With Dual Function Turbine Patents (Class 60/39.43)
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Patent number: 12258934Abstract: Open and closed cycle lift force turbines are provided. Illustratively, the open cycle lift force turbine operates in an open cycle environment without heat and/or pressure, utilizing asymmetric pressure distribution on lift turbine blades mainly to generate thrust with the normal component of this lift force, while using the tangential component of this lift force to drive a bypass fan providing additional thrust and to drive accessories, provide control to the fluid velocity, and/or provide motivation of the fluid's flow. The open cycle lift force turbine may be utilized to generate continuous thrust, heat and/or electricity for powering vehicles in any atmosphere. The closed cycle lift force turbine may be utilized to generate continuous thrust, heat and/or electricity for powering vehicles at any speed in any atmosphere or lack thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2023Date of Patent: March 25, 2025Inventor: Orville J. Birkestrand
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Patent number: 11821323Abstract: A power generation system includes a shroud that defines a fluid flow path. A gas turbine engine is in the fluid flow path, and the gas turbine engine includes a compressor, a combustor downstream from the compressor, and a turbine downstream from the combustor. An electric generator is in the fluid flow path upstream from and coaxially aligned with the turbine. The turbine includes an integrally bladed rotor.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2022Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: Antheon Research, Inc.Inventors: Francis O'Neill, Anthony A. Hartzheim
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Patent number: 11815014Abstract: A combined cooling heating and power micro gas turbine device includes a micro gas turbine. The micro gas turbine includes a gas compressor, a turbine and a combustion chamber assembly. The combustion chamber assembly includes a combustion chamber, an air inlet cavity, an air inlet channel and an exhaust channel. The air inlet cavity includes an interior air inlet cavity and an exterior air inlet cavity that are integrated, an air outlet end of the exterior air inlet cavity is communicated with an air inlet end of the interior air inlet cavity, an air inlet end of the exterior air inlet cavity is communicated with the air inlet channel, the air inlet channel is communicated with the gas compressor, the combustion chamber is arranged between the interior air inlet cavity and the exterior air inlet cavity, and an air outlet of the combustion chamber is communicated with the exhaust channel.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2020Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: TxEGT AUTOMOTIVE POWERTRAIN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTDInventor: Pu Jin
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Patent number: 11702979Abstract: An electricity generating system is disclosed. The system includes one or more rotary arms extending from a central hub, a tube or blade with an air passage therein extending from each of the one or more rotary arms, a set of rotary blades operably connected to the tube or blade, an axle or shaft joined or fixed to the central hub, and a generator operably connected to the axle or shaft. The air passage has one or more air inlets at or near an end of the tube or blade connected or joined to a corresponding rotary arm. The set of rotary blades is configured to provide a force that rotates the tube or blade. The axle or shaft is configured to rotate with the central hub. The generator is configured to convert a torque from the axle or shaft to electricity.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2022Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Inventor: Brent Wei-Teh Lee
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Patent number: 11168610Abstract: A constant-volume combustion system for a turbomachine includes a plurality of combustion chambers distributed in an annular manner about an axis defining an axial direction, each combustion chamber including an intake port and an exhaust port; a selective closure member rotationally movable about the axis with respect to the combustion chambers, the selective closure member including a ferrule facing the intake and exhaust ports of the combustion chambers, the ferrule containing at least one intake aperture intended to cooperate with the exhaust port of each chamber and at least one exhaust aperture intended to cooperate with the exhaust port of each chamber. Each intake aperture and each exhaust aperture are segmented by at least one segment extending in each aperture in the axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2018Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: SAFRANInventors: Matthieu Leyko, Pierre Jean-Baptiste Metge, Eric Conete, Gautier Mecuson
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Patent number: 10787965Abstract: A gas turbine engine in which working gases are provided a linear path within turbine blade passageways of a power turbine in at least one dimension prior to the turning of working gases to provide rotational power. A fan causes cooling air to flow through turbine blade passageways that are not, at the time in the cycle of revolution of the power turbine, receiving a flow of working gases. After exiting said turbine blade passageways, said cooling air mixes with spent working gases, lowering the temperature of the exhaust.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2020Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Inventor: Terry Michael Van Blaricom
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Patent number: 10578114Abstract: An assembly including a compressor for a turbine engine, and a discharge system including a supply duct, one end of which is connected to the compressor, the duct being configured to collect therefrom a flow of air compressed by the compressor; and a pressure-reduction device including an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being connected to the other end of the supply duct, wherein the pressure reduction device includes a casing forming a volume between the inlet and the outlet, a porous material occupying the volume, and a device for holding the porous material within the casing, wherein the outlet has an open section allowing the upper air to pass through the open section of the inlet.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2016Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINESInventors: Josselin David Florian Regnard, Laurent Louis Robert Baudoin
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Patent number: 9605593Abstract: An exemplary gas turbine engine may include a compressor, a turbine, and a combustor disposed between the compressor and the turbine. The combustor generally may have an inner casing. The exemplary gas turbine may further include a pre-swirl nozzle configured to receive a cooling stream. The cooling stream may be supplied from a cooled cooling air stream. The pre-swirl nozzle may further be configured to direct at least a portion of the cooling stream to the turbine. The pre-swirl nozzle may be flexibly mounted to the inner casing of the combustor.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Rolls-Royce North America Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Robert A. Ress, Jr.
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Patent number: 8807936Abstract: A fan-turbine rotor assembly for a tip turbine engine includes a multiple of fan blades, which include an inducer section, a hollow fan blade section and a diffuser section. The hollow fan blade section defines an airflow passage. The core airflow is turned, spread and split toward opposite ends of the diffuser section by a multiple of internal turning vanes. The airflow streams are then further turned by discharge turning vanes before discharge from a diffuser discharge outlet. Along with turning and splitting the core airflow, the fan blade profile balances the mass of the diffuser section such that the center of mass thereof is over the hollow airfoil section structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2004Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Craig A. Nordeen, Gabriel L. Suciu
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Patent number: 8726635Abstract: The present invention provides a gas turbine engine having a combustion chamber section substantially forward of an axial compressor section. An example embodiment uses a centrifugal compressor section behind the axial compressor section to help route compressed air exiting the axial compressor section forward to the combustion chamber section.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: Mark R. Dale
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Patent number: 8689535Abstract: Disclosed herein are screw shaft turbine compressors having (i) a compressor section, (ii) a turbine section, (iii) a combustion section coupling to the compressor section and the turbine section, and (iv) a grooved shaft. The grooved shaft can include one or more grooves for providing fuel from the compressor section to the combustion section and for allowing exhaust to leave the combustion section and exit the turbine section. A method for generating different speed to torque ratios on the shaft and a system for generating torque on the shaft are further disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: John R. Jackson
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Patent number: 8672630Abstract: A fan-turbine rotor assembly includes one or more turbine ring rotors. Each turbine ring rotor is cast as a single integral annular ring. By forming the turbine as one or more rings, leakage between adjacent blade platforms is minimized which increases engine efficiency. Assembly of the turbine ring rotors to the diffuser ring includes axial installation and radial locking of each turbine ring rotor.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, James W Norris, Craig A. Nordeen, Brian Merry
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Patent number: 8666568Abstract: A method of performing a health check of at least one turbine engine (3). During a development step (STP0), the installation losses (1) are quantified for a plurality of test values for a reduced speed of rotation (Ng?) of a gas generator (4) of the engine. During an acquisition step (STP1), the speed of rotation of said gas generator (4) is increased until said engine develops a maximum power, and then the speed of rotation of the gas generator (4) is decreased until the reduced speed of rotation (Ng?) reaches a test value. The aircraft is stabilized and at least one monitoring value is acquired. During an evaluation step (STP2) of evaluating the health check, at least one operating margin is determined by using a monitoring value and the effects of mounting the engine in an airplane.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: EurocopterInventor: Emmanuel Camhi
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Patent number: 8356469Abstract: The present invention provides a gas turbine engine including a first combustion chamber, a dual compression rotor positioned behind the combustion chamber, and a centrifugal compression rotor positioned behind the dual compression rotor.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2008Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: Mark R. Dale
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Patent number: 8152469Abstract: A fan-turbine rotor assembly (24) includes one or more turbine ring rotors (32). Each turbine ring rotor is cast as a single integral annular ring. By forming the turbine as one or more rings, leakage between adjacent blade platforms is minimized which increases engine efficiency. Assembly of the turbine ring rotors to the diffuser ring (114) includes axial installation and radial locking of each turbine ring rotor.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2004Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, James W Norris, Craig A. Nordeen, Brian Merry
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Patent number: 8070453Abstract: A centrifugal impeller having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, the outlets including at least one outlet in a forward direction of the impeller and at least one outlet in a rearward direction of the impeller. A flow path distance of the outlet in the forward direction can be greater than a flow path distance of the outlet in the rearward direction in order to provide a greater pressure in the outlet having the greater flow path distance. In another embodiment, the flow path volume in the forward direction can be greater than the flow path volume in the rearward direction in order to provide a greater flow volume in the forward direction. In another embodiment, the number of flow paths in the forward direction can be greater than the number of flow paths in the rearward direction in order to provide a greater flow volume in the forward direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Alfred P Matheny
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Patent number: 8061968Abstract: A tip turbine engine (10) provides an axial compressor (22) having a compressor case (50) from which extend radially inwardly a plurality of outer compressor airfoils (54). The compressor case (50) is directly driven by the rotation of the turbine (32) and fan (28), while at least one gear (77) couples the rotation of the turbine (32) and fan (28) to an axial compressor rotor (46) having a plurality of inner compressor airfoils (52). In this manner, the axial compressor rotor (46) is driven in a direction opposite the direction of the outer compressor airfoils (54), thereby increasing the compression provided by the compressor without increasing the number of airfoils. The outer compressor airfoils (54) are formed on a plurality of outer airfoil assemblies (56) each having an arcuate substrate (58) from which the outer compressor airfoils (54) extend. Each of the outer compressor airfoil assemblies (56) includes more than one axially-spaced stage of outer compressor airfoils (54).Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2004Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Brian Merry, Gabriel L. Suciu, James W. Norris, Craig A. Nordeen
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Patent number: 8033092Abstract: A tip turbine engine assembly includes an integral engine outer case located radially outward from a fan assembly. The integral outer case includes a rear portion and a forward portion with an arcuate portion that curves radially inwardly to form a compartment. An annular combustor is housed and mounted in the compartment. Fan inlet guide vanes are integrally formed with the arcuate portion to form the integral case portion. The rear portion, forward portion, and fan inlet guide vanes are integrally formed in a casting process.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2004Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, James W. Norris, Craig A. Nordeen, Brian Merry
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Patent number: 7980054Abstract: A tip turbine engine (10) includes a combustor (30) radially outward of a fan. In order to reduce the heat transfer from the combustor and the high-energy gas stream generated by the combustor, a cold air ejector (38) radially outward of the combustor extends from a forward end of the nacelle (12) to a point rearward of the combustor and an exhaust mixer (110). The cold air ejector includes an annular inlet (17) at the forward end of the nacelle. The cold air ejector draws air over the outer engine case (39) to provide a boundary between the nacelle and the hot outer engine case. The layer of air being pulled past the engine case ejects the heat, thereby preventing the heat from escaping into the nacelle or engine bay.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2004Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Gary D. Roberge
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Patent number: 7976272Abstract: A compressor for a turbine engine includes an inflatable bleed valve that selectively bleeds core airflow from the compressor. The bleed valve has an inlet leading from the compressor and a passageway leading from the inlet. An inflatable valve selectively obstructs the passageway based upon a controlled supply of high pressure air to the inflatable valve. The supply of high pressure air may be compressed core airflow from an area downstream of the inlet to the bleed valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2004Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Lawrence E. Portlock, Brian Merry
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Patent number: 7921635Abstract: A tip turbine engine (40) provides a peripheral combustor (30) with a more efficient combustion path through the combustor and through the tip turbine blades (34). In the combustor, the core airflow is received generally axially from compressor chambers in hollow fan blades (28) and then turned radially outwardly into a combustion chamber (112), where it is then mixed with the fuel and ignited. The combustor has a combustion path extending axially from a forward end of its combustion chamber through a combustion chamber outlet (122) and through a turbine (32) mounted to the fan. Thus, when the core airflow begins to expand in a high-energy gas stream, it has a substantially axial path from the combustion chamber through the turbine.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2004Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, James W. Norris, Craig A. Nordeen, Brian Merry
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Patent number: 7788896Abstract: A screw shaft turbine compressor comprising (i) a compressor section, (ii) a turbine section, (iii) a combustion section coupling to the compressor section and the turbine section, and (iv) a grooved shaft. The grooved shaft in one embodiment extends from a portion of the compressor section, through the combustion section, and to a portion of the turbine section.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Inventor: John Jackson
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Patent number: 7769521Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to a device (D) enabling a health check to be performed on at least a first turbine engine (M1) of a rotorcraft, the rotorcraft being provided with first and second turbine engines (M1 and M2) controlled respectively by first and second control means (MC1 and MC2). The device is remarkable in that it comprises check means (C) provided with main means (C1), the main means (C1) controlling the first and second control means (MC1 and MC2) so that the surveillance parameters of the first and second turbine engines (M1 and M2) respectively reach the real first and second final values (V1f and V2f) as determined in accordance with the method of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2007Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: EurocopterInventors: Francois-Xavier Gaulmin, Lionel Iraudo
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Patent number: 7631480Abstract: A tip turbine engine assembly includes a compressor module (12) and a fan module (14) located aft of the compressor module (12). The compressor module (12) and fan module (14) are fastened together along a mating portion with seals that generally prevent airflow from escaping through the mating portion. The compressor module (12) and fan module (14) are independently attachable to each other such that the compressor module (12) may be attached or detached to or from the fan module (14) without having to significantly disassemble the fan module (14), and verse visa.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2004Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Brian Merry
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Patent number: 7607286Abstract: A fan-turbine rotor assembly (24) includes a multitude of turbine blades (34) which each define a turbine blade passage which bleed air from a diffuser section (74) to provide for regenerative cooling. Regenerative cooling airflow is communicated from the radial core airflow passage (80) through the diffuser passages (144), through diffuser aspiration passages (146A, 146B) and into the turbine blade passages (150a). The regenerative cooling airflow exits from the turbine blade passage (150a) and transfers received thermal energy into an annular combustor (30). The received thermal energy is recovered at the highest temperature in the cycle.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2004Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, James W. Norris, Craig A. Nordeen
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Publication number: 20090173056Abstract: A gas turbine engine assembly includes at least one propelling gas turbine engine and an auxiliary engine used for generating power. The propelling gas turbine engine includes a fan assembly and a core engine downstream from said fan assembly. The core engine includes a compressor, a high pressure turbine, a low pressure turbine, and a booster turbine coupled together in serial-flow arrangement such that the booster turbine is rotatably coupled between the high and low pressure turbines. The auxiliary engine includes at least one turbine and an inlet. The inlet is upstream from the high pressure turbine and is in flow communication with the propelling gas turbine engine core engine, such that a portion of airflow entering the propelling engine is extracted for use by the auxiliary engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2009Publication date: July 9, 2009Inventors: Gary Craig Wollenweber, John B. Turco
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Publication number: 20090145136Abstract: A tip turbine engine (10) provides first and second turbines (32) rotatably driven by a combustor (30) generating a high-energy gas stream. The first turbine (32) is mounted at an outer periphery of a first fan (24a), such that the first fan is rotatably driven by the first turbine (32a). The second turbine (32b) is mounted at an outer periphery of a second fan (24b), and is rotatably driven by the high-energy gas stream. In one embodiment, the first turbine (32a) rotatably drives a plurality of stages of first compressor blades (54) in an axial compressor (22) in a first rotational direction, while the second turbine (32b) rotatably drives a plurality of stages of second compressor blades (52) in the axial compressor (22) in a second rotational direction opposite the first. By rotatably driving alternating stages of compressor blades in opposite directions, the efficiency of the axial compressor (22) is increased and/or the number of stages of compressor blades can be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2004Publication date: June 11, 2009Inventors: James W. Norris, Craig A. Nordeen, Gary Roberge
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Publication number: 20090113871Abstract: The invention relates to a rotorcraft (10) having a main rotor (11), a turbine engine (13), and a transmission mechanism (MGB) coupled to the rotor and to the engine to enable the engine to drive the rotor. The engine has a free turbine (132) connected to the transmission mechanism (MGB) by a shaft (15, 15a, 15b, 16, 18). The rotorcraft includes an external compressor (19) arranged to be driven by the free turbine (132) or by an electric motor, together with an air-transport duct (21) connecting the external compressor (19) to the engine so as to deliver the air that has been compressed by the external compressor to the inlets (22) of the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2008Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicant: EUROCOPTERInventor: Bernard CERTAIN
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Publication number: 20090007539Abstract: A screw shaft turbine compressor comprising (i) a compressor section, (ii) a turbine section, (iii) a combustion section coupling to the compressor section and the turbine section, and (iv) a grooved shaft. The grooved shaft in one embodiment extends from a portion of the compressor section, through the combustion section, and to a portion of the turbine section.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2007Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventor: John Jackson
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Publication number: 20080256923Abstract: A small scale apparatus for generating heat and power is presented which comprises a small rotary turbomachine, in such a manner that compression, heating and expansion of the working medium take place in a connected rotating component, with a diameter of less than 200 mm and which then has a rotational speed of higher than 50 000 revolutions per minute, the rotor completely or partially rotating in an atmosphere which is formed by the expanded gas or vapor. Additional characteristic features mentioned include a multistage compressor, intercooling of the working medium, recovery of residual heat (regeneration) from the expanded gases, external heating of the working medium and a procedure based on a two-phase substance as working medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: MICRO TURBINE TECHNOLOGY B. V.Inventor: Gustaaf Jan Witteveen
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Patent number: 7062900Abstract: A single wheel radial flow gas turbine having a single rotating wheel and a stationary shroud. The wheel has a radial flow compressor section at its inner portion and a turbine section at its outer portion. The compressor and turbine sections are located on the same side of the wheel, which is directly or indirectly coupled to a generator for absorbing the excess rotational energy. A radial flow combustor section and a nozzle section are mounted on the stationary shroud. Air flows radially through the compressor, combustor, nozzle, and turbine sections; there is essentially no axial flow component. Optionally, water may be injected radially downstream from the fuel injectors for power augmentation, NOx reduction, and metal temperature moderation.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2004Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventor: Klaus Brun
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Patent number: 7044718Abstract: A rotor for use in turbine applications has a radial compressor/pump having radially disposed spaced apart fins forming passages and a radial turbine having hollow turbine blades interleaved with the fins and through which fluid from the radial compressor/pump flows. The rotor can, in some applications, be used to produce electrical power.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventor: David A. Platts
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Patent number: 6988357Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprising a combustion chamber section, a turbine section, and a compressor section. The turbine section surrounds the combustion chamber and the compressor section surrounds the turbine section.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2003Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Inventor: Sudarshan Paul Dev
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Patent number: 6966174Abstract: Turbojet engines and aircraft configurations for advantageous use of the turbojet engines; the turbojet engines utilizing ram air turbine units that centrifugally compress air isothermally for use in various combustion configurations designed for stoichiometric combustion, wherein a stream of by-pass ram-air jets is mixed with combustion gas jets for discharge in a common discharge nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Inventor: Marius A. Paul
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Patent number: 6807802Abstract: A rotor for use in turbine applications has a centrifugal compressor having axially disposed spaced apart fins forming passages and an axial turbine having hollow turbine blades interleaved with the fins and through which fluid from the centrifugal compressor flows.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventor: David A. Platts
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Publication number: 20040025490Abstract: Turbojet engines and aircraft configurations for advantageous use of the turbojet engines; the turbojet engines utilizing ram air turbine units that centrifugally compress air isothermally for use in various combustion configurations designed for stoichiometric combustion, wherein a stream of by-pass ram-air jets is mixed with combustion gas jets for discharge in a common discharge nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventor: Marius A. Paul
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Publication number: 20030230070Abstract: A rotor for use in turbine applications has a centrifugal turbine having axially disposed spaced apart fins forming passages and an axial turbine having hollow turbine blades interleaved with the fins and through which fluid from the centrifugal turbine flows.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2002Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventor: David A. Platts
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Patent number: 6647707Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprising a combustion chamber section, a turbine section, and a compressor section. The turbine section surrounds the combustion chamber and the compressor section surrounds the turbine section.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Inventor: Sudarshan Paul Dev
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Publication number: 20030192303Abstract: Turbojet engines and aircraft configurations for advantageous use of the turbojet engines; the turbojet engines utilizing ram air turbine units that centrifugally compress air isothermally for use in various combustion configurations designed for stoichiometric combustion, wherein a stream of by-pass ram air jets is mixed with combustion gas jets for discharge in a common discharge nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventor: Marius A. Paul
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Publication number: 20030192304Abstract: Turbojet engines and aircraft configurations for advantageous use of the turbojet engines; the turbojet engines utilizing ram air turbine units that centrifugally compress air isothermally for use in various combustion configurations designed for stoichiometric combustion, wherein a stream of by-pass ram air jets is mixed with combustion gas jets for discharge in a common discharge nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2003Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventor: Marius A. Paul
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Patent number: 6457305Abstract: A ramjet for amplifying an air stream flow rate includes a plurality of blades positioned within a turbine housing for rotation by an intake flow received through a housing inlet port. A gas generator having a primary air duct defines intake and outlet ports, the intake port receiving the intake flow from the housing. A combustion chamber is connected to the primary air duct for igniting an admixture of fuel and a portion of the intake flow to form an energized motive flow. The motive flow is discharged from the combustion chamber back into the air intake of the primary air duct so as to amplify the flow rate of incoming intake flow by momentum transfer. A portion of the motive flow is returned directly to the housing inlet port for amplifying incoming intake flow. The remaining motive flow is again combusted and used to rotate the turbine blades.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2001Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Inventor: James R. Schierbaum
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Patent number: 6430917Abstract: There has been invented a turbine engine with a single rotor which cools the engine, functions as a radial compressor, pushes air through the engine to the ignition point, and acts as an axial turbine for powering the compressor. The invention engine is designed to use a simple scheme of conventional passage shapes to provide both a radial and axial flow pattern through the single rotor, thereby allowing the radial intake air flow to cool the turbine blades and turbine exhaust gases in an axial flow to be used for energy transfer. In an alternative embodiment, an electric generator is incorporated in the engine to specifically adapt the invention for power generation. Magnets are embedded in the exhaust face of the single rotor proximate to a ring of stationary magnetic cores with windings to provide for the generation of electricity. In this alternative embodiment, the turbine is a radial inflow turbine rather than an axial turbine as used in the first embodiment.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventor: David A. Platts
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Patent number: 6397577Abstract: A gas turbine engine structure is described wherein the compressor region and the turbine region of the engine are disposed substantially concentrically of each other between fixed inner and outer casings, with the combustor disposed at one common end of the compressor and turbine, and wherein the rotor components of the engine include one or more rings, bands, housings or casings with the turbine blades and compressor blades mounted respectively on the inner and outer surface thereof, and wherein the compressor and turbine stator components are mounted respectively on the inner surface of the outer casing and the outer surface of the inner casing, or, alternatively, wherein the turbine and compressor stator components are mounted respectively on the inner surface of the outer casing and the outer surface of the inner casing, which structure geometries eliminate much of the weight associated with the disks and interconnecting shafts that characterize conventional engines.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2001Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: Rolf Sondergaard