Air And Diverse Fluid Discharge From Separate Discharge Outlets (e.g., Fan Jet, Etc.) Patents (Class 60/226.1)
  • Patent number: 8826641
    Abstract: A thermal management system includes at least one heat exchanger in communication with a bypass flow of a gas turbine engine. The placement of the heat exchanger(s) minimizes weight and aerodynamic losses and contributes to overall performance increase over traditional ducted heat exchanger placement schemes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Brian D. Merry, Christopher M. Dye
  • Publication number: 20140245715
    Abstract: The invention relates to a primary cowl for a turbofan comprising a primary body generating a primary stream to be ejected through a primary nozzle, and a secondary body generating a secondary stream to be ejected through a secondary nozzle, the primary cowl being shaped so as to be positioned downstream from the primary body and to define, on the inside of the turbofan, the path followed by the primary stream downstream from the primary nozzle and, on the outside, the path followed by the secondary stream downstream from the secondary nozzle. The primary cowl comprises a coupling to a system for supplying a pressurised gas and at least one perforation for injecting the pressurised gas, through the perforation, into the secondary stream. The primary cowl preferably comprises a ring which has perforations and which is rotated about the axis of rotation of the turbofan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Alexandre Alfred Gaston Vuillemin, Guillaume Bodard, Sebastien Jean-Paul Aeberli
  • Patent number: 8813907
    Abstract: A noise reduction system with a chamber includes a chamber (17) which is provided at a portion of a supply path connecting a flow path in an upstream side of a combustor in a jet engine to a plurality of microjet nozzles which is provided at an exhaust side peripheral edge of a main nozzle of the jet engine, wherein the supply path is configured to supply part of compressed air from the flow path into the chamber (17), and the chamber (17) is configured to inject the compressed air through the plurality of the microjet nozzles (63) to a jet flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Nozomi Tanaka, Shinya Kusuda, Tsutomu Oishi, Yoshinori Oba
  • Publication number: 20140230403
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a core housing that includes an inlet case and an intermediate case that respectively provide an inlet case flow path and an intermediate case flow path. A first shaft supports a low pressure compressor section that is arranged axially between the inlet case flow path and the intermediate case flow path. A first bearing supports the first shaft relative to the inlet case. A second bearing supports a second shaft relative to the intermediate case. A low pressure compressor hub is mounted to the first shaft. The low pressure compressor hub extends to the low pressure compressor section between the first bearing and the second bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Brian D. Merry, Gabriel L. Suciu, Todd A. Davis, Gregory E. Reinhardt, Enzo DiBenedetto
  • Patent number: 8806850
    Abstract: A thrust vectorable fan variable area nozzle (FVAN) includes a synchronizing ring, a static ring, and a flap assembly mounted within a fan nacelle. An actuator assembly selectively rotates synchronizing ring segments relative the static ring to adjust segments of the flap assembly to vary the annular fan exit area and vector the thrust through asymmetrical movement of the thrust vectorable FVAN segments. In operation, adjustment of the entire periphery of the thrust vectorable FVAN in which all segments are moved simultaneously to maximize engine thrust and fuel economy during each flight regime. By separately adjusting the segments of the thrust vectorable FVAN, engine trust is selectively vectored to provide, for example only, trim balance or thrust controlled maneuvering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Winter, Russell B. Harison
  • Patent number: 8800260
    Abstract: A fan variable area nozzle (FVAN) includes a flap driven through a cable which circumscribes the fan nacelle. The cable is strung through a multiple of flaps to define a flap set of each circumferential sector of the EVAN. An actuator system includes a compact high power density electromechanical actuator which rotates a spool to deploy and retract the cable and effectively increase or decrease the length thereof between the spool and a fixed attachment to increase and decrease the fan nozzle exit area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Zaffir Chaudhry
  • Publication number: 20140216003
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan, a compressor section, a combustion section, and a turbine section. A fan drive gear system is configured for driving the fan at a speed different than the turbine section. A lubricant system includes a lubricant pump delivering lubricant to an outlet line. The outlet line splits into at least a hot line and into a cool line. The hot line is directed primarily to locations in the gas turbine engine that are not intended to receive cooler lubricant. The cool line is directed through one or more heat exchangers at which the lubricant is cooled, and the cool line then is routed to the fan drive gear system. At least one of the one or more heat exchangers is a fuel/oil cooler at which lubricant will be cooled by fuel leading to the combustion section. The fuel/oil cooler is downstream of a point where the outlet line splits into the at least the hot line and the cool line, such that the hot line is not directed through the fuel/oil cooler. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kathleen R. Phillips, Thomas G. Phillips, Ethan K. Stearns, Federico Papa
