Individually Pivoted Vanes Patents (Class 415/160)
  • Patent number: 9452832
    Abstract: The invention relates to compensation for the torque which is produced by the main rotor (110) of a helicopter (100). The apparatus according to the invention for torque compensation is intended for a helicopter whose main rotor rotates about a rotation axis (RH) during operation and thus produces a torque, which acts on the fuselage (120) of the helicopter and would cause it to rotate. The apparatus comprises a lateral flow fan (200) having a housing (210) and having a rotor (220) which is mounted in the housing, wherein the lateral flow fan is arranged on the tail boom (130) of the helicopter such that it produces a thrust effect (F) during operation which compensates for the torque of the main rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Oliver Heid
  • Patent number: 9435352
    Abstract: A drive lever arrangement is provided. The drive lever arrangement includes a unison ring which has a groove; a drive lever having connection means for connecting the drive lever to the unison ring; a drive lever pin having a transversal throughbore hole; and a clip, wherein the drive lever pin connects the drive lever to the unison ring, and wherein the clip is inserted in the groove through the throughbore hole of the drive lever pin, and engages with the groove of the unison ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Philip Twell
  • Patent number: 9394804
    Abstract: Actuation systems and methods for varying the angle of small turbine engine inlet guide vanes (IGV) and/or compressor stator vanes (CSV). Such systems and methods may employ a piezoelectric inchworm actuator (or a piezo stack actuator or magnetostrictive actuator, depending upon actuation requirements) to actively modify the angle of attack of a single or a cascade of inlet guide vanes or compressor stator vanes. The change in angle of attack is necessary due to large variations in engine operating envelope including but not limited to air density, velocity, temperature, and the like. The present invention is especially suitable to actuate small inlet guide vanes and compressor stator vanes found in small turbine jet engines including but not limited to those under ten (10) inches in diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Florida Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Razvan Rusovici
  • Patent number: 9353643
    Abstract: A stator assembly for a turbine engine includes a support structure, such as an outer case, providing a bore. A non-metallic bushing is arranged in the bore and extends radially between inner and outer diameters providing a one-piece structure. The outer diameter of the bushing engages the bore in a press-fit relationship, in one example. A stator includes a trunnion arranged within and engaging the bushing inner diameter. In one example, the non-metallic bushing is constructed from an electrographitic carbon. The bushing is installed into the bore such that an end of the bushing is generally flush with or recessed from a wall on the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daniel W. Major
  • Patent number: 9309778
    Abstract: A turbomachine includes a variably positioned vane, an outer spindle integral with a vane outer button, where the vane is coupled to the vane outer button, an annular sleeve defining the spindle, where the annular sleeve contacts the vane outer button at a radially inward extent and contacts a turbine casing at a radially outward extent. The annular sleeve includes a wall portion having an aperture and the spindle extends through the aperture. A nut engages spindle threads, where the nut applies force to the wall portion toward the radially inward extent. An end of the spindle extends through the turbine casing, and a cantilever rotation actuator is coupled to the end of the spindle. A first bearing and second bearing engage the annular sleeve. A vane inner button is coupled to the vane, and a third bearing engages the vane inner button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Ress, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9303524
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine (100) variable nozzle (460) includes an outer shroud (461), an inner shroud (462), a variable nozzle airfoil (463), and a position selector (470). The inner shroud (462) is located radially inward from the outer shroud (461). The variable nozzle airfoil (463) extends radially between the outer shroud (461) and the inner shroud (462). The variable nozzle airfoil (463) includes a vane shaft (464) extending radially outward from the variable nozzle airfoil (463) through the outer shroud (461). The position selector (470) is coupled with the variable nozzle airfoil (463) to fixedly lock the variable nozzle airfoil (463) into one of a plurality of preselected positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Incorporated
    Inventors: John James Hensley, Ulrich Edmund Stang
  • Patent number: 9249732
    Abstract: A support hanger is provided for a turbine engine. The support hanger includes a pin with a pin head, a retainer and a flexible seal. The retainer is pivotally connected to the pin head. The retainer includes a seal bearing surface facing towards the pin head. The seal includes a retainer bearing surface sealingly engaging the seal bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. McAlice, Carlos G. Figueroa
  • Patent number: 9103222
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a gap between a stator vane platform including a seal slot, and a rotatable stator vane including a shaft connected to a vane end. The apparatus includes a substantially flat, semi-annular seal body, a first tab and a second tab. The seal body extends circumferentially between a first body end and a second body end, and radially between a radial inner body side and a radial outer body side. The inner body side wraps partially around the shaft, and the outer body side mates with the seal slot. The first tab extends axially from the first body end, and the second tab extends axially from the second body end. The first tab and the second tab engage the vane end and cause the seal body to move within the seal slot during rotation of the stator vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Tracy A. Propheter-Hinckley
  • Patent number: 9097137
    Abstract: An actuator module for a gas turbine engine includes a multiple of actuators mounted within a common actuator housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Brian D. Merry, Christopher M. Dye, James S. Elder
  • Patent number: 9033654
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique variable geometry vane system. Another embodiment is a unique gas turbine engine. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for gas turbine engines and turbomachinery variable geometry vane systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce Corporation, Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Peck, Edward Claude Rice
  • Publication number: 20150132113
    Abstract: In an adjustable guide vane mechanism for a turbine, comprising a bearing ring with a plurality of guide vanes rotatably supported on the bearing ring by means of guide vane shafts provided with actuating levers which are engaged by a rotatable ring, the rotatable ring comprises axially spaced radial inner and outer sections with a radially inclined center section joining the spaced radial inner and outer sections, the radially inner section being rotatably supported and the radially outer section extending around the actuating levers and having recesses in which the actuating levers are received for pivoting the actuating levers and the guide vanes upon rotation of the rotatable ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 1, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Lorenz JAENIKE
  • Publication number: 20150118030
    Abstract: A variable geometry turbo system that controls a flow of exhaust gas introduced into a turbine of a turbo charger may include a vane base ring in which the turbine may be positioned at a center thereof, a fixed vane which may be fixed onto a first surface of the vane base ring to guide the exhaust gas introduced into the turbine, a variable vane which may be pivotally positioned on the first surface of the vane base ring and adjacent to the fixed vane so as to vary a flow path of the exhaust gas introduced into the turbine, a vane cover ring fixed to the vane base ring with the fixed vane and the variable vane interposed therebetween, and an actuating module coupled to the variable vane and selectively actuating the variable vane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai Wia Corporation
    Inventors: Kyung-Jae Jung, Seung Yeon Lee, Kwang Hwan Kim, Gil-Beom Lee, Jun Gwan Park, Sung-Jin Yang, Ui Yeon Park, Kyung-Wook Jin
  • Patent number: 9017017
    Abstract: A variable-vane assembly for a variable nozzle turbine comprises a nozzle ring supporting a plurality of vanes affixed to vane arms that are engaged in recesses in the inner edge of a unison ring. The unison ring is rotatable about the axis of the nozzle ring so as to pivot the vane arms, thereby pivoting the vanes in unison. A plurality of guide pins for the unison ring are inserted into apertures in the nozzle ring and are rigidly affixed therein such that the guide pins are non-rotatably secured to the nozzle ring with a guide portion of each guide pin projecting axially from the face of the nozzle ring. Each guide portion defines a shoulder radially overlapping the inner edge of the unison ring such that the unison ring is restrained by the guide pins against excessive movement in both radial and axial directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell Internatonal Inc.
