Patents by Inventor ROLLS-ROYCE PLC

ROLLS-ROYCE PLC 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: 20140328668
    Abstract: An electro-magnetic coupling system for transferring torque between a pair of coaxial spools of a gas turbine engine is provided. The system includes a first rotor rotatable with one of the spools, a second rotor rotatable with the other of the spools, and a stator. The first and second rotors and the stator are coaxial with each other. The second rotor operably couples the first rotor and the stator. The first rotor carries a plurality of magnetic flux-producing formations which produce a first magnetic field. The stator carries a plurality of electrical winding coils which are energisable to generate a second magnetic field. The second rotor carries an arrangement of interpoles which modulate the first and second magnetic fields such that the modulated fields interact to transfer torque between the spools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Rolls-Royce PLC
  • Publication number: 20140212299
    Abstract: A propulsion engine for an aircraft, the propulsion engine comprising: one or more fans (1, 2) rotatably linked to one or more respective shafts (11); a driving means arranged to drive the one or more fans; and a first hydraulic pump-motor (10) connected to one of the fan shafts, the first hydraulic pump-motor comprising a cam (12) disposed about the shaft and one or more radially extending pistons (13) arranged to engage a surface of the cam, the cam and pistons being arranged such that the pistons reciprocate due to the rotation of the cam, wherein the first hydraulic pump-motor is arranged to selectively transfer a variable amount of power to or from the one or more fans so as to control the rotational speed of the one or more fans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Rolls-Royce PLC
  • Publication number: 20140208768
    Abstract: A cooling system for a gas turbine engine (10) having a compressor (14), a combustor (16) and a turbine section arranged to receive combustion products from the combustor. The cooling system includes ducting (32,44) defining a flow path from the compressor to a component, such as a turbine blade (26) to be cooled within the turbine section. The ducting (32) bypasses the combustor (16). A heat exchanger (34) may be arranged in the flow path to extract heat from the flow between the compressor and the component. One or more valves (36;64;66) in the flow path are actuated under the control of a controller (48;60) at a predetermined frequency of actuation so as to pulse the flow between the heat exchanger and the component, typically to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of turbine blades in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
  • Publication number: 20140141174
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thermal barrier coated article including: forming an article having a first and second surface, the article having projections extending from the first surface away from the first and second surface, each projection having a first end adjacent the first surface and a second end remote from the first surface, each projection having a blind passage extending therethrough from the second surface through the article towards the second end of the projection, the blind passage in the projection being closed at the second end of the projection, depositing a thermal barrier coating on the first surface around each of the projections and on the second ends, removing the thermal barrier coating from the second ends, and removing the second end of each projection to form a passage through the projection extending from the second surface through the article to the second end of the projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
  • Publication number: 20140140860
    Abstract: An aerofoil component of a gas turbine engine is provided. The component has a longitudinally extending aerofoil portion which spans, in use, a working gas annulus of the engine. The aerofoil portion contains an internal chamber for a flow of coolant. The chamber includes a helical passage which spirals in a plurality of turns around an axis that extends in the length direction of the aerofoil portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
  • Publication number: 20140070496
    Abstract: A leaf seal for effecting a seal between two, coaxial, relatively rotating components. The leaf seal has an annular pack of stacked leaves. The pack is mountable to a first one of the components with interleaf gaps formed between working portions of neighbouring leaves. The leaves extend towards the other component such that end edges of leaf working portions are presented for wiping contact with the other component. At least adjacent its end leaf edge, each leaf has a rear section at or adjacent the low pressure side of the pack and a front section which extends from the rear section to the high pressure side of the pack. The rear sections of the leaves are thicker than their respective front sections to reduce the interleaf gaps at the rear sections such that most of the pressure drop across the pack is over the rear sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Rolls-Royce PLC
  • Publication number: 20140072426
    Abstract: A turbomachine casing assembly includes a first casing element locatable radially outward of one or more rotating aerofoil elements of a turbomachine, a second casing element located radially distal to the first casing element. A void is provided between a radially proximal face of the first casing element and a radially proximal face of the second casing element, at the first end of the first casing element. The first end of the first casing element is located against a corresponding first end of the second casing element by an energy absorbing element, with the first casing element; including a cantilever. The cantilever is arranged in a region extending along the first casing element from the first end; and having a pivot axis at a mid portion thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
  • Publication number: 20140060079
    Abstract: A core engine for a gas turbine engine, the core engine having a rotational axis, a casing and further comprises a gearbox assembly, a radial drive arrangement, pipes and connections and a connection structure; the radial drive arrangement drivingly connects the core engine to the gearbox assembly; the pipes and connections extend from the gearbox assembly to the core engine and the gearbox assembly is radially spaced from the casing by connection structure. A method of assembling the gas turbine engine includes the steps of axially translating the core engine and the fan casing so that the gearbox is adjacent the fan casing and attaching the gearbox assembly to the fan casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Rolls-Royce PLC
  • Publication number: 20140064967
    Abstract: An aerofoil typically for a blade or vane for a gas turbine engine comprises a pressure wall, a suction wall and a web that extends therebetween. One of the walls comprises an inner leaf and an outer leaf which defines a cavity, the other wall defines a first outlet, the aerofoil defines at least one first passage extending from the cavity through the web and to the outlet. Coolant in the cavity on one side wall of the aerofoil is thereby routed across the web to be used to cool the other wall by convention and formation of a coolant film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
  • Publication number: 20140064949
