Patents by Inventor Edward C. Ma

Edward C. Ma 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: 8402738
    Abstract: A method operable to improve pressure recovery and/or distortion within engine inlet is disclosed. A first fluid flow is provided to primary jet vortex generator(s) operable to inject fluid at a first injection rate into a boundary layer of a primary fluid flow within the inlet. A secondary fluid flow is injected by secondary jet vortex generator(s) at a second injection rate into the boundary layer of the primary fluid flow. The fluid injected at the first injection rate and second injection rate is operable to induce secondary flow structures within the boundary layer. These secondary close structures are then operable to improve or manipulate the pressure recovery of the inlet. At specific engine conditions, this method may redistribute the ratio of the first injection rate and second injection rate in order to improve pressure recovery and/or distortion of the inlet when the particular engine conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Philip P. Truax, Daniel N. Miller, Edward C. Ma
  • Patent number: 8226038
    Abstract: The invention relates a method and apparatus for reducing the drag on aircraft, particularly aircraft with an upswept afterbody. The method includes the steps of positioning a plurality of drag reducing elements on the fuselage of the aircraft, wherein the drag reducing elements are positioned on the fuselage from a position at the breakline of the fuselage and extending toward the tail of the aircraft. In preferred embodiments, each of the plurality of drag reducing elements is positioned such that a first end of the drag reducing element is at an angle of between approximately 15 and 35° nose up relative to the flow of air about the fuselage at the location where the drag reducing element is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Brian R. Smith, Brant H. Maines, Edward C. Ma, Edward A. DiGirolamo, Patrick J. Yagle
  • Publication number: 20110180146
    Abstract: The invention relates a method and apparatus for reducing the drag on aircraft, particularly aircraft with an upswept afterbody. The method includes the steps of positioning a plurality of drag reducing elements on the fuselage of the aircraft, wherein the drag reducing elements are positioned on the fuselage from a position at the breakline of the fuselage and extending toward the tail of the aircraft. In preferred embodiments, each of the plurality of drag reducing elements is positioned such that a first end of the drag reducing element is at an angle of between approximately 15 and 35° nose up relative to the flow of air about the fuselage at the location where the drag reducing element is positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brian R. Smith, Brant H. Maines, Edward C. Ma, Edward A. DiGirolamo, Patrick J. Yagle
  • Publication number: 20100003129
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method operable to improve pressure recovery and/or distortion within engine inlet. This method involves providing a first fluid flow to primary jet vortex generator(s) operable to inject fluid at a first injection rate into a boundary layer of a primary fluid flow within the inlet. A secondary fluid flow is injected by secondary jet vortex generator(s) at a second injection rate into the boundary layer of the primary fluid flow. The fluid injected at the first injection rate and second injection rate is operable to induce secondary flow structures within the boundary layer. These secondary close structures are then operable to improve or manipulate the pressure recovery of the inlet. At specific engine conditions, this method may redistribute the ratio of the first injection rate and second injection rate in order to improve pressure recovery and/or distortion of the inlet when the particular engine conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Philip P. Truax, Daniel N. Miller, Edward C. Ma
  • Patent number: 7617670
    Abstract: A method operable to improve pressure recovery and/or distortion within engine inlet is disclosed. A first fluid flow is provided to primary jet vortex generator(s) operable to inject fluid at a first injection rate into a boundary layer of a primary fluid flow within the inlet. A secondary fluid flow is injected by secondary jet vortex generator(s) at a second injection rate into the boundary layer of the primary fluid flow, The fluid injected at the first injection rate and second injection rate is operable to induce secondary flow structures within the boundary layer. These secondary close structures are then operable to improve or manipulate the pressure recovery of the inlet. At specific engine conditions, this method may redistribute the ratio of the first injection rate and second injection rate in order to improve pressure recovery and/or distortion of the inlet when the particular engine conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Philip P. Truax, Daniel N. Miller, Edward C. Ma