Patents by Inventor Robert N. Carlin

Robert N. Carlin 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: 5372338
    Abstract: A nacelle of a gas turbine engine is attached via a pylon to an aircraft wing from which the engine is to be mounted. The nacelle is split to form a pair of opposing arcuate doors which are moveable between an open position and a closed position. When the doors are closed a ring on the fan casing locates in a correspondingly shaped groove on the inner surface of the arcuate doors. The nacelle is structurally integrated with the fan casing with the ring so that all the engine loads are transmitted through the nacelle. Telescopic struts are provided to connect the engine casings directly to the pylon so that when the arcuate doors are open, to allow access to the engine, the struts 50-60 support the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Robert N. Carlin, Andrew W. Deighton
  • Patent number: 5267760
    Abstract: A locking mechanism comprises a plurality of spring loaded tines disposed around an armature. The armature has a disc mounted thereon the radially outer surface of which is profiled. The armature is coupled to a solenoid which is selectively energized to move the armature. In a locked position the profiled surface of the disc urges the spring loaded tines outwardly into engagement with a locking cup. In an unlocked position the armature moves the disc into a position so that the profiled surface allows the tines to spring inwardly so they can be withdrawn from the locking cup. A spring loaded sleeve is provided which holds the tines and the armature in the unlocked position so that the locking mechanism can re-engage in the event of a power failure to the solenoid. A pin is provided so that the solenoid can be overridden manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Robert N. Carlin
  • Patent number: 4586329
    Abstract: Those gas turbine engines which have reserver cascades covered by a translatable cowl portion when reverse thrust is not required, may undergo inadvertent translating of the cowl portion on take off or cruise with consequent disasterous results. The invention provides an anti rotation mechanism which prevents rotation of the shafts and gearing commonly used for translation of the cowl, in the direction which results in uncovering of the cascades. The mechanism comprises a rod movable to a position closely adjacent a gear shaft which is part of the translation system, a bar mounted in the end of the rod for pivoting and reciprocatory movement and abutments on the gear shaft. When the shaft rotates to bring about closure of the cowl, the rod at the point of near closure is moved closely adjacent to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Limited
    Inventor: Robert N. Carlin
  • Patent number: 4216909
    Abstract: In a thrust reverser translating mechanism, a drive shaft and a driven shaft are connected so as to permit a small degree of relative rotation. A pawl is pivotally connected to the driven shaft and an annular ratchet surrounds it. If the drive shaft controls the speed of rotation, it takes up the free movement and in so doing, moves the pawl out of engagement with the ratchet. If the driven shaft attempts to rotate faster than the drive shaft, it takes the pawl away from its engagement with the drive shaft and allows resilient means to urge the pawl into engagement with the ratchet thus stopping rotation of the driven shaft until the drive shaft catches up and disengages the pawl from the ratchet again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1980
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Limited
    Inventor: Robert N. Carlin