Jet Stream Deflecting Means Patents (Class 60/230)
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Patent number: 7370468Abstract: A turbojet thrust reverser includes two doors each displaceable between an open position and a closed position of the reverser by at least one respective control actuator. Two electric motors drive the control actuators for the doors; each motor being controlled by an electronic control unit connected to a full authority digital engine control. Two servo-control devices control the displacement of the doors as a function of determined position references. The servo-control devices enable the doors to be displaced synchronously as a function of any variation in the forces exerted on the reverser and as a function of any force difference between the two doors.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Hispano SuizaInventors: Baptiste Colotte, Alexandre Courpied, Marc Croixmarie, Patrick Joland, Gilles Le Gouellec, Marion Michau
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Publication number: 20080083210Abstract: An aircraft engine (10) includes a pivot-door type thrust reverser (22) located at an aft portion of a nacelle (16). The thrust reverser (22) includes a monolithic fan duct barrel (24) with an annular wall (50) that includes a forward section (46), a door section (54), and an aft section (48). The wall (50) has a honeycomb-sandwich type structure with an interior face sheet (60) and a backing sheet (62) radially separated by a first cellular core (66). An outer sheet (64) associated with the aft section (48) of the wall (50) is radially separated from the backing sheet (62) by a second cellular core (68). A plurality of pivoting doors (26,28) mate with a plurality of door openings (56,58) in the door section (54) of the annular wall (50).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2006Publication date: April 10, 2008Applicant: SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS, INCInventors: Joe E. Sternberger, Christopher Sawyer
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Patent number: 7334395Abstract: An aircraft structure includes a duct having an inlet for fluid flow into the duct and a first outlet for fluid flow out of the duct. The duct is configured to guide fluid flow out of the duct through the first outlet in an at least partially reversed direction relative to fluid flow into the duct to thereby reverse thrust.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2004Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Short Brothers plcInventors: Thomas James Tweedie, John Stanley Richardson
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Patent number: 7293401Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a technique to suppress noise in a jet engine. A noise suppressor includes an exhaust duct to exhaust a first stream from an air stream taken from an inlet. The exhaust duct has an exit end. The air stream is divided into the first stream and a second stream. The second stream has an axis. A stream director attached to vicinity of the exit end directs the first stream to a direction that is away from or sideward relative to the axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2003Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventor: Dimitri Papamoschou
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Publication number: 20070251211Abstract: The present invention relates to a propulsion gas exhaust assembly, in an aircraft propelled by hot gases produced along the axis of the latter by a gas generator, comprising a transition element (21) emerging in two duct elements (22, 23) each communicating with an ejection half-nozzle (24, 26), wherein each of the two duct elements (22, 23) forms an elbow downstream of the transition element.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2007Publication date: November 1, 2007Applicant: SNECMAInventors: Thomas Daris, Jackie Raymond Julien Prouteau, Frederic Henri Paul Schenher, Edgar Brunet
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Patent number: 7210283Abstract: Each manual control unit for a moving part of a thrust reverser is associated with a maintenance plate that is pivotable between at least two positions: a first or “normal operation” position in which said plate prevents the manual control unit with which it is associated from being driven manually, while allowing it to be driven electrically; and a second or “maintenance” position in which said plate allows the manual control unit with which it is associated to be driven manually while preventing it from being driven electrically.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Hispano SuizaInventors: Baptiste Colotte, Alexandre Courpied, Marc Croixmarie, Gilles Le Gouellec, Marion Michau
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Patent number: 7155898Abstract: A thrust vector control system for a plug nozzle rocket engine for propelling and maneuvering a vehicle is disclosed. The plug nozzle rocket engine includes a housing having a nozzle throat, a plug disposed within the housing and positioned within the nozzle throat to define a space between the plug and the nozzle throat, and a thrust diverter moveably disposed relative to the housing to define an asymmetric pressure distribution along the plug for thrust-vectoring. In one embodiment, the thrust diverter is normally biased to a non-thrust-vectoring position, but is moveable in a plane substantially perpendicular to an axis extending longitudinally through the plug.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2004Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Aerojet-General CorporationInventors: Charles G. Sota, Jr., George J. Callis, Robert K. Masse
