Patents by Inventor Robert W. Hicks

Robert W. Hicks 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: 11692482
    Abstract: A roller bearing arrangement for a gas turbine engine. The roller bearing arrangement includes a fan shaft, and a stub shaft connected to the fan shaft. The roller bearing arrangement further includes a plurality of roller bearing elements positioned between a first axial bearing surface created on a radially outer surface of the stub shaft and a second axial bearing surface of a static structure, the roller bearing arrangement further including a first snubber positioned between the radially outer surface of the fan shaft and a radially inner surface of the stub shaft, the first snubber being spaced apart from the radially inner surface of the stub shaft or the radially outer surface of the fan shaft so as to limit a radial movement range of the stub shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Robert W Hicks
  • Publication number: 20230184165
    Abstract: A vane assembly for a gas turbine engine which is a single unitary component that includes an aerofoil. A leading edge passageway is disposed proximal to a leading edge of the aerofoil and configured to receive a flow of a fluid therein. The vane assembly further includes a connecting passageway fluidly communicating the leading edge passageway with a trailing edge distribution passageway that is spaced apart from the leading edge, the leading edge passageway and a trailing edge of the aerofoil. The vane assembly further includes a plurality of trailing edge passageways disposed proximal to a pressure surface of the aerofoil and extending from the trailing edge distribution passageway towards the trailing edge along a chordwise direction. Each trailing edge passageway is configured to discharge the fluid through a corresponding passageway outlet disposed on the pressure surface and in fluid communication with a corresponding trailing edge passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2022
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Robert W. HICKS, Nicholas E. CHILTON
  • Publication number: 20230026221
    Abstract: A roller bearing arrangement for a gas turbine engine. The roller bearing arrangement includes a fan shaft, and a stub shaft connected to the fan shaft. The roller bearing arrangement further includes a plurality of roller bearing elements positioned between a first axial bearing surface created on a radially outer surface of the stub shaft and a second axial bearing surface of a static structure, the roller bearing arrangement further including a first snubber positioned between the radially outer surface of the fan shaft and a radially inner surface of the stub shaft, the first snubber being spaced apart from the radially inner surface of the stub shaft or the radially outer surface of the fan shaft so as to limit a radial movement range of the stub shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2022
    Publication date: January 26, 2023
    Inventor: Robert W HICKS
  • Publication number: 20200300118
    Abstract: A bearing support structure for a gas turbine engine located within an internal portion of the engine. The bearing support structure has a plurality of stators, a first section, a second section, a first bearing assembly, and a second bearing assembly. The first section depends forwardly from the plurality of stators relative to the longitudinal axis. The section second depends rearwardly from the plurality of stators relative to the longitudinal axis and is detachably mounted to the plurality of stators. The first bearing assembly is supported relative to the plurality of stators by the first section. The second bearing assembly is supported relative to the plurality of stators by the second section. The second section is detachably mounted to the plurality of stators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Nicholas E. CHILTON, Robert W. HICKS, James M. KEOWN
  • Patent number: 5328510
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a paper product having a surface with enhanced gloss. The method includes the following steps: applying a continuous layer of an impressionable coating material to a paper product; contacting the layer of coating material with a polymer release film having a smooth and glossy surface substantially free of defects, the surface having non-adhering and release characteristics; and solidifying the coating material during contact with the release film. Using this technique, a smooth and glossy surface of the release film is substantially imparted to a surface of the layer of solidified coating material. In the case of clay-coated substrates, the coating is solidified by heating, whereas in the case of polyethylene-coated substrates, the coating is solidified by cooling. The end product is a coated substrate in which the coating has a glossy surface to which the texture of a film has been imparted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Leroy C. Hofmann, Robert W. Hicks, Jasper H. Field
  • Patent number: 5064692
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a paper product having a surface with enhanced gloss. The method includes the following steps: Applying a continuous layer of an impressionable coating material to a paper product; contacting the layer of coating material with a polymer release film having a smooth and glossy surface substantially free of defects, the surface having non-adhering and release characteristics; and solidifying the coating material during contact with the release film. Using this technique, a smooth and glossy surface of the release film is substantially imparted to a surface of the layer of solidified coating material. In the case of clay-coated substrates, the coating is solidified by heating, whereas in the case of polyethylene-coated substrates, the coating is solidified by cooling. The end product is a coated substrate in which the coating has a glossy surface to which the texture of a film has been imparted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Leroy C. Hofmann, Robert W. Hicks, Jasper H. Field, Stephen H. Monroe
  • Patent number: 4343680
    Abstract: Treatment of high yield wood pulp which has ether extractives of greater than about 3.0% at temperatures of about 105.degree. C. or higher for at least about 16 hours followed by fluffing of the heat treated pulp results in a relatively inexpensive absorbent for oil spills and the like. The oil is readily recovered from the absorbent or the oil and absorbent may be burned as fuel without separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1982
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Jasper H. Field, Robert W. Hicks