Patents by Inventor Stephen Michael Roberts
Stephen Michael Roberts 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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Publication number: 20230265812Abstract: A variable area fan nozzle (VAFN) actuation system is disclosed. The VAFN actuation system is part of an aircraft nacelle, comprising a thrust reverser translating sleeve and a VAFN cowl. The system may translate the VAFN cowl to various positions to optimize engine performance. The system works in two phases. The first phase occurs when the translating sleeve is stowed. During this time, a linear, fluid-pressure VAFN actuator with multiple pistons may translate the VAFN cowl forward and aftward, and hold it in various fixed positions. The second phase occurs when the translating sleeve deploys and then stows. During this time, the actuator may allow the VAFN cowl to travel with the translating sleeve in a controlled manner. When the translating sleeve deploys, the VAFN cowl is pushed aftward by the translating sleeve. When the translating sleeve stows, the VAFN cowl is pulled forward with it.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2022Publication date: August 24, 2023Inventor: Stephen Michael Roberts
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Publication number: 20180298845Abstract: A variable area fan nozzle actuation (“VAFN”) system is disclosed. The VAFN system may include an electrohydrostatic actuator (“EHA”) arranged to translate a VAFN panel relative to a translating sleeve. An electrical coupling may extend between a translating sleeve associated with the VAFN system and the fixed structure. The electrical coupling may be movable so that as the translating sleeve and fixed structure move relative to each other, power may be provided to the EHA by a wiring harness extending across the space between the translating sleeve and the fixed structure and connecting the EHA to an EHA power source.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2018Publication date: October 18, 2018Applicant: Rohr, Inc.Inventor: Stephen Michael Roberts
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Patent number: 10030608Abstract: A variable area fan nozzle actuation (“VAFN”) system is disclosed. The VAFN system may include an electrohydrostatic actuator (“EHA”) arranged to translate a VAFN panel relative to a translating sleeve. An electrical coupling may extend between a translating sleeve associated with the VAFN system and the fixed structure. The electrical coupling may be movable so that as the translating sleeve and fixed structure move relative to each other, power may be provided to the EHA by a wiring harness extending across the space between the translating sleeve and the fixed structure and connecting the EHA to an EHA power source.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2015Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: Rohr Inc.Inventor: Stephen Michael Roberts
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Patent number: 9970387Abstract: The exit area of a nozzle assembly is varied by translating a ring assembly located at a rear of the engine nacelle. The ring may be axially translatable along the axis of the engine. As the ring translates, the trailing edge of the ring defines a variable nozzle exit area. Translation of the ring creates an upstream exit at a leading edge of the ring assembly. The upstream exit can be used to bleed or otherwise spill flow excess from the engine bypass duct. As the engine operates in various flight conditions, the ring can be translated to obtain lower fan pressure ratios and thereby increase the efficiency of the engine. Fairings partially enclose actuator components for reduced drag.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2008Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignees: ROHR, INC., GOODRICH ACTUATION SYSTEMTS LIMITEDInventors: Joel Hudson Frank, Norman John James, Shunshen Richard Wang, Bryant Lynoel McKleny, David A. Baer, Tony Jones, John H. Harvey, Peter W. Bacon, Mark Hubberstey, Brett J. Wharton, Neil C. Davies, Stephen Michael Roberts, Steven Andrew Wylie
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Patent number: 9567943Abstract: The track lock assembly may comprise a translating sleeve, a track beam, a pivoting lock assembly, and a ramp. The pivoting lock assembly may be mounted to the translating sleeve, wherein in response to the pivoting lock being mounted to the translating sleeve, the ramp is mounted to the track beam. The pivoting lock assembly may be mounted to the track beam, wherein in response to the pivoting lock being mounted to the track beam, the ramp is mounted to the translating sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2015Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: Rohr, Inc.Inventor: Stephen Michael Roberts
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Publication number: 20160333825Abstract: A track lock assembly is described herein according to various embodiments. The track lock assembly may comprise a translating sleeve, a track beam, a pivoting lock assembly, and a ramp. In various embodiments, the pivoting lock assembly may be mounted to the translating sleeve, wherein in response to the pivoting lock being mounted to the translating sleeve, the ramp is mounted to the track beam. In various embodiments, the pivoting lock assembly may be mounted to the track beam, wherein in response to the pivoting lock being mounted to the track beam, the ramp is mounted to the translating sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2015Publication date: November 17, 2016Applicant: Rohr, Inc.Inventor: Stephen Michael Roberts
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Publication number: 20160333822Abstract: A variable area fan nozzle actuation (“VAFN”) system is disclosed. The VAFN system may include an electrohydrostatic actuator (“EHA”) arranged to translate a VAFN panel relative to a translating sleeve. An electrical coupling may extend between a translating sleeve associated with the VAFN system and the fixed structure. The electrical coupling may be movable so that as the translating sleeve and fixed structure move relative to each other, power may be provided to the EHA by a wiring harness extending across the space between the translating sleeve and the fixed structure and connecting the EHA to an EHA power source.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2015Publication date: November 17, 2016Inventor: Stephen Michael Roberts