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Patent number: 7146796Abstract: A thrust reverser includes reverser doors pivotally mounted in a nacelle. Each door includes a latch pin mounted at a distal end thereof. A complementary latch hook is pivotally mounted in the nacelle for engagement with the pin to latch closed the reverser door. A rotary retainer adjoins the hook for blocking rotation of the hook to latch closed the door, and selectively unblock rotation of the hook to permit the pin to disengage the hook.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: The Nordam Group, Inc.Inventor: Jean-Pierre Lair
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Patent number: 7104500Abstract: A target type thrust reverser is provided for reversing the thrust of jet engines, particularly on aircraft. The thrust reverser preferably has a plurality of doors that occupy a stowed position about the nozzle of the jet engine until deployed. In the stowed position, the doors are out of the exhaust stream of the jet engine. The doors are mounted to pivot joints on the rear portions of the doors. To deploy the thrust reverser, actuators connected to the pivot joints cause the pivot joints to translate linearly aft, and link rods attached to the forward portions of the doors cause the doors to pivot about the sliding pivot joints. In this manner, the distance between the doors and the engine exhaust nozzle is minimized during deployment, which enables significant weight savings due to reduced loads and fewer parts. A novel lock is also provided for simultaneously locking the thrust reverser doors and the actuators.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2005Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Aircraft Integration Resources, Inc.Inventor: Craig M. Smith
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Patent number: 7069717Abstract: Disclosed is a propulsion system for a spacecraft. The propulsion system includes a supply of oxidizer and at least one nozzle. A conduit fluidly couples the supply of oxidizer and the nozzle. The conduit provides a pathway for oxidizer to flow in a downstream direction from the supply of oxidizer toward and into the nozzle. A pressure regulator is coupled to the conduit and is interposed between the supply of oxidizer and the nozzle, wherein the pressure regulator regulates the pressure of oxidizer flowing through the conduit and downstream of the pressure regulator to a pressure at or below the pressure required to maintain the oxidizer in a gas state to ensure that the any oxidizer flowing through the conduit is in a gas state prior to entering the nozzle. The conduit supplies oxidizer from the supply of oxidizer to a hybrid rocket motor.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: SpaceDev, Inc.Inventors: Chris Grainger, Frank Macklin
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Patent number: 7028462Abstract: An inseparable assembly includes a body having a plurality of plies stacked in face to face relation and bonded together, wherein each of the plurality of plies includes a ceramic matrix composite material having a first predetermined ductility. The assembly further includes a reinforcement including a metallic wire mesh bonded to said body so that at least a portion of the metallic wire mesh is positioned between two adjacent plies in the body. The metallic wire mesh has a second predetermined ductility greater than the first ductility.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Douglas M. Carper, Michael L. Millard
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Patent number: 7007454Abstract: The invention provides a locking system on a cascade thrust reverser for a bypass turbojet, the reverser (20) comprising guide means (60) for the movable parts (50), and the guide means (60) comprising rails (64) attached to the movable parts (50) and tracks (62) attached to the longitudinal members (36). According to the invention, the locking system (80) comprises locks (82) located at the end (62a) of each track (62) in the opening direction (52), each lock comprising a bolt (110) capable of preventing the rail (64) moving in the opening direction (52).Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2002Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Hurel HispanoInventors: Michel Philippe Dehu, Xavier Raymond Yves Lore
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Patent number: 6976352Abstract: A fan thrust reverser includes a nacelle having radially outer and inner skins. An outer door is disposed in the outer skin, and mounted to the nacelle at a hinge joint. A toggle link is pivotally joined between the outer door and the nacelle for latching stowed the outer door in the nacelle. An actuator is provided for rotating the outer door about the hinge joint for deploying the door outwardly from the nacelle and toggling off the toggle link, and stowing inwardly the outer door upon reverse rotation thereof and toggling on the toggle link to latch the door stowed in the nacelle.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2004Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: The NORDAM Group, Inc.Inventor: Jean-Pierre Lair
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Patent number: 6968675Abstract: A thrust reverser for a turbofan engine having an air duct defined radially inwardly by a wall around the turbofan engine and radially outwardly in part by a fan cowl of the engine. A bulkhead is adapted to be mounted on the fan cowl having a shaped surface defining an upstream wall. A translating cowl is supported for movement axially between a closed position substantially adjacent the bulkhead and an open position spaced axially apart from the bulkhead so as to form an outlet for discharge of air from the air duct. The translating cowl has a first wall and a kicker plate defining a shaped surface. The kicker plate and/or the bulkhead may have a dimension which varies at different radial locations about a circumference of the translating cowl to selectively control the forward component of velocity of the air discharged from the air duct. A plume control device may extend longitudinally across the outlet to divide the air discharged from the air duct into a plurality of plumes.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2002Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Rohr, Inc.Inventors: Jihad I. Ramlaoui, Randall J. Seaver, Norman J. James, Stuart J. Byrne, Sheila Cornejo
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Patent number: 6962044Abstract: The present invention reveals a method and apparatus for controlling the effective area and thrust vector angle of a fluid flow. In one embodiment, the fluid flow is controlled in an advanced, high aspect ratio, complex aperture geometry nozzle using asymmetric injection into the subsonic portion of the fluid flow. The present invention vectors the primary flow by partially blocking the flow with an opposed flow across the flow field. A fluidic flow field is defined in a flow container that directs a pressurized, primary fluidic flow from the container towards an exit of the container. A nozzle may cooperate with the exit of the flow container to control the fluidic flow as it exits the flow container. One or more injectors associated with the container are proximate to the effect throat of the primary flow while other are located downstream of to introduce an opposing fluidic flow that interacts with the primary fluidic flow.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2000Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Daniel N. Miller, Patrick J. Yagle, Kerry B. Ginn, Jeffrey W. Hamstra
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Patent number: 6938408Abstract: A jet engine nozzle having a pair of pivoting extension arms and a pair of pivoting shells connected to a jet pipe is provided. The first extension arm is pivotally connected to the jet pipe at a first location, while the second extension arm is pivotally connected to the jet pipe at a second location. Each shell is pivotally connected at both the first and second locations. An axis of rotation associated with the first location is coaxial to an axis of rotation associated with the second location. Independent actuation means are provided to rotate the extension arms and the shells, thereby enabling adjustment of the thrust-vector angle or the exhaust area of the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Propulsion Vectoring, L.P.Inventor: Jean-Pierre Lair
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Patent number: 6895742Abstract: A fan thrust reverser includes an outer louver door joined to an inner blocker door by a drive link in a bifold configuration. The louver door is stowed closed in the outer skin of a fan nacelle outside the blocker door stowed closed in the inner skin of the nacelle. An actuator deploys open the louver and blocker doors, with the louver door extending radially outwardly and the blocker door extending radially inwardly for reversing fan exhaust flow during thrust reverse operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: The Nordam Group, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Pierre Lair, Frederick Henry Peters
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Patent number: 6857600Abstract: A two dimensional gas turbine engine exhaust nozzle includes transversely spaced apart upper and lower convergent and divergent flaps and extending longitudinally in a downstream direction and between two widthwise spaced apart sidewalls. The divergent flaps have inwardly facing upper and lower flap surfaces defining together with the sidewalls at least a part of an exhaust stream flowpath therebetween. The upper and lower flap surfaces have respective upper and lower apexes wherein the upper apex is axially spaced apart and aft of the lower apex. The upper divergent flap has an expansion ramp diverging away from the nozzle axis. The ramp extends aftwardly from the upper apex and aftwardly of a trailing edge of the lower divergent flap. The upper and lower divergent flaps are operably movable to block a line of sight along the nozzle axis through an exit of the nozzle during engine operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2002Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Alan Richard Walker, William Harvey Wooten, Jr., William Van Sutherland, Joseph Holowach
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Patent number: 6845945Abstract: A target type thrust reverser is provided for reversing the thrust of jet engines, particularly on aircraft. The thrust reverser preferably has a plurality of doors that occupy a stowed position about the nozzle of the jet engine until deployed. In the stowed position, the doors are out of the exhaust stream of the jet engine. The doors are mounted to pivot joints on the rear portions of the doors. To deploy the thrust reverser, actuators connected to the pivot joints cause the pivot joints to translate linearly aft, and link rods attached to the forward portions of the doors cause the doors to pivot about the sliding pivot joints. In this manner, the distance between the doors and the engine exhaust nozzle is minimized during deployment, which enables significant weight savings due to reduced loads and fewer parts. A novel lock is also provided for simultaneously locking the thrust reverser doors and the actuators.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2001Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Aircraft Integration Resources, Inc.Inventor: Craig M. Smith
