Circularly Around Fixed Runner Axis Patents (Class 415/127)
  • Patent number: 11846208
    Abstract: An apparatus for disassembling and assembling a lower vane carrier and a method for disassembling and assembling the lower vane carrier by using the apparatus are proposed. The apparatus includes a rolling jig that is mounted on the lower vane carrier mounted inside a lower turbine casing, a bolt member that passes through a region where the rolling jig and the lower vane carrier are in contact with each other, and a block member mounted adjacent to the bolt member and configured to prevent the bolt member from being separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: DOOSAN ENERBILITY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Eui Jun Ju
  • Patent number: 11761343
    Abstract: A blade outer air seal assembly includes a support structure. A blade outer air seal has a plurality of seal segments arranged circumferentially about an axis and mounted in the support structure by a carrier. The carrier has first and second hooks that extend radially outward from a platform along an axial length of the carrier. The first and second hooks are in engagement with the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: RTX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas E. Clark, William M. Barker
  • Patent number: 11661864
    Abstract: A turbine casing divided in an axial direction into a first casing and a second casing coupled to each other by flanges of the first casing and the second casing. The first casing and the second casing are divided into two parts as viewed from the axial direction, the two parts being an upper half casing and a lower half casing. The turbine casing having three or more sets of a first radial reference surface and a second radial reference surface in a circumferential direction, the first radial reference surface being disposed in a flange peripheral portion of the first casing, and the second radial reference surface being disposed in a flange peripheral portion of the second casing. Each first radial reference surface is located at an equal distance from a turbine central axis. Each second radial reference surface is located at an equal distance from the turbine central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Toru Shinkawa, Shosaku Hiwatashi, Daiki Hirokawa, Yasuyuki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 11655724
    Abstract: Clearance control systems with electromagnetic actuators are disclosed. An example electromagnetically-actuated clearance control system for a gas turbine engine comprises an electromagnetic coil coupled to a first end of a facesheet, the electromagnetic coil to generate a magnetic field in response to a connection of a power supply, a ferromagnetic sheet coupled to a second end of the facesheet, the ferromagnetic sheet drawn radially-inward toward the electromagnetic coil when the magnetic field is generated, a first end of the ferromagnetic sheet coupled to a first compression spring and a second end of the ferromagnetic sheet coupled to a second compression spring, the first and second compression springs to compress in response to the ferromagnetic sheet being drawn radially-inward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Venkata Jayateja Nedunuri, Abhijeet Yadav, Shawn P. Riley, Richa Awasthi, Nilesh Vilas Varote, Ravindra Shankar Ganiger, Anusrita Raychaudhuri
  • Patent number: 11255212
    Abstract: Gas turbine unit having an axis parallel to the main gas flow, the gas turbine unit comprising: a blade having a tip; a stator heat shield having an inner surface facing the blade tip; wherein the inner surface of the stator heat shield and the blade tip define a variable clearance depending on the applied thermal condition; wherein the blade tip is configured to have a cylindrical shape along the axial direction in a hot running condition starting from a conical shape along the axial direction in a cold starting condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: ANSALDO ENERGIA SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventors: Martin Schnieder, Beat Von Arx, Marcel Koenig, Francesco Garbuglia, Günter Filkorn
  • Patent number: 11236631
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that use a tip clearance control apparatus comprising a mechanical iris, where the tip clearance control apparatus controls a distance between a tip of a blade and a ring of abradable material positioned in an adjustable opening of the mechanical iris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignees: ROLLS-ROYCE NORTH AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES INC., ROLLS-ROYCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard Joseph Skertic, Joshua J. Gear, John Joseph Costello, Geoffrey L. Gatton
  • Patent number: 11092030
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a plurality of blades circumferentially spaced from each other. A plurality of rings are spaced radially outward from the plurality of blade. At least one actuator is in mechanical communication with the plurality of rings for moving the plurality of rings in an axial direction to create an axial gap adjacent at least one of the plurality of rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael M. Joly, Andrzej Ernest Kuczek, Zaffir A. Chaudhry, Gorazd Medic, Dilip Prasad
