Three Or More Circumferentially Spaced Supports Patents (Class 248/555)
  • Patent number: 10899462
    Abstract: Aft-mounting systems, devices, and methods for turboprop and turboshaft engines include two or more coupling elements 201, 211, 221 that are configured to couple an aft portion of an engine of an aircraft to a support structure of the aircraft. The two or more coupling elements are together configured to react forces generated in a vertical direction and in a lateral direction transverse to the engine but allow substantially unrestricted rotation of the engine with respect to the support structure about an axis of rotation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Zameroski, Gerald Whiteford
  • Patent number: 10392119
    Abstract: A propulsion system for an aircraft includes an electric propulsion engine configured to be mounted to the aircraft at an aft end of the aircraft. The electric propulsion engine includes a power gearbox mechanically coupled to an electric motor. The electric propulsion engine further includes a fan rotatable about a central axis of the electric propulsion engine by the electric motor through the power gearbox. Moreover, the electric propulsion engine includes an attachment assembly for mounting at least one of the electric motor or the power gearbox. The attachment assembly includes a torsional damper for accommodating a torsional vibration of the electric motor or the power gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel Alan Niergarth, Randy M. Vondrell, Brandon Wayne Miller, Patrick Michael Marrinan
  • Patent number: 10183759
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for mounting an engine module (1) in a support comprising a first structure (3) and a second structure (2) that is offset relative to the first structure (3), method intended for positioning at least a specified part (4) of the engine module (1) relative to an element (6) of the second structure (2) by means of an isostatic suspension connecting the engine module (1) to said first structure (3) by means of first connecting rods (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) and to said second structure (2) by means of second connecting rods (10e, 10f), the length of said first and second connecting rods being defined in advance, method wherein the length of at least two (10c, 10f) of said first and second connecting rods is adjusted relative to the previously defined length thereof, in order to position said specified part (4) of the engine module (1) relative to said element (6) of the second structure (2) in said support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: SAFRAN POWER UNITS
    Inventors: Olivier Cazenave, Clement Lalanne, Luc Dionne
  • Patent number: 9828877
    Abstract: A bypass turbojet engine including a cylindrical cold stream flow path supported by link rods which are attached to a cylindrical outer shell ring of an exhaust case at attachment points. The attachment points for the exhaust case are crevice mounts including lugs that extend radially from the outer shell ring, a bore of the crevice mounts being directed in a direction of generatrices of the outer shell ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Thomas Gérard Daniel Riviere, François Robert Bellabal, Olivier Renon, Guilhem Seize
  • Patent number: 9109537
    Abstract: A tip turbine engine assembly (8) includes a fan (32) rotatable in a fan plane (22) about an engine centerline (112). The fan (32) includes a fan blade (34) that defines a core airflow passage therethrough. An engine case (10) surrounds and supports the fan and engine. A plurality of engine mounts (20) for mounting the engine to an aircraft are positioned circumferentially about the outside of the engine case in a single mounting plane (22) that is perpendicular to the engine centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, James W. Norris, Brian Merry
  • Patent number: 9027876
    Abstract: A device for suspending a turbojet casing, the device including a shouldered pin extending through aligned orifices of two lugs of a clevis secured to the casing. A protection piece for providing protection against wear is mounted on each lug of the clevis and has the shouldered pin passing therethrough, the protection piece being prevented from moving in rotation on the lug by co-operating shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Snecma
    Inventors: Didier Noël Durand, Gaël Evain, Florence Irène Noëlle Leutard, Arnaud Martin
  • Patent number: 8985509
    Abstract: An assembly for mounting a turbine engine to a pylon includes a mounting beam, a plurality of fasteners, a first mounting linkage and a second mounting linkage. The mounting beam includes a mount beam fitting that extends axially between a first mount beam end and a second mount beam end, and a mount beam flange that extends radially out from the mount beam fitting at the first mount beam end. A first fastener aperture extends radially through the mount beam fitting, and a second fastener aperture extends axially through the mount beam flange. The fasteners connect the mounting beam to the pylon. A first of the fasteners is mated with the first fastener aperture, and a second of the fasteners is mated with the second fastener aperture. The first mounting linkage connects the first mount beam end to a first engine attachment. The second mounting linkage connects the second mount beam end to second engine attachments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: David F. Sandy, Zhijun Zheng, Stephen P. Dailey, Joseph P. Foster
  • Patent number: 8979491
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a rear mounting structure incorporating a mounting apparatus attached to a bypass duct wall with a link device of six rods for transferring core portion related inertia-induced loads, from an inner case of the core portion in a short circuit across an annular bypass air passage to the bypass duct wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bernard Heyerman, Bryan Olver, Stephen Caulfeild
  • Patent number: 8973885
    Abstract: A structural rod has a primary rod that has an axial cavity and a secondary rod inside the axial cavity so that the secondary rod is able to move inside the axial cavity along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rod. The primary rod has a bearing for fastening the structural rod at the first end in a rigid manner and is not fastened rigidly to the structure at the second end. Conversely, the secondary rod has a bearing for fastening the structural rod at the second end in a rigid manner and is not fastened rigidly to the structure at the first end. The primary and secondary rods are joined through one or more intermediate linkage elements made of a deformable and elastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Mathieu Bonnet, Frederic Journade, Laurent Lafont, Benoit Valery
  • Patent number: 8621874
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for an engine core of a turbomachine is provided. The coupling assembly comprises a duct having a substantially circular shape and surrounding the engine core, and a plurality of coupling struts, each coupling strut extending only in a substantially vertical direction relative to the direction of gravity when the engine core is at a rest position with zero pitch and zero roll, each of the plurality of coupling struts coupling the engine core to the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Bill Russell Watson, Max Warden
  • Patent number: 8613405
    Abstract: An assembly for an aircraft including: a mechanism attaching a primary structure of an attachment strut to a wing, forming an isostatic system; an attachment housed in a leading edge of the wing and configured to only take up forces exerted along the transverse and longitudinal directions; and an attachment including a connecting rod extending rearwardly, of which one end is connected to the primary structure and the other end is connected to the wing element, the connecting rod being offset along the vertical direction of the attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventor: Laurent Lafont
  • Patent number: 8540204
    Abstract: A holding structure associated with a lifting device for supporting a removed turbine engine cover plate assembly. The holding structure includes an upper support member and a lower support member. The upper support member is formed with a plurality of service areas, where each service area is configured for servicing a cover plate assembly. Each service area includes a plurality of slots extending inwardly from a peripheral edge of the upper support member to receive and support components of the cover plate assembly during a disassembly and service operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Alberto M. Alvarez Hernandez
  • Patent number: 8444085
    Abstract: A support structure is provided for attaching a gas turbine engine to a pylon. The gas turbine engine has an engine casing surrounding an engine core, and the pylon has first and second attachment positions, the second attachment position being forward of the first attachment position relative to the working gas flow direction through the engine. The support structure has three elongate members joined to form a triangular frame encircling the engine casing. A first vertex of the triangular frame attaches to the pylon via a first attachment arrangement at the first attachment position. Two thrust struts respectively extend from the other two vertices of the triangular frame and attach to the pylon via a second attachment arrangement at the second attachment position. Three engine connection formations extend from the respective vertices of the triangular frame to positions on the engine casing to connect the support structure to the engine casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Richard G. Stretton, Kenneth F. Udall
  • Patent number: 8328132
    Abstract: A damage-tolerance attachment system for an aircraft engine includes first and second attachment devices attaching the aircraft engine to a pylon fixedly attached to the aircraft, and a third backup attachment device including a first portion attached to the pylon and a second portion attached to the engine, the first and second portions connected together loosely so as not to disrupt an isostasy of the first and second attachment devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Herve Marche, Gilles Weyland
  • Patent number: 8313293
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a rear mounting assembly incorporating a mounting apparatus attached to a bypass duct wall with a link device for transferring core portion related inertia-induced loads, from an MTF of the core portion in a short circuit across an annular bypass air passage to the bypass duct wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bernard Heyerman, Bryan W. Olver, Bruce Fielding, Carl Smythe
  • Patent number: 8267349
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes a gear train defined along an engine centerline axis, and a spool along the engine centerline axis which drives the gear train, the spool includes a low stage count low pressure turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Brian D. Merry, Christopher M. Dye, Steven B. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8177186
    Abstract: A holding structure associated with a lifting device for supporting a removed turbine engine cover plate assembly. The holding structure includes an upper support member and a lower support member. The upper support member is formed with a plurality of service areas, where each service area is configured for servicing a cover plate assembly. Each service area includes a plurality of slots extending inwardly from a peripheral edge of the upper support member to receive and support components of the cover plate assembly during a disassembly and service operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Alberto Mario Alvarez Hernandez
  • Patent number: 8141817
    Abstract: A turbojet suspended from an aircraft mast is disclosed. The turbojet includes a front fan, an intermediate casing downstream of the fan with an outer shroud and a hub connected together by radial arms, and an exhaust casing with an outer shroud, the two casings being aligned on one and the same axis XX. The mast includes a structural strut assembly of elongated shape. The strut assembly is attached upstream rigidly to the outer shroud of the intermediate casing by a front attachment including a device for transmitting the axial and lateral forces and downstream by a rear attachment to the exhaust casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignees: SNECMA, AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Andre Bruno Denis Baillard, Pierre-Alain Jean-Marie Philippe Hugues Chouard, Francois Raymond Conte, Guillaume Lefort
  • Patent number: 8128021
    Abstract: A mount system for a gas turbine engine includes an aft mount which reacts at least a portion of a thrust load at an engine case generally parallel to an engine axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Brian D. Merry, Christopher M. Dye, Steven B. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8118252
    Abstract: A rear lower aerodynamic fairing for an attachment device for an aircraft engine, including two side panels assembled together with transverse stiffening inner ribs spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal direction of the fairing, and a heat protection floor to be closely followed by a primary flow of the engine. The floor includes plural floor segments distributed along the direction and non-rigidly bound to each other, and the fairing further includes an assembling mechanism assembling the floor segments, offsetting the latter of the ribs to which are connected the assembling mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Dumont, Frederic Roche
  • Patent number: 8104736
    Abstract: A mount system for an auxiliary component includes two side brackets and a top bracket for rigidly attaching an auxiliary component to an engine casing. Each side bracket defines mount segments, a deformable member and two retainer members between the mount segment. The deformable member plastically deforms during a fan-blade out event, thereby absorbing a majority of the high shock load experienced on the auxiliary component. The retainer members maintain the attachment between the auxiliary component and the engine casing subsequent to the fan-blade out event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Craig M. Callaghan
  • Patent number: 8083177
    Abstract: A device for mounting a suspension member on the casing of a turbine engine is disclosed. The device includes a yoke with at least one lug, secured to the casing, a pin fixed to the yoke supporting the member via a ring surrounding the pin, and a rotation-prevention device that includes a counter-rotation plate attached to the lug. The plate and the pin include an assembly consisting of a peg and of a cutout or a hole, into which the peg fits in order to prevent the pin from rotating in the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Olivier Renon, Paul Rodrigues, Christian Ren{acute over ())}{acute over (})}e Schnell, Jean-Luc Soupizon
  • Patent number: 7806363
    Abstract: An engine mounting assembly for an engine, e.g. a gas turbine engine comprises a plurality of carrying arrangements. Each carrying arrangement comprises a rear load absorbing assembly. Each load absorbing assembly provides a rear mounting point for an engine carrier. Each carrying arrangement further comprises first and second stabilising members extending forwardly from the rear mounting point of the rear load absorbing assembly to first and second spaced forward mounting points for an engine carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Kenneth F Udall, Richard G Stretton
  • Patent number: 7527220
    Abstract: A mount for an aircraft engine arranged to be attached firstly by a beam to the aircraft, and secondly by lateral and a median load transmission elements to the engine, the mount having an integrated load transmission and failsafe assembly arranged to ensure the continuity of load transmission in the event of failure of a load transmission element and to perform its failsafe function in unitary, concentrated fashion in the median zone of the mount. The mount is characterized by the fact that the load transmission and failsafe assembly includes an assembly of a female clevis with two wings and of a projecting element passing with clearance through the two wings of clevis, one being integral with the engine and the other with the mounting beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Snecma
    Inventor: Sebastien Dron
  • Patent number: 7419121
    Abstract: An integrated mount duct includes a load ring for mounting a turbomachine to a flight vehicle, wherein the load ring has a cylindrical shape with a flange edge and a stepped edge, and comprises one or more mechanical attachment members disposed on an outside surface of the load ring, the mechanical attachment members configured to mate with a strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Williams
  • Publication number: 20080078917
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for an internal combustion engine. The mounting arrangement includes first and second engine mounts supporting substantially all weight of the engine, and a third engine mount interconnected to the engine and resisting pivoting of the engine on the first and second engine mounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Jonathan J. Roehrl, Michael D. Wetzel, J. J. Osmecki
  • Patent number: 7350747
    Abstract: This invention relates to a structure (1) for mounting an engine (2) under an aircraft wing (4), comprising a rigid structure (8) and means (10) of mounting this rigid structure under the wing, the mounting means (10) comprising a forward fastener (14) and an aft fastener (16). According to the invention, the forward fastener has at least one triangular shackle on each side of a vertical plane passing through a longitudinal axis (5) of the engine, placed in a vertical plane oriented along a direction inclined with respect to a longitudinal direction (X) and a transverse direction (Y) of the aircraft, and located in a horizontal plane defined by these directions (X) and (Y). Furthermore, the aft fastener comprises at least one shackle oriented along a vertical direction (Z) of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Stéphane Machado, Jérôme Cassagne, Anthony Del Blanco, Yvon Martin, Arnaud Chambreuil
  • Patent number: 7121512
    Abstract: A drain, for example for an aircraft engine support strut, arranged on the trailing edge of the rear secondary structure of the strut. The drain includes a conduit with a substantially horizontal axis and a substantially rectangular cross-section, taken in a plane parallel to the trailing edge, the conduit closed at an outer extremity by a terminal portion with a substantially ogival cross-section taken in the axis of the conduit and including at least one opening for drainage with an elongated shape on at least one of the opposing lateral walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventor: Cyril Bonnaud
  • Patent number: 7063290
    Abstract: This invention relates to a mounting system (1) inserted between an aircraft engine and a rigid structure of an attachment strut, the system particularly comprising a thrust resistance device (20). The thrust resistance device (20) comprises two lateral actuators (30) each provided with a rod (34) in which a forward end (34b) is a piston located inside a chamber (38) of a central casing (22) of the engine, the chamber (38) comprising a forward compartment (40) and an aft compartment (42). Moreover, the thrust resistance device (20) comprises a device (32) including a piston (48) fixed to the forward mount (16) and located inside a chamber (50) fixed to the central casing, the chamber (50) comprising a forward compartment (52) and an aft compartment (54), the forward compartment (52) of the chamber (50) being hydraulically connected to the aft compartments (42) of the actuators (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventor: Hervé Marche
  • Patent number: 7007890
    Abstract: The turbojet according to the invention is designed to be fixed onto the upper part of the aft section of the fuselage of an aircraft using at least one coat hanger, the turbojet comprising a fan, a forward casing, an aft casing, accessories arranged around the periphery of the forward casing, the forward casing comprising attachment points, for the coat hanger. The attachment points are arranged so that the turbojet can be installed indifferently on either side of the aircraft fuselage, accessories being arranged on the casing so that they are accessible from the outside of the fuselage regardless of which side the installation is done.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Snecma Moteurs
    Inventors: Bruno Beutin, Didier Yvon, Georges Mazeaud, Fabien Burdin
  • Patent number: 6976655
