Motor Driven Accessory Patents (Class 60/802)
  • Patent number: 7788898
    Abstract: A system for transferring mechanical torque variably between a plurality of rotating machines in a turbofan engine. Two devices are used, where the first device relies upon magnetic properties of a planetary magnetic gearbox to couple the magnetic machines. The second device is used to variably control the torque transfer between the magnetic machines. The system couples rotating shafts rotating at differing speeds within a turbofan engine for controllably transferring power. To transfer power in the system, a fixed gear ratio is obtained by coupling the relatively high- and low-speed engine shafts to an epicyclic magnetic gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Michael Kern, Michael V. Drexel, Jeremy Daniel VanDam
  • Publication number: 20100219779
    Abstract: A system and method for variable drive of a propeller or fan of a gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine has a combustor and a turbine arranged to be driven by a combustion product from the combustor. The variable drive system comprises a primary shaft arranged for transmission of torque from said turbine to the propeller; an electric generator arranged to be driven by said turbine; and an electric motor arranged to be driven by the output of said generator. A clutch is mounted between the propeller and the primary rotor and is operable to mechanically disconnect the shaft from the propeller so that the propeller can be driven by any or any combination of the turbine and/or electric motor. The invention may be applied to a turboprop or turbofan engine having a gearing between the shaft and propeller or fan and may be particularly suited to unmanned aerial vehicle propulsion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Stephen J. BRADBROOK
  • Publication number: 20100186418
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a turbine engine (100) for aircraft comprising a gas generator (14) as well as a receiver (30) driven by a power turbine (34, 38), this receiver comprising a propeller (32) driven by a free power turbine (34) provided with an outer case (40), the propeller (32) having a propeller case (46) located radially outwards relatively to the outer case (40), and from which blades (48) protrude radially outwards. According to the invention, it comprises an electric power generator (60), the rotor (62) of which centred on the longitudinal axis (2) of the turbine engine, is driven into rotation by the power turbine (34) while being attached on the propeller case (46).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Bruno Albert BEUTIN, Antoine Olivier François COLIN, Clarisse Savine Mathilde REAUX, Didier Jean-Louis YVON
  • Patent number: 7730713
    Abstract: Provided is a gas turbine power plant in which a rotor of a generator is journalled by water lubrication bearings into which a part of cooling water for cooling the generator is fed. Since the lubrication water has a viscosity lower than that of lubrication oil, it is possible to provide a gas turbine power plant with less energy loss resulting in lower power consumption for accessories, and in high power generation efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Nakano, Satoshi Dodo, Kuniyoshi Tsubouchi, Manabu Yagi, Itsurou Sawada, Tomoaki Inoue, Makoto Hemmi
  • Publication number: 20100126178
    Abstract: One aspect relates to a hybrid propulsive technique, comprising providing a flow of a working fluid through at least a portion of an at least one jet engine. The at least one jet engine includes an at least one turbine section, wherein the at least one turbine section includes at least one turbine stage. The at least one turbine stage includes an at least one turbine rotor and an at least one independently rotatable turbine stator. The hybrid propulsive technique further involves extracting energy at least partially in the form of electrical power from the working fluid, and converting at least a portion of the electrical power to torque. The hybrid propulsive technique further comprises rotating an at least one at least one independently rotatable turbine stator at least partially responsive to the converting the at least a portion of the electrical power to torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K.Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Thomas A. Weaver, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood
  • Patent number: 7721554
    Abstract: A non-aircraft-propelling auxiliary gas turbine engine installable in an aircraft having a cabin adapted to be pressurized. The auxiliary gas turbine engine includes an auxiliary-gas-turbine-engine compressor having an inlet, wherein the inlet is adapted to receive pressurized air from the cabin. A method for operating a non-aircraft-propelling auxiliary gas turbine engine of an aircraft includes providing pressurized air from the cabin of the aircraft to an inlet of a compressor of the auxiliary gas turbine engine. The method includes providing compressed air from the compressor to a combustor of the auxiliary gas turbine engine and includes providing combustion gases from the combustor to a turbine of the auxiliary gas turbine engine, wherein the turbine is mechanically coupled to the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Chellappa Balan, Karl Edward Sheldon
  • Patent number: 7721555
