Patents by Inventor Elmore Verne Sprunger

Elmore Verne Sprunger 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: 5694768
    Abstract: An improved variable cycle turbofan-ramjet engine is disclosed. The engine includes a split fan assembly, a bypass channel surrounding a core engine and a mode selector valve for selectively bypassing air around an aft fan and the core engine. In a first, single bypass mode of operation, the mode selector valve allows air to flow through both a forward fan and the aft fan, and a portion of which bypasses the core engine. In a second, double bypass mode of operation, the mode selector valve allows air from the forward fan to bypass the aft fan and a portion of the air from the forward fan to bypass the core engine. In a third, ramjet mode of operation, the mode selector vane bypasses air around the aft fan and the core engine and the core engine is shut down for ramjet operation. In the preferred embodiment, the forward fan is allowed to windmill and powers a fuel pump connected thereto for providing fuel to a ram burner of the engine for ramjet operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Edward Johnson, Elmore Verne Sprunger, John Robert Simmons