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement (26) is provided for mounting an engine (10), typically a gas turbine engine, to a vehicle. The mounting arrangement (26) includes connecting means (28, 30) constructed to extend from a core assembly (14) of the engine (10) through an outer component (24) to the vehicle. The mounting arrangement (26) also includes transmission means (41) extending from the connecting means (28, 30) to transmit thrust from the engine (10) to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Ewan F Thompson
  • Patent number: 6938855
    Abstract: A strut (10) for hooking an engine (16) under a wing body assembly (12) of an aircraft comprises a rigid structure as well as a mechanism for hooking this structure under the wing body assembly. This mechanism comprises a front fastener (22), a rear fastener (24) and a structure (26) for absorbing thrust. To install an engine (16) of greater diameter under the wing body assembly (12) of an existing plane, the rear part (20b) of the strut (10) is given a width which increases as it progresses to the rear. Furthermore, the rear fastener (24) comprises two braces which are fixed on both sides of the rigid structure and two shackles which connect each of the braces to an additional transverse rib integrated into the wing body assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventor: Hervé Marche
  • Patent number: 6682015
    Abstract: A device attaches an engine to an aircraft. The device (10) is inserted between the engine (14) and a pylon (12) designed to be attached to an aircraft structure, such as a wing or fuselage section. The attachment device (10) generally includes two brackets (18a, 18b) joined together and secured to the pylon (12) and two pairs of rods (20a, 20b, 22a, 22b) inserted between the two brackets (18a, 18b) and a part (24) of the structure of the engine (14). Thus the integrity of the link between the pylon (12) and the engine (14) is preserved in the event of failure of any of the parts which constitute the device, without there being any need for a backup attachment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Stéphane Levert, Sébastien Roszak
  • Patent number: 6581874
    Abstract: A system for supporting an auxiliary power unit in an aircraft tailcone wherein the auxiliary power unit is supported by a focalized suspension system supporting the power unit, the focalized suspension system having a plurality of support means each having a line of action, the lines of action intersecting at the focal point. The support system simplifies removal and installation of the auxiliary power unit from and into the aircraft's tailcone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventors: Jacques Lemire, Kirk W. Olsen, Francis J. DePriest, Thomas R. Law, Gerald P. Whiteford, Paul J. Bachmeyer
  • Patent number: 6401448
    Abstract: A system for mounting an aircraft engine to an aircraft includes four forward mounting features, two mid mounting features, and four aft mounting features disposed on the engine. The forward, mid and the aft mounting features, respectively, are equally spaced circumferentially about the engine. The method of mounting the engine includes connecting the first and fourth forward mounting features to mounting structure, the first and fourth aft mounting features to mounting structure, and the first and second mid mounting features to mounting structure when the aircraft engine is used in a top mounted installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Alan Manteiga, Christopher James Wilusz, Cornelius Harm Dykhuizen
  • Patent number: 6347765
    Abstract: A device for the attachment of an aircraft engine to a strut comprises a main attachment structure (18, 24) able to transmit normally to the strut forces exerted in two directions (X′, Y′), whereof one is mainly parallel to the longitudinal axis (OX) of the engine and the other mainly perpendicular to said axis and to a median plane common to the engine and the strut. The device also comprises an emergency attachment structure essentially constituted by an element (10) fixed to the strut and also forming part of the main attachment structure. The element (10), preferably implemented in the form of two coupled together parts (10a, 10b), comprises a pin (42) penetrating with clearance a recess formed on the aircraft casing (C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Aerospatiale Airbus
    Inventors: Pascal Jule, Alain Porte, Stéphane Levert
  • Patent number: 5961078
    Abstract: An acceleration force isolator assembly for attaching a payload, such as a spacecraft or satellite, to a launch vehicle wherein axial acceleration forces on the payload are attenuated. The attachment includes an upper interface ring that is secured to the payload and a lower interface ring that is secured to the launch vehicle. Flexure of the upper interface ring provides axial compliance when axial acceleration forces are transmitted from the launch vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Donald L. Edberg, Bruce W. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5782078
    Abstract: A link for supporting a core engine within an outer shell of a gas turbine engine is described. The link, in one form, includes an elongate rod having a first end and a second end, and first and second rod end bearings are secured at the first second ends, respectively. Each end bearing includes a bearing head and a threaded stud extending from the head. The elongate rod includes a first threaded socket located at first rod end and sized to be engaged to the first rod end bearing stud, and a second threaded socket located at second rod end and sized to be engaged to the second rod end bearing stud. The first and second tapered jam nuts are located at the first and second ends of rod. Each tapered jam nut includes a nut end having, for example, a hexagonal head and a tapered portion extending from the nut end. A bore extends through each tapered jam nut, and the bore is sized to have the stud extend therethrough. The bore has internal threads at least at the location of nut end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: James W. Brantley
  • Patent number: 5779190
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle that includes symmetrical wings, tail section and internal compartments. The wings which include the only control surfaces can be attached to either side of the aircraft. An engine and a payload are non-symmetrically attached modules. Assembly and disassembly is performed with quick release pin and plate latches, quarter turn fasteners and guides that prevent improper assembly. The compartments include quick release hatch covers for the various internal craft compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Rambo, Jerry H. Bowling, Robert S. Kincade
  • Patent number: 5775638
    Abstract: A linkage arrangement (20) joins a nacelle (12) enclosing a gas turbine engine (10) and a pylon (18) suspended from an aircraft wing. The linkage arrangement (20) counteracts the deflections of the nacelle (12) with respect to the free air stream due to the aerodynamic load. The linkage arrangement (20) includes a plurality of links (22, 24, 32, 34) that substantially duplicate the motion of a four bar linkage mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Paul W. Duesler
  • Patent number: 5746391
    Abstract: A mounting for connecting a turbofan gas turbine engine to an aircraft structure comprises three mounting points at the vertices of a triangle on the aircraft structure and three mounting points on the fan casing of the turbofan gas turbine engine. The first mounting point on the aircraft structure is connected to all of the three mounting points on the fan casing by three links. The second mounting point on the aircraft structure is connected to the second mounting point and the third mounting point on the fan casing by two links. The third mounting point on the aircraft structure is connected to the second mounting point and the third mounting point by two links. The links provide an open spaceframe which defines the structure of a pylon. The mounting has reduced weight compared to conventional mountings and is cheaper to manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Leonard J. Rodgers, Arnold C. Newton, James P. Berry, Peter G. G. Farrar, Kenneth F. Udall
  • Patent number: 5497961
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine nacelle assembly (10) comprises a pylon (13) for mounting the assembly on an aircraft, a nacelle (11) and a gas turbine engine (12) enclosed within the nacelle (11). Part (15) of the nacelle (11) is structurally integral with the pylon (13) and has the remainder of the nacelle (11) attached to it. The nacelle part (15) additionally provides at least partial support for the gas turbine engine (12). The arrangement provides weight savings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Arnold C. Newton
  • Patent number: 5467941
    Abstract: A pylon (14) for supporting a turbo-fan jet engine, in particular, an ultra-high by-pass turbo-fan jet engine (12) is disclosed. The pylon (14) attaches to the forward and aft parts of the engine core (22) and supports the engine (12) from an airplane wing (10) while resisting static and dynamic forces applied by the engine and the nacelle of the engine to the pylon. The pylon (14) includes a pylon bifurcation portion(16), having an upper end (23) and a lower end. The upper end (23) is positioned exterior to the fan duct (8) of the engine and is attached to the wing (10). The lower end is positioned inside of the fan duct (8). The lower end further includes an aft section that is attached by lugs (38) to the aft part of the engine core (22), and a forward section that is attached to the forward part of the engine core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Wan T. Chee
  • Patent number: 5443229
    Abstract: An aircraft engine sideways mount assembly includes a thrust mount and an engine suspension for suspending the engine structure sideways from the aircraft such that the thrust mount is operable to react substantially all the thrust load forces from the engine to the aircraft. The thrust mount has a thrust bar extending between the engine structure and a structure fixed to the aircraft such that the thrust bar has a line of action which intersects the engine centerline in a support mount plane through which the engine suspension suspends the engine and which is generally perpendicular the engine centerline. The thrust bar has two thrust links pivotably joined to the aircraft at their aft ends and pivotably joined to the engine structure between the pivotal support mounts at their forward ends and include lines of force which intersect the engine centerline at the forward mount plane through which the forward pivotal support mount acts to support the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael T. O'Brien, Melvin Bobo, deceased
