Patents Assigned to Rolls-Royce plc
  • Optimisation of the design of a component
    Publication number: 20030204823
    Abstract: A method of optimising a design of a component is described. The method comprises the steps of: representing a base design as a CAD model comprising a plurality of geometric entities, assigning a tag name to each geometric entity, transferring the design into an analysis code and determining an optimum design from the analysis code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc.
    Inventors: Ian Armstrong, Janet Rees, Wenbin Song
  • Gas turbine engine blade containment assembly
    Patent number: 6638008
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine fan blade containment assembly (38) comprising a generally cylindrical, or frustoconical, metal casing (40) has an upstream portion (56), a transition portion (58) and a blade containment portion (54). The upstream portion (56) has a flange (42) connecting the metal casing (40) to a flange (48) on axially adjacent casing (46). The blade containment portion (54) has a greater thickness (T2) than the thickness (T1) of the upstream portion (54). The transition portion (58) connects the blade containment portion (54) and the upstream portion (56) to transmit loads from the blade containment portion (54) to the flange (42) on the upstream portion (56). The ratio of the thickness (T4) of the flange (42) on the upstream portion (56) to the thickness (T1) of the upstream portion (56) is between 3 to 1 and 6 to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Sivasubramaniam K Sathianathan, Stephen J Booth
  • Turbine blade locking device
    Patent number: 6638006
    Abstract: A locking device (36) for use in retaining an assembly of rotor blades against movement around a rotor disc on which they are mounted comprises a body member having first and second portions interconnected by a weakened region (66) whereby a force applied to turn the first portion (38) relative to the second portion (40) can cause them to shear apart at said weakened region (66) thereby facilitating release of seized devices to enable blade removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Alan L Selby
  • Data processing method and system
    Patent number: 6633788
    Abstract: A data processing method and a computer based data processing system for use in providing, or optimising, an industrial procedure for generating a product. The system comprising digital processing means, and digital storage means. The storage means having a database stored therein comprising (a) data defining generic product descriptions in terms of physical and/or functional elements and associated properties; b) data defined a plurality of generic process descriptions in terms of process activities, activity sequence, and associated process capabilities, at least one of said generic process descriptions including an iterative set of process activities, and; c) data defining rules relating to a) and b). The method comprising providing the system with specific product information for the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Paul H Riley, Nicholas R Milton
  • Thrust correction
    Publication number: 20030177824
    Abstract: A method for determining the free-field thrust of a gas turbine engine using an enclosed gas turbine engine test facility without recourse to a outdoor gas turbine engine test facility. The method includes the steps of calculating the gas turbine engine intake momentum drag and cradle drag generated and compensating for these losses. In a further embodiment, the base drag is calculated and also compensated for.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Robert N. Parfitt, Colin A. Whittle, Martin R. Turville
  • Seal arrangement
    Publication number: 20030178779
    Abstract: A brush seal (9) comprising a plurality of bristles packed together in a bristle layer (10). The bristles (10) extend from a first component (4) towards a facing surface of a second component (2). A movable plate (14) is disposed substantially parallel to and adjacent to the bristle layer (10). The plate (14) is movable relative to the bristle layer (10) in a direction parallel to the bristle layer (10). An edge (22) of the movable plate (14) adjacent to and facing the facing surface of the second component (2) is arranged to air ride on the facing surface of the second component (2). To promote the air riding the edge (22) of the movable plate (14) may be accordingly profiled. Alternatively the edge (14) may comprise an enlarged foot member (24) which defines an enlarged surface (26). Furthermore a recess (30) may be defined in the movable plate (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Christopher Wright, Karl W. Shore
  • Fluid flow control valve
    Patent number: 6622487
    Abstract: A fluid flow control valve (60) comprises a valve seat (62) and a valve stem (64) which is movable towards or away from the valve seat (62) to control the fluid flow through the valve (60). A magnetostrictive element (66) is arranged to move the valve stem (64) towards the valve seat (62) and a spring (68) is arranged to move the valve stem (64) away from the valve seat (62). A valve wall (70) encloses the valve seat (62), valve stem (64), spring (68) and magnetostrictive element (66). A magnetic coil (72), a keeper (74) and a permanent magnet (76) are arranged around the valve wall (70). The fluid flow control valve (60) is used to modulate the supply of fuel to a gas turbine engine combustion chamber to reduce combustion noise especially in premixed lean burn combustion chamber. The advantage is that there are no seals in the valve wall where leakage may occur and the valve is modular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Alan R Jones
  • Broaching
    Patent number: 6619890
    Abstract: A broach tool comprises a very stiff backing member and has an arbor adapted to be received into the hollow spindle of a machine tool, for example a multi-axis, computer controlled machining center. The backing member carries a plurality of cutting points disposed to perform successive cutting operations as the broach tool is pushed through a workpiece by relative movement of a worktable and the machine spindle. The broach tool is formed with externally extending passageways to supply coolant to the cutting points. The coolant may be supplied through the machine spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Christopher P R Hill
  • Clamp for clamping a workpiece
    Patent number: 6619642
    Abstract: A clamp for clamping a workpiece such as a forging of an aerofoil component comprises a support body 24 to which a clamping member 26 is hinged. The clamping member 26 has a workpiece clamping element 54 having pads 58 for engagement with the workpiece. The workpiece clamping element 54 is pivotable relatively to the clamping member 26 by means of a ball and socket connection including a ball element 40. This enables the workpiece clamping element 54 to self-align with the profile of the workpiece, for example with a surface of the blade 6 of the aerofoil component. In an alterative embodiment, the workpiece clamping element 54 is formed integrally with the clamping member 26, but is connected thereto by a necked region of the clamping member 26 which permits flexure of the workpiece clamping element 54 relatively to the clamping member 26.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Alan J. Cannon, Christopher P. R. Hill
  • Hot forming die and a method of cleaning a hot forming die
    Patent number: 6616775
    Abstract: A hot forming die (10) has forming surfaces (16, 18) and the forming surfaces have a nickel oxide layer (20). A stop off material coating (22) builds up on the nickel oxide layer (20) in operation. A method of cleaning the forming surfaces (16, 18) of the hot forming die (10) includes washing the forming surfaces (16, 18) of the hot forming die (10) in water to remove the stop off material (22) without removing the nickel oxide layer (20) from the forming surfaces (16, 18). The forming surfaces (16, 18) may be soaked in water (26) and/or a jet (30) of pressurized water may be directed onto the forming surfaces (16, 18). The stop off material is quickly removed without damaging the forming surfaces (16, 18). The retention of the nickel oxide layer (20) improves the quality of the hot-formed articles and the interval between cleaning of the hot forming die (10) is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: John Hewitt
  • Gas turbine engine guide vane
    Patent number: 6616407
    Abstract: An air cooled guide vane (20) is provided with a stack of ducts (40) each of which converges towards its outlet end. Air flow turbulators (42) are positioned in ducts (40) and pressure losses in the air flow brought about by flowing over the turbulators (42), is recovered by the constricting effect of the ducts (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: David W Barrett
  • Cooling of gas turbine engine aerofoils
    Patent number: 6609884
    Abstract: An aerofoil (39) for a gas turbine engine (10) includes one or more internal cooling passage (74,76) for receiving a flow of cooling fluid, and means (84,86,88,90) for inducing at least two vortices in cooling fluid flowing through each cooling passage. Fluid within the vortices has a radially outwards, screw-type motion. The two vortices produce effective cooling of the aerofoil, which may be an aerofoil of a turbine blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Neil W Harvey
  • Gas turbine engine system
    Patent number: 6607350
    Abstract: Tip clearance apparatus for a gas turbine engine comprises a shroud ring having curved portions so as to allow eccentric offset and hence asymmetric movement of the shroud. The shroud ring is mounted within a guide also having corresponding curved portions and movement of the shroud ring is controlled by the use of sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Alec G Dodd
  • Gas turbine engine and a rotor for a gas turbine engine
    Publication number: 20030152457
    Abstract: A rotor (38) for a gas turbine engine (10) has a low emissivity surface finish, or high emissivity surface finish (44), on at least a portion of its surface (42) to reduce temperature differentials between an upper portion and a lower portion of the rotor (38). This reduces bowing of the rotor (38) to allow the gas turbine engine (10) to be started without harmful vibrations of the rotor (38).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Alan R. Jones
  • Fault diagnosis
    Patent number: 6606580
    Abstract: Methods and systems for fault diagnosis are described. The methods are in particular, although not necessarily exclusively, for the detection of faults in multi-component systems, typically power plant, whose performance is characterised by a series of indirectly measurable performance parameters. The methods proposed are based on “optimisation techniques”, involving the optimisation of an objective function to obtain an estimate of performance parameters and operating parameters. In one aspect, a method is proposed that takes account of measurement biases. In another aspect, a method for optimising an objective function is proposed, which adopts a unique Evolution Program approach in which a population of possible solutions is sub-divided into a number of groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Rolls Royce, PLC
    Inventors: Marco Zedda, Ankush Gulati, Ritindar Singh
  • Combustion chamber
    Publication number: 20030145576
    Abstract: A three-stage lean burn combustion chamber (28) comprises a primary combustion zone (36), a secondary combustion zone (40) and a tertiary combustion zone (44). Each of the combustion zones (36,40,44) is supplied with premixed fuel and air by respective fuel and air mixing ducts (54,70,92). The fuel and air mixing ducts (54,70,92) have a plurality of air injections apertures (62,64,76,98) spaced apart in the direction of flow through the fuel and air mixing ducts (54,70,92). The apertures (62,64,76,98) reduce the magnitude of the fluctuations in the fuel to air ratio of the fuel and air mixture supplied into the at least one combustion zone (36,40,44). This reduces the generation of harmful vibrations in the combustion chamber (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Thomas Scarinci, Ivor J. Day, Christopher Freeman
  • Air impingement cooling system
    Publication number: 20030140632
    Abstract: Where gas turbine engine structure eg combustion equipment, is to be air impingement cooled, the surface which receives the air jets is so shaped as to produce boundary layer separation zones 34, 38 and 44 in the cooling air, as it spreads across the surface. Mixing of the boundary layer with the remainder of the air flow results, followed by the re-establishment of the boundary layer. The new boundary layer is cooler than the original layer and so provides more effective cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey M. Dailey, Changmin Son
  • Friction welding
    Publication number: 20030141344
    Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a friction welded component and a method of manufacture for such a component, comprising friction welding a reinforcement element (10) at an end cross-section thereof to a surface of a thin walled member (12) with an interlayer member (14) interposed between the reinforcement element and the surface of the thin walled member. The thin walled member and/or the interlayer are preferably of the same or similar material and the thickness of the thin walled member is preferably less than or equal to 6 mm and more preferably in the range 0.5 to 2 mm with the diameter of the reinforcement element being greater than 10 times the thickness of the thin walled member. The invention finds particular application in the fabrication of bosses to gas turbine aero-engine casings and fabricated nozzle components, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce Plc.
    Inventors: Derek John Foster, Timothy Peter Roberts
  • Gas turbine engine blade containment assembly
    Publication number: 20030138316
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine fan blade containment assembly (38) comprising a generally cylindrical, or frustoconical, metal casing (40) which has an inner surface (62), an outer surface (64), an upstream flange (42) and a downstream flange (52). The outer surface (62) of the metal casing (40) is provided with a pattern of blind apertures (66) which extend radially inwardly from the outer surface (62) of the metal casing (40) between the flanges (42,52). The fan blade containment has reduced weight of the metal casing (40) of the fan blade containment assembly (38) for a large diameter turbofan gas turbine engine (10) but has unimpaired stiffness and penetration resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Sivasubramaniam K. Sathianathan, Julian M. Reed, Paul Hodgson, David Geary, Ian G. Martindale
  • Apparatus for and method of filtering a fluid
    Patent number: 6584777
    Abstract: A fuel system (10) comprises a tank (12), a pump (14), heat exchangers (16 & 18) and a filter (20) in series fluid flow relationship. A fuel metering unit (24) returns a proportion of the filtered fuel to the tank (12) and is controlled by the engine electronic control (30). The system (10) operates so that fluid is not returned to the tank (12) when a pressure differential of the order of 5 psi is detected across the fluid filter (20) and the temperature of the fluid is below 0° C. The fluid is not returned to the tank (12) for a period of time to reduce the flow of fluid passing through the heat exchangers (16 & 18). The reduced flow of fluid passing through the heat exchangers (16 & 18) is heated to a temperature sufficient to melt any solidified impurities blocking the fluid filter (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Andrew Clarke