초록 ▼

A turbine engine having interior cavity sealed by a thermally controlled valve is disclosed. The cavity is defined by at least one cylindrical wall portion. The valve comprises an opening in the cylindrical wall portion and a cylindrical band, coaxial and interior to the wall portion. The cylindrica

A turbine engine having interior cavity sealed by a thermally controlled valve is disclosed. The cavity is defined by at least one cylindrical wall portion. The valve comprises an opening in the cylindrical wall portion and a cylindrical band, coaxial and interior to the wall portion. The cylindrical band is made of material having a higher thermal coefficient of expansion than the wall portion. As the temperature of the engine increases, the band expands at a higher rate than the wall, thereby sealing the valve. As the temperature decreases, the band contracts thereby opening the valve. The valve may be used to permit a cavity to be pressurized at low temperatures. The pressure in the cavity may exert a forward load on a thrust bearing, suspending the engine shaft.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A turbine engine within an engine casing, said turbine engine having a longitudinal axis, said turbine engine comprising:a shaft mounted to a thrust bearing for rotation about said axis;first and second wall portions at least partially defining a cavity within said engine casing;sai

[ I claim:] [1.] A turbine engine within an engine casing, said turbine engine having a longitudinal axis, said turbine engine comprising:a shaft mounted to a thrust bearing for rotation about said axis;first and second wall portions at least partially defining a cavity within said engine casing;said first wall portion extending in a direction generally away from said shaft and fixed for rotation therewith;said second wall portion fixed to said casing;a temperature controlled valve having an outlet in communication with said cavity and an inlet in communication with pressurized gases within said engine, said temperature controlled valve in temperature sensing relation with the ambient temperature of said engine whereby said cavity may be pressurized by said gases to load said first wall portion and thereby said thrust bearing through said shaft, when said valve is open.