  • Publication number: 20140216004
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan, a compressor section fluidly connected to the fan, a combustor fluidly connected to the compressor section, a turbine section fluidly connected to the combustor, and a buffer system. The buffer system includes a heat exchanger having a first inlet, a first outlet, a second inlet, and a second outlet. The first outlet is configured to provide a cooled pressurized fluid. The buffer system includes first and second air sources that are selectively fluidly coupled to the first inlet, and a third air source that are fluidly coupled to the second inlet. Multiple fluid-supplied areas are located remotely from one another and are fluidly coupled to the first outlet. The multiple fluid-supplied areas include a bearing compartment. A method and a buffer system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Peter M. Munsell, Philip S. Stripinis
  • Publication number: 20140208714
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine has an inlet duct, which is configured to communicate with an inlet to a compressor. The inlet duct is further configured to communicate air outwardly of an outer casing of the gas turbine engine, and to pass the air along an axial length of the gas turbine engine to cool a component associated with the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: United Technologies Corporation
  • Patent number: 8789376
    Abstract: An aircraft compound cooling system includes a power thermal management system for cooling one or more aircraft components, an air cycle system, a vapor cycle system, and a turbine cooling circuit for cooling bleed air and cooling turbine components in a high pressure turbine in the engine. An air to air FLADE duct heat exchanger is disposed in a FLADE duct of the engine and a valving apparatus is operable for selectively switching the FLADE duct heat exchanger between the turbine cooling circuit and the air cycle system. A vapor cycle system includes a vapor cycle system condenser that may be in heat transfer cooling relationship with the air cycle system. An air cycle system heat exchanger and an engine burn fuel to air heat exchanger in the vapor cycle system condenser may be used for cooling a working fluid in a refrigeration loop of the vapor cycle system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: George Albert Coffinberry
  • Patent number: 8789354
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a propulsion unit mounted to rotate about a first axis, and a core engine mounted to rotate about a second axis, and wherein the first and second axes are non-parallel. A gas turbine engine includes a propulsion unit driven by a free turbine which is adjacent to the propulsion unit and an associated fan, and having a gas generator core engine including a compressor, combustor and turbine section. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Wesley K. Lord, Christopher M. Dye
  • Publication number: 20140202133
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes first and second stages having a rotational axis. A circumferential array of airfoils is arranged axially between the first stage and the second stage. At least one of the airfoils have a curvature provided equidistantly between pressure and suction sides. The airfoils extend from a leading edge to a trailing edge at a midspan plane along the airfoil. An angle is defined between first and second lines respectively tangent to the intersection of the midspan plane and the curvature at airfoil leading and trailing edges. The angle is equal to or greater than about 10°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Praisner, Shankar S. Magge, Matthew B. Estes
  • Patent number: 8784047
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for a gas turbine engine includes first and second opposing sides enclosing a cavity. A first set of fins is supported on the first side and arranged outside the cavity. The fins have leading and trailing edges respectively including first and second heights. The first height is less than the second height. In one application, the heat exchanger is arranged in a gas turbine engine. A core is supported relative to a fan case. The core includes a core nacelle and a fan case. A fan duct is provided between the core nacelle and the fan case. A heat exchanger includes fins arranged in a fan duct. The fins are oriented such that the shorter leading edge faces into the airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: James S. Elder
  • Patent number: 8776952
    Abstract: A heat exchange system for use in operating equipment in which a working fluid is utilized needing a heat exchange system to provide air and working fluid heat exchanges to cool the working fluid at selectively variable rates in airstreams. The system comprises a plurality of heat exchangers including a first heat exchanger in the plurality of heat exchangers that is mounted with respect to the equipment so as to permit corresponding portions of the airstreams to pass through the core thereof during at least some such uses of the equipment. Also, a second heat exchanger is mounted with respect to the equipment so as to selectively permit corresponding portions of the airstreams to pass through the core thereof during such uses of the equipment. A core actuator is mounted with respect to the second heat exchanger to selectively increase or reduce the passing of those corresponding portions of the airstreams through the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick M. Schwarz, Mikhail B. Gorbounov
  • Patent number: 8777554
    Abstract: A fan system is disclosed having a forward fan stage configured to pressurize an airflow and an aft fan stage having a tip-fan configured to pressurize a first portion of a pressurized air flow from the forward fan stage wherein the aft fan stage is driven by a second portion of the pressurized airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: John Lewis Baughman
  • Patent number: 8769925
    Abstract: A thrust vectorable fan variable area nozzle (FVAN) includes a synchronizing ring, a static ring, and a flap assembly mounted within a fan nacelle. An actuator assembly selectively rotates synchronizing ring segments relative the static ring to adjust segments of the flap assembly to vary the annular fan exit area and vector the thrust through asymmetrical movement of the thrust vectorable FVAN segments. In operation, adjustment of the entire periphery of the thrust vectorable FVAN in which all segments are moved simultaneously to maximize engine thrust and fuel economy during each flight regime. By separately adjusting the segments of the thrust vectorable FVAN, engine trust is selectively vectored to provide, for example only, trim balance or thrust controlled maneuvering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Winter, Russell B. Hanson
  • Patent number: 8769924
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine assembly includes an inlet lip assembly, a fan containment case, and a front flange. The fan containment case surrounds a fan section and is positioned downstream from the inlet lip assembly. The front flange is mounted between the inlet lip assembly and the fan containment case and is positioned upstream from the fan section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas G. Cloft
  • Publication number: 20140183296
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a core engine incorporating a core engine turbine. A fan rotor is driven by a fan rotor turbine. The fan rotor turbine is in the path of gases downstream from the core engine turbine. A bypass door is moveable from a closed position at which the gases from the core engine turbine pass over the fan rotor turbine, and moveable to a bypass position at which the gases are directed away from the fan rotor turbine. An aircraft is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Jesse M. Chandler
  • Patent number: 8763360
    Abstract: A fan blade comprises a main body extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. Channels are formed into the main body, with a plurality of ribs extending intermediate the channels. The fan blade has a dovetail, and an airfoil extending radially outwardly from the dovetail. Material is deposited within the channels, with one type of material being selected to provide additional stiffness to the fan blade, and a second type of material being selected for having good damping characteristics. A method and gas turbine engine are is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Murdock
  • Publication number: 20140174055
    Abstract: A turbofan engine is disclosed and includes a fan and a compressor in communication with the fan section, a combustor, a turbine and a speed reduction mechanism coupled to the fan and rotatable by the turbine. The turbine includes a first turbine section that includes three or more stages and a second turbine section that includes at least two stages. A ratio of airfoils in the first turbine section to a bypass area is less than about 170.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Paul R. Adams, Shankar S. Magge, Joseph B. Staubach, Wesley K. Lord, Frederick M. Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20140174056
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprises a gear train defined along an axis. A spool along the axis drives the gear train and includes a low stage count low pressure turbine. A fan i s rotatable at a fan speed about the axis and driven by the low pressure turbine through the gear train. The fan speed is less than a speed of the low pressure turbine. A core is surrounded by a core nacelle defined about the axis. A fan nacelle i s mounted at least partially around the core nacelle to define a fan bypass airflow path for a fan bypass airflow. A bypass ratio defined by the fan bypass passage airflow divided by airflow through the core is greater than about ten (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Brian D. Merry, Christopher M. Dye, Steven M. Johnson, Frederick M. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 8756910
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique gas turbine engine. Another embodiment is a unique cooling system for a gas turbine engine. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for cooling one or more objects of cooling. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Sean Donovan, William Daniel Feltz, Steven Wesley Tomlinson
  • Patent number: 8757965
    Abstract: A gas turbine compression system (1) comprising a gas channel (5), a low pressure compressor section (8) and a high pressure compressor section (9) for compression of the gas in the channel and a compressor structure (14) arranged between the low pressure compressor section (8) and the high pressure compressor section (9). The compressor structure (14) is designed to conduct a gas flow in the gas channel and comprises a plurality of radial struts (15,16,21,24,25) for transmission of load, wherein at least one of the struts (15,16,21,24,25) is hollow for housing service components. The compressor structure (14) is arranged directly downstream of a last rotor (10) in the low pressure compressor section (8) and designed for substantially turning a swirling gas flow from the rotor (10) by a plurality of the struts (15,16,21,24,25) having a cambered shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Volvo Aero Corporation
    Inventor: Stephane Baralon
  • Publication number: 20140165533
    Abstract: A casing for an aircraft engine includes an outer ring and an inner hub defining an airflow passage therebetween, the outer ring having an axis defining an axial direction; a plurality of struts arranged in a circumferential array and extending radially from the inner hub to the outer ring to mount the inner hub to the outer ring; wherein the outer ring is defined by a double skin including an axially-extending annular outer skin of sheet metal concentrically surrounding and radially-spaced from an annular inner skin of sheet metal, the outer and inner skins generally parallel to one another, an annular front end ring and an annular rear end ring welded or brazed to the outer and inner skins adjacent respective front and rear edges of the skins to define an annular cavity between them, and the outer ring further comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced axially-extending ribs interconnecting the outer and inner skins to reinforce the double skins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Andreas ELEFTHERIOU, Denis LECLAIR, David DENIS, David MENHEERE, Paul AITCHISON
  • Publication number: 20140165534
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a fan section, including a fan, a gear arrangement configured to drive the fan section, and a compressor section, including both a first compressor and a second compressor. A turbine section is configured to drive the compressor section and the gear arrangement. An overall pressure ratio is provided by the combination of the first compressor and the second compressor, with the overall pressure ratio being greater than or equal to about 35. The fan is configured to deliver a portion of air into the compressor section, and a portion of air into a bypass duct. A bypass ratio, which is defined as a volume of air passing to the bypass duct compared to a volume of air passing into the compressor section, is greater than or equal to about 8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Karl L. Hasel, Joseph B. Staubach, Brian D. Merry, Gabriel L. Suciu, Christopher M. Dye
  • Publication number: 20140157753
    Abstract: A method of designing a gas turbine engine includes providing a fan section including a fan; driving the fan section via a gear arrangement; providing a compressor section, including both a first compressor and a second compressor; and driving the compressor section and the gear arrangement via a turbine section. An overall pressure ratio, being provided by the combination of a pressure ratio across the first compressor and a pressure ratio across the second compressor, is greater than or equal to about 35. The pressure ratio across the first compressor is greater than or equal to about 7.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Karl L. Hasel, Joseph B. Staubach, Brian D. Merry, Gabriel L. Suciu, Christopher M. Dye
  • Publication number: 20140157757
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a fan section, including a fan, a gear arrangement configured to drive the fan section, and a compressor section, including both a first compressor and a second compressor. A turbine section is configured to drive the compressor section and the gear arrangement. The turbine section includes a fan drive turbine configured to drive the fan section, a pressure ratio across the fan drive turbine being greater than or equal to about 5. An overall pressure ratio is provided by the combination of the first compressor and the second compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Karl L. Hasel, Joseph B. Staubach, Brian D. Merry, Gabriel L. Suciu, Christopher M. Dye
  • Publication number: 20140157752
    Abstract: A method of designing a gas turbine engine includes providing a fan section including a fan; driving the fan section via a gear arrangement; providing a compressor section, including both a first compressor and a second compressor; and driving the compressor section and the gear arrangement via a turbine section. The pressure ratio across the first compressor is greater than or equal to about 7.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Karl L. Hasel, Joseph B. Staubach, Brian D. Merry, Gabriel L. Suciu, Christopher M. Dye
  • Publication number: 20140157755
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a fan section, including a fan, a gear arrangement configured to drive the fan section, and a compressor section, including both a first compressor and a second compressor. A turbine section is configured to drive the compressor section and the gear arrangement. An overall pressure ratio is provided by the combination of the first compressor and the second compressor. The fan is configured to deliver a portion of air into the compressor section, and a portion of air into a bypass duct. A bypass ratio which is defined as a volume of air passing to the bypass duct compared to a volume of air passing into the compressor section is greater than or equal to about 8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Karl L. Hasel, Joseph B. Staubach, Brian D. Merry, Gabriel L. Suciu, Christopher M. Dye
  • Publication number: 20140157754
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a fan section, including a fan, a gear arrangement configured to drive the fan section, and a compressor section, including both a first compressor and a second compressor. A turbine section is configured to drive the compressor section and the gear arrangement. An overall pressure ratio is provided by the combination of the first compressor and the second compressor, with the overall pressure ratio being greater than or equal to about 35. A pressure ratio across the fan section is less than or equal to about 1.50. The fan is configured to deliver a portion of air into the compressor section, and a portion of air into a bypass duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Karl L. Hasel, Joseph B. Staubach, Brian D. Merry, Gabriel L. Suciu, Christopher M. Dye
  • Publication number: 20140157756
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a fan section, including a fan, a gear arrangement configured to drive the fan section, the geared arrangement defining a gear reduction ratio greater than or equal to about 2.6. A compressor section includes both a first compressor and a second compressor. A turbine section is configured to drive the compressor section and the gear arrangement. An overall pressure ratio is provided by the combination of the first compressor and the second compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Karl L. Hasel, Joseph B. Staubach, Brian D. Merry, Gabriel L. Suciu, Christopher M. Dye
  • Patent number: 8739514
    Abstract: A supersonic nacelle design is disclosed herein that employs a bypass flow path internal to the nacelle and around the engine. By shaping the nacelle, the nacelle may function to reduce sonic boom strength, cowl drag, and /or airframe interference drag. The nacelle may also function to improve total pressure recovery and/or total thrust of the primary flow path through the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy R. Conners
  • Patent number: 8739516
    Abstract: The invention concerns a turbojet for aircraft including engine located in nacelle, and thermal exchanger intended to cool a fluid participating in the engine propulsive system, characterized in that said thermal exchanger is located on engine external wall, an interstitial space within which air can circulate being arranged between the engine external wall and a lower wall of said thermal exchanger. The invention also concerns an aircraft provided with at least one such turbojet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Guillaume Bulin, Patrick Oberle
  • Patent number: 8726633
    Abstract: Gas turbine engine systems and related methods involving multiple gas turbine cores are provided. In this regard, a representative gas turbine engine includes: an inlet; a blade assembly mounted to receive intake air via the inlet; and multiple gas turbine cores located downstream of the blade assembly, each of the multiple gas turbine cores being independently operative in a first state, in which rotational energy is provided to rotate the blade assembly, and a second state, in which rotational energy is not provided to rotate the blade assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Gary D. Roberge
  • Patent number: 8726665
    Abstract: An airborne mobile platform that has at least one turbofan engine assembly having a fan driven by a core engine, a short nacelle around the fan and a forward portion of the core engine, and a fan exhaust duct through the nacelle. A mixer duct shell is disposed substantially coaxial with and extending forwardly into the fan exhaust duct to provide a mixer duct between the mixer duct shell and a core engine shroud of the core engine. At least a portion of the mixer duct shell has a honeycomb core structure having an inner surface and an outer surface, with an acoustic lining on one of the inner or outer surfaces. The acoustic lining attenuates sound emanating from the turbofan engine assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Matthew D. Moore, Edward C. Marques
  • Patent number: 8720208
    Abstract: An aircraft gas turbine engine includes a core engine 1 having a high pressure turbine 6 and a downstream low pressure turbine 7. A bypass duct 18 surrounds the core engine 1. A mixer 19 is arranged in an inlet portion of the low pressure turbine 7, into which a bypass flow 20 from the bypass duct 18 and a core flow 22 from the core engine 1 are supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventor: Dimitrie Negulescu
  • Publication number: 20140117152
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a core engine incorporating a turbine, and a manifold positioned downstream of the turbine. The manifold delivers gas downstream of the turbine into at least two nacelles, with each of the nacelles receiving a fan rotor. The fan rotor is fixed to rotate with a tip turbine mounted at a radially outer location of the fan rotor, with the tip turbine being in the path of gases from the manifold. An aircraft is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Jesse M. Chandler, Joseph B. Staubach, Adam Joseph Suydam
  • Patent number: 8695324
    Abstract: A fan assembly having an outer fan system is disclosed, the fan assembly comprising an outer fan first stage and an outer fan second stage both extending radially outward from an arcuate platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Rollin George Giffin, James Edward Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140096508
    Abstract: A turbofan engine includes a fan, a compressor section, a combustor in fluid communication with the compressor section, a turbine section in fluid communication with the combustor, a shaft configured to be driven by the turbine section and coupled to the compressor section through a first torque load path, and a speed reduction mechanism configured to be driven by the shaft through a second torque load path separate from the first load path for rotating the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Brian D. Merry, Gabriel L. Suciu
  • Publication number: 20140096507
    Abstract: A fan rotor has a hub, and a plurality of axial flow fan blades extending radially outwardly of the hub. A radial compressor impeller is positioned radially inwardly of the fan blades. The radial compressor impeller has an upstream inlet which extends generally in an axial direction defined by an axis of rotation of the hub. The radial flow compressor impeller has an outlet that extends radially outwardly of the inlet, and into a supply passage for supplying air to a core engine. An engine is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sohail Mohammed
  • Publication number: 20140099198
    Abstract: A duct for a gas turbine engine system is used to convey exhaust gas and bypass air away from the engine system, towards an exhaust nozzle. The duct includes an inlet face having at least two inlet portions and defines the outer extremity of a path for the gas and/or air through the duct. The duct includes a plurality of flat panel members which together define the outer extremity of the path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Joseph Barnsdale COOPER
  • Patent number: 8689539
    Abstract: Simple, robust and systematic solutions are provided for controlling counter-rotating open-rotor (CROR) gas turbine engines. The solutions mathematically decouple the two counter rotating rotors of a CROR engine by model-based dynamic inversion, which allows application of single-input-single-output (SISO) control concepts. The current solutions allow fuel flow to be treated as a known disturbance and rejected from the rotor speeds control. Furthermore, the current control solutions allow a simple and well-coordinated speed phase synchronizing among the four rotors on a two-engine vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Manxue Lu, Sheldon Carpenter
  • Patent number: 8689538
    Abstract: An ultra-efficient “green” aircraft propulsor utilizing an augmentor fan is disclosed. A balanced design is provided combining a fuel efficient and low-noise high bypass ratio augmentor fan and a low-noise shrouded high bypass ratio turbofan. Three mass flow streams are utilized to reduce propulsor specific fuel consumption and increase performance relative to conventional turbofans. Methods are provided for optimization of fuel efficiency, power, and noise by varying mass flow ratios of the three mass flow streams. Methods are also provided for integration of external propellers into turbofan machinery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Mithra M. K. V. Sankrithi, Gerhard E. Seidel, Alan K. Prichard, Matthew Moore
  • Patent number: 8683812
    Abstract: In an air mixing arrangement wherein a primary fluid is introduced through an opening in a wall to be mixed with a secondary fluid flowing along the wall surface, the opening is airfoil shaped with its leading edge being orientated at an attack angle with respect to the secondary fluid flow stream so as to thereby enhance the penetration and dispersion of the primary fluid stream into the secondary fluid stream. The airfoil shaped opening is selectively positioned such that its angle of attack provides the desired lift to optimize the mixing of the two streams for the particular application. In one embodiment, a collar is provided around the opening to prevent the secondary fluid from contacting the surface of the wall during certain conditions of operation. Multiple openings maybe used such as the combination of a larger airfoil shaped opening with a smaller airfoil shaped opened positioned downstream thereof, or a round shaped opening placed upstream of an airfoil shaped opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Fabio R. Bertolotti, David S. Liscinsky, Vincent C. Nardone, Michael K. Sahm, Bernd R. Noack, Daniel R. Sabatino
  • Patent number: 8683670
