Patents Examined by Andrew H Nguyen
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Patent number: 12264631Abstract: A propulsion system includes at least two propulsors. The at least two propulsors each include a fan and a controller having one or more processors configured to implement controller logic. The controller logic includes a phase angle control scheme and a speed control scheme. In implementing the controller logic, the one or more processors are configured to: determine an actual pairwise phase difference between a pair of propulsors of the at least two propulsors; generate a reference phase angle for the pair of propulsors; compare the actual pairwise phase difference to the reference phase angle to generate a phase error; provide the phase error to a phase controller module to generate an output based on the phase error; and adjust a speed of at least one propulsor of the at least two propulsors based on the output to drive the phase error towards zero.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2023Date of Patent: April 1, 2025Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Stefan Joseph Cafaro, Kalpesh Singal
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Patent number: 12258925Abstract: A thrust reverser for a propulsion unit, incudes movable grids, two half-assemblies forming part of a secondary stream and, at the six o'clock position, a connecting beam intended to be mounted in cantilever with a fan housing. The half-assemblies are hinged at the twelve o'clock position so as to enable their “butterfly” movement between a flight configuration and a maintenance configuration. The connecting beam includes a connecting member configured to cooperate, in the form of a tenon and groove connection, with the half-assemblies when these are in flight configuration. The reverser also includes, downstream of the connecting member, locks capable of locking the half-assemblies in flight configuration.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2021Date of Patent: March 25, 2025Assignee: SAFRAN NACELLESInventors: Patrick André Boileau, Julien Chandelier, Laurent Georges Valleroy
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Patent number: 12258874Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes: an inlet guide vane; an inlet channel extending from a location downstream of the inlet guide vane to a stem manifold; and an outlet channel extending to an outlet port, the outlet port configured to dump anti-ice air overboard, wherein the inlet guide vane includes an anti-ice cavity in fluid communication with the inlet channel and the outlet channel such that anti-ice air, flowing from a downstream location within a core flow of the gas turbine, flows from the inlet channel, through the inlet guide vane, and to the outlet channel.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2023Date of Patent: March 25, 2025Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.Inventors: Eric Engebretsen, Aaron Weishaar, Jonathan Acker, Brett Hartnagel
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Patent number: 12253051Abstract: A method of making a multi-grained fuel grain for a rocket is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of using at least one nozzle to extrude a first propellant in an additive manufacturing process, the first propellant comprising a multi-grained fuel grain, the multi-grained fuel grain forming the at least one void, the at least one void facilitating variation in internal ballistics, forming sensors, said sensors permitting continuous monitoring and continuous modification such that a user controls the ballistics profile of a rocket motor, forming an electrically-controlled second propellant in contact with and operatively coupled to the sensors; and wherein the additive manufacturing process uses at least at least one nozzle to extrude raw materials.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2023Date of Patent: March 18, 2025Inventors: Jason Hundley, Mark Kaufman, Michael McPherson
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Patent number: 12247528Abstract: A deflector provided with a spoiler for a thrust reverser of an aircraft engine nacelle. The deflector, a lateral deflector or an orbital deflector, may be in an exhaust structure of a thrust reverser and comprises a deflector plate configured to act on an aerodynamic flow. The deflector plate has a concave upstream face and a convex downstream face, as well as an intake end and an exhaust end. The deflector is fitted with a spoiler rigidly connected to the exhaust end of the deflector plate and arranged transversely in relation to the deflector plate. The spoiler endowing the deflector with specific properties to act on the aerodynamic flow.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2023Date of Patent: March 11, 2025Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SASInventors: Frédéric Chelin, Christophe Bourdeau, Romain Cusset, Lauren Davis
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Patent number: 12241433Abstract: An apparatus is provided for an aircraft propulsion system. This apparatus includes a pivoting door thrust reverser system, and the pivoting door thrust reverser system includes a plurality of thrust reverser doors. Each of the thrust reverser doors is configured to pivot about a respective pivot axis between a stowed position and a deployed position. The thrust reverser doors include a first thrust reverser door and a second thrust reverser door. The second thrust reverser door is arranged to an opposing side of the pivoting door thrust reverser system from the first thrust reverser door. The pivot axis of the first thrust reverser door is angularly offset from a reference line by an acute angle. The reference line is coincident with and perpendicular to a centerline of the pivoting door thrust reverser system.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2022Date of Patent: March 4, 2025Assignee: ROHR, INC.Inventor: Timothy Gormley
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Patent number: 12228096Abstract: A propulsion unit includes a gas turbine engine and an exhaust nozzle coupled to an aft end of the gas turbine engine. The exhaust nozzle is configured to interact with exhaust gases exiting the gas turbine engine in an aft direction. The exhaust nozzle includes an outer nozzle case and an inner plug that cooperate to define an exhaust flow path therebetween. The exhaust nozzle is configured to manipulate the exhaust gases to provide different thrust capabilities for the gas turbine engine.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2023Date of Patent: February 18, 2025Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.Inventors: Kenneth M. Pesyna, Andrew M. Simonich
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Patent number: 12215530Abstract: An assembly is provided for an aircraft. This aircraft assembly includes a latch, a balk element and a fitting. The latch is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The balk element is rotatable between a balked position and an un-balked position. The balk element is configured to block the latch from moving to the locked position when the balk element is in the balked position. The fitting includes a keeper. The fitting is movable between an open position and a closed position. The fitting is configured to push the balk element into the un-balked position as the fitting moves into the closed position. The latch is configured to move to the locked position and engage the keeper when the fitting is in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2022Date of Patent: February 4, 2025Assignee: Rohr, Inc.Inventors: Imad D. Ghandour, Ken V. Huynh
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Patent number: 12196156Abstract: Symmetric cascade thrust reversers and related methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first cascade and a second cascade, the first cascade and the second cascade to be radially spaced relative to a longitudinal axis of a first aircraft engine extending in a fore-aft direction, the first cascade to provide a first flow characteristic and the second cascade to provide a second flow characteristic, the first flow characteristic provided by the first cascade symmetric relative to the second flow characteristic of the second cascade with respect to a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the aircraft engine.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2021Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Eric S. Samson, Garrett D. Klovdahl
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Patent number: 12196422Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine includes a combustor liner having an outer liner and an inner liner defining a combustion chamber therebetween. At least one of the outer liner and the inner liner includes a dilution fence arranged in a dilution zone of the combustion chamber. The dilution fence extends into the combustion chamber and has at least one secondary fuel nozzle opening therethrough, and at least one secondary fuel nozzle is arranged through the at least one secondary fuel nozzle opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2022Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Saket Singh, Rimple Rangrej, Pradeep Naik, Michael A. Benjamin, Joseph Zelina
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Patent number: 12188432Abstract: A device for attaching a connecting rod small end for a thrust reversal cascade flap onto a fixed internal structure of a turbojet engine nacelle includes a fitting configured to be fixed to the internal structure and a connection interface forming a joint between the connecting rod small end and the fitting. The device further includes a removable fork configured to cooperate with the connection interface, wherein the fork and the connection interface are arranged inside the fitting.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2021Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: SAFRAN NACELLESInventors: Xavier Cazuc, Jean-Phillipe Joret
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Patent number: 12188410Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a propulsor for providing air into a core engine housing, and for providing air as propulsion air. An aircraft fluid moves within an inlet to the gas turbine engine, and is exposed to inlet air at the inlet. There is a first temperature sensor for sensing a first temperature of the aircraft at a first upstream point and a second temperature sensor for sensing a second temperature of the aircraft fluid at a second downstream point where the aircraft fluid has been exposed to the inlet air for a period of time. A control determines a temperature differential between first and second temperatures sensed by the first and second temperature sensors, the temperature differential associated with a likelihood that an icing condition will occur. The control is programmed to take a corrective action should an icing condition be identified. A method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2023Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventor: Zubair Ahmad
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Patent number: 12187445Abstract: Guide systems for installing aircraft structures are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first guide structured to be supported by a first hinge component of a first aircraft structure and a second guide structured to be supported by a second hinge component of a second aircraft structure. The first guide is to receive the second guide when the second structure is at an installation angle relative to the first structure. Engagement between the first guide and the second guide to enable rotational movement of the first hinge component and the second hinge component when the second aircraft structure moves to an installed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2022Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Luke D. Torjesen, Reed Daniel Wilson, August W. McKenna, James R. Schnelz, Peter Albert Madakson, Richard Eugene Noble, Scott Thomas Olson, Daniel W. Stewart, Raymond Helgeson, Frederick Zimmer
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Patent number: 12180909Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, an actuator apparatus includes an output member configured to actuate between a first positional configuration and a second positional configuration, a source fluid reservoir, a fluid velocity resistor configured to provide a predetermined resistance to fluid flow, a fluid velocity fuse configured to flow fluid flows having a first predetermined range of fluid velocities and to block fluid flows having second predetermined range of fluid velocities, and a fluid actuator assembly configured to urge fluid flow from the source fluid reservoir through the fluid velocity resistor and the fluid velocity fuse based on actuation of the output member.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2023Date of Patent: December 31, 2024Assignee: Woodward, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Thomas Kopecek, William Muster
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Patent number: 12172766Abstract: An aircraft engine cowling comprises a first cowling portion and a second cowling portion moveable relative to each other. A cowling latch secures the first cowling portion and the second cowling portion in a closed position. The aircraft engine cowling further comprises a deflection limiter band and a deflection limiter latch moveable between an engaged state and a disengaged state for the deflection limiter band. An interlock mechanism prevents disengagement of the cowling latch while the deflection limiter latch is in the engaged state. The interlock mechanism includes a lock element moveable between a first position that prevents disengagement of the cowling latch and a second position that enables disengagement of the cowling latch. The interlock mechanism also includes an indicator paddle movable to contact the deflection limiter latch. A linkage assembly coordinates movement of the lock element with movement of the indicator paddle.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2023Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael A. Fleming, Dale G. Frolander, Lauren Peter Yoshiba, Andrew R. Croskey, Albert P. Go, Rohith R. Birjay, Jeremiah D. Langston, Declan Foley, Ignacio J. Carrillo
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Patent number: 12173668Abstract: A thrust reverser may comprise translating sleeve panel. A first articulating slider and a second articulating slider may be located at a circumferential end of the translating sleeve panel. Each of the first articulating slider and the second articulating slider may include a slider bar and a slider ball. The slider ball may be attached to the translating sleeve panel and located in a spherical opening defined by the slider bar.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2023Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: ROHR, INC.Inventor: Jihad Ramlaoui
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Patent number: 12163487Abstract: A structure comprising a nacelle or a thrust reverser, the structure comprising a stationary part and a movable part, the structure comprising: a first guide provided on or in the stationary part of the structure or the movable part of the structure; a first electrical connector attached to the stationary part of the structure: a second electrical connector attached to the movable part of the structure; and a carriage movable along the first guide: wherein the carriage comprises a closed loop electrical cable mounted in or on a carriage body such that the closed loop cable can rotate, wherein the first electrical connector is electrically connected to the closed loop electrical cable and the closed loop electrical cable is electrically connected to the second electrical connector, thereby providing an electrical connection from the stationary part of the structure to the movable part of the structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2019Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: SAFRAN NACELLES LIMITEDInventors: James Marquis, Patrick Gonidec, Stuart Hardyman, Loic Chapelain
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Patent number: 12146453Abstract: An articulating exhaust nozzle thrust reverser includes an outer articulating panel comprising an outer skin and an outer thrust reverser door and an inner articulating panel comprising a forward inner skin, an aft inner skin, and an inner thrust reverser door. The outer articulating panel is configured to pivot to vary a nozzle exit area. The forward inner skin is configured to pivot to vary a nozzle throat area. The outer thrust reverser door is pivotally coupled to the outer skin. The inner thrust reverser door is pivotally coupled to the aft inner skin. The outer articulating panel and the inner articulating panel may be individually operated to independently vary the exhaust nozzle throat area and/or the exhaust nozzle exit area.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2023Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: ROHR, INC.Inventor: Johann Steven Schrell
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Patent number: 12139267Abstract: An assembly including a support panel of an internal fixed structure, a thermal protection element and a plurality of fastening systems. Each fastening system includes a female part secured to the support panel and which has, in its interior, a circular shoulder, and a male part including a sleeve pierced with a main bore, a slide movable in translation in the main bore and a plurality of balls. For each ball, the sleeve has a secondary bore, and each ball is movable along the secondary bore between a locking position and an unlocking position. The slide is movable in translation between a blocking position and an unlocking position. Such an assembly makes it possible to fasten the thermal protection element to the support panel in a simple and rapid manner, also permitting easy removal if necessary.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2022Date of Patent: November 12, 2024Assignee: Airbus Operations SASInventors: Frédéric Piard, Lionel Czapla
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Patent number: 12134971Abstract: A fan for a gas turbine engine is provided. The fan includes a plurality of fan blades, a disk, and a trunnion mechanism for attaching the fan blades to the disk. The disk can be formed of a plurality of individual disk segments, with the trunnion mechanism attaching one of the plurality of fan blades to a respective disk segment. A retention member is also provided. The retention member includes a means for catching a portion of the trunnion mechanism should a primary attachment system of the trunnion mechanism fail.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2021Date of Patent: November 5, 2024Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Brandon Wayne Miller, Ian Francis Prentice, Daniel Alan Niergarth