Jet Stream Deflecting Means Patents (Class 60/230)
  • Patent number: 5761899
    Abstract: A supersonic engine having an ejector/suppressor. The engine has a rear discharge portion with an ambient air inlet section, a mixing section, and a rear discharge section. For noise suppression, arms mounted in the air inlet section are moved to open air inlet passageways causing air to flow there through. Primary exhaust from the engine flows through primary passageways interspersed with the ambient air passageways. The primary supersonic air from the primary passageways mixes with the ambient air in the mixing section and flows out the final nozzle which is in the open position. For cruise mode, the arms are moved to close the air inlet passageways, and the final nozzle is in a position to cause the flow upstream thereof to be a subsonic, and the flow aft of the final nozzle to be supersonic. The arms can be placed in an intermediate position for thrust reversal, with the final nozzle being moved a blocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Garry W. Klees
  • Patent number: 5752381
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling rocket and/or jet engine thrust by producing a strong electric, magnetic or electro-magnetic field, and applying the field to deflect the thrust stream as it exits from the engine until the desired thrust vector is obtained. The method of modifying an exhaust plume produced by combustion of fuel and ejected from an exhaust nozzle of a vehicle comprises the steps of: generating a field and producing a flow of electrons across the stream of the exhaust plume for interacting with charged ions and particles in the exhaust plume to deflect the direction of the exhaust plume, and controlling the magnitude and extent of deflection to steer the vehicle to a desired course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventor: Kevin E. Speller
  • Patent number: 5727380
    Abstract: A thrust reverser is disclosed for a turbofan-type turbojet engine having a cowling bounding a gas flow duct in which the thrust reverser has a plurality of thrust reverser doors each pivotally attached to the cowling so as to be movable between a forward thrust position and a reverse thrust position which redirects the gases passing through the gas flow duct outwardly from the cowling to produce a reverse thrust. At least one of the plurality of thrust reverser doors having a width, measured in a generally circumferential direction around the cowling, less than a corresponding width of at least one of the other thrust reverser doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Societe Hispano-Suiza
    Inventors: Pascal Lardy, Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 5720453
    Abstract: A VSTOL aircraft powerplant comprises a gas turbine engine (1), a chamber (2) for receiving exhaust from the turbine section of the engine (1), and a jet propulsion nozzle (3) and vertical lift nozzles (4, 5) connected to the chamber (2). Blocker doors (6, 7) are provided for blocking flow of exhaust from the chamber (2) and thus diverting the flow to the vertical lift nozzles (4, 5). A high pressure air curtain is provided by ducts (9) to control th area of the ports to the vertical lift nozzles (4, 5). Control means coordinate and control the operation of the blocker doors (6, 7) and the air curtain to vary the total efflux between three configurations, namely all efflux occurrng through the jet propulsion nozzle (3) for wing-borne flight; all efflux occurring through the vertical lift nozzle (4, 5) for hovering; and some efflux, which is steplessly variable, occurring through both the vertical lift nozzles and the jet propulsion nozzle for transition between wing-borne and jet-borne flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: British Aerospace PLC
    Inventor: John T. Platt
  • Patent number: 5716025
    Abstract: The reverser includes a partition (28) exhibiting openings (19) and separating the cavity (16) which exists, when the doors (2) are in the closed position, between the front part (7) of the internal panel (11) of the door and the stream of gaseous flow (15) flowing in direct jet mode through the jet pipe CA, thus overcoming the aerodynamic losses which result from the presence of this cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Societe de Construction des Avions Hurel-Dubois
    Inventor: Pascal J. Meyer
  • Patent number: 5706650
    Abstract: An exhaust nozzle for a gas turbine engine where pitch and yaw vectoring is achieved using fluidics by injecting high pressure air into the exhaust stream. The injected high pressure air deflects the exhaust stream, vectoring the aircraft accordingly. The injected high pressure air for vectoring is selectively injected. A pivoting manifold 44 allows for injection of either ram air (52) or vectoring high pressure air (56) into the exhaust flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Edward B. Thayer
  • Patent number: 5706649
    Abstract: The present invention is a thrust reversing apparatus for diverting purely rearwardly directed air flowing through an engine nacelle to combined rearward-and-radially-outward flow, and then to a combination of various radially outward angles and forward flow, where in the latter states thrust reversal is effected. The apparatus includes parallel inner and outer air flow blocking members driven by actuators which are coupled to the blocking members for effecting synchronous movement. The inner member includes a first door having fixed vanes and a solid second door pivotably coupled to the first door. The inner member has a closed position in which the two doors are collinear, and various open positions in which the two doors are pivoted relative to one another. The outer member comprises an array of pivotable, parallel vanes, and has a closed position in which the vanes tightly overlap, and various open positions in which the vanes are pivoted out of contact with each other through various amounts of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Boeing North American, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Robinson, Richard P. Ouellette
  • Patent number: 5699966
    Abstract: An exhaust nozzle of a gas turbine engine effective for reducing the emission of infrared radiation and providing an extensive maneuvering capability. The nozzle preferably is of the two-dimensional type and includes an exhaust cowl with a generally rectangular cross-sectional exhaust opening and a plug within the downstream end of the cowl. The plug, which is preferably wedge-shaped, is pivotable about a transverse axis running through the aft portion of the plug by an appropriate means, for example, a cam or a screw jack mechanism. The nozzle can also include blocker doors and louvers for providing thrust reversal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Allan D. Beverage
  • Patent number: 5694766
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the throat area, expansion ratio and thrust vector of an aircraft turbine engine exhaust nozzle, includes means, such as deflectors and/or injected air, for producing and controlling regions of locally separated flow. The exhaust nozzle also allows control of the thrust vector angle defined by the gas exiting the nozzle to provide increased directional control of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Philip Smereczniak, David R. Spetnagel
  • Patent number: 5690280
    Abstract: A short take off and vertical landing (STOVL) nozzle for a jet aircraft provides thrust reversing and thrust vectoring functions using two pairs of flaps. Each flap is independently actuated and controlled to allow for numerous exhaust gas exit configurations. A two dimensional or rectangular center plug extends across the nozzle throat region to allow one pair of flaps to selectively engage the plug for STOVL operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph Holowach, William Van Sutherland, William Harvey Wooten
  • Patent number: 5687907
    Abstract: An exhaust nozzle (12) for providing both yaw and pitch thrust vectoring includes an upper flap assembly (18) and a lower flap assembly (20). Each flap assembly (18, 20) includes a forward stub flap (51, 53) with lateral hinges (32, 34) and a plurality of individual flap sections (52) extending longitudinally downstream and adjacently engaged for defining the upper and lower gas flow boundaries. The forward end of each flap section (52) is pivoted vertically (54) in the same plane as vertical sidewall hinges (48, 50). Yaw thrust vectoring is achieved by pivoting the sections (52) and sidewalls (22, 24), while pitch thrust vectoring is achieved by moving the flap assemblies (18, 20) about the respective forward hinges (32, 34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Davis C. Holden
  • Patent number: 5680755
    Abstract: A nozzle cooling system for selectively cooling longitudinally extending and circumferentially adjacent divergent exhaust flow confining elements bounding a hot exhaust gas flowpath in a divergent section of an aircraft gas turbine engine exhaust nozzle and providing pivoting capability for divergent flaps and seals in an axisymmetric vectoring nozzle. The apparatus includes axially adjacent forward and aft sections of at least one of the exhaust flow confining elements (typically referred to as flaps and seals), the adjacent forward and aft sections have forward and aft interior hot surfaces respectively, and mounting apparatus for mounting the aft section to the forward section in one of at least two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas A. Hauer, William C. Lippmeier
  • Patent number: 5666802
