Having Thrust Reverser Patents (Class 60/226.2)
  • Patent number: 9925732
    Abstract: A thrust reverser cascade for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The thrust reverser cascade may comprise a plurality of turning vanes. One or more of the turning vanes may comprise a core formed from a polymer and a metallic coating applied to at least a portion of an outer surface of the core. The metallic coating may comprise nickel or a nickel alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nigel David Sawyers-Abbott
  • Patent number: 9885316
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device comprising: —a first element (7), —a second element (8) able to move translationally with respect to the first element (7), and —a locking device (6) comprising a catch (18, 20) able to move between a deployed position and a retracted position, the catch (18-20) being positioned with respect to the first element (7) in such a way that when the catch (18-20) is in a deployed position, the catch (18-20) allows the second element (8) to move with respect to the first element (7) in a first range of movement (A) and prevents the second element (8) from moving with respect to the first element (7) in a second range of movement (B), and when the catch (18-20) is in the retracted position, the catch (18-20) allows the second element to move with respect to the first element (7) in the second range of movement (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Sagem Defense Securite
    Inventors: Christophe Bastide, Rinaldo Fadini
  • Patent number: 9869275
    Abstract: A single actuator variable area fan nozzle (“VAFN”) system is provided. In contrast to typical system, the single actuator VAFN may comprise a single actuator, a linkage and a VAFN panel. The single actuator may be configured to actuate the VAFN panel between a stowed position and a deployed position. In various embodiments, the linkage may travel a path during deployment and/or retraction that is between the loft lines of the nacelle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy Gormley
  • Patent number: 9856826
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a rear nacelle assembly for a turbojet having at least one thrust reversal device to redirect air circulating from upstream to downstream in a flow path of a turbojet and a mast that connects the nacelle to a structure of an aircraft. In one form, the thrust reverser device includes a cradle having a first longeron and a second longeron extending longitudinally opposite sides of the mast. The first and second longeron each include a device for slideably guiding the cowl and the cascade. In another form, a rear portion and a front portion of the cradle connects to the mast by a rear connecting device and front connecting device, respectively, such that the cradle is adapted to follow the movements of the turbojet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SAFRAN NACELLES
    Inventor: Patrick Boileau
  • Patent number: 9822732
    Abstract: A turbofan engine includes a fan variable area nozzle includes having a first fan nacelle section and a second fan nacelle section movably mounted relative the first fan nacelle section. The second fan nacelle section axially slides aftward relative to the fixed first fan nacelle section to change the effective area of the fan nozzle exit area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory A. Kohlenberg, Sean P. Zamora
  • Patent number: 9677502
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a turbojet engine nacelle equipped with at least one thrust reverser. The thrust reverser includes: two half-cowls forming an outer cowl which is articulated on hinges and translates between closed and open positions, a first actuator to translationally actuate a downstream frame, a second actuator to rotationally actuate each half-cowl, and a lock capable of locking or unlocking the half-cowls relative to one another. In particular, the thrust reverser includes cascades vanes supported at their upstream end by an upstream frame and at their downstream end by the downstream frame, and a connector between the downstream frame and the external cowl. The cascade vanes are enclosed in a shroud formed by a fan casing and a fan cowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: Pierre Caruel
  • Patent number: 9593644
    Abstract: A control device for a thrust reverser of a turbojet engine nacelle, which includes movable portions actuated by actuators, includes: a first blocking control acting on a motor-actuated system; and a second blocking control acting, mechanically, on the movable portions. The second blocking control may inhibit, when activated, a deployment of the movable portions. The control device further includes a device inhibiting disengagement of the first blocking control when a mechanical control is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Joret, Pascal Soulier, Vincent Taddei
  • Patent number: 9586373
    Abstract: A thrust reverser cascade for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The thrust reverser cascade may comprise a plurality of turning vanes. One or more of the turning vanes may comprise a core formed from a polymer and a metallic coating applied to at least a portion of an outer surface of the core. The metallic coating may comprise nickel or a nickel alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nigel David Sawyers-Abbott
  • Patent number: 9573695
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a first annular portion that is stationary and adapted for partially surrounding an engine core. The first annular portion includes a fore pylon connecting portion. A rail is coupled to the fore pylon portion and extends in the aft direction from the stationary portion. A second annular portion is positioned aft of the first portion and coupled to the rail, the second portion being movable along an engine core centerline between a closed position and an open position, wherein the second annular portion is configured to engage with the first annular portion in the closed position to provide access to an engine core. The second annular portion includes a nozzle plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Jesse M. Chandler
  • Patent number: 9562595
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a double-acting linear actuator for moving an inner part and an outer part of a cowl relative to a fixed frame. The linear actuator includes a first tubular body housing a first drive shaft and a second tubular body housing a second drive shaft. In particular, the first and second tubular bodies are mounted in series by the second drive shaft which is mounted on the first tubular body. The second drive shaft translates the second tubular body relative to the first tubular body when a lock of the first tubular body is in a locked position, and the first drive shaft translates both the first tubular and second tubular bodies when the lock is in an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Pierre Caruel, Pierre Moradell-Casellas
  • Patent number: 9518535
    Abstract: A reverse thrust device and a system for actuating the reverse thrust device is provided by the present disclosure. The device includes at least one cowl that is translatably mounted in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a nacelle. The actuation system includes an actuation means that is capable of activating translational and rotational movement of the cowl and a panel of a nozzle. The actuation system also includes a downstream locking means for the nozzle and the cowl. The downstream locking means includes at least two reversible states, one of the states being a locked state in which the downstream locking means is suitable for locking the panel of the nozzle into a position for varying the section for outputting the nozzle with the cowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Guy Bernard Vauchel, Patrick Gonidec
  • Patent number: 9494108
    Abstract: A nacelle may comprise a thrust reverser. The thrust reverser may comprise a translating sleeve, a cascade array, and a TRAS actuator. The TRAS actuator may pass through an aperture in an aft cascade ring of the cascade array. A retainer may be coupled to the aft cascade ring. A damper may be coupled to the retainer. The damper may circumscribe the TRAS actuator. The damper may be configured to damp vibrations in the TRAS actuator. As an amplitude of vibration or deflection of the TRAS actuator increases, a reaction force applied by the damper on the TRAS actuator increases, which prevents the TRAS actuator from contacting the aft cascade ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy Gormley
  • Patent number: 9482182
    Abstract: The invention concerns an actuating device (1) for moving a mobile cover of a thrust reverser, comprising: an actuator (5) comprising a first element (10), such as a screw, and a second element (12), such as a nut, mounted mobile device relative to the first element (10) such that the rotation of the first element (10) results in a translational movement of the second element (12) relative to the first element (10), and a locking device (31) comprising a rotating part (34) linked in rotation with the first element (10), and a locking part (35) that is mobile relative to the rotating part (34) between a locked position in which the locking part (35) is engaged with the rotating part (34) to prevent the first element (10) from rotating and an unlocked position in which the locking part (35) is disengaged from the rotating part to allow the rotation of the first element (10), and an electromagnet (39) for moving the locking part (35) to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignees: SAGEM DEFENSE SECURITE, AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Christophe Bastide, Franck Delnaud, Mickael Werquin, Nicolas Planquet, Pascal Coppee, Rinaldo Fadini, Pierre Moradell-Casellas
  • Patent number: 9410500
    Abstract: The thrust reverser includes a reverser cowl of which a downstream part of the reverser cowl forms a jet nozzle, cascade vanes fixed upstream from the reverser cowl, thrust reverser flaps, and an actuator. The thrust reverser is translatable under an effect of the actuator between a folded position of the thrust reverser flaps for operation of the nacelle in a direct jet mode, and a deployed position of the thrust reverser flaps for operation of the nacelle in a reverse jet mode. In particular, the stretching of the actuator results in causing a variation in a nozzle section of the jet nozzle as long as the stretching is below a predetermined value, and exposing the cascade vanes and deploying the thrust reverser flaps so as to perform the reverse jet mode beyond the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Pierre Caruel, Peter Segat
  • Patent number: 9399951
    Abstract: Louver systems for gas turbine bleed air systems are disclosed. An example louver system may include a bleed system discharge opening arranged to vent bleed air from a bleed flow conduit and a plurality of pivotable louvers disposed proximate the discharge opening, the pivotable louvers being pivotable between a shut position and an open position. In the shut position, individual louvers may at least partially obstruct the discharge opening. In the open position, individual louvers may at least partially control a direction of flow of the bleed air exiting the discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christina Granger Morrissey Haugen, Bradley Willis Fintel, Brian Richard Green, Kevin Samuel Klasing
  • Patent number: 9376986
    Abstract: An aircraft gas turbine thrust-reversing device has an engine cowling, the rear area of which is displaceable in the axial direction of the engine from a closed forward thrust position into a rearwardly displaced thrust reversal position, resulting in an essentially annular space to a front and stationary area of the engine cowling. The rear area of the engine cowling is coupled to deflecting elements and blocker doors, which in the forward thrust position are arranged completely inside the front area of the engine cowling. A drive element is provided between the front area and the rear area, which effects the axial displacement of the rear area. The drive element is a two-stage drive element, effecting in a first stage an axial displacement by an axial partial displacement path, and in a second stage an axial displacement by the full axial displacement path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventor: Predrag Todorovic
  • Patent number: 9316112
    Abstract: A nacelle for a turbofan engine includes a variable area fan nozzle (VAFN) and a proximity sensor that is attached to a nacelle forward portion to sense the presence of the VAFN when stowed. The proximity sensor is not attached to the VAFN, thereby enabling the use of a proximity sensor such as linear variable displacement transformer having a relatively compact operational stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Robert Scanlon, Geoffrey Pinto
  • Patent number: 9260193
    Abstract: A longitudinal beam for a turbojet engine nacelle support structure is provided. The longitudinal beam is primarily made from composite materials and in the shape of an L and includes a longitudinal web contacting with an attachment pylon of the nacelle and a sole. More specifically, the sole produces a receiving part capable of cooperating directly or indirectly by embedding with an end of an associated front frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: Loic Le Boulicaut
  • Patent number: 9255546
    Abstract: An aircraft nacelle comprising an outer cowl having an inner wall and an outer wall surrounding the inner wall. The inner wall may have an inner opening formed therethrough and the outer wall may have an outer opening formed therethrough at an aft end of the nacelle. The nacelle may further comprise a translating panel configured to cover the inner and outer openings in a stowed position and to translate aft to a deployed position. The translating panel may be fixed to cascade guide vane panels which rest between the inner and outer wall in the stowed position and are exposed to airflow via the inner and outer openings when translated aft to the deployed position, thereby increasing a nozzle area of the nacelle. Guide vanes of the cascade guide vane panels are angled slightly aftward to direct the nacelle's airflow outward and aftward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Spirit AreoSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Welch, Thomas Scott, Michael P. Urban, Matthew Tymes
  • Patent number: 9188082
    Abstract: A method for monitoring at least one locking device of an electrical thrust reversal system for a turbine engine, the method being carried out by a computer prior to the take-off of the turbine engine, the method including sending a command for opening the locking devices; verifying the opening of the locking devices; sending a command for closing the locking devices; and verifying the closing of the locking devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Antoine Olivier François Colin, Nicolas Marie Pierre Gueit, Catherine Dorothée Josette Ibanez Garcia
  • Patent number: 9169805
    Abstract: A thrust inverter for a turbojet engine nacelle includes an outer movable cowl and a front frame. The outer movable cowl translates between a closed position and a thrust inversion position and also moves to a supporting position in which the outer movable cowl is hinged and guided by a guiding member located on a pylon. In particular, the front frame holding cascade vanes is mounted downstream from an air blower housing, and part of the front frame is detachably connected to the air blower housing. The front frame is translatable along the guiding member once the front frame is detached from the air blower housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Guy Bernard Vauchel, Pierre Caruel, Andre Baillard, Peter Sagat
  • Patent number: 9157395
    Abstract: The invention relates to a twelve-hour structure for a thrust reverser, that comprises a half beam (1) capable of holding a reverser half cowling and including a plurality of hinge yokes (9c) for rotatingly mounting said half beam (1) on a nacelle-holding mast. The half beam (1) is at least partially made of a composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Jean-Bernard Vache, Georges Laurent Valleroy
  • Patent number: 9133790
    Abstract: A propulsion system has a nacelle, and inside this nacelle, a dual flow turbojet engine includes a fan case in which are located a fan and an assembly of fixed flow-rectifying vanes. This propulsion system includes a thrust inverter located between the fan and the assembly of the fixed flow-rectifying vanes. In particular, the thrust inverter includes a plurality of windows formed in the fan case and thrust inversion flaps to send back the secondary airflow toward the outside and toward the front of the nacelle, through the windows. The thrust inversion flaps pivotally move between a normal operating position in which they allow the passage of the secondary airflow and block the windows, and a thrust inversion position in which they block the passage and clear the windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Ingrid Pitiot, Nicolas Dezeustre
  • Patent number: 9133789
    Abstract: The invention relates to a nacelle for an aircraft engine that comprises a front cowling (13) and a rear cowling (1a), the rear cowling (1a) being mounted so as to slide between an upstream position defining a reduced nozzle (9) section and a downstream position defining an enlarged nozzle (9) section. The nacelle includes an intermediate member (25) arranged edge-to-edge with said front cowling (13), said member defining a housing (27) for receiving the upstream edge (11) of said rear cowling (1a) when the latter is in the upstream position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 9109541
    Abstract: A locking system for a cascade thrust reverser on a bypass turbofan is disclosed. The locking system includes a translating sleeve configured to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. A lock member is mounted to a beam and has a locking portion which contacts a roller on the translating sleeve to retract the locking portion when the translating sleeve moves to the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventor: Martin Colin Channel
  • Patent number: 9109538
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system (10) for controlling an aircraft propelled by at least one jet engine housed in a nacelle, characterised in that said system includes: a full authority electronic control unit (100) of the jet engine, intended for monitoring the jet engine, suitable for monitoring and controlling at least one electrical device of the nacelle; and an electric power unit (200) of the nacelle, external to said full authority electronic control unit of the jet engine for monitoring the jet engine, suitable for managing the electric power supply of said electrical device of the nacelle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: Hakim Maalioune
  • Patent number: 9109540
    Abstract: A cascade thrust reverser for an airplane dual flow jet engine nacelle is provided that includes a front frame holding a plurality of cascades, a cowling slidably mounted between a direct jet position and a reverse jet position. The cowl includes a substantially annular diaphragm that is placed edge-to-edge with the front frame and radially inside said cascades when said cowl is located in the direct jet position. Thrust reversal flaps are pivotably mounted onto the diaphragm, and cylinders for actuating the cowl are also provided. Upstream ends of the cylinders are mounted on a stationary portion of the nacelle, and the downstream ends of the cylinders are mounted on an upstream edge of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 9102395
    Abstract: A propulsive system for aircraft that has a jet engine and a nacelle surrounding the aforementioned jet engine. The nacelle has a front section fixed relative to the jet engine, and a rear extremity behind the front section, and has a rear section with two petals hinged relative to the front section. Each of the two petals in a position called zero-setting forms an extension of the front section of the nacelle in which the inside and outside surfaces of the petals and, respectively, determine the aerodynamic forms of the rear section, which are in geometric continuity with the inside and outside surfaces and, respectively, that determine the aerodynamic forms of the front section. The petals can be set individually at a positive or negative setting angle to put into play the reverser, APU, air brake, vectorial, and taxiing modes of the propulsive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Olivier Cazals, Jaime Genty De La Sagne
  • Patent number: 9103298
    Abstract: A primary seal assembly for a variable area fan nozzle (VAFN) equipped turbofan engine includes a deformable seal and a seal retainer attached to the seal. The seal includes an inner wall and webs attached to the inner wall and extending transversely there-from. The inner wall and the webs extend circumferentially at least partially around a bypass duct of the turbofan engine. An inner surface of the inner wall interfaces with the VAFN when the VAFN is in the stowed position. The seal is compressed between the VAFN and the seal retainer when the VAFN is in the stowed position. And each of the webs is deformed into a non-planar configuration when the VAFN is in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Kent Gormley
  • Patent number: 9097209
