Patents by Inventor Ralph Benway

Ralph Benway 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: 4996839
    Abstract: A turbocharged, compounded cycle ducted fan engine system includes a conventional internal combustion engine drivingly connected to a fan enclosed in a duct. The fan provides propulsive thrust by accelerating air through the duct and out an exhaust nozzle. A turbocharger is disposed in the duct and receives a portion of the air compressed by the fan. The turbocharger compressor further pressurizes the air and directs it to the internal combustion engine where it is burned and exits as exhaust gas to drive the turbine. A power turbine also driven by exhaust gas is also drivingly connected through the engine to the fan to provide additional power. The size and weight of the turbocharger are reduced since the compressor's work is partially achieved by the compression effect of the fan. The total propulsive thrust includes the fan generated thrust which bypasses the turbocharger and the thrust of exhaust gases exiting the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Wilkinson, Ralph Benway
  • Patent number: 4815282
    Abstract: A turbocharged, compounded cycle ducted fan engine system includes a conventional internal combustion engine drivingly connected to a fan enclosed in a duct. The fan provides propulsive thrust by accelerating air through the duct and out an exhaust nozzle. A turbocharger is disposed in the duct and out an exhaust nozzle. A turbocharger is disposed in the duct and receives a portion of the air compressed by the fan. The turbocharger compressor further pressurizes the air and directs it to the internal combustion engine where it is burned and exits as exhaust gas to drive the turbine. A power turbine also driven by exhaust gas is also drivingly connected through the engine to the fan to provide additional power. The size and weight of the turbocharger are reduced since the compressor's work is partially achieved by the compression effect of the fan. The total propulsive thrust includes the fan generated thrust which bypasses the turbocharger and the thrust of exhaust gases exiting the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Wilkinson, Ralph Benway