With Lubricators Patents (Class 60/39.08)
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Patent number: 10018074Abstract: A turbocompound unit includes a bearing housing and a turbine shaft being rotatably supported in the bearing housing, wherein one end of the turbine shaft is provided with a turbine wheel. The turbocompound unit further includes a diffuser duct in which the turbine wheel is arranged to rotate, an exhaust collector extending from the diffuser duct to an exhaust outlet, and a sealing arrangement positioned in the vicinity of the turbine wheel for preventing oil from escaping from the bearing housing to the diffuser duct. The exhaust collector forms part of a buffer gas duct that is arranged to supply exhaust gas from the exhaust collector to the sealing arrangement for pressurizing the sealing arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2015Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Volvo Truck CorporationInventors: Peter Tennevall, Daniel Blom, Niklas Hartler
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Patent number: 9976485Abstract: A gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with a bleed airflow to provide a conditioned airflow. A bearing compartment is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger, and a first passageway communicates the conditioned airflow to the bearing compartment. The conditioned airflow is communicated radially between a bearing housing of the bearing compartment and a diffuser case and a nozzle assembly in fluid communication with the bearing compartment. A second passageway communicates the conditioned airflow from the bearing compartment and then through a plurality of openings of the nozzle assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2015Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Ioannis Alvanos
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Patent number: 9957040Abstract: A propeller system includes a propeller located at a tail section and a drive shaft operably connected to the propeller to drive the propeller about a propeller axis. A propeller gearbox connects the propeller to the drive shaft and a propeller gearbox lubricant cooler is operably connected to the propeller gearbox and disposed circumferentially about the drive shaft. The propeller gearbox lubricant cooler transfers thermal energy from a flow of lubricant flowing therethrough to a flow of air flowing through the tail section across the propeller gearbox lubricant cooler. A method of cooling a gearbox for a propeller includes circulating a volume of lubricant through a propeller gearbox and flowing the lubricant into a propeller gearbox cooler. Thermal energy is transferred from the lubricant to a flow of air flowing across the propeller gearbox cooler and the flow of air is vented from the tail section of the rotorcraft.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: David A. Darrow, Jr., Thomas L. Tully
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Patent number: 9957890Abstract: In various embodiments, a manifold assembly (64) for conducting one or more fluids to a gear assembly (60) in a gas turbine engine (20) is provided. The manifold assembly (64) may comprise a first plate (66) and a second plate (68) that rotatably couple together. The manifold assembly (64) may be retained and/or held together by a channel (72) and engagement member (70) arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Stephanie Baker, John Otto
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Patent number: 9920779Abstract: An aircraft hydraulic thermal management system utilizes fuel to cool hydraulic fluid by means of a heat exchanger. A hydraulic pump includes a case drain flow of hydraulic fluid at a first temperature to drive a hydraulic motor; the hydraulic motor circulates hydraulic fluid to a reservoir at a second temperature. The heat exchanger is positioned remotely of the fuel tank, and has first and second channels positioned in thermal communication to transfer heat from the hydraulic fluid to the fuel. The hydraulic motor is mechanically coupled to the fuel pump; the hydraulic motor, driven by case drain flow through the first channel, thus operates the fuel pump to move fuel through the second channel. The thermal management system is configured to assure that a) the hydraulic pump circulates hydraulic fluid to the reservoir at the second temperature, and b) the second temperature is always lower than the first temperature.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Jianmin Liao
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Patent number: 9909455Abstract: An intermediate casing comprising an inner annular hub, an outer annular barrel and an annular part for separating flows situated between the hub and the outer barrel. A primary stream is delimited between the hub and the separation part. A secondary stream is delimited between the separation part and the outer barrel. At least one hollow arm extends radially from the hub to the outer barrel, passing through the primary and secondary streams. A transmission shaft extends radially in the hollow arm. The hollow arm comprises a hydraulic-fluid outlet situated downstream of the transmission shaft. The arm further comprises a bypass channel or pocket able to bypass the transmission shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2015Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: SneemaInventors: Jerome Etienne Robert Cameau, Laurent Donatien Behaghel, Kévin Michel Robert Contal, Sébastien Nicolas Juigne
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Patent number: 9863318Abstract: A method of thermal management for a gas turbine engine comprising selectively positioning a valve to communicate a bypass flow into either an Environmental Control System (ECS) pre-cooler or an Air Oil Cooler (AOC) “peaker” through a common inlet.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: Michael Joseph Murphy
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Patent number: 9823030Abstract: A heat exchanger bypass system comprises a liquid circuit, a first fluid circuit, a second fluid circuit, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a liquid bypass line and a heated bypass valve. The first heat exchanger thermally couples the first fluid circuit to the liquid circuit. The second heat exchanger thermally couples the second fluid circuit to the liquid circuit. The liquid bypass line circumvents the first heat exchanger. The heated bypass valve controls flow through the liquid bypass line.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2014Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Leo J. Veilleux, Jr.
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Patent number: 9765694Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly comprises a heat exchanger body including a first fluid circuit and a second fluid circuit. The first circuit includes a first bypass valve in flow communication with a first fluid circuit inlet channel. The first fluid circuit also includes a plurality of cooling channels in flow communication with the first bypass valve. The first bypass valve is configured to channel a first fluid to the plurality of cooling channels during a first mode of operation to facilitate reducing a temperature of the first fluid. The second fluid circuit includes a second bypass valve configured to facilitate a flow of a second fluid through at least a portion of the heat exchanger body during the first mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2013Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: UNISON INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: Michael Ralph Storage, Dennis Alan McQueen, Roger Earl Foster
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Patent number: 9765640Abstract: An exemplary system may include a gas turbine engine configured to operate at an engine power level to satisfy an engine power demand. The system may also include at least one generator operatively coupled to the engine and configured to generate electrical power based at least in part on the engine power demand. The system further may include at least one heating element in communication with the at least one generator, and at least one control unit coupled to the at least one heating element. The at least one heating element may be configured to receive electrical power from the at least one generator to generate thermal energy. The at least one control unit may be configured to energize the heating element when the engine power demand is below the engine power level and/or there is an anticipated increase in the engine power demand.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2015Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Rolls-Royce CorporationInventor: Alan W. Smith
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Patent number: 9702301Abstract: A fuel circuit for an aviation turbine engine, the fuel circuit including: a main fuel line for feeding fuel to a combustion chamber of the engine and including a positive displacement pump; an auxiliary fuel line connected to the main fuel line at a junction situated downstream from the pump and serving to feed fuel to hydraulic actuators to control variable-geometry equipment of the engine, the auxiliary fuel line including electrohydraulic servo-valves upstream from each actuator; and a fuel pressure regulator valve arranged on the main fuel line downstream from the pump.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2012Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Nicolas Potel, Sebastien Gameiro
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Patent number: 9658005Abstract: A heat exchanger system is provided having a heat exchanger with a first inlet. A first outlet is fluidly coupled to the first inlet by a plurality of first channels. A second outlet is fluidly coupled to the first inlet by a second channel, the second channel having a first portion arranged transverse to the plurality of first channels. A bypass valve having a second inlet fluidly coupled to the first outlet and a third inlet fluidly coupled to the second outlet, and a third outlet selectively fluidly coupled to the second inlet and the third inlet, the third outlet being fluidly coupled to the first inlet. When in a bypass mode of operation, the thermal transfer medium flows through a channel in the heat exchanger to de-congeal the oil within the plurality of first channels.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2010Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventor: James S. Elder
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Patent number: 9657640Abstract: The present application relates to a splitter nose of an axial turbomachine configured to separate an annular flow into the turbomachine into a primary flow and a secondary flow, and including: a generally circular leading edge, an annular wall extending from the leading edge and bounding the secondary flow, and at least one duct for a de-icing fluid for the splitter nose extending substantially axially along the wall and opening out into the primary flow. The external surface of the wall is formed by a sheet bounding the de-icing duct.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2014Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Safran Aero Boosters SAInventors: Ghislain Herbaut, Benoît Baldewijns
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Patent number: 9441786Abstract: Disclosed is a device for preserving fluid systems, for example of a fuel system and an oil system of a turbine engine, with at least one drive for driving at least one fuel pump and at least one oil pump, wherein a valve arrangement is provided, which makes transfer-pumping a fluid between the fluid systems possible, an engine having such a device as well as a method for triggering such a device or for preserving fluid systems.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2011Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: MTU AERO ENGINES GMBHInventor: Helmut Streifinger
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Patent number: 9428267Abstract: An engine starting system for a rotary wing aircraft includes a controller that receives a signal indicative of a start command for an engine, a transmission input module that is mechanically coupled to a transmission system and an accessory gearbox and a starter motor that is mechanically coupled to a compressor drive shaft of the engine. Also, a method for restarting an engine in flight includes receiving by a controller a signal indicative of a start command for the engine, determining by the controller that an overrunning clutch is coupled to the engine, transmitting by a transmission system motive power to the engine in response to the determining that the overrunning clutch is coupled to the engine and driving via a compressor drive shaft a compressor section of the engine according to a design speed.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: Michael Joseph DeVita, Mark Denton Bystry, Jr.
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Patent number: 9410448Abstract: A lubrication system includes a bearing compartment. A main reservoir is fluidly connected to the bearing compartment by a main supply passage. A main pump is arranged in the main supply passage configured to provide fluid from the main reservoir to the bearing compartment during a positive gravity condition. A secondary supply passage fluidly connects the main reservoir to at least one segment of the main supply passage, thereby providing fluid from the main reservoir to the bearing compartment during a negative gravity condition. A method of supplying a bearing compartment with fluid includes pumping a fluid from a main reservoir to a bearing compartment through a main supply passage during a positive gravity condition, and providing fluid from the main reservoir to the bearing compartment through a secondary supply passage, fluidly connected to at least one segment of the main supply passage, in response to a negative gravity condition.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2012Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: William G. Sheridan, Paul H. Dolman
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Patent number: 9249731Abstract: A nacelle structure for a gas turbine engine includes a core engine nacelle disposed about an engine axis and an outer nacelle disposed about the core engine nacelle. A bifurcation extends between the outer nacelle and the core engine nacelle along a bifurcation axis extending between the outer nacelle and the core engine nacelle. The bifurcation includes at least one mounting surface that is disposed at a non-normal angle relative to the bifurcation axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2012Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Dmitriy B. Sidelkovskiy, Robert E. Malecki, Oleg Petrenko
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Patent number: 9222415Abstract: A fuel heating system for a gas turbine engine comprises a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a fuel pump and a valve. The first heat exchanger produces a heated air flow. The second heat exchanger receives the heated air flow from the first heat exchanger. The fuel pump provides a fuel flow. The valve is coupled to the fuel pump to intermittently include the second heat exchanger in the fuel flow based on a temperature of the fuel flow. A method of heating fuel in a gas turbine engine comprises providing fuel to a gas turbine engine with a fuel pump to sustain a combustion process, heating a flow of air with exhaust gas from the combustion process, and heating fuel from the fuel pump en route to the gas turbine engine with the flow of air based on a temperature of the fuel.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2012Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Omar I. Osorio
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Patent number: 9194294Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes an engine static structure housing that includes a compressor section and a turbine section. A core nacelle encloses the engine static structure to provide a core compartment. An oil tank is arranged in the core compartment and is axially aligned with the compressor section. Fan and core nacelles define an annular bypass flow path. The core nacelle provides a core compartment and includes an opening into the core compartment. The oil tank is arranged in the core compartment and includes a portion aligned with the opening that is exposed to the bypass flow path. The engine static structure is supported relative to a fan case by a radial structure. The oil tank is mounted to the engine static structure. An oil fill tube is mounted to the fan case and is fluidly connected to the oil tank.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2012Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Nathan Snape, Christopher M. Dye
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Patent number: 9163717Abstract: A manifold assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a mounting plate configured for attachment to a housing structure and a flow plate that is attached to the mounting plate. One or more flow passages are defined between the mounting plate and flow plate.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Stephanie M. Baker, Marc J. Muldoon, Alessio Pescosolido
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Patent number: 9103227Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a shaft, a speed change device driven by the shaft, and a fan including a fan rotor driven by the speed change device. At least one inducer stage is positioned aft of the fan and is coupled for rotation with the fan rotor.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2012Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Daniel Bernard Kupratis, Frederick M. Schwarz
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Patent number: 9091214Abstract: An accessory system for use in a gas turbine engine, which system includes a gearbox adapted to be arranged radially outward of a main axis of the gas turbine engine and inside a nacelle, one or more engine accessories respectively connected to and driven by the gearbox, and a gas turbine engine oil system driven by a source other than the gearbox.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2007Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Thomas G. Cloft
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Patent number: 9038398Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a heat exchanger, a bearing compartment, and a nozzle assembly in fluid communication with the bearing compartment. The heat exchanger exchanges heat with a bleed airflow to provide a conditioned airflow. The bearing compartment is in fluid communication with the heat exchanger. A first passageway communicates the conditioned airflow from the heat exchanger to the bearing compartment. A second passageway communicates the conditioned airflow from the bearing compartment to the nozzle assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Ioannis Alvanos
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Patent number: 9038397Abstract: A gas turbine engine according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, among other possible things includes a fan. A geared architecture is configured for driving the fan. A turbine section is configured for driving the geared architecture. A thermal management system that includes a first fluid circuit and a second fluid circuit that manage heat generated in at least a portion of the gas turbine engine. A first heat exchanger is incorporated into each of the first fluid circuit and the second fluid circuit. A second heat exchanger is incorporated into the first fluid circuit. A valve controls an amount of a first fluid that is communicated to the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. A controller is configured to control a positioning of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2014Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Federico Papa, Thomas G. Phillips, Kathleen R. Phillips, Ethan K. Stearns, Justin W. Heiss
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Patent number: 9032702Abstract: An accessory gearbox for an engine having at least one accessory gearbox shaft connectable to an auxiliary unit and driveable by a drive shaft, the drive shaft being operatively connectable to an engine shaft of the engine. At least one auxiliary unit can be arranged on the drive shaft and/or in the area of the operative connection between the drive shaft and the engine shaft and/or on an accessory gearbox shaft connectable to a further auxiliary unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KGInventor: Juergen Beier
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Patent number: 9027353Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a compressor section, a combustor in fluid communication with the compressor section, a turbine section in fluid communication with the combustor, a fan section configured to be driven by the turbine section via a geared architecture, and a buffer system that communicates buffer air to a portion of the gas turbine engine. The buffer system includes a first circuit configured to selectively mix a first bleed air supply having a first pressure and a second bleed air supply having a second pressure that is greater than the first pressure to provide a first buffer supply air having an intermediate pressure compared to the first pressure and the second pressure.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2014Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Jorn A. Glahn, Clifton J. Crawley, Jr., Philip S. Stripinis, William K. Ackermann
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Patent number: 9016068Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a combustor, a first turbine section in fluid communication with the combustor, a second turbine section in fluid communication with the first turbine section, and a mid-turbine frame located axially between the first turbine section and the second turbine section. An oil system includes a first oil system component that houses oil. A first connector mechanically connects the first oil system component to the mid-turbine frame.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Octavio Martin, Jorge I. Farah
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Patent number: 8997449Abstract: A flow restrictor is provided for a lubrication circulation system. The flow restrictor comprises a body configured to obstruct a flow of lubricant within the lubricant circulation system. The body has one or more through holes communicating with upstream and downstream portions of the lubrication circulation system. Each of the one or more holes has a cross-sectional area sufficiently small, and a length sufficiently long, to prevent turbulent lubricant flow therethrough at temperatures below a first predetermined reference temperature. The one or more holes have sufficient aggregate cross-sectional area to allow a desired lubricant flow rate through the body at temperatures at or above a second predetermined reference temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.Inventor: Adam Logan
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Publication number: 20150089918Abstract: A casing for a fan drive gear system includes a cast body with an upper and a lower portion. The cast body defines an oil inlet and an oil outlet arranged below the oil outlet. An integrally cast oil channel extends between the inlet and outlet for conveying oil from the upper portion of the cast body portion to the lower portion of the cast body for providing a supply of lubrication to the gear system when oil pools in an upper portion of an auxiliary oil reservoir during negative-G flight events.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: Christopher M. Valva, Todd M. Lapierre
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Patent number: 8984853Abstract: An example method of accessing a valve assembly of a turbomachine includes accessing a check valve of the valve assembly from a first position that is radially outside a flow path through the turbomachine. The method accessing a shut off valve of the valve assembly from a second position that is radially outside the flow path. The check valve and the shut off valve are configured to influence communication of lubricant along a lubricant communication path that extends between a location radially outboard the flow path and a location radially inboard the flow path. The first position is the same as the second position in some examples.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2010Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Todd A. Davis, Joanna Mamrowicz
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Publication number: 20150075132Abstract: The invention proposes an arrangement of a tank of lubrication liquid for an aircraft turbomachine (12), under a nacelle cowling (10) covering said turbomachine (12), with the tank being arranged in the volume located between the turbomachine (12) and the nacelle cowling (10), with the nacelle cowling (10) comprising an opening (22) for access to said volume, characterised in that the tank (18) is fastened to an internal face (20a) of a panel (20) closing off said opening (22), with the unit formed by the panel (20) and the tank being added onto the nacelle cowling (10) and able to be mounted and dismounted from the nacelle cowling (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Applicant: SNECMAInventors: Thierry KOHN, Jeremy Edmond Fert
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Patent number: 8978351Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a first and second pump driven by a spool. An Air-Oil Cooler downstream of the first pump. An air-air precooler is downstream of the second pump, the air-air precooler downstream of the Air-Oil Cooler.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Allan R. Penda, Brian D. Merry, Jorn A. Glahn, Christoper M. Dye, Nathan Snape
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Patent number: 8978352Abstract: A gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a windmill pump driven by a spool. A first pump driven by said spool with an air-oil cooler is located downstream of the first pump. A second pump is also driven the spool with an air-air precooler located downstream of the second pump. A method of operating a gas turbine engine during a “windmilling” condition includes driving a windmill pump with a spool during a “windmilling ” condition. A lubricant is communicated to a geared architecture with the windmill pump. A first pump is driven by the spool and an air-oil cooler is located downstream of the first pump.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Brian D. Merry, Christopher M. Dye, Michael E. McCune
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Patent number: 8973552Abstract: An oil management system includes an engine housing assembly which defines a first rotor volume and a second rotor volume. An oil cooler assembly arranged between the first rotor volume and the second rotor volume.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Mark D. Horn
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Patent number: 8966876Abstract: A gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a fan section including a fan, a geared architecture, a spool which drives the fan through the geared architecture, and at least one component geared to the spool and being operable to control a speed of the spool during a “windmilling” condition. A method of gas turbine engine operations during a “windmilling” condition is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Brian D. Merry, Christopher M. Dye, Michael E. McCune
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Patent number: 8966875Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a constant speed transmission driven by a spool. The constant speed transmission drives a first pump and a second pump. In a further non-limiting example, the first pump is driven by a first drive shaft which is driven by the constant speed transmission and the second pump is driven by a second drive shaft which is driven by the first shaft through a gearbox to provide a constant speed ratio between the first shaft and the second shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Brian D. Merry, Allan R. Penda, Christopher M. Dye
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Publication number: 20150052872Abstract: Thermal isolating service tubes and assemblies thereof for gas turbine engines are provided. The thermal isolating service tube comprises an inner tubular member defining a fluid passage and at least one outer tubular member disposed about the inner tubular member. A spacing volume is defined between at least the inner tubular member and an adjacent outer tubular member. The thermal isolating service tube comprises a unitary structure and has at least one portion with a curved configuration, a non-circular cross-sectional shape, or both.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2013Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventors: Ed Zurmehly, Cristopher Frost, Michael O'Brien, Donald G Godfrey
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Publication number: 20150052873Abstract: A turbofan engine includes a fan rotatable about an axis, a compressor section, a combustor in fluid communication with the compressor section, a turbine section in fluid communication with the combustor, a fan drive gear system including a carrier for supporting a plurality of gears, and a scupper capturing lubricant during gear operation and directing lubricant into the carrier. A fan drive gear system is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventor: Marc J. Muldoon
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Patent number: 8959920Abstract: An assembly or system is provided for selectively regulating journal bearing lubrication between at least first and second levels in an aircraft engine. A high pressure pump includes movable portions at least in part supported by a journal bearing. A selector valve is configured to selectively supply lubrication flow to the journal bearing. In addition, a relief valve is configured to receive a signal from the selector valve defining a pressure level at which the relief valve should relieve pressure.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Martin A. Clements
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Publication number: 20150033756Abstract: A gas turbine including: a turbine package, a gas turbine, a ventilation system for cooling the interior of the turbine package, and a lubricating oil circuit. The lubricating oil circuit comprises a lubricating oil pump, a lubricating oil tank, a primary lubricating oil cooler, and a secondary lubricating oil cooler. The secondary lubricating oil cooler is arranged in the turbine package, in a position lower than a rotary shaft of the gas turbine. The ventilation system is arranged and designed such that at least part of a package cooling airflow contacts the secondary lubricating oil cooler to remove heat from the lubricating oil circulating in the secondary lubricating oil cooler.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Marco Lazzeri, Simone Bei, Filippo Viti, Roberto Merlo, Daniele Marcucci
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Patent number: 8943837Abstract: A fluid management apparatus and method, the apparatus including: a fluid conduit for the passage of a dispersion containing particulate matter; a laser arranged to provide laser light inside the fluid conduit; wherein, in use, the laser light heats the particulate matter sufficiently to generate incandescence; one or more sensors for detecting the incandescence of the particulate matter so as to determine a characteristic of the dispersion; and an electromagnetic wave generator operable to provide electromagnetic waves inside the fluid conduit at a position downstream of the laser light so as to vaporize at least a portion of the dispersion.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLCInventors: Ian C. D. Care, John D. Black
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Patent number: 8935910Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include an oil degradation byproducts removal system. The oil degradation byproducts removal system includes a plurality of electrostatically-charged drum assemblies configured to pass through an oil flow. The oil degradation byproducts removal system is configured to be disposed within an accessory module of a turbine engine system.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2011Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mark Andrew Cournoyer, Huong Van Vu, Eric Milton Lafontaine, Bhalchandra Arun Desai, Avnit Singh, Michael Adelbert Sullivan
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Patent number: 8931285Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a gas turbine engine includes a fan, a speed reduction device driving the fan, and a lubrication system for lubricating components across a rotation gap. The lubrication system includes a lubricant input. A stationary first bearing receives lubricant from the lubricant input and has a first race in which lubricant flows. A second bearing for rotation is within the first bearing. The second bearing has a first opening in registration with said first race such that lubricant may flow from the first race through the first opening into a first conduit. The first bearing also has a second race into which lubricant flows. The second bearing has a second opening in registration with the second race such that lubricant may flow from the second race through the second opening into a second conduit. The first and second conduits deliver lubricant to distinct locations.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2014Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Michael E. McCune, William G. Sheridan, Lawrence E. Portlock
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Publication number: 20150000245Abstract: A hybrid electric rotary engine is provided having a pair of rotors separated by a divider and configured for rotation in opposite directions, a timing gear engaged between the inner faces of the rotors, and at least one pair of slanted rotor openings in the rim of each rotor for alignment with at least one pair of slanted divider openings to form a pair of combustion chambers in communication with at least one pair of exhaust chambers for venting of exhaust and to provide rotational thrust.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventor: William A. Ellis
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Publication number: 20150000246Abstract: A jet engine includes at least one oil separator, through which an air-oil volume flow can be guided out of several areas supplied with oil for separating the oil, where a device for spraying oil into the air-oil volume flow is provided. Oil can be sprayed in using the device in the area of each connection between an area supplied with oil and the oil separator and/or downstream of a combining area between at least two air-oil volume flows from two or more areas supplied with oil.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Juergen BEIER, Gideon VENTER
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Patent number: 8915057Abstract: A sump pressurization system for a gas turbine engine comprises a first hollow shaft and a second hollow shaft disposed within the first hollow shaft and defining a cavity therebetween. Each of the first and second hollow shafts has a common axis of rotation. Also included is a source of pressurized air to pressurize the cavity and a plurality of hollow tubes disposed in the cavity. The tubes are oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation and are connected to and rotatable with the first hollow shaft. A plurality of apertures in the second hollow shaft are in fluid communication with the tubes, such that pressurized air flowing through the tubes passes through the apertures into the interior of the second hollow shaft.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2013Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bala Corattiyil, Richard William Albrecht, Jr., Bradley W Fintel, Rebecca J. Schmidt, Scott Wolfer
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Patent number: 8910463Abstract: A cooling system for turbine starter lubricant includes one or more outflow transfer passages (54) extending from the turbine starter (10) to a secondary component (40). At least one heat exchange passage (56) affixed at a first end to an end of an outflow transfer passage (54) of the one or more outflow transfer passages (54), is located in the secondary component (40) having a lower interior temperature than the turbine starter (10). One or more return transfer passages (60) are affixed to a second end of the at least one heat exchange passage (56) and extend from the secondary component (40) to the turbine starter (10). Flowing a volume of starter lubricant (42) through the one or more outflow transfer passages (54), the at least one heat exchange passage (56), and the one or more return transfer passages (60) removes thermal energy from the volume of starter lubricant (42) and returns the volume of starter lubricant (42) to the turbine starter (10).Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Robert Telakowski
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Publication number: 20140360153Abstract: A gas turbine engine according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, among other possible things includes a fan. A geared architecture is configured for driving the fan. A turbine section is configured for driving the geared architecture. A thermal management system that includes a first fluid circuit and a second fluid circuit that manage heat generated in at least a portion of the gas turbine engine. A first heat exchanger is incorporated into each of the first fluid circuit and the second fluid circuit. A second heat exchanger is incorporated into the first fluid circuit. A valve controls an amount of a first fluid that is communicated to the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. A controller is configured to control a positioning of the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Applicant: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Federico Papa, Thomas G. Phillips, Kathleen R. Phillips, Ethan K. Stearns, Justin W. Heiss
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Publication number: 20140360152Abstract: An engine has an oil tank mounted to an engine wall with clevis ears formed on both the oil tank and a mount bracket. A link connects the mount bracket clevis ears to the oil tank clevis ears. The link has a spherical bearing which is mounted in the oil tank clevis ears. This provides a connection allowing movement between the link and the oil tank clevis ears. The link is a yoke having arms positioned outwardly of the mount bracket clevis ears securing the oil tank to the mount bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Christopher Waitkus, Nicholas Leonard, Sohail Ahmed
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Patent number: 8904746Abstract: A gas turbine engine oil supply and scavenge apparatus includes: a stationary first frame comprising a first hub and a first outer ring interconnected by an array of radially-extending hollow first struts; a forward wet cavity defined radially inboard of the first frame, having a first rolling element bearing disposed therein; a supply line extending from the first outer ring through one of the first struts and communicating with the forward wet cavity, the supply line adapted to discharge oil to the forward wet cavity; a stationary second frame comprising a second hub and a second outer ring interconnected by an array of radially-extending hollow second struts, the second frame disposed aft of the first frame; and a scavenge path communicating with the forward wet cavity and adapted to remove oil-air mist from the forward wet cavity, the scavenge path defined at least in part by the second frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ning Fang, Gary Paul Moscarino, Adam Mitchell Record