Patents by Inventor Jon E. Sobanski
Jon E. Sobanski 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).
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Publication number: 20260160179Abstract: An assembly is provided for an aircraft. This assembly includes a propulsion system and a control system. The propulsion system includes an open propulsor rotor and a turbine engine configured to drive rotation of the open propulsor rotor about an axis. The control system includes a first sensor, a second sensor and a controller in signal communication with the first sensor and the second sensor. The first sensor is configured to provide first sensor data indicative of a first environmental parameter. The second sensor is mounted to the propulsion system and is configured to provide second sensor data indicative of a second environmental parameter. The controller is configured to monitor and/or control operation of the propulsion system using the first sensor data. The controller is also configured to monitor the first sensor data using the second sensor data.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2024Publication date: June 11, 2026Inventors: Jon E. Sobanski, Andrew E. Breault, Jeffrey T. Morton
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Publication number: 20260159242Abstract: A first core turbine rotor of a first propulsion system is disposed in a first core turbine section and is configured to rotate in a first rotational direction. A first power turbine rotor is disposed in a first power turbine section and is configured to rotate in the first rotational direction. The first power turbine rotor is operatively coupled to a first open propulsor rotor. A second core turbine rotor of a second propulsion system is disposed in a second core turbine section and is configured to rotate in the first rotational direction. A second power turbine rotor is disposed in a second power turbine section and is configured to rotate in a second rotational direction that is opposite the first rotational direction. The second power turbine rotor is operatively coupled to a second open propulsor rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2024Publication date: June 11, 2026Inventors: Andrew E. Breault, Jeffrey T. Morton, Jon E. Sobanski
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Publication number: 20260159225Abstract: A propulsion system includes an open propulsor rotor, an open guide vane structure, a turbine engine and a blade actuation system. The open propulsor rotor includes a plurality of open propulsor blades. The turbine engine includes a compressor section and a rotating structure. The rotating structure is operatively coupled to the open propulsor rotor. The rotating structure includes a compressor rotor in the compressor section. The blade actuation system is configured to adjust pitch of at least one of the open propulsor blades. A controller is configured to control operation of the blade actuation system during aircraft flight to tailor the pitch. The turbine engine is configured to drive rotation of the open propulsor rotor about the axis during a first mode of operation. The open propulsor rotor is configured to windmill about the axis to drive rotation of the rotating structure during a second mode of operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2024Publication date: June 11, 2026Inventors: Jon E. Sobanski, Andrew E. Breault, Jeffrey T. Morton
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Patent number: 12650085Abstract: An assembly is provided for an aircraft. This assembly includes a propulsion system and a control system. The propulsion system includes an open propulsor rotor and a turbine engine configured to drive rotation of the open propulsor rotor about an axis. The control system includes a first sensor, a second sensor and a controller in signal communication with the first sensor and the second sensor. The first sensor is configured to provide first sensor data indicative of a first environmental parameter. The second sensor is mounted to the propulsion system and is configured to provide second sensor data indicative of a second environmental parameter. The controller is configured to monitor and/or control operation of the propulsion system using the first sensor data. The controller is also configured to monitor the first sensor data using the second sensor data.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2024Date of Patent: June 9, 2026Assignee: RTX CorporationInventors: Jon E. Sobanski, Andrew E. Breault, Jeffrey T. Morton
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Publication number: 20260139604Abstract: A vane arc segment includes an airfoil fairing that has first and second fairing platforms and a hollow airfoil section. A spar has a spar platform adjacent the first fairing platform and a spar leg that extends through the hollow airfoil section. The spar leg has an end portion protruding from the second fairing platform. The end portion has a clevis mount. A support platform adjacent the second fairing platform has a through-hole through which the end portion of the spar leg extends. A pin extends though the clevis mount and locks the support platform to the spar leg such that the airfoil fairing is trapped between the spar platform and the support platform. The clevis mount includes first and second prongs. The first prong has a pin hole, and the pin is disposed through the pin hole and cantilevered with respect to the first prong.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2024Publication date: May 21, 2026Inventors: Jon E. Sobanski, Howard J. Liles, Bryan P. Dube, Wojciech Lipka
