Patents Represented by Attorney James W. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 4118964
    Abstract: An improved mandrel is provided for use with a tube-finning machine. The mandrel is mounted to a stationary arbor and supports a tubular member during a tube-finning operation. The mandrel comprises a stationary body axially mounted to the arbor and a lubricated bushing which is rotatably mounted on the body. The bushing facilitates rotation of the tubular member relative to the body and supports the interior surface of the tubular member during the finning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1978
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Robert A. Fusco
  • Patent number: 4116005
    Abstract: A combined cycle steam and gas power plant is disclosed in which energy for generating steam to drive a steam turbine and for heating air to drive a gas turbine is provided by combustion of a single carbonaceous sulfur-bearing fuel such as coal at nearly atmospheric pressure in a sulfur-sorbing fluidized bed combustor. Fluidizing and combustion air for the combustor is furnished by exhaust from the gas turbine, and an air heat exchanger within the combustor allows indirect heating of air for driving the gas turbine so that corrosion of gas turbine hardware by the products of combustion is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1978
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: David M. Willyoung
  • Patent number: 4114684
    Abstract: A support system is provided for a bundle of U-shaped tubes in a heat exchanger of the shell and tube type. The system includes a fixed frame including a plurality of support plates for the majority of the length of the bundle and a floating frame including a plurality of support plates for the U-bend end of the bundle. The floating frame is mounted on the tubes and is free to move relative to the fixed frame, thus allowing freedom of expansion of the tubes through the fixed frame support plates even on the occurrence of tube binding in the floating frame support plates adjacent the U-bend end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1978
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Donald S. Jenis, Thomas A. Kuczkowski, Jack S. Mazer, Douglas F. Westerkamp
  • Patent number: 4110900
    Abstract: According to the invention, electrically conductive paths are formed between the coil armor and the core laminations of dynamoelectric machines for inhibiting corona. This is achieved by injecting an uncured, semiconducting, elastomeric material between the coil sides and slot walls through the use of an injector tool inserted between them, and thereafter curing the material. The uncured material has a viscosity which enables it to be forced under pressure into these spaces, and when cured it has a resistance high enough not to form eddy current paths between laminations and yet low enough to conduct charge from the coil armor to the core. It is also capable of retaining its strength, elasticity, conductivity, etc., and remaining in place between the coils and core under vibrations, coolant flow, electric stresses, repeated temperature changes, etc., for the normal operating life of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1978
    Assignee: Canadian General Electric Company
    Inventors: Palmer Lonseth, Hubert Gerald Panter, Donald G. Moorby
  • Patent number: 4112041
    Abstract: According to the invention, electrically conductive paths are formed between the coil armor and the core laminations of dynamoelectric machines for inhibiting corona. This is achieved by injecting an uncured, semi-conducting, elastomeric material between the coil sides and the walls of the core slots by way of the air ducts in the core, and thereafter curing the material. The uncured material has a viscosity which enables it to be forced under pressure between the coil sides and slot walls by means of a pneumatically actuated gun assembly whose construction and operation are described in detail. The cured material has a resistance high enough not to form eddy current paths between laminations and yet low enough to conduct charge from the coil armor to the core. It is also capable of retaining its strength, elasticity, conductivity, etc., and remaining in place between the coils and core under vibrations, coolant flow, electric stresses, repeated temperature changes, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1978
    Assignee: Canadian General Electric Company
    Inventors: Palmer Lonseth, Hubert Gerald Panter, Donald G. Moorby
  • Patent number: 4104908
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining whether certain rotor stress values are exceeded during the thermal cycle of a turbomachine. The invention takes into account the rotor material and the behavioral characteristics of the rotor material above and below the Fracture Appearance Transition Temperature (FATT). The acquired data is stored to develop a rotor history useful in determining a rotor condition for maintenance and longevity purposes and further useful in determining the operating pattern of the turbomachine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1978
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dominic P. Timo, Ronald J. Placek, David C. Gonyea, Lloyd H. Johnson, Jens Kure-Jensen
  • Patent number: 4103527
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for forming a circumferential annular groove into a round workpiece. The workpiece may comprise two or more cylindrical members to be joined together in an overlapping relation by means of a rolled annular crimp. The apparatus or machine includes a portable main body part having an annular platform rotatable within the main body part about a centerline axis. The annular platform inner circumference defines a co-axial bore into which a workpiece may be received. A ball bearing is introduced part-way into the bore in the radial direction to contact the workpiece whereby a circumferential groove may be formed into the workpiece. The depth of the groove may be automatically controlled and the apparatus itself is circumferentially mounted about the workpiece to facilitate the application of the apparatus to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1978
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: John S. Eldridge, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4103592
    Abstract: A valve operator is disclosed for controlling an inlet valve to a large fluid-driven turbomachine such as a steam turbine. Such a valve is subject to a fast closing requirement under emergency trip conditions and at other times, the valve may be required to provide a precise steam flow regulating function. The present invention responds to these various requirements by providing a valve operator capable of fast closing by means of a disk-dump valve within the valve operator for rapid hydraulic fluid evacuation. In addition, the precise control of steam flow is accomplished by including a double-acting hydraulic cylinder within the valve operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1978
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Donald H. Davis
  • Patent number: 4103195
    Abstract: Lamination of the stator core is accomplished by stacking the core with a series of segments or punchings of steel each of which is insulated with a layer of adhesive enamel on both sides. The adhesive enamel is comprised of an epoxy resin and a sufficient amount of a glass fiber spacer filler to substantially provide uniform separation and insulation between the individual segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1978
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kevork A. Torossian, Alexander L. Lynn
  • Patent number: 4095627
    Abstract: According to the invention, electrically conductive paths are formed between the coil armor and the core laminations of dynamoelectric machines for inhibiting corona. This is achieved by injecting an uncured, semiconducting, elastomeric material between the coil sides and slot walls through the use of an injector tool inserted between them, and thereafter curing the material. The uncured material has a viscosity which enables it to be forced under pressure into these spaces, and when cured it has a resistance high enough not to form eddy current paths between laminations and yet low enough to conduct charge from the coil armor to the core. It is also capable of retaining its strength, elasticity, conductivity, etc., and remaining in place between the coils and core under vibrations, coolant flow, electric stresses, repeated temperature changes, etc., for the normal operating life of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1978
    Assignee: Canadian General Electric Company
    Inventors: Palmer Lonseth, Hubert Gerald Panter, Donald G. Moorby
  • Patent number: 4083639
    Abstract: A coupling member is shrink fitted onto the end of a dynamoelectric machine shaft and keyed thereto with a plurality of hollow keys of circular cross section which distort if excessive torque is applied to the coupling, reducing the risk of coupling failure. This coupling exhibits the properties of high strength and low weight which eliminates lateral shaft resonance at operating speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1978
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Vincent G. Terry
  • Patent number: 4082115
    Abstract: A valve operator for steam turbine inlet control valves, each of the control valves being set by a corresponding valve cam. The operator comprises pilot operated hydraulic means for positioning the valve cams in a normal or power mode of operation, mechanical means for positioning the valve cams in a back-up or manual mode of operation and manual actuation means for actuating the hydraulic means in a normal mode of operation and, in the event of failure of the hydraulic means, for automatically actuating the mechanical means in a back-up mode of operation. The hydraulic actuator positions the valve cams through a rack and pinion assembly. Both the hydraulic means and the mechanical means are actuated from an input shaft driving a reduction gear box. The mechanical means comprises a dog connected to the output of the gear box and a pin on the cam shaft driven by the dog in the manual mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1978
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: George H. Gibb, Henry A. Rabeau
  • Patent number: 4082948
    Abstract: Certain internal parts of a gas cooled dynamoelectric machine may be coated with selected materials which will decompose at elevated temperatures to give off sub-micron particles into the machine gas coolant called pyrolysates. The presence of such pyrolysates in the machine gas coolant is indicative of localized overheating within the dynamoelectric machine. A detector is known for sensing the occurrence of these pyrolysates and hence a monitoring system has been devised for giving an early warning of machine overheating. Occasionally, oil mist particles from the machine may become entrained in the machine gas coolant and cause a false overheating signal from the detector. A second detector has been devised which may be used in combination with the first detector to provide a redundant monitoring system which will provide immediate validation of the presence of pyrolysate particles and which monitoring system is testable on line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1978
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sterling C. Barton, Chester C. Carson, Federico S. Echeverria
  • Patent number: 4080559
    Abstract: Power system stabilizers are used in the excitation systems of large shaft driven synchronous dynamoelectric machines for the purpose of enhancing the dynamic stability of power generating systems. Such stabilizers using speed, power or frequency as an input signal when applied with high initial response excitation systems are effective in damping low-frequency local or inter-tie mode oscillations which may occur in the system. The power system stabilizer may adversely affect torsional damping at higher frequencies. The adverse effects of a power system stabilizer at shaft torsional frequencies are obviated by providing a torsional oscillation protection device comprising a composite band-reject filter of the present invention which attenuates the power system stabilizer output at the shaft natural torsional frequencies without introducing an excessive phase lag at the local or inter-tie mode frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1978
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: George F. Wright, Dale A. Swann
  • Patent number: 4078471
    Abstract: A fastening device is provided which is suitable for holding large structural members in firm sealing engagement and in alignment with respect to each other and which can be easily placed in assembled position even when it must be employed in a confined area which is difficult of access. The fastening device includes a bolt having threaded portions at each end and an intermediate body portion. The threaded portions are of different pitch to insure insertion in the proper direction. The body portion is formed to include a shank having a shoulder near one end and a relatively wide groove at the other end. A snap ring is placed in the groove. Alternating male and female rings, having abutting tapered edges, are positioned between the shoulder and the snap ring and are parts of the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1978
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James B. Archibald, Reuben Weinstein
  • Patent number: 4073184
    Abstract: A monitoring device is described which is particularly useful in tracking the axial displacement of a rotating shaft in either axial direction. The monitoring device includes a position monitoring function, an alarm and trip function, and a test function. Various fluidic devices are combined into a fluidic circuit for carrying out the foregoing functions in an improved, reliable and less costly manner than heretofore available in prior art devices. A distinct advantage of the invention is its relative ease of installation in retrofit applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1978
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: David J. Collins
  • Patent number: 4074137
    Abstract: An improved detector apparatus is provided in combination with a gas cooled dynamoelectric machine for detecting the presence of pyrolysate products in the machine gas coolant indictive of localized overheating of certain dynamoelectric machine parts. The detector apparatus is of the type which analyzes an ionized gas sample by measuring the current flow in the gas sample. A decrease in current flow is indicative of the presence of submicron particulates. The present invention resides in heating the gaseous sample to eliminate more volatile submicron particulates so that the output signal from the detector apparatus is indicative only of the presence of pyrolysate products resulting from the localized overheating of certain dynamoelectric machine parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1978
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Chester C. Carson, Sterling C. Barton, Federico S. Echeverria
  • Patent number: 4071790
    Abstract: A reverse flow cooled dynamoelectric machine if provided with cooling gas passages extending through a fan ring and a portion of the rotor spindle to the end turns of the rotor winding in a direction substantially corresponding to the direction of flow of the cooling gas as modified by a tangential component imparted to the gas by the rotation of the fan ring. This direction is the vector sum of the longitudinal component of the velocity of the gas as it approaches the passages and the tangential component imparted by the rotation of the fan ring. The exit end of each passage is circumferentially displaced from the inlet end opposite to the direction of rotation. The centerlines of the gas passages lie in planes spaced around the axis of rotation of the rotor and parallel to this axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1978
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William L. Darby, Robert H. Monz, Stephen J. Molis
  • Patent number: 4071791
    Abstract: A reverse flow cooled dynamoelectric machine is provided with duplex gas coolers disposed in a side-by-side relationship. The coolers are baffled such that a portion of the gas flowing through both coolers is channeled to both the end portion of the rotor and to the stator and the body portion of the rotor so that both areas may be effectively cooled under reduced load operating conditions in the event of the failure of one of the coolers. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, first and second U-shaped baffles are disposed between the coolers and the inner walls of a removable dome, and a planar baffle engages adjacent free ends of the U-shaped baffles. The baffle components are dimensioned to ensure satisfactory flow of cooling gas to the body portion of the rotor. Aligned stator and rotor baffles are provided to segregate inlet zones and outlet zones in the gap between the stator and the rotor to better ensure effective cooling of the body portion of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1978
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Anthony F. Armor, Casmer P. Stanwick
  • Patent number: 4068691
    Abstract: According to the invention, electrically conductive paths are formed between the coil armor and the core laminations of dynamoelectric machines for inhibiting corona. This is achieved by injecting an uncured, semi-conducting, elastomeric material between the coil sides and the walls of the core slots by way of the air ducts in the core, and thereafter curing the material. The uncured material has a viscosity which enables it to be forced under pressure between the coil sides and slot walls. The cured material has a resistance high enough not to form eddy current paths between laminations and yet low enough to conduct charge from the coil armor to the core. It is also capable of retaining its strength, elasticity, conductivity, etc., and remaining in place between the coils and core under vibrations, coolant flow, electric stresses, repeated temperature changes, etc., for the normal operating life of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1978
    Assignee: Canadian General Electric Company
    Inventors: Palmer Lonseth, Hubert Gerald Panter, Donald G. Moorby