Patents by Inventor Sebastien Bolduc

Sebastien Bolduc 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: 9797297
    Abstract: A compound engine assembly including an air conduit having an inlet in fluid communication with ambient air around the compound engine assembly, a compressor having an inlet in fluid communication with the air conduit, an engine core including at least one rotary internal combustion engine and having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the compressor, a turbine section having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the engine core and configured to compound power with the engine core; and at least one heat exchanger in fluid communication with the air conduit, each heat exchanger configured to circulate a fluid of the engine assembly in heat exchange relationship with an airflow from the air conduit circulating therethrough. A method of supplying air to a compound engine assembly is also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Jean Thomassin, Sebastien Bolduc, Bruno Villeneuve, Stephane Berube, Mike Fontaine, David Gagnon-Martin, Andre Julien, Mark Cunningham, Serge Lafortune, Pierre-Yves Legare
  • Publication number: 20170218760
    Abstract: An engine assembly having an internal combustion engine, a turbine module including a turbine casing, a support casing rigidly connecting the turbine casing to a remainder of the assembly, and an inlet scroll connected to the turbine casing without any direct rigid connection to the support casing. The inlet scroll includes an inlet pipe for each engine exhaust port. An exhaust pipe is provided for each exhaust port, connected to and providing fluid communication between the respective exhaust port and inlet pipe. The exhaust pipe is movable relative to at least one of the exhaust port and the inlet pipe at a corresponding connection therewith. One of the exhaust and inlet pipes floatingly extends through an opening defined in the support casing. The assembly may be a compound engine assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Mike FONTAINE, Sebastien BOLDUC, Bruno VILLENEUVE
  • Publication number: 20160245166
    Abstract: A compound engine assembly having an engine core including at least one internal combustion engine in driving engagement with an engine shaft, a compressor having an outlet in fluid communication with an inlet of the engine core and including at least one rotor rotatable about an axis coaxial with the engine shaft, the engine shaft in driving engagement with the compressor rotor, and a turbine section having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the engine core and including at least one rotor engaged on a rotatable turbine shaft, the turbine shaft configured to compound power with the engine shaft. The turbine and engine shafts are parallel to and radially offset from one another, and the turbine shaft and the axis of the compressor rotor are parallel to and radially offset from one another. A method of driving a rotatable load of an aircraft is also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Jean THOMASSIN, Sebastien BOLDUC, Bruno VILLENEUVE, Stephane BERUBE, Mike FONTAINE, David GAGNON-MARTIN, Jade BILODEAU, Andre JULIEN, Pierre-Yves LEGARE, Jason NICHOLS
  • Publication number: 20160245152
    Abstract: An intake assembly for a compressor providing compressed air to an internal combustion engine core, including an air conduit having at least one heat exchanger extending thereacross, an intake plenum for the compressor, a first intake conduit connected to the air conduit upstream of the heat exchanger(s), a second intake conduit connected to the air conduit downstream of the heat exchanger(s), and a selector valve configurable between a first configuration to allow a fluid communication between the intake plenum and the air conduit through the first intake conduit and a second configuration to prevent the fluid communication through the first intake conduit. Fluid communication between the intake plenum and the air conduit through the second intake conduit is allowed at least when the selector valve is in the second configuration. An engine assembly and method of supplying air to a compressor are also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Jean THOMASSIN, Sebastien BOLDUC, Bruno VILLENEUVE, Stephane BERUBE, Mike FONTAINE, David GAGNON-MARTIN, Andre JULIEN, Mark CUNNINGHAM, Serge LAFORTUNE, Pierre-Yves LEGARE
  • Publication number: 20160245154
    Abstract: A compound engine assembly including an air conduit having an inlet in fluid communication with ambient air around the compound engine assembly, a compressor having an inlet in fluid communication with the air conduit, an engine core including at least one rotary internal combustion engine and having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the compressor, a turbine section having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the engine core and configured to compound power with the engine core; and at least one heat exchanger in fluid communication with the air conduit, each heat exchanger configured to circulate a fluid of the engine assembly in heat exchange relationship with an airflow from the air conduit circulating therethrough. A method of supplying air to a compound engine assembly is also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Jean THOMASSIN, Sebastien BOLDUC, Bruno VILLENEUVE, Stephane BERUBE, Mike FONTAINE, David GAGNON-MARTIN, Andre JULIEN, Mark CUNNINGHAM, Serge LAFORTUNE, Pierre-Yves LEGARE
  • Publication number: 20160245161
