Patents by Inventor Robert W. Heeter
Robert W. Heeter 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: 12638024Abstract: A fan case assembly includes an annular case including a first circumferentially-extending slot formed therein, and a tip treatment segment arranged within the first slot and retained therein. The tip treatment segment includes a radially inwardly-facing segment surface having a tip treatment groove formed therein. The tip treatment segment is selectively removable from and insertable into the first slot and is slidable within and along the first slot such that the tip treatment segment is configured to be selectively positioned within the first slot so as to alter the portion of a flow path across the annular case in order to control stall margin of the gas turbine engine and optimize performance of the gas turbine engine.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2024Date of Patent: May 26, 2026Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Heeter, Daniel E. Molnar, Jr.
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Publication number: 20260139606Abstract: A fan case assembly includes an annular case and a fan track liner. The fan track liner includes a variable wall assembly having a stationary portion defining a circumferentially extending groove therein and a movable segment arranged in the groove. The movable segment can be selectively radially translatable within the groove. Radially inwardly facing surfaces of the movable segment and the stationary portion define a portion of a flow path across the fan track liner, and the movable segment can be radially translated within the groove to alter the portion of the flow path across the fan track liner in order to control stall margin of the engine and optimize performance of the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2024Publication date: May 21, 2026Inventors: Robert W. Heeter, Daniel E. Molnar, Jr.
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Publication number: 20260139689Abstract: A fan case assembly includes an annular case including a first circumferentially-extending slot formed therein, and a tip treatment segment arranged within the first slot and retained therein. The tip treatment segment includes a radially inwardly-facing segment surface having a tip treatment groove formed therein. The tip treatment segment is selectively removable from and insertable into the first slot and is slidable within and along the first slot such that the tip treatment segment is configured to be selectively positioned within the first slot so as to alter the portion of a flow path across the annular case in order to control stall margin of the gas turbine engine and optimize performance of the gas turbine engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2024Publication date: May 21, 2026Inventors: Robert W. Heeter, Daniel E. Molnar, JR.
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Patent number: 12631124Abstract: A fan case assembly includes an annular case and a fan track liner. The fan track liner includes a variable wall assembly having a stationary portion defining a circumferentially extending groove therein and a movable segment arranged in the groove. The movable segment can be selectively radially translatable within the groove. Radially inwardly facing surfaces of the movable segment and the stationary portion define a portion of a flow path across the fan track liner, and the movable segment can be radially translated within the groove to alter the portion of the flow path across the fan track liner in order to control stall margin of the engine and optimize performance of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2024Date of Patent: May 19, 2026Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Heeter, Daniel E. Molnar, Jr.
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Publication number: 20260071635Abstract: A fan containment case includes a barrel that includes a case structure and a nanocrystalline metal coating overlying the case structure. The case structure includes a plurality of carbon fiber bands, in which at least an outermost carbon fiber band and an innermost carbon fiber band include a fire resistant polymer matrix. The case structure also includes at least one cut resistant polymer band between the outermost and the innermost carbon fiber bands.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2024Publication date: March 12, 2026Inventors: Robert W. HEETER, Philip M. BASTNAGEL, Allen BARTA, Matthew J. KAPPES
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Patent number: 12525829Abstract: A stator housing assembly includes a stator housing and a stator sleeve. The stator sleeve including a combination of composite layers with different high strength fibers. The stator housing includes a first end section and a second end section that define a stator cavity configured to contain a pressurized cooling fluid. The stator sleeve defines a longitudinal axis and includes a plurality of layers of composite materials that include more than one high strength fiber material. High strength fibers may include carbon and glass fibers. Portions of the stator sleeve may have different combinations of high strength fiber materials and fiber orientations to optimize sleeve properties.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2023Date of Patent: January 13, 2026Assignees: Rolls-Royce Corporation, Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Benedict N. Hodgson, Robert W. Heeter, Alan W. Smith, Hossein Baninajar
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Patent number: 12510029Abstract: A turbine engine includes at least one turbine, combustion equipment, and at least one compressor. The at least one compressor includes a compressor stage. The compressor stage includes a plurality of compressor blades configured to input work into a core airflow flowing through the turbine engine. The turbine engine includes an electrical generator. The electrical generator includes a rotor carried on an outer diameter of the plurality of compressor blades of the compressor stage and mechanically rotated by the plurality of compressor blades of the compressor stage and configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the turbine engine. The electrical generator further includes a stator.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2024Date of Patent: December 30, 2025Assignees: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc., Rolls-Royce CorporationInventors: Robert W. Heeter, Daniel E. Molnar, Jr., Jordan Thralls
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Publication number: 20250389224Abstract: An aircraft includes a duct system, a gas turbine engine, and an inlet flow regulation system. The duct system includes a main duct, a first inlet duct in fluid communication with the main duct, and a second inlet duct in fluid communication with the main duct. The inlet flow regulation system includes an inlet flow regulator configured to manage different flow characteristics of a flow of air entering the first and second inlet ducts to form a substantially uniform flow distribution through the main duct and into the gas turbine engine and a control unit in communication with the inlet flow regulator and configured to selectively move the inlet flow regulator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2024Publication date: December 25, 2025Inventors: Michel S. Smallwood, Robert W. Heeter, Daniel E. Molnar, JR.
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Patent number: 12503978Abstract: An aircraft includes a duct system, a gas turbine engine, and an inlet flow regulation system. The duct system includes a main duct, a first inlet duct in fluid communication with the main duct, and a second inlet duct in fluid communication with the main duct. The inlet flow regulation system includes an inlet flow regulator configured to manage different flow characteristics of a flow of air entering the first and second inlet ducts to form a substantially uniform flow distribution through the main duct and into the gas turbine engine and a control unit in communication with the inlet flow regulator and configured to selectively move the inlet flow regulator.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2024Date of Patent: December 23, 2025Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.Inventors: Michel S. Smallwood, Robert W. Heeter, Daniel E. Molnar, Jr.
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Publication number: 20250364872Abstract: A turbine engine includes a core section comprising at least one compressor and at least one turbine that both rotate about a longitudinal axis of the turbine engine; a core vane assembly coupled to the core section, wherein the core vane assembly comprises a plurality of core vanes configured to modify core fluid flow; a fan connected to the core section and configured to be rotated by the at least one turbine, rotation of the fan providing thrust to a vehicle that includes the turbine engine; and an electrical generator integrated into the core vane assembly and positioned in the core section aft of the fan and fore of the at least one compressor, wherein the electrical generator comprises: a rotor mechanically rotated via the fan or a shaft that is rotationally coupled to the fan, wherein the rotor rotates about the longitudinal axis; and a stator.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2025Publication date: November 27, 2025Inventors: Daniel E. Molnar, JR., Robert W. Heeter, Brian S. Maners
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Patent number: 12480422Abstract: A fan assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a fan duct, a fan, and an outlet guide vane assembly located in the fan duct axially downstream of the fan. The outlet guide vane assembly includes a first variable leading edge outlet guide vane that extends radially relative to the central axis and includes a leading edge portion and a fixed aft portion, the leading edge portion including a tip segment configured to rotate about a leading edge pitch axis and a hub segment located radially inward of and separate from the tip segment, the hub segment configured to independently rotate about the leading edge pitch axis relative to the tip segment. The assembly further includes an actuation assembly having a pass through actuation rod enabling the single actuation assembly to rotate both of the tip and hub segments.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2024Date of Patent: November 25, 2025Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.Inventors: Daniel E. Molnar, Jr., Robert W. Heeter, Gregory J. Hebert
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Patent number: 12428974Abstract: A fan assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a fan duct, a fan, and an outlet guide vane assembly located in the fan duct axially downstream of the fan. The outlet guide vane assembly includes a first variable leading edge outlet guide vane that extends radially relative to the central axis and includes a leading edge portion and a fixed aft portion, the leading edge portion including a tip segment configured to rotate about a leading edge pitch axis and a hub segment located radially inward of and separate from the tip segment, the hub segment configured to independently rotate about the leading edge pitch axis relative to the tip segment. The assembly further includes two unique actuation assemblies each configured to rotate one of the tip and hub segments.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2024Date of Patent: September 30, 2025Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.Inventors: Daniel E. Molnar, Jr., Robert W. Heeter, Gregory J. Hebert
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Patent number: 12398655Abstract: A fan assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a fan duct, a fan, and an outlet guide vane assembly located in the fan duct axially downstream of the fan. The outlet guide vane assembly includes a first variable leading edge outlet guide vane that extends radially relative to the central axis and includes a leading edge portion and a fixed aft portion, the leading edge portion including a tip segment configured to rotate about a leading edge pitch axis and a hub segment located radially inward of and separate from the tip segment, the hub segment configured to independently rotate about the leading edge pitch axis relative to the tip segment. The assembly further includes an air manipulating member arranged radially between the tip and hub segments and at least one actuation assembly configured to rotate one of the tip and hub segments.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2024Date of Patent: August 26, 2025Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.Inventors: Daniel E. Molnar, Jr., Robert W. Heeter, Gregory J. Hebert
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Patent number: 12398648Abstract: A fan assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a fan duct, a fan, and an outlet guide vane assembly located in the fan duct axially downstream of the fan. The outlet guide vane assembly includes a first variable leading edge outlet guide vane that extends radially relative to the central axis and includes a leading edge portion and a fixed aft portion, the leading edge portion including a tip segment configured to rotate about a leading edge pitch axis and a hub segment located radially inward of and separate from the tip segment, the hub segment configured to independently rotate about the leading edge pitch axis relative to the tip segment. The assembly further includes a single actuation assembly includes a cam rod and cams arranged thereon that is configured to rotate the tip and hub segments via the cams.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2024Date of Patent: August 26, 2025Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Heeter, Daniel E. Molnar, Jr., Gregory J. Hebert
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Patent number: 12388322Abstract: A turbine engine includes a core section comprising at least one compressor and at least one turbine that both rotate about a longitudinal axis of the turbine engine; a core vane assembly coupled to the core section, wherein the core vane assembly comprises a plurality of core vanes configured to modify core fluid flow; a fan connected to the core section and configured to be rotated by the at least one turbine, rotation of the fan providing thrust to a vehicle that includes the turbine engine; and an electrical generator integrated into the core vane assembly and positioned in the core section aft of the fan and fore of the at least one compressor, wherein the electrical generator comprises: a rotor mechanically rotated via the fan or a shaft that is rotationally coupled to the fan, wherein the rotor rotates about the longitudinal axis; and a stator.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2024Date of Patent: August 12, 2025Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel E. Molnar, Jr., Robert W. Heeter, Brian S. Maners
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Publication number: 20250198302Abstract: The present disclosure teaches a turbine-powered system with a thermoelectric cooler configured to selectively cool powered electronics in the system. In examples provided, the thermoelectric cooler including a cooling plate coupled to the powered electronics and a heat sink integrated into aero surfaces of a gas turbine engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2023Publication date: June 19, 2025Inventors: Jonathan M. Rivers, Robert W. Heeter, Daniel E. Molnar, Jr.
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Patent number: 12331660Abstract: A vane assembly adapted for a gas turbine engine includes a first vane segment that extends circumferentially about an axis and a second vane segment. The second vane segment includes a band that extends circumferentially about the axis and a plurality of vanes coupled to the band and extending radially from the band.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2024Date of Patent: June 17, 2025Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Schubert, Robert W. Heeter, Jonathan M. Rivers
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Patent number: 12320260Abstract: A fan assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a fan duct, a fan, and an outlet guide vane assembly located in the fan duct axially downstream of the fan. The outlet guide vane assembly includes a first variable leading edge outlet guide vane that extends radially relative to the central axis and includes a leading edge portion and a fixed aft portion, the leading edge portion including a tip segment configured to rotate about a leading edge pitch axis and a hub segment located radially inward of and separate from the tip segment, the hub segment configured to independently rotate about the leading edge pitch axis relative to the tip segment. The assembly further includes two unique actuation assemblies each including a cam rod and cams located thereon that are configured to rotate a respective tip or hub segment.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2024Date of Patent: June 3, 2025Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Heeter, Daniel E. Molnar, Jr., Gregory J. Hebert
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Patent number: 12292056Abstract: A fan assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a fan duct, a fan, and an outlet guide vane assembly located in the fan duct axially downstream of the fan. The outlet guide vane assembly includes a first variable leading edge outlet guide vane that extends radially relative to the central axis and includes a leading edge portion and a fixed aft portion, the leading edge portion including a tip segment configured to rotate about a leading edge pitch axis and a hub segment located radially inward of and separate from the tip segment, the hub segment configured to independently rotate about the leading edge pitch axis relative to the tip segment. The assembly further includes two unique gear assemblies each configured to rotate one of the tip and hub segments.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2024Date of Patent: May 6, 2025Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Heeter, Daniel E. Molnar, Jr., Gregory J. Hebert
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Patent number: 12286930Abstract: A fan case assembly adapted for use with a gas turbine engine includes a fan casing and a bleed air flow control system. The fan casing includes an annular case and a fan track liner coupled with the annular case. The bleed air flow control system is configured to bleed selectively a portion of air flowing through a gas path of the fan case assembly for use as a cooling source in the fan case assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2023Date of Patent: April 29, 2025Assignees: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc., Rolls-Royce CorporationInventors: Robert W. Heeter, Jonathan M. Rivers, Daniel E. Molnar, Jr.