Patents by Inventor Darragh McGrath
Darragh McGrath 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).
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Patent number: 12078074Abstract: System and method for detecting an uncommanded high thrust (UHT) event in an aircraft. The method comprises enabling a UHT function associated with an engine when an enabling condition has been met. When the UHT function is enabled, the UHT event is detected when a power lever of the aircraft is at a given position, a parameter indicative of engine speed or power is above a first threshold, and a rate of change of the engine speed is above a second threshold. In response to detecting the UHT event, an alert is output to trigger accommodations to the UHT event for the engine.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2019Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Jasraj Chahal, Zachary Mounir Faty, Carmine Lisio, Darragh McGrath, Giancarlo Zingaro
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Patent number: 11698025Abstract: A method of monitoring a sealing component of a gas turbine engine, comprising: collecting oil leaked from the component; detecting a volume of the collected oil upstream of an oil return path of the gas turbine engine; and signalling for inspection of the component when the volume of the collected oil exceeds a threshold volume. Also disclosed is an oil leakage monitoring system for a gas turbine engine, comprising: one or more sealing components to be lubricated by oil; a valve downstream of the one or more components and fluidly connected to an oil system; a reservoir downstream of the one or more components to collect oil, the reservoir upstream of the valve; and a volume measurement device configured to detect the oil collected in the reservoir, and to signal for inspection of the one or more components when the oil collected in the reservoir exceeds a threshold volume.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2021Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Darragh McGrath, Michel Labbe, Sean Powers, Pierre Gauvin
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Patent number: 11691748Abstract: Herein provided are methods and systems for producing reverse thrust in a multi-engine propeller aircraft, comprising: obtaining, at a first engine controller of a first engine of the aircraft, a first power request for the first engine for producing reverse thrust; determining, at the first engine controller, a first blade angle for a first propeller coupled to the first engine; obtaining, at the first engine controller and from a second engine controller of a second engine of the aircraft, a second power request for the second engine and a second blade angle for a second propeller coupled to the second engine; and when the second power request is indicative of a request for producing reverse thrust and when the first and second blade angles are beyond a predetermined threshold, commanding, via the first engine controller, the first engine to produce reverse thrust based on the first power request.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2018Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Jasraj Chahal, Carmine Lisio, Darragh McGrath, Giancarlo Zingaro
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Patent number: 11180259Abstract: An aircraft includes one or more engines configured to generate high-pressure bleed air and low-pressure bleed air. An aircraft environmental control system (ECS) is in fluid communication with one or more of the engines to receive the high-pressure bleed air and the low-pressure bleed air. The ECS calculates a synthesized low-pressure value associated with the low-pressure bleed air while still providing bleed air using the high pressure bleed air. The ECS further switches from the high pressure bleed air to the low-bleed pressure air through the ECS while blocking flow of the high-pressure bleed air through the ECS based on the synthesized low-pressure value.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2018Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Jeffry K. Kamenetz, Erin G. Kline, Jeffrey Ernst, Bruce R. Schroder, Kevin R. DeRoy, Vince Vessella, Darragh McGrath, Adam Fagnani, Michel Labrecque
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Publication number: 20210254548Abstract: A method of monitoring a sealing component of a gas turbine engine, comprising: collecting oil leaked from the component; detecting a volume of the collected oil upstream of an oil return path of the gas turbine engine; and signalling for inspection of the component when the volume of the collected oil exceeds a threshold volume. Also disclosed is an oil leakage monitoring system for a gas turbine engine, comprising: one or more sealing components to be lubricated by oil; a valve downstream of the one or more components and fluidly connected to an oil system; a reservoir downstream of the one or more components to collect oil, the reservoir upstream of the valve; and a volume measurement device configured to detect the oil collected in the reservoir, and to signal for inspection of the one or more components when the oil collected in the reservoir exceeds a threshold volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2021Publication date: August 19, 2021Inventors: Darragh MCGRATH, Michel LABBE, Sean POWERS, Pierre GAUVIN
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Patent number: 11022048Abstract: A method for controlling thrust from a turbojet that is fuel flow rate regulated by a high limit value for providing protection against surging of a compressor of the turbojet is provided. The method includes: obtaining a first thrust value corresponding to a first operating point of the compressor on the high limit value, the high limit value taking account of an underestimate of the fuel flow rate; controlling the turbojet to reach the first thrust value; monitoring the turbojet to detect underspeed of the compressor; and where applicable: obtaining a second thrust value corresponding to a second operating point that guarantees a predetermined margin relative to the high limit value so as to obtain protection against underspeed of the turbojet; and controlling the turbojet to reach the second value.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2015Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINESInventors: Amaury Olivier, Christophe Javelot, Darragh McGrath
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Patent number: 11002238Abstract: Methods and systems for starting an aircraft propulsion engine are described herein. Operation of the engine is controlled by an engine controller having a first channel and a second channel. An engine start request is received on the second channel while the first channel is inactive. It is determined which one of the first channel and the second channel was used to conduct a last successful engine start. Responsive to determining that the last successful engine start was conducted on the second channel, a predetermined time period is waited to elapse and for the first channel to reinitialize before commanding, via the first channel, an engine start based on the engine start request.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2019Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Michael Youssef, Alexandre Charest, Giancarlo Zingaro, Jasraj Chahal, Carmine Lisio, Darragh McGrath
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Patent number: 10899433Abstract: A system and method for feathering an aircraft propeller are provided. A first feather solenoid and a second feather solenoid each comprising at least one solenoid coil and a solenoid valve coupled to the actuator and to the at least one solenoid coil are provided. At least one controller is configured to selectively energize and de-energize the at least one solenoid coil. The solenoid valve of the first feather solenoid is configured to be activated when the at least one solenoid coil of the first feather solenoid is energized and the solenoid valve of the second feather solenoid is configured to be activated when the at least one solenoid coil of the second feather solenoid is de-energized. The solenoid valve is configured to, when activated, modulate the supply of hydraulic fluid to an actuator for adjusting a blade pitch of the propeller towards a feather position.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2018Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Jasraj Chahal, Carmine Lisio, Jim R. Jarvo, Darragh McGrath, Giancarlo Zingaro
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Patent number: 10864980Abstract: A system and method for feathering an aircraft propeller are provided. The aircraft propeller is coupled to an actuator for setting a blade pitch of the propeller. The blade pitch is controlled by modulating a supply of hydraulic fluid to the actuator. At least one feather solenoid is provided that comprises a first solenoid coil, a second solenoid coil, and a solenoid valve coupled to the actuator and to the first and the second solenoid coil. At least one controller is configured to selectively energize and de-energize the first and the second solenoid coil. The solenoid valve is configured to be activated when the first solenoid coil and the second solenoid coil are de-energized and to, when activated, modulate the supply of hydraulic fluid to the actuator for adjusting the blade pitch of the propeller towards a feather position.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2018Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Jasraj Chahal, Carmine Lisio, Darragh McGrath, Giancarlo Zingaro
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Publication number: 20200362723Abstract: System and method for detecting an uncommanded high thrust (UHT) event in an aircraft. The method comprises enabling a UHT function associated with an engine when an enabling condition has been met. When the UHT function is enabled, the UHT event is detected when a power lever of the aircraft is at a given position, a parameter indicative of engine speed or power is above a first threshold, and a rate of change of the engine speed is above a second threshold. In response to detecting the UHT event, an alert is output to trigger accommodations to the UHT event for the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2019Publication date: November 19, 2020Inventors: Jasraj CHAHAL, Zachary MOUNIR FATY, Carmine LISIO, Darragh MCGRATH, Giancarlo ZINGARO
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Publication number: 20200324877Abstract: Methods and systems for feathering a propeller are described herein. A solenoid is configured to cause a propeller to feather when the solenoid is energized. An electronic controller is connected to the solenoid through a first electrical connection for energizing the solenoid to feather the propeller. A secondary mechanism is connected to the solenoid through a second electrical connection for energizing the solenoid to feather the propeller. The second electrical connection is independent from the first electrical connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2019Publication date: October 15, 2020Inventors: Jasraj CHAHAL, Carmine LISIO, Darragh MCGRATH, Michael YOUSSEF, Giancarlo ZINGARO
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Publication number: 20200256304Abstract: Methods and systems for starting an aircraft propulsion engine are described herein. Operation of the engine is controlled by an engine controller having a first channel and a second channel. An engine start request is received on the second channel while the first channel is inactive. It is determined which one of the first channel and the second channel was used to conduct a last successful engine start. Responsive to determining that the last successful engine start was conducted on the second channel, a predetermined time period is waited to elapse and for the first channel to reinitialize before commanding, via the first channel, an engine start based on the engine start request.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2019Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Michael YOUSSEF, Alexandre CHAREST, Giancarlo ZINGARO, Jasraj CHAHAL, Carmine LISIO, Darragh MCGRATH
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Publication number: 20200232395Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a gas turbine engine coupled to an aircraft propeller are described herein. A request for reverse of the propeller thrust is received from a power lever of the aircraft. A blade angle of the propeller is determined. Reverse thrust of the propeller is inhibited when the blade angle exceeds a threshold. Reverse thrust of the propeller based on the request is enabled when the blade angle is below the threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2019Publication date: July 23, 2020Inventors: Jasraj CHAHAL, Carmine LISIO, Darragh MCGRATH, Giancarlo ZINGARO
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Publication number: 20200115063Abstract: Herein provided are methods and systems for producing reverse thrust in a multi-engine propeller aircraft, comprising: obtaining, at a first engine controller of a first engine of the aircraft, a first power request for the first engine for producing reverse thrust; determining, at the first engine controller, a first blade angle for a first propeller coupled to the first engine; obtaining, at the first engine controller and from a second engine controller of a second engine of the aircraft, a second power request for the second engine and a second blade angle for a second propeller coupled to the second engine; and when the second power request is indicative of a request for producing reverse thrust and when the first and second blade angles are beyond a predetermined threshold, commanding, via the first engine controller, the first engine to produce reverse thrust based on the first power request.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2018Publication date: April 16, 2020Inventors: Jasraj CHAHAL, Carmine LISIO, Darragh MCGRATH, Giancarlo ZINGARO
