Patents by Inventor Craig M. Beers

Craig M. Beers 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).

  • Publication number: 20250250990
    Abstract: A compressor includes a compressor rotor and a motor disposed about a common axis. The motor includes a rotor shaft coupled to the compressor rotor and configured to drive the compressor rotor; a thrust shaft disposed at an opposite end of the motor from the rotor shaft; a tie rod disposed on the common axis and extending through the rotor shaft, thrust shaft, and the compressor rotor; a first journal bearing disposed about the rotor shaft and concentrically about the common axis to radially support the rotor shaft; a journal bearing support disposed concentrically about the first journal bearing; and a cooling fluid inlet disposed adjacent to the bearing support and in fluid communication with the first journal bearing. The rotor shaft includes a plurality of orifices. The tie rod axially retains the compressor rotor at a forward end and the motor at an aft end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2024
    Publication date: August 7, 2025
    Inventors: Craig M. Beers, Brent J. Merritt
  • Publication number: 20250250983
    Abstract: A compressor includes a compressor rotor and a motor disposed about a common axis. The motor includes a rotor shaft coupled to the compressor rotor and configured to drive the compressor rotor; a thrust shaft disposed at an opposite end of the motor from the rotor shaft; a tie rod disposed on the common axis and extending through the rotor shaft, thrust shaft, and the compressor rotor, the tie rod axially retaining the compressor rotor at a forward end and the motor at an aft end; a cooling fluid inlet disposed at an aft end of the motor; and a motor rotor cooling flow path extending from the thrust shaft to the rotor shaft. The rotor shaft includes a plurality of orifices that open to a cavity on a backside of the compressor rotor and fluidly couple the motor rotor cooling flow path to the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2024
    Publication date: August 7, 2025
    Inventors: Craig M. Beers, Brent J. Merritt
  • Publication number: 20250251018
    Abstract: A bearing system for a rotatable shaft includes a bearing shaft coaxial with the rotatable shaft, a bearing coaxial with the bearing shaft, a bearing housing surrounding the bearing and having a plurality of retention channels disposed axially along the bearing housing, and a dampening assembly comprising a plurality of circumferential seal elements disposed within each of the plurality of retention channels. A first subset of the plurality of seal elements is formed from a first material and a second subset of the plurality of seal elements is formed from a second material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2024
    Publication date: August 7, 2025
    Inventors: Craig M. Beers, Brent J. Merritt, Paul M. Colson
  • Patent number: 12188357
    Abstract: A seal plate for a rotary machine includes a hub centered on a central axis of the rotary machine, a disk portion extending radially outwards from the hub, and a variable lattice structure in an interior of the seal plate. The variable lattice structure includes a first region of the seal plate having a first lattice structure, and a second region of the seal plate having a second lattice structure. The second lattice structure of the second region is denser than the first lattice structure of the first region. The second region is a deflection region, a stress region, or an energy containment region of the seal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Brent J. Merritt, Craig M. Beers
  • Patent number: 12135039
    Abstract: A variable diffuser includes a backing plate, a shroud, a diffuser body between the backing plate and the shroud, a plurality of passages through the diffuser body, and a valve adjacent to the shroud and the diffuser body. The valve movably occludes a portion of the plurality of passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Craig M. Beers, Brent J. Merritt
  • Patent number: 12110900
    Abstract: An environmental control system includes a rotary machine, a first bypass duct, and a first check valve in the first bypass duct. The rotary machine includes a compressor section and a first turbine section. Each section of the rotary machine includes an inlet, an outlet, a duct extending between the inlet and the outlet, and an impeller in the duct. The rotary machine also includes a tie rod mechanically connecting the compressor impeller and the first turbine impeller. The first bypass duct is between the compressor section and the first turbine inlet. The check valve opens the first bypass duct when an air pressure in the compressor inlet is higher than an air pressure in the first turbine inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Craig M. Beers, John H. Paliulis, Darryl Colson
  • Patent number: 12053847
    Abstract: A replacement compressor outlet housing includes a compressor outlet housing, having a volute and a radially inwardly extending finger extending from a radially inner end of the volute. The radially inwardly extending finger is welded to an insert. The insert has a bearing support defining a bore. The insert has a web connecting a ledge to the bearing support. The radially inwardly extending finger welded to the ledge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Craig M. Beers, Lino S. Italia, John M. Beck
  • Publication number: 20240229810
    Abstract: An environmental control system includes a rotary machine, a first bypass duct, and a first check valve in the first bypass duct. The rotary machine includes a compressor section and a first turbine section. Each section of the rotary machine includes an inlet, an outlet, a duct extending between the inlet and the outlet, and an impeller in the duct. The rotary machine also includes a tie rod mechanically connecting the compressor impeller and the first turbine impeller. The first bypass duct is between the compressor section and the first turbine inlet. The check valve opens the first bypass duct when an air pressure in the compressor inlet is higher than an air pressure in the first turbine inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2023
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventors: Craig M. Beers, John H. Paliulis, Darryl Colson
  • Patent number: 11976664
    Abstract: A compressor includes a rotor configured to compress air and driven by a shaft. A motor is drives the shaft. A thrust bearing facilitates rotation of the shaft. The thrust bearing includes a thrust shaft and a thrust plate. The thrust shaft includes first and second orifices. A bearing cooling air inlet is in fluid communication with the first and second orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Brent J. Merritt, Craig M. Beers, John M. Beck
  • Publication number: 20240084818
    Abstract: A variable diffuser includes a backing plate, a shroud, a diffuser body between the backing plate and the shroud, a plurality of passages through the diffuser body, and a valve adjacent to the shroud and the diffuser body. The valve movably occludes a portion of the plurality of passages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Craig M. Beers, Brent J. Merritt
  • Patent number: 11920488
    Abstract: A repaired turbine housing for use in an air cycle machine including a journal bearing bore having an inlet, an outlet, and an inner diameter of about 2.580±0.001 inches (6.553±0.003 centimeters). The repaired turbine housing including a cylindrical insert secured within the journal bearing bore. The cylindrical insert having a first end, a second end, an inner surface, a step located at the first end, and an outer surface with an outer diameter that provides a diametric interference with the inner diameter of the journal bearing bore. The diametric interference being between about 0.000-0.003 inches (0.000-0.008 centimeters). The cylindrical insert being inserted into the inlet of the journal bearing bore up to the step. The step has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the cylindrical insert. The inner surface of the cylindrical insert includes at least one selected inner diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Craig M. Beers, Clarence J. Wytas
  • Patent number: 11885352
    Abstract: A variable channel diffuser includes a shroud, a backing plate, a channel plate adjacent to the backing plate, a floor plate adjacent to the shroud, standoffs formed on the floor plate, and recessed areas formed in the channel plate. The channel plate is between the shroud and the backing plate. The floor plate is between the shroud and the channel plate and is movable relative to the channel plate. The standoffs and the recessed areas define channels for fluid flow. Each channel has an area which is variable through movement of the floor plate relative to the channel plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Craig M. Beers, Brent J. Merritt
  • Patent number: 11873839
    Abstract: A variable vaneless diffuser includes a shroud, a backing plate, a divider plate adjacent to the backing plate, a floor plate adjacent to the shroud, a plurality of standoffs formed on the divider plate, and a plurality of clearance slots formed in the floor plate. The divider plate is between the shroud and the backing plate. The floor plate is between the shroud and the divider plate and is movable relative to the divider plate. The plurality of standoffs and the plurality of clearance slots define a flow path for fluid flow. The flow path has an area which is variable through movement of the floor plate relative to the divider plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Craig M. Beers, Brent J. Merritt
  • Publication number: 20240011406
    Abstract: A seal plate for a rotary machine includes a hub centered on a central axis of the rotary machine, a disk portion extending radially outwards from the hub, and a variable lattice structure in an interior of the seal plate. The variable lattice structure includes a first region of the seal plate having a first lattice structure, and a second region of the seal plate having a second lattice structure. The second lattice structure of the second region is denser than the first lattice structure of the first region. The second region is a deflection region, a stress region, or an energy containment region of the seal plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Inventors: Brent J. Merritt, Craig M. Beers
  • Patent number: 11852166
    Abstract: A compressor includes a rotor driven by a shaft and configured to compress air and a motor for driving the shaft. At least one bearing facilitates rotation of the shaft. A motor cooling loop is configured to provide motor cooling air to the motor. A bearing cooling loop is configured to provide bearing cooling air to the at least one bearing. A bearing support is configured to support the least one bearing, the bearing support includes an opening. A duct is configured to communicate air from the opening to an inlet of the compressor. A method for cooling a compressor is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Brent J. Merritt, Craig M. Beers, John M. Beck
  • Patent number: 11802488
    Abstract: A seal plate for a rotary machine includes a hub centered on a central axis of the rotary machine, a disk portion extending radially outwards from the hub, and a variable lattice structure in an interior of the seal plate. The variable lattice structure includes a first region of the seal plate having a first lattice structure, and a second region of the seal plate having a second lattice structure. The second lattice structure of the second region is denser than the first lattice structure of the first region. The second region is a deflection region, a stress region, or an energy containment region of the seal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Brent J. Merritt, Craig M. Beers
  • Patent number: 11781441
    Abstract: An air cycle machine includes an air inlet connected to an air cycle compressor. Air downstream of the air cycle compressor is connected to be delivered across a first turbine. The air cycle compressor is driven by the first turbine through a shaft. Air downstream of the first turbine is connected to a second turbine. The second turbine is connected to deliver air downstream. The second turbine is connected with a second shaft to drive a fan rotor. The fan rotor delivers a source of air across a primary heat exchanger positioned between the inlet and the air cycle compressor. The air cycle compressor and the first turbine are formed of a metal. The second turbine and the fan rotor are formed of non-metallic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Craig M. Beers, Donald E. Army
  • Patent number: 11773870
    Abstract: A variable diffuser includes a backing plate, a shroud, a first divider between the backing plate and the shroud, a first diffuser channel between the backing plate and the first divider, a second diffuser channel between the first divider and the shroud, the second diffuser channel, and a valve controlling flow through the second diffuser channel. The valve moves between a first position and a second position. The first diffuser channel includes a first channel inlet and a first outlet. The second diffuser channel includes a second channel inlet adjacent to the first channel inlet and a second outlet adjacent to the first outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Craig M. Beers, Brent J. Merritt
  • Patent number: 11754088
    Abstract: An impeller for use in a fan system includes a hub extending along an axis of rotation and having a hub outer surface. There also are a plurality of blades extending radially outwardly of the hub outer surface. The blades have a unique cross-section at several different locations that result in relatively thin blades. A fan system and method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Craig M. Beers, John Perella
  • Publication number: 20230212955
    Abstract: An air cycle machine includes an air inlet connected to an air cycle compressor. Air downstream of the air cycle compressor is connected to be delivered across a first turbine. The air cycle compressor is driven by the first turbine through a shaft. Air downstream of the first turbine is connected to a second turbine. The second turbine is connected to deliver air downstream. The second turbine is connected with a second shaft to drive a fan rotor. The fan rotor delivers a source of air across a primary heat exchanger positioned between the inlet and the air cycle compressor. The air cycle compressor and the first turbine are formed of a metal. The second turbine and the fan rotor are formed of non-metallic materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Craig M. Beers, Donald E. Army