    Inventors: Lorrain Sausse, Pierre Barthelet, Francis Abel, Olivier Espasa, Mohamed Tahyry, Emmanuel Bouvier
  • Patent number: 8992166
    Abstract: The invention relates to a turbocharger (1) with variable turbine geometry (VTG), having a turbine housing (2) with a supply duct (9) for exhaust gases, having a turbine rotor (4) which is rotatably mounted in the turbine housing (2); and having a guide grate (18), which surrounds the turbine rotor (4) radially at the outside, which has a blade bearing ring (6), which has a multiplicity of guide blades (7) which have in each case one blade shaft mounted in the blade bearing ring (6), which has an adjusting ring (5) which is operatively connected to the guide blades (7) by means of associated blade levers (20) fastened to the blade shafts (8) at one of their ends, with each blade lever (20) having, at the other end, a lever head (23) which can be placed in engagement with an associated engagement recess (24) of the adjusting ring (5), and which has a stop (25) at least for setting the minimum throughflow through the nozzle cross sections formed by the guide blades (7), wherein the stop (25) is formed as a part
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Ramb
  • Publication number: 20150071768
    Abstract: A variable pitch rectifier for a compressor includes a plurality of radial vanes having respectively, at outer and inner ends of same, outer and inner pivots, the inner pivots being received between two upstream and downstream inner rings, which are assembled by a link device. The link device includes only a set of angular sectors of elastically deformable stirrups, arranged to grip together the inner peripheral edges of the upstream and downstream rings by clamping one against the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Nadege Hugon, Jacques Rene Bart
  • Patent number: 8974175
    Abstract: A turbomachine compressor including variable-pitch vanes including an aerofoil section connected by a mounting plate of circular outline to a pivot guided in rotation in an orifice in a casing is disclosed. The mounting plate of the vane includes at least one notch for bleeding air from the compressor stream. The notch is intended to communicate with a hole in the casing in order to remove the air bled off when the vanes are in a first position, and to be closed off by this casing when the vanes are in a second position, so that the flow rate of bled air depends on the pitch angle of the vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Olivier Stephane Domercq, Vincent Paul Gabriel Perrot
  • Patent number: 8967945
    Abstract: A tip turbine engine according to the present invention includes a plurality of independently variable inlet guide vanes for the fan and/or for the compressor. An actuator is operatively coupled to each of the flaps, such that each actuator can selectively vary the flap of its associated inlet guide vane. In one embodiment, the inlet guide vanes each include a pivotably mounted flap that is variable independently of the flaps of at least some of the other inlet guide vanes. In another embodiment, the inlet guide vanes each include at least one fluid outlet or nozzle directing pressurized air, as controlled by the associated actuator, to control inlet distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Craig A. Nordeen, James W. Norris
  • Patent number: 8932008
    Abstract: A securing element includes a head section and a shank. The cross-section of the shank changes in the axial direction in such a way that, by taking into account a qualitative and/or quantitative predetermined bending torque profile in the shank, the cross-section has a substantially uniform bending stress profile in the shank in relation to a securing element with a constant shank cross-section. An exhaust gas turbocharger having variable turbine geometry includes a VTG-guide vane configuration having at least one such securing element and being secured to a housing component of the exhaust gas turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Boening, Dirk Frankenstein, Holger Faeth, Marc Hiller
  • Patent number: 8920114
    Abstract: A turbocharger (15) with variable turbine geometry having a blade bearing ring arrangement (1) which has a blade bearing ring (2) and a disk (3) which can be fixed to the blade bearing ring (2) to form a flow duct (4); having a spacer device (5) which is arranged between the blade bearing ring (2) and the disk (3) to set a defined width (B) of the flow duct (4), wherein the spacer device (5) is designed as a guide ring (6) which has spacer profiles (7) whose height (H) corresponds to the width (B) of the flow duct (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Ramb
  • Patent number: 8915703
    Abstract: A variable inlet guide vane assembly includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced inlet guide vanes mounted to pivot to change an angle of the guide vanes relative to an air flow. An actuator actuates the plurality of inlet guide vanes to change the angle, and is positioned radially inward of the inlet guide vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Sohail Mohammed
  • Patent number: 8894361
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine compressor has a compressor case comprising spaced apart inner and outer walls. An axial rotor is positioned within the outer wall. A bearing structure supports the axial rotor for rotation. A plurality of inlet guide vanes are coupled to the outer wall of the compressor case and radially extend inwardly, wherein each of at least a sub-set of said inlet guide vanes comprises a radial bore. Nested tie rods are received within a respective one of the inlet guide vane radial bores. Each tie rod comprises an outward end attached to the compressor case outer wall and an inward end attached to the compressor case inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose L. Rodriguez, Joseph L. Evins
  • Patent number: 8864449
    Abstract: A drive ring bearing has a body with a generally cylindrical outer peripheral surface, and a generally u-shaped cross-section, with over a circumferential portion of the body. A web defines the outer peripheral surface. Radially inwardly extending legs define the u-shape in combination with the web. A plurality of circumferentially spaced feet extend from the outer peripheral surface of the body to an inner peripheral surface of the body. In addition, a diffuser assembly incorporating the drive ring bearing, a compressor assembly including the diffuser assembly, and a method of mounting the drive ring bearing are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Telakowski, John M. Beck
  • Patent number: 8864450
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a synchronizing ring. A cradle includes an integrally formed anti-rotation feature. The cradle is secured to the synchronizing ring and located relative thereto with the anti-rotation feature. A bumper is slidably supported within the cradle. In one example, a bushing is provided within a hole in the bumper. A fastener is inserted into the hole and a bushing to secure the bumper to the synchronizing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene C. Gasmen, Stanley Wiecko
  • Patent number: 8858165
    Abstract: A variable vane assembly for a gas turbine engine is disclosed herein. The variable vane assembly includes a vane operable to pivot about a pivot axis. The vane includes a flap portion positionable in a fluid stream for controlling a flow of fluid. The vane also includes a stem portion for mounting the flap portion. The vane also includes a button portion positioned between the flap portion and the stem portion along the pivot axis. The button portion is wider than the stem portion in at least one plane containing the pivot axis. The variable vane assembly also includes a bushing encircling the stem portion and abutting the button portion. The variable vane assembly also includes a labyrinth seal positioned between the bushing and the button portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Peck, Burke Snyder
  • Patent number: 8851832
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique turbine engine. Another embodiment is a unique vane actuation system. In one form, the actuation system includes a four bar linkage. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for turbine engines and vane actuation systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Dawn Kay Andrus
  • Publication number: 20140286758
    Abstract: A segmented nozzle ring is disclosed having a throat area between neighboring vanes that is the same for each segment which is achieved by rotation (i.e., opening or closing of the throat area) of the individual vane compounds belonging to the different segments. The resulting uniform throat area leads to a uniform exit flow angle of the nozzle and a uniform inlet flow angle of the rotor. As a result, high-cycle fatigue excitations of the rotor caused by the non-uniform flow can be eliminated, the thermodynamic efficiency of the turbine stage can be improved, and the nozzle ring need not be arranged in a fixed position relative to the gas inlet casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: ABB TURBO SYSTEMS AG
    Inventor: Stephan M. Senn
  • Publication number: 20140286759
    Abstract: In a turbine for an exhaust gas turbocharger with a turbine casing comprising a housing space for the turbine wheel of a turbine with guide vanes arranged upstream of the turbine wheel in a radial direction of the turbine wheel so as to be stationary relative to the turbine casing for guiding exhaust gas to the turbine wheel, and with an actuating element by which an inlet flow cross-section of the turbine through which the exhaust gas flows is variably adjustable and which is movable in the axial direction of the turbine between a blocking position restricting the flow cross-section and an open position clearing the flow cross-section relative to the turbine casing, the actuating elements extend through conforming openings formed in the guide walls between the guide vanes into the spaces defined between the guide vanes for controlling the turbine inlet flow cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: IHI CHARGING SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas IHLI
  • Patent number: 8834103
    Abstract: A structure that mounts to a rotation shaft a lever that causes this rotation shaft to rotate, including a plurality of engaging members that are provided in the lever so as to be offset from the center axis of the rotation shaft, and that are capable of advancing toward and retracting from the outer periphery of the rotation shaft, and a plurality of abutted faces that are provided on the outer periphery of the rotation shaft so that the distal end faces of the plurality of engaging members respectively make contact, in which, when at least one of the engaging members and the abutted face that corresponds to that engaging member are in contact, relative rotation of the rotation shaft about the axis thereof in one direction with respect to the lever is restricted, and when another engaging member and another abutted face corresponding to the engaging member are in contact, relative rotation of the rotation shaft about the axis thereof in the other direction with respect to the lever is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuharu Hirokawa, Eiichi Tsutsumi, Masaru Nishikatsu
  • Publication number: 20140255144
    Abstract: An example turbomachine bushing a bushing having a wear surface configured to interface directly with a variable vane assembly to limit radially inward movement of the variable vane assembly, wherein the variable vane assembly is moveable axially between a first position contacting the wear surface and a second position spaced from the wear surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: United Technologies Corporation
  • Publication number: 20140234087
    Abstract: A variable vane assembly includes a vane having a trunnion. The trunnion includes a partial flange. A shroud supporting the trunnion in a recess has a forward axial half and an aft axial half. The recess includes a retainer portion which receives the partial flange. An engine and a vane are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Andrew R. Marshall
  • Patent number: 8806867
    Abstract: A variable geometry exhaust turbocharger, wherein bolts which fasten a variable nozzle mechanism do not loosen. A variable geometry exhaust turbocharger, is provided with a turbine housing a turbine rotor, a turbine shaft a bearing for supporting the turbine shaft, a bearing housing, and a variable nozzle mechanism for regulating the flow of exhaust gas. The variable nozzle mechanism is provided with a nozzle, a nozzle mount, a lever plate, and a drive ring. A nozzle plate with which the tip of the nozzle makes contact is provided to an inner tube section of the turbine housing. A sleeve member is provided between the nozzle mount and the nozzle plate so as to be coaxial with a through-hole and a screw-through hole. The nozzle mount and the nozzle plate are connected together by fastening bolts passed through the through-hole, the sleeve member, and the screw through-hole, in that order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Hayashi, Yasuaki Jinnai, Masaki Tojo, Yoichi Ueno
  • Patent number: 8794910
    Abstract: A synchronizing assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a synchronizing ring. A composite bumper is secured to the synchronizing ring by a fastener. A structure is arranged between the bumper and the synchronizing ring. The fastener applies a first load through the structure to the synchronizing ring and a second load through the bumper. The second load is substantially less than the first load. In one example, the structure includes a bushing that extends through a hole in the bumper. The bushing is proud of the hole on the other side of the bumper and protrudes into the counterbore. The fastener is arranged in the bushing and applies a clamping load through the bushing to secure the bumper to the synchronizing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene C. Gasmen, Stanley Wiecko, Bernard W. Pudvah
  • Patent number: 8784043
    Abstract: A device for controlling variable-pitch blades in a turbomachine compressor, including at least one control ring surrounding an external casing of the compressor, and a control shaft connected to the ring and to the rod of an actuator, the body of which is mounted such that it can pivot about an axle borne by a support mechanism of the control shaft so as to guarantee a precise relative positioning of the axis of pivoting of the actuator with respect to the control shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventor: Michel Andre Bouru
  • Patent number: 8777554
    Abstract: A fan system is disclosed having a forward fan stage configured to pressurize an airflow and an aft fan stage having a tip-fan configured to pressurize a first portion of a pressurized air flow from the forward fan stage wherein the aft fan stage is driven by a second portion of the pressurized airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: John Lewis Baughman
  • Publication number: 20140169950
    Abstract: A variable vane includes a variable vane body that has an airfoil portion. The variable vane body is formed of a first material. A trunnion is attached at one end of the variable vane body. The trunnion includes a pivot formed of a second, different material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: David P. Dube, Steven J. Feigleson, Richard K. Hayford
  • Patent number: 8747059
    Abstract: An exhaust gas supercharger, having at least one of a variable turbine and a compressor; and a vane mounting ring with at least one guide vane rotatably mounted thereon, wherein the vane mounting ring is connected to a supercharger bearing housing by at least two rivets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Mahle Turbo Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Ahrens
  • Patent number: 8747058
    Abstract: The invention relates to a charging device, more preferably an exhaust gas turbocharger for a motor vehicle with a variable turbine/compressor geometry (1) with a plurality of adjustable guide blades, which are each engaged with an adjusting ring (2) via a corresponding lever (3, 3?) and which are preferentially jointly adjustable through said adjusting ring. Through a reinforcement (10) of a plurality of engagement regions (7, 7?) of the adjusting ring (2) which are in contact with an adjusting lever (3, 3?) each, higher force transmission from the adjusting ring (2) to the adjusting levers (3, 3?) is made possible without disadvantageous plastic deformation of the adjusting ring (2) or of the adjusting levers (3, 3?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Mahle Turbo Systems GmbH Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Prang, Florian Rentz
  • Patent number: 8734091
    Abstract: A compressor includes: a compressor spool rotatable about an axis carrying axially-spaced-apart blade rows of compressor blades; a casing surrounding the compressor blades, the casing carrying a liner assembly defining a boundary of a primary compressor flowpath; and a plurality of axially-spaced-apart stator rows of stator vanes carried by the liner assembly, the stator rows alternating axially with the blade rows. At least some of the stator rows are variable stator rows, the stator vanes of which are mounted on trunnions passing through the casing, and are pivotable relative to the casing. An actuator arm is coupled to each trunnions, outside the casing. At least one first bleed slot passes through the liner structure between axially adjacent first and second ones of the variable stator rows; and a first flow path defined by the casing communicates with the first bleed slot and with the exterior of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Ory Moniz, Thomas Viars
  • Patent number: 8734088
    Abstract: A variable stator vane in a gas turbine engine has a journal provided with a circumferential recess. An aperture extends from the recess to a face of the journal directed towards the aerofoil portion of the vane. In operation of the engine, heated air, for example from a downstream compressor stage of the engine is admitted to the recess and flows through the aperture to, for example, the pressure surface of the aerofoil portion. The aerofoil portion is thereby heated, so preventing ice accretion on the vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Gareth Jones, Clive Lockwood, Adam Bagnall
  • Publication number: 20140140822
    Abstract: A contoured stator shroud has a stator chord overhang having a surface which varies in elevation forming a plurality of surface contours, wherein the contours reduce clearance between adjacent vanes during off design performance positioning of the vanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: JOSEPH CAPOZZI, David Vickery Parker, Jeffrey Carnes
  • Patent number: 8727697
    Abstract: A variable vane actuation system and method is disclosed herein. The variable vane actuation system includes a first ring member disposed for pivoting movement about a centerline axis. The first ring member is operably connected with at least one vane such that the at least one vane pivots in response to the pivoting movement of the first ring member. The variable vane actuation system also includes a first pin engaged with the first ring member. The variable vane actuation system also includes a ring moving device operably engaged with the first pin to move the first ring member about the centerline axis. The ring moving device includes at least one plate having a first slot and an actuator operable to move the at least one plate. The first pin is received in the first slot and is a cam follower to a cam defined at least in part by a surface of the first slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventor: Andy Eifert
  • Patent number: 8721269
    Abstract: A variable-pitch vane for a stator stage includes an active part of the vane either side of which are positioned a radially inner platform and a radially outer platform, where the active part of the vane, which has a surface forming a convex surface, and a surface forming a concave surface, separate the platform into a part positioned on the convex side and a part positioned on the concave side. Seen along the direction of the vane's axis of rotation, the part has an outer outline superimposed on a circle, at the distance of which, and inside which, is at least a part of the outer outline of the part of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Aude Abadie, Claude Robert Louis Lejars
  • Patent number: 8714916
    Abstract: A variable vane assembly for a compressor having a plurality of vanes is disclosed. The variable vane assembly may generally include a synchronizing ring and a plurality of attachment studs secured to the synchronizing ring. The variable vane assembly may also include a plurality of lever arms, with each lever arm having a first end and a second end. The first end of each lever arm may be attached to one of the vanes. Additionally, a plurality of rotational attachment devices may be configured to rotatably couple the second end of each lever arm to one of the attachment studs so as to define a rotational interface therebetween. Further, each of the attachments studs may be rigidly attached to one of the rotational attachment devices at the rotational interface such that there is substantially no relative radial and circumferential sliding motion between the synchronizing ring and the plurality of lever arms during rotation of the synchronizing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Harry McFarland Jarrett, Jr., Jayakrishna Velampati, Andrew John Lammas
  • Patent number: 8710789
