Patents by Inventor Lee A. Hoffman
Lee A. Hoffman 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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Patent number: 10415419Abstract: A system for modulating turbine blade tip clearance is provided. The system may comprise an actuation control system having at least one actuator configured to modulate turbine blade tip clearance between a turbine blade tip and a blade outer air seal (BOAS). Each actuator may be coupled to the BOAS. Each actuator may comprise a solid-state motion amplification device such as a flextensional actuator. The actuators may be configured to move the BOAS in a radial direction from a first position to a second position to control tip clearance.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2017Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Fanping Sun, Zaffir A. Chaudhry, Lee A. Hoffman, Hailing Wu, Seung Bum Kim, Michael G. McCaffrey, Joel H. Wagner
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Publication number: 20190010823Abstract: A system for modulating turbine blade tip clearance is provided. The system may comprise an actuation control system having at least one actuator configured to modulate turbine blade tip clearance between a turbine blade tip and a blade outer air seal (BOAS). Each actuator may be coupled to the BOAS. Each actuator may comprise a solid-state motion amplification device such as a flextensional actuator. The actuators may be configured to move the BOAS in a radial direction from a first position to a second position to control tip clearance.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2017Publication date: January 10, 2019Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Fanping Sun, Zaffir A. Chaudhry, Lee A. Hoffman, Hailing Wu, Seung Bum Kim, Michael G. McCaffrey, Joel H. Wagner
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Patent number: 9737965Abstract: An example peening tool includes at least one first roller having a peening surface disposed about and along a first core. At least a portion of the at least one first roller is configured to contact a component to be peened along a length. The length extends along at least a portion of the first core. The at least one first roller is configured to provide line contact on the component along the length. A profile of the at least one first roller is determined based on a profile of the component. The peening tool includes a backer disposed in register with the first plurality of rollers such that the first plurality of rollers moves with the backer during peening. The at least one first roller and the backer are configured to be arranged on opposing surfaces of the component. Peening models may predict peening parameters and controller settings.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2012Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Tahany Ibrahim El-Wardany, Daniel V. Viens, Robert A. Grelotti, John F. Zimmerman, Joseph J. Sangiovanni, Lee A. Hoffman
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Publication number: 20170211896Abstract: A heat exchange device includes a first section and a second section. Each of the first and second sections includes flow passages configured to cool fluid. A center manifold is disposed between the first and second sections. Hot fluid enters the manifold at one end, passes through the first and second sections and cooled fluid exits the manifold at the opposing end. Each of the flow passages can have a bend at an outer edge of the heat exchange device configured to return high pressure fluid to the center manifold.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2016Publication date: July 27, 2017Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Gregory K. Schwalm, Leo J. Veilleux, JR., Andrzej E. Kuczek, Lee A. Hoffman
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Publication number: 20150360289Abstract: An additive manufacturing method for forming a component is disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming a first layer of additive material on a substrate. The first layer of additive material is deep rolled. A second layer of additive material is then formed on the first layer of additive material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2015Publication date: December 17, 2015Applicant: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Joe J. Liou, Michael A. Klecka, Andrzej Ernest Kuczek, Tahany Ibrahim El-Wardany, Lee A. Hoffman, Daniel V. Viens
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Patent number: 8915710Abstract: A device for controlling the pitch of a helicopter's rotor blade, the device having a BLDC motor based actuator; and at least one control surface operatively connected to the BLDC motor based actuator. The actuator and the control surface are preferably fully integrated into the interior profile of the rotor blade and are capable of controlling the PFC of the helicopter and improving HHC during operation by reducing noise and vibration. The motor is preferably a high power density motor incorporating rare earth permanent magnets connected to a roller/ball screw or planetary gear set to provide the right combination of force/torque, stroke and frequency.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2005Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft CorporationInventors: Zaffir Chaudhry, Brian E. Wake, Fanping Sun, Richard Jeremy Bedwell, Jimmy Lin-Min Yeh, Lee A. Hoffman
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Patent number: 8864492Abstract: A reverse flow combustor has an inlet end. A flowpath extends downstream from the inlet end through a turn. The turn directs the flowpath radially inward and reversing an axial flow direction. A large exit duct (LED) is along the turn. A small exit duct (SED) is along the turn and joined by a joint to a mounting structure to resist separation in a first axial direction. The joint comprises: a first surface on the SED facing partially radially inward; and a mounting feature engaging the first surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignees: United Technologies Corporation, Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.Inventors: Jun Shi, David C. Jarmon, Lee A. Hoffman, David J. Bombara, Shaoluo L. Butler, Lev A. Prociw, Aleksandar Kojovic
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Publication number: 20130186161Abstract: An example peening tool includes at least one first roller having a peening surface disposed about and along a first core. At least a portion of the at least one first roller is configured to contact a component to be peened along a length. The length extends along at least a portion of the first core. The at least one first roller is configured to provide line contact on the component along the length. A profile of the at least one first roller is determined based on a profile of the component. The peening tool includes a backer disposed in register with the first plurality of rollers such that the first plurality of rollers moves with the backer during peening. The at least one first roller and the backer are configured to be arranged on opposing surfaces of the component. Peening models may predict peening parameters and controller settings.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Inventors: Tahany Ibrahim El-Wardany, Daniel V. Viens, Robert A. Grelotti, John F. Zimmerman, Joseph J. Sangiovanni, Lee A. Hoffman
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Publication number: 20120328996Abstract: A reverse flow combustor has an inlet end. A flowpath extends downstream from the inlet end through a turn. The turn directs the flowpath radially inward and reversing an axial flow direction. A large exit duct (LED) is along the turn. A small exit duct (SED) is along the turn and joined by a joint to a mounting structure to resist separation in a first axial direction. The joint comprises: a first surface on the SED facing partially radially inward; and a mounting feature engaging the first surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Jun Shi, David C. Jarmon, Lee A. Hoffman, David J. Bombara, Shaoluo L. Butler, Lev A. Prociw
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Patent number: 7419192Abstract: A braze-free connector suitable for use in a refrigeration system that includes a connector body having a circular opening passing therethrough. The opening has a converging section that tapers downwardly from the entrance to the opening toward the back of the opening. A ferrule is slidably mounted upon a refrigerant tube which is inserted into the opening to place a tapered collapsible section of the ferrule in contact with the tapered section of the opening. The non-collapsible section of the ferrule is keyed to a nut which in turn is mated with a male thread formed on the connector body whereby the collapsible section of the ferrule is forced into engagement with the refrigerant tube. A pressure sensitive sealant is pre-coated upon at least the collapsible section of the ferrule which is activated as the ferrule is forced into engagement with the refrigerant tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Carrier CorporationInventors: Jeffrey T. Benoit, Robert H. Dold, Sivakumar Gopalnarayanan, Lee A. Hoffman
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Publication number: 20080101931Abstract: A device for controlling the pitch of a helicopter's rotor blade, the device having a BLDC motor based actuator; and at least one control surface operatively connected to the BLDC motor based actuator. The actuator and the control surface are preferably fully integrated into the interior profile of the rotor blade and are capable of controlling the PFC of the helicopter and improving HHC during operation by reducing noise and vibration. The motor is preferably a high power density motor incorporating rare earth permanent magnets connected to a roller/ball screw or planetary gear set to provide the right combination of force/torque, stroke and frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2005Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: Zaffir Chaudhry, Brian E. Wake, Fanping Sun, Richard Jeremy Bedwell, Jimmy Lin-Min Yeh, Lee A. Hoffman
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Publication number: 20080007048Abstract: A braze-free connector suitable for use in a refrigeration system that includes a connector body having a circular opening passing therethrough. The opening has a converging section that tapers downwardly from the entrance to the opening toward the back of the opening. A ferrule is slidably mounted upon a refrigerant tube which is inserted into the opening to place a tapered collapsible section of the ferrule in contact with the tapered section of the opening. The non-collapsible section of the ferrule is keyed to a nut which in turn is mated with a male thread formed on the connector body whereby the collapsible section of the ferrule is forced into engagement with the refrigerant tube. A pressure sensitive sealant is pre-coated upon at least the collapsible section of the ferrule which is activated as the ferrule is forced into engagement with the refrigerant tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2005Publication date: January 10, 2008Applicant: Carrier CorporationInventors: Jeffrey T. Benoit, Robert H. Dold, Sivakumar Gopalnarayanan, Lee A. Hoffman
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Patent number: 6196796Abstract: An actuation system for pivoting a flap on a helicopter rotor blade to reduce the interaction of the blade with the preceding blade vortex. The actuation system includes a fluid supply which is connected to first and second fluid supply lines. The fluid supply lines convey flows of pressurized fluid from the fluid supply to an actuator. The actuator includes a housing mounted within the rotor blade and having a channel formed in it. A butterfly shaft is pivotally mounted within the channel and has laterally extending arms which separate the channel into four lobes. A first port connects the first fluid supply line with two diametrically opposed lobes in the channel. A second port connects the second fluid supply line with the other two diametrically opposed lobes in the channel. A torque coupling is attached to the butterfly shaft and engaged with the flap such that rotation of the torque coupling produces concomitant rotation of the flap.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft CorporationInventors: Steven A. Lozyniak, Peter Frederick Lorber, Fred W. Kohlhepp, Lee A. Hoffman, Robert Morton, Richard B. Ferraro