    Abstract: A thrust reverser system for a turbine engine of the type having a central relatively hot gas generator nozzle conducting a core flow and a relatively cold duct conducting a fan flow and surrounding the hot flow, a pair of thrust reverser door, each of the doors being pivotally mounted on an axis which is substantially diametrically positioned with respect to the exhaust nozzle of the engine so as to pivot between a stowed position in which the doors are out of the direct path of exhaust from the engine and a deployed position in which the doors are in the path of the engine exhaust for deflecting the exhaust and creating a braking thrust, a flow modifying arrangement acting on the hot gas generator nozzle for simultaneously decreasing the total pressure of the core flow and increasing the total pressure of the fan flow by increasing the area of the hot gas generator nozzle at the discharge end thereof and moving the boundary between the hot gas and cold gas flows radially outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Lair
  • Patent number: 5598701
    Abstract: A ducted fan gas turbine engine is provided with a thrust reverser which comprises doors which deflect the fan exchaust efflux. Each door is pivotably attached at its downstream end to a common support member by a frangible coupling. In the event of an unintended in-flight deployment of the thrust reverser, the frangible couplings fracture to permit the doors to move to a non-thrust deflecting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Arnold C. Newton
  • Patent number: 5575147
    Abstract: A thrust reverser (30) of a gas turbine engine (10) includes a blocker door (36) and a plurality of cascades (38). The thrust reverser (30) and the blocker door (36) have a stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position the blocker door (36) "leaks" airflow therethrough without generating substantial forward thrust. The leaked airflow reduces the amount of total airflow that must be accommodated by the cascades (38) of the thrust reverser (30), thereby decreasing the overall size of the cascades (38) and of the associated thrust reverser hardware and subsequently reducing the overall weight thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: John P. Nikkanen
  • Patent number: 5548954
    Abstract: A thrust reverser for a turbojet engine is disclosed in which the actuator for the thrust reverser is attached to a second support frame located downstream of the reverse thrust opening. A plurality of longitudinally extending beams interconnect the downstream support frame to an upstream support frame which is located upstream of the reverse thrust opening. A cylinder of the actuating device is attached to the downstream support frame and the extendible and retractable piston rod is attached to the moveable thrust reverser element. The location of the actuating device allows for a better stress distribution and enables the weight to be reduced as compared to prior art thrust reversers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Societe Hispano Suiza
    Inventors: Elisabeth L. F. C. de Cambray, Laurent M. Vicogne
  • Patent number: 5511376
    Abstract: A convergent/divergent nozzle (14) has five trains of flaps. Each train is comprised of an inboard (26) and outboard (20) convergent flap, an inboard (48) and outboard (44) divergent flap and an external flap (62). The five external flaps (62) maintain their symmetry while vectoring, whereby overlapping of adjacent flaps is obtained. The inboard and outboard convergent flaps are individually driven (32,36) by a common unison ring (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: William K. Barcza
  • Patent number: 5511745
    Abstract: A system for providing pitch, yaw, and roll control during the flight of a rocket-propelled vehicle combines a vectorable nozzle with jet vanes. The vectorable nozzle provides yaw and pitch control, while the jet vanes provide roll control. Anti-rotation pins extend from the vehicle housing into longitudinal slots within the vectorable nozzle to allow vectoring movements and prevent rotation of the nozzle. The jet vanes are rotatably mounted on shafts within the nozzle exit cone to receive and guide combustion products passing through the nozzle. The jet vanes may be jettisoned after an initial high-angle-of-attack maneuver is completed and the vehicle gains speed, after which roll control is provided by aerodynamic fins. The jet vanes may also be formed of material which erodes after the initial maneuver, thereby reducing the loss of thrust caused by the jet vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence C. Faupell, Steven R. Wassom, Joseph J. Kliger
  • Patent number: 5507143
    Abstract: A cascade assembly (14) for use in a thrust reversing mechanism (16) of a jet engine (18) includes at least one group of substantially identically-shaped cascade elements (28) each in the shape of a predefined polygon. The cascade elements (28) are positioned in an array, wherein each cascade element (28) in the group may be interchanged in a location in the array with any other cascade element (28) in the group. In a first preferred embodiment, the predefined polygon is a regular polygon and each cascade element (28) is rotatable in its array position about an axis generally normal to the cascade element (28). The array substantially approximates sections of two intersecting spheres, wherein a central axis of the array is generally coincident with the longitudinal axis of the jet engine (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Clint A. Luttgeharm, Marty J. Todd, John M. Welch
  • Patent number: 5495710
    Abstract: The invention concerns a dual-flow turbine engine equipped with a thrust reversal system and at least one device for restricting the annular channel for the ejection of cold gases. According to the invention, each restriction device, consisting of a fitting (7) and a shutter (8) pivoting with respect to the said fitting, has sealing means disposed between the said shutter and fitting, adapted for defining at least one airtight chamber (12, 13) between these last two, each fitting (7) having, in line with each chamber, at least one orifice. Furthermore, elastic means are arranged so as to act on the shutter (8) in such a way as to produce an initial release of the latter. These devices aim to guarantee the holding of the shutter (8) in its closed position, where it is clamped against the fitting (7), during flight, whilst ensuring the opening of this shutter after landing, under the effect of the elastic means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Conception Aeronautique du Sud-Ouest
    Inventor: Guy Servanty
  • Patent number: 5494221
    Abstract: A variable geometry exhaust nozzle for a turbojet engine is disclosed having an array of outer flaps and an array of inner flaps radially spaced apart and extending about a central axis of the exhaust duct structure. The array of outer flaps comprises a plurality of outer flaps each having an upstream end pivotally attached to the engine duct structure. The array of inner flaps comprises a plurality of upstream inner flaps, each having an upstream edge pivotally attached to the engine duct structure and a plurality of downstream inner flaps each having an upstream edge portion pivotally attached to a downstream edge portion of a corresponding upstream inner flap. A control annulus is movably attached to the engine structure so as to be movable axially along the central axis and is connected to an actuator which moves the control annulus between upstream and downstream limit positions along the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation (S.N.E.C.M.A.)
    Inventors: Fabrice M. O. Cot, Guy J.-L. Lapergue
  • Patent number: 5485959
    Abstract: A thrust vectoring axisymmetric vectoring exhaust nozzle having universally pivoting divergent flaps is provided with a surrounding thermal shield of overlapping outer flaps and seals generally disposed in an aftwards converging conical arrangement and having a means for changing its shape from axisymmetrical to asymmetrical. Additional thermal and cooling protection is provided by a series of ejector slots located on the divergent universally pivotal flaps and adjacent interflap seals of the nozzle to both cool and thermally shield the flaps and seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Wood, Thomas A. Hauer, William C. Lippmeier
  • Patent number: 5473886
    Abstract: A thrust reverser for a turbojet engine is disclosed in which the thrust erser baffles have one or more deflectors to direct the cold gas flow over an inner surface of the baffles to ensure that the inner surface remains out of contact with the hot gas flow. The deflectors are movably mounted on the baffles such that, when the baffles are in their forward thrust positions, the deflectors are retracted so as to be generally flush with the inner surface of the baffle so as not to interfere with the forward thrust flow of gases. The deflectors may be automatically deployed to their extended positions when the baffles are moved to their reverse thrust positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation
    Inventors: Bertrand Lebrun, Eric Lecossais, Henriette S. Lemay, Fabrice Metezeau, Laurent G. Valleroy
  • Patent number: 5461856
    Abstract: A divergent slave petal for sealing in variable geometry exhaust nozzles for gas turbine propulsion units includes a base plate for bearing axial forces but having minimum capacity for transmitting torsional forces and a plurality of discrete transverse elements for transmitting transverse and shear forces but not those torsion forces acting about the longitudinal axis of the petal. The base plate and discrete transverse elements are linked by guide elements running along the longitudinal edges of the base plate and by intermediate discrete transverse element fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Sener, Ingenieria Y Sistemas, S.A.