  • Patent number: 11092164
    Abstract: A suction chamber for use in a surface pumping system includes a central housing that is substantially cylindrical and has a motor end and a pump end opposite the motor end. The suction chamber includes a motor-end plate bolted to motor end of the central housing and a pump-end plate bolted to the pump end of the central housing. The suction chamber also includes an inlet branch connected to the central housing. A method for assembling a non-welded suction chamber is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Baker Hughes ESP, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Nelson, Michael Card, Craig Vickery, Derek Justice, Jonathan Ou, William Haffey
  • Patent number: 11028720
    Abstract: A turbine ring assembly includes ring sectors forming a turbine ring and a ring support structure, each ring sector having, along a section plane defined by an axial direction and a radial direction of the ring, a portion forming an annular base with, in the radial direction, an inner face and an outer face from which a first and a second attachment tabs protrude, the structure including a central shroud from which a first and a second radial clamps protrude between which the attachment tabs of each ring sector are maintained. The turbine ring assembly includes a first and a second annular flanges removably fastened to the first radial clamp, the second annular flange including a bearing shroud protruding upstream in the axial direction and having a radial bearing in contact with the central shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Nicolas Paul Tableau, Sébastien Serge Francis Congratel, Clément Jean Pierre Duffau, Fabrice Marcel Noël Garin, Lucien Henri Jacques Quennehen
  • Patent number: 11021988
    Abstract: A turbine ring assembly including ring sections forming a turbine ring and a ring support structure, each ring section having, along a section plane defined by an axial direction and a radial direction of the ring, a part forming an annular base with, in the radial direction, an inner face and an outer face, from which a first and a second fastening lug project, the structure including a central shroud, from which a first and a second radial clamp project, between which the fastening lugs of each ring section are maintained. It includes a first and a second annular flange detachably fixed to the first radial clamp, the second annular flange including a support shroud projecting upstream in the axial direction and having a radial support in contact with the central shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Nicolas Paul Tableau, Sebastien Serge Francis Congratel, Clement Jean Pierre Duffau, Fabrice Marcel Noel Garin, Lucien Henri Jacques Quennehen
  • Patent number: 11008882
    Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for adjusting the radial position of one or more blade tracks radially encasing the blades of a turbine stage in a gas turbine engine. The assembly comprises a static turbine casing, a plurality of blade track carriers, an annular control ring, an actuator, and a plurality of blade tracks. The blade tracks have a radially inner surface that defines a flowpath boundary of the turbine stage. The blade tracks are carried by the blade track carriers, which are engaged with the annular control ring. Actuation of the actuator moves the control ring in an axial dimension and this movement is translated into an adjustment of the radial position of the blade track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas David Dierksmeier
  • Patent number: 11002284
    Abstract: A system for controlling the clearance distance between an impeller blade tip of a centrifugal compressor and a radially inner surface of an impeller shroud in a turbine engine. The system comprises a thermal driver coupled between the impeller shroud and engine casing by hinged linkages. The thermal driver includes an annular ring and annular seal which together define thermal driver cavity. Relatively warm or relatively cool air supplied to the thermal driver cavity cause expansion and contraction, respectively, of the annular ring which is translated by linkages into axially forward and aft motion, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Nesteroff, Jonathan Acker, Nate Cooper, Nathan Ottow
  • Patent number: 10934876
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a turbine section including at least one turbine rotor having at least one blade. A blade outer air seal is positioned radially outward of a radially outer tip of the at least one turbine blade. The blade outer air seal has a forward hook and an aft hook. The forward hook is supported on a forward retainer and the aft hook is supported on an aft hook retainer. The aft hook retainer provides structure to prevent rotation of the blade outer air seal relative to the aft hook retainer. There is an interference fit between the aft hook retainer and the forward retainer. A load path is provided from a static structure through the aft hook retainer to the forward retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Barker, Thomas E. Clark
  • Patent number: 10935044