  • Patent number: 5427348
    Abstract: In a mounting for a gas turbine engine, the engine is pivotally mounted about its center of gravity to an aircraft support structure by means of a pair of radially outwardly extending trunnions. Each trunnion is connected to a central conical section of engine casing by means of an axially extending intermediate support member. The support member is secured to the downstream end of the conical casing section at an axial location offset from the trunnion. During operation distortion of the less stiff conical section is reduced by virtue of the resultant shear force distribution across the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Richard A. E. Bacon, Trevor H. Speak
  • Patent number: 5409184
    Abstract: A turbofan gas turbine engine is provided with a polygonal rigid frame formed by a hub member, a plurality of radially extending spokes and a plurality of straight members connect to the radially outer ends of the spokes. The hub member is secured to the core casing and the straight members are secured to the core casing and the straight members are secured to the fan casing. Brackets are provided at two hard points at the radially outer ends of two adjacent hard points at the radially outer end of two adjacent spokes and brackets are provided at two hard points at the radially inner ends of two other spokes. The spokes have a chord length of six times that of conventional outlet guide vanes. The hard points are connected by links to a bracket at a first axial position on the aircraft stub pylon extension and the hard points are connect by links to a bracket at a second axial position on the stub pylon extension to form a rigid triangular structure to mount the engine from the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Kenneth F. Udall, Eric Wright, David D. K. Drew
  • Patent number: 5277382
    Abstract: An aircraft engine mount includes an annular casing fixedly disposed in the engine, a mounting platform spaced radially outwardly from the casing and fixedly joinable to an aircraft pylon, and a pair of circumferentially spaced apart links pivotally joined to the platform and the casing at respective radially outer and inner joints. The inner joints are circumferentially spaced closer together than the outer joints so that the intersection point of the longitudinal axes of the two links is disposed radially below the two links themselves for reducing lateral deflection of the casing relative to the engine mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Laurence Seelen, Thomas P. Joseph, Hahn M. Spofford, Charles S. Orkiszewski
  • Patent number: 5275357
    Abstract: An aircraft engine mount includes a frame fixedly joined in a gas turbine engine and a platform fixedly joined to an aircraft wing or tail pylon. A first beam is pivotally joined to the frame and the platform at first and second joints, respectively. The first beam is additionally joined to the platform at a third joint which allows longitudinal movement between the first beam and the platform at the third joint while preventing rotation of the first beam. A second beam is spaced from the first beam and is pivotally joined to the frame and platform at fourth and fifth joints, respectively, and is additionally joined to the platform at a sixth joint for allowing limited rotation of the second beam during normal operation while preventing rotation of the second beam upon a failure of the first beam to carry load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Laurence Seelen, Thomas P. Joseph, James E. Cencula, Donald L. Bellia, Hahn M. Spofford
  • Patent number: 5238206
    Abstract: The rear hanging structure by which a turbojet engine is suspended from a mast under the wing of an aircraft includes a brace which is fixed to the mast and to which the engine is attached by at least three suspension links, the brace includes two parts which are fitted one within the other and are dimensioned in such a way as to ensure that each is able to take all of the suspension stresses independently of the other, the pins by which the brace is connected to the mast and to the suspension links passing through both parts of the brace. The redundancy thus achieved increases considerably the reliability of the suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation "S.N.E.C.M.A."
    Inventor: Guy R. Pachomoff
  • Patent number: 5181675
    Abstract: A pod for suspending a turbojet engine unit below the wing of an aircraft includes a suspension assembly with two laterally spaced front beams connecting the turbojet fan casing to the wing, and two rear links disposed in a common vertical plane and pivotally connected at one end to the wing and at the other end to a connection link which is connected at least to the exhaust casing of the engine, the front beams being interconnected by cross-bracing and being connected at the level of the downstream edge of the cross-bracing to at least one fixed part of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et Moteurs d'Aviation S.N.E.
    Inventors: Alain, M. J. Lardellier, Patrick W. R. Saillot