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:
May. 29, 2012
Filed:
Jul. 18, 2008
Craig Heathco, Martinsville, IN (US);
Craig Heathco, Martinsville, IN (US);
Rolls-Royce Corporation, Indianapolis, IN (US);
Abstract
A method of at least partially balancing axial thrust loads and an engine in which the method is carried out is disclosed herein. The engine includes a combustion chamber and a fuel system operable to direct pressurized fuel to the combustion chamber. The engine also includes a rotor operable to rotate about a centerline axis and subjected to axial thrust loads during operation. The engine also includes a balance piston engaged with the rotor. The balance piston includes a pressure face positioned in a thrust cavity. The engine also includes a fluid passageway extending between the fuel system and the thrust cavity. Pressurized fuel is delivered to the pressure face to counteract axial thrust loads on the rotor.