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).

  • Publication number: 20250198302
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2023
    Publication date: June 19, 2025
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Rivers, Robert W. Heeter, Daniel E. Molnar, Jr.
  • Patent number: 12331660
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2025
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Schubert, Robert W. Heeter, Jonathan M. Rivers
  • Patent number: 12320260
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Heeter, Daniel E. Molnar, Jr., Gregory J. Hebert
  • Patent number: 12292056
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2024
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Heeter, Daniel E. Molnar, Jr., Gregory J. Hebert
  • Patent number: 12286930
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc., Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Heeter, Jonathan M. Rivers, Daniel E. Molnar, Jr.
  • Patent number: 12286936
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan and a fan case assembly. The fan includes a fan rotor configured to rotate about an axis of the gas turbine engine and a plurality of fan blades coupled to the fan rotor for rotation therewith. The fan case assembly extends circumferentially around the plurality of fan blades radially outward of the plurality of the fan blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc., Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel E. Molnar, Jr., Robert W. Heeter, Jonathan M. Rivers
  • Patent number: 12258870
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan and a fan case assembly. The fan includes a fan rotor configured to rotate about an axis of the gas turbine engine and a plurality of fan blades coupled to the fan rotor for rotation therewith. The fan case assembly extends circumferentially around the plurality of fan blades radially outward of the plurality of the fan blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2024
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc., Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel E. Molnar, Jr., Robert W. Heeter, Jonathan M. Rivers
  • Publication number: 20250096623
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2023
    Publication date: March 20, 2025
    Inventors: Benedict N. Hodgson, Robert W. Heeter, Alan W. Smith, Hossein Baninajar
  • Patent number: 12215712
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan and a fan case assembly. The fan includes a fan rotor configured to rotate about an axis of the gas turbine engine and a plurality of fan blades coupled to the fan rotor for rotation therewith. The fan case assembly extends circumferentially around the plurality of fan blades radially outward of the plurality of the fan blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2024
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc., Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel E. Molnar, Jr., Robert W. Heeter, Jonathan M. Rivers
  • Patent number: 12209541
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan and a fan case assembly. The fan includes a fan rotor configured to rotate about an axis of the gas turbine engine and a plurality of fan blades coupled to the fan rotor for rotation therewith. The fan case assembly extends circumferentially around the plurality of fan blades radially outward of the plurality of the fan blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2024
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc., Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel E. Molnar, Jr., Robert W. Heeter, Jonathan M. Rivers
  • Patent number: 12209506
    Abstract: A fan case assembly extend along and around a center axis. The fan case assembly may comprise a barrel extending along and around the center axis, the barrel configured to fasten to a flange of an engine case. The fan case assembly may comprise a fan track liner disposed radially inward of the barrel and a containment hook, wherein the containment hook is a discrete component separate from the barrel. The containment hook may include a front segment configured to fasten to the flange, and an axial segment disposed radially inward of the barrel. The axial segment may extend between the flange and the fan track liner and the front segment may extend radially outward from an end of the axial segment. The containment hook may also include a protruding segment extending radially inward from the axial segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Heeter
  • Patent number: 12209502
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan and a fan case assembly. The fan includes a fan rotor configured to rotate about an axis of the gas turbine engine and a plurality of fan blades coupled to the fan rotor for rotation therewith. The fan case assembly extends circumferentially around the plurality of fan blades radially outward of the plurality of the fan blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2024
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc., Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Heeter, Daniel E. Molnar, Jr., Jonathan M. Rivers
  • Patent number: 12168983
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan and a fan case assembly. The fan includes a fan rotor configured to rotate about an axis of the gas turbine engine and a plurality of fan blades coupled to the fan rotor for rotation therewith. The fan case assembly extends circumferentially around the plurality of fan blades radially outward of the plurality of the fan blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2024
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2024
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc., Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Heeter, Daniel E. Molnar, Jr., Jonathan M. Rivers
  • Publication number: 20240410293
    Abstract: 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 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 turbine configured to extract work from a core fluid flow, the turbine configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis; a rotor mechanically rotated by the turbine of the electrical generator, the rotor configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis; and a stator. The rotor of the electrical generator maybe rotationally decoupled from the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2024
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Inventors: Daniel E. MOLNAR, JR., Robert W. HEETER, Brian S. MANERS
  • Patent number: 12146413
    Abstract: A fan duct assembly includes a bypass duct, an outlet guide vane assembly, and a flow control system. The bypass duct has an outer wall and an inner wall that define a gas path for bypass air therebetween. The outlet guide vane assembly is coupled with the bypass duct and includes a plurality of vanes. The flow control system is configured to direct selectively a portion of the bypass air flowing through the gas path radially into each of the plurality of vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Heeter, William B. Bryan, Daniel E. Molnar, Jr., Gregory J. Hebert
  • Publication number: 20240322646
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2024
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventors: Daniel E. Molnar, JR., Robert W. Heeter, Brian S. Maners
  • Publication number: 20240309886
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: Robert W. Heeter, Daniel E. Molnar, JR., Gregory J. Hebert
  • Publication number: 20240309774
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: Daniel E. Molnar, JR., Robert W. Heeter, Gregory J. Hebert
  • Publication number: 20240309773
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: Robert W. Heeter, Daniel E. Molnar, Jr., Gregory J. Hebert
  • Publication number: 20240309772
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Inventors: Daniel E. Molnar, JR., Robert W. Heeter, Gregory J. Hebert