Patents Assigned to Rolls-Royce plc
  • Rig
    Patent number: 10401268
    Abstract: A rig for testing mode II fatigue of a composite component. The rig includes a clamp for clamping one end of the component. A first contact arrangement is provided for contacting one side of the component and a second contact arrangement is provided for contacting an opposing side of the component, the first and second contact arrangements being spaced from the clamp. A loading fork is provided for applying load to the component. The loading fork includes a first and a second portion arranged such that in use, when the loading fork is loading the component in one direction the first portion contacts the first contact arrangement and the second portion is spaced from the second contact arrangement, and when the loading fork is loading the component in an opposite direction the first portion is spaced from the first contact arrangement and the second portion contacts the second contact arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Rico Kuehlewind, Stephen R Hallett, Luiz Kawashita
  • Patent number: 10400920
    Abstract: A double skinned feed or scavenge pipe assembly comprises; an inner pipe (22) and an outer pipe (23) enclosing the inner pipe and defining an annular space (24) between the inner pipe and the outer pipe and a sleeve (28) configured to slip over the outer pipe (23). Complementary threads (29) are provided on an outer wall of the outer pipe (23) and an inner wall of the sleeve (28). A lock, for example in the form of a locking nut (31) is positioned over the outer pipe (23) when the complementary threads (29) of the outer pipe and sleeve are engaged. The configuration of the assembly is such that, in use, the sleeve (28) is slidable between a first position where the inner pipe (22) is accessible and a second position wherein the inner pipe (22) is completely enclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Merijn Van Den Berg, Ian D. Robertson
  • Patent number: 10400679
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine has two connected parts that rotate together during use. The two parts have a tensile loading that acts to separate the two parts in use. The two parts may be neighbouring rotating stages of a gas turbine engine. The two parts are connected together using both a mechanical fastener and an interlocking feature. The interlocking feature may be, for example, interlocking conical surfaces and/or interlocking protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Johnathan H. Wilshaw
  • Publication number: 20190264303
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an austenitic iron alloy comprising placing austenitic iron alloy powder in a can, evacuating air and other gases from the can, supplying nitrogen gas into the can, sealing the can and then hot isostatically pressing the austenitic iron alloy powder in the can to diffuse the nitrogen into the austenitic iron alloy powder and to produce a nitrogen enriched austenitic iron alloy bar and removing the can from the nitrogen enriched austenitic iron alloy bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: David A. STEWART
  • Publication number: 20190264922
    Abstract: A conduit for transport of a fluid, the conduit comprising: a wall extending around and along an axis extending parallel to a direction of bulk fluid flow. The wall having an inner surface defining an interior of a channel through which fluid flows; and a plurality of projections extending from the inner surface of the wall. The plurality of projections extend around the axis, in a plane perpendicular to the axis; and wherein the projections have a height perpendicular to the axis into the channel, and the height is arranged such that the projections modify the flow of fluid at a boundary layer of the fluid adjacent the wall. The conduit is arranged to carry a first fluid; the conduit includes an opening for introducing a second fluid into the channel such that the first and second fluid are mixed downstream of the opening and the plurality of projections are provided upstream of the opening, in a direction of fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Kyriakoulis L RESVANIS
  • Publication number: 20190262995
    Abstract: There is provided a method of controlling a robot within an environment comprising: i) receiving, from a 3D scanner, data relating to at least a portion of the environment for constructing a 3D point cloud representing at least a portion of the environment; ii) comparing the 3D point cloud to a virtual 3D model of the environment and, based upon the comparison, determining a position of the robot; then iii) determining a movement trajectory for the robot based upon the determined position of the robot. Also provided is a control apparatus and a robot control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: James KELL, Bilal M. Nasser, Amir Rabani
  • Publication number: 20190264615
    Abstract: A method of controlling at least a part of a start-up or re-light process of a gas turbine engine, the method comprising: controlling rotation of a low pressure compressor using a first electrical machine to increase angular velocity of the low pressure compressor; and controlling rotation of a high pressure compressor using a second electrical machine to restrict angular velocity of the high pressure compressor while the angular velocity of the low pressure compressor is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Stephen M. HUSBAND, Ahmed MY RAZAK
  • Publication number: 20190265670
    Abstract: A tool for machining an object including a first part including a rotatable member that is rotatable to cause rotation of a machine tool, a second part, a joint coupling the first part and the second part to enable relative movement between the first part and the second part, and a sensor to sense an object to be machined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: James KELL, Thomas Frederick DANVERS, Adam NAGY, Dragos Aurelian AXINTE, Mark Hugh RAFFLES, Amir RABANI, Salvador COBOS-GUZMAN
  • Publication number: 20190264567
    Abstract: A modular method of balancing a rotor assembly comprising two or more rotor sub-assemblies comprises dynamically balancing a set of rotor units each comprising one of the rotor sub-assemblies (52) and in which every other rotor sub-assembly is substituted by a respective simulator (54A, 56A). A respective set (55X, 55Y, 55Z) of balancing weights is applied to one or more of the rotor sub-assembly and simulators of a rotor unit (50A) to achieve dynamic balancing such that each set only corrects unbalance contributed by that rotor sub-assembly or simulator to which it is applied. Each set which is applied to a simulator is transferred to the corresponding sub-assembly. The sub-assemblies are then mated to form the balanced rotor assembly. Excitation of flexible modes of the balanced rotor assembly during its rotation is reduced or avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: John M. HARRISON
  • Publication number: 20190264701
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine compressor operating system for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The gas turbine engine comprises a low pressure compressor and a high pressure compressor. The low and high pressure compressors are driven by low and high pressure shafts respectively, with the high pressure compressor being provided downstream in core mass flow of the low pressure compressor. The compressor operating system comprises a controller configured to control a variable geometry actuator of the low pressure compressor. The controller is configured to control the variable geometry actuator on the basis of low pressure compressor rotational speed (N1) and a high pressure compressor operating parameter such as one or more of core mass flow rate ({dot over (m)}), high pressure compressor pressure ratio (P30:P26), high pressure compressor rotational speed (N2), and high pressure compressor variable guide vane angle (?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Arthur L. ROWE
  • Patent number: 10393215
    Abstract: Apparatus for damping machining vibration of an object, the apparatus including: a plurality of rigid members to be positioned around the object to be machined, the plurality of rigid members defining an interior surface and an exterior surface; at least one flexible member positioned adjacent the interior surface of the plurality of rigid members, the at least one flexible member for contacting an exterior surface of the component; and a compressor to be positioned around the plurality of rigid members and the at least one flexible member, the compressor being arranged to compress the at least one flexible member onto an exterior surface of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Shaoming Yao
  • Patent number: 10392939
    Abstract: A gas turbine drive shaft arrangement, comprising: a hollow compressor drive shaft, a first hollow turbine drive shaft for driving a first turbine stage and a second hollow turbine drive shaft for driving a second turbine stage, wherein the compressor drive shaft has a spline on an internal surface that is meshed with a spline on an external surface of the first hollow turbine drive shaft, the first turbine drive shaft further comprising a spline on an internal surface thereof that is meshed with a spline on an external surface of the second hollow turbine drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignees: ROLLS-ROYCE plc, ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND LTD & CO
    Inventors: Andrew McKay, Miklos Gäbler
  • Patent number: 10392962
    Abstract: A rotor assembly (30) comprising a rotor (32) having an annular array of rotor blades (34), the rotor mounted to a shaft (38). A phonic wheel (40) coupled to the shaft. A speed sensor (44) axially aligned with the phonic wheel and configured to measure voltage (V), amplitude of the voltage being proportional to clearance (46) between the sensor and phonic wheel. A processor (48) configured to: receive the voltage measurement; derive shaft speed (?) from the voltage measurement; identify modulation of the voltage amplitude at a frequency which is an integer multiple of the shaft speed; compare voltage amplitude to a threshold; and output a rotor damage signal based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Arthur L Rowe, Mark N Binnington, Colin J Woodward, Paul R Thornton
  • Patent number: 10392971