    Abstract: A compound engine assembly including a compressor, an engine core including at least one rotary internal combustion engine and having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the compressor, a turbine section having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the engine core and configured to compound power with the engine core, and an air conduit having at least one heat exchanger extending thereacross. An outer wall of the air conduit has a plurality of openings defined therethrough downstream of the heat exchanger(s), each selectively closable by a pivotable flap movable between a retracted position where the opening is obstructed and an extended position away from the opening. Each opening defines a fluid communication between the air conduit and the ambient air when the respective flap is in the extended position. A method of directing flow through a compound engine assembly is also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Jean THOMASSIN, Sebastien BOLDUC, Bruno VILLENEUVE, Stephane BERUBE, Mike FONTAINE, David GAGNON-MARTIN, Andre JULIEN, Mark CUNNINGHAM, Serge LAFORTUNE, Pierre-Yves LEGARE
  • Patent number: 9366138
    Abstract: In one aspect, described is a rotor of a rotary internal combustion engine, including a phasing gear with an annular meshing section including a plurality of radially inwardly oriented teeth and an annular attachment section connected to the meshing section and coaxial therewith, the attachment section being offset axially inwardly from the teeth and having at least a portion thereof located radially inwardly of the teeth, and a fastener apparatus connecting the phasing gear to the rotor body, the fastener apparatus engaging the rotor body radially inwardly of the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Eugene Gekht, Sebastien Bolduc, Mike Fontaine
  • Publication number: 20160069255
    Abstract: A compound cycle engine having an output shaft, at least two rotary units each including an internal combustion engine with the rotor of each rotary unit mounted on the output shaft and in driving engagement therewith, and a turbine including a rotor in driving engagement with the output shaft. The exhaust port of each rotary unit housing is in fluid communication with the flowpath of the turbine upstream of its rotor. The turbine is disposed co-axially between two of the rotary units. The engine may further include a compressor in fluid communication with the inlet port of each housing and a second turbine having an inlet in fluid communication with the flowpath of the first turbine downstream of its rotor. A method of compounding rotary engines is also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Sebastien BOLDUC, Mike FONTAINE, Luc LANDRY, Jean THOMASSIN
  • Patent number: 9194232
    Abstract: A compound cycle engine having an output shaft; at least two rotary units each defining an internal combustion engine, a velocity turbine, and a turbocharger is discussed. The velocity turbine includes a rotor in driving engagement with the output shaft between two of the rotary units. The exhaust port of each rotary unit is in fluid communication with the flowpath of the velocity turbine upstream of its rotor. The outlet of the compressor of the turbocharger is in fluid communication with the inlet port of each rotary unit. The inlet of the pressure turbine of the turbocharger is in fluid communication with the flowpath of the velocity turbine downstream of its rotor. A method of compounding at least two rotary engines is also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Sébastien Bolduc, Mike Fontaine, Luc Landry, Jean Thomassin
  • Publication number: 20150275756
    Abstract: A compound cycle engine having an output shaft; at least two rotary units each defining an internal combustion engine, a first stage turbine, and a turbocharger is discussed. The first stage turbine includes a rotor in driving engagement with the output shaft between two of the rotary units. The exhaust port of each rotary unit is in fluid communication with the flowpath of the first stage turbine upstream of its rotor. The outlet of the compressor of the turbocharger is in fluid communication with the inlet port of each rotary unit. The inlet of the second stage turbine of the turbocharger is in fluid communication with the flowpath of the first stage turbine downstream of its rotor. The first stage turbine has a lower reaction ratio than that of the second stage turbine. A method of compounding at least two rotary engines is also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Sebastien BOLDUC, Mike FONTAINE, Luc LANDRY, Jean THOMASSIN
  • Publication number: 20150167465
    Abstract: A rotor for a rotary internal combustion engine with a first face seal biased axially outwardly away from the first end face has opposed curled ends abutting a first end seal of a respective one of the adjacent apex portions, and a second face seal biased axially outwardly away from the second end face has opposed curled ends abutting a second end seal of a respective one of the adjacent apex portions. A rotary internal combustion engine and a method of sealing chambers of a Wankel engine are also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Eugene GEKHT, Jean THOMASSIN, Sebastien BOLDUC, David GAGNON-MARTIN
  • Patent number: 8985085
    Abstract: A rotor of a rotary internal combustion engine, including an annular oil seal assembly snugly received within each oil seal groove, each oil seal assembly including a seal ring retaining first and second axially spaced apart annular sealing elements in substantial radial alignment with one another, the seal ring radially pressing each of the sealing elements in sealing engagement with a respective surface in the groove in opposite directions from one another, and a spring member biasing the seal ring axially away from the end face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Eugene Gekht, Sebastien Bolduc, Mike Fontaine
  • Patent number: 8967988
