Patents by Inventor Eric A. Ford

Eric A. Ford 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).

  • Noise-suppressed exhaust nozzles for jet engines
    Patent number: 5261229
    Abstract: An array of chutes is permanently mounted within the flowpath of an exhaust nozzle of an aircraft jet engine for entraining and mixing ambient air with the exhaust gas so as to reduce the noise level of aircraft, particularly during take-off. In order to provide good engine performance during all modes of jet engine operation, a convergent-divergent flap assembly is arranged downstream from the chutes for controlling the nozzle throat and exit areas when the chutes are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eric A. Ford, Jeremiah P. Wolf, Lawrence W. Dunbar