    Abstract: A method and tooling for partial disassembly of a bypass turbofan engine wherein the longitudinal axis of the bypass turbofan engine remains generally horizontal during disassembly. The low pressure turbine module is removed with a low pressure turbine module horizontal removal tool. An extended bearing nut tool may be supported by a stabilization member and may remove a bearing nut. An extended high pressure turbine shaft stretching tool may stretch a high pressure turbine shaft to release a high pressure turbine shaft nut. An extended bearing pulling tool may be used to pull a bearing while the low pressure turbine shaft remains in place. A modified measurement bridge may be used to measure the position of certain components while the low pressure turbine shaft remains in place. A nozzle jig may be used to assemble nozzles and feather seals to create a nozzle module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Turbine Tooling Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Erik C. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20140083080
    Abstract: A rotor has a rotor body with at least one slot receiving a blade. The blade has an outer surface, at least at some areas, formed of a first material and having an airfoil extending from a dovetail. The dovetail is received in the slot. A diode is in contact with a portion of the dovetail formed of a second material that is more electrically conductive than the first material. The diode is in contact with a rotating element that rotates with the rotor. The rotating element is formed of a third material. The first material is less electrically conductive than the third material. The diode and the rotating element together form a ground path from the portion of the dovetail into the rotor. An engine and a fan blade are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James O. Hansen, Thomas J. Garosshen, Thomas J. Watson
  • Publication number: 20140083079
    Abstract: A disclosed example geared turbofan engine includes a fan section including a plurality of fan blades rotatable about an axis and a core engine section defined about an engine axis. The core engine section includes a primary nozzle including a primary outer diameter at a primary nozzle trailing edge and a primary maximum inner diameter forward of the primary trailing edge. A bypass passage is defined between an inner nacelle surrounding the core engine section and an outer nacelle and includes a secondary nozzle. The secondary nozzle includes an outer diameter at a secondary nozzle trailing edge and a secondary maximum inner diameter forward of the secondary trailing edge. A ratio between the maximum inner diameter of the primary nozzle and an outer diameter at the trailing edge of the primary nozzle and a ratio between the maximum inner diameter of the secondary trailing edge and the outer diameter at the trailing edge of the secondary nozzle are both less than about 0.700.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: United Technologies Corporation
  • Patent number: 8677732
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thrust reverser (1) comprising an opening with fixed grids (4) that is closed by a sliding lid (2) in case of direct thrust, and opened by the downstream longitudinal translation displacement of the lid (2) in case of thrust reversal. A flap (20) is pivotally mounted at one upstream end on the lid (2) and can move between a retracted position and an expanded position in which, in case of thrust reversal, it blocks an annular channel (10) in order to redirect a gas flow towards the grid opening (4). A slider (24) for driving the flap (20) is mounted so as to be capable of displacement in at least one translation guiding rail (33) provided in the structure of the lid (2), and is connected to a downstream end of the flap (20) through a driving connecting rod (30) so that a translation movement of the slider (24) in the guiding rail (33) results in a pivoting of the connecting rod (30) and of the flap (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventors: Guy Bernard Vauchel, Pierre Andre Marcel Baudu
  • Publication number: 20140075918
    Abstract: A nacelle structure for a gas turbine engine includes an outer nacelle surrounding a fan section and defining an outer boundary of a bypass flow passage and an inner nacelle surrounding a core engine section and defining an inner boundary of the bypass flow passage. A panel of the inner nacelle is moveable between an open position providing access to the core engine section and a closed position. A lock is supported within the inner nacelle proximate the panel. The lock includes an electric actuator for moving a locking pin between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lock prevents opening and limits deflection of the panel when in the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Claude Mercier, Thomas G. Cloft
  • Patent number: 8671693
    Abstract: A multi-layered honeycomb structure adapted to reduce and/or eliminate thermal deformation is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, walls of the honeycomb structure comprise a first layer, optionally, a second layer, and a core layer adjacent to the first layer or between the first and second layers. The first and second layers may be compositions of Inconel or other high strength materials. The core layer may be copper or another thermally conductive material. The core layer is adapted to transmit heat between a first region of a structure and a second region. In this manner, heat can be transferred from the heated region to an unheated region, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the regions and thus the amount of thermal deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: George C. P. Straza