2007Publication date: August 7, 2008Applicant: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Inc.Inventors: Mark Andrew Fitzsimmons, Stephen Arthur Yows, Steven P. Fusselman
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Publication number: 20080183403Abstract: A system for detecting the onset of structural failure in a structural element subject to a mechanical load comprises a metering array, a signal processor, and an output processor. The metering array measures physical quantities associated with the structural element. The signal processor transforms the measured physical quantities into a series of sample mode spectra, and the output processor generates output as a function of the series of sample mode spectra. Methods are also disclosed for detecting the onset of failure in a structural element subject to a mechanical load, for structural testing, and for structural health monitoring.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventor: Dale O. Cipra
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Patent number: 7402188Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently forming a gaseous material from a solid starting material. The produced gaseous material includes a CGE HHV having a high percentage of an original HHV of the starting material. The gaseous product may be used to form a plurality of materials for various purposes.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth M. Sprouse
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Patent number: 7391031Abstract: A system for detecting a compound in a sample includes a neutron source, at least one gamma ray detector positioned proximate the sample, and a signal processor. The neutron source directs a neutron beam toward the sample. The gamma ray detector collects gamma rays emitted from the sample and the signal processor determines the compounds in the sample based on the gamma rays collected by the gamma ray detector. The compound is selected from the group consisting of peroxides and superoxides.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2006Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventors: Andrew J. Zillmer, Gregory A. Johnson
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Publication number: 20080141913Abstract: A dump-cooled gasifier includes a vessel, a liner, and coolant. The liner has a head end, an aft end, and a plurality of channels extending along a length of the vessel. The aft end of the liner is axially and radially expandable with respect to the head end of the liner. The coolant enters at the head end of the liner, flows through the liner, and is expelled from the aft end of the liner directly into the vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Arthur Yows, Steven P. Fusselman
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Publication number: 20080142722Abstract: A system for detecting a compound in a sample includes a neutron source, at least one gamma ray detector positioned proximate the sample, and a signal processor. The neutron source directs a neutron beam toward the sample. The gamma ray detector collects gamma rays emitted from the sample and the signal processor determines the compounds in the sample based on the gamma rays collected by the gamma ray detector. The compound is selected from the group consisting of peroxides and superoxides.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventors: Andrew J. Zillmer, Gregory A. Johnson
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Patent number: 7387197Abstract: A pump for transporting particulate material includes an inlet, an outlet, a passageway, a first and second load beam, a first and second scraper seal, and a first and second drive assembly. The inlet introduces the particulate material into the passageway and the outlet expels the particulate material from the passageway. The passageway is defined by a first belt assembly and a second belt assembly that are opposed to each other. The first and second load beams are positioned within the first belt assembly and the second belt assembly, respectively. The first scraper seal and a second scraper seal are positioned proximate the passageway and the outlet. The first drive assembly is positioned within an interior section of the first belt assembly and drives the first belt assembly and the second drive assembly is positioned within an interior section of the second belt assembly and drives the second belt assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth M. Sprouse, David R. Matthews
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Publication number: 20080136183Abstract: A spherical flange assembly is disclosed. The spherical flange assembly comprises a seat member, a heel member, a seal gland and at least one nut and bold assembly. The seat member includes a concave portion. The heel member includes a convex portion and a seal gland opening. The seal gland is disposed within the seal gland opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventors: Maynard L. Stangeland, Ronald Urquidi
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Publication number: 20080128547Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a two-stage hypersonic vehicle, comprising a first-stage vehicle and a second stage vehicle. The first-stage vehicle includes a combined-cycle engine and a swirl generator for propelling the first-stage vehicle and the second-stage vehicle to a threshold velocity, which in one embodiment is about Mach 6. In one embodiment, the first-stage combined-cycle engine integrates a swirl generator into a gas turbine engine, providing a highly compact afterburner and a ramjet engine within the gas turbine engine. One benefit of the integrated swirl generator is the ability to significantly reduce overall first-stage gas turbine and afterburner-ramjet size and weight, while retaining high performance. The second-stage vehicle is detachably secured to the first-stage vehicle and includes a hypersonic engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventors: Robert J. Pederson, Stephen N. Schmotolocha, William W. Follett
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Patent number: 7380842Abstract: A spherical flange assembly is disclosed. The spherical flange assembly comprises a seat member, a heel member, a seal gland and at least one nut and bold assembly. The seat member includes a concave portion. The heel member includes a convex portion and a seal gland opening. The seal gland is disposed within the seal gland opening.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2006Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventors: Maynard Stangeland, Ronald Urquidi
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Patent number: 7360639Abstract: A screw feeder can be used to transport a high temperature particulate material. A housing contains the material within the screw feeder which includes an inlet and an outlet port. A screw is rotatably positioned within the housing to advance the material from the inlet port to the outlet port, which rotates axially. A labyrinth seal can be formed around and in communication with the screw to eliminate reverse movement of the material. A cooling medium can be directed into contact with at least the housing. A fluid can be injected through the screw to prevent blockage of the particulate material. A pressure differential is created from the inlet to the outlet port of at least 0.069 MPad.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2004Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth M Sprouse, Albert E Stewart