    Abstract: A system for controlling the clearance distance between an impeller blade tip of a centrifugal compressor and a radially inner surface of a segregated impeller shroud in a turbine engine. The system comprises a driving mechanism coupled to a portion of a segregated impeller shroud. The driving mechanism comprises a driving arm and threaded axial member configured to translate motion of an actuator ring into axially forward and aft motion of the portion of the segregated impeller shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Nathan Ottow, Johnathan Acker, Nate Cooper, Mark Whitlock, Michael Nesteroff
  • Patent number: 10851674
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for assembling nozzles 31 between buckets 41,42 of a turbine, particularly a gas turbine, in which a temporary fixing of the nozzles 31 to the buckets 41,42 during the assembly is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: NUOVO PIGNONE TECNOLOGIE SRL
    Inventors: Luciano Mei, Marco Listori, Massimiliano Mariotti, Allesandro Giammarci Giammarchi
  • Patent number: 10822989
    Abstract: An adjustable blade outer air seal apparatus includes a case that extends circumferentially around an axis, a support ring non-rigidly mounted to the case on spring connections radially inwards of the case, whereby the support ring floats with respect to the case, and at least one blade outer air seal segment that is radially adjustable relative to the support ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael G. McCaffrey
  • Patent number: 10731666
    Abstract: A system for controlling the clearance distance between an impeller blade tip of a centrifugal compressor and a radially inner surface of an impeller shroud in a turbine engine. The system comprises a thermal driver coupled between the impeller shroud and engine casing by hinged linkages. The thermal driver is coupled to a closed form refrigeration system having an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and a refrigerant contained therein. The thermal driver is cooled by the refrigeration system, and the rate of cooling causes expansion and contraction of the thermal driver that is translated by linkages into axially forward and aft motion of the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Skertic
  • Patent number: 10704560
    Abstract: A centrifugal impeller shroud assembly has a dynamically moveable impeller shroud for encasing a rotatable centrifugal impeller and resolving misalignment between the impeller shroud and the rotatable centrifugal impeller. The assembly comprises a static casing, an impeller shroud, a shroud arm, and a thermal member. The shroud arm is coupled between the casing and the impeller shroud. The thermal member is coupled to the impeller shroud and has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) lower than the CTE of the shroud. The shroud arm comprises a flexible portion configured to flex responsive to a differential pressure across the shroud arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Grace Aker, Michael Nesteroff, Mark Eric Whitlock, Cassandra Cummings, Jonathan Acker, Younes Khamliche, Nathanael Cooper
  • Patent number: 10697241
    Abstract: A method and apparatus according to which an output of a power generation system is controlled. In one embodiment, the power generation system includes a turbine and a feedback control system. The turbine includes a rotor to which a first portion of a power fluid is communicated, the first portion imparting torque to the rotor; a shaft to which the rotor is connected; a shroud extending circumferentially about the rotor and the shaft; and a bypass gap between the rotor and the shroud, through which a second portion of the power fluid is communicated. The feedback control system axially displaces the shroud relative to the rotor, thereby adjusting the size of the bypass gap and, consequently, the ratio of the first portion relative to the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Larry DeLynn Chambers, Joe Marzouk, Olumide O. Odegbami, Mukul M. Agnihotri
  • Patent number: 10686346
    Abstract: A pump assembly has at least one electronics receiving space (54; 54; 54?). The electronics receiving space (54; 54; 54?) includes at least one defined ventilation opening (40; 40; 40?). The ventilation opening (40; 40; 40?), at an outer side of the electronics receiving space (54; 54; 54?), runs out into an air duct (41; 41; 46; 46; 48, 48?) which is led along at least one condensation surface (60; 60; 60?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: GRUNDFOS HOLDING A/S
    Inventors: John B. Jacobsen, Jens Peter Krog
  • Patent number: 10619646
    Abstract: A fan assembly, and associated methods are shown that may include tapering configurations in a nozzle assembly. Configurations are shown that are optimized for thrust. Examples of assemblies and methods are shown that include sound attenuating materials and jagged edges to reduce noise. Configurations are shown that provide a substantially constant or increasing air velocity. Configurations are also shown that provide a static pressure of 120 percent or less of a given dynamic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Twin City Fan Companies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel Khalitov, Radha Krishna Ganesh, Daniel Richard Schulz, Jeffrey William Robinson
  • Patent number: 10605109
    Abstract: A blade tip clearance control system for an engine case of a gas turbine engine according to one disclosed non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure includes an air seal segment within the engine case. A drive link extends through the engine case, the drive link mounted to the air seal segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Brad Powell
  • Patent number: 10557367
    Abstract: An example active clearance control system for a gas turbine engine includes an actuator, and a case wall portion defining an aperture configured to receive the actuator. The actuator is configured to move an air seal segment, and the actuator is insertable to an installed position within the aperture through a radially outer side of the case wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ken F. Blaney, Richard K. Hayford, Christopher M. Jarochym
  • Patent number: 10557469
    Abstract: A drain pump for an appliance includes a single, self-starting, single-phase synchronous motor and a pump chamber having an inlet and first and second outlets. The first outlet is a drain outlet and the second outlet is a recirculation outlet. An impeller is disposed within the pump chamber and is selectively and bi-directionally driven by the single-phase synchronous motor. Rotation of the impeller in a first direction directs fluid from the inlet toward the drain outlet and away from the recirculation outlet. Rotation of the impeller in the second direction directs the fluid from the inlet toward the recirculation outlet and away from the drain outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Feiting Han, Qiang Mei, Jinming Sun
  • Patent number: 10450967
    Abstract: A method for operating a stationary gas turbine at partial load, having at least one compressor, at least one expansion turbine and a combustion chamber provided with at least one burner, which gas turbine further includes a hydraulic gap adjuster, wherein the method has the following steps: operating the gas turbine at partial load; operating the a hydraulic gap adjuster; during the operation of the hydraulic gap adjuster, increasing the fuel supply to the burner while increasing the temperature of the combustion gases which are guided to the expansion turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marco Larson, Nicolas Savilius
  • Patent number: 10415417
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a blade having a tip, a blade outer air seal operatively connected to a case assembly, and an active clearance control system disposed on the case assembly. The active control system includes an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes a motor assembly and a shaft. The shaft has a shaft body that extends between a first end that is operatively connected to the motor assembly and a second end that is operatively connected to the blade outer air seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael G. McCaffrey
  • Patent number: 10408226
    Abstract: A system for controlling the clearance distance between an impeller blade tip of a centrifugal compressor and a radially inner surface of a segregated impeller shroud in a turbine engine. The system comprises a driving mechanism coupled to a portion of a segregated impeller shroud. The driving mechanism comprises a driving arm and threaded axial member configured to translate motion of an actuator ring into axially forward and aft motion of the portion of the segregated impeller shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nathan Ottow, Jonathan Acker, Nate Cooper, Mark Whitlock, Michael Nesteroff
  • Patent number: 10364696
    Abstract: A clearance control assembly for providing clearance control between a blade outer air seal and an airfoil tip of a gas turbine engine includes an outer case, a first blade outer air seal carrier, a blade outer air seal, an actuator, a load-applying member, and a lever. The first blade outer air seal carrier is positioned radially inward of the outer case. The blade outer air seal is positioned radially inward of and mounted to the blade outer air seal carrier. The load-applying member is positioned to be acted upon by the actuator during operation of the actuator. The lever is connected to the case and is operably in contact with the load-applying member and the first blade outer air seal carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Scott D. Virkler
  • Patent number: 10364694
    Abstract: A turbomachine blade clearance system can include an actuator having an anchor portion for fixation to an interior surface of a turbomachine housing and an actuating portion for actuating movement relative to the anchor portion. A turbomachine blade seal can be operatively connected to the actuating portion of the actuator and configured to move relative to the turbomachine housing to adjust a distance from a turbomachine blade of a turbomachine to maintain a predetermined gap clearance between the blade seal and the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lubomir A. Ribarov, Leo J. Veilleux, Jr., James S. Elder
  • Patent number: 10323536