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Publication number: 20200017197Abstract: A system and method for feathering an aircraft propeller are provided. A first feather solenoid and a second feather solenoid each comprising at least one solenoid coil and a solenoid valve coupled to the actuator and to the at least one solenoid coil are provided. At least one controller is configured to selectively energize and de-energize the at least one solenoid coil. The solenoid valve of the first feather solenoid is configured to be activated when the at least one solenoid coil of the first feather solenoid is energized and the solenoid valve of the second feather solenoid is configured to be activated when the at least one solenoid coil of the second feather solenoid is de-energized. The solenoid valve is configured to, when activated, modulate the supply of hydraulic fluid to an actuator for adjusting a blade pitch of the propeller towards a feather position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2018Publication date: January 16, 2020Inventors: Jasraj Chahal, Carmine Lisio, Jim R. Jarvo, Darragh McGrath, Giancarlo Zingaro
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Publication number: 20200017196Abstract: A system and method for feathering an aircraft propeller are provided. The aircraft propeller is coupled to an actuator for setting a blade pitch of the propeller. The blade pitch is controlled by modulating a supply of hydraulic fluid to the actuator. At least one feather solenoid is provided that comprises a first solenoid coil, a second solenoid coil, and a solenoid valve coupled to the actuator and to the first and the second solenoid coil. At least one controller is configured to selectively energize and de-energize the first and the second solenoid coil. The solenoid valve is configured to be activated when the first solenoid coil and the second solenoid coil are de-energized and to, when activated, modulate the supply of hydraulic fluid to the actuator for adjusting the blade pitch of the propeller towards a feather position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2018Publication date: January 16, 2020Inventors: Jasraj CHAHAL, Carmine LISIO, Darragh MCGRATH, Giancarlo ZINGARO
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Publication number: 20190291876Abstract: An aircraft includes one or more engines configured to generate high-pressure bleed air and low-pressure bleed air. An aircraft environmental control system (ECS) is in fluid communication with one or more of the engines to receive the high-pressure bleed air and the low-pressure bleed air. The ECS calculates a synthesized low-pressure value associated with the low-pressure bleed air while still providing bleed air using the high pressure bleed air. The ECS further switches from the high pressure bleed air to the low-bleed pressure air through the ECS while blocking flow of the high-pressure bleed air through the ECS based on the synthesized low-pressure value.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2018Publication date: September 26, 2019Inventors: Jeffry K. Kamenetz, Erin G. Kline, Jeffrey Ernst, Bruce R. Schroder, Kevin R. DeRoy, Vince Vessella, Darragh McGrath, Adam Fagnani, Michel Labrecque
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Patent number: 9988158Abstract: A DC electrical generation system for an aircraft propelled by a turbine engine, such as a turbojet, includes at least one electrical energy storage capacity, at least one generator driven mechanically by a rotation shaft of the turbine engine and electrical connections between the electrical energy storage capacity, the generator and the aircraft equipment for powering the above-mentioned equipment with DC current, also including at least one alternative for supplying DC current to the equipment, which are autonomous in relation to any mechanical driving by a rotation shaft of the turbine engine, and a device that can cut-off power to the generator(s) and simultaneously activate the alternative current supply. The power cut-off device for triggering power cut-off and activating the alternative current supply is controlled by a control or operating parameter of the turbine engine. The alternative current supply is preferably formed by one or more supercapacitors.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2014Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Arnaud Lebrun, Thomas Lepage, Darragh McGrath
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Publication number: 20170198644Abstract: A method for controlling thrust from a turbojet that is fuel flow rate regulated by a high limit value for providing protection against surging of a compressor of the turbojet is provided. The method includes: obtaining a first thrust value corresponding to a first operating point of the compressor on the high limit value, the high limit value taking account of an underestimate of the fuel flow rate; controlling the turbojet to reach the first thrust value; monitoring the turbojet to detect underspeed of the compressor; and where applicable: obtaining a second thrust value corresponding to a second operating point that guarantees a predetermined margin relative to the high limit value so as to obtain protection against underspeed of the turbojet; and controlling the turbojet to reach the second value.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2015Publication date: July 13, 2017Applicant: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINESInventors: Amaury OLIVIER, Christophe JAVELOT, Darragh MCGRATH
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Patent number: 9447735Abstract: A method of controlling a turbine engine, including: measuring a first temperature by a first temperature sensor; measuring a second temperature by a second temperature sensor; estimating a third temperature modeling the first temperature; and determining at least one control setpoint for at least one piece of variable-geometry equipment of the engine, as a function of the measured first temperature. The first sensor presents a time constant longer than a time constant of the second sensor. The method further detects ingestion of water or hail as a function of a drop in the measured second temperature; and when water or hail ingestion is detected, determines the control setpoint as a function of the estimated third temperature.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Bruno Robert Gaully, Cedrik Djelassi, Darragh McGrath, Jean-Michel Roux