Patents by Inventor Michel Thual

Michel Thual 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).

  • System for activating a steerable thrust-vectoring nozzle for a jet propulsion system using several circumferentially distributed elastic assemblies
    Patent number: 6385965
    Abstract: A steerable nozzle for a reaction engine comprises a fixed portion (1) for fixing to the engine, a moving portion (2) hinged to the fixed portion, control means (3) for controlling the moving portion, and one or more resilient assemblies (4) disposed between the fixed portion and the moving portion. The nozzle is characterized in that each resilient assembly comprises at least one fixed resilient stud (40) having a first end secured to the fixed portion and a second end, opposite from the first end, secured to a rigid piece (42); and at least one moving resilient stud (41) having a first end secured to the moving portion and a second end, opposite from the first end, secured to said rigid piece (42). In addition, each moving resilient stud (41) is offset relative to each fixed resilient stud (40) in a circumferential direction of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etudes et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation - S.N.E.C.M.A.
    Inventors: François Abbe, Pierre Camy, Georges Habarou, Michel Thual
  • System for activating an adjustable tube by means of an elastic ring for a thrust nozzle
    Patent number: 6378294
    Abstract: A steerable nozzle for a reaction engine comprises a fixed portion (1) for connection to the engine, a plurality of steerable flaps (21) mounted on one end (11) of the fixed portion, and flap steering means (3, 4, 22, 31). The nozzle is characterized in that the flap steering means comprise a resilient ring (3) having a first circumference secured to said end (11) of the fixed portion and a second circumference connected to the flaps (21), and control means (4) for moving the second circumference of the resilient ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation - S.N.E.C.M.A.
    Inventors: François Abbe, Pierre Camy, Georges Habarou, Michel Thual