    Abstract: A gas turbine, especially an aircraft engine is provided. The gas turbine comprises at least one compressor (15, 16), at least one combustion chamber (17), at least one turbine (18, 19), and at least one generator (20) for generating electrical energy, each generator (20) comprising at least one stator (25) and at least one rotor (22). Each rotor (22) of each generator (20) is embodied as a free-wheeling generator turbine that is driven by a gas flow in such a way that it rotates in relation to the respective stator (25) of the respective generator (20) and thus generates electrical energy from the kinetic energy of the gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventors: John Sharp, Andreas Kreiner
  • Publication number: 20100107652
    Abstract: One aspect relates to a hybrid propulsive technique, comprising providing at least some first thrust associated with a flow of a working fluid through at least a portion of an at least one axial flow jet engine. The hybrid propulsive technique includes extracting energy at least partially in the form of electrical power from the working fluid, and converting at least a portion of the electrical power to torque. The hybrid propulsive technique further includes rotating an at least one substantially axial-flow independently rotatable compressor rotor at least partially responsive to the converting the at least a portion of the electrical power to torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K.Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Thomas A. Weaver, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood
  • Publication number: 20100107651
    Abstract: One aspect relates to a hybrid propulsive technique, comprising providing a flow of a working fluid through at least a portion of an at least one jet engine. The hybrid propulsive technique comprises extracting energy from the working fluid that is at least partially converted into electrical power, and converting at least a portion of the electrical power to a torque. The hybrid propulsive technique also comprises rotating an at least one independently rotatable compressor stator at least partially responsive to the converting the at least a portion of the electrical power to the torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K.Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Thomas A. Weaver, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood
  • Patent number: 7707838
    Abstract: An embodiment of the technology described herein is an auxiliary power unit assembly. The auxiliary power unit assembly includes an auxiliary power unit being installable in an aircraft having a cabin, a duct connecting the cabin and the auxiliary power unit, and an airflow management feature in the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Karl Edward Sheldon, Charles Erklin Seeley, Ludwig Christian Haber
  • Publication number: 20100083669
    Abstract: One aspect relates to a hybrid propulsive technique comprising providing at least some first thrust associated with a flow of a working fluid through at least a portion of an at least one axial flow jet engine. The hybrid propulsive technique comprises extracting energy from the working fluid that is at least partially converted into electrical power, and converting at least a portion of the electrical power to torque. The hybrid propulsive technique further comprises rotating an at least one independently rotatable propeller/fan of at least one rotatable propeller/fan assembly at least partially responsive to the converting the at least a portion of the electrical power to torque, wherein the rotating of the at least one independently rotatable propeller/fan of the at least one rotatable propeller/fan assembly is arranged to produce at least some second thrust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Glenn B. Foster, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K.Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Thomas Allan Weaver, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood
  • Patent number: 7690185
    Abstract: A system for driving first and second accessory machines of a double-bodied turbine engine with an LP shaft and an HP shaft is disclosed. The system includes a first power train disposed between the shaft of the HP rotor and the first machines, which mechanically drives the first machines, and a first coupling means and a second power train between the shaft of the LP rotor and the second machines arranged so as to drive the said second machines. The system also includes a second coupling means between the first power train and the second power train allowing the second accessory machines to be driven by the shaft of the HP rotor, particularly when the engine operates at high speeds. The system may include a gearbox with at least two speed ratios and the first coupling means may be arranged to selectively couple one or other of the two ratios or else to decouple the mechanical transmission from the shaft of the LP rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Hispano-Suiza
    Inventors: Hugues Henri Raymond Linet, Cyril Franck Mouchnino, Serge Dominique Pettinotti
  • Publication number: 20090302152
    Abstract: There is a necessity to provide power for some aircraft service functions whilst the main engines (34) are not operational, for example when the aircraft is on the ground, and to start the main engines (34). This demand is met by provision of auxiliary power units (21). Conventionally a single auxiliary power unit (2) is located in the tail of the aircraft and requires fuel lines and relatively high capacity electrical cabling in order to provide electrical power for main engine starting and service functions. The present invention provides an auxiliary power unit (21) mounted on each main engine (34) and coupled together through an electrical distribution system. This provides greater redundancy in the event of failure of an auxiliary power unit (21) as well as reducing overall weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Glenn A. Knight
  • Publication number: 20090288421
    Abstract: A pneumatically driven turbine drive system is coupled to a gas turbine engine that includes low and high pressure compressors, low and high pressure turbines, a lock-up clutch, and at least one engine accessory driven by the high pressure compressor. The pneumatically driven turbine drive system selectively bleeds air discharged from the high pressure compressor and supplies it to an air turbine that is coupled to the at least one engine accessory. Thus, the system selectively reduces the power extracted from the high pressure compressor and is capable of supplying power back to the engine core. This, coupled with the bleed air that is diverted from the high pressure turbine and the low pressure turbine, allows the high pressure spool and the low pressure spool to run at lower speeds when high engine thrust is not needed or desired, but when the at least one engine accessory is still needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Kenneth Zeiner, Tony Libera, Todd Langston
  • Patent number: 7621117
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for controlling the ground windmilling of at least one of the spools in a gas turbine engine. Electrical power is supplied to a braking apparatus in one aspect. In another aspect, an oil system is powered during ground windmilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Kevin Allan Dooley, William J. K. Savage
  • Patent number: 7603864
    Abstract: An electromagnetic machine that generates electric power from an engine by having rotor poles on the tips of the fan blade airfoils and stator elements circumferentially placed around the blade airfoils. As the pole tips on the blade airfoils are excited, they rotate past the stator elements, causing a magnetic flux change in the stator. The magnetic flux change results in an electric potential that is used to provide power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul Robert Gemin, KiYoung Chung
  • Publication number: 20090235631
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: HISPANO SUIZA
    Inventors: Denis Louis Bocquet, Antoine Jean Baptiste Stutz, Cedric Montarou
  • Publication number: 20090232640
    Abstract: The invention provides an assembly for driving accessories of a gas turbine, the assembly comprising: a gearbox having a front side face and a rear side face opposite the front face and having mounted therein a first gear train made up of three toothed wheels meshing with one another, and a second gear train made up of four toothed wheels meshing with one another; a power transmission shaft that is coupled in rotation with the first and second gear trains by means of a toothed wheel pair, and that emerges from the front side face of the gearbox; and nine distinct gas turbine accessories mounted against the side faces of the gearbox, and each including a respective drive shaft that is coupled in rotation with one of the toothed wheels of the two gear trains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: HISPANO SUIZA
    Inventors: Andre Raymond Christian Deperrois, Yvon Grand, Cyril Franck Mouchnino, Serge Dominique Pettinotti
  • Patent number: 7584600
    Abstract: A gas turbine, in particular an aircraft engine and to a method for generating electrical energy in a gas turbine is provided. The gas turbine comprises at least on engine core (18), in which a shaft (19) produces a shaft output. The turbine is equipped with means that generate electrical energy both from the shaft output produced by the engine core (18) and from the compressed air that is dissipated by the engine core (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventor: Hermann Klingels
  • Publication number: 20090165464
    Abstract: The present technology generally relates to jet engines, in particular for an aircraft, having at least one turbine shaft on which at least one compressor and a turbine are arranged, and a housing extends over the lateral surfaces of the jet engine, wherein furthermore at least one electrical generator unit for generating electricity is arranged on at least one turbine shaft, wherein the electrical generator unit has a locating plate and a generator, wherein the generator unit is detachably mounted on the engine-side locating plate. Therefore, a jet engine having a generator unit is provided which permits simple installation, removal and servicing of the generator unit in or out of the jet engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Werner Gotz, Hubert Herrmann
  • Patent number: 7552591
    Abstract: The invention relates to a twin spool turbine engine comprising a high-pressure rotor and a low-pressure rotor, at least one accessory gearbox, a drive means, driving coaxial transmission shafts that transmit movement to the accessory gearbox, characterized in that the drive means comprises a high-pressure drive pinion secured to the high-pressure rotor near its upstream end, a low-pressure drive pinion secured to the low-pressure rotor upstream of the high-pressure rotor, and a power take-off module in direct mesh with the drive pinions, driving the transmission shafts. By virtue of the invention, the transmission shafts run coaxial with one another and therefore pass through a single arm. The use of a power take-off module simplifies the mechanism. The turbine engine is simpler to assemble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Jacques Rene Bart, Bruno Albert Beutin, Patrick Charles Georges Morel
  • Publication number: 20090151362
    Abstract: A motor drive for an electric motor receives high frequency AC current, and delivers this current through a converter which is operable to change the current delivered downstream to an inverter and an electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Gregory I. Rozman, Kevin Dooley
  • Patent number: 7543439
    Abstract: A generator assembly for a gas turbine engine. The assembly includes an electrical generator connected via a first sprag clutch to an accessory gearbox driven by the engine. The generator is also connected by a second sprag clutch to an air turbine connected to engine bleed valves which are selectively open when the engine speed falls below a predetermined level. The clutches are arranged such that the generator is driven at any time by the fastest rotating of the gearbox and turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: David C Butt, Alan R Maguire
  • Publication number: 20090139243
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes an accessory gearbox within an engine pylori. The accessory components may be mounted within the engine pylori to save weight and space within the core nacelle as well as provide a relatively lower temperature operating environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Winter
  • Patent number: 7516621
    Abstract: A multiple accessory support bracket that mounts a plurality of external accessories for an auxiliary power unit (APU) so that all the external accessories may be mounted to the APU in a single operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Suttie, Gordon F. Jewess, Khang D. Ta, Michael J. Olderbak, Thomas H. Diot, Edward R. McQuillan, Daniel M. Gregory, Stephen Worthington, Rusty E. Mayborne, Michael D. Kohls, Daniel L. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20090064683
    Abstract: A power take-off system for a gas turbine engine includes a starter coupled to a second spool, and a clutch assembly coupled between the starter and a first spool, the clutch assembly configured to couple the first spool to the starter when starting the gas turbine engine assembly. A method of assembling a gas turbine engine assembly that includes the power take-off system, and a gas turbine engine assembly including the power take-off system are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Ory Moniz, Jan Christopher Schilling, Robert Joseph Orlando, Raymond Felix Patt
  • Patent number: 7500365
    Abstract: Provided is an accessory gearbox for a gas turbine engine that contributes minimally to engine weight and complexity. An accessory gearbox comprises a stationary frame that is circumferentially disposed about a central longitudinal axis of the engine. The frame includes a forward-directed axial face and a rearward-directed axial face for fastening the frame to the engine. A central bore accepts a rotational driving means and an outermost rim circumscribes the outer diameter of the frame. A compartment is located between the bore and the rim. At least one primary accessory is mounted to a face and proximate the compartment, remotely engaging the driving means and able to be driven concurrently therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriel Suciu, Brian Merry
  • Patent number: 7484354
    Abstract: In order to avoid external bulging (5) to accommodate accessory mechanisms (27) and gearboxes (30) to drive these mechanisms (27) in accordance with the present invention splitter fairings (26) are located within a bypass duct (23) of an engine (20). The bypass duct (23) is defined between a casing (21) and compressor/turbine propulsion core (22). The fairings (26) are of sufficient dimensions to accommodate the accessory mechanisms (27) whilst the bypass duct (23) is appropriately shaped axi-symmetrically to eliminate and balance any blocking effect of these fairings (26) within the duct (23) upon air flow (24). Further fairings (26?) may be provided to accommodate oil tank reservoirs (34) as well as filter/heat exchanger mechanisms (35) for the engine (20). In such circumstances, a notional elongate cylindrical profile for the engine (20) is maintained such that a reduced cross section is require for that engine (20) and so allowing a smaller airframe with better sonic boom signature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Richard G Stretton
  • Patent number: 7481062
    Abstract: A turbofan gas turbine propulsion engine includes a multi-speed transmission between the high pressure and low pressure turbines and associated high pressure and low pressure starter-generators. The multi-speed transmission reduces the operating speed range from the low pressure turbine to its associated starter-generator, and is configurable to allow the starter-generator associated with the low pressure turbine to supply starting torque to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Louie T. Gaines, Peter J. Auer, Glenn H. Lane, James A. Wissinger
  • Publication number: 20090000308
    Abstract: An electrical generator assembly for use in a gas turbine engine, which assembly includes an electrical motor configured to connect to an accessory gearbox arranged radially outward of a main axis of the gas turbine engine and inside a nacelle, and fluid connections between the electrical motor and a generator oil system. The generator oil system is offset from the electrical motor such that the generator oil system is not located radially outward of the electrical motor and inside the nacelle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas G. Cloft, Robert L. Gukeisen
  • Patent number: 7434406
    Abstract: A drivetrain for a multi-spool counter rotating gas turbine engine may include a lay shaft for connecting a power turbine shaft of the engine with a gas generator shaft of the engine when the drivetrain is in engine start mode. In normal operation mode, an actuator disengages the lay shaft, thereby allowing free and independent rotation of the power turbine shaft and the gas generator shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Herlihy, John R. Barrett
  • Patent number: 7386983
    Abstract: A mechanical drive system for an accessory gearbox of a gas turbine engine is provided. The engine has a high-pressure drive shaft and a low-pressure drive shaft. The mechanical drive system includes a first tower shaft, a second tower shaft, a first lay shaft, and a second lay shaft. The first tower shaft is driven by the high-pressure drive shaft. The second tower shaft is driven by the low-pressure drive shaft. The first lay shaft is driven by the first tower shaft, and is connected to the accessory gearbox. The second lay shaft is driven by the second tower shaft, and is connected to the accessory gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Guy Wallace Miller
  • Publication number: 20080120980
    Abstract: An electromagnetic machine that generates electric power from an engine by having rotor poles on the tips of the fan blade airfoils and stator elements circumferentially placed around the blade airfoils. As the pole tips on the blade airfoils are excited, they rotate past the stator elements, causing a magnetic flux change in the stator. The magnetic flux change results in an electric potential that is used to provide power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Paul Robert Gemin, KiYoung Chung
  • Patent number: 7373771
    Abstract: The accessory gearbox (AGB) has at least one coolant passage between the AGB and the accessory for externally cooling the accessory without coolant flow inside the accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: David Brouillet
  • Publication number: 20080098747
    Abstract: An embodiment of the technology described herein is an auxiliary power unit assembly. The auxiliary power unit assembly includes an auxiliary power unit being installable in an aircraft having a cabin, a duct connecting the cabin and the auxiliary power unit, and an airflow management feature in the duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Karl Edward Sheldon, Charles Erklin Seeley, Ludwig Christian Haber
  • Publication number: 20080098743
    Abstract: An exhaust eductor system includes a primary exhaust nozzle configured to transport an active flow stream; and a mixing duct at least partially surrounding the primary exhaust nozzle and configured to transport a passive flow stream that is entrained by mixing with the active flow stream from the primary exhaust nozzle. The mixing duct has an interior, and a baffle on the interior of the mixing duct is configured to prevent the mixed flow streams from exiting the mixing duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Z. Daniel Judd
  • Publication number: 20080016880
    Abstract: A gear shaft for a gearbox, the gear shaft having a spiral bevel gear integral and concentric therewith with portions of the gear shaft extending from each side of the spiral bevel gear, the spiral bevel gear having a negative helix angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Vittorio Bruno, Nasr Kenawy
  • Publication number: 20070277532
    Abstract: With an engine for aircraft with high electric power demand, the power of the low-pressure shaft (7) operating in a lower speed range is transmitted to the high-pressure shaft (6) by an electromagnetic clutch (10). In the clutch element (14) on the side of the low-pressure shaft a frequency-controllable rotary field is generated, which drives a magnet (13) connected to the high-pressure shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Metin Talan
  • Patent number: 7246482
    Abstract: A bleed air power assist system is coupled to a gas turbine engine that includes a high pressure turbine, a low pressure turbine, and an electrical generator driven by the high pressure turbine. The bleed air power assist system selectively bleeds air discharged from the high pressure turbine and supplies it to an air turbine that is also coupled to the generator. Thus, the system selectively reduces the power extracted from the high pressure turbine. This, coupled with the bleed air that is diverted from the low pressure turbine, allows the low pressure spool to run at lower speeds when high engine thrust is not needed or desired, but when the generator is still needed to supply high electrical loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Mahoney, Mitchell J. Laidlaw, Anthony C. Libera
  • Patent number: 7131275
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine system includes an electric starter motor which utilizes a partially hollow or cupped shaped rotor. Space is provided inside the rotor to fit the required clutch, bearings, and drive shaft. A rotor shaft drives the input shaft through the clutch. The clutch is mounted within a clutch cavity formed within an annular housing portion of the housing. The annular housing portion is at least partially conical and preferably extends at least partially within a hollow rotor mounted to the rotor shaft. A short package is provided due to the telescoped architecture while retaining the maximum length for electromagnetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand
    Inventor: James R. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 7093447
    Abstract: An auxiliary power unit for aircraft with a load compressor that delivers cabin air free of oil contamination by supporting a drive shaft for the load compressor with oil-free bearings and coupling the load compressor to a gearbox and power head for the auxiliary power unit through a synchronous magnetic torque coupling on an opposite side of the gearbox to which the power is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Robert G. Thompson, Bezhad Hagshenas
  • Patent number: 7055330
    Abstract: A mechanical drive system for an accessory gearbox of a gas turbine engine is provided. The gas turbine engine includes a high-pressure drive shaft and a low-pressure drive shaft. The mechanical drive system includes a tower shaft and a lay shaft. The tower shaft is connected by a first gear arrangement to the low-pressure drive shaft of the gas turbine engine. The lay shaft is connected by a second gear arrangement to the first tower shaft, and connected to the accessory gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: United Technologies Corp
    Inventor: Guy Wallace Miller
  • Patent number: 7055303
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine having an oil cavity architecture and bearing placement which reduce heat rejection and oil system complexity by enclosing the reduction gearbox bearings and at least the shaft bearings supporting the high pressure shaft in the same oil cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Ian Macfarlane, Zenon Szlanta, Lazar Mitrovic, Keith Morgan
  • Patent number: 7028461
    Abstract: A uniaxial gas turbine system, comprising a uniaxial gas turbine, a rotary machine driven by the uniaxial gas turbine, a continuously variable transmission for transmitting a driving force from the uniaxial gas turbine to the rotary machine, and a control device for controlling the speed of the uniaxial gas turbine to an optimum speed and controlling the gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission so that the speed of the rotary machine becomes a prescribed speed, whereby the speed of the gas turbine or the rotary machine can be optimized according to the load variation of the rotary machine driven by the gas turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tatsuhiko Goi
  • Patent number: 7013651
    Abstract: A mounting system for mounting an air-cooled device to a mount, the device having a mounting flange and a cooling air outlet radially inward of an outer periphery of the device, the mounting flange adapted to cooperate with the mount, where the mounting system has a cooling air exhaust collection shroud adapted to surround the device and at least a portion of the mount, the shroud having a discharge outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Vittorio Bruno, Bryan Olver
  • Patent number: 6962057
    Abstract: In a gas turbine power generation system having a gas turbine engine and a generator connected to the engine, maintenance ease is enhanced by forming the housing to have openable maintenance faces at two of its faces. Installation space is reduced and a compact configuration is achieved by providing a partition that divides the interior space of the housing into two regions into an upper bay and a lower bay, mounting the engine in the upper bay and mounting air intake duct in the lower bay at a location directly under the engine. Noise is reduced by using a partition to define two separate spaces (bays) and mounting the engine and the air intake duct in the upper and lower bays. Noise is also reduced by preventing engine rotation noise from escaping to the outside through the air intake duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kaisha
    Inventors: Masatoshi Kurokawa, Nobuyuki Kobayashi, Tsutomu Yoshino
  • Patent number: 6851267
    Abstract: A mounting system, for installing a starter-generator to an accessory housing, where the starter-generator has a mounting end with a connecting flange and a cooling air outlet radially inward of a peripheral starter-generator housing edge, and where the accessory housing has a matching connecting flange radially inward of a peripheral accessory housing edge. The mounting system includes a cooling air outlet collection shroud enveloping the peripheral starter-generator housing edge and the peripheral accessory housing edge, the shroud having a discharge outlet. A V-band clamp releasably secures the connecting flanges together and is enveloped within the shroud in a compact mounting system that collects and discharges the exhausted cooling air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Vittorio Bruno, Bryan Olver
  • Patent number: 6832486
    Abstract: An electrical machine, such as a generator or motor, is incorporated in a gas turbine engine. The engine has compressor blades which are shrouded at. Beyond the shroud, an electrical machine is provided by rotor projections which run in a channel in flux cores, with which excitor coils are associated. The result is an electrical machine which is external to the combustion gas paths of the engine, for ready access, and can have optimised magnetic flux paths for efficiency. High relative speeds within the electrical machine provide further advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Ian C D Care, Arnold C Newton
  • Patent number: 6729140
    Abstract: An electrical machine, such as a generator or motor, is incorporated in a gas turbine engine. The engine has compressor blades which are shrouded at. Beyond the shroud, an electrical machine is provided by rotor projections which run in a channel in flux cores, with which excitor coils are associated. The result is an electrical machine which is external to the combustion gas paths of the engine, for ready access, and can have optimized magnetic flux paths for efficiency. High relative speeds within the electrical machine provide further advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Ian C D Care, Arnold C Newton