Motive Fluid Outlet Movable Relative To Motor Part Patents (Class 60/232)
  • Patent number: 11148822
    Abstract: A drive system for a rotorcraft includes at least one engine, the engine including a compressor section, and a turbine section positioned rearward from the compressor section. A main rotor input shaft extends from a rotor power turbine of the turbine section and is connectable to a main rotor assembly of the rotorcraft to transfer rotational energy from the rotor power turbine to the main rotor assembly. An auxiliary input shaft extends from an auxiliary power turbine of the turbine section and is connectible to an auxiliary rotor assembly of the rotorcraft to transfer rotational energy from the auxiliary power turbine to the auxiliary rotor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mark R. Alber
  • Patent number: 10895220
    Abstract: A system for deploying a blocker door of a nacelle includes a master link configured to be coupled to a fixed structure of the nacelle and a master crank pivotally attached to the master link. The system further includes a first door crank and a first door link pivotally coupled to the first door crank. The system further includes a first blocker door coupled to the first door link and a first driveshaft coupled to the master crank and to the first door crank and configured to transfer motion from the master crank to the first door crank such that aft translation of a translating sleeve of the nacelle drives the master crank via the master link, which drives the first door link via the first driveshaft and the first door crank to move the first blocker door into a bypass air duct defined by the nacelle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy Gormley
  • Patent number: 10018152
    Abstract: A turbojet engine nacelle includes a thrust reversing device having doors that swing to brake a direct gas flow, guiding it through counter-thrust openings, and the inside of each door has, at the front, a cavity receiving a spoiler turned towards the front when this door is open. The nacelle includes a fixed structure upstream from each door supporting a deflection edge that partially covers the cavity. In particular, the fixed structure supports, on each side, counter-thrust openings, a flank disposed in the continuation of the deflection edge and extending behind the cavity, which is incorporated into a leaf of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Sébastien Laurent Marie Pascal, Alexandre Breton
  • Patent number: 9211956
    Abstract: Turbojet engine nacelle (1) comprising an air intake structure (4) able to channel a flow of air towards a fan of the turbojet engine, and a central structure (5) intended to surround said fan and to which the air intake structure is attached in such a way as to ensure aerodynamic continuity, the central structure comprising, on the one hand, a casing intended to surround the fan and, on the other hand, an outer structure, characterized in that the air intake structure comprises a longitudinal outer panel (40) incorporating an air intake lip (4a) and which may extend so far as to incorporate at least part of the outer structure of the central section and beyond, said longitudinal outer panel being translationally mobile between an operating position in which the outer panel ensures the aerodynamic continuity of the outside of the nacelle (1), and a maintenance position in which the outer panel (40) is set away from the outer structure of the central section and the air intake lip (4a) is set away from the inn
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Joret, Guy Bernard Vauchel, Denis Guillois, Stephane Beilliard
  • Patent number: 9021813
    Abstract: An apparatus installed on an aircraft, comprising: a sleeve or duct having a trailing lip area; a plurality of petals arranged side by side with gaps therebetween, one end of each petal being attached or pivotably coupled to the lip area; and a plurality of elastomeric seals configured and disposed to close the gaps between adjacent petals. Each elastomeric seal comprises a first portion that moves with a portion of a first petal that is in contact therewith, a second portion that moves with a portion of a second petal that is in contact there, and a third portion which is stretched as the first and second petals move further apart from each other. Petal deflection is actuated by a system comprising a flexible member, a motor, a shaft driven by the motor, and an arm projecting from the shaft. One end of the flexible member is attached to the arm, the flexible member being movable to deflect the petals inward in response to a shaft rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Christopher Jasklowski, Michael L. Sangwin, David William Foutch, Mehmet Bahadir Alkislar, Matthew Anthony Dilligan
  • Patent number: 8931281
    Abstract: An external flap connection assembly for a turbine engine nozzle has a track frame, a slider track, and an external flap. The external flap is removably connected to the slider track via a retaining member which has a slider block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jose E. Ruberte Sanchez, David C. Schuppert