    Inventors: Jose I. I. Mendia, Jose R. Urruela
  • Patent number: 5442909
    Abstract: A method for controlling the amount of side load experienced by a gas turbine engine and associated airframe components is provided, where the gas turbine engine includes a thrust vectoring system which deflects thrust at a vector angle away from a centerline thereof. The method includes the steps of calculating engine thrust, calculating a side load vector angle limit as a function of the calculated engine thrust and a side load limit, and limiting the vector angle of the thrust vectoring system to the side load vector angle limit in order to maintain operation of the gas turbine engine within the side load limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Barton H. Snow, David J. Markstein, Thomas K. Wills, Thomas P. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 5419515
    Abstract: A thrust reverser for use with a jet engine comprising a pair of symmetrical thrust reverser door, each of the doors being pivotally attached to the jet engine so as to be pivotally movable between reversing and non-reversing positions, each of the doors having a scarfed trailing edge portion so that in the reversing position, the trailing edge portions of the doors are in abutting contact, the thrust reverser doors comprising an inner skin and an outer skin, with the inner skins forming a portion of the jet flow boundary extending from said jet engine pipe to the trailing edge of the door, a pair of half-shells, one being associated with and surrounding the trailing edge portion of each of the doors, the half-shells each comprising inner and outer skins and the inner skin of the half-shells forming the jet flow boundary from the trailing edge of the doors to the exhaust outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Aeronautical Concept of Exhaust, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Lair
  • Patent number: 5372006
    Abstract: A thrust reverser system for a turbine engine of the type having a central relatively hot gas generator nozzle conducting a core flow and a relatively cold duct conducting a fan flow and surrounding the hot flow, a pair of thrust reverser door, each of the doors being pivotally mounted on an axis which is substantially diametrically positioned with respect to the exhaust nozzle of the engine so as to pivot between a stowed position in which the doors are out of the direct path of exhaust from the engine and a deployed position in which the doors are in the path of the engine exhaust for deflecting the exhaust and creating a braking thrust, a flow modifying arrangement acting on the hot gas generator nozzle for simultaneously decreasing the total pressure of the core flow and increasing the total pressure of the fan flow by increasing the area of the hot gas generator nozzle at the discharge end thereof and moving the boundary between the hot gas and cold gas flows radially outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Aeronautical Concept of Exhaust, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Lair
  • Patent number: 5347808
    Abstract: An improvement made to jet-engine thrust reversers and, more particularly, to reversers called tilting-door reversers. The doors are equipped, on their upstream portion, with a flow-deflecting overlay 90 which, in the open-door position, is in a position close to a line PM parallel to the axis of the engine 1, the overlay making with the inner door skin an angle B greater than 90.degree., preferably between 105.degree. and 110.degree.. The invention is more particularly applicable to dual-flow engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Societe de Construction des Avions Hurel-Dubois
    Inventors: Robert Standish, Joel Frank, Pascal Meyer
  • Patent number: 5335489
    Abstract: An exhaust nozzle has variable convergent flaps, ejector flaps, and short divergent flaps spaced inwardly from the ejector flaps, cooling air is introduced through the opening between the divergent and ejector flaps. When the nozzle is vectored, the size of the opening is increased in the region of the nozzle experiencing higher static pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Edward B. Thayer
  • Patent number: 5328098
    Abstract: The external flaps (32), which contain the ram air, continue to form a conical structure during vectoring. External flaps (32) are hinged to the unison ring (30) with ejector flaps (34) hinged to the external flaps. A scissors linkage ( 48 ) joins each ejector flap (34) to the adjacent external flops. A spaced slider connection (58) guides, from the ejector flaps (34), the divergent flaps (26) which are joined to the convergent flaps (20) with a universal joint (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: W. Kevin Barcza, Larry E. Anders
  • Patent number: 5313788
    Abstract: A thrust reverser for a long duct mixed flow fan jet engine having a nacelle formed by a fixed forward structure surrounding the fan, a rear fixed structure and a translatable inner and outer cowl therebetween, the nacelle surrounds the engine and forms a long by-pass duct therewith, a common actuator fixed to the translatable cowls to simultaneously displace them over the rear structure, blocker doors coupled to the inner translating cowls for deployment during thrust reversal into the by-pass duct into a blocking position to divert the airflow through the cascades placed into an opening uncovered when the translatable cowls are axially displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jack D. Wright, Joe E. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5297388
    Abstract: A fluid flow duct such as the jet pipe of an aircraft gas turbine powerplant has alternatively selectable outlets so that thrust may be directed through either an axial discharge nozzle or through vectorable lift nozzles. Side outlets in the jet pipe leads to lift nozzle on port and starboard sides of the aircraft. Nozzle selection is made by means of a composite diverter valve comprising a sleeve valve to cover the side outlets and a segmented blocker valve to close the jet pipe and deflect engine exhaust through the side outlets. The blocker valve segments are carried on the sleeve valve for simultaneous deployment. The segments are adapted to delay the opening of the side outlets as the sleeve valve translates axially. Specially extended segments co-operate with a shaped duct wall adjacent the outlets to delay their uncovering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas J. Nightingale
  • Patent number: 5297387
    Abstract: A thrust reverser for a turbofan-type turbojet engine assembly is disclosed having a deflector defining an upstream edge of a reverse thrust opening formed in the turbofan housing so as to control the direction and shape of the gases passing through the reverse thrust opening. The deflector has a deflector edge portion defining a deflector edge wherein the curvature of the deflector edge portion, as measured in a longitudinal radial plane passing radially through a longitudinal axis of the engine, varies in a direction from one side of the reverse thrust opening to the opposite side of the opening. The curvature of the deflector edge portion is defined as being positive when the center of curvature of the deflector edge portion lies radially outwardly of the deflector and is defined as being negative when the center of curvature of the deflector edge portion lies radially inwardly of the deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Societe Hispano-Suiza
    Inventors: Felix Carimali, Michel J. L. Legras
  • Patent number: 5294055
    Abstract: Two arms rotatably mounted in slideable abutment with an interior wall of a nozzle. The arms extend from a common axis of rotation, and each includes a bump having a crest running radially from the axis of rotation to the tip of the arm. Together with the opposing ceiling and adjacent sidewalls of the nozzle, the arms define the moveable throat of the nozzle. The ceiling of the nozzle opposite the arms is contoured so that rotation of the arms changes the area of the nozzle throat while changing the direction of fluid medium flowing through the nozzle. The arms are connected by a linkage which coordinates their movement. Coordinated rotation of the arms can simultaneously change the throat area of the nozzle and the direction of fluid flow, or change either the throat area or the direction of fluid flow while keeping the other constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy M. Garrett, David E. Zilz
  • Patent number: 5285637
    Abstract: A seal centering and restraining device for positioning the seals between the divergent flaps of a vectoring convergent/divergent nozzle. The device includes a restraint bar that spans between two adjacent divergent flaps and is pivotally attached to the air side of a seal and slidably secured by sliders to tracks on the adjacent divergent flaps, thereby sandwiching the adjacent divergent flaps between the seal and sliders. A positioning linkage connecting the two adjacent divergent flaps centers the seal at all nozzle operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: William K. Barcza
  • Patent number: 5284015
    Abstract: A thrust reverser for a turbojet engine is disclosed having a movable component, such as a thrust reverser door, operatively associated with an engine housing, and vanes formed on the upstream edge portion of the movable component and extending inwardly from an interior surface. The vanes, which extend in a direction generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the engine, are located in an array which extends across the upstream edge portion of the movable component from one side to the other. The vanes each may be generally triangular in configuration and have one side attached to the inner surface of the movable component and another side attached to a gas flow deflector extending laterally across the front edge of the movable component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Societe Hispano-Suiza
    Inventors: Felix Carimali, Michel J. L. Legras
  • Patent number: 5280704
    Abstract: A lock has a shaft coupled to a flexible shaft which synchronizes hydraulic actuators of a translating cowl thrust reverser. The shaft is provided with a rotary brake comprising axially movable rotating and fixed discs urged together by a spring. The rotating discs are rotationally fixed to an armature of a solenoid which, when actuated, releases the rotary brake to allow the shaft to rotate and the thrust reverser to be deployed or stowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Lucas Industries public limited company
    Inventors: Michael J. Anderson, Terence J. Capewell, Stephen H. Davies, Mark Guy, Kevin Hadley, John H. Harvey, Nigel R. Moorhouse, Alan T. Rollason
  • Patent number: 5271222
    Abstract: A flow diverter arrangement for an aircraft comprises a first duct 17 for receiving propulsion fluid from the powerplant 11 and delivering it to a first location 18, a second duct 19 merging with the first duct 17 at a communication aperture 23 and adapted to deliver propulsion fluid to a second location, a flap member 24 pivotted for movement between a first position in which it closes the communication aperture 23 and a second position in which it closes the first duct, and a diverter device 31 for diverting propulsion fluid into the second duct when the flap member is in its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: British Aerospace Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Ronald Coe, Douglas F. Kerr
  • Patent number: 5269467
    Abstract: A flap to seal retaining apparatus for providing retention between adjacent longitudinally extending seals and flaps in an aircraft gas turbine engine axisymmetric vectoring nozzle. The retaining apparatus provides a channel having transversely extending channel walls mounted on the flap. A retaining lug supported from the seal is disposed within the channel and a positioning device is provided to maintain the retaining lug within the channel when the adjacent seal and flap are skewed with respect to each other. The positioning device provides the lug with a two degree freedom (2DOF) of motion with respect to the flap within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Keith A. Williams, William C. Lippmeier
  • Patent number: 5245823
    Abstract: An external flap vectoring mechanism on an axisymmetric gas turbine exhaust nozzle, the external flap vectoring mechanism comprising a plurality of external flaps, each such flap having first and second flaps, the first flap pivotably connected to a sync ring and the second flap pivotably connected to the aft end of the first flap thereby providing for lateral movement of the second flap relative to the first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: William K. Barcza
  • Patent number: 5239815
    Abstract: A sync-ring assembly for use on a axisymmetric gas turbine exhaust nozzle, the sync-ring having a semi-spherical outward surface received within and slidably contacting the cylindrical inner surface of a liner. The sync-ring runs along guide tracks mounted to the case of the nozzle, and is positioned along the liner and rotated with respect to the liner by a plurality of actuators pivotably connected to the sync-ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: William K. Barcza
  • Patent number: 5238189
    Abstract: A hinge for connecting a convergent seal and a divergent seal in a thrust vectoring nozzle has an intermediate yoke. This yoke carries seals contacting the convergent and divergent seals. The axis of the transverse and radial pins are longitudinally offset. The convergent seal slides in an arcuate path around the axis of the transverse pin, while the divergent seal slides in a arcuate path around the axis of the radial pin. Further, the radial pin is located toward the divergent seal side of the transverse pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: W. Kevin Barcza
  • Patent number: 5232158
    Abstract: A divergent seal is located on the gas side of a convergent/divergent nozzle between adjacent divergent flaps. A scissors linkage both centers the seal between the flaps and restrains the seal against the flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: W. Kevin Barcza
  • Patent number: 5230213
    Abstract: A thrust reverser for use with turbo-fan aircraftt engines; in particular engines mounted on an aircraft fuselage. Four radially spaced openings around the engine each is closed by a stowed door. An actuator is provided to move each door to a deployed position extending through the opening, near the aft end of the opening. The aft end of each door extends into the tailpipe and directs air flow out through the opening, where the forward end of the door further directs the flow in an outwardly and forwardly direction. Doors adjacent to the aircraft fuselage are shaped to guide reverse airflow away from direct impingement on the fuselage. Deployable strakes are mounted on doors adjacent to the fuselage. The strakes are typically spring biased toward a stowed position flat against the inside of the door and are moved to a deployed position by aerodynamic forces when the doors are deployed. In the deployed position, they are located so as to deflect air flow away from the fuselage or other structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale W. R. Lawson
  • Patent number: 5224342
    Abstract: A thrust reverser for jet engines comprising a pair of thrust reverser doors pivotally mounted on an axis which is substantially diametrically positioned with respect to the exhaust nozzle of a jet engine so as to pivot between a stowed position in which the doors are out of the direct path of exhaust of the engine but subjected to the static pressure of the jet engine over substantially the entire length of the doors, and a deployed position in which the doors are in the path of the engine exhaust for deflecting the exhaust and creating a braking thrust, a latch mechanism for securing the doors in the stowed position, a suitable port for directing a portion of the static pressure of the jet engine toward the doors for exerting the static pressure against the doors, an actuator for releasing the latch mechanism so that the doors may pivot to the deployed position, a valve operatively associated with the latch mechanism for relieving at least a portion of the static pressure of the jet engine acting on an upst
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Lair
  • Patent number: 5209057
    Abstract: A thrust reverser system for fan jet type aircraft gas turbine engines using a rack and pinion arrangement for moving blocker doors between the stowed and deployed positions. Blocker doors fill a plurality of circumferentially arranged openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventor: Jihad I. Remlaoui
  • Patent number: 5209432
    Abstract: Doors sealing radial flow ports are opened by rotation which slides the doors away from the ports. All doors rotate about a longitudinal centerline of the aircraft. Each flow port has its inlet seal surface with a center of curvature offset from the longitudinal axis. Rotation of the door toward the open position relieves and releases contact between the door and the port inlet seal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gary D. Roberge, Edward B. Thayer
  • Patent number: 5205512
    Abstract: A fluid control apparatus for proportionally directing fluid from a single conduct to multiple exhaust ports around the periphery of the duct. A controller is provided which is rotatably supported in the duct by an axial shaft. The shaft supports a radial barrier vane extending along its length and a helical vane forming a single 360.degree. helical wall surrounding the shaft. Rotation of the controller exhaust to shaft axis directs the fluid to the appropriate exhaust ports according to its angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: William E. Rumberger
  • Patent number: 5186390
    Abstract: A propelling nozzle has upper and lower primary and secondary flaps which are disposed opposite one another at a mutual distance and which are sealingly movably guided between lateral wall portions of a four-cornered nozzle housing. The primary flaps are arranged pivotally about a fixed axis of rotation on the nozzle housing. The secondary flaps, in each case upstream of levers non-rotatably connected with the primary flaps, are pivotally linked to pivots situated on the side facing away from the nozzle flow. The secondary flaps change into the primary flaps with a surface section which is bent concentrically with respect to the pivots. The primary and secondary flaps are arranged in a four-cornered nozzle housing which is itself closed in. In each case the secondary flaps are arranged on the nozzle housing in an axially movable and angularly adjustable manner at the downstream end. The levers are formed on interior sections which are bent away from the primary flaps in a toggle-lever-type manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: MTU Motoren-und Turbinen-Union Munchen GmbH
    Inventors: Heinrich Enderle, Jorg Heyse, Helmut-Arnd Geidel
  • Patent number: 5161752
    Abstract: Increased aircraft control is achieved by combining reverse thruster operation with splay capability. Each of the four door sets has a pair of vanes controllable to various parallel positions. Maximum opening at 26.degree. from the vertical decreases in each direction from the maximum position. The vanes may be controlled to effect yaw and pitch control while maintaining a constant total effective flow area. Back pressure on the turbine is thereby unaffected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jefre H. Cockerham, Edward B. Thayer