Alliedsignal Inc.

The Garrett Corporation

Darrel W Burch

James P Wojciehowski

A gas-driven turbine starter (10) is provided with a slip clutch comprised of a radially inner portion (58,70) which is rotatable relative to the starter housing (14); and a radially outer portion (54,68) which is connected to the housing so as to be rotationally stationary relative thereto. This arrangement functionally separates the slip clutch from the power train, and provides for reduced wear of clutch discs.

Gas turbine starter incorporating wear-resistant slip clutch

This invention relates to a clutch mechanism for selective power transmission between starter means and an engine. More particularly, the invention discloses a dual clutch mechanism for use in selectively coupling a turbine driven starter assembly with a gas turbine engine to affect engine start up and disengage thereafter. The invention provides a clutch mechanism, comprised of two clutches in series, which can deliver positive torque transmission from a starter to an engine at any speed within an operating range and disengages at any speed greater than the operating range.

Air turbine starter having a dual clutch

A pawl and ratchet clutch and an air turbine starter having such a clutch is provided in which a single, torsion shaft simultaneously forces each of a plurality of pawls into engagement with the ratchet. The torsion shaft is coupled to a cam having radially extending arms with involute surface portions. Each pawl has a radially extending member that has an involute surface. The pawls and cam are disposed within the clutch so their respective involute surfaces are in rolling contact with each other. The torsion shaft is coaxially disposed within the clutch so as to be readily accessible, which permits its twist to be adjusted without dismantling the starter.

Pawl and ratchet clutch with torsion shaft

A double clutch mechanism is disclosed for use within a starter assembly for selectively coupling power to start a turbine engine. The invention includes a primary engagement assembly and a secondary engagement assembly, either of which may be of the pawl and ratchet type or the sprag type, for coupling power to the engine and preventing overrunning of the starter assembly.

Turbine starter device

An aircraft engine starter including a pneumatic motor driven by pressurized gas upon opening of an upstream control valve. A fusible plug valve automatically closes the control valve and shuts down the pneumatic motor whenever temperature of the lubricating oil of the motor exceeds a preselected level.

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Phoenix, AZ, United States of America

Darrel W Burch