    Abstract: A system includes a stator assembly including at least one stator airfoil. The system also includes a rotor assembly including at least one rotor airfoil configured to rotate about an axis. The system also includes an actuator coupled to the stator assembly and configured to actuate the stator assembly in an axial direction relative to the rotor assembly, creating an axial movement such that a clearance between the at least one rotor airfoil and the stator assembly varies based on an axial position of the stator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: James D. Hill
  • Patent number: 10316684
    Abstract: An active clearance control system for a gas turbine engine includes an air seal segment and a puller engageable with the air seal segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Brian Duguay
  • Patent number: 10316687
    Abstract: A turbine shroud or blade track assembly adapted to extend around a turbine wheel assembly is disclosed. The turbine shroud includes a carrier and a blade track coupled to the carrier. The blade track is movable between a radially-inward position having a first inner diameter and a radially-outward position having a second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C. Uskert, Joseph P. Lamusga, Aaron D. Sippel
  • Patent number: 10309410
    Abstract: A system for controlling the clearance distance between an impeller blade tip of a centrifugal compressor and a radially inner surface of an impeller shroud in a turbine engine. The system comprises a two-piece integral impeller shroud with a fixed inner member and a variable outer member. An actuator is coupled to an aft end of the variable outer member and imparts axially forward and aft motion on the aft end, causing deflection of the outer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nathan Ottow, Jonathan Acker, Nate Cooper
  • Patent number: 10280782
    Abstract: A clearance control ring having at least two segments is disclosed. Each of the segments interlock with adjacent segments to form a full hoop clearance control ring. Separate carriers and seals or one-piece carriers and seals may be mounted on the clearance control ring. The segmented structure of the clearance control ring allows for simpler assembly with segmented cases for gas turbine engines than prior art one-piece clearance control rings. The segmented structure also may be used with one-piece pre-assembled and multi-stage rotors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael G. McCaffrey, Igor S. Garcia, John R. Farris, Brian R. Pelletier, Thomas Almy, Brandon T. Rouse, Mark Borja
  • Patent number: 10060294
    Abstract: An assembly adapted for use in a gas turbine engine is disclosed herein. The assembly includes a first component including metallic materials and a second component including ceramic matrix composite materials. A portion of the second component is configured to engage a portion of the first component directly so that the second component is supported in a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce High Temperature Composites Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Lamusga
  • Patent number: 9995164
    Abstract: Provided is a rotating fluid machine capable of holding down a decrease rate of a circumferential velocity of a leakage fluid in an interspatial flow passage and thereby controlling an unstable fluid force. A steam turbine includes: an interspatial flow passage 15 formed between an outer circumferential surface of a rotor blade cover 6 and an inner circumferential surface of a grooved section 14 in a casing 1; annular sealing fins 17A to 17D spatially arranged in a direction of a rotor axis, at a side of the rotor blade cover 6 in the interspatial flow passage 15; and a friction enhancement portion (more specifically, rough surfaces 19A to 19E) disposed over the whole circumference on the side of the rotor blade cover 6 in the interspatial flow passage 15.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyo Nishijima, Akira Endo, Kazuyuki Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9976436
    Abstract: A blade tip clearance control system for an engine case of a gas turbine engine according to one disclosed non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure includes an air seal segment within the engine case. A drive link extends through the engine case, the drive link mounted to the air seal segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Brad Powell
  • Patent number: 9970315
    Abstract: A movable vane control system is disclosed for use with a gas turbine engine having a turbine axis of rotation. The system includes a plurality of rotatable turbine vanes in a gas flow path within a turbine case of the gas turbine engine. A first vane position sensor having a first distance sensor is configured to sense the distance between the first distance sensor and a surface portion of a first of said plurality of vanes or a first movable target connected to the first vane. Additionally, the first distance sensor, the first vane surface portion, the first movable target, or a combination thereof is configured to provide a variable distance between the first distance sensor and the first vane surface portion or first movable target that varies as a function of a position of the first vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory DiVincenzo, Bhupindar Singh, Francis P. Marocchini
  • Patent number: 9915163
    Abstract: A blade outer air seal (BOAS) assembly is provided. The BOAS assembly may comprise an outer case, a first support arm, a second support arm, a control rod, a blade outer air seal (BOAS), and a unison ring. The unison ring may be located radially inward of the outer case and in mechanical communication with the control rod. The BOAS may be configured to expand or contract in response to a rotation of the control rod. The first support arm may be fixed to the outer case. The second support arm may be fixed to the outer case. The control rod may be coupled to the first support arm and the second support arm, wherein the control rod may be configured to rotate about a control rod axis. The BOAS may comprise a first segment and a second segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Michael G. McCaffrey
  • Patent number: 9840933
    Abstract: An apparatus for extending the operational flow rate range of a turbine is described herein. Two or more removable sleeves may be used to change the cross-sectional area of a turbine. Each removable sleeve may define or eliminate the stator gap between a stator blade tip and an inner wall of the removable sleeve and a rotor gap between a rotor blade tip and an inner wall of the removable sleeve. A movable sleeve may be disposed in the turbine and may move between a first position and a second position in response to changes in the pressure differential across the turbine. The movable sleeve may define or eliminate a stator gap between a stator blade tip and the inner conical surface of the sleeve or a hub of the turbine and a rotor gap between a rotor blade tip and the inner conical surface of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gocha Chochua, Kent D. Harms
  • Patent number: 9683453
    Abstract: Systems and devices configured to reduce thermal design clearances (e.g., between stationary nozzles connected to the inner casing and rotor buckets connected to the rotor) in turbines by actively controlling casing movements and/or locations during turbine operation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a clearance management system includes: a first inner casing support arm shaped to connect to an inner casing of a turbine and extend through an outer casing of the turbine; a seal system disposed about the first inner casing support arm and configured to connect to the outer casing; and a set of actuators disposed on a turbine foundation of the turbine and connected to the first inner casing support arm, the set of actuators located external to the outer casing and configured to adjust a position of the inner casing relative to the outer casing via manipulation of the first inner casing support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Karimulla Shaik Sha, Prakash Rajagopal, Xiaoqing Zheng
  • Patent number: 9598975
    Abstract: A turbine shroud or blade track assembly adapted to extend around a turbine wheel assembly is disclosed. The turbine shroud includes a carrier and a blade track coupled to the carrier. The blade track is movable between a radially-inward position having a first inner diameter and a radially-outward position having a second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C Uskert, Joseph P Lamusga, Aaron D Sippel
  • Patent number: 9541006
    Abstract: An assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a first module, a second module, and a flow discourager. The second module is connected to the first module along a joint. The flow discourager is connected to the first module and extends to be received in a notch in the second module. The flow discourager acts to direct an ingestion gas flow away from the joint between the first module and the second module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Conway Chuong, Matthew Budnick
  • Patent number: 9476690
    Abstract: A method controlling a clearance between tips of blades of a turbine rotor of a gas turbine aircraft engine and a ring-shaped turbine shroud of a housing surrounding the blades, the method including: controlling flow and/or temperature of air directed toward the housing according to an estimate of the clearance, the estimate of the clearance is determined upon start-up of the aircraft engine, according to a temperature measured by a temperature sensor including a sensitive element positioned in a free space of the aircraft engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Christophe Javelot, Damien Bonneau, Bruno Robert Gaully, Amaury Olivier
  • Patent number: 9447696
    Abstract: A blade outer air seal system for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of ring carriers made of a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. A plurality of seal segments are carried, respectively, on the plurality of ring carriers. A ring member is carried in the plurality of ring carriers. The ring member is made of a second material that is different from the first material in composition. The second material has a second coefficient of thermal expansion such that the first coefficient of thermal expansion is 75-175% of the second coefficient of thermal expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael G. McCaffrey, Brandon T. Rouse, Thomas Almy, Igor S. Garcia, John R. Farris, Mark Borja
  • Patent number: 9394801
    Abstract: A system for providing sealing in a turbine is provided. The sealing system includes a retaining channel oriented within a housing structure proximate a moving turbine component. A seal member is coupled within the retaining channel. A first end of the seal member is secured to the housing structure. A second end of the seal member is movable relative to the retaining channel between first and second positions corresponding to a transient operational mode and a steady state operational mode, respectively. The transient operational mode defines a first clearance between the seal member and the moving turbine component. The steady state configuration defines a second clearance that is smaller than the first clearance. A take-up device coupled to the second end of the seal member moves the second end between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Fred Thomas Willett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9097123
    Abstract: A method and system adapted for removing one or more shells from an assembly of multiple annular shells, for example, turbine shells of a gas turbine engine. The method includes removing an upper shell positioned in an upper position relative to a lower shell of the assembly of multiple annular shells, and then positioning and securing a counterweight in the upper position and securing the counterweight to the lower shell as a replacement for the upper shell in the upper position. The counterweight and the lower shell are then rotated in unison until the lower shell is in the upper position and the counterweight is in a lower position previously occupied by the lower shell. Thereafter, the lower shell can be removed from the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Bradford Holmes, Kenneth Damon Black, Christopher Paul Cox, Matthew Stephen Casavant, Bradley Edwin Wilson, Brett Darrick Klingler
  • Patent number: 9011082
    Abstract: A rotational duct blocker for a gas turbine engine includes a duct blocker rotor and a duct blocker stator. The duct blocker rotor includes a plurality of first vane segments that extend radially between an inner rotor platform and an outer rotor platform, and a plurality of first flow apertures that extend axially through the duct blocker rotor. Each first flow aperture also extends circumferentially between respective adjacent first vane segments. The duct blocker stator includes a plurality of second vane segments that extend radially between an inner stator platform and an outer stator platform, and a plurality of second flow apertures that extend axially through the duct blocker stator. Each second flow aperture also extends circumferentially between respective adjacent second vane segments. The first vane segments move circumferentially relative to the second vane segments to regulate fluid flowing between the first flow apertures and the second flow apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: James Jones, Roger W. Bursey, Jr., John H. Maurer, Larry B. Hawke, Ronald T. Clawson, Andrew P. Olech
  • Publication number: 20150064031
    Abstract: A turbine for a supercharging device of an internal combustion engine may include a turbine wheel which is rotatably arranged about an axis of rotation in a turbine housing. A radial inflow channel may be arranged coaxially to the turbine wheel, which leads to a radial inlet region of the turbine wheel. The inflow channel may be axially bounded on one side by a blade carrier and axially bounded on the other side by a cover disc. A plurality of guide blades may be pivotably arranged on the blade carrier, and a plurality of spacer elements may axially project from the blade carrier. An axial outflow channel may be arranged coaxially to the turbine wheel, which leads from the inlet region to an axial outlet region of the turbine wheel, which may be radially bounded by an inner contour formed complementary to an outer contour of the rotating turbine wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Dirk Naunheim
  • Patent number: 8967952
    Abstract: A rotational duct blocker for a gas turbine engine includes a duct blocker rotor and a duct blocker stator. The duct blocker rotor includes a plurality of first flow apertures extending axially therethrough, and a plurality of roller elements connected to an inner rotor platform. The first flow apertures are arranged circumferentially around the inner rotor platform. The duct blocker stator includes a plurality of second flow apertures extending axially therethrough, and a roller element track located radially within the inner rotor platform and in rolling contact with the roller elements. The second flow apertures are arranged circumferentially around an inner stator platform that is located axially adjacent to the inner rotor platform. The duct blocker rotor rotates relative to the duct blocker stator to regulate fluid flowing between the first flow apertures and the second flow apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: James Jones, John H. Maurer, Eric J. Ward, Roger W. Bursey, Jr.