  • Patent number: 8925295
    Abstract: An air discharging device (20) for an aircraft turbine engine, comprising at least one door (24) displaceable between an open and a closed position of a corresponding orifice (30) and comprising two valves (26, 28), which delimit between them a conduit (68) for guiding a portion (74) of the secondary flow (76) outwards in the downstream direction, and which are integral with each other and are hinged around a pivot axis (58), so that in said open position, the upstream end of said internal valve (26) protrudes from the inner side relative to the internal surface (12), the downstream end of said external valve (28) protrudes from the external side relative to the external surface (14), and said internal valve (26) is spaced away from the fixed structure (22) so that an air passage exists downstream of said internal valve (26), between the latter and said fixed structure (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations
    Inventors: Guillaume Bulin, Thierry Surply
  • Patent number: 8910464
    Abstract: A thrust-vectoring nozzle is disclosed that includes a cylindrical case and a flow director. The flow director includes a cylindrical ring having a dimension to fit within the cylindrical case. The cylindrical ring has an inner wall and an outer wall and a plurality of fixed vanes are coupled to the inner wall of the ring. The flow director is configured to rotate about first and second mutually perpendicular axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: David Ambrose
  • Patent number: 8800261
    Abstract: A bypass gas turbine engine includes a variable area fan nozzle with a leading edge region that defines an increased airfoil leading edge radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Andre M. Hall, Oliver V. Atassi, Jonathan Gilson
  • Patent number: 8800262
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thrust reverser for a turbofan engine nacelle including a stationary portion (15) downstream from which is mounted at least one cowl (9) movable between a direct-jet position, in which the cowl (9) is aligned with the stationary portion (15), and a thrust-reversal position, in which the mobile cowl (9) is spaced apart from the stationary portion (15) so as to define an opening for the passage of a secondary flow (F), a means for deflecting (16) the secondary flow (F) through the passage opening, an actuator means (45) and a means (24) for guiding the mobile cowl (9) relative to the stationary portion (15), at least a first and a second adjacent cascade vane (13), positioned at an angle (B) relative to the movement axis (A) of the mobile cowl (9), arranged opposite the passage opening such that the deflected secondary flow (F) at least partially passes through the first and second vanes (13) in order to increase the deflection of said secondary flow (F) in the upstream direction, sai
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventors: Guy Bernard Vauchel, Pierre Caruel
  • Patent number: 8783010
    Abstract: A thrust reverser with doors having at least one stationary structure is provided, on which at least one door is mounted pivoting between a closed position in which the door closes the reverser and makes up an outer cowling part, and an open position in which the door opens a passage in the stationary structure and can at least partially block a flow of air generated by a turbojet engine so as to reorient the door. The stationary structure includes at least two sets of cascade vanes that can be covered by the door when in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Aircelle
    Inventors: Denis Guillois, Laurent Albert Blin, Löic Chapelain
  • 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: 8707675
    Abstract: A hot-gas thruster is actuated using a relatively small electric motor. The hot-gas thruster includes a pressure assisted pilot shaft to keep electric power demand to only a few hundred watts peak and only tens of watts on average, while exhibiting relatively fast response times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Abel, Raymond R. Tseng
  • Publication number: 20140007555
    Abstract: A system and method includes a thrust system; a generator for providing electric power to at least one electromechanical actuator of the thrust system; a turbine for driving the generator; a speed control valve for metering propellant to the turbine; and a gear assembly for connecting the turbine, the generator, and the speed control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zachary J. Delong, Richard A. Himmelmann
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8464512
    Abstract: This actuator for an aircraft engine nacelle mobile structure (9) comprises a motor (1) intended to be mounted on a fixed part of the said nacelle, an endless screw (21) able to be turned by this motor (1), a slideway (5) intended to be connected to the said mobile structure (9) and comprising a nut (29) in mesh with the said endless screw, and a first ball end (15) allowing an angular offset between the axis of the said endless screw (21) and the said slideway (5). This actuator is notable in that it comprises a sleeve (19) able to accommodate the said screw (21) and extending with clearance inside the said slideway (5), the said nut (29) being mounted on that end of the said sleeve (19) that is closest to the said motor (1), and the said first ball end being interposed between the other end of the said sleeve (19) and the said slideway (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Aircella