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine thrust reverser system includes a fan nacelle having a fixed portion and a movable portion configured to move relative to the fixed portion between opened and closed positions in response to a command to selectively provide an opening between the fixed and movable portions. A fan case is arranged within the fan nacelle. The fan case includes an integral bull nose adjacent to the opening in the open position and to the movable portion in the closed position. The bull nose has a curved wall sloping radially outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael N. Charron, James L. Lucas
  • Patent number: 9074554
    Abstract: The invention relates to a jet engine nacelle reverse thrust device (10) including a means for diverting at least one portion of a jet engine air flow and moreover includes at least one cowl (20) that is translatable in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the nacelle, the device having at least one flap (30) that is pivotably mounted, by one end, onto the translatable cowl, said translatable cowl (20) being capable of passing alternately from a closed position, wherein said cowl, with the flap (30) in a retracted position, ensures the aerodynamic continuity of the nacelle and covers the diverting means, to an open position, wherein said cowl opens a passage in the nacelle and uncovers the diverting means, the flap (30) being in a pivoted position wherein it is capable of sealing off a portion of an annular channel of the nacelle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: Pierre Caruel
  • Patent number: 9068532
    Abstract: A nacelle assembly for a turbofan engine includes a forward nacelle portion having an aft edge and defining a bypass duct that transports bypass airflow of the turbofan engine, a translatable sleeve that is translatable aft of the forward nacelle portion and a reverse thrust apparatus that is movable between a stowed position, and a deployed position. When the reverse thrust apparatus is deployed, the translatable sleeve is moved aft to a position away from the aft edge of the forward nacelle portion to expose a cascade assembly comprising an opening in the bypass duct, and one or more blocker doors are deployed so as to extend into the bypass duct, such that at least a portion of the airflow in the bypass duct is directed out the bypass duct through the cascade assembly. Also, during deployment of the reverse thrust apparatus, at least a portion of the cascade assembly translates toward the engine centerline. The cascade assembly may have a cross-section that is non-uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Gormley
  • Patent number: 9062626
    Abstract: A propulsion unit comprising a turbofan engine faired by a nacelle, and held in suspension by at least one pylon, the turbofan engine including a fan; a duct, bounded by an internal surface of the duct and an inner surface of the nacelle, that channels air accelerated by the fan; and a thrust reverser including a first part and a second part, wherein the turbofan engine has a first circumferential sector and a second circumferential sector distinct from the first circumferential sector, wherein the first circumferential sector and the second circumferential sector span the entire turbofan engine, the first part is entirely within the first circumferential sector and includes doors that channel the air in the duct towards an exterior of the nacelle via openings, and the second part is entirely within the second circumferential sector and includes mobile elements that channel the air in the duct toward the doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS S.A.S.
    Inventor: Jacques Herve Marche
  • Patent number: 9058756
    Abstract: An outdoor art-post assembly includes an elongate support pole, an art post, and at least one mounting mechanism. The elongate support pole has a lower portion and an auger disposed at the lower portion. The auger allows for vertical installation of the support pole in soil in response to manual rotation of the support pole. The art post has an inner surface defining a bore. The bore is capable of receiving at least a portion of the elongate support pole. The art post also has an outer surface including decorative indicia thereon. The mounting mechanism is located on the support pole and has protruding portions extending away from the support pole. The protruding portions are configured to contact the inner surface of the art post and affix the art post relative to the support pole. Methods of assembling the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Magnet Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Curtis L. Todd
  • Patent number: 9051898
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thrust reversal device comprising at least one cowl arranged in such a way that it can be moved between a closed position and an open position, said cowl being actuated by at least one actuator that can be driven by at least one electric engine. The invention is characterized in that at least one electric engine is connected to at least two separate power supplies (7a, 7b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: Hakim Maalioune
  • Publication number: 20150143796
    Abstract: A propulsion system of an aircraft includes an inner fixed structure (IFS) and the outer sleeve that may be separately coupled to the pylon. For instance, the inner fixed structure and the outer sleeve may move independently with respect to each other. A single latch of the latching system disclosed herein, may be configured to latch all 4 panels, (e.g. both halves of the IFS and both doors of the outer sleeve) together and/or in a closed and retained position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: ROHR, INC.
    Inventor: ANTHONY LACKO
  • Publication number: 20150143795
    Abstract: An aircraft propulsion system may include a generally annular fan case defined by a fan configured to be disposed at a forward end thereof and a stator blade array configured to be disposed at an of end thereof, a thrust reversing assembly comprising at least a portion of the fan case, the fan case comprising a generally annular cascade array, and/or a sleeve situated at least partially about the cascade array, the sleeve configured to deploy to expose the cascade array. The aircraft propulsion system may further comprise a blocker door coupled to at least one of the cascade array and an inner surface of the fan case, the blocker door configured to deploy to redirect airflow through the cascade array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: ROHR, INC.
    Inventor: Norman J. James
  • Patent number: 9038362
    Abstract: A turbofan engine (10) employs a flow control device (41) that changes an effective exit nozzle area (40) associated with a bypass flow path (B) of the turbofan engine. A spool (14) couples a fan (20) to a generator (52). The turbofan emergency power system includes a controller (50) that communicates with the flow control device (41). Upon sensing an emergency condition, the controller manipulates the flow control device to reduce the effective nozzle exit area (40) of the bypass flow path, which chokes the flow through the bypass flow path thereby increasing the rotational speed of the fan. In this manner, the generator is driven at a higher rotational speed than if the flow through the bypass flow path was not choked, which enables a smaller generator to be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Winter, Charles E. Lents
  • Patent number: 9043050
    Abstract: A reverse thrust detent system for an aircraft includes a throttle quadrant having an intermediate reverse thrust detent position, a reverse thrust scheduling system interfacing with the throttle quadrant, at least one aircraft engine interfacing with the reverse thrust scheduling system and a programmable input interfacing with the reverse thrust scheduling system and adapted to receive an engine reverse thrust setting. The reverse thrust scheduling system is adapted to operate the at least one aircraft engine according to the engine reverse thrust setting responsive to actuation of the intermediate reverse thrust detent position of the throttle quadrant. A reverse thrust detent method for an aircraft is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William L. Goodman, Thomas Imrich
  • Patent number: 9038367
    Abstract: A fan case of a gas turbine engine includes a fan blade containment section defined about an engine axis, a thrust reverser cascade section downstream of the blade containment section and a Fan Exit Guide Vane section downstream of the thrust reverser cascade section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Brian D. Merry, Allan R. Penda, Christopher M. Dye, Jay Bhatt
  • Publication number: 20150121839
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a pivot thrust reverser. The pivot thrust reverser includes a first tandem pivot door subassembly comprising an inner panel and an outer panel. The inner panel and the outer panel are connected so as to rotate simultaneously about respective pivot axises that are each positionally fixed axises relative to the gas turbine engine assembly. A second tandem pivot door subassembly is included, spaced from the first tandem pivot door subassembly and comprising an inner panel and an outer panel. The inner panel and the outer panel are connected so as to rotate simultaneously about respective pivot axises that are each positionally fixed axises relative to the gas turbine engine assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jesse M. Chandler, Gabriel L. Suciu
  • Publication number: 20150113945
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine that has a fan case radially surrounding a fan hub, and plural fan exit guide vanes rotatably connected between the fan hub and the fan case. The fan section also has a thrust reverser opening within the case, axially upstream of the guide vanes. The gas turbine engine also has a core case containing a core engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Brian D. Merry
  • Publication number: 20150113944
    Abstract: A door for a door-type thrust reverser is able to move between a direct jet mode of a nacelle and a reverse jet mode. The door includes an inner wall being integrated into a flow path of an air flow generated by a turbojet engine, an outer wall, at least one side wall connecting the inner wall to the outer wall of the door, and a deflector to deflect the air flow. In particular, the deflector includes a cavity of the door which is shaped to convey a fraction of the air flow from one air inlet rigidly secured to the inner wall of the door to one air outlet rigidly secured to the side wall of the door, so as to redirect, during operation of the nacelle in the reverse jet mode, a part of the air flow upstream from the inner wall of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Sébastien PASCAL, Laurent Albert BLIN
  • Patent number: 9016042
    Abstract: An inner fixed structure of a thrust reverser includes an inner skin, an outer skin, a cellular core disposed between the inner skin and the outer skin, and at least one crack and delamination stopper extending radially between the inner skin and the outer skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Song Chiou, Jia Yu, Claude Hubert, Michael Layland
  • Publication number: 20150107220
    Abstract: A VAFN system is provided for a fan case of an engine. The system includes a motor; a gearbox; an actuator; a nozzle; and a drive coupling extending between the gearbox and the actuator and configured to transmit the mechanical torque from the motor to the actuator. The drive coupling includes an external tube extending from a first one of the gearbox or the actuator, the external tube defining first and second slots extending in a longitudinal direction, and an internal tube extending from a second one of the gearbox or the actuator and at least partially extending within the external tube, the internal tube including a pin with first and second ends respectively positioned within the first and second slots such that the internal tube is configured to translate within the external tube and to be rotatably coupled to the external tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kevin K. Chakkera, Ron Vaughan
  • Publication number: 20150107222
    Abstract: A fan ramp aerodynamically guides bypass duct air from the aft end of the fan case to the forward end of the cascades. To improve packaging of the thrust reverser assembly, the fan ramp begins on the interior of the fan case n continues onto the structure surrounding the cascade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: ROHR, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Aten
  • Publication number: 20150107221
    Abstract: A fan ramp for use in a thrust reverser portion of a nacelle is disclosed. The nacelle is included in a propulsion system. The fan ramp extends circumferentially about an axial fan ramp centerline. The fan ramp includes a forward edge, an aft edge, and a first blocker door pocket. The forward edge is disposed proximate an aft end of a fan case. The fan case at least partially surrounds a fan section of a gas turbine engine. The aft edge is disposed proximate a forward end of an array of cascades. The array of cascades is operable to permit a bypass airstream to pass there through during a thrust reversing operation. The first blocker door pocket is operable to receive at least a portion of a forward edge of a first blocker door included in the nacelle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Aten, Milan Mitrovic
  • Patent number: 9010204
    Abstract: The invention relates to a torque limiter for an actuator including a screw (101), a nut mounted on said screw, an actuation tube (105) rigidly connected to the nut and means (109, 133) for rotating said screw, said limiter being characterized in that it includes an abutment (115, 110) capable of: preventing the rotation of said tube (105) by friction simply by an axial force exerted by said screw (101) onto said nut during the movement thereof; and enabling the rotation of said tube (105) when said nut arrives at an axial abutment of said screw beyond a predetermined torque threshold defined by the axial force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventor: Pierre Moradell-Casellas
  • Patent number: 9003770
    Abstract: The invention relates to a nacelle rear assembly for a turbojet engine, that comprises: a hood, an inner structure in the shape of a sheath in which at least the rear portion (15) is of the O-duct type and is capable of axial sliding between an operational position in which it covers the gas generator (3) of said turbojet engine and defines an annular cold-air jet with said hood, and a maintenance position downstream from said operational position. The downstream portion (15) is conformed so as to be capable of sliding without blocking relative to said gas generator (3), and the inner structure includes an upstream portion (13) that can be separated from the downstream portion (15) and that includes at least two doors (13a, 13b) capable of opening towards the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventor: Pierre Caruel
  • Patent number: 8991151
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for actuating a plurality of actuators (15) that can move a mobile panel of an aircraft nacelle. Said system comprises at least two motors (16) that can drive the actuators (15), the two motors (16) being controlled and supplied by at least two separate control units (33, 35), and the actuators (15) being mechanically interconnected by a mechanical transmission (37). The invention also relates to a nacelle comprising such an actuating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: Aircelle, Sagem Defense Securite
    Inventors: Hakim Maalioune, Vincent Le-Coq, Fernand Rodriguez, Pierre Moradell-Casellas