US3733814A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Translatable engine inlet particle separator
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1972-02-22
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Granted: 1973-05-22
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Expires: 1992-02-22
Abstract
Abstract An inlet particle separator is provided for use with a gas turbine engine wherein the separator may be axially translated out of the compressor inlet flowpath for improved engine efficiency in areas of relatively clean air where ingestion of extraneous matter within the engine appears unlikely.
Inventors
- 👤 T Hull
- 👤 A Klug
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 08:04
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02C; F02C7/00; F02C7/04; F02C7/05; F02C7/052; F05; F05D; F05D2250/00; F05D2250/30; F05D2250/34
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
In a gas turbine engine assembly including a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine in serial flow arrangement, a translatable engine inlet particle separator for removing extraneous matter from the stream of air supplied to the compressor comprises: a pair of spaced apart walls defining an annular passageway therebetween having at opposite ends thereof, an annular inlet and an annular outlet for communication with the compressor; wall means defining an air extraction cavity in flow communication with the annular passageway for receiving and removing extraneous matter from the stream of air supplied to the compressor through the passageway; means for centrifuging the extraneous matter out of the air stream within the passageway into the extraction cavity; and means for axially translating the separator in and out of flow communication with the compressor inlet to provide improved engine perfOrmance in areas of relatively clean air where the likelihood of extraneous particles entering the engine is remote.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
In a gas turbine engine assembly including a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine in serial flow arrangement, a translatable engine inlet particle separator for removing extraneous matter from the stream of air supplied to the compressor comprises: a pair of spaced apart walls defining an annular passageway therebetween having at opposite ends thereof, an annular inlet and an annular outlet for communication with the compressor; wall means defining an air extraction cavity in flow communication with the annular passageway for receiving and removing extraneous matter from the stream of air supplied to the compressor through the passageway; means for centrifuging the extraneous matter out of the air stream within the passageway into the extraction cavity; and means for axially translating the separator in and out of flow communication with the compressor inlet to provide improved engine perfOrmance in areas of relatively clean air where the likelihood of extraneous particles entering the engine is remote.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
78 words
The translatable engine inlet particle separator of claim 1 wherein the translating means includes at least one rack and pinion assembly with one end of the rack connected to the separator and extending therefrom in a generally axial direction, and wherein the teeth of the rack engage the teeth of the pinion gear which is rotatably disposed with respect to the engine such that rotation of the pinion gear effects an axial translation of the rack and separator.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
73 words
The translatable engine inlet particle separator of claim 2 wherein the walls curve from an annular inlet of the axial inflow bellmouth type to an annular outlet of the radial outflow bell-mouth type for direct flow communication with a compressor inlet of the radial inflow bellmouth type and wherein the extraction cavity is an annular chamber in flow communication with the outside wall of the separator by means of an annular opening therethrough.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The translatable engine inlet particle separator of claim 2 wherein the centrifugal means includes a row of circumferentially spaced swirl vanes adjacent the inlet and a row of circumferentially spaced deswirl vanes adjacent the outlet.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
The translatable engine inlet particle separator of claim 2 wherein the gas turbine engine includes an accessory gearbox extending forward of the compressor inlet having at least three equally spaced apart rack and pinion assemblies, circumferentially disposed about the gearbox with each pinion gear rotatably disposed with respect to the gearbox.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
61 words
The translatable engine inlet particle separator of claim 1 wherein the translating means includes at least one fluid operated actuator one end of which is connected to the engine with the other end connected to the separator such that operation of the actuator effects a generally axial expansion or contraction of the actuator further effecting an axial translation of the separator.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
73 words
The translatable engine inlet particle separator of claim 6 wherein the walls curve from an annular inlet of the axial inflow bellmouth type to an annular outlet of the radial outflow bellmouth type for direct flow communication with a compressor inlet of the radial inflow bellmouth type and wherein the extraction cavity is an annular chamber in flow communication with the outside wall of the separator by means of an annular opening therethrough.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
The translatable engine inlet particle separator of claim 6 wherein the centrifugal means includes a row of circumferentially spaced swirl vanes adjacent the inlet and a row of circumferentially spaced deswirl vanes adjacent the outlet.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-05-21 | 1976-11-20 | 1977-05-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-21 | 1980-11-20 | 1981-05-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-21 | 1984-11-20 | 1985-05-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |