US4128208A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Exhaust nozzle flap seal arrangement
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1977-07-11
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Granted: 1978-12-05
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Expires: 1997-07-11
Abstract
Abstract A variable area exhaust nozzle is provided with seals between adjacent flaps to minimize flow loss therebetween when the flaps are modulated between minimum and maximum nozzle area positions. The overlapping seals is linked to the adjacent flaps by means of a bellcrank which operates to maintain the seal in a centered position between the flaps. A circumferential track is provided on the flaps to stabilize the seal in the axial direction.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward W. Ryan
- 👤 George H. Israel, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 15:11
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02K; F02K1/00; F02K1/06; F02K1/12; F02K1/1207; F02K1/78; F02K1/80; F02K1/805; F05; F05D; F05D2250/00; F05D2250/30; F05D2250/31
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
An improved linkage means for an aircraft engine variable exhaust nozzle of the type having a plurality of circumferentially spaced flaps with seals interposed therebetween and overlapping adjacent pairs, wherein the improvement comprises: (a) an elongate center bar pivotably connected proximate its center to the proximate circumferential center of the seal; and (b) a pair of end bars, each one pivotably connected at its opposite ends to one end of its center bar and to one of the flaps such that an opening of the flap causes a rotation of said center bar and said pair of end bars to maintain the seal in centered relationship between the adjacent flaps.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
An improved linkage means for an aircraft engine variable exhaust nozzle of the type having a plurality of circumferentially spaced flaps with seals interposed therebetween and overlapping adjacent pairs, wherein the improvement comprises: (a) an elongate center bar pivotably connected proximate its center to the proximate circumferential center of the seal; and (b) a pair of end bars, each one pivotably connected at its opposite ends to one end of its center bar and to one of the flaps such that an opening of the flap causes a rotation of said center bar and said pair of end bars to maintain the seal in centered relationship between the adjacent flaps.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
An improved linkage means as set forth in claim 1 wherein said end bars are of substantially equal length.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
An improved linkage means as set forth in claim 1 wherein said flap connected ends of said pair of end bars are axially displaced from each other.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
An improved linkage means as set forth in claim 1 and including means for preventing axial movement of the seal with respect to the flaps.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
An improved linkage means as set forth in claim 4 wherein said preventing means comprises a track means on the flaps and an associated follower means on the seal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
An improved linkage means as set forth in claim 1 wherein the disposition of the center bar is such that when the flaps are in the open position, the center bar forms an acute angle with the axis of the nozzle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
An improved linkage means as set forth in claim 1 wherein the disposition of said center bar is such that when the nozzle is fully closed, the center bar forms an acute angle with the axis of the nozzle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
An improved linkage means as set forth in claim 1 wherein the seals are located radially inward of the flaps.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
An improved linkage means as set forth in claim 1 wherein said end bars and said center bar are located radially outside of the seal.
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) | 1981-12-04 | 1982-06-05 | 1982-12-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-12-04 | 1986-06-05 | 1986-12-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-12-04 | 1990-06-05 | 1990-12-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |