Patents Examined by Eldon Brockman
-
Patent number: 10125623Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention include turbine nozzles and systems employing such nozzles. Various particular embodiments include a turbine nozzle having: an airfoil having: a suction side; a pressure side opposing the suction side; a leading edge spanning between the pressure side and the suction side; and a trailing edge opposing the leading edge and spanning between the pressure side and the suction side; and at least one endwall connected with the airfoil along the suction side, pressure side, trailing edge and the leading edge, the at least one endwall including an axisymmetric contour.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2016Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Craig Allen Bielek, Pradeep Jagannath Ghute
-
Patent number: 10125787Abstract: A housing of a centrifugal blower for use in an air conditioner is provided that includes a rotatably supported fan wheel, an inlet opening disposed in the axial direction of the fan wheel and an outlet opening disposed in the radial direction of the fan wheel. A widening diffuser is disposed downstream from the outlet opening in the flow direction, and the fan wheel is disposed in an inner volume of the housing. A crossover area formed from multiple openings is provided on at least one housing wall which delimits the inner volume. At least one chamber is disposed on the outside of the housing, the chamber completely covering the crossover area and being fluidically connected to the inner volume of the housing via the crossover area.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2015Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: MAHLE International GmbHInventors: Michael Rendel, Norman Schaake, Joerg Kilian
-
Patent number: 10119551Abstract: An impeller spinner for a fuel pump can include a head and a shank. The head can have a base at one end and a tip at an opposite end. The shank can have a body portion nearest the head with a first diameter and a fastener portion adjacent to the body portion at an end opposite the head with a second diameter.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Brandon T. Kovach, Joseph Wetch, Adrian L. Stoicescu, Michael F. Cass
-
Patent number: 10107129Abstract: A seal assembly includes a seal arc segment that has first and second seal supports. A carriage has first and second support members. The first support member supports the seal arc segment in a first ramped interface and the second support member supports the seal arc segment in a second ramped interface such that the seal arc segment is circumferentially moveable with respect to the carriage. First and second opposed springs bias the seal arc segment toward a circumferential default position.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2016Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: Michael G. McCaffrey
-
Patent number: 10107257Abstract: A rotor blade component for a wind turbine rotor blade may generally include an assembly of pre-formed pultruded products. Each pultruded product may include an interior pultruded portion formed from a first fiber-reinforced composite including a first plurality of fibers surrounded by a thermoset resin material and an exterior pultruded portion encapsulating the interior pultruded portion. The exterior pultruded portion may be formed from a second fiber-reinforced composite including a second plurality of fibers surrounded by a thermoplastic resin material.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2015Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Aaron A. Yarbrough, Christopher Daniel Caruso
-
Patent number: 10099762Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a rotor body of a Magnus-type rotor. The method includes providing a plurality of arcuate panels, wherein each of the panels has an arc-length less than a predetermined circumference of the rotor body. The method further includes positioning at least three such arcuate panels in mutual edge-wise abutment to form circumferentially a hollow cylindrical loop, wherein longitudinal edges of adjacent panels are mutually attached to each other. The method further optionally includes co-axially stacking one above another at least two loops of substantially similar diameter. The method further includes connecting edges of adjacent loops to define the rotor body of a predetermined height.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2015Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Norsepower Oy LtdInventors: Jarkko Väinämö, Martin Hilderbrand, Christopher Stanley
-
Patent number: 10100653Abstract: A variable pitch fan for a gas turbine engine includes a fan blade defining a pitch axis and attached at a radially inner end to a trunnion mechanism. The variable pitch fan also includes a disk having a disk segment with the trunnion mechanism extending at least partially through the disk segment. A key is positioned at least partially in a key slot defined in a base of the trunnion mechanism, and further positioned adjacent to a support member of the disk segment. The key defines a first contact line between the key and the key slot and a second contact line between the key and the support member. The first and second contact lines respectively define a first contact reference line in a second contact reference line. The first and second contact reference lines define an angle with the pitch axis of the fan blade greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2015Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Daniel Alan Niergarth, Ian Francis Prentice, Christopher James Kroger
