US3779010A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Combined thrust reversing and throat varying mechanism for a gas turbine engine
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1972-08-17
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Granted: 1973-12-18
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Expires: 1992-08-17
Abstract
Abstract A thrust reversing mechanism for reversing the flow through either the exhaust nozzle or fan duct of a jet propulsion powerplant is further modified to include apparatus for varying the throat area of the exhaust nozzle or fan duct as a means of optimizing powerplant efficiency throughout its operating range.
Inventors
- 👤 A Chamay
- 👤 R Johnston
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 22:25
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02K; F02K1/00; F02K1/06; F02K1/09; F02K1/40; F02K1/42; F02K1/54; F02K1/64; F02K1/70; F02K1/72; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T50/00; Y02T50/60
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
217 words
In a jet propulsion powerplant a mechanism for reversing thrust and varying effective nozzle throat area comprises: a cowling surrounding and spaced apart from an inner casing to form a flow receiving duct therebetween wherein the cowling has a fixed forward portion and a translatable portion with the upstream end of the translatable portion having a generally annular passageway therethrough for receiving a portion of the flow from the duct in order to vary the effective nozzle throat area of the duct; a fixed ring of flow reversing cascades disposed downstream of the fixed cowling portion wherein the upstream end of the cascades is adapted to direct flow to the annular passageway without reversing flow direction; actuating means disposed within the cowling and connected to the translatable portiOn to effect translation thereof; a plurality of peripherally disposed blocker flaps, the upstream ends of which are adapted for simultaneous rotation and translation with respect to the translatable cowling portion, wherein the flaps may be completely retracted during the normal cruise condition to form part of the inner flow surface of the duct under the cascades thereby blocking flow through the cascades to the annular passageway; and link means connected to the flaps and the wall for guiding the flaps into duct blocking position for reversing the duct flow.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
217 words
In a jet propulsion powerplant a mechanism for reversing thrust and varying effective nozzle throat area comprises: a cowling surrounding and spaced apart from an inner casing to form a flow receiving duct therebetween wherein the cowling has a fixed forward portion and a translatable portion with the upstream end of the translatable portion having a generally annular passageway therethrough for receiving a portion of the flow from the duct in order to vary the effective nozzle throat area of the duct; a fixed ring of flow reversing cascades disposed downstream of the fixed cowling portion wherein the upstream end of the cascades is adapted to direct flow to the annular passageway without reversing flow direction; actuating means disposed within the cowling and connected to the translatable portiOn to effect translation thereof; a plurality of peripherally disposed blocker flaps, the upstream ends of which are adapted for simultaneous rotation and translation with respect to the translatable cowling portion, wherein the flaps may be completely retracted during the normal cruise condition to form part of the inner flow surface of the duct under the cascades thereby blocking flow through the cascades to the annular passageway; and link means connected to the flaps and the wall for guiding the flaps into duct blocking position for reversing the duct flow.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cowling includes a fixed aft portion spaced apart from the fixed forward portion to define an opening therebetween for receipt of the cascades, and wherein the translatable portion provides an intermediate cowling to cover the opening.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
84 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the cascades comprise a plurality of spaced apart arcuate fins maintained between a plurality of spaced peripherally spaced beam support members extending aft in a finger-like fashion and connected forward and aft by ring members; and the blocker flaps are adapted for simultaneous rotation and translation with respect to the translatable cowling portion by pivotal connection to brackets extending radially inward from the translatable portion through guideways in the cascade which are defined by spaced apart beam members.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
80 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the upstream end of each flap is folded over for engagement during the cruise condition with an outwardly flared interior surface of the forward cowling portion such that upon initial translation of the translatable cowling portion, the fold separates from the flared interior surface to define a passageway in communication with the duct for diverting a portion of the flow from the duct through the upstream end of the cascade to the annular passageway.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the translatable cowling comprises: inner and outer circumferential walls converging in an aft direction; and two generally bowed conical wall members maintained in axially spaced relation to define the annular passageway therethrough wherein the aft conical wall member is peripherally joined to the inner and outer circumferential walls.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein strut means is provided connected to the casing upstream of the flaps for support of the cowling and transmission of thrust reverse loads through the cowling to the inner wall;
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the jet propulsion powerplant is of the fan type having a fan concentric to the inner wall and extending beyond the inner wall and the cowling and inner wall define a bypass duct for receiving fan flow.
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) | 1976-12-17 | 1977-06-18 | 1977-12-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-17 | 1981-06-18 | 1981-12-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-17 | 1985-06-18 | 1985-12-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |