Patents by Inventor Andrew A. Saunders, Jr.

Andrew A. Saunders, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4242864
    Abstract: An integrated control system for a gas turbine engine of the turbofan type receives signals from a plurality of engine sensors and from the engine operator and generates control signals therefrom. A first control signal regulates the fan exhaust nozzle area in order to control inlet throat Mach number to maintain a low level of engine noise. Additional control signals regulate fuel flow to control engine thrust and fan pitch to control fan speed. A plurality of schedules are utilized to maintain a predetermined relationship between the controlled parameters and a number of fixed and calculated limits can override the control signals to prevent unsatisfactory engine performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1981
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Jack E. Cornett, Andrew A. Saunders, Jr., Ira E. Marvin, Richard S. Beitler
  • Patent number: 4184327
    Abstract: Upon a landing approach, the normal compressor stator schedule of a fan speed controlled turbofan engine is temporarily varied to substantially close the stators to thereby increase the fuel flow and compressor speed in order to maintain fan speed and thrust. This running of the compressor at an off-design speed substantially reduces the time required to subsequently advance the engine speed to the takeoff thrust level by advancing the throttle and opening the compressor stators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1980
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Jack E. Cornett, Ralph C. Corley, Thomas O. Fraley, Andrew A. Saunders, Jr.