    Abstract: In one aspect, described is a rotor for a rotary internal combustion engine where a first face seal biased axially outwardly away from the first end face has opposed curled ends abutting a first seal element of a respective one of the adjacent apex seal assemblies, and a second face seal biased axially outwardly away from the second end face has opposed curled ends abutting a second seal element of a respective one of the adjacent apex seal assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Eugene Gekht, Jean Thomassin, Sebastien Bolduc, David Gagnon-Martin
  • Patent number: 8905736
    Abstract: A Wankel engine with a peripheral wall of the stator body including a non-circular opening formed therethrough and defining at least part of a port. The opening has a perimeter defined by a first edge and remaining edges, with the remaining edges being located downstream of the first edge with respect to a direction of rotation of the rotor. The remaining edges extend non parallel to a longitudinal axis of the apex seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Eugene Gekht, Sebastien Bolduc, David Gagnon-Martin, Jean Thomassin
  • Publication number: 20140020381
    Abstract: A compound cycle engine having an output shaft; at least two rotary units each defining an internal combustion engine, a velocity turbine, and a turbocharger is discussed. The velocity turbine includes a rotor in driving engagement with the output shaft between two of the rotary units. The exhaust port of each rotary unit is in fluid communication with the flowpath of the velocity turbine upstream of its rotor. The outlet of the compressor of the turbocharger is in fluid communication with the inlet port of each rotary unit. The inlet of the pressure turbine of the turbocharger is in fluid communication with the flowpath of the velocity turbine downstream of its rotor. A method of compounding at least two rotary engines is also discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Sébastien BOLDUC, Mike FONTAINE, Luc LANDRY, Jean THOMASSIN
  • Patent number: 8597006
    Abstract: In one aspect, there is described a rotor of a Wankel engine including a plurality of apex seal members each biased by a respective spring, each spring including an axial action portion and a radial action portion, the axial action portion including at least two radially extending band sections with adjacent ones of the band sections being connected by a fold, one of the band sections contacting a radially extending surface of the apex seal member and another of the band sections contacting a radially extending element of the rotor body, and the radial action portion forming a major part of a length of the spring, contacting an axially extending surface of the apex seal member in two spaced apart locations, and contacting the rotor body between the two spaced apart locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Eugene Gekht, Jean Thomassin, Sebastien Bolduc, David Gagnon-Martin
  • Publication number: 20130247866
    Abstract: A Wankel engine with a peripheral wall of the stator body including a non-circular opening formed therethrough and defining at least part of a port. The opening has a perimeter defined by a first edge and remaining edges, with the remaining edges being located downstream of the first edge with respect to a direction of rotation of the rotor. The remaining edges extend non parallel to a longitudinal axis of the apex seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Eugene GEKHT, Sebastien Bolduc, David Gagnon-Martin, Jean Thomassin
  • Publication number: 20130028769
    Abstract: In one aspect, there is described a rotor of a Wankel engine including a plurality of apex seal members each biased by a respective spring, each spring including an axial action portion and a radial action portion, the axial action portion including at least two radially extending band sections with adjacent ones of the band sections being connected by a fold, one of the band sections contacting a radially extending surface of the apex seal member and another of the band sections contacting a radially extending element of the rotor body, and the radial action portion forming a major part of a length of the spring, contacting an axially extending surface of the apex seal member in two spaced apart locations, and contacting the rotor body between the two spaced apart locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Eugene Gekht, Jean Thomassin, Sebastien Bolduc, David Gagnon-Martin
  • Publication number: 20130028776
    Abstract: In one aspect, described is a rotor for a rotary internal combustion engine where a first face seal biased axially outwardly away from the first end face has opposed curled ends abutting a first seal element of a respective one of the adjacent apex seal assemblies, and a second face seal biased axially outwardly away from the second end face has opposed curled ends abutting a second seal element of a respective one of the adjacent apex seal assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Eugene Gekht, Jean Thomassin, Sebastien Bolduc, David Gagnon-Martin
  • Publication number: 20130028775
    Abstract: In one aspect, described is a rotor for a Wankel engine comprising two circumferentially spaced apart apex seals at each of the apex portions with each apex seal protruding axially from both end faces, and each apex seal having a first biasing member biasing the apex seal radially outwardly away from the peripheral face of the body, and a second biasing member biasing the apex seal axially outwardly away from a respective one of the end faces, the two apex seals of a same one of the apex portions being biased by the respective second biasing member in opposite axial directions from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Eugene GEKHT, Jean Thomassin, Sebastien Bolduc, David Gagnon-Martin