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques that harness air/wind power to charge and/or re-charge a battery of a vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered. In certain example embodiments, air/wind enters into a channel formed in a vehicle and turns a turbine which, in turn, generates electricity that may be used to charge and/or re-charge a battery of the vehicle. In certain example embodiments, the velocity of the air/wind may be increased within the channel by virtue of features including, for example, retractable and/or directional vanes and/or side wall elements that help create constricting locations (or choke points). In certain example embodiments, the velocity of the air/wind may be increased within the channel by virtue of features that produce the Coanda effect. Thus, for instance, both the Venturi effect and the Coanda effect may be used to increase the efficiency of the overall system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Patents Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Aris Mardirossian
  • Patent number: 8684678
    Abstract: An exhaust gas turbocharger, comprising: a turbine rotor rotatably mounted in a housing, which is associated with at least one guide apparatus forming a radial inlet channel, wherein the guide apparatus includes at least one of a guide vane bearing ring, a plurality of guide vanes radially surrounding the turbine rotor and located in the inlet channel and a guide vane cover ring. The inlet channel is axially delimited by the guide vane bearing ring and the guide vane cover ring wherein the guide vane bearing ring and the guide vane cover ring are moveably mounted at least one of axially and radially relative to each other and to the housing. The guide apparatus is subjected to at least one of an axial and radial preload, wherein a line of axial preload flux runs through the guide apparatus substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the turbine rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Mahle Turbo Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Claus Fleig, Matthias Stein, Timo Tries, Andreas Wengert
  • Patent number: 8668443
    Abstract: A variable-vane assembly for a variable nozzle turbine comprises a nozzle ring supporting a plurality of vanes affixed to vane arms that are engaged in recesses in the inner edge of a unison ring. The unison ring is rotatable about the axis of the nozzle ring so as to pivot the vane arms, thereby pivoting the vanes in unison. The unison ring is radially restrained by a combination of radial guide rollers and fixed axial-radial guide pins secured to the nozzle ring, and is axially restrained by one or more axial stops affixed to the nozzle ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Olivier Espasa, Pierre Barthelet, Julien Mailfert
  • Patent number: 8668445
    Abstract: A nozzle is disclosed for use in a turbine or compressor. In an embodiment, each of a plurality of vanes is supported by an outer shroud including a plurality of outer shroud segments disposed adjacent to adjoining segments in end-to-end relationship. Each segment includes a hole therethrough, dimensioned to receive a vane extension sleeve. This system may be used in conjunction with a modulated cooling system and may allow for improved removal for overhaul.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andres Jose Garcia Crespo, Robert Walter Coign, David Richard Johns, Gary Charles Liotta
  • Patent number: 8668444
    Abstract: An attachment stud for a variable vane assembly is disclosed. The attachment stud may generally include a bottom segment, a middle segment, a top segment and a shoulder segment. The bottom segment may generally have a shape and configuration adapted to be secured to a synchronizing ring of the variable vane assembly. The middle segment may generally have a shape and configuration adapted to receive a rotational attachment device of the variable vane assembly. The shoulder segment may be disposed between the bottom segment and the middle segment. The top segment may generally have a shape and configuration adapted to receive a retaining device configured to rigidly attach the rotational attachment device to the attachment stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Harry McFarland Jarrett, Jr., Andrew John Lammas, Michael Christopher Howard
  • Patent number: 8662833
    Abstract: The guide blades provided for the variable turbine geometry are adjustably arranged within a radial gap through which gases can flow on a moveable carrier ring, which is axially clamped against stops on or in the radial gap with a thrust spring device. According to the invention, the thrust spring device loads the carrier ring on the positions closely adjacent to the stops. The thrust spring device is designed open without sealing function and if applicable combined with a separate seal without thrust function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Mahle Turbo Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Wengert, Timo Tries, Matthias Stein
  • Patent number: 8651804
    Abstract: A turbocharger (1) is provided with one or more movement control members (300) that are connected to the housing (2, 3, 3a) and limit axial movement of the adjustment ring (5). The members (300) can be inserted into one or more holes (400) formed in the housing (2, 3, 3a) and can extend from the holes (400) in a direction towards the adjustment ring (5). The holes (400) can be through-holes, blind-holes or combinations thereof. Various connection structures and methods can be used to affix the members (300) to the housing (2, 3, 3a) including self-locking members, casting, heat welding, friction welding, vibration hammering and staking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc
    Inventors: Richard Dwayne Hall, Georg Franz Scholz, Patrick Sweetland