Patents by Inventor David Alan Frey

David Alan Frey has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10746035
    Abstract: Flow path assemblies and methods for forming such flow path assemblies for gas turbine engines are provided. For example, a method for assembling an airfoil with a boundary structure to form a flow path assembly is provided. The method includes machining an opening into the boundary structure. The opening is sized to receive an airfoil or other component. The method also includes machining a cutout into the boundary structure proximate the opening. A locking feature is inserted into the cutout. When the airfoil is inserted into the opening, the locking feature interlocks the airfoil with the boundary structure. To seal the airfoil with the boundary structure, the airfoil is pressed against or into the boundary structure. When the airfoil is pressed, the locking feature is compressed such that a seal is formed between the airfoil and the boundary structure to seal the flow path assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Alan Frey, Kirk Douglas Gallier, Daniel Patrick Kerns, Brandon ALlanson Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20200024965
    Abstract: An apparatus and method relating an airfoil for a turbine engine with an outer wall bounding an interior and defining a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge to define a chord-wise direction and extending between a root and a tip to define a span-wise direction. The airfoil includes a first cooling passage extending in the span-wise direction within the interior and a second cooling passage defining an impingement surface and located proximate the first cooling passage, an interior wall separating the first cooling passage from the second cooling passage, and at least one cooling hole passing through the interior wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: David Alan Frey, Kirk D. Gallier
  • Publication number: 20200024966
    Abstract: Airfoils, additively manufactured airfoils, and methods of manufacturing airfoils are provided. For example, an airfoil comprises opposite pressure and suction sides that extend axially from a leading edge to a trailing edge and radially spaced apart inner and outer ends. The airfoil also comprises an outer wall defining the pressure and suction sides and leading and trailing edges. A rib extends within the airfoil from the pressure side to the suction side of the outer wall and radially from the inner to the outer end. The airfoil further comprises a first pre-impingement chamber surrounded by a first post-impingement chamber and a first dividing wall segment separating the first pre-impingement and first post-impingement chambers and having a plurality of cooling holes defined therein. The outer wall, rib, and first dividing wall segment are integrally formed as a single monolithic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: Charles William Craig, III, David Alan Frey
  • Publication number: 20190242263
    Abstract: Ceramic matrix composite (CMC) airfoils and methods for forming CMC airfoils are provided. In one embodiment, an airfoil is provided that includes opposite pressure and suction sides extending radially along a span and opposite leading and trailing edges extending radially along the span. The leading edge defines a forward end of the airfoil, and the trailing edge defines an aft end of the airfoil. A trailing edge portion is defined adjacent the trailing edge at the aft end, and a pocket is defined in and extends within the trailing edge portion. A heat pipe is received in the pocket. A method for forming an airfoil is provided that includes laying up a CMC material to form an airfoil preform assembly; processing the airfoil preform assembly; defining a pocket in a trailing edge portion of the airfoil; and inserting a heat pipe into the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: David Alan Frey, Samir Armando Salamah, Charles William Craig, III
  • Patent number: 10309242
    Abstract: Ceramic matrix composite (CMC) airfoils and methods for forming CMC airfoils are provided. In one embodiment, an airfoil is provided that includes opposite pressure and suction sides extending radially along a span and opposite leading and trailing edges extending radially along the span. The leading edge defines a forward end of the airfoil, and the trailing edge defines an aft end of the airfoil. A trailing edge portion is defined adjacent the trailing edge at the aft end, and a pocket is defined in and extends within the trailing edge portion. A heat pipe is received in the pocket. A method for forming an airfoil is provided that includes laying up a CMC material to form an airfoil preform assembly; processing the airfoil preform assembly; defining a pocket in a trailing edge portion of the airfoil; and inserting a heat pipe into the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Alan Frey, Samir Armando Salamah, Charles William Craig, III
  • Publication number: 20190128131
    Abstract: A variable guide vane assembly is provided for a turbine defining a core air flowpath. The variable guide vane assembly includes an airfoil band defining a flowpath surface and a cavity. The variable guide vane assembly further includes an airfoil including a first end extending at least partially into the cavity of the airfoil band and an opposite second end, the airfoil extending generally along an axis between the first end and the second end and being moveable generally about the axis relative to the airfoil band. The variable guide vane assembly further includes a sealing element operable to form a seal between the first end of the airfoil and the airfoil band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Alexander Martin Sener, Brian David Keith, David Alan Frey, Jamil Darnell Grant
  • Patent number: 10221712
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a shroud assembly for a gas turbine engine that includes a first shroud segment, a second shroud segment spaced from the first shroud segment, and a third shroud segment spaced from the first shroud segment. The first and the second shroud segments define a gap therebetween, and the first and the third shroud segments define a gap therebetween. A first seal portion is positioned at least partially on the first and the third shroud segments and at least partially covers the gap defined by the first and the third shroud segments. A second seal portion is positioned at least partially on the first and the second shroud segments and at least partially covers the gap defined by the first and the second shroud segments. A third seal portion extends between and couples the first and the second seal portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Ruthemeyer, David Alan Frey
  • Publication number: 20190063246
    Abstract: Flow path assemblies and methods for forming such flow path assemblies for gas turbine engines are provided. For example, a method for assembling an airfoil with a boundary structure to form a flow path assembly is provided. The method includes machining an opening into the boundary structure. The opening is sized to receive an airfoil or other component. The method also includes machining a cutout into the boundary structure proximate the opening. A locking feature is inserted into the cutout. When the airfoil is inserted into the opening, the locking feature interlocks the airfoil with the boundary structure. To seal the airfoil with the boundary structure, the airfoil is pressed against or into the boundary structure. When the airfoil is pressed, the locking feature is compressed such that a seal is formed between the airfoil and the boundary structure to seal the flow path assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: David Alan Frey, Kirk Douglas Gallier, Daniel Patrick Kerns, Brandon ALlanson Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20180328189
    Abstract: CMC components having microchannels and methods for forming microchannels in CMC components are provided. For example, a method for forming microchannels in a CMC component comprises laying up a plurality of body plies for forming a body of the CMC component; laying up a microchannel ply on the plurality of body plies that has at least one void therein for forming at least one microchannel; laying up a cover ply on the microchannel ply to define an outer layer of the CMC component; and processing the laid up body plies, microchannel ply, and cover ply to form the CMC component. In another embodiment, the method comprises applying an additive matrix to the body plies to define at least one microchannel. In still other embodiments, the method comprises machining at least one microchannel in the plurality of body plies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: David Alan Frey, Kirk Douglas Gallier, Herbert Chidsey Roberts
  • Publication number: 20180045063
    Abstract: Ceramic matrix composite (CMC) airfoils and methods for forming CMC airfoils are provided. In one embodiment, an airfoil is provided that includes opposite pressure and suction sides extending radially along a span and opposite leading and trailing edges extending radially along the span. The leading edge defines a forward end of the airfoil, and the trailing edge defines an aft end of the airfoil. A trailing edge portion is defined adjacent the trailing edge at the aft end, and a pocket is defined in and extends within the trailing edge portion. A heat pipe is received in the pocket. A method for forming an airfoil is provided that includes laying up a CMC material to form an airfoil preform assembly; processing the airfoil preform assembly; defining a pocket in a trailing edge portion of the airfoil; and inserting a heat pipe into the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: David Alan Frey, Samir Armando Salamah, Charles William Craig, III
  • Publication number: 20170328228
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a shroud assembly for a gas turbine engine that includes a first shroud segment, a second shroud segment spaced from the first shroud segment, and a third shroud segment spaced from the first shroud segment. The first and the second shroud segments define a gap therebetween, and the first and the third shroud segments define a gap therebetween. A first seal portion is positioned at least partially on the first and the third shroud segments and at least partially covers the gap defined by the first and the third shroud segments. A second seal portion is positioned at least partially on the first and the second shroud segments and at least partially covers the gap defined by the first and the second shroud segments. A third seal portion extends between and couples the first and the second seal portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Ruthemeyer, David Alan Frey
  • Publication number: 20170328235
    Abstract: A turbine nozzle assembly includes an outer band and an inner band positioned radially inward from the outer band, wherein a gas flow path is defined between the outer and inner band. The turbine nozzle assembly further includes a stator vane extending radially inward from the outer band to the inner band through the gas flow path. In addition, the outer band of the turbine nozzle assembly defines a cavity and a first conduit extending from an inlet to the cavity. The outer band further defines a second conduit extending from the cavity to an outlet such that the cavity is in fluid communication with the gas flow path through the second conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Ruthemeyer, David Alan Frey
  • Publication number: 20170268359
    Abstract: An ingestion restricting device is provided, which is particularly useful in a turbine engine. The ingestion restricting device can include a first component defining a first edge and including a plurality of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) plies forming outer, inner, and intermediate layers. The ingestion restricting device can also include a second component adjacent to the first component and defining a second edge. The first edge of the first component is opposite the second edge of the second component and defines a gap therebetween. Also, at least one ply of the plurality of CMC plies in the outer layer of the first component comprises an integral protrusion extending from the first edge a distance sufficient to traverse the gap and to overlap the second edge of the second component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventor: David Alan Frey
  • Publication number: 20170122109
    Abstract: A component for a gas turbine engine includes a first surface and a second surface. The component additionally includes one or more layers of ceramic matrix composite material extending between the first and second surfaces. A thermal void extends between a first end and a second end. The second end of the thermal void is a terminal end embedded in the component between the first and second surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Ronald Scott Bunker, Kirk D. Gallier, David Alan Frey
  • Patent number: 6715988
    Abstract: A hollow cooled turbine airfoil is provided having pressure and suction side walls and a plurality of trailing edge cooling passages that feed cooling air bleed slots at the trailing edge. The suction side wall has a selectively reduced thickness, which allows shortened trailing edge slots, improving trailing edge cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Leslie Eugene Leeke, Sean Robert Keith, Ronald Eugene Mc Rae, Jr., Richard William Albrecht, Jr., David Alan Frey
  • Patent number: 6609891
    Abstract: A hollow cooled turbine airfoil is provided having pressure and suction side walls and a plurality of trailing edge cooling passages that feed cooling air bleed slots at the trailing edge. The airfoil trailing edge is selectively thickened in the root portion so as to allow shortened trailing edge slots, thereby improving trailing edge cooling and reducing mechanical and thermal stresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Leslie Eugene Leeke, Sean Robert Keith, Ronald Eugene Mc Rae, Jr., Lawrence Paul Timko, David Alan Frey
  • Patent number: 6554575
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine blade includes pressure and suction sides extending between leading and trailing edges and root to tip. The pressure side includes a tip rib recessed therein to define a tip shelf terminating in an inclined ramp. The ramp may be aligned with streamlines of combustion gas flow for preventing interruption thereof and the increase of heat transfer therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Leslie Eugene Leeke, Sean Robert Keith, Ronald Eugene Mc Rae, Jr., Dean Thomas Lenahan, David Alan Frey, Daniel John Harris
  • Patent number: 6551062
    Abstract: A hollow cooled turbine airfoil is provided having pressure and suction side walls and a plurality of trailing edge cooling passages that feed cooling air bleed slots at the trailing edge. The suction side wall has a selectively reduced thickness, which allows shortened trailing edge slots, improving trailing edge cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Leslie Eugene Leeke, Sean Robert Keith, Ronald Eugene McRae, Jr., Richard William Albrecht, Jr., David Alan Frey
  • Publication number: 20030044276
    Abstract: A hollow cooled turbine airfoil is provided having pressure and suction side walls and a plurality of trailing edge cooling passages that feed cooling air bleed slots at the trailing edge. The airfoil trailing edge is selectively thickened in the root portion so as to allow shortened trailing edge slots, thereby improving trailing edge cooling and reducing mechanical and thermal stresses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Leslie Eugene Leeke, Sean Robert Keith, Ronald Eugene Mc Rae, Lawrence Paul Timko, David Alan Frey
  • Publication number: 20030044275
    Abstract: A hollow cooled turbine airfoil is provided having pressure and suction side walls and a plurality of trailing edge cooling passages that feed cooling air bleed slots at the trailing edge. The suction side wall has a selectively reduced thickness, which allows shortened trailing edge slots, improving trailing edge cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Leslie Eugene Leeke, Sean Robert Keith, Ronald Eugene McRae, Richard William Albrecht, David Alan Frey