    Inventors: Guy Vauchel, Jean-Philippe Joret, Pierre Baudu, Christophe Guenadou
  • Patent number: 8402765
    Abstract: A variable area fan nozzle assembly for a turbofan engine includes a nacelle having an aft edge and a translating nozzle segment having a forward edge and a first end. The nozzle segment is movably disposed behind the aft edge such that an upstream bypass flow exit is defined between the aft edge and the forward edge when the nozzle segment is in a deployed position. A deflector is disposed between the aft edge and the forward edge proximate to the first end. The deflector substantially prevents bypass flow from exiting the upstream bypass flow exit in a region that is proximate to the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Amkraut, Michael John Layland, Norman John James
  • Patent number: 8387361
    Abstract: The present invention describes a hybrid rocket motor that includes a first solid reactant and at least one thrust nozzle and at least one moveable combustion control member within the hybrid rocket motor that restricts the contact of a first fluid reactant in the combustion chamber. In this way, it is then possible to regulate the exposure of the solid reactant to the fluid reactant and thus control thrust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Rocketone Aerospace Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Sook Ying Ho
  • Patent number: 8356483
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a door axially slidable relative to a passage in communication with a secondary flow path to regulate the secondary flow though the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corp
    Inventors: Dale William Petty, Shawn M. McMahon, Michael Joseph Murphy, Sean P. Zamora, Timothy A. Swanson
  • Patent number: 8235646
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan, a bypass duct having a nozzle, through which fluid from the fan flows, and a variable area nozzle device located in the nozzle. The variable area nozzle device has an arcuate fairing having one end in slidable cooperation with the bypass duct. In a deployed position the area of the nozzle is reduced from that when stowed, thereby improving engine operability and efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Brian R. Lace
  • Patent number: 8170771
    Abstract: A fluid-powered thrust reverser actuation speed control system and method are provided. A drive fluid is supplied to a fluid-powered drive mechanism that is coupled to a thrust reverser movable component to thereby move the thrust reverser movable component at a first movement speed. A determination is made as to when the thrust reverser movable component attains a predetermined position. In response to the thrust reverser movable component attaining the predetermined position, the drive fluid supplied to the fluid-powered drive mechanism is controlled to thereby move the thrust reverser movable component at a second movement speed that is less than the first movement speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Calmelat, David M. Eschborn, Cal Potter, Kevin K. Chakkera
  • Patent number: 8136341
    Abstract: Track beams for the cowling of a jet engine for aircraft are formed of a base body with at least one slide for displaceably mounting a thrust reverser of the jet engine. A connection is provided for an inner engine cowling and fittings for detachably and pivotally attaching to a supporting structure or for connecting to another track beam. To provide such a track beam which has a particularly low weight yet, nevertheless, is sufficiently stiff, the base body is formed by a hollow profile section with a substantially closed cross-section. The hollow section is produced of a carbon-fiber-reinforced synthetic material by way of a resin-infusion process. Two flanges are provided on the hollow section of the base body of the track beam for providing a connection to the inner engine cowling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: FACC AG
    Inventors: Walter Stephan, Roland Zeillinger, Andreas Maier
  • Publication number: 20120060467
    Abstract: The fastener fitting (40) has a first fastener zone (42) for fastening to an element (24) of the deployment mechanism. This fastener fitting (40) has two longitudinal arms (46A, 46B) that extend substantially in parallel and in the same direction from the first fastener zone (42). The free ends of these arms that are remote from the first fastener zone are separate, with each arm being provided with a distinct fastener surface (48A, 48B), these respective fastener surfaces together forming the second fastener zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Michel Fiolek, Romain Stephant, Claude Pomies, Noël David
  • Publication number: 20120042628
    Abstract: A controlled relative motion system that permits a controlled motion member, joined to a base member, to selectively move with respect to said base member having a base support, an output structure, and a plurality of securing links including a fixed length securing link that is rotatably connected at one end thereof to the base support and rotatably connected at an opposite end thereof to the output structure. Further included is a variable length securing link that is rotatably connected at one end thereof to the base support and rotatably connected at an opposite end thereof to the output structure and having a force distributor therewith that can be directed to vary a separation distance between said ends thereof by a force imparting member capable of directing the force distributor to vary the separation distance between the variable length securing link ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: Ross-Hime Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Rosheim
  • Patent number: 8104263
    Abstract: An actuator arrangement for moving a first component relative to a second component, the arrangement comprising: an actuator chamber for receiving a fluid under pressure, a side wall of the chamber being fixed relative to the first component; an actuating element fixed relative to the second component and located inside the chamber for sliding movement along the chamber, relative to the side-wall; and a sealing element which provides a corresponding sliding seal between the actuating element and the sidewall for maintaining an actuating fluid pressure differential across the actuating element thereby to drive the actuating element relative to said side-wall, under said fluid pressure differential, for driving said relative movement of the first and second components; wherein the arrangement further comprises an external side-wall brace connected to the second component for corresponding movement with the actuating element along the outside of the sidewall, the brace being slidably or rollably braced against t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Michael C. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8061119
    Abstract: An actuation mechanism for use in a convertible gas turbine propulsion system comprises a plenum, a pneumatically powered drive body and a spring system. The plenum receives pressurized air from the convertible gas turbine propulsion system. The pneumatically powered drive body is connected to the plenum to receive pressurized air to axially move the drive body in a first direction. The spring system is connected to the drive body to axially move the drive body in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Rajendra K. Agrawal, Gregory E. Reinhardt
  • Publication number: 20110232262
    Abstract: A seal assembly (80) adaptable for use between swivel ducts (36, 38, 40) or between a swivel duct (36) and an exhaust duct (81), has a seal (84), a seal carrier (82) and a spring (98). The spring is maintained between the seal carrier and the seal by means of a seal carrier spring holder (88) and a seal retention holder (96) such that the spring urges the seal away from the seal carrier to land the seal on an adjacent swivel duct (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas M. Barry, JR., James F. Hyland, JR.
  • Patent number: 7980508
    Abstract: A V/STOL aircraft includes an aft by-pass powerplant 28 having an aft, rearwardly directed nozzle 30 and twin transverse vectorable nozzles 32. A duct 29 extends forwardly of the powerplant and terminates in a vectorable nozzle 16. The duct supplies relatively cool by-pass air to the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: BAE Systems PLC
    Inventors: Thomas Fillingham, Colin Whaites, William Nash
  • Patent number: 7975466
    Abstract: An exhaust nozzle (10) for a gas turbine engine is described for vectoring a flow of exhaust gases issuing therefrom at an angle to a centre line (8) of the engine. The exhaust nozzle (10) comprises a plurality of radially outer flaps (25) and radially inner flaps (26) which are circumferentially disposed around the engine. The radially outer flaps (25) and radially inner flaps (26) alternately overlap each other to define a path through which the exhaust gases flow. The radially outer flaps (25) can be moved asymmetrically about the engine centre line (8). The radially inner flaps (26) are maintained in sealing contact with the outer flaps (25) by the flow of exhaust gases passing therethrough. The radially inner flaps (26) are divided into a number of triangular sections (29) which renders the flaps (26) torsionally flexible so that they can twist along their lengths to maintain sealing contact with adjacent radially outer flaps (25) when the outer flaps (25) are moved asymmetrically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Leonard John Rodgers
  • Patent number: 7975467
