Patents by Inventor Kurt J. Sobanski

Kurt J. 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).

  • Patent number: 10196930
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a gas turbine engine that includes a fan configured to generate a fanstream and a fanstream duct configured to receive the fanstream flowing therethrough. An engine electronic component is positioned in flow communication with the fanstream. A heating element is positioned in the fanstream upstream from the engine electronic component and is operative to heat at least a portion of the fanstream in flow communication with the engine electronic component. The position of the engine electronic component passively thermally conditions the engine electronic component and the heating element actively thermally conditions the engine electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Kurt J. Sobanski, Wesley K. Lord, William K. Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20190031358
    Abstract: A method of controlling thrust for a gas turbine engine of an aircraft is provided. The method includes determining a fan speed required for minimum thrust to achieve an aircraft operation. The method also includes determining an excess amount of thrust generated by the gas turbine engine. The method also includes reducing the amount of thrust generated by the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Kurt J. Sobanski, Richard P. Meisner, Robert J. Bengtson
  • Patent number: 10156188
    Abstract: An electromechanical component arrangement for a gas turbine engine includes a mechanical component located at a first side of a firewall of a gas turbine engine and an electronic module of the electromechanical component connected to the mechanical component by a module cable. The electronic module is inserted through a module opening in the firewall from the first side to a second side, the second side having a lower operating temperature than the first side. A cover plate is installed over the module opening after the electronic module is inserted therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Kurt J. Sobanski, Jesse M. Chandler
  • Publication number: 20180342904
    Abstract: A thermoelectric conditioning arrangement may comprise a first antenna/splitter configured to transmit a power & control signal, a second antenna/splitter configured to receive the power & control signal, a waveguide coupled between the first antenna/splitter and the second antenna/splitter, wherein the power & control signal is guided from the first antenna/splitter to the second antenna/splitter via the waveguide, a power converter configured to receive the power & control signal from the second antenna/splitter and generate a direct current (DC) signal, and a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) configured to receive the DC signal from the power converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph V. Mantese, Alan H. Epstein, Kurt J. Sobanski
  • 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: 20180286612
    Abstract: A power electronics arrangement may comprise a power supply, a controller configured to receive a power from the power supply and generate an output signal, a waveguide, a receiver, filter, and converter (RFC) configured to receive the output signal via the waveguide, the RFC configured to generate a switching signal from the output signal, and a power switching device (PSD) configured to receive the switching signal from the RFC, wherein the controller transmits the output signal to the RFC through the waveguide via a transponder, the waveguide is coupled between the transponder and the RFC, and the PSD is galvanically isolated from the power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph V. Mantese, Vladimir Blasko, Thomas Gietzold, Brian L McCabe, Kurt J Sobanski
  • Patent number: 10091562
    Abstract: A system of a machine includes a network of a plurality of sensing/control/identification devices distributed throughout the machine. Each of the sensing/control/identification devices is associated with at least one sub-system component of the machine and operable to communicate through a plurality of electromagnetic signals. Shielding surrounds at least one of the sensing/control/identification devices to contain the electromagnetic signals proximate to the at least one sub-system component. A waveguide is operable to route a portion of the electromagnetic signals through a waveguide transmitter interface, a waveguide medium, and a waveguide transition interface to the at least one of the sensing/control/identification devices. A remote processing unit is operable to communicate with the network of the sensing/control/identification devices through the electromagnetic signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph V. Mantese, Kurt J. Sobanski, Brian L. McCabe, Joseph Zacchio
  • Patent number: 10080068
    Abstract: A system for a machine component includes at least one local transmitter/receiver. At least one device is associated with a component and configured to communicate with the at least one local transmitter/receiver through wireless signals. Shielding surrounds both the local transmitter and the device for containing the wireless signals proximate to the component. A remote processing unit is disposed outside of the shielding in communication with the local transmitter/receiver. A control system and method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Kurt J. Sobanski
  • Publication number: 20180262820
    Abstract: A system of a machine includes a network of a plurality of sensing/control/identification devices distributed throughout the machine. Each of the sensing/control/identification devices is associated with at least one sub-system component of the machine and operable to communicate through a plurality of electromagnetic signals. Shielding surrounds at least one of the sensing/control/identification devices to contain the electromagnetic signals proximate to the at least one sub-system component. A waveguide is operable to route a portion of the electromagnetic signals through a waveguide transmitter interface and a waveguide transition interface to the at least one of the sensing/control/identification devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph V. Mantese, Kurt J. Sobanski, Brian L. McCabe, Joseph Zacchio
  • Patent number: 10057663
    Abstract: Sensing/control/identification devices of machines are provided. The devices include a shielding defining a shielded volume, a rectification and power conditioning module within the shielded volume and configured to receive electromagnetic (EM) transmissions from an EM transmitting source and convert said EM transmissions to electrical power, a communication interface module within the shielded volume and configured to receive power from the rectification and power conditioning module and at least one of receive the EM transmissions or transmit EM communications, and a control module within the shielded volume and configured to at least one of (i) receive the EM transmissions from the communication interface for processing or prepare the EM communications for transmission from the communication interface module and (ii) communicate with a remote sensor of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kurt J. Sobanski, Joseph V. Mantese
  • Patent number: 10051345
    Abstract: A system of a machine is provided. The system having: a network of a plurality of sensing/control/identification devices distributed throughout the machine, at least one of the plurality of sensing/control/identification devices associated with at least one sub-system component of the machine and operable to communicate through a plurality of electromagnetic signals; shielding surrounding at least one of the sensing/control/identification devices to contain the electromagnetic signals proximate to the at least one sub-system component; and a remote processing unit operable to communicate with the network of the sensing/control/identification devices through the electromagnetic signals, wherein the at least one of the plurality of sensing/control/identification devices has internal memory independent of the remote processing unit, the internal memory having historical data corresponding to the least one sub-system component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph V. Mantese, Kurt J. Sobanski, Brian L. McCabe, Joseph Zacchio
  • Patent number: 10047676
    Abstract: An electromechanical component arrangement for a gas turbine engine includes a mechanical component located at a first side of a firewall. An electronic module assembly of the electromechanical component is connected to the mechanical component and includes a housing, a mounting frame located in the housing and an electronic module secured to the mounting frame. The electronic module is operably connected to the mechanical component via a module cable. A vibration isolator is located in the housing to locate and support the mounting frame therein. The vibration isolator is configured to vibrationally isolate the electronic module from gas turbine engine vibrations. A cover plate is secured to the housing and the first side of the firewall, while the housing extends from the cover plate through a module opening in the firewall to a second side of the firewall having a lower operating temperature than the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph Stack, Jesse M. Chandler, Gabriel L. Suciu, Kurt J. Sobanski
  • Patent number: 9986310
    Abstract: Sensing/control/identification devices for machines are provided. The devices include a first stage having a rectification and power conditioning module configured to receive electromagnetic (EM) transmissions via waveguide confinement and convert said EM transmissions to electrical power, a communication interface module configured to receive power from the rectification and conditioning module and at least one of receive or transmit EM transmissions/communications via waveguide confinement, and a control module configured to receive EM transmission data from the communication interface for processing and/or preparing EM communications for transmission. The devices further include a second stage having a tunable control module configured to process and convert instructions or commands from the control module of the first stage into analog or digital signals and generate and transmit an output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kurt J. Sobanski, Joseph V. Mantese, Brian L. McCabe, Joseph Zacchio
  • Patent number: 9825706
    Abstract: A multiplexed sensor system includes a control unit in communication with a plurality of sensors. A plurality of optic fibers defines a communication path between the plurality of sensors and the control unit. A multiplexing portion communicates with a plurality of sensors along a common one of the plurality of optic fibers and a protected channel through which at least a portion of the optic fibers are routed. The protected channel at least partially surrounds the optic fibers and shields the optic fibers from an environment outside the protected channel. A cooling flow is provided through the protective channel for minimizing temperature fluctuations within the protective channel. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Kurt J. Sobanski
  • Publication number: 20170306852
    Abstract: An electromechanical system for a gas turbine engine includes a mechanical component located at a first side of a firewall of a gas turbine engine, and an electrical motor located at a second side of the firewall and configured to drive the mechanical component. The electrical motor mechanically connected to the mechanical component through a firewall opening in the firewall, the first side having a higher operating temperature than the second side. An electrical connection extends between the mechanical component and the electrical motor via the same firewall opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Paul Attridge, Gabriel L. Suciu, Kurt J. Sobanski, Jesse M. Chandler
  • Publication number: 20170306849
    Abstract: An electromechanical component arrangement for a gas turbine engine includes a mechanical component located at a first side of a firewall of a gas turbine engine and an electronic module of the electromechanical component connected to the mechanical component by a module cable. The electronic module is inserted through a module opening in the firewall from the first side to a second side, the second side having a lower operating temperature than the first side. A cover plate is installed over the module opening after the electronic module is inserted therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Kurt J. Sobanski, Jesse M. Chandler
  • Publication number: 20170306853
    Abstract: An electromechanical component arrangement for a gas turbine engine includes a mechanical component located at a first side of a firewall of a gas turbine engine and an electronic module of the electromechanical component in communication with the mechanical component separated from the mechanical component by a firewall, the firewall comprising a first side and a second side, the second side having a lower operating temperature than the first side. A vibration isolation structure is located at the second side. The electronic module is connected thereto and includes at least one vibration isolator secured to the firewall to vibrationally isolate the electronic module from gas turbine engine vibrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Jesse M. Chandler, Kurt J. Sobanski
  • Publication number: 20170306850
    Abstract: An electromechanical component arrangement for a gas turbine engine includes a mechanical component located at a first side of a firewall. An electronic module assembly of the electromechanical component is connected to the mechanical component and includes a housing, a mounting frame located in the housing and an electronic module secured to the mounting frame. The electronic module is operably connected to the mechanical component via a module cable. A vibration isolator is located in the housing to locate and support the mounting frame therein. The vibration isolator is configured to vibrationally isolate the electronic module from gas turbine engine vibrations. A cover plate is secured to the housing and the first side of the firewall, while the housing extends from the cover plate through a module opening in the firewall to a second side of the firewall having a lower operating temperature than the first side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph Stack, Jesse M. Chandler, Gabriel L. Suciu, Kurt J. Sobanski
  • Publication number: 20170284298
    Abstract: A low pressure compressor for a gas turbine engine includes a low pressure compressor case extending circumferentially around a central axis of the gas turbine engine. The low pressure compressor case includes an inner radial wall surrounding a low pressure compressor rotor and an outer radial wall at least partially defining a fan bypass passage of the gas turbine engine. A low pressure compressor compartment is located between the inner radial wall and the outer radial wall and an electrical component is located in the low pressure compressor compartment. An inlet port at the outer radial wall is configured to admit a cooling airflow into the low pressure compressor compartment from the fan bypass passage to cool the electrical component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Kurt J. Sobanski, William K. Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20170238069
    Abstract: A system for a machine component includes at least one local transmitter/receiver. At least one device is associated with a component and configured to communicate with the at least one local transmitter/receiver through wireless signals. Shielding surrounds both the local transmitter and the device for containing the wireless signals proximate to the component. A remote processing unit is disposed outside of the shielding in communication with the local transmitter/receiver. A control system and method are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Kurt J. Sobanski