The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 21, 2003
Filed:
Jan. 11, 2002
Joseph L. Koncsek, Vashon, WA (US);
Steven L. McMahon, Everett, WA (US);
Myron L. Bultman, Sammamish, WA (US);
Michael L. Sangwin, Lake Stevens, WA (US);
The Boeing Company, Seattle, WA (US);
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for controlling aircraft inlet air flow. The apparatus can include an external flow surface having a forward portion, and an engine inlet positioned at least proximate to the external flow surface and aft of the forward portion. The engine inlet can have an aperture and can be coupled with an engine inlet duct to an engine location. An auxiliary flow duct can be positioned at least proximate to the external flow surface and can include a first opening and a second opening spaced apart from the first opening. The first opening can be positioned to receive flow from the external flow surface during at least a first portion of an operating schedule of the propulsion system. The auxiliary flow duct can be configured to direct air to the engine location during at least a second portion of the operating schedule of the propulsion system. In one embodiment, boundary layer flow developed over the external flow surface can be diverted through the auxiliary flow duct, for example, during cruise operation, and auxiliary air flow can be provided to the engine through the auxiliary flow duct, for example, during takeoff operation.