Rotary units, rotary mechanisms, and related applications
First Claim
1. An engine, comprising:
- at least one rotary mechanism that comprises at least first and second rotational components and at least a first counter-rotational mechanism that operably engages at least the first and second rotational components, wherein the first and second rotational components are configured to rotate substantially non-concentrically relative to one another around a first rotational axis, and wherein one or more of the rotational components comprise at least one compressor, at least one turbine, and/or at least a portion thereof;
at least one drive mechanism component or portion thereof that operably engages one or more of the rotational components and/or the first counter-rotational mechanism such that when the first rotational component rotates in a first direction, the second rotational component rotates in a second direction; and
,at least one combustor in communication with the compressor and/or the turbine.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The invention relates to rotary units and rotary mechanisms that are suitable for use in numerous applications. Rotary units typically include rotational components that are configured to rotate. In some embodiments, for example, multiple rotary units are assembled in rotary mechanisms such that neighboring pairs of rotational components counter-rotate or contra-rotate relative to one another during operation of the rotary mechanisms. Rotational components generally include one or more implements that are structured to perform or effect one or more types of work as the rotational components rotate relative to one another in a given rotary mechanism. In certain embodiments, implements are configured to rotate and/or to effect the movement of other components as rotational components rotate. In some embodiments, engines include rotary mechanisms and are used in, for example, ground vehicles, marine vehicles, aircraft, or devices.
108 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. An engine, comprising:
-
at least one rotary mechanism that comprises at least first and second rotational components and at least a first counter-rotational mechanism that operably engages at least the first and second rotational components, wherein the first and second rotational components are configured to rotate substantially non-concentrically relative to one another around a first rotational axis, and wherein one or more of the rotational components comprise at least one compressor, at least one turbine, and/or at least a portion thereof; at least one drive mechanism component or portion thereof that operably engages one or more of the rotational components and/or the first counter-rotational mechanism such that when the first rotational component rotates in a first direction, the second rotational component rotates in a second direction; and
,at least one combustor in communication with the compressor and/or the turbine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
-
13. A rotary unit, comprising at least a first rotational component that comprises at least one surface that comprises at least a first implement selected from the group consisting of:
- a first propeller, a first impeller, a first fan assembly, a first fan, a first blade, a first compressor, a first rotor, a first booster, a first combustor, a first turbine, a first nozzle, a first duct, a first generator, a first motor, a first gear component, and a first component thereof, and at least a second gear component that is configured to operably engage one or more other gear components of at least second and third rotational components when the first rotational component is disposed proximal to the second and third rotational components such that when the first rotational component rotates in a first direction, the second and third rotational components rotate in a second direction.
- View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
-
18. A method of rotating rotational components, the method comprising:
-
(a) providing at least one rotary mechanism that comprises; at least first, second, and third rotational components, wherein at least one of the rotational components comprises at least one implement selected from the group consisting of;
a propeller, an impeller, a fan assembly, a fan, a blade, a compressor, a booster, a combustor, a rotor, a turbine, a nozzle, a duct, a generator, a motor, a gear component, and a component thereof; andat least first and second counter-rotational mechanisms, wherein the first counter-rotational mechanism operably engages at least the first and second rotational components, and wherein the second counter-rotational mechanism operably engages at least the second and third rotational components; and
,(b) rotating the rotational components and the counter-rotational mechanisms such that the first and third rotational components rotate in a first direction and the second rotational component rotates in a second direction, thereby rotating rotational components. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
-
Specification