Having Thrust Reverser Patents (Class 60/226.2)
  • Patent number: 8739515
    Abstract: A nacelle assembly for a high-bypass gas turbine engine includes a variable area fan nozzle having a first fan nacelle section and a second fan nacelle section. The second fan nacelle section being axially movable relative the first fan nacelle section to define an auxiliary port to vary a fan nozzle exit area and adjust fan bypass airflow, the second fan nacelle section includes at least one cowl with an inner portion, an outer portion and a multiple of stiffeners therebetween to increase a flutter margin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Fred W. Schwark, Jr., Oliver V. Atassi, William D. Owen
  • Patent number: 8733080
    Abstract: An actuator arrangement comprises an actuator having a rotatable drive input, a motor, and a drive transmission arrangement for transmitting rotary drive from the motor to the rotatable drive input of the actuator, wherein the transmission arrangement includes a telescopic drive coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Goodrich Actuation Systems Limited
    Inventors: Tony Jones, John Herbert Harvey, Peter William Bacon, Mark Hubberstey, Brett John Wharton, Neil Charles Davies, Stephen Michael Roberts, Steven Andrew Wylie
  • Publication number: 20140137541
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a nacelle for a dual-flow turbojet engine includes a cold airstream having a non-constant cross-section over the periphery of the nacelle, such that at least one flap is radially offset with respect to the central axis of the turbojet engine, relative to the adjacent flaps. The system for driving the radially offset flaps is suitable for ensuring that the kinematics of the flaps are offset relative to the kinematics of the flaps mounted along the remainder of the periphery of the airstream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: Pierre Caruel
  • Publication number: 20140137540
    Abstract: A thrust reverser actuation system for a jet engine having a turbine engine surrounded by a nacelle to define an annular air flow path between the turbine engine and the nacelle, with a thrust reverser having a movable element to reverse the direction of at least a portion of the air flow along the air flow path, where the thrust reverser actuation system includes a hydraulic actuator configured to be operably coupled to the movable element, and a remote actuator that controls the inhibit function of the hydraulic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Woodward HRT, Inc.
    Inventors: Galen Ko, Yehuda M. Shapira
  • Patent number: 8727275
    Abstract: A nacelle is configured to be coupled to an underside of a wing and forms a clearance space between the nacelle and a leading edge slat of the wing. A portion of an outlet cowling moves longitudinally aft when a reverse thrust configuration is activated and the leading edge slat is deployed toward the nacelle. The outlet cowling also includes another portion located adjacent to the leading edge slat that does not move when the reverse thrust configuration is activated and thus maintains its clearance space from the leading edge slat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ray Aten, Sara Crawford
  • Patent number: 8726634
    Abstract: A nacelle for an aircraft engine is provided that includes a thrust reverser cowling slideably mounted between a direct jet position and a reversed jet position, an outlet jet pipe nozzle with variable cross-section positioned in a downstream extension of the reverser cowling, and means for respectively actuating the cowling and the nozzle. The nozzle is slideably mounted on the thrust reverser cowling, and the means includes at least one actuator for actuating said thrust reverser cowling, at least one driving pinion rotatably mounted on a fixed structure of said nacelle, and at least one rack for actuating the nozzle, secured to the nozzle and meshing with the driving pinion when the thrust reverser cowling is in the direct jet position, and escaping from this pinion when said reverser cowling is in the reversed jet position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventors: Guy Bernard Vauchel, Pierre Moradell-Casellas, Loïc Le Boulicaut
  • Patent number: 8720182
    Abstract: A variable area fan nozzle for use with a gas turbine engine system includes a nozzle having a cross-sectional area associated with a discharge air flow from a fan bypass passage. The nozzle is selectively moveable between multiple static positions for varying the cross-sectional area and multiple thrust reverse positions that are different from the static positions for reversing a direction of the discharge flow from the fan bypass passage to produce a thrust reversing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Ashok K. Jain
  • Patent number: 8720183
    Abstract: A translating sleeve assembly for use with an aircraft engine thrust reverser broadly comprises a slider track, a lifting bolt, and a hinge. The slider track may include a tubular sidewall and a guide channel formed therein that follows a curved path along a length thereof. The lifting bolt may be slidably positioned within the slider track. The hinge may include a first hinge element with a base coupled to an outer cowl shroud, a second hinge element with a hinge rod slidably positioned within the guide channel, and a pin about which the first hinge element and the second hinge element pivot. During deployment of the thrust reverser, the lifting bolt slides aftward and the hinge rod slides within the guide channel, urging the lifting bolt to pivot and the hinge to open, thereby lifting the outer cowl shroud away from the center of the aircraft engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Michael Welch, Christopher Steven Sawyer
  • Patent number: 8720818
    Abstract: A thrust reverser for a double-flow nacelle that has a cowling, with the thrust reverser having an internal door and an external door designed to be made within the thickness of the cowling. The reverser also has means for simultaneously displacing the doors between a first position called the rest position, in which the doors are integrated into the cowling so as to form an aerodynamic continuity with the external wall and the internal wall of the cowling, and a second active position, in which the doors are open so that the internal and external doors extend toward the inside and toward the outside of the nacelle, respectively, thus at least partially blocking the annular channel of the secondary flow, to deflect the secondary flow and to generate a thrust reversal, with the means being designed to be received in a compartment arranged inside the cowling formed by the doors in the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Olivier Teulou, Guillaume Poirier
  • Patent number: 8713910
    Abstract: Assembly for supporting a gas turbine engine comprises a support member including mounting sites for attachment to an associated aircraft. The support member includes integral slider tracks disposed on opposed sidewalls for selective engagement with a translatable cowl. The translatable cowl is translatable along the slider tracks to selectively cover and expose a cascade thrust-reversing structure. The cascade structure includes arcuate segments mounted in hinged relationship to the support member. Rearward translation of the translatable cowl to a service position permits the cascade structure to be opened for access to the core engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alan Roy Stuart, John Robert Fehrmann
  • Patent number: 8713911
    Abstract: A thrust reverser assembly for use in a turbofan engine assembly. The engine assembly includes a core gas turbine engine and a core cowl which circumscribes the core gas turbine engine. A nacelle is positioned radially outward from the core cowl to define a fan nozzle duct between the core cowl and a portion of the nacelle. The nacelle includes a stationary cowl. The thrust reverser assembly includes a first translating cowl that is slidably coupled to the nacelle. The first translating cowl is positionable with respect to the stationary cowl. A second translating cowl is slidably coupled to the nacelle such that the first translating cowl is positioned between the stationary cowl and the second translating cowl. The second translating cowl is positionable with respect to the first translating cowl. A positioning assembly is coupled to the first translating cowl. An actuator assembly is operatively coupled to the second translating cowl for selectively moving the second translating cowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Woodward HRT, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Thomas Kopecek, Peter William Walker
  • Publication number: 20140117106
    Abstract: Thrust reversers and methods to provide reverse thrust are disclosed. An example thrust reverser includes a cascade to direct air from an interior volume of an engine nacelle to generate reverse thrust with respect to a direction of travel, and an air extractor to extract a portion of air approaching the cascade from within the interior volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: THE BOEING COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20140116026
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a core engine and a nacelle having a cowl translatable along the axis of the engine from a stowed position to a deployed position, A thrust reverser cascade extends circumferentially about the engine axis. To obviate the need for additional blanking cascades the cowl has a forwardly extending tongue that in the deployed position of the cowl is at the same axial position as the thrust reverser cascade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND LTD & CO KG
    Inventor: Predrag TODOROVIC
  • Publication number: 20140116025
    Abstract: A blocker door for a gas turbine engine thrust reverser having a tray with a base and sidewalk extending about the base to define a volume, the volume being dosed by a cover that extends beyond the periphery of the tray. The extension of the cover beyond the periphery provides a sealing feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND LTD & CO KG
    Inventor: Predrag TODOROVIC
  • Publication number: 20140116024
    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: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Colin Channel
  • Patent number: 8701386
    Abstract: An aircraft nacelle in which a power plant with an outside surface is arranged, whereby the nacelle has an inside wall that with the outside surface of the power plant delimits a secondary annular pipe, at least one moving part so as to create at least one lateral opening, and a thrust reversal device that has at least one moving physical obstacle that can occupy a first retracted state in which it does not deflect the stream that circulates in the secondary pipe and another deployed state in which it at least partially deflects the stream that circulates in the secondary annular pipe toward the at least one side opening, characterized in that it includes a ring that is arranged in the secondary pipe, distant from the inside wall of the nacelle and the outside surface of the power plant that supports the at least one moving physical obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Benoit Letay, Benjamin Saget, Franck Lesieur, Stephane Flin
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8677733
    Abstract: A ducted fan gas turbine assembly has a propulsive fan driven by a core engine. The turbine assembly has an annular bypass duct which receives an airflow from the fan and is bounded on the radially inward side by the core engine and on the radially outward side by an engine nacelle. The turbine assembly has a thrust reverser assembly having a vane arrangement including a first set of turning vanes for channelling airflow from the duct in a rearward direction, a second set of turning vanes for channelling airflow from the bypass duct in a forward direction. The thrust reverser assembly includes a plurality of blocker doors which are deployable to block the bypass duct. The nacelle has stationary and movable cowl portions that cooperate with the thrust reverser assembly to provide several operational configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce, PLC
    Inventors: Peter K. Beardsley, Crispin D. Bolgar
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8667802
    Abstract: An aircraft nacelle comprising an outer cowl and an inner cowl located inward of the outer cowl with an air flow path formed therebetween. The inner cowl may comprise a forward portion and an aft portion slidable in a forward-to-aft direction via one or more actuators. When translated aftward, the aft portion may decrease the area of the nacelle's fan duct nozzle. The greatest radial distance between the inner cowl and a center axis of the nacelle may occur at or forward of a location in which the forward and aft portions overlap each other. The forward portion may be comprised of a different material than the aft portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Ray West
  • Publication number: 20140053533
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine has an outer housing defining an exit nozzle at a downstream end of the engine. A fan is mounted at an upstream end of the engine, and rotates on a first axis. The nozzle is centered on the first axis. A core engine includes a compressor section, a combustor and a turbine section. The turbine section is closest to the fan, the combustor section and then the compressor section and positioned further away from the fan relative to the turbine section. A downstream end of the nozzle has at least one pivoting shell and an actuator to pivot the at least one shell between an in-flight position and a deployed position in which the at least one shell inhibits a flow cross-sectional area of said nozzle to provide a thrust reverser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Jesse M. Chandler
  • Patent number: 8660771
    Abstract: A method for detecting the opening of a thrust reverser for a jet engine of an aircraft is disclosed. According to the method, an operating parameter of the turbojet (1) is determined being responsive to the opening of a mobile element (2a, 2b) of the thrust reverser and reacting to such an opening by a sudden variation of the value thereof, the parameter is measured continuously and the mobile element (2a, 2b) is considered as being opened when the sudden variation is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Patrick Jegu, Jacques Rosay, Emanuele Costanzo
  • Patent number: 8650855
    Abstract: The control system of the invention includes at least one actuator (6) for a cowling (2), driven by at least one electric motor (7), and a control means (9) for the electric motor (7). The electric motor control means (9) includes a means for determining and/or estimating the outside temperature of the turbojet engine, the electric motor control means being adapted for adjusting the driving torque supplied by the electric motor on the basis of said outer temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventor: Hakim Maalioune
  • Patent number: 8635851
    Abstract: This grid thrust reverser cover comprises a seal support and a seal mounted in this support by means of two fastening lugs, this seal being capable of interacting with a diversion edge of this thrust reverser. At least one of the said lugs is turned up and the said support has a section matching that defined by the said lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventors: Guy Vauchel, Eric Lecossais, Frederic Zoonekyndt
  • Patent number: 8631640
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a jet engine nacelle comprising a forward air inlet section, a mid-section intended to surround a jet engine fan, and an aft section equipped with at least one thrust reversal system comprising, on the one hand, means for deflecting at least part of an air flow of the jet engine and, on the other hand, at least one cowl (12) mounted translatably along at least one guide rail (15) in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the nacelle, said movable cowl being able to switch alternately from a closed position, in which it provides the nacelle with aerodynamic continuity and covers the deflection means, to an open position in which it opens a passage in the nacelle and uncovers said deflection means, the nacelle being characterized in that the aft section is equipped with at least one stud (18) mounted such that it can move over a fixed structure of the aft section in the region of the guide rail between a retracted position, in which said stud is withdrawn f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventors: Pascal Gerard Rouyer, Emmanuel Lesteven
  • Patent number: 8627644
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thrust reverser (9) for an aircraft nacelle (1), including: a front frame (11), a cowl (21) which can move between an operating position and an intermediate maintenance position downstream of the front frame (11), means (26) for moving the cowl (21) between closed and open positions, and an inner structure (23) which can move between an operating position and an intermediate maintenance position downstream of the front frame (11). In addition, the cowl (21) comprises two half-cowls (21a, 21b) and the inner structure (23) comprises two structure halves (23a, 23b), whereby said half-cowls (21a, 21b) and said inner structure halves (23a, 23b) can open outward when the cowl (21) and the inner structure (23) are in the intermediate maintenance position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventor: Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Publication number: 20140000237
    Abstract: A thrust reverser system for a gas turbine engine includes a duct including a cowling movable between an open position and a closed position in a direction transverse to a centerline of the gas turbine engine. The thrust reverser is supported within the cowling and movable between an axial closed position, an axial intermediate position and an axial open position. A controller is actuateable to command movement of the thrust reverser from the axial closed position to the axial intermediate position such that the cowling is free to move to the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: James L. Lucas, Michael Charron
  • Publication number: 20140000238
    Abstract: A locking/unlocking device for a thrust reverser with sliding cover and adaptive nozzle is provided that includes a fixed pin secured to a fixed structure of the reverser, a first sleeve secured to the sliding cover and able to accommodate the pin, a second sleeve slidabiy mounted on the first sleeve, a third sleeve secured to the adaptive nozzle and slidably mounted on the second sleeve, first locking means able to lock the first sleeve with respect to the pin, second locking means able to lock the second sleeve with respect to the first sleeve, and third locking means able to lock the third sleeve with respect to the second sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: AIRCELLE
  • Patent number: 8615982
    Abstract: An integrated variable area fan nozzle (VAFN) and thrust reversing actuation system (TRAS) system includes movable surfaces for adjusting an exit area for bypass flow and cowls moved for directing discharge flow in a reverser manner. The movable surfaces of the VAFN and TRAS systems are both coupled for movement by a common actuator arrangement. A power drive unit drives each of the actuators on each of the actuators through a gearbox or other linkage such that one common motor or motor combination is utilized for driving all of the actuators. A series of redundant and separately actuateable locks control deployment of the surfaces of the thrust reverse system such that thrust reversing system can move to an open or deployed position only in response to each of the locks being actuated to an unlocked condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Dale B. Sundstrom, Kevin Gibbons, Teddy L. Jones
  • Patent number: 8613185
