With Lubricators Patents (Class 60/39.08)
-
Patent number: 8201663Abstract: A lubrication scavenge system is disclosed herein. The lubrication scavenge system includes a sump housing substantially encircling a structure disposed for rotation about an axis. The sump housing has an inwardly-facing surface extending at least partially about the axis in a spiral path. The spiral path increases in radial distance from the axis in the direction of rotation of the structure, in a plane perpendicular to the axis. The spiral path extends 360°.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2011Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Rolls-Royce CorporationInventor: John Munson
-
Patent number: 8196385Abstract: A turbomachine control system comprising an auxiliary hydraulic circuit with an auxiliary hydraulic pump, at least one hydraulic actuator, and at least one servo-valve, the auxiliary pump powering the actuator via the servo-valve. The auxiliary hydraulic circuit is connected in parallel with the main fuel or lubricating oil circuit of the turbomachine. Said auxiliary pump is driven by an electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Hispano SuizaInventors: Denis Louis Bocquet, Antoine Jean Baptiste Stutz, Cedric Montarou
-
Patent number: 8191686Abstract: A method of providing a standby lubrication for an engine in the event of the failure of a main lubrication system of this engine, in which the failure is detected and, in response to the detection of this failure, at least one portion of a fuel fluid of the engine is tapped off to lubricate at least one element of the engine. A standby lubrication device includes a device for detecting a failure of a main lubrication system, a device for tapping off at least a portion of a fuel fluid of the engine in order to direct it to at least one element of the engine intended to be lubricated, and a controller connected to the tapping and detection devices, in order to carry out the standby lubrication method.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2008Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: SNECMAInventor: Jean Pierre Galivel
-
Publication number: 20120130617Abstract: The present invention relates to an overall monitoring method allowing to calculate the autonomy of a lubrication system of an airplane engine and also allowing the diagnosis and prognosis of a plurality of problems and breakdowns of the engine and of its lubrication system by means of measurements taken by sensors arranged in said lubrication system, the method comprising the step of calculating the status of the lubrication system at a given moment and calculating its evolution over time in order to determine the remaining lifetime before a breakdown.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: Techspace Aero S.A.Inventors: Nicolas Raimarckers, Albert Cornet, Jacques Charlier, Marc Strengnart
-
Patent number: 8161726Abstract: A method for using a heat exchange system in operating equipment in which a working fluid is utilized in providing selected operations thereof, including for use in lubricating systems for aircraft turbofan engine equipment, the heat exchange system for providing air and working fluid heat exchanges to cool the working fluid at selectively variable rates in the operating equipment developed airstreams. A heat exchanger core is provided in a controlled air flow duct system opening at its entrance to those airstreams and having its outlet end opening downstream in those airstreams.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Frederick M. Schwarz
-
Publication number: 20120079830Abstract: A sensor communication system includes an electromagnetic waveguide disposed adjacent to at least one component of a machine. The electromagnetic waveguide can be configured to convey a fluid within the machine. The sensor communication system can also include a sensor assembly, which includes a sensor operable to sense at least one condition and a transmitter at least partially positioned in the electromagnetic waveguide. The transmitter can be operatively coupled to the sensor and be operable to emit a signal corresponding to the at least one condition sensed by the sensor. The sensor communication system can also include a receiver at least partially positioned in the electromagnetic waveguide and operable to wirelessly receive the signal emitted by the transmitter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Inventors: Rigoberto Rodriguez, Mark Blackwelder
-
Publication number: 20120060463Abstract: The present application provides a lubricating oil varnish mitigation system for a turbine engine. The lubricating oil varnish mitigation system may include a lubricating oil circuit with a lubricating oil therein and a hydraulic oil circuit separate from the lubricating oil circuit with a hydraulic oil therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2010Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Rahul J. Chillar, Julio Enrique Mestroni, Erwing Calleros, Prasad Gokhale
-
Publication number: 20120060508Abstract: A gas turbine engine oil system has an air-oil separator for removing air from an air/oil mixture. A breather tube is connected to an exhaust of the air-oil separator for receiving hot air removed from the air/oil mixture in the air-oil separator. The gas turbine engine oil separator exhaust is directed in a cooled oil collector to cause the oil mist remaining in the air at the exit from the engine air-oil separator to condensate. The oil condensate is returned back into the engine oil system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2009Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventors: Daniel T. Alecu, Bryan William Olver
-
Patent number: 8127828Abstract: A heat exchange system for use in fluid operated equipment to provide air and working fluid heat exchanges to cool the working fluid in airstreams on a stream side of a wall. An actuator is mounted to be substantially located on a side of the wall opposite the stream side thereof having a positionable motion effector. A heat exchanger core having a plurality of passageway structures therein to enable providing the working fluid to, and removal therefrom. The heat exchanger core is mounted on the motion effector so as to be extendable and retractable thereby through the opening for selected distances into that region to be occupied by the airstreams.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Frederick M. Schwarz, Frederick L. Elsaesser
-
Patent number: 8122698Abstract: The air exit hole of the vent line (6) connected to a venting apparatus for the lubricating oil system of a jet engine is arranged behind the nozzle throat (2) on the periphery of the exiting engine jet (4). The exit hole is tangentially arranged on the periphery of the engine jet, or slightly enters the rim area of the engine jet. The vent line extends under the protection of an aerodynamically shaped fairing (5, 11). This arrangement of the air exit, while being simply designed, cost-effective and weight-saving, provides for clean, invisible discharge of air from the oil venting apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KGInventors: Dimitrie Negulescu, Alastair McIntosh
-
Publication number: 20120011824Abstract: An assembly includes a tube fitting integrally joined with a nozzle and adapted with a plurality of passages to spray lubricating oil at components within a bearing compartment of a gas turbine engine. In another aspect, the tube fitting and the nozzle are attached to a lubrication tube such that the tube fitting and nozzle can be inserted or removed from the bearing compartment along with the lubrication tube without disassembling the bearing compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Brian P. Cigal, Leslie C. Kurz, Fred NguyenLoc
-
Publication number: 20110314830Abstract: An oil supply system for a gas turbine engine with a centrifugal air/oil separator in fluid communication with the scavenge system to receive the used oil mixture and extract oil and air therefrom, a supply pump in serial connection with the main oil outlet of the separator and in fluid communication with the bearing cavities to deliver the oil thereto, an oil tank in fluid communication with the overflow oil outlet of the separator, and at least one make-up pump having an inlet in fluid communication with the tank and having an outlet in fluid communication with the scavenge system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventor: Pierre-Yves LEGARE
-
Publication number: 20110302903Abstract: A lubrication system for a gas turbine engine includes a variable output lubricant pump operable to supply lubricant to an actuator system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Inventor: Leo J. Veilleux, JR.
-
Patent number: 8066472Abstract: A lubrication system for a bearing assembly includes a fan shaft with a plurality of conduits, a first bearing rotatably supporting the fan shaft, and a second bearing rotatably supporting the fan shaft where the second bearing is axially spaced from the first bearing. The plurality of conduits includes at least a first conduit aligned with the first bearing and a second conduit aligned with the second bearing. A spray bar includes a plurality of supply orifices that direct lubricating fluid to the first and second bearings via at least the first and second conduits.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: James B. Coffin, David M. Daley, Brady Walker
-
Patent number: 8051952Abstract: The invention relates to a deoiling device. It comprises a tube (46), a first bearing (16) and a second bearing (18), the first and second bearings being placed in an oil chamber (20) in which an oil fog is maintained by rotation of the bearings. A deoiler (30) is provided in one wall of the oil chamber. The deoiler centrifuges oil in suspension in air and allows a deoiled air flow to pass inside the tube. The tube (46) comprises a closing cap (48) fitted with one or several outlet orifices (50) in its upper part designed to evacuate air, and an oil drain orifice (52) in its lower part.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: SnecmaInventors: Jacques Rene Bart, Jacky Raphael Michel Derenes, Stephane Rousselin
-
Publication number: 20110239619Abstract: A combustor of the present invention includes: a plurality of nozzles which is arranged around the central axis of a combustor and of which each base end is connected to an oil supply tube; a nozzle tube base which supports the plurality of nozzles and includes an oil chamber supplying fuel to the nozzles via an oil inflow portion provided in each oil supply tube; a first guide portion which faces the center of the combustor inside the oil chamber and guides the oil remaining inside the oil chamber to the oil inflow portion; and a second guide portion which faces the base end of the combustor inside the oil chamber and guides the oil remaining inside the oil chamber to the oil inflow portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Katsuyoshi Omae, Kenta Taniguchi, Yoshitaka Terada, Takashi Onozuka
-
Patent number: 8029238Abstract: System for cooling a downstream cavity of a centrifugal compressor impeller in a turbomachine, this compressor being connected to a diffuser comprising a downstream annular flange, an annular plating being mounted coaxially around the flange of the diffuser and substantially extending over the entire axial dimension of the flange so as to define an annular ventilation passage fed with air which is cooler than the air exiting the centrifugal compressor.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2007Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Thierry Argaud, Antoine Robert Alain Brunet, Jean-Christophe Leininger
-
Patent number: 8020664Abstract: The present invention relates to a turbomachine comprising an air compressor (3) and a lubrication circuit with an oil tank (1), said oil tank (1) being possibly isolated from the rest of the lubrication circuit (4,4A; 6,6A) by means of an isolation valve (7), wherein the isolation valve (7) is configured so as to: operate, i.e. to close and open respectively as the engine (2) stops and starts; remain open when the engine (2) is running; remain closed when the engine (2) is stopped.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Techspace Aero S.A.Inventors: Albert Cornet, Marc Mon Fort
-
Publication number: 20110203249Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventor: Robert Telakowski
-
Patent number: 7997062Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fuel-oil heat exchange system in which the fuel is continuously heated by a primary hot oil flow in a primary fuel-oil heat exchanger and the fuel is selectively heated in a secondary fuel-oil heat exchanger by a secondary hot oil flow selectively passing through or bypassing a secondary fuel-oil heat exchanger, controlled by a thermal valve.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2009Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.Inventors: Ju Sun, Brian Lee, Adam Logan
-
Patent number: 7997057Abstract: A small gas turbine engine where the compressor and turbine are supported on a rotary shaft, and a main bearing is supported on the rotary shaft, the main bearing being located in a hot zone of the combustor. The main bearing includes cooling air passages within the races to provide cooling for the bearing. A cooling air is diverted from the compressor and passed through the bearing cooling passages for cooling the bearing, and then the cooling air is directed into the combustor. The cooling air is also passed through a guide nozzle before being passed through the bearing to cool both the guide nozzle and the bearing. A swirl cup injector is used to deliver the compressed air from the compressor and the cooling air from the bearing into the combustor, the swirl cup injector also acting to draw the cooling air through the bearing.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2009Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark M. Harris, Wesley D. Brown, Angel M. Garcie
-
Patent number: 7993425Abstract: The present invention provides a free vortex air-oil separator that may be used in systems for separating oil from air oil mixtures. The free vortex air-oil separator comprises a free vortex chamber having a first chamber wall, a second chamber wall located axially aft from the first chamber wall and a rim located in a radially outer region from an axis of rotation, a plurality of vent holes in the rim and a cavity formed by the first and second chamber walls, and the rim, wherein a free vortex is created when there is a flow into the cavity through the plurality of vent holes.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bala Corattiyil, Duane Howard Anstead, Mark Eden Zentgraf, Stephen Anthony Wilton, Ramon Themudo, Gary Paul Moscarino, Kenneth Lee Fisher
-
Patent number: 7984606Abstract: A thermal management system for a gas turbine powerplant with an engine oil line and an engine fuel line incorporates a heat transfer control module that includes a reversible heat pump with a heat pump compressor for circulating working fluid in forward and reverse directions through a working fluid line of the heat pump. The heat control module also includes a first heat exchanger having a heat exchange path for the working fluid between the compressor and a heat pump expansion valve and another heat exchange path for the engine oil. A second heat exchanger has a heat exchange path for the working fluid between the compressor and the expansion valve and another heat exchange path for the engine fuel. The heat pump can be operated in forward or reverse directions depending on whether heat is to be transferred from the engine oil or the fuel to the heat pump working fluid.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2008Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Propulsion, Gas Turbine, and Energy Evaluations, LLCInventor: J. Walter Smith
-
Patent number: 7983541Abstract: The present invention provides a heat exchange system for a closed loop fuel delivery system. The heat exchange system generally includes a first pump, a heat exchanger, a high pressure pump pressurizes fuel. The heat exchanger, which is located downstream of the first pump, receives the pressurized fuel flow. The high pressure pump, which is located downstream of the heat exchanger, delivers a predetermined amount of fuel flow to a jet engine. The circulating pump receives fuel flow downstream of the heat exchanger and recirculates the fuel flow upstream of the heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2005Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Eaton Industrial CorporationInventor: Martin A. Clements
-
Patent number: 7971423Abstract: A gas turbine engine incorporating a starter mounted on the gear box is disclosed. The gas turbine engine includes an AGB gear housing mechanically connected with an engine shaft for driving auxiliary machines and an air starter mounted on the housing, the starter and housing enclosures being in communication such that the lubricating oil of the starter should be distributed from the AGB housing. The oil enclosure of the starter is pressurized by a source of air, being independent from the AGB housing. Advantageously, the pressurization air is taken from a pressurization enclosure of an engine bearing.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Hispano SuizaInventors: Chloe Avila, Jean-Louis Charbonnel, Marie-Lise Dardenne, Corinne Follonier, Pierre Charles Mouton
-
Patent number: 7967560Abstract: A turbine engine utilizes an oil director to direct any leakage oil from a rear bearing compartment of the turbine engine toward a drain opening for an oil drain. The oil drain is formed in a heat shield located between the low pressure turbine and the exhaust nozzle. The oil drain directs the leakage oil to a benign area of the turbine engine.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2006Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Enzo DiBenedetto
-
Publication number: 20110146224Abstract: In an arrangement for discharging oil-venting air (oil air) separated by a lubricating oil de-aeration system, kinetic energy of the oil-venting air (O) is increased to a static pressure which exceeds the exhaust-gas flow (A) pressure by a diffuser and the oil-venting air is then mixed with the exhaust-gas flow and discharged with the latter. The venting line (10) coming from the lubricating oil de-aeration system issues into a diffuser (13) which is integrated into the exhaust cone (9) enveloped by the exhaust-gas flow of the engine and whose oil-air outlet opening (14) is connected to the exhaust-gas flow either directly or via an attenuation chamber (18) provided in the exhaust cone. Provision is such made for discharging oil air from the engine to the atmosphere without contaminating visible engine parts and for obtaining a weight reduction due to the reduced length of the venting line.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND LTD & CO KGInventor: Robert THIES
-
Publication number: 20110146223Abstract: With an arrangement for the discharge of oil-contaminated exhaust air separated from the lubricating oil de-aeration system of a gas-turbine engine and led to the atmosphere via a venting line, the venting line (13) issues into an attenuation chamber (12) formed within the exhaust cone (9) of the gas-turbine engine and connected to a Venturi nozzle (14) via a discharge tube (17) for drawing off the oil-contaminated exhaust air and blowing it into the exhaust-gas flow, with the Venturi nozzle (14) being arranged in the exhaust gas-flow of the gas-turbine engine and oriented in a flow direction. The oil-contaminated exhaust air is completely discharged with the exhaust-gas flow without contacting visible engine parts.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND LTD & CO KGInventor: Robert THIES
-
Publication number: 20110138817Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of increasing the safety of a power plant (10) provided with at least one heat engine (1, 2) and a gearbox (BTP), said engine (1, 2) driving said gearbox (BTP), said gearbox (BTP) having a lubrication system implemented using an aqueous medium stored in a reserve (30), in which method a fluid comprising water is injected into said heat engine (1, 2) to increase the power developed by the heat engine (1, 2) without increasing the temperature of a member of the heat engine (1, 2), or to decrease said temperature without modifying the power developed by the engine (1, 2), said fluid being taken from said reserve (30).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: EUROCOPTERInventors: Michel Vialle, Alban Corpron, Frédéric Dyrla
-
Patent number: 7958717Abstract: A gas turbine power generator plant, intended to reduce its noise by making small the intake and exhaust outlets of the cooing air channel of a case, comprises an engine core in which a turbine, a compressor and a generator are installed on the same axis, a combustor for burning air for combustion compressed by the compressor and supplying the air to the turbine, a radiator for cooling a coolant or a lubricant, a cooling fan for ventilating the radiator with cooling air, an electric power converter for converting electric power generated by the generator, and the case for housing these constituent elements. And, a combustion air channel passing the compressor, the combustor and the turbine and a cooling air channel passing the radiator, the cooling fan and the electric power converter are formed as mutually independent channels from intake to exhaust.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Susumu Nakano, Masaya Ichinose, Masanori Watanabe, Kuniyoshi Tsubouchi, Toshihiko Fukushima, Masatoshi Watanabe
-
Patent number: 7937946Abstract: A small gas turbine engine with a bearing cooling and lubricating passage arrangement for a high speed rotor shaft. The engine includes a bypass fan and a compressor. The rotor shaft includes a central passage extending through the entire shaft, and where the rotor shaft is supported by a forward bearing and a rearward bearing. Cooling air for the bearings is diverted from the bypass air and is channeled through the bearings. Fuel is added to the cooling air at a location upstream of the bearing to provide lubrication. The cooling air and lubricating fuel passes through the bearings and into the rotating central shaft, and is then forced to flow toward a radial passage located adjacent to the combustor. The fuel is collected on the central shaft surface and forced out the radial passage and into the combustor. The cooling air continuous out from the central shaft to be mixed with the engine exhaust.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mark M Harris, Joseph D Brostmeyer
-
Patent number: 7908840Abstract: A heat exchange system for use in operating equipment having a plurality of subsystems in each of which a common working fluid is utilized to provide selected operations in that subsystem with a reservoir containing at least some of the common working fluid and has both a supply system and a return system connected between the reservoir and each of the plurality of subsystems through which any common working fluid in the reservoir can be conveyed. An airstream heat exchanger is provided connected in one of the supply and return systems so as to have the common working fluid conveyed therethrough cooled at selectively variable rates in the airstreams passing thereby during at least some such uses of the operating equipment.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Frederick M. Schwarz, Jorn A. Glahn
-
Publication number: 20110047958Abstract: Provided is a turbine generator system capable of sufficiently lubricating a bearing without impeding heat transmissibility of an evaporator and a condenser. The turbine generator system comprises a turbine power generation unit including a generator and a turbine for driving the generator, an evaporator which receives heat from a heat source and supplies the working medium in a vapor phase containing a lubricant to the turbine power generation unit, a condenser which condenses the working medium which has flowed through the turbine a medium feeding pump which raises a pressure of the condensed working medium and feeds the working medium to the evaporator, and a feeding passage through which the working medium extracted from the evaporator is supplied to bearings in the turbine power generation unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Seiji YAMASHITA, Daisuke KARIYA, Hajime SHIMIZU, Naoki MIYAKE, Takeshi OKUMURA
-
Publication number: 20110023444Abstract: A fluid delivery system in a gas turbine engine includes an electric motor, a first fluid pump system and a second fluid pump system. The electric motor operates at a variable speed. The first pump system includes a first pump driven by the motor to deliver a first fluid to the gas turbine engine. The second pump system includes a second pump driven by the motor to deliver a second fluid to the gas turbine engine, the second pump having a variable displacement.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2009Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventor: Leo J. Veilleux, JR.
-
Patent number: 7878303Abstract: A method and apparatus for scavenging lubricant is disclosed herein. In the invention, a rotating structure is encircled within a sump housing and subjected to lubrication. The sump housing collects high-momentum lubricant flow and low-momentum lubricant flow. The interior of the sump housing is separated into a plurality of chambers with at least one dynamic seal. The at least one dynamic seal extends between the sump housing and the rotating structure to isolate the high-momentum lubricant flow from the low-momentum lubricant flow.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Rolls-Royce CorporationInventor: John Munson
-
Patent number: 7871248Abstract: A system for controlling lubricant displacement from a machine during turbomachine shutdown sequence includes a motor, a pump, a control valve, and a motor control unit. The motor is selectively energized from a power bus to rotate at a rotational speed and supply a drive force to the pump. The pump, in response to the drive force, draws fluid from a fluid and supplies the fluid to the machine. The control valve is movable between at least a first position, in which the control valve fluidly communicates the pump with a lubrication fluid source, and a second position, in which the control valve fluidly communicates the pump with a gaseous fluid source. During the shutdown sequence, the motor control unit controllably energizes the motor from the power bus to thereby control its rotational speed in accordance with a schedule that will displace at least a substantial volume of lubricant in the rotating machine with fluid from the gaseous fluid source.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2007Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Jim E. Delaloye
-
Patent number: 7861512Abstract: A cooling apparatus for cooling a fluid in a bypass gas turbine engine comprises a heat exchanger disposed within a bypass duct and accommodated by a sub-passage defined by a flow divider affixed to an annular wall of the bypass duct. The sub-passage defines an open upstream end and an open downstream end to direct a portion of the bypass air flow to pass therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.Inventors: Bryan Olver, Alessandro Ciampa, Roberto Marrano, Richard Trepanier, Sylvain Lamarre, Martin Bernard, Patrick Germain
-
Patent number: 7849668Abstract: A journal bearing provides lubrication to planetary gears during windmilling operation of a fan section. A primary oil pump provides oil from an oil supply during driven operation of the fan and a secondary oil pump driven by a generator provides oil during windmilling operation of the fan. The generator acts as a dynamic brake when the aircraft is grounded to prevent windmilling. A switch selects between the primary and secondary oil pump and controls the brake application.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2006Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: William G. Sheridan
-
Patent number: 7845159Abstract: A cooling apparatus is provided for a turbine engine of the type including an cowling with an outer surface defined by a skin exposed to an external air flow. The cooling apparatus includes at least one heat pipe disposed in the cowling. The heat pipe has a first end thermally coupled with the outer surface of the casing and a second end thermally coupled to a heat source, such that heat from the heat source can be transferred through the heat pipe to the external air flow.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Kattalaicheri Srinivasan Venkataramani, Thomas Ory Moniz, Justin P. Stephenson, William Andrew Bailey
-
Publication number: 20100293917Abstract: Breather air, containing oil mist, is discharged from a nacelle 4 of a gas turbine engine through an exhaust port 26 at a surface 22 of the nacelle 4. Energised air, at relatively high velocity is discharged from a clean air outlet 28, and forms a barrier between the breather air and the external surface 22, so preventing contamination of the surface 22 by oil deposited from the breather air.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventors: Brian A. HANDLEY, Andrew J. Mullender, Zahid M. Hussain
-
Publication number: 20100293964Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprising a nacelle and a breather duct. The breather duct provides communication between a component of the engine within the nacelle and the exterior of the nacelle and opens at an exhaust port on the external surface of the nacelle. There is a clean air outlet slot located downstream of the exhaust port and arranged to expel, in use, a sheet flow of clean air to form an aerodynamic barrier between the external surface of the nacelle and a flow of breather air expelled from the exhaust port.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventors: Christopher T.J. SHEAF, Zahid M. Hussain
-
Patent number: 7836675Abstract: An active air pressure control apparatus for a bearing sump cavity in a gas turbine engine includes a bearing assembly supporting a rotatable shaft that connects a rotatable power turbine and a rotatable compressor. The active air pressure control apparatus also includes a sump cavity surrounding the bearing assembly, a sump pressurization cavity in flow communication with a source of pressurized air and in flow communication with the sump cavity, and a sump vent tube in flow communication with the sump cavity and an air/oil separator. The active air pressure control apparatus includes an adjustable valve in the sump vent tube, and a controllable blower in flow communication with the sump vent tube.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bala Corattiyil, Stephen Eugene Melton
-
Publication number: 20100275572Abstract: A gas turbine engine having a mid turbine frame comprising an annular outer case providing a portion of an engine casing; an interturbine duct (ITD) disposed within the outer case, the ITD including outer and inner rings radially spaced apart one from another and being interconnected by a plurality of radially extending and circumferentially spaced hollow strut fairings, the inner and outer rings co-operating to provide a portion of a hot gas path through the engine; a tube for delivering or discharging a lubricant fluid to or from a bearing housing, the tube extending radially through one of the hollow struts; and an insulation structure radially extending through one said hollow strut fairing, the insulation structure surrounding the tube and being spaced apart from the tube and from a hot internal surface of the one hollow strut fairing for shielding the tube from heat radiated from the hot internal surface of the one hollow strut fairing and for preventing the lubricant fluid from contacting the hot interType: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2009Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Eric DUROCHER, Pierre-Yves LEGARE
-
Patent number: 7810311Abstract: A heat exchange system for use in operating equipment in which a working fluid is utilized in providing selected operations thereof, including for use in lubricating systems for aircraft turbofan engine equipment, the heat exchange system for providing air and working fluid heat exchanges to cool the working fluid at selectively variable rates in the operating equipment developed airstreams. A heat exchanger core is provided in a controlled air flow duct system opening at its entrance to those airstreams and having its outlet end opening downstream in those airstreams.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Frederick M. Schwarz, Jorn A. Glahn
-
Publication number: 20100241331Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for controlling a fuel supply for a turbine or other engine using direct and/or indirect indications of power output and optionally one or more secondary control parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2009Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Brant Duke, Jim R. Jarvo, Benoit Lachance, Harris Shafique
-
Publication number: 20100236213Abstract: A method for assembling a turbine engine to facilitate reducing an operating temperature of a lubrication fluid during engine operation, the gas turbine engine including a fan assembly, a booster downstream from the fan assembly, and a splitter circumscribing the booster. The method includes coupling a radially inner wall and a radially outer wall at a leading edge to form a splitter body, and coupling an inner support structure within the splitter body such that a cooling circuit is defined between at least a portion of the inner support structure and the inner and outer walls, said cooling circuit configured to circulate lubrication fluid therethrough such that as a temperature of the lubrication fluid is reduced and a temperature of at least a portion of the inner and outer walls is increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2006Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventor: Jan Christopher Schilling
-
Patent number: 7793505Abstract: A method of operating a gas turbine engine having at least one electric machine associated therewith, the engine having an oil system communicating with an electric oil pump, at least one bearing cavity of the engine and a coolant passage of the electric machine, the method comprising the step of pumping oil intermittently to the oil system to cool the electric machine.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2006Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada CorpInventor: Kevin Allan Dooley
-
Publication number: 20100212281Abstract: A pump system for lubricating a bearing in a gear system includes an auxiliary pump connected to the gear system. The auxiliary pump is fluidically connected to the bearing through an auxiliary supply passage and to a reservoir through an auxiliary scavenge passage. An auxiliary valve is fluidically connected to the auxiliary supply passage for transferring liquid from the auxiliary pump to the bearing when a pressure in the auxiliary supply passage downstream of the auxiliary valve is less than a particular threshold and for transferring liquid from the auxiliary pump to the reservoir when the pressure in the auxiliary supply passage downstream of the auxiliary valve is greater than the particular threshold. A method for circulating liquid is also included.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2009Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: William G. Sheridan
-
Patent number: 7765788Abstract: A heat exchange system for use in operating equipment in which a working fluid is utilized in providing selected operations thereof, including for use in lubricating systems for aircraft turbofan engine equipment, the heat exchange system for providing air and working fluid heat exchanges to cool the working fluid at selectively variable rates in the operating equipment developed airstreams. A heat exchanger core is provided in a controlled air flow duct system opening at its entrance to those airstreams and having its outlet end opening downstream in those airstreams.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Frederick M. Schwarz
-
Publication number: 20100187180Abstract: Methods and devices for separating oil from a mixture of oil and air are provided. In various embodiments, an air/oil separator includes a cylindrical housing that creates a circular flow path of the air and oil. Further, the air/oil separator may include various flow guides that improve the air/oil separation properties of the separator. Other embodiments include a turbine engine with a lubrication system that includes the improved air/oil separator.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2009Publication date: July 29, 2010Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventor: Robert Allen Baten