Patent ID: 6131849
Filing Date: 2000-10-17
Classification: B64C

Abstract:
A reaction drive apparatus comprising:a turbine engine having an exhaust outlet providing a source of pressurized gas;a rotor blade assembly comprising a rotor hub and a plurality of rotor blades, each of said plurality of rotor blades comprising an internal duct having an inlet and an exit nozzle; anda duct providing fluid communication between said exhaust outlet and one of said inlets, said duct comprising:a first fluid conduit;a second fluid conduit; andan intermediate fluid conduit comprising a tubular member disposed between said first and second fluid conduits, said intermediate fluid conduit comprising first and second ends and a longitudinal axis, said first and second ends each comprising a bead formed about said end, said beads each comprising an outer surface formed into a spherically curved sector radially disposed about said longitudinal axis;said first fluid conduit comprising a complementary spherical bore disposed about said first end, said complementary spherical bore cooperating with said first end to sealingly and pivotally retain said first end;said second fluid conduit comprising a complementary cylindrical bore disposed about said second end, said complementary cylindrical bore directly engaging said second end to slidably and pivotally engage said second end.