Patents by Inventor Donald A. Gries

Donald A. Gries 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).

  • Foldable counter-rotating propfan blades
    Patent number: 4936526
    Abstract: An unducted turbofan engine comprises first and second fan blades journaled for rotation from a folded position substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the engine to a radially orientated propulsion condition. A releasable shroud normally retains the fan blades in the folded condition and releases the fan blades in a controlled sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Williams International Corporation
    Inventor: Donald A. Gries
  • Deformable bearing seat
    Patent number: 4082378
    Abstract: A deformable bearing seat is provided for seating a bearing assembly in a housing. The seat includes a seating surface in the housing having a first predetermined contour when the housing is in an undeformed mode. The seating surface is deformable to a deformed contour when the housing is in a deformed mode. The seat is particularly adaptable for application to a rotating blade and mounting ring assembly in a gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1978
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Donald A. Gries