Patents by Inventor Jerrol W. Littles

Jerrol W. Littles 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: 10309344
    Abstract: A propulsion system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a pressurant selectively released from a pressure tank to drive a pump to sustain propellant flow for main combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: AEROJET ROCKETDYNE, INC.
    Inventors: Alan B. Minick, Timothy S. Kokan, Jerrol W. Littles
  • Publication number: 20160131085
    Abstract: A propulsion system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a pressurant selectively released from a pressure tank to drive a pump to sustain propellant flow for main combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: Aerojet Rockettdyne, Inc
    Inventors: Alan B. Minick, Timothy S. Kokan, Jerrol W. Littles
  • Patent number: 7824147
    Abstract: A method and control for predicting the remaining useful life of an airfoil for a gas turbine engine includes the steps of monitoring conditions of the blade such as flutter, leaning, etc. A measured amount of deflection of the airfoil is compared to tabulated data to predict an expected crack length which is likely causing the deflection, etc. Once a predicted crack length has been identified, the amount of accumulated damage to the airfoil at the crack is monitored and stored. The amount of useful life for the blade can be predicted by compiling the accumulated damage over time. The useful life remaining can be displayed such that flight plans or maintenance schedules for the aircraft can be modified as appropriate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Morris, Jerrol W. Littles, Sharayu Tulpule
  • Publication number: 20070271023
    Abstract: A method and control for predicting the remaining useful life of an airfoil for a gas turbine engine includes the steps of monitoring conditions of the blade such as flutter, leaning, etc. A measured amount of deflection of the airfoil is compared to tabulated data to predict an expected crack length which is likely causing the deflection, etc. Once a predicted crack length has been identified, the amount of accumulated damage to the airfoil at the crack is monitored and stored. The amount of useful life for the blade can be predicted by compiling the accumulated damage over time. The useful life remaining can be displayed such that flight plans or maintenance schedules for the aircraft can be modified as appropriate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Robert J. Morris, Jerrol W. Littles, Sharayu Tulpule
  • Patent number: 7157920
    Abstract: A component which is known to have particular degradation characteristics is instrumented to provide an electrical potential across a section in which a degradation is likely to occur. The potential drop across the component is then monitored to determine when, and the degree to which, the degradation occurs. Predetermined limits are established such that when the degradation level reaches a limit, the component is repaired or replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Brent W. Barber, Jerrol W. Littles