    Abstract: A turbomachine casing assembly includes a first casing element locatable radially outward of one or more rotating aerofoil elements of a turbomachine and a second casing element located radially distal to the first casing element. A void is provided between a radially proximal face of the first casing element and a radially proximal face of the second casing element, at the first end of the first casing element. The first end of the first casing element is located against a corresponding first end of the second casing element by an energy absorbing element, with the first casing element; including a cantilever. Release of one of the rotating aerofoil elements results in the element, or part thereof, impacting the first casing element which results in the cantilever bending into the void provided between the first and second casing elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
  • Publication number: 20130336761
    Abstract: A turbomachine casing assembly includes a first casing element locatable radially outward of one or more rotating aerofoil elements of a turbomachine, a second casing element located radially distal to the first casing element and one or more arcuate fence elements positioned between the first and second casing elements. Following impact of a detached fan blade, a radially outward movement of the first casing element causes the or each fence element to project into the air flow passing through the turbomachine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
  • Publication number: 20130336781
    Abstract: An aircraft includes a propulsive fan arrangement having an intake and an exhaust. The fan arrangement is mounted adjacent a gas washed surface of the aircraft in the form of a suction surface of a wing. The intake is separated from the suction surface to define a channel therebetween. The aircraft further includes a Venturi device positioned downstream of the fan exhaust to draw boundary layer air through the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
  • Publication number: 20130306024
    Abstract: The invention relates to a duct for a vehicle, comprising: an elongate passageway defined by at least one wall, the passageway having first and second ends relative to the longitudinal axis of the passageway; a non-annular inlet at the first end of the passageway for receiving a first fluid flow from the boundary layer of the vehicle when in use; and, an annular outlet at the second end of the passageway having an radially inner circumferential wall and a radially outer circumferential wall, the annular outlet being in fluid communication with a propulsive unit when in use, wherein the radially inner and outer circumferential walls extend continuously to the inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
  • Publication number: 20130263601
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine having a rotational axis, an intake and a compressed gas source; the intake includes a lining having a facing which defines an inlet surface and an array of holes; the array of holes includes at least a first set of holes and a second set of holes, the holes of the first set of holes are angled a relative to a radial line and the holes of the second set of holes are angled ? relative to the radial line; the angles ? and ? are different. An active flow control arrangement including a compressed gas supply pipe, a valve arrangement, a controller, a compressed gas distribution pipe may be provided. Compressed gas may be provided to prevent the formation of separation of a main gas flow through the intake and prevent or remove ice accretion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
  • Publication number: 20130266447
    Abstract: A rotor assembly for a gas turbine engine, the rotor assembly has a disc supporting a plurality of radially extending blades. The blades define passages therebetween and each passage has an annulus filler assembly. The annulus filler assembly includes at least two bodies and a brace, each of the bodies being arranged to abut respective adjacent blades and the brace is arranged to occupy a position centrally of the two bodies. The brace is mounted to the disc and each body and the brace are arranged to engage one another to form an airwash surface. The airwash surface improves aerodynamic flow of air entering the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
  • Publication number: 20130264110
    Abstract: An electrical assembly including electrical raft having electrical conductors embedded in a rigid material is provided. The electrical assembly has an electrically conductive screen layer. The electrically conductive screen layer provides electromagnetic protection to the electrical conductors. The electrically conductive screen layer is electrically connected to a mounting fixture, which in turn may be electrically connected to an apparatus on which the electrical assembly may be mounted. The electrical raft is used to transport electrical signals (which may be, for example power and/or control signals), for example around a gas turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
  • Publication number: 20130266419
    Abstract: Intakes of gas turbine engines are subject to cross winds and high incidence cross flows which can affect the stability of air to the propulsive fan. An active flow control arrangement for an intake comprises a compressed gas supply pipe, a valve arrangement, a controller, and a compressed gas distribution pipe. The supply pipe is fluidly connects between a compressed gas source and the valve arrangement. The distribution pipe fluidly connects between the valve arrangement and intake surface for supply of compressed gas thereto. The active flow control arrangement is operable to supply compressed gas to the intake surface to prevent separation of a main air flow passing through the intake from the inlet surface thereby maintaining stability of the intake air flow to the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
  • Publication number: 20130226518
    Abstract: A method of determining blade tip timing measurement uncertainty comprising measuring time of arrival of each of a set of blades at each of a reference set of stationary probes. A reference blade tip parameter is derived from the measurements and the position of each of the probes. A reference condition number is calculated from the position of each of the probes and each targeted engine order, and then a mean calculated. Combinations of fewer probes are determined. For each combination, a condition number is calculated and then a mean condition number is calculated. The combination means are ordered relative to the reference mean and a predetermined number of combinations are selected. A blade tip parameter is derived for the selected combinations. Finally uncertainty of the blade tip parameter for each selected combination is calculated as a percentage of the reference blade tip parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
  • Publication number: 20130224029
    Abstract: A balanced rotor comprising a circumferential slot and a plurality of aerofoils each secured in the slot by a respective root, the root having a root block having circumferentially facing flanks and a seal wing extending circumferentially from one of the flanks, characterised in that the seal wing has a notch engaging a balance weight positioned between adjacent roots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
  • Publication number: 20130219914
    Abstract: A fuel conditioning apparatus for de-oxygenating a liquid hydrocarbon fuel has a catalyst portion which, in turn, has an inlet portion and an outlet portion. A hydrocarbon fuel stream is fed through the inlet portion and into the catalyst portion where it passes over a catalytically active component. The catalytically active component promotes the reaction of the fuel with the dissolved oxygen in the fuel stream, converting it into less chemically reactive forms and thereby reducing the fuel's propensity to form carbonaceous deposits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC