Patents by Inventor William J. McVey

William J. McVey 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: 11401889
    Abstract: A method of managing a gas turbine engine includes the steps of detecting an airspeed and detecting a fan speed. A parameter relationship is referenced related to a desired variable area fan nozzle position based upon at least airspeed and fan speed. The detected airspeed and detected fan speed is compared to the parameter relationship to determine a target variable area fan nozzle position. An actual variable area fan nozzle position is adjusted in response to the determination of the target area fan nozzle position and at least one threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Geoffrey T. Blackwell, William J. McVey, William G. Tempelman
  • Publication number: 20210062763
    Abstract: A method of managing a gas turbine engine includes the steps of detecting an airspeed and detecting a fan speed. A parameter relationship is referenced related to a desired variable area fan nozzle position based upon at least airspeed and fan speed. The detected airspeed and detected fan speed is compared to the parameter relationship to determine a target variable area fan nozzle position. An actual variable area fan nozzle position is adjusted in response to the determination of the target area fan nozzle position and at least one threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Geoffrey T. Blackwell, William J. McVey, William G. Tempelman
  • Patent number: 10830178
    Abstract: A method of managing a gas turbine engine includes the steps of detecting an airspeed and detecting a fan speed. A parameter relationship is referenced related to a desired variable area fan nozzle position based upon at least airspeed and fan speed. The detected airspeed and detected fan speed is compared to the parameter relationship to determine a target variable area fan nozzle position. An actual variable area fan nozzle position is adjusted in response to the determination of the target area fan nozzle position and at least one threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Geoffrey T. Blackwell, William J. McVey, William G. Tempelman
  • Patent number: 10578053
    Abstract: A method of managing a gas turbine engine variable area fan nozzle includes the steps of operating a variable area fan nozzle according to a first operating schedule. An icing condition input is evaluated to determine the likelihood of ice presence. The first operating schedule is altered to provide a variable area fan nozzle position if ice is likely present or actually present to provide an icing operating schedule different than the first operating schedule. The first operating schedule corresponds to the flaps at least partially open at air speeds below a first airspeed. The altering step includes closing the flaps below the first airspeed as part of the icing operating schedule. The variable area fan nozzle position is adjusted according to the icing operating schedule. A fan is arranged in a fan nacelle that includes a flap configured to be movable between first and second positions. An actuator is operatively coupled to the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey T. Blackwell, William G. Tempelman, William J. McVey
  • Patent number: 10006406
    Abstract: A method of managing a gas turbine engine includes the steps of detecting an airspeed and detecting a fan speed. A parameter relationship is referenced related to a desired variable area fan nozzle position based upon at least airspeed and fan speed. The detected airspeed and detected fan speed is compared to the parameter relationship to determine a target variable area fan nozzle position. An actual variable area fan nozzle position is adjusted in response to the determination of the target area fan nozzle position and at least one threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey T. Blackwell, William J. McVey, William G. Tempelman
  • Publication number: 20170138303
    Abstract: A method of managing a gas turbine engine variable area fan nozzle includes the steps of operating a variable area fan nozzle according to a first operating schedule. An icing condition input is evaluated to determine the likelihood of ice presence. The first operating schedule is altered to provide a variable area fan nozzle position if ice is likely present or actually present to provide an icing operating schedule different than the first operating schedule. The first operating schedule corresponds to the flaps at least partially open at air speeds below a first airspeed. The altering step includes closing the flaps below the first airspeed as part of the icing operating schedule. The variable area fan nozzle position is adjusted according to the icing operating schedule. A fan is arranged in a fan nacelle that includes a flap configured to be movable between first and second positions. An actuator is operatively coupled to the flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Geoffrey T. Blackwell, William G. Tempelman, William J. McVey
  • Patent number: 9593628
    Abstract: A method of managing a gas turbine engine variable area fan nozzle includes the steps of evaluating an icing condition to determine the likelihood of ice presence. A variable area fan nozzle position is altered if ice is likely present or actually present. The gas turbine engine includes a fan nacelle including a flap configured to be moveable between first and second positions. An actuator is operatively coupled to the flap. A controller is configured to evaluate an icing condition to determine the likelihood of ice presence. The controller is configured to alter a variable area fan nozzle position schedule if ice is likely present by providing a command to the actuator to adjust the flap from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Geoffrey T. Blackwell, William G. Tempelman, William J. McVey
  • Patent number: 9541028
    Abstract: A turbofan engine control system for managing a low pressure turbine speed is provided. The turbofan engine control system includes a low spool having a low pressure turbine that are housed in a core nacelle. The low pressure turbine is adapted to rotate at a speed and includes a maximum design speed. A turbofan is coupled to the low spool. A fan nacelle surrounds the turbofan and core nacelle and provides a bypass flow path. The bypass flow path includes a nozzle exit area. A controller is programmed to command a flow control device adapted to effectively decrease the nozzle exit area in response to a condition. Reducing the nozzle exit area, either physically or otherwise, maintains the speed below the maximum design speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: William J. McVey
  • Publication number: 20150315976
    Abstract: A method of managing a gas turbine engine includes the steps of detecting an airspeed and detecting a fan speed. A parameter relationship is referenced related to a desired variable area fan nozzle position based upon at least airspeed and fan speed. The detected airspeed and detected fan speed is compared to the parameter relationship to determine a target variable area fan nozzle position. An actual variable area fan nozzle position is adjusted in response to the determination of the target area fan nozzle position and at least one threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Inventors: Geoffrey T. Blackwell, William J. McVey, William G. Tempelman
  • Patent number: 8869508
    Abstract: A method of managing a gas turbine engine operating line includes detecting an air speed and a fan speed. A data table is referenced that includes a desired variable area fan nozzle position based upon air speed and fan speed. The detected air speed and detected fan speed are compared to the data table to determine a target variable area fan nozzle position. An actual variable area fan nozzle position is adjusted to the target variable area fan nozzle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Geoffrey T. Blackwell, William J. McVey, William G. Tempelman
  • Patent number: 8601786
    Abstract: A turbofan engine control system is provided for managing a low pressure compressor operating line. The engine includes a low spool having a low pressure compressor housed in a core nacelle. A turbofan is coupled to the low spool. A fan nacelle surrounds the turbofan and core nacelle and provides a bypass flow path having a nozzle exit area. A controller is programmed to effectively change the nozzle exit area in response to an undesired low pressure compressor stability margin which can result in a stall or surge condition. In one example, the physical nozzle exit area is decreased at the undesired stability condition occurring during engine deceleration. A low pressure compressor pressure ratio, low spool speed and throttle position are monitored to determine the undesired stability margin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne Hurwitz, William J. McVey
  • Publication number: 20130192247
    Abstract: A method of managing a gas turbine engine variable area fan nozzle includes the steps of evaluating an icing condition to determine the likelihood of ice presence. A variable area fan nozzle position is altered if ice is likely present or actually present. The gas turbine engine includes a fan nacelle including a flap configured to be moveable between first and second positions. An actuator is operatively coupled to the flap. A controller is configured to evaluate an icing condition to determine the likelihood of ice presence. The controller is configured to alter a variable area fan nozzle position schedule if ice is likely present by providing a command to the actuator to adjust the flap from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Geoffrey T. Blackwell, William G. Tempelman, William J. McVey
  • Publication number: 20130192241
    Abstract: A method of managing a gas turbine engine operating line includes detecting an air speed and a fan speed. A data table is referenced that includes a desired variable area fan nozzle position based upon air speed and fan speed. The detected air speed and detected fan speed are compared to the data table to determine a target variable area fan nozzle position. An actual variable area fan nozzle position is adjusted to the target variable area fan nozzle position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Geoffrey T. Blackwell, William J. McVey, William G. Tempelman
  • Patent number: 8365513
    Abstract: (A1) A turbofan engine (10) is provided that includes a spool (14). The spool (14) supports a turbine (18) and is housed within a core nacelle (12). A fan (20) is coupled to the spool (14) and includes a target operability line. The target operability line provides desired fuel consumption, engine performance, and/or fan operability margin. A fan nacelle (34) surrounds the fan (20) and core nacelle (12) to provide a bypass flow path (39) having a nozzle exit area (40). A controller (50) is programmed to command a flow control device (41) for changing the nozzle exit area (40). The change in nozzle exit area (40) achieves the target operability line in response to an engine operating condition that is a function of airspeed and throttle position. A change in the nozzle exit area (40) is used to move the operating line toward a fan stall or flutter boundary by manipulating the fan pressure ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: William J. McVey
  • Publication number: 20100162683
    Abstract: A turbofan engine is provided that includes a fan nacelle surrounding a core nacelle. The core nacelle houses a spool. The fan and core nacelles provide a bypass flow path having a nozzle exit area. A turbofan is arranged within the fan nacelle upstream from the core nacelle. A flow control device is adapted to effectively change the nozzle exit area to obtain a desired operating condition for the turbofan engine. A gear train couples the spool and turbofan for reducing a turbofan rotational speed relative to a spool rotational speed. A controller is programmed to respond to at least one sensor. The controller is programmed to effectively control the nozzle area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Zbigniew M. Grabowski, William J. McVey
  • Publication number: 20100058735
    Abstract: A turbofan engine control system is provided for managing a low pressure compressor operating line. The engine includes a low spool having a low pressure compressor housed in a core nacelle. A turbofan is coupled to the low spool. A fan nacelle surrounds the turbofan and core nacelle and provides a bypass flow path having a nozzle exit area. A controller is programmed to effectively change the nozzle exit area in response to an undesired low pressure compressor stability margin which can result in a stall or surge condition. In one example, the physical nozzle exit area is decreased at the undesired stability condition occurring during engine deceleration. A low pressure compressor pressure ratio, low spool speed and throttle position are monitored to determine the undesired stability margin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Wayne Hurwitz, William J. McVey
  • Publication number: 20100011740
    Abstract: (A1) A turbofan engine (10) is provided that includes a spool (14). The spool (14) supports a turbine (18) and is housed within a core nacelle (12). A fan (20) is coupled to the spool (14) and includes a target operability line. The target operability line provides desired fuel consumption, engine performance, and/or fan operability margin. A fan nacelle (34) surrounds the fan (20) and core nacelle (12) to provide a bypass flow path (39) having a nozzle exit area (40). A controller (50) is programmed to command a flow control device (41) for changing the nozzle exit area (40). The change in nozzle exit area (40) achieves the target operability line in response to an engine operating condition that is a function of airspeed and throttle position. A change in the nozzle exit area (40) is used to move the operating line toward a fan stall or flutter boundary by manipulating the fan pressure ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORORATION
    Inventor: William J. McVey
  • Publication number: 20100000199
    Abstract: (A2) A turbofan engine control system for managing a low pressure turbine speed is provided. The turbofan engine control system includes a low spool having a low pressure turbine that are housed in a core nacelle. The low pressure turbine is adapted to rotate at a speed and includes a maximum design speed. A turbofan is coupled to the low spool. A fan nacelle surrounds the turbofan and core nacelle and provides a bypass flow path. The bypass flow path includes a nozzle exit area. A controller is programmed to command a flow control device adapted to effectively decrease the nozzle exit area in response to a condition. Reducing the nozzle exit area, either physically or otherwise, maintains the speed below the maximum design speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: William J. McVey