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Patent number: 8875486Abstract: A guide system for translating components of an aircraft engine nacelle includes a track assembly and a slider assembly. The track assembly includes a track guide member and a track liner engaged therewith. The track guide member includes a track channel configured to receive the track liner. The track liner defines an interior surface and includes a projection portion projecting inwardly of the track channel to define a convex surface. The slider assembly translatably engages the track assembly and includes a slider member having a head portion configured to be received within the track channel. The head portion defines a concave surface substantially corresponding to the convex surface of the track liner and is configured to mate therewith. The slider member further includes an extension portion extending from the head portion and outwardly of the track assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Rohr, Inc.Inventor: Stephen Michael Roberts
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Patent number: 8733080Abstract: An actuator arrangement comprises an actuator having a rotatable drive input, a motor, and a drive transmission arrangement for transmitting rotary drive from the motor to the rotatable drive input of the actuator, wherein the transmission arrangement includes a telescopic drive coupling.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Goodrich Actuation Systems LimitedInventors: Tony Jones, John Herbert Harvey, Peter William Bacon, Mark Hubberstey, Brett John Wharton, Neil Charles Davies, Stephen Michael Roberts, Steven Andrew Wylie
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Patent number: 8511973Abstract: A guide system for translating components of an aircraft engine nacelle includes a track assembly and a slider assembly. The track assembly includes a track guide member having a track channel. The slider assembly translatably engages the track assembly. The slider assembly includes a slider body configured to be received within the track channel. The slider assembly further includes a slider arm member pivotably coupled to the slider body with a hinge joint disposed within the track channel. The slider arm member extends from the body portion and outwardly of the track assembly. Associated apparatuses are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Rohr, Inc.Inventors: Jihad I. Ramlaoui, Stephen Michael Roberts, David Forsey
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Publication number: 20110318173Abstract: A guide system for translating components of an aircraft engine nacelle includes a track assembly and a slider assembly. The track assembly includes a track guide member having a track channel. The slider assembly translatably engages the track assembly. The slider assembly includes a slider body configured to be received within the track channel. The slider assembly further includes a slider arm member pivotably coupled to the slider body with a hinge joint disposed within the track channel. The slider arm member extends from the body portion and outwardly of the track assembly. Associated apparatuses are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: ROHR, INC.Inventors: Jihad I. Ramlaoui, Stephen Michael Roberts, David Forsey
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Publication number: 20110296813Abstract: The exit area of a nozzle assembly is varied by translating a ring assembly located at a rear of the engine nacelle. The ring may be axially translatable along the axis of the engine. As the ring translates, the trailing edge of the ring defines a variable nozzle exit area. Translation of the ring creates an upstream exit at a leading edge of the ring assembly. The upstream exit can be used to bleed or otherwise spill flow excess from the engine bypass duct. As the engine operates in various flight conditions, the ring can be translated to obtain lower fan pressure ratios and thereby increase the efficiency of the engine. Fairings partially enclose actuator components for reduced drag.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2008Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: Rohr, Inc.Inventors: Joel Hudson Frank, Norman John James, Shunshen Richard Wang, Bryant Lynoel Mckleny, David A. Baer, Stephen Michael Roberts, Steven Andrew Wylie, Tony Jones, John H. Harvey, Peter W. Bacon, Mark Hubberstey, Brett J. Wharton, Neil C. Davies
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Publication number: 20110277448Abstract: A guide system for translating components of an aircraft engine nacelle includes a track assembly and a slider assembly. The track assembly includes a track guide member and a track liner engaged therewith. The track guide member includes a track channel configured to receive the track liner. The track liner defines an interior surface and includes a projection portion projecting inwardly of the track channel to define a convex surface. The slider assembly translatably engages the track assembly and includes a slider member having a head portion configured to be received within the track channel. The head portion defines a concave surface substantially corresponding to the convex surface of the track liner and is configured to mate therewith. The slider member further includes an extension portion extending from the head portion and outwardly of the track assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: Rohr, Inc.Inventor: Stephen Michael Roberts
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Publication number: 20090013664Abstract: An actuator arrangement comprises an actuator having a rotatable drive input, a motor, and a drive transmission arrangement for transmitting rotary drive from the motor to the rotatable drive input of the actuator, wherein the transmission arrangement includes a telescopic drive coupling.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicants: Goodrich Actuation Systems Limited, Rohr Inc.Inventors: Tony Jones, John Herbert Harvey, Peter William Bacon, Mark Hubberstey, Brett John Wharton, Neil Charles Davies, Stephen Michael Roberts, Steven Andrew Wylie