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Patent number: 12623785Abstract: An aircraft propulsion system includes a propulsion section and a turbine engine. The propulsion section includes an open propulsor rotor and an open guide vane structure disposed next to the open propulsor rotor. The turbine engine is configured to drive rotation of the open propulsor rotor. The turbine engine includes an engine core, an inlet section, an exhaust section and a flowpath. The engine core includes a compressor section, a combustor section and a turbine section. The inlet section includes a flowpath inlet. The exhaust section includes a flowpath exhaust and a mixer at the flowpath exhaust. The flowpath extends from the flowpath inlet, through the inlet section, the compressor section, the combustor section, the turbine section and the exhaust section, to the flowpath exhaust. The mixer is configured to mix combustion products exhausted from the flowpath through the flowpath exhaust with ambient air outside of the propulsion system.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2024Date of Patent: May 12, 2026Assignee: RTX CorporationInventors: Jon E. Sobanski, Jeffrey T. Morton, Andrew E. Breault
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Publication number: 20260116569Abstract: An assembly for an aircraft includes a first propulsion system and a second propulsion system. A first open propulsor rotor is configured to rotate in a first rotational direction about a first axis. A first engine core includes a first rotating structure with a first turbine rotor. A first rotating structure is configured to rotate in the first rotational direction about the first axis and drive rotation of the first open propulsor rotor through a first geartrain. A second open propulsor rotor is configured to rotate in a second rotational direction about a second axis that is opposite the first rotational direction. A second engine core includes a second rotating structure with a second turbine rotor. A second rotating structure is configured to rotate in the first rotational direction about the second axis and drive rotation of the second open propulsor rotor through a second geartrain.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2024Publication date: April 30, 2026Inventors: Jeffrey T. Morton, Jon E. Sobanski, Andrew E. Breault
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Publication number: 20260116570Abstract: An assembly for an aircraft includes a first propulsion system and a second propulsion system. A first open propulsor rotor is configured to rotate in a first rotational direction about a first axis. A first engine core includes a first rotating structure with a first turbine rotor. A first rotating structure is configured to rotate in the first rotational direction about the first axis and drive rotation of the first open propulsor rotor through a first geartrain. A second open propulsor rotor is configured to rotate in a second rotational direction about a second axis that is opposite the first rotational direction. A second engine core includes a second rotating structure with a second turbine rotor. A second rotating structure is configured to rotate in the first rotational direction about the second axis and drive rotation of the second open propulsor rotor through a second geartrain.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2025Publication date: April 30, 2026Inventors: Jeffrey T. Morton, Jon E. Sobanski, Andrew E. Breault
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Publication number: 20260091873Abstract: An aircraft propulsion system includes a propulsion section and a turbine engine. The propulsion section includes an open propulsor rotor and an open guide vane structure disposed next to the open propulsor rotor. The turbine engine is configured to drive rotation of the open propulsor rotor. The turbine engine includes an engine core, an inlet section, an exhaust section and a flowpath. The engine core includes a compressor section, a combustor section and a turbine section. The inlet section includes a flowpath inlet. The exhaust section includes a flowpath exhaust and a mixer at the flowpath exhaust. The flowpath extends from the flowpath inlet, through the inlet section, the compressor section, the combustor section, the turbine section and the exhaust section, to the flowpath exhaust. The mixer is configured to mix combustion products exhausted from the flowpath through the flowpath exhaust with ambient air outside of the propulsion system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2024Publication date: April 2, 2026Inventors: Jon E. Sobanski, Jeffrey T. Morton, Andrew E. Breault
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Publication number: 20260092556Abstract: An aircraft propulsion system includes a propulsion section and a turbine engine. The propulsion section includes an open propulsor rotor and an open guide vane structure. The turbine engine is configured to drive rotation of the open propulsor rotor. The turbine engine includes an engine core, an inlet section, an exhaust section and a flowpath. The engine core includes a compressor section, a combustor section and a turbine section with the turbine section disposed axially between the compressor section and the open propulsor rotor. The inlet section includes a flowpath inlet. The exhaust section includes a flowpath exhaust. At least a portion of the exhaust section is disposed axially between the open propulsor rotor and the open guide vane structure. The flowpath extends from the flowpath inlet, through the inlet section, the compressor section, the combustor section, the turbine section and the exhaust section, to the flowpath exhaust.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2024Publication date: April 2, 2026Inventors: Jon E. Sobanski, Jeffrey T. Morton, Andrew E. Breault
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Publication number: 20260062117Abstract: A method is provided for operating an aircraft propulsion system. During this method, rotation of a propulsor rotor of the propulsion system is driven about a rotational axis. The propulsor rotor includes a plurality of rotor blades. A first blade pitch schedule is applied to the propulsor rotor while the propulsor rotor is rotating about the rotational axis such that: (a) a pitch of each of the rotor blades has a maximum blade pitch value when located at a first circumferential position about the rotational axis; (b) the pitch of each of the rotor blades has a minimum blade pitch value when located at a second circumferential position about the rotational axis; and (c) a reference line extending between the first circumferential position and the second circumferential position is angularly offset from a pitch axis of the aircraft by a first offset angle between zero degrees and forty-five degrees.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2024Publication date: March 5, 2026Inventors: Jon E. Sobanski, Jeffrey T. Morton, Andrew E. Breault
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Patent number: 12565328Abstract: An assembly for an aircraft propulsion system includes an open propulsor rotor and a powertrain configured to receive power from a turbine and drive both the propulsor rotor and a compressor section at the same time in a first mode of operation. In a second mode of operation, a brake is applied that stops rotation of the propulsor rotor and the turbine power received by the powertrain drives only the compressor section. In the second mode, the propulsor rotor is stationary or otherwise undriven which effectively prevents rotation of the propulsor rotor. This reduces or eliminates safety risks to ground crews resulting from an open propulsor rotor actively rotating as the aircraft is on the ground.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2024Date of Patent: March 3, 2026Assignee: RTX CorporationInventors: Jeffrey T. Morton, Paul R. Hanrahan, Andrew E. Breault, Jon E. Sobanski
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Publication number: 20260015098Abstract: An assembly for an aircraft propulsion system includes an open propulsor rotor and a powertrain configured to receive power from a turbine and drive both the propulsor rotor and a compressor section at the same time in a first mode of operation. In a second mode of operation, a brake is applied that stops rotation of the propulsor rotor and the turbine power received by the powertrain drives only the compressor section. In the second mode, the propulsor rotor is stationary or otherwise undriven which effectively prevents rotation of the propulsor rotor. This reduces or eliminates safety risks to ground crews resulting from an open propulsor rotor actively rotating as the aircraft is on the ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2024Publication date: January 15, 2026Inventors: Jeffrey T. MORTON, Paul R. HANRAHAN, Andrew E. BREAULT, Jon E. SOBANSKI
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Publication number: 20250369825Abstract: An inspection method is provided during which a distal end of an inspection probe is inserted into an interior of a powerplant. The inspection probe includes a body and a head pivotally connected to the body. The head includes an actuator, and the head is disposed at the distal end of the inspection probe. The powerplant includes a component within the interior of the powerplant. The head is arranged with the component. The arranging includes pivoting the head relative to the body and abutting the head against a surface of the component. Vibrations in the component are induced using the actuator. A vibratory response in the component excited by the vibrations is measured using a sensor to provide sensor data.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2024Publication date: December 4, 2025Inventors: Andrew E. Breault, Jeffrey T. Morton, Jon E. Sobanski, Marc J. Muldoon, Ulf J. Jonsson, Roger Gates
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Patent number: 12486786Abstract: A turbine engine is provided that includes a first rotating assembly, a bearing, a turbine engine core and a flowpath. The first rotating assembly includes a propulsor rotor, a power turbine rotor and a power turbine shaft coupled with and axially between the propulsor rotor and the power turbine rotor. The bearing rotatably supports the first rotating assembly at an intermediate location along the power turbine shaft. The turbine engine core includes a second rotating assembly and a combustor. The second rotating assembly includes a core compressor rotor and a core turbine rotor. The power turbine rotor is arranged axially between the propulsor rotor and the second rotating assembly. The flowpath extends sequentially across the core compressor rotor, the combustor, the core turbine rotor and the power turbine rotor from an inlet into the flowpath to an exhaust from the flowpath.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2023Date of Patent: December 2, 2025Assignee: RTX CORPORATIONInventors: Jon E. Sobanski, Jacob C. Snyder
