Patents by Inventor M. Stefan Maier

M. Stefan Maier 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: 5868398
    Abstract: A seal for stator vane segments within a gas turbine engine is provided which includes an axial member and an end member. The axial member includes a central portion and at least one axial joint element extending out from the central portion. The central portion has across-section which includes a pair of substantially u-shaped circumferential ends connected by an arcuate midsection. The axial joint element transitions from the arcuate midsection to a substantially flat end. The end member includes an end joint element attached to a radial portion. The axial and end joint elements contact each other to prevent leakage therebetween, and also sidably cooperate with each other to accommodate misalignment between the axial member and the end member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: M. Stefan Maier, Jeffrey S. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5848874
    Abstract: A stator vane assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of stator vane segments and fasteners. Each stator vane segment includes an inner radial platform, an outer radial platform, at least one airfoil extending between said platforms, and a first mounting flange extending radially outward from said outer radial platform. Each first mounting flange is aligned with a second mounting flange extending radially inward from an outer case surrounding the stator vane assembly. Each fastener includes a bolt extending through the first and second mounting flanges, a nut for threaded engagement with the bolt, and apparatus for preventing vibration of the fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Heumann, M. Stefan Maier
  • Patent number: 5785492
    Abstract: A stator vane assembly for a gas turbine engine is provided which includes a plurality of stator vane segments and a seal ring. Each stator vane segment has an outer platform, an inner platform, and an airfoil extending between the platforms. The stator vane segments collectively form an annular structure. The seal ring includes an abradable bearing pad which extends out from an axial surface of the body of the seal ring. The seal ring is attached to a non-rotating member within the engine, positioned in close proximity to the stator vane segments. Contact, and consequent friction, between the individual stator vane segments and the abradable bearing pad causes the abradable bearing pad to abrade, thereby creating a sealing surface reflective of the opposing stator vane segments in contact with the abradable bearing pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Keith C. Belsom, M. Stefan Maier