Patents by Inventor John William Herbold
John William Herbold 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).
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Patent number: 8777202Abstract: A tool is disclosed for adjusting a seal. The tool includes an engagement block. The engagement block defines a slot configured to capture a portion of the seal. The tool further includes an impact surface connected to the engagement block, and a hammer head movable along a strike axis with respect to the engagement block and configured for striking the impact surface. Striking of the impact surface with the hammer head can cause movement of the seal.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John William Herbold, Charles V. Spanos
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Patent number: 8757962Abstract: A system and method for adjusting a shroud block in a casing are disclosed. The system includes a crane, an engagement device mounted to the shroud block, and a hoist connecting the engagement device and the crane. Actuation of the hoist can cause movement of the shroud block along a shroud hook of the casing. The method includes mounting an engagement device to the shroud block, and actuating a hoist connected to the engagement device. Actuation of the hoist can cause movement of the shroud block along a shroud hook of the casing.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John William Herbold, Randall Stephen Corn, Charles V. Spanos
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Publication number: 20140144034Abstract: Various embodiments include alignment apparatuses and associated methods for use on a turbine (e.g., a gas turbine). In various particular embodiments, an apparatus for aligning an unfixed inlet guide vane (IGV) adjacent a fixed IGV in a gas turbine. In some cases the apparatus includes: a first wedge member for interfacing with the fixed IGV; a second wedge member movably coupled with the first wedge member, the second wedge member for interfacing with the unfixed IGV; and an adjustment apparatus coupled to the first wedge member and the second wedge member, the adjustment apparatus for modifying a position of the second wedge member relative to the first wedge member to actuate movement of the unfixed IGV relative to the fixed IGV.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2012Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Charles Vaughan Spanos, Jason Matthew Clark, John William Herbold
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Patent number: 8713776Abstract: An installation tool and method are disclosed for installing a combustion liner within a combustor. The installation tool comprises a frame and a pusher block. The frame includes a substantially horizontal member and a plurality of side members. The pusher block is disposed between the side members and may be configured to push against the combustion liner.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: John William Herbold
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Publication number: 20140112727Abstract: A cutting tool locating device for a forming an opening in a gear includes a guide member configured and disposed to be fixedly connected to gear mounted to a shaft, and an alignment puck moveably mounted to the guide member. The alignment puck includes a bushing configured and disposed to align with a recess formed in the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Charles Vaughan Spanos, Randall Stephen Corn, John William Herbold, James Bradford Holmes
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Patent number: 8671536Abstract: An apparatus for installing a turbine casing including a first drive subassembly and a member coupled to the first drive subassembly configured for engaging a first segment of the turbine casing. The apparatus may also include a second member coupled to the second drive subassembly configured for engaging the first segment of the turbine casing. The apparatus may be provided with a first retainer connected to the first member and configured for engaging a second segment of the turbine casing, and a second retainer connected to the second member and configured for engaging the second segment of the turbine casing.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Charles V. Spanos, John William Herbold, Kevin Scott Peterson
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Patent number: 8602390Abstract: A jacking mechanism for industrial equipment includes an insert securable in a casing hole of a first casing half of an item of industrial equipment and a jacking bolt insertable in the insert. The jacking bolt includes a jacking bolt thread meshable with an insert thread and a bearing tip secured to the jacking bolt. Advancing the jacking bolt through the insert brings the bearing tip into contact with a second casing half thus moving the first casing half relative to the second casing half. A jacking system for industrial equipment includes a plurality of jacking mechanisms configured to evenly change a gap between the first casing half and the second casing half.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John William Herbold, Randall Stephen Corn
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Publication number: 20130292229Abstract: Solutions for minimizing the impact of servicing a turbo machine are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for conveying a turbo machine component can include: a motive system for moving the apparatus along a surface; a platform system operably connected to the motive system, the platform system for supporting the component of the turbo machine, the platform system can include: a first portion fixed to the motive system; and a second portion moveably coupled to the first portion, the second portion for modifying a position of the turbo machine component; and a control system operably connected to the platform system, the control system for controlling at least one of a rate of movement or a direction of the second portion of the platform system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2012Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Michael Alan Davi, Paul Robert Fernandez, John William Herbold, Andrew Thomas Hynous, Sean O'Meara
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Publication number: 20130232788Abstract: An apparatus for installing a turbine casing including a first drive subassembly and a member coupled to the first drive subassembly configured for engaging a first segment of the turbine casing. The apparatus may also include a second member coupled to the second drive subassembly configured for engaging the first segment of the turbine casing. The apparatus may be provided with a first retainer connected to the first member and configured for engaging a second segment of the turbine casing, and a second retainer connected to the second member and configured for engaging the second segment of the turbine casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Charles V. Spanos, John William Herbold, Kevin Scott Peterson
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Publication number: 20130202417Abstract: A component removal apparatus for use with a turbine engine is provided. The apparatus includes a main body and at least one alignment member that extends from the main body, wherein the alignment member is configured to position the apparatus relative to at least a portion of a component of the turbine engine. At least one leg member extends outwardly from at least one end portion of the main body. At least one lifting member is coupled to the leg member and is configured to apply a force to the leg member and/or the main body to facilitate the removal of the component from the turbine engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2012Publication date: August 8, 2013Inventors: Charles Vaughan Spanos, Randall Stephen Corn, John William Herbold
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Publication number: 20130185877Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an inner surface of a slot includes a first block segment that has an outer perimeter that conforms to and fits inside the inner surface of the slot. A first cleaning pad is connected to the first block segment and extends beyond at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the first block segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Jason Matthew Clark, James Bradford Holmes, John William Herbold
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Publication number: 20130167537Abstract: A clamp assembly for facilitating attachment and removal of a first component to or from a second component includes plural clamp bodies, each having at least two mutually perpendicular surfaces arranged about the first component. A substantially rigid ring is located between one surface of the clamp body and a surface of the first component. At least one fastener is provided for each of the plural clamp bodies, adapted to extend through a respective one of the plural clamp bodies and into the second component. Tooling is provided to allow for simultaneous tightening or loosening of all bolts on a single combustor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Michael Alan DAVI, Rahul Jaikaran CHILLAR, Stephen Hugh BLACK, John William HERBOLD
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Patent number: 8474633Abstract: Methods for moving a starting motor or a torque converter within an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine are provided. A removal apparatus, which includes a lifting fixture attached to a beam pivotally mounted on a mast, is secured within the auxiliary compartment. To move the starting motor, a plurality of lifting hooks on the lifting fixture are attached to the starting motor, and the lifting fixture and the starting motor are hoisted. To move the torque converter, a pair of lifting lugs on the lifting fixture is attached to the torque converter, and the lifting fixture and the torque converter are hoisted. Methods are also generally provided for securing a removal apparatus within an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Bradford Holmes, Charles Van Buchan, John William Herbold
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Patent number: 8469209Abstract: A lifting fixture for attachment to a torque converter or starting motor within an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine is provided. The lifting fixture generally includes a frame configured to attach to a hoisting support, a pair of lifting lugs attached to the frame and positioned above the frame, and a plurality of lifting hooks attached to the frame and positioned such that each lifting hook has a bend extending below the frame. A removal apparatus for moving a torque converter or starting motor within an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine is also generally provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Bradford Holmes, Charles Van Buchan, John William Herbold
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Patent number: 8402625Abstract: A system for modifying a slot in a rotor includes a drill, a clamp connected to the drill and configured to engage with an interior surface of the slot, and means for supporting the drill from a stationary platform adjacent to the rotor. A method for modifying a slot in a rotor includes connecting a coupling to a stationary platform adjacent to the rotor, connecting a drill to the coupling, and locating the drill proximate to the slot. The method further includes inserting a clamp into the slot, engaging the clamp with an interior surface of the slot, and operating the drill to create a cavity in the slot.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2011Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Bradford Holmes, John William Herbold, Jason Matthew Clark
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Publication number: 20130051947Abstract: A system for modifying a slot in a rotor includes a drill, a clamp connected to the drill and configured to engage with an interior surface of the slot, and means for supporting the drill from a stationary platform adjacent to the rotor. A method for modifying a slot in a rotor includes connecting a coupling to a stationary platform adjacent to the rotor, connecting a drill to the coupling, and locating the drill proximate to the slot. The method further includes inserting a clamp into the slot, engaging the clamp with an interior surface of the slot, and operating the drill to create a cavity in the slot.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: James Bradford Holmes, John William Herbold, Jason Matthew Clark
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Publication number: 20130028699Abstract: A system for supporting a shaft inside a turbine includes a support member having load and counterweight portions. A fulcrum is between the load and counterweight portions, and the load portion is configured to fit inside the turbine. Nests are connected to the support member between the load and counterweight portions, and the nests are configured to rigidly connect the shaft to the support member. A counterweight is connected to move along the support member only on the counterweight portion of the support member. A method for supporting a shaft inside a turbine includes inserting a support member inside the turbine and connecting the shaft to the support member. The method further includes connecting a crane to a fulcrum on the support member, lifting the support member and shaft with the crane, and moving a counterweight on the support member to change a horizontal angle of the support member.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Charles V. Spanos, John William Herbold
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Publication number: 20120317772Abstract: A system and method for adjusting a shroud block in a casing are disclosed. The system includes a crane, an engagement device mounted to the shroud block, and a hoist connecting the engagement device and the crane. Actuation of the hoist can cause movement of the shroud block along a shroud hook of the casing. The method includes mounting an engagement device to the shroud block, and actuating a hoist connected to the engagement device. Actuation of the hoist can cause movement of the shroud block along a shroud hook of the casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: John William Herbold, Randall Stephen Corn, Charles V. Spanos
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Publication number: 20120301291Abstract: A tool for removing a pin from a casing is disclosed. The tool may generally include a rod configured to be coupled to a portion of the pin, a sleeve received on the rod and a flange member received on the sleeve. The flange member may be received on the sleeve such that the flange member is movable in a radial direction relative to the sleeve. Additionally, the tool may include a collar configured to be radially engaged between the flange member and the rod when the flange member is moved radially outwardly relative to the sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Charles V. Spanos, Charles Van Buchan, John William Herbold
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Publication number: 20120292859Abstract: A tool is disclosed for adjusting a seal. The tool includes an engagement block. The engagement block defines a slot configured to capture a portion of the seal. The tool further includes an impact surface connected to the engagement block, and a hammer head movable along a strike axis with respect to the engagement block and configured for striking the impact surface. Striking of the impact surface with the hammer head can cause movement of the seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: John William Herbold, Charles V. Spanos