Honeywell International Inc.

Alliedsignal Inc.

Donald I Takeuchi

Bjoern Schenk

Andrew T Johnson

Kevin Chakkera

Reinhard M Klaass

The complex mechanical gear trains and lubrication systems of conventional engine configurations are eliminated by using combinations of hydrodynamic air foil bearings, hydrodynamic solid geometry carbon seals/bearings, magnetic bearings, and electrical starter/generators that can also act as bearings to support the high speed shafts of gas turbine engines. The various bearing types and the starter/generators are arranged in such a way as to share peak loads experienced by the engine shaft during maximum aircraft maneuvers. This results in a minimal bearing and engine size.

Gearless/oilless gas turbine engine

An aircraft thrust reverser mechanism comprises a thrust reverser moveable between a deployed position in which at least a portion of gas flowing through the aircraft engine is redirected in a non-rearward direction and a stowed position in which gas flowing through the engine is not redirected. A thrust reverser lock is provided to prevent inadvertent deployment of the thrust reverser. The thrust reverser lock comprises a locking element rotatable about a pivot between a closed position in which the locking element prevents deployment of the thrust reverser and an open position in which the locking element permits the thrust reverser to be deployed. A retractable blocking element prevents the locking element from moving to the second position unless the blocking element is first withdrawn. The locking element is shaped in such a way that if the thrust reverser moves toward a deployed position without the blocking element having first been withdrawn, the force produced by the contact between the thrust reverser and the locking element produces a torque that tends to move the lock into its closed position.

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Tempe, AZ, United States of America

Donald I Takeuchi