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).

  • Patent number: 10415419
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Fanping Sun, Zaffir A. Chaudhry, Lee A. Hoffman, Hailing Wu, Seung Bum Kim, Michael G. McCaffrey, Joel H. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20190010823
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fanping Sun, Zaffir A. Chaudhry, Lee A. Hoffman, Hailing Wu, Seung Bum Kim, Michael G. McCaffrey, Joel H. Wagner
  • Patent number: 9737965
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tahany Ibrahim El-Wardany, Daniel V. Viens, Robert A. Grelotti, John F. Zimmerman, Joseph J. Sangiovanni, Lee A. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20170211896
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory K. Schwalm, Leo J. Veilleux, JR., Andrzej E. Kuczek, Lee A. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20150360289
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joe J. Liou, Michael A. Klecka, Andrzej Ernest Kuczek, Tahany Ibrahim El-Wardany, Lee A. Hoffman, Daniel V. Viens
  • Patent number: 8915710
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Zaffir Chaudhry, Brian E. Wake, Fanping Sun, Richard Jeremy Bedwell, Jimmy Lin-Min Yeh, Lee A. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8864492
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignees: 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
  • Publication number: 20130186161
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Tahany Ibrahim El-Wardany, Daniel V. Viens, Robert A. Grelotti, John F. Zimmerman, Joseph J. Sangiovanni, Lee A. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20120328996
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jun Shi, David C. Jarmon, Lee A. Hoffman, David J. Bombara, Shaoluo L. Butler, Lev A. Prociw
  • Patent number: 7419192
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Benoit, Robert H. Dold, Sivakumar Gopalnarayanan, Lee A. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20080101931
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Zaffir Chaudhry, Brian E. Wake, Fanping Sun, Richard Jeremy Bedwell, Jimmy Lin-Min Yeh, Lee A. Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20080007048
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Applicant: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Benoit, Robert H. Dold, Sivakumar Gopalnarayanan, Lee A. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6196796
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Steven A. Lozyniak, Peter Frederick Lorber, Fred W. Kohlhepp, Lee A. Hoffman, Robert Morton, Richard B. Ferraro