    Abstract: Disclosed is a ventilating air intake arrangement of an aircraft. The arrangement includes at least one air duct connected to an air intake orifice. At least one confined zone connects with the air duct and the air intake orifice, and the confined zone is configured in a manner in which outside air enters through the air intake orifice. A controllable mobile element modifies the flow of air entering the confined zone by varying a cross section of the air duct. A control unit is used to control the controllable mobile element, with the control unit being arranged so as to control the controllable mobile element to vary the cross section of the at least one air duct as a function of speed and altitude of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventor: Alain Dupre
  • Publication number: 20130327014
    Abstract: Several improvements to optimize aircraft power plant and aircraft operations are disclosed, as well as methods of using these improvements to reduce fuel consumption, gas emission, noise, aircraft weight, maintenance costs, operating costs, aircraft incident and accidents, and improving aircraft performance. The improvements consist of a power plant fitted with a front propulsor, core engine, and aft propulsor. The fan of each propulsor is separated mechanically from the core engine. The front fan is separated mechanically from the aft fan. The aft fan is driven by free turbine that is supplied by exhaust gas of the core engine. If the core engine fails, both propulsors operate and provide thrust and reversed thrust when needed. If one propulsor fails, the other propulsor of the same power plant operates and provides thrust and reversed thrust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Djamal Moulebhar
  • Patent number: 8601789
    Abstract: A control system of a hydraulic type for a thrust reversal device with which a jet engine nacelle is equipped, and associated with a nozzle variation device, is provided by the present disclosure. The control system includes at least one additional control unit hydraulically connecting actuators together, wherein hydraulic supply lines from the control unit in a nozzle mode and from the control unit in a reverser mode are then able to communicate hydraulically with each other. A plurality of control valves are laid out so that when the unit for driving the actuators in a nozzle mode is active, a corresponding hydraulic signal controls the valves of the control unit in a position such that the hydraulic supply lines of the actuators from the driving unit according to a reverser mode are cut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventor: Vincent Pierre Le Coq
  • Publication number: 20130318945
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an aircraft gas turbine thrust-reversing device with an engine having an engine cowling, the rear area of which can be displaced 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 free space towards a forward stationary area of the engine cowling, with the rear area of the engine cowling being functionally coupled to deflecting elements arranged in the forward thrust position within the front area of the engine cowling, with the deflecting elements during displacement of the rear area of the engine cowling being moveable on a partial-circular path facing the central axis of the engine and contactable by their rear end areas with a cowling of the core engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd. & Co KG
    Inventor: Predrag Todorovic
  • Patent number: 8596037
    Abstract: A nacelle, for an aircraft jet engine having a high bypass ratio, in which a jet engine having a longitudinal axis is mounted. The nacelle includes a wall that concentrically, and at least partially, surrounds the jet engine and together defines an annular duct. The nacelle further includes a displacement device that controllably displaces a portion of the nacelle wall in order to modify the section of the flow outlet passage and form at least one longitudinally extending opening. A device for forming a fluid barrier along the at least one longitudinally extending opening is provided to counteract the natural exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Guillaume Bulin, Patrick Oberle, Thierry Surply
  • Publication number: 20130312387
    Abstract: An aircraft nacelle having a fixed structure fixed relative to an aircraft pylon, a translating thrust reverser sleeve translatable aftward, relative to the fixed structure, and a translating variable area fan nozzle (VAFN) panel translatable aftward, relative to the translating thrust reverser sleeve. The nacelle may also include a VAFN actuator mounted on the translating thrust reverser sleeve and a VAFN drive unit attached to the fixed structure. The VAFN drive unit may be coupled to drive the VAFN actuator via first and second coupling components when the translating thrust reverser sleeve is stowed. When the translating thrust reverser sleeve is deployed, the first and second coupling components may decouple, disconnecting the VAFN drive unit from the VAFN actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Randall Ray West, Joe Everet Sternberger
  • Publication number: 20130298524
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for linking a front frame of a thrust reverser to a fan casing, which includes a linking flange capable of engaging with a receiving part secured to the casing and an annular receiving part secured to the front frame. The linking flange is made up of two flange sectors, movably mounted around an axis, pivoting between an engaged position and an open position. In the engaged position, the flange engages with the annular receiving part of the fan casing and the annular receiving part of the front frame so as to connect them. In the open position, the flange is radially separated from the annular receiving part of the fan casing and the annular receiving part of the front frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Loic LE BOULICAUT
  • Patent number: 8578698
    Abstract: A fan duct (5) is defined between an inner skin (2) and an outer skin into which the inner skin of the sliding cover (7) is incorporated in the direct-thrust configuration. The inner skin of the sliding cover (7) comprises an annular part extending radially inwards and capable, in the reverse-thrust configuration, of coming to face a larger-diameter annular part of the inner skin (2) of the fan duct (5). The annular part of the sliding cover (7) comprises at least one flap (8) mounted such that it can pivot between the retracted position and a deployed position in which a front part (8a) of the flap (8), upstream of its middle axis (9) about which it is articulated, projects into the fan duct (5). Translational stop means (11) are provided in order, in the reverse thrust position, to act on a rear part (8b) of the flap (8) in such a way as to cause the flap (8) to pivot into the deployed position to close off the fan duct (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventor: Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 8578699
    Abstract: The invention relates to a turbojet engine nacelle that includes a power supply source (113) for a system for actuating and controlling a thrust reverser device (121), and for a system for actuating and controlling a variable nozzle device (120), characterised in that the power supply can be switched between a first position in which it powers the system for actuating and controlling the thrust reverser device, and a second position in which it powers the system for actuating and controlling the variable nozzle device, wherein the switching is carried out under the action of a control output from a computer (103) capable of receiving a thrust reverser opening control (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventor: Benoit Kubiak
  • Patent number: 8549834
    Abstract: A nacelle assembly for a bypass gas turbine engine includes a variable area fan nozzle having a first fan nacelle section and a second fan nacelle section. The variable area fan nozzle is in communication with a fan bypass flow path, the first fan nacelle section defines an intermittent trailing edge which defines a multiple of ports and the second fan nacelle section defines a multiple of doors, each of the multiple of doors match each of the multiple of ports such that a fan nacelle trailing edge is continuous when the second fan nacelle section is selectively translated to a closed position relative to the first fan nacelle section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Logan H. Do, Edward A. Krystowski
  • Publication number: 20130255225
    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: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Michael N. Charron, James L. Lucas
  • Patent number: 8528857
    Abstract: A translatable thrust inverter with grids for a turbojet, that defines at least a portion of the downstream section of a nacelle housing the turbojet. The thrust reversal system includes a front frame secured to a fixed portion of the nacelle and bearing. A first side includes cylinders for the translational actuation of at least one mobile cowling. A second side includes grids for inverting the peripheral thrusts, wherein the front frame includes a fixed portion for securing the front frame to the fixed portion of the nacelle and bearing the diversion grids. The system further includes a portion mounted so as to be capable of translational movement along the longitudinal axis of the nacelle and on which one end of the cowling actuation cylinders is attached, wherein the fixed and mobile portions of the front frame can be removably connected to each other by locking means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventors: Nicolas Hillereau, Jerome Collier, Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Publication number: 20130219857
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes an engine core outer casing and a fan nacelle spaced radially outwardly relative to the engine core outer casing to define a bypass duct. A plurality of drag links is used to pivot blocker doors into a flow blocking position in the bypass duct when a thrust reverser is deployed. The plurality of drag links is located within the bypass duct in an area of non-uniform flow defined by a plurality of local airflow angles. Each drag link is individually configured to align with one of the local flow angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Steven H. Zysman, Edward F. Migliaro, JR.
  • Patent number: 8516790
    Abstract: This leaf spring (17) for a thrust reverser shutter (13) is noteworthy in that it has two branches (19, 21) defining a U shape, the ends (19a, 19b, 21a, 21b) of these branches being able to cooperate respectively with a shutter (13) of said reverser and with a link (15) for actuating this shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventor: Jean-Paul Hogie
  • Publication number: 20130213006
    Abstract: An actuator assembly includes a rotatable first shaft, a second shaft, and a ball screw mechanism. The second shaft is telescopically received in and extensible relative to the first shaft. The second shaft is rotatable with the first shaft and is connected to and drives the ball screw mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Teddy L. Jones
  • Patent number: 8511062
    Abstract: A variable area fan nozzle assembly for a turbofan engine includes a nacelle having an aft edge and a translating thrust reverser sleeve with a trailing edge. The thrust reverser sleeve is movably disposed aft of the nacelle's aft edge and is movable between a forward position and an aft position. A translating fan nozzle having a forward edge is movably disposed behind the trailing edge, and is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. An upstream bypass flow exit is defined between the trailing edge and the forward edge when the fan nozzle is in the deployed position. An extendable actuation system is configured to move the fan nozzle between the stowed position and the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: Rohr, Inc., Goodrich Actuation Systems Limited
    Inventors: Jihad I. Ramlaoui, Geoffrey Pinto, Daniel Shetzer, Daniel M. Amkraut, Andrew Robert Hawksworth, John Harvey, Alan K. Evans, Vikram Chandarana, Roger Moorhouse
  • Publication number: 20130205753
    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: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND LTD & CO KG
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND LTD & CO KG
  • Patent number: 8505307
    Abstract: A nacelle assembly includes a first portion having an outer fairing and a trailing edge, and a translatable variable area fan nozzle. The fan nozzle includes two or more nozzle segments, each nozzle segment having first and second opposed ends and a leading edge. The nozzle segments are selectively movable between a stowed position and one or more deployed positions. In the deployed position, an upstream bypass flow exit is formed between the trailing edge and the leading edge. The nacelle assembly further includes a guide mechanism for guiding the nozzle segments between the stowed position and the deployed position. A split beavertail failing shields the guide mechanism against air flow when the nozzle segments are in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventor: Shunshen Richard Wang
  • Patent number: 8484944
    Abstract: A method and aerodynamic device for modifying at least one vane of a cascade thrust reverser. One or more of the aerodynamic devices may be formed and attached to forward-facing surfaces of vanes of the thrust reverser. The aerodynamic device may include a first side shaped to rest flush against at least a portion of the forward-facing surface of the vane, a second side opposite of the first side, a ledge portion protruding from the first side and configured to rest flush against a blunt leading edge of the vane, a rounded first end portion extending from the ledge portion to the second side of the aerodynamic device, and a second end opposite of the first end portion at which the first side and the second side converge. The aerodynamic device changes the size and contour of airflow channels between the vanes, increase the efficiency of the thrust reverser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Urban, Henry A. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 8479491
    Abstract: A method and system suitable facilitating the connection and disconnection of a thrust reverser assembly to a fan case of a nacelle of a gas turbine engine. The method and system entail operating a clamping system to simultaneously engage and disengage flanges associated with the fan case and flanges associated with the fixed structure of the thrust reverser assembly. The clamping system includes a plurality of over-center clamping mechanisms, each of which is movable to simultaneously clamp together complementary flanges of the thrust reverser assembly and the fan case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alan Roy Stuart, John Robert Fehrmann
  • Patent number: 8468796
    Abstract: A by-pass turbojet including a thrust reverser is disclosed. The thrust reverse includes a deflector device which deflects all or part of the primary stream gas in such a manner that the deflected primary stream gas encounters the secondary stream, thereby reducing the injection speed of the secondary stream in an aft direction, and thus generating the thrust-reversal effect. The secondary stream escapes from the aft end of the nacelle. In the thrust-reversal position, the deflector device is inscribed radially substantially within the section of the primary nozzle cowl at the aft end of the nacelle. Such a thrust reverser is particularly simple in design, inexpensive, and makes it possible to avoid having moving parts present on the outside portion of the nacelle, thus simplifying the design of the turbojet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Yves Emprin, Jeremy Edmond Fert, Jean-Pierre Valentin Wesolowski