Patent ID: 7836681
Filing Date: 2010-11-23
Classification: B64C

Abstract:
1. An apparatus, comprising: a nozzle device defining a passageway, the passageway including an outlet to discharge a working fluid to produce thrust, the nozzle device including a vectoring mechanism, the vectoring mechanism including: three vanes pivotally mounted across the passageway; linkage including a first arm fixed to a first one of the vanes to pivot therewith about a first pivot axis, a second arm and a third arm fixed relative to one another and to a second one of the vanes to pivot therewith about a second pivot axis, a fourth arm fixed to a third one of the vanes to pivot therewith about a third pivot axis, a first connecting link pivotally coupled to the first arm and the second arm, a second connecting link pivotally coupled to the third arm and the fourth arm, the second arm extending along a first radial axis, the third arm extending along a second radial axis, the first radial axis and the second radial axis each intersecting the second pivot axis at a common point to form a desired angle therebetween; and an actuator engaged to the linkage, the actuator being responsive to one or more input signals to cause the vanes to rotate together in accordance with a desired schedule.