Patents by Inventor Paul H. Dolman
Paul H. Dolman 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: 11549399Abstract: A disclosed lubrication system for a turbofan engine includes a pump for driving lubricant through a lubrication circuit, at least one sensor generating a signal indicative of an engine operating condition and at least one valve for controlling a flow of lubricant through the lubrication circuit. A controller controls operation of the valve to vary the flow of lubricant based on the engine operating condition to maintain lubricant flow within predefined operating limits.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2022Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Raytheon Technologies CorporationInventors: Paul H. Dolman, Michael E. McCune
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Publication number: 20220178275Abstract: A disclosed lubrication system for a turbofan engine includes a pump for driving lubricant through a lubrication circuit, at least one sensor generating a signal indicative of an engine operating condition and at least one valve for controlling a flow of lubricant through the lubrication circuit. A controller controls operation of the valve to vary the flow of lubricant based on the engine operating condition to maintain lubricant flow within predefined operating limits.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2022Publication date: June 9, 2022Inventors: Paul H. Dolman, Michael E. McCune
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Patent number: 11280221Abstract: A disclosed lubrication system for a turbofan engine includes a pump for driving lubricant through a lubrication circuit, at least one sensor generating a signal indicative of an engine operating condition and at least one valve for controlling a flow of lubricant through the lubrication circuit. A controller controls operation of the valve to vary the flow of lubricant based on the engine operating condition to maintain lubricant flow within predefined operating limits.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2019Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Raytheon Technologies CorporationInventors: Paul H. Dolman, Michael E. McCune
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Patent number: 11193422Abstract: A lubrication system is disclosed. The lubrication system may be used in conjunction with a gas turbine engine for generating power or lift. The lubrication system utilized a flow scheduling valve which reduces lubricant flow to at least one component based on an engine load. The lubrication system may further include a main pump which may be regulated by an engine speed. Thus, a lubrication system which provides a lubricant to engine components based on the load and speed of the engine is possible. The system may improve efficiency of the engine by reducing the power previously spent in churning excess lubricant by at least one engine component as well as reducing the energy used by a lubricant cooler in cooling the excess lubricant. The lubricant cooler size may also be minimized to reduce weight and air drag due to the reduced lubricant flow.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2018Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Francis Parnin, Paul H. Dolman, David M. Daley, Denman H. James, Richard W. Clark
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Publication number: 20200040768Abstract: A disclosed lubrication system for a turbofan engine includes a pump for driving lubricant through a lubrication circuit, at least one sensor generating a signal indicative of an engine operating condition and at least one valve for controlling a flow of lubricant through the lubrication circuit. A controller controls operation of the valve to vary the flow of lubricant based on the engine operating condition to maintain lubricant flow within predefined operating limits.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2019Publication date: February 6, 2020Inventors: Paul H. Dolman, Michael E. McCune
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Patent number: 10436067Abstract: A disclosed lubrication system for a turbofan engine includes a pump for driving lubricant through a lubrication circuit, at least one sensor generating a signal indicative of an engine operating condition and at least one valve for controlling a flow of lubricant through the lubrication circuit. A controller controls operation of the valve to vary the flow of lubricant based on the engine operating condition to maintain lubricant flow within predefined operating limits.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2014Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Paul H. Dolman, Michael E. McCune
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Patent number: 10309307Abstract: A method of supplying a bearing compartment with fluid includes the steps of pumping a fluid from a main reservoir to a bearing compartment through a main supply passage which includes one or more passage segments. During a positive gravity condition, the pumping step is performed using a main pump arranged in the main supply passage. The main reservoir includes upper and lower portions. The main supply passage is in fluid communication with the lower portion. Fluid is provided from the main reservoir to the bearing compartment through a secondary supply passage that is fluidly connected to at least one segment of the main supply passage in response to a negative gravity condition. The secondary supply passage is in fluid communication with the upper portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2016Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: William G. Sheridan, Paul H. Dolman
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Publication number: 20190055886Abstract: A lubrication system is disclosed. The lubrication system may be used in conjunction with a gas turbine engine for generating power or lift. The lubrication system utilized a flow scheduling valve which reduces lubricant flow to at least one component based on an engine load. The lubrication system may further include a main pump which may be regulated by an engine speed. Thus, a lubrication system which provides a lubricant to engine components based on the load and speed of the engine is possible. The system may improve efficiency of the engine by reducing the power previously spent in churning excess lubricant by at least one engine component as well as reducing the energy used by a lubricant cooler in cooling the excess lubricant. The lubricant cooler size may also be minimized to reduce weight and air drag due to the reduced lubricant flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2018Publication date: February 21, 2019Inventors: Francis Parnin, Paul H. Dolman, David M. Daley, Denman H. James, Richard W. Clark
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Patent number: 10107197Abstract: A lubrication system is provided. The lubrication system may be used in conjunction with a gas turbine engine for generating power or lift. The lubrication system utilized a flow scheduling valve which reduces lubricant flow to at least one component based on an engine load. The lubrication system may further include a main pump which may be regulated by an engine speed. Thus, a lubrication system which provides a lubricant to engine components based on the load and speed of the engine is possible. The system may improve efficiency of the engine by reducing the power previously spent in churning excess lubricant by at least one engine component as well as reducing the energy used by a lubricant cooler in cooling the excess lubricant. The lubricant cooler size may also be minimized to reduce weight and air drag due to the reduced lubricant flow.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Francis Parnin, Paul H. Dolman, David M. Daley, Denman H. James, Richard W. Clark
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Patent number: 9695714Abstract: A turbine module comprises a turbine shaft, a rotor assembly secured to the shaft, a bearing assembly rotatably supporting the turbine shaft, and a bearing housing containing the bearing assembly. The bearing housing includes a gutter at least partially circumscribing the bearing assembly, and a drain disposed proximate a base of the gutter. The gutter includes a first sloped floor portion circumferentially adjacent to the drain.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: David R. Olsen, Frederic G. Miner, Paul H. Dolman
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Publication number: 20170002687Abstract: A lubrication circulation system may comprise a first oil pump configured to retrieve oil from a bearing compartment, and a second oil pump located separately from the first oil pump and configured to retrieve the oil from a fan-drive gear system compartment. The first oil pump may be configured to provide the oil to the bearing compartment and the fan-drive gear system compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2015Publication date: January 5, 2017Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: Paul H. Dolman
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Publication number: 20160290229Abstract: A method of supplying a bearing compartment with fluid includes the steps of pumping a fluid from a main reservoir to a bearing compartment through a main supply passage which includes one or more passage segments. During a positive gravity condition, the pumping step is performed using a main pump arranged in the main supply passage. The main reservoir includes upper and lower portions. The main supply passage is in fluid communication with the lower portion. Fluid is provided from the main reservoir to the bearing compartment through a secondary supply passage that is fluidly connected to at least one segment of the main supply passage in response to a negative gravity condition. The secondary supply passage is in fluid communication with the upper portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: William G. Sheridan, Paul H. Dolman
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Patent number: 9410448Abstract: A lubrication system includes a bearing compartment. A main reservoir is fluidly connected to the bearing compartment by a main supply passage. A main pump is arranged in the main supply passage configured to provide fluid from the main reservoir to the bearing compartment during a positive gravity condition. A secondary supply passage fluidly connects the main reservoir to at least one segment of the main supply passage, thereby providing fluid from the main reservoir to the bearing compartment during a negative gravity condition. A method of supplying a bearing compartment with fluid includes pumping a fluid from a main reservoir to a bearing compartment through a main supply passage during a positive gravity condition, and providing fluid from the main reservoir to the bearing compartment through a secondary supply passage, fluidly connected to at least one segment of the main supply passage, in response to a negative gravity condition.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: William G. Sheridan, Paul H. Dolman
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Publication number: 20160208651Abstract: A disclosed lubrication system for a turbofan engine includes a pump for driving lubricant through a lubrication circuit, at least one sensor generating a signal indicative of an engine operating condition and at least one valve for controlling a flow of lubricant through the lubrication circuit. A controller controls operation of the valve to vary the flow of lubricant based on the engine operating condition to maintain lubricant flow within predefined operating limits.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2014Publication date: July 21, 2016Inventors: Paul H. Dolman, Michael E. McCune
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Publication number: 20160090871Abstract: A turbine module comprises a turbine shaft, a rotor assembly secured to the shaft, a bearing assembly rotatably supporting the turbine shaft, and a bearing housing containing the bearing assembly. The bearing housing includes a gutter at least partially circumscribing the bearing assembly, and a drain disposed proximate a base of the gutter. The gutter includes a first sloped floor portion circumferentially adjacent to the drain.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2014Publication date: March 31, 2016Inventors: David R. Olsen, Frederic G. Miner, Paul H. Dolman
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Publication number: 20160069211Abstract: A turbine module comprises a turbine shaft, a rotor assembly secured to the shaft, a bearing assembly rotatably supporting the turbine shaft, a bearing housing containing the bearing assembly, and a bearing compartment containing the bearing housing. A bearing compartment wall has at least one integral fluid supply passage in fluid communication with the bearing housing. The at least one integral fluid passage extends generally longitudinally through the bearing compartment wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2014Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: David R. Olsen, Frederic G. Miner, Paul H. Dolman
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Publication number: 20140150439Abstract: A lubrication system is disclosed. The lubrication system may be used in conjunction with a gas turbine engine for generating power or lift. The lubrication system utilized a flow scheduling valve which reduces lubricant flow to at least one component based on an engine load. The lubrication system may further include a main pump which may be regulated by an engine speed. Thus, a lubrication system which provides a lubricant to engine components based on the load and speed of the engine is possible. The system may improve efficiency of the engine by reducing the power previously spent in churning excess lubricant by at least one engine component as well as reducing the energy used by a lubricant cooler in cooling the excess lubricant. The lubricant cooler size may also be minimized to reduce weight and air drag due to the reduced lubricant flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Francis Parnin, Paul H. Dolman, David M. Daley, Denman H. James, Richard W. Clark
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Publication number: 20130319798Abstract: A lubrication system includes a bearing compartment. A main reservoir is fluidly connected to the bearing compartment by a main supply passage. A main pump is arranged in the main supply passage configured to provide fluid from the main reservoir to the bearing compartment during a positive gravity condition. A secondary supply passage fluidly connects the main reservoir to at least one segment of the main supply passage, thereby providing fluid from the main reservoir to the bearing compartment during a negative gravity condition. A method of supplying a bearing compartment with fluid includes pumping a fluid from a main reservoir to a bearing compartment through a main supply passage during a positive gravity condition, and providing fluid from the main reservoir to the bearing compartment through a secondary supply passage, fluidly connected to at least one segment of the main supply passage, in response to a negative gravity condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Inventors: William G. Sheridan, Paul H. Dolman
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Publication number: 20130319006Abstract: A lubrication system for a fan drive gear system includes a main lubrication system and an auxiliary lubrication system. The auxiliary lubrication system including a collection channel disposed about the fan drive gear system for collecting expelled lubricant and an auxiliary pump including an inlet receiving lubricant from the collection channel and an outlet in communication with an auxiliary passage. The auxiliary pump supplies lubricant through the auxiliary passages to a bearing passage for communicating lubricant to a bearing. The auxiliary passages include a reservoir after the outlet of the auxiliary pump and before the bearing passage for storing lubricant.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Inventors: Francis Parnin, Paul H. Dolman