Patent ID: 7270296
Filing Date: 2007-09-18
Classification: B64C,B64D

Abstract:
1. A transmission system for use with a microturbine engine that rotationally drives a power transmission shaft, the transmission system comprising: a bearingless floating input member rotating about a first rotational axis, the bearingless floating input member including a first shaft and a drive interface coupled thereto; coupling means for detachably coupling the bearingless floating input member to the power transmission shaft of the microturbine engine; first and second reduction stages that are operably coupled to said bearingless floating input member, said first stage comprising a self-equilibrating interface that mates to said drive interface of said bearingless floating input member, and said first and second reduction stages cooperating to drive an output shaft at a reduced rotational speed relative to the power transmission shaft of the microturbine engine; wherein said bearingless floating input member is not directly supported by bearings and floats such that radial and thrust loads applied thereto are effectively cancelled by the self-equilibrating interface of the first stage; and wherein said bearingless floating input member rotates about said first rotational axis at a rotational speed of at least 72,000 RPM.