    Abstract: An apparatus for driving a body with 3-degree of freedom angular motion, comprises: a body connected to a fixing part so as to be rotatable centering around a pitch axis, a yaw axis, and a roll axis; a pitch axis driving unit for rotating the body centering around the pitch axis; and a yaw axis driving unit for rotating the body centering around the yaw axis. Since one of the pitch axis driving unit and the yaw axis driving unit restricts the body from rotating centering around the roll axis fixed to the body, the conventional roll-rotation restricting link is not needed between the body and the fixing part. Accordingly, a size of the apparatus is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Agency for Defense Development
    Inventors: Sung-Jin Cho, Eul-Gon Kim, Hyung-Sik Lee
  • Publication number: 20110131948
    Abstract: An exhaust system for an aircraft has a primary exhaust duct for communicating exhaust gas from an engine exhaust exit and is configured for movement with the engine. A secondary exhaust duct is in fluid communication with the primary exhaust duct and is movably mounted to the airframe. The secondary duct has a portion selectively rotatable relative to the remainder of the secondary duct for directing the exhaust gas vector. The system has means for maintaining a generally consistent relative alignment between the primary duct and the secondary duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Charles Hollimon, John Barber, John Sherrer, Robert Laramee
  • Patent number: 7866228
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (20) for moving at least one moveable element (19) in a gas turbine engine (1) between a first and a second position. The device includes a linkage (21) that connects a pivotable annular member (18) with the moveable element (19) in such a way that the movement of the moveable element (19) between the two positions is accomplished when the annular member (18) is pivoted. The linkage (21) has a link member (22) connected to the moveable element (19) via a first articulation joint (23). The device also has a support member (24) that supports the link member (22) at a distance from the first articulation joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Volvo Aero Corporation
    Inventors: Egon Aronsson, Mike Billett
  • Patent number: 7814753
    Abstract: An exhaust duct assembly includes a cooling liner spaced apart from an exhaust duct case that articulate for use in a short take off vertical landing (STOVL) type of aircraft. The cooling liner assembly is attached to the exhaust duct case through a foldable attachment hanger system. The foldable attachment hanger system provides a low profile (foldable up/down) for a limited access installation envelope typical of a three bearing swivel duct (3BSD) which rotates about three bearing planes to permit transition between a cruise configuration and a hover configuration. In this way, each cooling liner segment may be formed as a complete cylindrical member requiring joints only between the swivelable duct sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jorge I. Farah, William G. Hoop
  • Patent number: 7770379
    Abstract: The present invention provides an actuating apparatus for moving relatively rotatable components. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises: a bearing (30) including first (34) and second (36) relatively rotatable bearing elements for mounting respective first (18) and second (12) rotatable components for relative rotation about a common axis; a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator having a pair of co-acting parts (44, 54), including a first part (54) fixed with respect to the said first rotatable element and a second part (44) fixed with respect to the said second rotatable element; and, means (110) for energising and/or de-energising said actuator means to effect movement of the said co-acting parts and thereby relative rotation of the said first and second bearing elements about the said bearing axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Michael C. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7757477
    Abstract: A nozzle system includes a multitude of circumferentially distributed convergent flaps and seals that circumscribe an engine centerline. A cooling liner body cooperates with a cooling liner panel attached to respective convergent flaps and convergent seals to define an annular cooling airflow passageway which is movable therewith. Each cooling liner panels includes an arcuate cooling liner leading edge with a multiple of openings to distribute cooling airflow over both the inner “cold-side” and outer “hot-side” surfaces thereof. Through this backside cooling, thermal gradients are controlled at the attachment interface between the arcuate cooling liner leading edge and the main cooling liner body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Debora F. Kehret, Jorge I. Farah
  • Publication number: 20100025493
    Abstract: An actuator arrangement for moving a first component relative to a second component, the arrangement comprising: an actuator chamber for receiving a fluid under pressure, a side wall of the chamber being fixed relative to the first component; an actuating element fixed relative to the second component and located inside the chamber for sliding movement along the chamber, relative to the side-wall; and a sealing element which provides a corresponding sliding seal between the actuating element and the sidewall for maintaining an actuating fluid pressure differential across the actuating element thereby to drive the actuating element relative to said side-wall, under said fluid pressure differential, for driving said relative movement of the first and second components; wherein the arrangement further comprises an external side-wall brace connected to the second component for corresponding movement with the actuating element along the outside of the sidewall, the brace being slidably or rollably braced against t
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Michael C. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7581382
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine air valve assembly has first and second valving elements. The second element is rotatable about a first axis relative to the first element. The rotation controls a flow of air through the first and second elements. An actuator is coupled by a linkage to the second element. A plurality of follower member assemblies each have an insertion portion extending through a corresponding first aperture in the first valving element and a corresponding second aperture in the second element. The insertion portion is circumferentially fixed relative to one of the first and second valving elements and circumferentially moveable relative to the other of the first and second valving elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Andreas Sadil, Joseph F. Englehart
  • Publication number: 20090205312
    Abstract: A swept fan ramp for a pivot door thrust reverser includes a cylindrical unit with an elliptical flared portion, a side portion, and a rectangular flared portion. The elliptical flared portion is operable to reduce drag on airflow in a reverse direction and is coupled to the top center and bottom center of the circumference of the cylindrical unit. The side portion is operable to reduce side spillage airflow and is coupled to the central left side and central right side of the aft circumference of the cylindrical unit. The rectangular flared portion is operable to promote separation of airflow into an upper airflow path and a lower airflow path, is coupled with the aft circumference of the cylindrical unit, and is connected to the elliptical flared portion and the side portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe E. Sternberger
  • Patent number: 7571610
    Abstract: Extendible exhaust nozzle bell for rocket engine of aircraft or spacecraft includes a first part with smaller diameter fixedly arranged on motor of engine and a second part with larger diameter arranged in flexible manner with respect to first part. In a front stowed position, second part is located surrounding first part closer to the rocket motor and, in a rear operating position, first part is arranged further away from the rocket motor. A closed volume that can be acted on by a gaseous fluid causes an extension of the second part of the exhaust nozzle bell from the stowed position into the operating position. The closed volume is formed at least in part by a deformable rolling bellows arrangement coupled between the flexibly arranged second part of the exhaust nozzle bell and a fixed part of the rocket engine or of the aircraft or spacecraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: EADS Space Transportation GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Kretschmer
  • Patent number: 7555894
    Abstract: Swivelling nozzle for an aircraft engine, the nozzle 10 being pivotally mounted about a transverse yaw axis by means of two elastically deformable one-piece articulations 24 mounted on two external pivots 22 of the nozzle and housed in engine case elements, the nozzle being caused to pivot by an actuator 46 mounted on the engine case and connected by a link 50 to a pivot 22 of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Snecma
    Inventors: Philippe Pierre Vincent Bouiller, Michel Francois Raymond Franchet, Jean-Pierre Ruis
  • Publication number: 20090158703
    Abstract: A regulator system includes a slidable ramp intermediate a secondary flow path and a primary flow path of a gas turbine engine nozzle section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Dale William Petty
  • Publication number: 20090126341
    Abstract: The thrust reverser is used with an aircraft gas turbine engine and includes upper and lower doors pivotable between a stowed position and a deployed position. When deployed, the doors redirect a portion of the efflux to generate a nose-down pitching moment on an aircraft to improve handling during thrust reversing on a runway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Lair
  • Publication number: 20090126340
    Abstract: A pivot arrangement for a thrust reverser door of a gas turbine engine, the pivot fitting having a base and a shaft projecting from a main side of the base. The shaft receives a preferably curved pivot arm of the door to provide a low profile arrangement which improves performance when the doors are stowed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Lair