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Patent number: 12428986Abstract: A turbine engine is provided that includes a propulsor rotor and an engine core. The propulsor rotor is rotatable about a propulsor axis. The engine core is configured to power operation of the propulsor rotor. The engine core includes a core compressor section, a core combustor section, a core turbine section, a first rotating structure and a second rotating structure. The first rotating structure includes a first compressor rotor arranged within the core compressor section. The first rotating structure is rotatable about a first structure axis which is offset from the propulsor rotor axis. The second rotating structure includes a second compressor rotor arranged within the core compressor section. The second rotating structure is rotatable about a second structure axis which is offset from the propulsor rotor axis and the first structure axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2023Date of Patent: September 30, 2025Assignee: RTX CorporationInventors: Jon E. Sobanski, Brandon M. Evans, Simon W. Evans
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Publication number: 20250277472Abstract: A propulsion system for an aircraft includes an open propulsor rotor and a turbine engine. The turbine engine includes a fan section, an engine core, a first geartrain, a core flowpath and a bypass flowpath. The fan section includes a fan rotor. The engine core includes a first rotating assembly, a low pressure compressor section, a high pressure compressor section, a combustor section, a high pressure turbine section and a low pressure turbine section. The first rotating assembly drives rotation of the open propulsor rotor and the fan rotor through the first geartrain. The core flowpath extends through the low pressure compressor section, the high pressure compressor section, the combustor section, the high pressure turbine section and the low pressure turbine section. The bypass flowpath extends outside of and along the engine core.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2024Publication date: September 4, 2025Inventors: Andrew E. Breault, Jeffrey T. Morton, Jon E. Sobanski
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Patent number: 12404812Abstract: A propulsion system for an aircraft includes an open propulsor rotor and a turbine engine. The turbine engine includes a fan section, an engine core, a first geartrain, a core flowpath and a bypass flowpath. The fan section includes a fan rotor. The engine core includes a first rotating assembly, a low pressure compressor section, a high pressure compressor section, a combustor section, a high pressure turbine section and a low pressure turbine section. The first rotating assembly drives rotation of the open propulsor rotor and the fan rotor through the first geartrain. The core flowpath extends through the low pressure compressor section, the high pressure compressor section, the combustor section, the high pressure turbine section and the low pressure turbine section. The bypass flowpath extends outside of and along the engine core.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2024Date of Patent: September 2, 2025Assignee: RTX CorporationInventors: Andrew E. Breault, Jeffrey T. Morton, Jon E. Sobanski
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Patent number: 12359622Abstract: A gas turbine engine support system includes a support arc segment piece that defines radially inner and outer sides, axially forward and aft sides, and first and second circumferential mate face sides. The radially inner side has a radially open socket that is configured to engage a mating component and transmit loads from the mating component. The radially open socket is elongated in an axial direction with respect to the axially forward and aft sides The support arc segment piece has radial and axial reaction surfaces that are configured, respectively, to transmit radial and axial components of the loads from the mating component.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2020Date of Patent: July 15, 2025Assignee: RTX CORPORATIONInventors: Jon E. Sobanski, Howard J. Liles
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Patent number: 12352185Abstract: An apparatus comprises a variable pitch blade configured to connect with an endwall of an open rotor engine. The variable pitch blade defines a chamber therein on a bottom edge thereof. A retractable edge member pivotally connects within the chamber to move between a first position wherein at least a portion of the retractable edge member is located within the chamber and a second position wherein a portion of the retractable edge member extends downward from the bottom edge of the variable pitch blade to block a gap between the bottom edge of the variable pitch blade and the endwall.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2024Date of Patent: July 8, 2025Assignee: RTX CorporationInventors: Jeffrey T. Morton, Andrew E. Breault, Jon E. Sobanski