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Publication number: 20080066799Abstract: A representative method involving an optical concentrator for a power generation solar cell includes: providing a Fresnel lens of the optical concentrator, the Fresnel lens having an exit aperture half width corresponding to the width of the solar cell; and providing a secondary non-imaging concentrating element of the optical concentrator, the secondary non-imaging concentrating element exhibiting a hyperbola asymptote angle larger than a divergence angle of the Fresnel lens.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2007Publication date: March 20, 2008Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY ROCKETDYNE, INC.Inventor: Roy Clark
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Publication number: 20080060914Abstract: A pump for transporting particulate material includes an inlet, an outlet, a passageway, a first and second load beam, a first and second scraper seal, and a first and second drive assembly. The inlet introduces the particulate material into the passageway and the outlet expels the particulate material from the passageway. The passageway is defined by a first belt assembly and a second belt assembly that are opposed to each other. The first and second load beams are positioned within the first belt assembly and the second belt assembly, respectively. The first scraper seal and a second scraper seal are positioned proximate the passageway and the outlet. The first drive assembly is positioned within an interior section of the first belt assembly and drives the first belt assembly and the second drive assembly is positioned within an interior section of the second belt assembly and drives the second belt assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2006Publication date: March 13, 2008Applicant: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth M. Sprouse, David R. Matthews
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Patent number: 7339776Abstract: A voltage excursion control system for limiting transient voltage peaks in electrical circuits otherwise occurring across selected components therein in response to changing conditions in such circuits has a plurality of silicon carbide diode dice series-interconnected in a succession such that each cathode region of each die face toward a common end of the succession. First and second electrically conductive electrodes are each electrically interconnected with a corresponding one of the dice at opposite ends of the succession.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventors: Thomas A. Hertel, Daniel Tan
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Patent number: 7334396Abstract: A system for providing an oxidizer and a fuel to a rocket engine is provided. The system includes a fuel supply system. The fuel supply system includes a fuel pump that pumps fuel to the rocket engine. The system includes a coolant supply system that supplies a coolant to the rocket engine, and a power plant that powers at least one of the fuel supply system and the coolant supply system. The power plant is powered by energy received from the coolant system.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2007Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventors: Christopher M. Erickson, James R. Lobitz, William Bissell
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Publication number: 20080006022Abstract: A heat exchange system for use in operating equipment in which a working fluid is utilized in providing selected operations thereof, including for use in lubricating systems for aircraft turbofan engine equipment, the heat exchange system for providing air and working fluid heat exchanges to cool the working fluid at selectively variable rates in the operating equipment developed airstreams. A heat exchanger core is provided in a controlled air flow duct system opening at its entrance to those airstreams and having its outlet end opening downstream in those airstreams.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2007Publication date: January 10, 2008Applicant: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventors: Frederick M. Schwarz, Jorn A. Glahn
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Patent number: 7306710Abstract: A tank is utilized for containing a plating solution. A rotatable support assembly rotatably supports a combustion chamber component relative to the tank for providing partial immersion of the combustion chamber component within the plating solution. An anode is positioned within the tank proximate a surface of the combustion chamber component to be electroplated. A current source is connected to the anode and in electrical contact with the combustion chamber component. When the combustion chamber component is rotated, the submerged portions are deposited with metal from the plating solution.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2002Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventors: Chad M. Schepel, Jeffry A. Fint, Steve J. Evans, Cecil E. Flowers
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Patent number: 7303597Abstract: A system for substantially continuously providing a solid material, for example pulverized coal, to a pressurized container. The system provides the solid material to a first container of a first pressure elevated above an initial pressure of the solid material. Generally, a screw conveyor augmented with a jet port is used to move the material where the jet port provides a gas to provide a make-up volume of the solid material. The system also provides the material to a second high pressure container after the material has been formed into a slurry. Therefore, the solid material may be substantially continuously provided in a system to a high pressure container.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2002Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Michael Sprouse, David R Matthews, Albert E Stewart
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Patent number: 7299633Abstract: A solar power system capable of storing heat energy and converting sun light to electrical power. The solar power system includes a solar collection system which gathers and transmits concentrated solar energy to an absorber/cavity. The thermal energy is extracted from the absorber/cavity via a fluid and transported to a heat conversion system. The heat conversion system uses the thermal energy to create electricity.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.Inventors: Terrence H Murphy, William D Otting, Patrick E Frye
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Patent number: 7111463Abstract: A system, such as a turbine power production system, including a plurality of combustion chambers. The combustion chamber may be provided with an ignition system that allows for substantially simultaneous ignition of each of the plurality of the combustors. Generally, a detonation wave may be provided to each of the combustion chambers substantially simultaneously from a single ignition combustion wave chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Inc.Inventors: Kenneth M Sprouse, Shahram Farhangi