Patents by Inventor Eric J. Heims

Eric J. Heims 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).

  • Publication number: 20250243781
    Abstract: A tail cone ventilation system including a tail cone case defining a tail cone interior and a tail cone exterior, the tail cone having a forward portion and an aft portion separated axially along a tail cone axis; a distribution manifold located within the tail cone interior proximate the forward portion, wherein the distribution manifold comprises nozzles arranged radially around the axis, the nozzles configured to direct a cooling air over at least one electronic component within the tail cone interior and along an inner surface of the tail cone case; an air inlet fluidly coupled with the distribution manifold through ducting, the air inlet located externally from the tail cone interior; and a tail cone discharge located proximate the tail cone aft portion, the tail cone discharge being fluidly coupled with the distribution manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2024
    Publication date: July 31, 2025
    Inventors: Federico Papa, Eric J. Heims, Reza Rezvani, Yuan J. Qiu, William K. Ackermann
  • Patent number: 12372010
    Abstract: A tail cone ventilation system including a tail cone case defining a tail cone interior and a tail cone exterior, the tail cone having a forward portion and an aft portion separated axially along a tail cone axis; a distribution manifold located within the tail cone interior proximate the forward portion, wherein the distribution manifold comprises nozzles arranged radially around the axis, the nozzles configured to direct a cooling air over at least one electronic component within the tail cone interior and along an inner surface of the tail cone case; an air inlet fluidly coupled with the distribution manifold through ducting, the air inlet located externally from the tail cone interior; and a tail cone discharge located proximate the tail cone aft portion, the tail cone discharge being fluidly coupled with the distribution manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2025
    Assignee: RTX Corporation
    Inventors: Federico Papa, Eric J. Heims, Reza Rezvani, Yuan J. Qiu, William K. Ackermann
  • Patent number: 11929818
    Abstract: According to an aspect, a waveguide system includes a first node, a second node, and a double-ridge waveguide. The double-ridge waveguide includes a metallic shell surrounding a waveguide core that forms a communication and radio frequency power transmission path in an aerospace environment. The first node is configured to propagate at least one communication channel and a radio frequency power transmission through the waveguide core to the second node during operation of the waveguide system in the aerospace environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: RTX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan Gilson, Joseph V. Mantese, Coy Bruce Wood, Eric J. Heims, Gurkan Gok, Joseph Zacchio
  • Patent number: 11677831
    Abstract: A system of a machine includes a network of a plurality of nodes distributed throughout the machine. Each of the nodes is operable to communicate through one or more radio frequencies, where the machine includes a cooler portion and a hotter portion. The system includes a means for communicating with the network of nodes using a higher frequency to communicate with one or more of the nodes in the cooler portion of the machine and a lower frequency to communicate with one or more of the nodes in the hotter portion of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan Gilson, Joseph V. Mantese, Gurkan Gok, Eric J. Heims, Goran Djuknic, Coy Bruce Wood, Geoffrey T. Blackwell
  • Publication number: 20230112230
    Abstract: According to an aspect, a waveguide system includes a first node, a second node, and a double-ridge waveguide. The double-ridge waveguide includes a metallic shell surrounding a waveguide core that forms a communication and radio frequency power transmission path in an aerospace environment. The first node is configured to propagate at least one communication channel and a radio frequency power transmission through the waveguide core to the second node during operation of the waveguide system in the aerospace environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Jonathan Gilson, Joseph V. Mantese, Coy Bruce Wood, Eric J. Heims, Gurkan Gok, Joseph Zacchio
  • Publication number: 20220141289
    Abstract: A system of a machine includes a network of a plurality of nodes distributed throughout the machine. Each of the nodes is operable to communicate through one or more radio frequencies, where the machine includes a cooler portion and a hotter portion. The system includes a means for communicating with the network of nodes using a higher frequency to communicate with one or more of the nodes in the cooler portion of the machine and a lower frequency to communicate with one or more of the nodes in the hotter portion of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Jonathan Gilson, Joseph V. Mantese, Gurkan Gok, Eric J. Heims, Goran Djuknic, Coy Bruce Wood, Geoffrey T. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 11265380
    Abstract: A system of a machine includes a network of a plurality of nodes distributed throughout the machine, a controller, and a plurality of waveguides. Each of the nodes is operable to communicate through one or more radio frequencies, where the machine includes a cooler portion and a hotter portion. The controller is operable to communicate with the network of nodes using a higher frequency to communicate with one or more of the nodes in the cooler portion of the machine and a lower frequency to communicate with one or more of the nodes in the hotter portion of the machine. The waveguides are configured to guide transmission of the one or more radio frequencies between the controller and one or more of the nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan Gilson, Joseph V. Mantese, Gurkan Gok, Eric J. Heims, Goran Djuknic, Coy Bruce Wood, Geoffrey T. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 10799216
    Abstract: A wave guide assembly for a control and diagnostic system for a machine includes a housing defining an exterior surface and an internal cavity extending between distal ends. At least one wave guide within the internal cavity defines a wave propagation passage for at least one wave form signal. At least one conductor within the internal cavity is separate from the wave guide. A control and diagnostic system for a machine and a gas turbine engine are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Eric J. Heims, Ryan K. Snyder, Kurt J. Sobanski
  • Patent number: 10804963
    Abstract: A wave guide assembly for a control and diagnostic system for a machine, the wave guide assembly includes a housing defining an exterior surface and an internal cavity extending between distal ends. A wave guide is defined within the internal cavity. At least one open conduit is defined within the internal cavity providing a space for routing conductors through the housing. A fluid passage is defined within the internal cavity separate from the wave guide. A control and diagnostic system for a machine and a gas turbine engine are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan K. Snyder, Eric J. Heims
  • Publication number: 20200305843
    Abstract: A wave guide assembly for a control and diagnostic system for a machine includes a housing defining an exterior surface and an internal cavity extending between distal ends. At least one wave guide within the internal cavity defines a wave propagation passage for at least one wave form signal. At least one conductor within the internal cavity is separate from the wave guide. A control and diagnostic system for a machine and a gas turbine engine are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Eric J. Heims, Ryan K. Snyder, Kurt J. Sobanski
  • Patent number: 10634061
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprises a compressor, a combustor and a turbine. A housing for the gas turbine engine includes a mount member to define a vertically upper location. Sides of the engine are defined on opposed sides of the mount, with a fuel filter, a fuel pump and a fuel flow meter being positioned on a first side and an oil pump, an oil filter and an oil tank positioned on a second of the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan K. Snyder, Eric J. Heims, Mark W. Colebrook
  • Publication number: 20190341965
    Abstract: A wave guide assembly for a control and diagnostic system for a machine, the wave guide assembly includes a housing defining an exterior surface and an internal cavity extending between distal ends. A wave guide is defined within the internal cavity. At least one open conduit is defined within the internal cavity providing a space for routing conductors through the housing. A fluid passage is defined within the internal cavity separate from the wave guide. A control and diagnostic system for a machine and a gas turbine engine are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Ryan K. Snyder, Eric J. Heims
  • Patent number: 10411756
    Abstract: A wave guide assembly for a control and diagnostic system for a machine, the wave guide assembly includes a housing defining an exterior surface and an internal cavity extending between distal ends. A wave guide is defined within the internal cavity. At least one open conduit is defined within the internal cavity providing a space for routing conductors through the housing. A fluid passage is defined within the internal cavity separate from the wave guide. A control and diagnostic system for a machine and a gas turbine engine are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan K. Snyder, Eric J. Heims
  • Patent number: 10307138
    Abstract: A wave guide assembly for a control and diagnostic system for a machine includes a housing defining an exterior surface and an internal cavity extending between distal ends. At least one wave guide within the internal cavity defines a wave propagation passage for at least one wave form signal. At least one conductor within the internal cavity is separate from the wave guide. A control and diagnostic system for a machine and a gas turbine engine are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Eric J. Heims, Ryan K. Snyder, Kurt J. Sobanski
  • Publication number: 20190055889
    Abstract: An air bleed system for a gas turbine engine includes a compressor case, fan panel, compartment, bleed port, bleed valve, and duct. The compressor case extends circumferentially around a core of the gas turbine engine. The fan panel is disposed radially outward from the compressor case. The compartment is disposed between the compressor case and fan panel. The bleed port extends from the compressor case into the compartment. The bleed valve is disposed on an outward end of the bleed port and is configured to selectively occupy an open or a closed position so as to regulate flow of a fluid. The duct extends between the bleed valve and the fan panel and is fluidly connected to the bleed port and to the opening of the fan panel. The duct is configured to transport the fluid from the engine core to the fan panel and through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 21, 2019
    Inventors: Eric J. Heims, Gabriel L. Suciu, Brian Merry
  • Publication number: 20180289359
    Abstract: A wave guide assembly for a control and diagnostic system for a machine includes a housing defining an exterior surface and an internal cavity extending between distal ends. At least one wave guide within the internal cavity defines a wave propagation passage for at least one wave form signal. At least one conductor within the internal cavity is separate from the wave guide. A control and diagnostic system for a machine and a gas turbine engine are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Eric J. Heims, Ryan K. Snyder, Kurt J. Sobanski
  • Publication number: 20180294838
    Abstract: A wave guide assembly for a control and diagnostic system for a machine, the wave guide assembly includes a housing defining an exterior surface and an internal cavity extending between distal ends. A wave guide is defined within the internal cavity. At least one open conduit is defined within the internal cavity providing a space for routing conductors through the housing. A fluid passage is defined within the internal cavity separate from the wave guide. A control and diagnostic system for a machine and a gas turbine engine are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Ryan K. Snyder, Eric J. Heims
  • Patent number: 10041409
    Abstract: An oil control module for a gas turbine engine is provided comprising a housing on which numerous components of a lubricating system are mounted. The components may include a variable oil reduction valve/shuttle valve, a main oil pressure sensor, a main oil temperature sensor, a main oil filter delta pressure sensor, an oil debris monitor, a lube filter, an active oil damper valve, a cool oil orifice, a knock down orifice and a lube trim orifice. By packing numerous lubricating system components onto or within a housing located adjacent to the gas turbine engine, the oil control module reduces cost and weight and simplifies the maintenance of the lubricating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan K. Snyder, Kari L. Kisselbrack, Jesse Ian Berube, Michael C. O'Brien, Eric J. Heims, Ryan Timothy Matte, Vito Guardi, Bruce Paradise
  • Patent number: 9982601
    Abstract: An oil lubrication system is provided. The oil lubrication system may comprise an oil pump, a conduit fluidly coupled to the oil pump, and a damper fluidly coupled to the conduit. The damper may further comprise a volume configured to receive oil in response to a pulse event. A heat exchanger may also be fluidly coupled to the conduit. In various embodiments, the damper may comprise a spherical volume. The damper may be fluidly coupled to the conduit between the oil pump and the heat exchanger. An adapter may be mechanically coupled between the conduit and the damper. The adapter may comprise a passage in fluid communication with the conduit and the damper. The damper may further comprise a membrane. A gas or compressible fluid may be disposed in the damper on a first side of the membrane. The membrane may be configured to separate the gas from the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Eric J. Heims, Andre Herman Troughton, Ryan K. Snyder, Jeffrey Honan
  • Patent number: 9873522
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a screen configured for use in association with a cooler of an aircraft, the screen comprising: a first portion arranged as a grid and located in a line-of-sight of the cooler with respect to a fluid inlet, and a second portion located out of the line-of-sight of the cooler with respect to the fluid inlet, wherein the second portion is grid-free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan K. Snyder, Eric J. Heims