    Abstract: A nacelle for a turbofan gas turbine engine, having in flow series an intake lip, a diffuser and a fan casing. The diffuser has, in flow series, a main section and a recessed section adjacent to the fan casing. A transition region, such as a step, slope or curve, is provided between the main section and the recessed section. In some arrangements the transition region may be configured to promote flow separation and the formation of a separation bubble in the recessed section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Angus R Smith, Christopher T Sheaf, David G MacManus, Robert E Christie
  • Patent number: 10393022
    Abstract: A cooled gas turbine engine component includes a wall having a plurality of effusion cooling apertures extending there-through from a first surface to a second surface. Each aperture has an inlet in the first surface and an outlet in the second surface. Each aperture includes an inlet portion, a collection chamber, a metering portion, a U-shaped bend portion and a diffusing portion arranged in flow series from the inlet to the outlet. The inlet portion of each aperture is arranged substantially perpendicularly to a surface of the collection chamber. The metering portion of each aperture is arranged to extend longitudinally from a first lateral side of the collection chamber and the diffusing portion of each aperture is arranged at an angle to the second surface. Each outlet has a quadrilateral shape in the second surface of the wall and each outlet is displaced laterally from the metering portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Adrian L Harding
  • Patent number: 10393068
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine, including: a low pressure spool having a low pressure compressor and a low pressure turbine connected by a low pressure shaft; a reduction gear train having a sun gear, a carrier having a plurality of planet gears attached thereto, and a ring gear, wherein one of the sun gear, carrier or ring gear is connected to the low pressure shaft, and another of the sun gear, carrier and ring gear provides an output drive; a propulsive fan mounted fore of the gear train; a fan shafting arrangement comprising a fan shaft which is connected to the output drive of the gear train and a fan support shaft which passes through center of the gear train along the axis of rotation of the gearbox and fan, wherein the fan shafting arrangement is rotatably supported by at least two axially separated bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Andrew Swift, Stewart T Thornton, Paul Simms, Glenn A Knight
  • Patent number: 10393029
    Abstract: A method of controlling settings of one or more actuatable gas turbine engine components includes: providing a first matrix which relates reduction in the operational parameter maximum value during the transient manoeuvre to settings of the component(s); providing a second matrix which relates the operational parameter maximum values attained during the transient manoeuvre: time to attain the maximum value after transient manoeuvre initiation, and operational parameter rate of change at the time of the maximum value; monitoring the engine in operation to identify a start of a transient manoeuvre; predicting, on the basis of the second matrix maximum values, an overshoot operational parameter amount during the identified transient manoeuvre and a time the overshoot occurrence; selecting a setting, using the first matrix, to eliminate the predicted overshoot; and applying the setting to the component(s) for a predetermined period around the predicted time of occurrence to reduce or avoid the overshoot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Timothy Tramontin
  • Patent number: 10393026
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a wall arrangement for a gas turbine engine, comprising: an annular wall comprising a plurality of circumferential wall segments, adjacent wall segments having opposing first and second end wall portions which define a separating gap therebetween, the gap including a saddle portion which faces radially outwards and comprises a first sealing face on the first end wall portion and a second sealing face on the second end wall portion; and, a longitudinal seal member having a curved sealing surface located within the saddle portion, wherein the curved sealing surface contacts the either or both first and second sealing faces along the length of the saddle portion in use, wherein the seal member includes axially compressible segments which allow the seal member to bend longitudinally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Steven Hillier
  • Publication number: 20190259364
    Abstract: A fairing for a power generation machine, the fairing comprising: a first layer comprising a metallic material; a second layer comprising a composite; and a third layer positioned between the first layer and the second layer, the third layer being configured to attenuate acoustic waves over a predetermined frequency range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Richard PEACE, Oliver C. TAYLOR-TIBBOTT, John G. MARSHALL
  • Publication number: 20190260252
    Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating an insulated metal coil for an electrical machine. The method includes 3D printing a metal coil having a plurality of turns. The method further includes subsequently infiltrating insulating material between the turns of the metal coil to electrically insulate the turns from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Alexis LAMBOURNE, Iain TODD, Geraint W. JEWELL