Eric William Bridges

US Patent:

6705946, Mar 16, 2004

Filed:

Jun 18, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/884405

Inventors:

Eric B. Bridges - Tempe AZ

Assignee:

Honeywell International, Inc. - Morristown NJ

International Classification:

F16D 102

US Classification:

464 8, 4033591, 464903

Abstract:

A shaft coupling is made from carbon-carbon composite to achieve significantly higher temperature capability, combined with lubricity and high strength, allowing its use in hot, non-lubricated sections of gas turbine engines, where previously, these couplings could not be used. The coupler may be cylindrical for joining the facing ends of co-axial shafts is made from carbon-carbon composite with a female spline in a coupling bore and a male spline on the coupling outer surface. Variations of the torque carrying geometry include involute splines, circular splines, square drive, hex drives, serrations, or double-D drives. By fabricating the coupler from carbon-carbon (or carbon-graphite) composite, metallic shaft mating splines are provided with a coupler that has exceptionally high temperature capabilities ( 2500 F. ), high strength, and can be impregnated with graphite or other dry lubricants to reduce frictional heat generation and reduce spline wear. The useful temperature limit of the coupler may preferably exceed that of the mating shaft ends.

US Patent:

7175771, Feb 13, 2007

Filed:

Dec 19, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/741778

Inventors:

Eric B. Bridges - Tempe AZ, US

Assignee:

Honeywell International, Inc. - Morristown NJ

International Classification:

B04B 1/02
B04B 7/08

US Classification:

210787, 210223, 210304, 2103601, 2103801, 210456, 494 36, 494 37, 494 43

Abstract:

A centrifugal debris trap includes a cylindrical chamber bound by an inner surface of a continuous wall radially disposed about a center axis at a first inner diameter, and having a first wall end and a second wall end; and a plurality of grooves between the first and second wall ends, extending radially outward from the inner surface into a portion of the continuous wall, and each having a groove outer diameter that is greater than the first inner diameter. The cylindrical chamber is sealed at the first wall end by a back plate attached about a circumference of the first wall ends, and is open at the second wall end through a ring attached thereto about a circumference of the second wall end. The ring has a ring opening radially disposed about the center axis, and a second inner diameter less than the first inner diameter.

US Patent:

7178987, Feb 20, 2007

Filed:

Jan 11, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/034028

Inventors:

Eric B. Bridges - Tempe AZ, US
Raymond J. Knorr - Tempe AZ, US
Scott J. Marshall - Phoenix AZ, US
Edward (Edd) M. Brady - Scottsdale AZ, US

Assignee:

Honeywell International, Inc. - Morristown NJ

International Classification:

F16C 33/66

US Classification:

384475, 384465

Abstract:

A bearing assembly comprising a centrifugal debris trap for removing contamination debris from lubrication fluid prior to lubrication of the bearing assembly components is provided. The centrifugal debris trap comprises an annular groove on an inner race such that with sufficient centrifugal force, contamination debris in the lubrication oil is forced into the groove and held there. Removal of contamination debris from the lubrication oil prevents damage to bearing balls and races of the bearing assembly, thus reducing bearing fatigue. A method for lubricating bearing assembly components using the bearing assembly of the present invention is also provided.

US Patent:

7356926, Apr 15, 2008

Filed:

Dec 18, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/742206

Inventors:

Eric B. Bridges - Tempe AZ, US
Cristopher Frost - Scottsdale AZ, US

Assignee:

Honeywell International, Inc. - Morristown NJ

International Classification:

B23P 19/00

US Classification:

2989807, 294261, 294265, 29256, 29258, 29259, 29260, 29261, 29262

Abstract:

A compact removal feature comprises a plurality of recesses, such as radius slots, on an inner diameter (ID) of a bearing inner ring. The removal tool can engage the removal feature and remove the entire bearing assembly without damage to the parts. The placement of the removal feature on the bearing inner ring ID allows for a reduction in inner ring length (and weight) while maintaining bearing assembly integrity.

US Patent:

20020181818, Dec 5, 2002

Filed:

Jun 4, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/874715

Inventors:

Eric Bridges - Tempe AZ, US

Assignee:

Honeywell International, Inc. - Morristown NJ

International Classification:

F16C019/04

US Classification:

384/490000

Abstract:

A touchdown bearing and actuator ring assembly for selectively biasing a ball bearing into direct engagement with a rotating shaft subject to significant axial thrust forces. The Actuator ring assembly includes a pair of relatively rotatable ring members abutting the bearing assembly. Confronting faces of the ring members include protuberances. As the ring members undergo relative rotation, the protuberances come into alignment, wedging-apart the ring members and biasing the bearing assembly into contact with the rotating shaft. A disengagement actuator selectively rotates the ring members in the opposite direction until the protuberances are out of alignment, allowing a restraining spring to bias the bearing assembly away from the rotating shaft. The present invention provides an assembly capable of quickly and repeatedly engaging and disengaging the touchdown bearing with the rotating shaft, using a minimum of envelop space and weight.

US Patent:

20060193545, Aug 31, 2006

Filed:

Feb 25, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/065760

Inventors:

Eric Bridges - Tempe AZ, US
Arun Kumar - Chandler AZ, US

Assignee:

Honeywell International Inc. - Morristown NJ

International Classification:

F16C 19/00

US Classification:

384470000

Abstract:

The present invention provides a bearing cage comprising a centrifugal lubricant catcher and axial grooves for improved pilot surface lubrication. The centrifugal lubricant catcher may be a lip running circumferentially around one edge of the inner surface of the bearing cage and the axial grooves extend axially from the edge of the centrifugal lubricant catcher across the inner surface of the bearing cage. During operation, lubricant is captured by the lubricant catcher and centrifugally distributed to the piloting surfaces by the axial grooves. A method for using the bearing cage of the present invention is also provided.

US Patent:

20090003749, Jan 1, 2009

Filed:

Jun 28, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/770300

Inventors:

Eric B. Bridges - Tempe AZ, US

Assignee:

HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC. - Morristown NJ

International Classification:

F16C 33/41
F16C 33/38

US Classification:

384531

Abstract:

The present invention provides a separator for use in a roller element bearing assembly including two identical separator rings, each having a plurality of cooperating cut-out portions formed at predetermined intervals and circumferentially about an outer planar surface. A decrease in the thickness of the two separator rings is realized at the cut-out portions. A plurality of rivets are positioned within the plurality of cooperating cut-out portions to clamp the two separator rings together. The decrease in the thickness of the separator rings where the rivets are positioned enables shorter rivets to be used, thus minimizing buckling of the rivets and fracture of the rings, as well as a continuous un-interrupted piloting surface.

US Patent:

20130186105, Jul 25, 2013

Filed:

Jan 25, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/358239

Inventors:

Walter Lee Meacham - Phoenix AZ, US
Eric Bridges - Tempe AZ, US
Alan Margolis - Phoenix AZ, US

Assignee:

HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC. - Morristown NJ

International Classification:

F02C 7/20
F16M 13/00
B23P 11/00

US Classification:

60797, 29428, 248638

Abstract:

An anisotropic vibration isolation mounting assembly includes at least two three-parameter vibration isolators each having a first end configured for attachment to a rotating member assembly or a rotating member assembly housing and each having a second, opposing end configured for attachment to the rotating member assembly housing where the first end is configured for attachment to the rotating member assembly or to a system interface member where the first member is configured for attachment to the rotating member assembly housing. The at least two three-parameter vibration isolators are tuned anisotropically to minimize the transmission of vibrations during operation of the rotating machine.