-
Patent number: 10087820Abstract: A turbocharger includes a cooling passage. The cooling passage extends along a diffuser surface. Fluid for cooling the diffuser surface flows through the cooling passage. The turbocharger includes a water jacket, which is arranged at a connection portion between a blow-by gas recirculation passage and an intake passage. Coolant for warming blow-by gas flows through the water jacket. The cooling passage communicates with the water jacket. Coolant that has been drawn into the cooling passage flows through the water jacket after flowing through the cooling passage.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tsuyoshi Uesugi, Koichi Yonezawa
-
Patent number: 10077778Abstract: A multistage centrifugal compressor includes a rotating shaft; a first impeller and a second impeller fixed to the rotating shaft; and a casing configured to surround the rotating shaft and the first and second impellers, that forms a first diffuser channel allowing the flowing through of a fluid which is discharged from the first impeller, that forms a first return channel, that forms a second diffuser channel allowing the flowing through of the fluid which is discharged from the second impeller, that forms a second return channel, wherein the first impeller is disposed adjacent to the second impeller in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, in the first diffuser channel, a vaneless diffuser is disposed, and in the second diffuser channel, a vaned diffuser having multiple vanes is disposed.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2014Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES COMPRESSOR CORPORATIONInventor: Shuichi Yamashita
-
Patent number: 10077676Abstract: A system and method to minimize flow induced vibration in a gas turbine exhaust is provided. The system includes a turbine exhaust manifold connected to a turbine exhaust cylinder establishing a fluid flow path, the fluid flow path bounded radially outward by an outer cylindrical surface and bounded radially inward by an inner cylindrical surface. At least one tangential strut is arranged between the outer cylindrical surface and the inner cylindrical surface. A trailing edge full span flap is removable secured behind the trailing edge of the tangential strut in a fluid flow direction and extending between the outer cylindrical surface and the inner cylindrical surface where the full span flap minimizes vortex shedding of the fluid flow from the tangential strut.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2015Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Yevgeniy P. Shteyman, John Giaimo, Randy Tindell
-
Patent number: 10072505Abstract: A turbine blade having a root and a tip and an airfoil with a core section made of composite material and a protective sheath or layer joined to the composite core at a location or locations exposed to erosion is described with the composite core of the airfoil being continuous from a location in vicinity of the root to a location in vicinity of the tip of the blade and including a section which widens with distance from the rotational axis along the length of the airfoil and which ends at the location in vicinity of the tip of the blade. The protective sheath or layer is secured by interference fit with widening section of the core.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2012Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: General Electric Technology GmbHInventors: Rolf Hunziker, Said Havakechian
-
Patent number: 10072504Abstract: An alloy is disclosed, including, by weight, about 13% to about 17% chromium, about 16% to about 20% molybdenum, about 1.5% to about 4% silicon, about 0.7% to about 2% boron, about 0.9% to about 2% aluminum, about 23% to about 27% nickel, about 0.8% to about 1.2% tantalum, and a balance of cobalt. The alloy includes a reduced occurrence of molybdenum silicide Laves phase relative to T800. A welded article is disclosed, including an article and a weld filler deposit joined to the article. The weld filler deposit includes a weld filler material including the alloy. A welding process is disclosed, including applying the weld filler material to the article and forming the weld filler deposit.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2015Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Yan Cui, Srikanth Chandrudu Kottilingam, Brian Lee Tollison
-
Patent number: 10072668Abstract: Systems for pumping water are described. The system can include a covered pool containing a first volume of water, an oared water pump with a plurality of radial oars, an upper reservoir configured in fluid communication with the covered pool, a lower reservoir and a hydroelectric system. The oared pump can pump water from the covered pool into the upper reservoir. The upper reservoir can be configured to communicate water to the lower reservoir through the hydroelectric system with the lower reservoir configured in fluid communication with the covered pool.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2017Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Inventors: Zhora Hovsep Maloyan, Arman Zhora Maloyan
-
Patent number: 10054009Abstract: A turbine exhaust case (28) comprises a one-piece fairing (120) defining an air-flow path through the turbine exhaust case, and a multi-piece frame (100). The multi-piece frame is disposed through and around the one-piece vane fairing to support a bearing load, and comprises an inner ring (104), an outer ring (102), a plurality of covers (110), and a plurality of radial struts (106). The outer ring is disposed concentrically outward of the inner ring, and has hollow bosses (114) with strut apertures (SA) at vane locations. The covers are secured to the hollow bosses. The radial struts pass through the one-piece vane fairing and through apertures in the outer angled ring, and are radially fastened to the inner ring and the flat caps.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2013Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Jonathan Ariel Scott
-
Patent number: 10047727Abstract: A wind turbine is provided, with a tower with a longitudinal axis, a nacelle on the tower, multiple power cables which extend from the nacelle into the tower and a transport unit. The transport unit is fastened inside the nacelle and serves to transport loads inside the tower to the nacelle. The transport unit has a cable guide unit with multiple rings, wherein the power cables are fastened to the circumference of the rings so that a region inside the rings is kept free for transporting the load. A top ring is fastened to the nacelle and a bottom ring is fastened non-rotatably in or on the tower. The bottom ring has a non-rotatable guide along the longitudinal axis of the tower.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbHInventors: Jochen Röer, Jan-Phillip Köhler
-
Patent number: 10047609Abstract: An airfoil array includes a plurality of airfoils that differ in geometry over a plurality of geometry classes. An airfoil can include an airfoil body that has a first distinct piece and a second distinct piece that seats together with the first distinct piece. The first distinct piece and the second distinct piece include a mistake-proof feature configured such that the second distinct piece fully seats with the first distinct piece.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas B. Hyatt, Carl Brian Klinetob
-
Patent number: 10047622Abstract: The present application provides seal assemblies having improved flexibility for reducing leakages between adjacent misaligned components of turbomachinery. The seal assemblies include a first outer shim formed of a flexible permeable material and a second outer shim formed of a substantially impervious material. At least the second outer shim is configured for sealing engagement with seal slots of the adjacent components. The seal assemblies may also include at least one of an inner shim and a filler layer positioned between the first and second outer shims. The seal assemblies may be sufficiently flexible to account for misalignment between the adjacent components, sufficiently stiff to meet assembly requirements, and sufficiently robust to meet operating requirements associated with turbomachinery. A turbomachine including the seal assembly is provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Neelesh Nandkumar Sarawate, Victor John Morgan, David Wayne Weber
-
Patent number: 10047624Abstract: A turbine shroud adapted for use in a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of metallic carrier segments and a plurality of blade track segments mounted to corresponding metallic carrier segments. Cooling air is directed onto the blade track segments to cool the blade track segments when exposed to high temperatures in a gas turbine engine.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignees: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc., Rolls-Royce CorporationInventors: Mark O'Leary, Daniel K. Vetters, Matthew R. Brandt, Ted J. Freeman
-
Patent number: 10041353Abstract: A blade cascade of a turbomachine whose at least one side wall is configured to be circumferentially undulated and which has at least two elevations and at least one depression or at least two depressions having at least one elevation, as well as a turbomachine having a blade cascade of this kind.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2014Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: MTU Aero Engines AGInventors: Jochen Gier, Yavuz Guendogdu, Karl Engel
-
Single lever turboprop control systems and methods utilizing torque-based and power based scheduling
Patent number: 10040565Abstract: Embodiments of a single lever turboprop control method and system are provided, which utilize torque-based and/or power-based scheduling to achieve a desired (e.g., substantially proportional) relationship between control lever position and the power output of a turboprop engine. In one embodiment, the method includes the step or process of monitoring, at an Engine Control Unit (ECU), for receipt of a Power Lever Angle (PLA) signal from a single lever control device. When a PLA control signal received at the ECU, a target torque or power output is established as a function of at least the PLA control signal. A first engine setpoint, such as a blade angle setpoint or an engine rotational speed setpoint, is determined utilizing the target torque output. An operational parameter of the turboprop engine is then adjusted in accordance with the first engine setpoint.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2015Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Dave Looper, Scot Coffey, Yufei Xiong