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Patent number: 6820410Abstract: A turbofan exhaust nozzle includes a fan duct defined between a fan nacelle and a core engine cowling. The fan duct includes a longitudinal endwall and a partition spaced therefrom to define a secondary flow duct. The fan duct also includes a primary outlet, and the secondary duct includes a secondary outlet. The partition between the two ducts includes an aperture covered by a selectively movable flap.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: The NORDAM Group, Inc.Inventor: Jean-Pierre Lair
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Publication number: 20040216446Abstract: A device for controlling propulsive gas mixing at an outlet of an aircraft jet engine, wherein propulsive jets are composed of a hot primary jet exiting from a nozzle of the jet engine and a secondary flux flowing between an external wall of the nozzle and an internal wall of the jet engine including a divergent trailing edge on the wall that generates conditions of a separation of the primary jet close to an existence limit value and a primary jet controller that enables control of passage of the primary jet from a separated state to a reattached state, and vice versa.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2004Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - CNRS, a corporation of FranceInventors: Jean-Paul Bonnet, Joel Delville, Erwan Collin, Jean Tensi, Eric Moreau, Gerard Touchard
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Publication number: 20040159091Abstract: A thrust reverser for a jet engine of a mobile platform. The thrust reverser includes a hinge beam defining a first track and a latch beam defining a second track. The thrust reverser also includes at least one cascade support ring having an upper end portion and a lower end portion. A first fitting is disposed at the upper end portion of the cascade support ring. The first fitting includes an engagement portion slidably positioned within the first track. A second fitting is disposed at the lower end portion of the cascade support ring. The second fitting includes an engagement portion slidably positioned within the second track.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2004Publication date: August 19, 2004Inventors: Joe Sternberger, Michael K. Lallement
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Patent number: 6771032Abstract: A motor control system is provided for controlling at least one motor driven mechanical actuator. The control system drives the motor according to a function of the actuator position. The system is further arranged to modify the motor speed to ensure that a predetermined power limit is not exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Lucas Industries LimitedInventors: Peter John Cox-Smith, Paul Anthony Kendall, David Owen Sandells
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Publication number: 20040139725Abstract: A turbojet thrust reverser has two doors that are displaceable between a reverser open position and a reverser closed position, each door being controlled by a respective electronic control unit connected to a FADEC, and each door having a respective locking device for locking the position of the door associated therewith. Each locking device can be unlocked solely on receiving orders that come simultaneously from both electronic control units.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Applicant: HISPANO-SUIZAInventors: Baptiste Colotte, Alexandre Courpied, Marc Croixmarie, Patrick Joland, Gilles Le Gouellec, Marion Michau
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Publication number: 20040139726Abstract: A turbojet thrust reverser comprising two doors each displaceable between an open position and a closed position of the reverser by means of at least one respective control actuator; two electric motors each driving said at least one control actuator for each door; each motor being controlled by an electronic control unit connected to a full authority digital engine control; and two servo-control means for controlling the displacement of corresponding ones of said doors as a function of determined position references, said servo-control means enabling said doors to be displaced synchronously as a function of any variation in the forces exerted on the reverser and as a function of any force difference between the two doors.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Applicant: HISPANO-SUIZAInventors: Baptiste Colotte, Alexandre Courpied, Marc Croixmarie, Patrick Joland, Gilles Le Gouellec, Marion Michau
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Patent number: 6684623Abstract: A gearless electric thrust reverser actuator includes an electric motor that is coupled to a jack screw without any intervening gears. The actuator may additionally include all of the actuation and sensing components in a single actuation package. Thus, the actuator is relatively lightweight and compact.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2002Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventors: Todd A. Langston, Andrew T. Johnson, Terry J. Ahrendt