  • Publication number: 20090064660
    Abstract: An exhaust vane disposed in a divergent section of an aircraft gas turbine engine exhaust nozzle is sideways pivotable about a vane pivot axis. The nozzle vane pivot axis may be centrally located at an unvectored nozzle throat. Transversely spaced apart upper and lower tips of the exhaust vane may be incorporated to sealingly engage a nozzle outer wall along upper and lower surfaces of the outer wall of the nozzle. The exhaust vane has flat or contoured vane sidewalls and contoured vane sidewalls may be concave. The exhaust vane may have transversely biased apart upper and lower vane sections extending transversely inwardly from the upper and lower tips of the exhaust vane respectively. The exhaust vane may be articulated having upstream and downstream sections separately sideways pivotable about the vane pivot axis and a second pivot axis downstream of and parallel to the vane pivot axis respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Jay Toffan, James Lee Salmon, Ronald Clement Hollett, Arthur McCardle
  • Publication number: 20080210778
    Abstract: A shroud for an aircraft engine exhaust plume, the shroud being formed of a flexible material secured at one end to the exhaust nozzle and selectively extendable downstream with the exhaust plume so as to surround and shroud it, thereby to reduce infrared/radar/noise emissions from the aircraft engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Nicholas G.R. Colosimo
  • Patent number: 7406821
    Abstract: An adapter device for controlling a rocket engine nozzle under conditions of external pressure that can lead to the jet separating inside the nozzle, the nozzle being fitted with a diverging portion that is movably mounted relative to a stationary portion of the nozzle, thrust deflection then being achieved by swivelling the diverging portion so as to deflect the jet of combustion gas in contact with the inside wall of the diverging portion. The device includes a structure disposed inside the diverging portion in such a manner as to reduce the diverging nature of the flow section thereof and to increase the bearing area of pressure forces exerted by the jet on the diverging portion during swivelling thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Snecma Propulsion Solide
    Inventor: Antoine Hervio
  • Patent number: 7302793
    Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a flap system for a gas turbine engine exhaust nozzle including at least one backbone assembly. The method comprises providing a basesheet including a pair of circumferentially-spaced sides coupled together by an upstream side and a downstream side, forming at least one relief cut in the basesheet that extends at least partially across the basesheet from at least one of the circumferentially-spaced sides, and coupling the basesheet to the backbone assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Darrell Glenn Senile, Christina Marie Burke, Bernard J. Renggli, John Sigfrid Amneus
  • Patent number: 7296397
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ventilation system for a convergent divergent exhaust nozzle in a bypass turbojet comprising an afterburn chamber surrounded by an annular passage through which circulates a stream of cooling air, a convergent divergent axisymmetric nozzle arranged downstream of said afterburn chamber, each circle of flaps comprising alternately a plurality of controlled flaps, and a plurality of follower flaps, a circle of cold flaps arranged radially outside said nozzle and hinged at their upstream end to a conical shell linked to the downstream part of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: SNECMA Moteurs
    Inventors: Raphael Curtelin, Marc Doussinault, Guy Lapergue, Didier Durand
  • Patent number: 7216476
    Abstract: A nozzle for a jet engine generally includes a nozzle rim and a bendable duct for communicating an exhaust flow generated by the engine to the nozzle rim. A gimbal joint pivotably couples the nozzle rim to supporting structure. The gimbal joint allows the nozzle rim to be pivoted about a first axis and a second axis, thereby allowing changes to the vector at which the exhaust flow is discharged from the nozzle rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Fink
  • Patent number: 7178325
    Abstract: A divergent flap assembly of a gas turbine engine includes a hotsheet, a backbone structure for supporting the hotsheet, and a plow portion secured to the backbone structure to bridge a gap between the hotsheet and an external flap. The plow portion is fabricated from CMC material and has external geometry to complement and substantially continue geometry of the external flap to minimize plane detection. The plow portion is attached to the backbone structure such that when the backbone structure thermally expands, the plow portion is shifted to minimize an offset between a trailing edge of the hotsheet and the plow portion. The plow portion is fastened to the backbone structure by a plurality of fasteners, which are arranged to minimize thermal stresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Jaime A Arbona