US3736070A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Variable stator blade assembly for axial flow, fluid expansion engine
Assignee: Curtiss Wright Corp
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Filing: 1971-06-22
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Granted: 1973-05-29
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Expires: 1991-06-22
Abstract
Abstract In an axial flow, fluid expansion engine having stator vanes adjustable, through a rotatable unison ring and linkage assembly, to vary the area of the throat defined between the next adjacent stator vanes, a frame for circumferentially supporting the unison ring to prevent ovalizing of the ring and, hence, provide accurate adjustment of the size of each of the throat areas.
Inventors
- 👤 S Moskowitz
- 👤 A Leto
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 00:06
CPC Classifications
F; F01; F01D; F01D17/00; F01D17/10; F01D17/12; F01D17/14; F01D17/16; F01D17/162; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T50/00; Y02T50/60
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
159 words
In an axial flow fluid expansion engine having wall means forming an annular fluid passageway an improved variable stator vane assembly having a unison ring connected to each of a plurality of pivotally mounted stator vanes disposed in said annular fluid passageway by a link and drive means connected to the unison ring to rotatively move the latter and thereby effect pivotal movement of the stator vanes, the improvement comprising: a. the unison ring being disposed outwardly from and in spaced relationship to said wall means; b. an annular stationary support structure disposed in outward spaced concentric relationship with the unison ring and said wall means; and c. load transmitting means carried by the unison ring and disposed in said annular space between the support structure and unison ring to abut the support structure for transmitting forces tending to distort the unison ring from the latter to the support structure and thereby prevent radial deflection of the unison ring.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
159 words
In an axial flow fluid expansion engine having wall means forming an annular fluid passageway an improved variable stator vane assembly having a unison ring connected to each of a plurality of pivotally mounted stator vanes disposed in said annular fluid passageway by a link and drive means connected to the unison ring to rotatively move the latter and thereby effect pivotal movement of the stator vanes, the improvement comprising: a. the unison ring being disposed outwardly from and in spaced relationship to said wall means; b. an annular stationary support structure disposed in outward spaced concentric relationship with the unison ring and said wall means; and c. load transmitting means carried by the unison ring and disposed in said annular space between the support structure and unison ring to abut the support structure for transmitting forces tending to distort the unison ring from the latter to the support structure and thereby prevent radial deflection of the unison ring.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said load transmitting means includes means permitting rotative movement of the unison ring.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said load transmitting means comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced roller assemblies.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said load transmitting means consists of a plurality of circumferentially spaced roller assemblies mounted on said unison ring so that the rollers engage the stationary support structure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said support structure has an annular bearing surface which is engaged by the spaced roller assemblies.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein each of the roller assemblies comprises: a-1 a roller having an axle means projecting from said roller; b-1 a journal means secured to said unison ring for rotatively supporting said axle means of the axle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 6 in which the journal means comprises two spaced brackets.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 6 in which the journal means comprises a single bracket.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein each of the roller assemblies comprises: a-2 a roller having a trunnion projecting from opposite sides thereof; b-2 a bracket having means for receiving and supporting each of said trunnions for rotation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein each of the roller assemblies comprises: a-3 a roller mounted for rotation on a shaft; b-3 a bracket having means for receiving and supporting the shaft.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support structure is rigidly secured to the engine housing.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said support structure is secured to the engine housing.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-05-28 | 1976-11-27 | 1977-05-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-28 | 1980-11-27 | 1981-05-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-28 | 1984-11-27 | 1985-05-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |