Patents by Inventor Michael E. McCune

Michael E. McCune 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).

  • Publication number: 20210180492
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a gas turbine engine includes a fan, a first compressor stage and a second compressor stage, a first turbine stage and a second turbine stage, and wherein said first turbine stage drives said second compressor stage as a high spool, and wherein said second turbine stage drives said first compressor stage as part of a low spool, and a gear train driving said fan with said low spool, and such that said fan and said first compressor stage rotate in the same direction, and wherein said high spool operates at higher pressures than said low spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: William G. Sheridan, Michael E. McCune, Lawrence E. Portlock
  • Patent number: 11021996
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a fan shaft driving a fan having fan blades. The fan delivers airflow to a bypass duct. A fan shaft support supports the fan shaft and defines a support transverse stiffness. A gear system is connected to the fan shaft and includes a gear mesh defining a gear mesh transverse stiffness and a reduction ratio greater than 2.3. A gear system input is connected to the gear system and defines a gear system input lateral stiffness. A flexible support supports the gear system and defines a flexible support transverse stiffness. The gear system input lateral stiffness is less than 5% of the gear mesh lateral stiffness and the flexible support transverse stiffness is less than 20% of the fan shaft support transverse stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Jason Husband
  • Patent number: 11021997
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a fan shaft configured to drive a fan, a support configured to support at least a portion of the fan shaft, the support defining a support transverse stiffness and a support lateral stiffness, a gear system coupled to the fan shaft, and a flexible support configured to at least partially support the gear system. The flexible support defines a flexible support transverse stiffness with respect to the support transverse stiffness and a flexible support lateral stiffness with respect to the support lateral stiffness. The input defines an input transverse stiffness with respect to the support transverse stiffness and an input lateral stiffness with respect to the support lateral stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Jason Husband
  • Patent number: 11015533
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine may include a high speed spool, a low speed spool, a first epicyclic gear system, and a second epicyclic gear system. Generally, the high speed spool mechanically connects a high pressure turbine to a high pressure compressor, and the low speed spool mechanically connects a low pressure turbine to at least one of a fan and a prop via the first epicyclic gear system and to a low pressure compressor via the second epicyclic gear system, according to various embodiments. The first epicyclic gear system and the second epicyclic gear system may include a common sun gear shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William G. Sheridan, Michael E. McCune
  • Publication number: 20210140373
    Abstract: A method of assembling a fan drive gear system for a gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes the steps of providing a unitary carrier defining a central axis and that includes spaced apart walls and circumferentially spaced mounts defining spaced apart apertures at an outer circumference of the carrier, gear pockets defined between the walls and extending to the apertures, and a central opening in at least one of the walls. The method includes the steps of inserting a plurality of intermediate gears through the central opening, moving the intermediate gears radially outwardly relative to the central axis into the gear pockets, inserting a sun gear through the central opening, moving the plurality of intermediate gears radially inwardly relative to the central axis to engage the sun gear, and coupling a fan shaft to the carrier such that the fan shaft and intermediate gears are rotatable about the central axis. A fan drive gear system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: William G. Sheridan, Michael E. McCune
  • Patent number: 10995673
    Abstract: An exemplary gas turbine engine assembly includes a first spool having a first turbine operatively mounted to a first turbine shaft, and a second spool having a second turbine operatively mounted to a second turbine shaft. The first and second turbines are mounted for rotation about a common rotational axis within an engine static structure. The first and second turbine shafts are coaxial with one another. First and second towershafts are respectively coupled to the first and second turbine shafts. An accessory drive gearbox has a set of gears. A compressor is driven by the first towershaft. The engine assembly further includes a starter generator assembly, and a transmission coupling the starter generator assembly to the first set of gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Hung Duong, Jonathan F. Zimmitti, William G. Sheridan, Michael E. McCune, Brian Merry
  • Publication number: 20210079843
    Abstract: A gearbox assembly for a gas turbofan engine includes a sun gear rotatable about an axis and a plurality of intermediate gears driven by the sun gear. A baffle disposed between at least two of the plurality of intermediate gears includes a first gap distance within a first gap portion and a second gap distance within a second gap portion. The first gap portion is disposed between the baffle and one of the intermediate gears away from the meshed interface with the sun gear and the second gap portion is disposed near the interface with the sun gear. The first gap distance within the first gap portion is different than the second gap distance within the second gap portion to define a desired lubricant flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Marc J. Muldoon
  • Publication number: 20210062723
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a fan section, a compressor section, and a turbine section including a fan drive turbine that drives the fan through a gear reduction. The gear reduction includes at least two double helical gears in meshed engagement, each of the at least two double helical gears having a first plurality of gear teeth separated from a second plurality of gear teeth such that a first end of the first plurality of gear teeth and a first end of the second plurality of gear teeth are spaced apart by an axial distance. Each of the first plurality of gear teeth is offset a first circumferential offset distance in relation to the next gear tooth of the second plurality of gear teeth when moving in a circumferential direction relative to respective axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventor: Michael E. McCune
  • Patent number: 10907579
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a bypass ratio greater than about ten (10). A fan is supported on a fan shaft and has a plurality of fan blades. A gear system is connected to the fan shaft and a plurality of planetary gears. A first set of opposed angled ring gear teeth are separated from a second set of opposed angled ring gear teeth. A lubricant flow path is located axially between the first set of opposed angled ring gear teeth and the second set of opposed angled ring gear teeth. An annular channel axially is aligned with the lubricant flow path. A low pressure turbine has an inlet, an outlet, and a low pressure turbine pressure ratio greater than 5:1. A low fan pressure ratio is less than 1.45 across the fan blade alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Lawrence E. Portlock, Frederick M. Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20210017936
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a bypass ratio greater than about ten (10). A fan is supported on a fan shaft and has a plurality of fan blades. A gear system is connected to the fan shaft. A plurality of planetary gears and a first set of opposed angled ring gear teeth are separated from a second set of opposed angled ring gear teeth. A lubricant flow path is located axially between the first set of opposed angled ring gear teeth and the second set of opposed angled ring gear teeth. A gear system support is relative to a fixed housing facilitating segregation of vibrations. An annular channel is axially aligned with the lubricant flow path. A low pressure turbine has an inlet, an outlet, and a low pressure turbine pressure ratio greater than 5:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Lawrence E. Portlock, Frederick M. Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20210010584
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a fan section including a turbo fan supported on a turbo fan shaft, a turbine section including a turbine shaft, and an epicyclic gear train interconnecting the turbo fan shaft and the turbine shaft. The epicyclic gear train includes a sun gear coupled to the turbine shaft, intermediary gears arranged circumferentially about and meshing with the sun gear, a carrier supporting the intermediary gears, and a ring gear including first and second portions each having an inner periphery with teeth, the first and second portions arranged about and intermeshing with the intermediate gears, the first and second portions abutting one another at a radial interface, the first and second portions including respective flanges extending along the radial interface radially outward from the teeth, and the teeth of the first and second portions being oppositely angled teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Lawrence E. Portlock
  • Publication number: 20210010386
    Abstract: A turbofan engine assembly includes a nacelle and a turbofan engine. The turbofan engine includes a fan, which includes a fan rotor having fan blades, and a nacelle enclosing the fan rotor and the blades. A turbine rotor drives the fan rotor. An epicyclic gear reduction is positioned between the fan rotor and the turbine rotor. The epicyclic gear reduction includes a ring gear, a sun gear, and four intermediate gears that engage the sun gear and the ring gear. A gear ratio of the gear reduction is greater than 3.06. The fan drive turbine drives the sun gear to, in turn, drive the fan rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Frederick M. Schwarz, William G. Sheridan, Michael E. McCune, Gabriel L. Suciu
  • Patent number: 10890245
    Abstract: A turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a fan shaft, at least one tapered bearing mounted on the fan shaft, the fan shaft including at least one passage extending in a direction having at least a radial component, and adjacent the at least one tapered bearing, a fan mounted for rotation on the at least one tapered bearing. An epicyclic gear train is coupled to drive the fan, the epicyclic gear train including a carrier supporting intermediate gears that mesh with a sun gear, and a ring gear surrounding and meshing with the intermediate gears, wherein the epicyclic gear train defines a gear reduction ratio of greater than or equal to 2.3. A turbine section is coupled to drive the fan through the epicyclic gear train, the turbine section having a fan drive turbine that includes a pressure ratio that is greater than 5. The fan includes a pressure ratio that is less than 1.45, and the fan has a bypass ratio of greater than ten (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Lawrence E. Portlock, Frederick M. Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20200386138
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan shaft diving a fan having fan blades. A gear system includes a sun gear surrounded by a plurality of intermediate gears. A carrier at least partially supports the plurality of intermediate gears. A ring gear surrounds the plurality of intermediate gears. The sun gear is driven by a turbine. At least one fan shaft support bearing is located forward of the gear system. A coupling fixes the ring gear from rotation relative to an engine static structure. A lubrication system lubricates components across a rotation gap. The lubrication system includes a lubricant input. A stationary first bearing receives lubricant from the lubricant input and has a first race in which lubricant flows. A second bearing rotates within the first bearing. The second bearing has a first opening in registration with the first race such that lubricant may flow from the first race through the first opening into a first conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, William G. Sheridan, Lawrence E. Portlock
  • Patent number: 10837359
    Abstract: A gas generator has at least one compressor rotor, at least one gas generator turbine rotor and a combustion section. A fan drive turbine is positioned downstream of a path of the products of combustion having passed over the at least one gas generator turbine rotor. The fan drive turbine drives a shaft and the shaft engages gears to drive at least three fan rotors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Michael E. McCune, Jesse M. Chandler, Alan H. Epstein, Steven M. O'Flarity, Christopher J. Hanlon, William F. Schneider, Joseph B. Staubach, James A. Kenyon
  • Publication number: 20200355123
    Abstract: A method of assembling an epicyclic gear train includes the steps of providing a carrier having a central axis that includes spaced apart side walls and circumferentially spaced connecting structure defining spaced apart apertures provided at an outer circumference of the carrier, gear pockets provided between the side walls and extending to the apertures, and a central opening in at least one of the side walls, inserting a plurality of intermediate gears through the central opening and moving the intermediate gears radially outwardly into the gear pockets to extend into the apertures, inserting a sun gear through the central opening after the step of inserting the plurality of intermediate gears through the central opening, moving the plurality of intermediate gears radially inwardly to engage the sun gear, and placing a ring gear on an outer periphery of the intermediate gears to engage the intermediate gears after the step of moving the plurality of intermediate gears radially inwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, William G. Sheridan
  • Patent number: 10830334
    Abstract: An epicyclic gear train for a gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a gutter having an annular channel, a sun gear rotatable about an axis, intermediary gears arranged circumferentially about and meshing with the sun gear, a carrier supporting the intermediary gears, and a ring gear arranged about and intermeshing with the intermediary gears, the ring gear having an aperture axially aligned with the annular channel. The ring gear includes axially spaced apart walls that extend radially outward to define a passageway, and the passageway is arranged radially between the aperture and the annular channel such that the walls inhibit an axial flow of an oil passing from the aperture toward the annular channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Lawrence E. Portlock
  • Publication number: 20200347744
    Abstract: A turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a fan shaft, at least one tapered bearing mounted on the fan shaft, the fan shaft including at least one passage extending in a direction having at least a radial component, and adjacent the at least one tapered bearing, a fan mounted for rotation on the at least one tapered bearing. An epicyclic gear train is coupled to drive the fan, the epicyclic gear train including a carrier supporting intermediate gears that mesh with a sun gear, and a ring gear surrounding and meshing with the intermediate gears, wherein the epicyclic gear train defines a gear reduction ratio of greater than or equal to 2.3. A turbine section is coupled to drive the fan through the epicyclic gear train, the turbine section having a fan drive turbine that includes a pressure ratio that is greater than 5. The fan includes a pressure ratio that is less than 1.45, and the fan has a bypass ratio of greater than ten (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Lawrence E. Portlock, Frederick M. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 10801355
    Abstract: A turbofan engine assembly includes a nacelle and a turbofan engine. The turbofan engine includes a fan, which includes a fan rotor having fan blades, and a nacelle enclosing the fan rotor and the blades. A turbine rotor drives the fan rotor. An epicyclic gear reduction is positioned between the fan rotor and the turbine rotor. The epicyclic gear reduction includes a ring gear, a sun gear, and four intermediate gears that engage the sun gear and the ring gear. A gear ratio of the gear reduction is greater than 3.06. The fan drive turbine drives the sun gear to, in turn, drive the fan rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick M. Schwarz, William G. Sheridan, Michael E. McCune, Gabriel L. Suciu
  • Patent number: 10781755
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a fan, a compressor, a combustor, and a spool including a fan drive turbine that drives the fan through a gear reduction. The gear reduction includes at least two double helical gears in meshed engagement, each of the at least two double helical gears having a first plurality of gear teeth separated from a second plurality of gear teeth such that a first end of the first plurality of gear teeth and a first end of the second plurality of gear teeth are spaced apart by an axial distance. Each of the first plurality of gear teeth is offset a first circumferential offset distance in relation to the next gear tooth of the second plurality of gear teeth when moving in a circumferential direction relative to respective axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael E. McCune