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Patent number: 6681561Abstract: An outlet device for a jet engine (2) includes an outlet channel (3), which has an upstream end (3′) for being connected to the jet engine and a downstream end (3″) and which defines a main flow direction (a) for a jet from the jet engine. The outlet channel has in the proximity of the downstream end an elongated shape, seen in a section across the flow direction, and includes at least two outlet portions (4, 5, 6), which are separated from each other, for a respective outlet flow of said jet. A first outlet portion (5, 6) includes means for controlling the outlet direction of the outlet flow in a first plane and a second outlet portion (4) includes means for controlling the outlet direction of the outlet flow in a second plane, which forms an angle to the first plane. An aircraft may include such an outlet device.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2002Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: SAAB ABInventors: Carleric Weiland, Hans Berglund
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Publication number: 20030159429Abstract: A gearless electric thrust reverser actuator includes an electric motor that is coupled to a jack screw without any intervening gears. The actuator may additionally include all of the actuation and sensing components in a single actuation package. Thus, the actuator is relatively lightweight and compact.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2002Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventors: Todd A. Langston, Andrew T. Johnson, Terry J. Ahrendt
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Publication number: 20030101712Abstract: An electromechanical thrust reverser actuation system that is designed with non-symmetric redundant channels is interfaced with an aircraft engine control system that is also redundantly designed. In one embodiment, the engine control system is also designed with non-symmetric redundant channels, and in another embodiment it is designed with symmetric redundant channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2001Publication date: June 5, 2003Inventors: Andrew T. Johnson, Terry J. Ahrendt, Richard J. Foley, Michael R. Madsen, Kevin K. Chakkera
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Publication number: 20030070417Abstract: A multi-lobed, low friction vane, thrust vector controller is disclosed. Low friction vanes are independently movable into and out of the thrust of the exhaust of a jet engine. All vanes may be used together to adjust exhaust surface area to maximize thrust and fuel efficiency in varying conditions. Vanes also move independently to impart directional force to roll, pitch and yaw traditional aircraft and hover VTOL aircraft. A bleed air pressure actuator for moving the vanes is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventor: William Henry Plumpe
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Patent number: 6546715Abstract: A thrust reverser for a turbofan engine having an air duct defined radially inwardly by a cowl around a gas turbine and radially outwardly in part by a fan case of the engine includes a bulkhead that is adapted to be mounted on the fan case. A translating sleeve is supported for movement axially between a closed position adjacent the bulkhead and an open position spaced apart axially to the rear of the bulkhead so as to form a outlet opening for discharge of air from the air duct. A cascade array fixed in the outlet opening has a substantially conical portion, the forward end of which is of a diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of the rearward end.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Rohr, Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Blevins, Michael R. Aten, Jihad I. Ramlaoui
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Patent number: 6548794Abstract: A dissolvable jet vane (22/30) is a composite structure, having a support frame (38), a plug leading edge (40) connected to the forward edge (42) of the frame (38), and an insulation layer (44) on the side walls of the support frame (38). The dissolvable jet vane materials withstand the pressure and thermal loads associated with missile steering during the first few seconds of rocket boost until the missile attains sufficient speed to use conventional external aerodynamic control fins for steering control. Once control passes to the external fins, the jet vanes rapidly and uniformly dissolve in the exhaust stream. The dissolvable jet vane provides a lightweight, reliable means of removing steering jet vanes from the exhaust stream of a solid rocket motor nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Andrew B. Facciano, Paul Lehner, Wayne N. Anderson
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Publication number: 20020189232Abstract: An outlet device for a jet engine (2) includes an outlet channel (3), which has an upstream end (3′) for being connected to the jet engine and a downstream end (3″) and which defines a main flow direction (a) for a jet from the jet engine. The outlet channel has in the proximity of the downstream end an elongated shape, seen in a section across the flow direction, and includes at least two outlet portions (4, 5, 6), which are separated from each other, for a respective outlet flow of said jet. A first outlet portion (5, 6) includes means for controlling the outlet direction of the outlet flow in a first plane and a second outlet portion (4) includes means for controlling the outlet direction of the outlet flow in a second plane, which forms an angle to the first plane. An aircraft may include such an outlet device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: Carleric Weiland, Hans Berglund
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Publication number: 20020184874Abstract: A thrust reverser includes a pair of doors covering corresponding portals in an exhaust duct between an inlet and outlet nozzle at opposite ends thereof. The duct also includes a pair of side beams having actuators mounted thereon, and operatively joined to the doors for selective rotation thereof about corresponding pivots. Blister fairings are disposed inside the duct and sealingly join the doors to the beams around respective ones of the pivots.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2001Publication date: December 12, 2002Applicant: NORDAM Group, Inc.Inventors: Rodger L. Modglin, Frederick H. Peters
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Publication number: 20020144499Abstract: A backup locking system for a thrust reverser door comprises a catch pivotally mounted by a pivot pin to a fixed structure of the thrust reverser. A hook with a self-locking profile is provided at the free end of said catch for cooperation with a locking interface on the door in the event of failure of the normal locking systems. At its other end remote from said hook, the catch has a heel ending in a part-cylindrical surface which is concentric with said pivot pin. The catch is urged against the locking interface by a piston rod which presses against a front face of said heel under the force of a spring acting on a piston to which said piston rod is attached. When the rod is retracted, a double lever positively moves the catch toward a minimum opening angle, at which point the door can be opened. An unlocking spring causes the full opening of the catch to maximum open position when an opening lever is released.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2002Publication date: October 10, 2002Applicant: HUREL HISPANO LE-HAVREInventors: Pascal-Gerard Rouyer, Patric Gonidec
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Patent number: 6439504Abstract: An electric thrust reverser actuation system includes an electric motors that is controlled to operate in both a motoring mode and a generating mode. During normal actuation system operations, the electric motor is controlled to operate in the motoring mode to move one or more moveable thrust reverser components. During a power interrupt event, in which the motor's primary power source is lost, the motor is controlled to operate in the generating mode. The electrical power generated by the motor during its operation in the generating mode maintains the thrust reverser system locking mechanisms in an energized, unlocked condition, thereby preventing damage to system components.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventor: Terry J. Ahrendt
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Patent number: 6415599Abstract: An aircraft gas turbine axisymmetric vectoring nozzle has an interface ring centered about a nozzle, a vectoring ring disposed radially inwardly of and apart from the interface ring, and a bearing radially disposed between the vectoring ring and the interface ring. The bearing may be a sliding bearing having a sliding interface between the vectoring ring and the interface ring and the sliding interface is spherical. The bearing may be constructed of sliding bearing segments having sliding interfaces between the vectoring ring and the interface ring and the sliding interfaces are spherical. Each of the bearing segments includes an outer sliding element attached to the interface ring, an inner sliding element attached to the vectoring ring, and spherically curved outer and inner sliding surfaces on the outer and inner sliding elements respectively wherein the spherically curved outer and inner sliding surfaces define the sliding interfaces between the vectoring ring and the interface ring.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Robert M. Ausdenmoore, Bernard J. Renggli
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Patent number: 6385965Abstract: A steerable nozzle for a reaction engine comprises a fixed portion (1) for fixing to the engine, a moving portion (2) hinged to the fixed portion, control means (3) for controlling the moving portion, and one or more resilient assemblies (4) disposed between the fixed portion and the moving portion. The nozzle is characterized in that each resilient assembly comprises at least one fixed resilient stud (40) having a first end secured to the fixed portion and a second end, opposite from the first end, secured to a rigid piece (42); and at least one moving resilient stud (41) having a first end secured to the moving portion and a second end, opposite from the first end, secured to said rigid piece (42). In addition, each moving resilient stud (41) is offset relative to each fixed resilient stud (40) in a circumferential direction of the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etudes et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation - S.N.E.C.M.A.Inventors: François Abbe, Pierre Camy, Georges Habarou, Michel Thual
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Patent number: 6381950Abstract: An engine nozzle arrangement for an aircraft comprises a nozzle (18) for hot exhaust gases, and a shroud (20) for the stream of hot exhaust gases emerging from the exhaust nozzle. The shroud includes an intake for a boundary layer of air for cooling the stream of exhaust gases.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: BAE Systems plcInventors: Colin Whaites, Peter R. House, Robert Brown
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Publication number: 20020007625Abstract: The cascade-type thrust reverser comprises a cowling in which there is formed an opening which, when in a direct thrust mode, is closed by a sliding cowl and which, in a thrust-reversal mode, is uncovered by the translation of the said sliding cowl, a fan duct being defined between an interior skin and an exterior skin, said exterior skin having a radius Re in the plane transversal to the longitudinal axis of the reverser and passing through the upstream end of the sliding cowl in the direct thrust mode, and said interior skin having, downstream of this upstream plane, a maximum radius Ri in a plane parallel to the upstream plane, the upstream end of the said sliding cowl substantially blocking the fan duct upstream of the said downstream plane in a thrust-reversal mode, the said radius Re being less than the radius Ri.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2000Publication date: January 24, 2002Applicant: Societe De Construction Des AvionsInventors: Alain Fournier, Bernard Laboure, Robert R. Standish
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Patent number: 6311928Abstract: A cascade thrust reverser for use with a mixer/ejector noise suppressor has a set of internal blocker doors controllably moveable between a stowed position, where engine exhaust passes through and out the tailpipe, and a deployed position, where engine exhaust is blocked and redirected out a pair of cascades or louvers. External cascade doors cover the cascades from the outside during flight, but are moved aft, exposing the cascades, when the blocker doors are deployed subsequent landing. In a preferred embodiment, the cascade doors and the blocker doors are interconnected through a pair of actuation mechanisms, whereby movement of the cascade doors is sequenced to the motion of the blocker doors. The blocker doors and the cascade doors are shaped to provide a clean aerodynamic profile when stowed, so that the noise suppressor functions optimally. The actuation mechanisms also preferably include lock mechanisms for only allowing the thrust reversers to be deployed just subsequent landing.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2000Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Stage III Technologies, L.C.Inventors: Walter M. Presz, Jr., Maurice C. Butler, Jack H. Anderson
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Patent number: 6293091Abstract: The invention is an airframe which includes a vehicle (12) having a solid propellant rocket engine (14) and a ramjet or scramjet engine (16); a thrust plug (18) extending from an end (20) of the vehicle which directs combustion gases (23 and 64) produced by the solid propellant rocket engine or ramjet/scramjet engine to produce forward thrust; a longitudinal passage (38) extending from the end of the vehicle to an opening (30) forward of the end which receives external air directed by forward movement of the vehicle and in which solid propellant (32) of the solid propellant rocket engine is located, and wherein during rocket operation solid propellant is combusted to produce the combustion gases in the longitudinal passage which are conveyed by the longitudinal passage into contact with the thrust plug and during ramjet/scramjet operation the longitudinal passage is open to flow of external air after operation of the solid propellant rocket engine is completed and which supports mixing and combustion of the aType: GrantFiled: April 22, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Nathanael F. Seymour, Kathleen F. Hodge
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Patent number: 6293489Abstract: A lock for a thrust reverser comprising a retainer member carried by a pivot pin, the pivot pin being angularly moveable between a first position in which the retainer member retains a part of the thrust reverser and a second position in which the said part of the thrust reverser is not retained by the retainer member. The lock further comprises a lock arrangement for retaining the pivot pin in its first position, the lock arrangement comprising a lock member axially moveable between a locked position, in which it cooperates with the pivot pin to prevent movement of the pivot pin from its first position to its second position, and a retracted position, an arrangement for restricting angular movement of the lock member, and a solenoid actuator arranged to control movement of the lock member.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2000Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Lucas Industries LimitedInventor: Stephen Harlow Davies
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Patent number: 6289670Abstract: An integrated exhaust nozzle and thrust reverser for a turbojet engine is provided. The exhaust nozzle comprises an exhaust duct situated within a fairing (9), a set of hot flaps (14) at a downstream end of the duct, a set of cold flaps (16) at a downsteam end of the fairing (9), and a thrust reverser (30). The thrust reverser comprises two eyelids (31, 32) which are movable between a thrust reversal position wherein they project into the duct and a forward-thrust position. In a takeoff mode, the eyelids (32, 33) are moved away from each other by one or more actuators (50) acting on arms (33, 34) pivotably connected to the eyelids (31, 32). Movement of the eyelids (31, 32) from the reverse-thrust position to the forward-thrust position, or vice-versa, is implemented by control actuators (35, 36).Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: SNECMA MoteursInventors: Gilles Alain Charier, Xavier Jean-Michel André Guyonnet, Gilles Louis Rollin
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Publication number: 20010010148Abstract: A thrust reverser for a turbojet engine is provided with at least one displaceable assembly including a displaceable cowling portion and a flap. The displaceable cowling portion and the flap each subtend stationary upstream and downstream cowling portions such that the displaceable cowling portion forms a portion of the external engine cowling covering a reverse thrust opening and the flap forms a portion of the outer boundary of the gas flow in a forward thrust position. In a reverse thrust position, the reverse thrust opening is uncovered, and the displaceable cowling portion and the flap are displaced downstream such that the displaceable cowling portion extends downstream, parallel to the longitudinal engine axis and above, without interference, the downstream cowling portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2001Publication date: August 2, 2001Inventors: Christian Marie Jean Michel, Pascal Lardy, Marcel Vicogne Laurent
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Patent number: 6260794Abstract: An exhaust nozzle includes cascade vanes mounted in a duct for discharging exhaust. The vanes have a dolphin profile which is effective for turning subsonically the exhaust near leading edges of the vanes, and then diffusing supersonically the exhaust downstream therefrom. Thrust efficiency of the vanes is therefore shifted to lower pressure ratios during operation for improving performance of the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Robert K. Rowe
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Patent number: 6260801Abstract: A hinge arm for a thrust reverser door may be mounted to an exhaust nozzle using an aft mount. The mount includes a frame for attachment to the nozzle. A swing link has a first pin pivotally joined to the frame, and a second pin for pivotally joining the hinge arm to the link to permit both swinging and pivoting of the hinge arm from the frame. The aft mount thusly permits the reverser doors to be reliably stowed around the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: The Nordam Group, Inc.Inventors: Frederick H. Peters, Thomas J. Jannetta
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Patent number: 6256980Abstract: A thrust reverser for a turbofan jet engine having a stationary structure defining an upstream part of a fan cowling and an axially displaceable, annular structure located downstream of the stationary structure, wherein the inner surface of the fan cowling is spaced from an outer surface of an engine cowling to form an annular duct. A plurality of flaps form a portion of the inner surface of the fan cowling during a forward thrust position, and in a reverse thrust position, the flaps pivotably rotate about a stationary pivot so that their first edges are adjacent with the outer surface of the engine cowling to block the annular duct. A plurality of thrust reverser baffle portions are covered by the flaps during the forward thrust position, and during the reverse thrust position, the thrust reverser baffle portions cover a passageway in the fan cowling between the stationary structure and the displaceable structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation (SNECMA)Inventors: Jean-Loïc Lecordix, Laurent Claude Jacques Schreiber
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Patent number: 6250586Abstract: This invention discloses a fluid dynamic system including a fluid medium separated from a solid medium by a solid boundary, one of which media is moving with respect to the other, apparatus for controlling the motion of the moving medium, comprising, a perturbation-producing element at solid boundary, and a drive for cyclically driving the perturbation-producing element to produce cyclical fluid perturbations in the fluid medium sufficient to alter the motion of the moving medium. A method for including a fluid medium separated from a solid medium by a solid boundary in a fluid dynamic system is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1998Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Ramot University Authority for Applied Research and Industrial Development Ltd.Inventors: Avi Seifert, Israel Wygnanski
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Patent number: 6233920Abstract: A contoured thrust reverser and lobed nozzle noise suppressor is meant for use with gas turbine engines that have conventional post-exit thrust reversers and that require only moderate levels of noise suppression. The contoured thrust reverser and lobed nozzle noise suppressor comprises a conventional tailpipe frame terminating in a lobed nozzle, and a conventional thrust reverser mechanism holding a pair of contoured blocker doors. In a deployed position, the blocker doors lie aft of the lobed nozzle, having been moved there by the thrust reverser mechanism. The blocker doors abut one another and form a fore-facing scoop, wherein any engine exhaust exiting the lobed nozzle is redirected towards the fore of the engine. In a stowed position, the blocker doors lie over the tailpipe frame and align and nestle together with the engine's cowling.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2000Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Stage III Technologies, L.C.Inventors: Walter M. Presz, Jr., Gary Reynolds