Patents by Inventor Patrick Benedict Melton

Patrick Benedict Melton 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).

  • COMBUSTOR
    Publication number: 20140060078
    Abstract: A combustor includes a breech end, a plurality of fuel nozzles connected to the breech end and extending downstream from the breech end, and a shroud that circumferentially surrounds the plurality of fuel nozzles inside the combustor. A support extends radially inside at least a portion of the shroud. A leaf spring is between the support and one or more of the plurality of fuel nozzles, wherein each leaf spring includes at least three leaves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Lucas John Stoia, Patrick Benedict Melton
  • COMBUSTOR
    Publication number: 20140060077
    Abstract: A combustor includes a breech end, a fuel nozzle connected to the breech end and extending downstream from the breech end, and a shroud that circumferentially surrounds the fuel nozzle inside the combustor. A support extends radially inside at least a portion of the shroud, and a flexible coupling is between the support and the fuel nozzle. An adjustable tensioner is configured to engage with the flexible coupling and constrain longitudinal extension of the flexible coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Melton, Lucas John Stoia, William Michael Poschel
  • COMBUSTOR CAP ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20140020389
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a cap insert for a combustor fuel nozzle cap assembly. The cap insert generally includes a cap plate that defines a fuel nozzle passage and may have an upstream peripheral edge. An impingement plate having a body may generally define an axially extending annular sleeve and a radially outer portion that circumferentially surrounds the body. The radially outer portion may include an upstream end axially separated from a downstream end. The axially extending annular sleeve may define an annular passage through the body. The cap plate upstream peripheral edge may be contiguous with the downstream end of the impingement plate body radially outer portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Melton, Robert Joseph Rohrssen, Thomas Edward Johnson
  • COMBUSTOR
    Publication number: 20140013756
    Abstract: A combustor includes an upstream surface that extends radially across at least a portion of the combustor, a downstream surface that extends radially across at least a portion of the combustor and is axially separated from the upstream surface, and a plurality of tubes that extend through the downstream surface. A resonator is upstream from at least one of the tubes, and a fluid passage extends through the resonator and into the least one tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Melton, Keith Cletus Belsom, Lucas John Stoia
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SUPPLYING FUEL TO A GAS TURBINE
    Publication number: 20140013723
    Abstract: A fuel supply system for a gas turbine includes a combustion section, a transition duct downstream from the combustion section, a turbine section downstream from the transition duct, and a first stage of stationary vanes circumferentially arranged inside the turbine section. A hot gas path is between the transition duct and the stationary vanes, and a fuel injector provides fluid communication into the hot gas path. A method of supplying fuel to a gas turbine includes combusting a first fuel in a combustion chamber to produce combustion gases, flowing the combustion gases through a transition duct to a hot gas path, and flowing the combustion gases through the hot gas path to a first stage of stationary vanes in a turbine section. The method further includes injecting a second fuel into the hot gas path downstream from the transition duct and upstream from the first stage of stationary vanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Melton, Bryan Wesley Romig, Lucas John Stoia, Thomas Edward Johnson
  • FASTENER ASSEMBLY FOR A GAS TURBINE
    Publication number: 20140014792
    Abstract: A fastener assembly configured for use within an opening defined in a transition piece bracket is disclosed. The fastener assembly may generally include a fastener having a head configured to be positioned proximal to a first end of the opening and a body. The body may include a shank portion, a threaded portion opposite the shank portion and a recessed portion defined between the shank portion and the threaded portion. The fastener assembly may also include a retention member configured to be positioned within the opening adjacent the recessed portion such that the retention member engages at least one of the shank portion or the threaded portion as the fastener is moved within the opening. In addition, the fastener assembly may include a biasing member engaged against the retention member. The biasing member may be configured to bias the head of the fastener away from the first end of the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Willis, Patrick Benedict Melton, Lucas John Stoia, Richard Martin DiCintio, David William Cihlar
  • COMBUSTOR
    Publication number: 20140013755
    Abstract: A combustor includes a breech end, a plurality of fuel nozzles connected to the breech end and extending downstream from the breech end; and a shroud that circumferentially surrounds the plurality of fuel nozzles inside the combustor. A support extends radially inside at least a portion of the shroud, and a lip seal is between the support and at least one of the plurality of fuel nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: William Michael Poschel, Patrick Benedict Melton, Lucas John Stoia
  • TRANSITION DUCT FOR A GAS TURBINE
    Publication number: 20140000267
    Abstract: A transition duct for a combustor of a gas turbine generally includes an end frame that has a radially outer portion, a radially inner portion opposed to the radially outer portion, a first side portion between the radially outer and inner portions, and a second side portion opposed to the first side portion between the radially outer and inner portions. A slot may be in at least one of the radially outer portion, radially inner portion, first side portion, or second side portion of the end frame. A first plurality of axially extending passages may pass through the end frame and intersect with the slot. A terminal end of the end frame may be uninterrupted adjacent to the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Patrick Benedict Melton
  • TRANSITION DUCT FOR A GAS TURBINE
    Publication number: 20140000265
    Abstract: A transition duct for a combustor of a gas turbine generally includes a transition duct having a frame at an aft end of the transition duct. The frame generally includes a downstream end, a radially outer portion, a radially inner portion opposed to the radially outer portion, a first side portion between the radially outer and inner portions, and a second side portion opposed to the first side portion. A slot in the first side portion of the frame may have a downstream surface adjacent to the downstream end of the frame. A heat shield having an inner surface, an outer surface and a plurality of spacers may extend generally outward from the heat shield inner surface such that the inner surface is adjacent to the slot downstream surface and the frame downstream end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: John Alfred Simo, Patrick Benedict Melton, Richard Martin DiCintio, Christopher Paul Willis
  • Integrated late lean injection on a combustion liner and late lean injection sleeve assembly
    Patent number: 8601820
    Abstract: A late lean injection sleeve assembly allows the injection of fuel at the aft end of a gas turbine liner, before the transition piece, into the combustion gases downstream of a turbine combustor's fuel nozzles. The late lean injection enables fuel injection downstream of the fuel nozzles to create a secondary/tertiary (with quaternary injection upstream of the fuel nozzles) combustion zone while reducing/eliminating the risk of fuel leaking into the combustor discharge case. The fuel is delivered by the flow sleeve into one or more nozzles that mix the fuel with CDC air before injecting it into the combustor's liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Byrne, Patrick Benedict Melton, David William Cihlar, Lucas Stoia
  • Combustor With Multiple Combustion Zones With Injector Placement for Component Durability
    Publication number: 20130318991
    Abstract: A combustion system including a combustor; a combustor liner disposed within the combustor is provided. At least one primary fuel nozzle is provided to provide fuel to a primary combustion zone disposed proximate to the upstream end of the combustor liner. A transition duct is coupled to the downstream end of the combustor liner. A secondary nozzle assembly is disposed proximate to the downstream end of the combustor to provide fuel to a secondary combustion zone at locations predetermined to reduce peak thermal loads on the surface area of the transition duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard Martin DiCintio, Wei Chen, Patrick Benedict Melton, Lucas John Stoia, Mark Allan Hadley
  • TURBOMACHINE COMBUSTOR NOZZLE INCLUDING A MONOLITHIC NOZZLE COMPONENT AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20130318975
    Abstract: A turbomachine combustor nozzle includes a monolithic nozzle component having a plate element and a plurality of nozzle elements. Each of the plurality of nozzle elements includes a first end extending from the plate element to a second end. The plate element and plurality of nozzle elements are formed as a unitary component. A plate member is joined with the nozzle component. The plate member includes an outer edge that defines first and second surfaces and a plurality of openings extending between the first and second surfaces. The plurality of openings are configured and disposed to register with and receive the second end of corresponding ones of the plurality of nozzle elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Lucas John Stoia, Patrick Benedict Melton, Thomas Edward Johnson, Christian Xavier Stevenson, John Drake Vanselow, James Harold Westmoreland
  • TURBOMACHINE COMBUSTOR NOZZLE AND METHOD OF FORMING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20130318976
    Abstract: A turbomachine combustor nozzle includes a first plate member having a first plurality of openings, and a second plate member having a second plurality of openings that are configured and disposed to be in alignment with the first plurality of openings. A plurality of nozzle members extends through corresponding ones of the first plurality of openings and the second plurality of openings. Each of the plurality of nozzle members includes a solid core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Melton, Lucas John Stoia, James Harold Westmoreland
  • Liquid Cartridge with Passively Fueled Premixed Air Blast Circuit for Gas Operation
    Publication number: 20130312422
    Abstract: A gas/liquid fuel nozzle assembly includes a premixing tube bundle having an array of mixing tubes, a fuel plenum delivering fuel to the mixing tubes, a cartridge tube disposed within the fuel plenum, and a liquid fuel cartridge disposed in the cartridge tube. The liquid fuel cartridge is spaced from the cartridge tube to define an annulus. The cartridge tube and the fuel plenum are constructed in fluid communication such that gas fuel in the plenum is injected into the annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: James Harold Westmoreland, Gregory Allen Boardman, Patrick Benedict Melton
  • SYSTEM FOR SUPPLYING A WORKING FLUID TO A COMBUSTOR
    Publication number: 20130298560
    Abstract: A system for supplying a working fluid to a combustor includes a fuel nozzle, a combustion chamber downstream from the fuel nozzle, and a flow sleeve that circumferentially surrounds the combustion chamber. A plurality of fuel injectors are circumferentially arranged around the flow sleeve to provide fluid communication through the flow sleeve to the combustion chamber. A distribution manifold circumferentially surrounds the plurality of fuel injectors, and a fluid passage through the flow sleeve and into the distribution manifold provides fluid communication through the flow sleeve to the plurality of fuel injectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Melton, John Charles Intile, Lucas John Stoia
  • SYSTEM FOR SUPPLYING FUEL TO A COMBUSTOR
    Publication number: 20130283801
    Abstract: A system for supplying fuel to a combustor includes a combustion chamber and a fuel nozzle that provides fluid communication into the combustion chamber. A plurality of passages circumferentially arranged around the combustion chamber provide fluid communication into the combustion chamber. A liquid fuel plenum provides fluid communication to the plurality of passages. A baffle circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the liquid fuel plenum inside the plurality of passages and forms a plurality of lobes around the liquid fuel plenum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Bryan Wesley Romig, Lucas John Stoia, Patrick Benedict Melton, Thomas Edward Johnson, Gregory Allen Boardman
  • Method and apparatus of introducing diluent flow into a combustor
    Patent number: 8567199
    Abstract: Disclosed is a combustor including a baffle plate having at least one through baffle hole and at least one fuel nozzle extending through the at least one baffle hole. A plurality of injection holes extend through the at least one fuel nozzle and are configured to meter a flow of diluent into the combustor. Further disclosed is a method for providing diluent to a combustor including providing a plurality of openings located at at least one fuel nozzle extending through a through hole in a baffle plate. The diluent is flowed through the plurality of openings toward at least one airflow opening in the at least one fuel nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jesse Ellis Barton, Jonathan Dwight Berry, Mark Allan Hadley, Patrick Benedict Melton
  • Method, Systems, And Apparatuses For Transition Piece Contouring
    Publication number: 20130269820
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses, methods, and systems for transition piece contouring. In an embodiment, a high thermal stress section of a transition piece and a low thermal stress section of a transition piece is a determined The low thermal stress section of the transition piece may be contoured to intercept hot gas flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: General Electricity Company
    Inventors: Richard Martin DiCintio, Patrick Benedict Melton, Lucas John Stoia
  • Transition Piece Cross Sectional Area Convergence Reduction And Selection
    Publication number: 20130272863
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses, methods, and systems for cross sectional area convergence reduction and selection. In an embodiment, an aft end cross sectional area is determined for a transition piece and a forward end cross sectional area is determined for the transition piece. The transition piece may be fabricated based on a constant slope of cross sectional area change between the aft end and the forward end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard Martin DiCintio, Patrick Benedict Melton
  • Systems And Apparatuses For Hot Gas Flow In A Transition Piece
    Publication number: 20130269821
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and apparatuses for hot gas flow. In an embodiment, a transition piece comprises a surface that conforms to an approximately straight line path stretching approximately from the forward end of a transition piece to the aft end of the transition piece wherein the surface may help direct the flow of gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard Martin DiCintio, Patrick Benedict Melton, Daniel Jackson Dillard