Having Means For Mounting Diaphragm Or Plural Vane Holder To Casing Patents (Class 415/209.2)
  • Publication number: 20140056702
    Abstract: A turbine engine includes a vane and a case with a flange ring. The flange ring defines a channel that extends axially into a side of the flange ring to a channel end surface. The vane has a mounting lug that projects into the channel. The mounting lug includes a lug end surface that extends radially between substantially parallel lug side surfaces, where the lug end surface is engaged with the channel end surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Mark E. Simonds
  • Patent number: 8616842
    Abstract: A columnar air moving device can comprise separately formed modular stator vanes in a stator vane assembly. The stator vanes can be arranged in a radial pattern, and can direct air in an axial direction. The modular stator vanes, as well as other components of the stator vane assembly, can be replaced, adjusted, and/or removed from the columnar air moving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Airius IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Raymond B. Avedon
  • Patent number: 8616837
    Abstract: A vane ring assembly which includes a lower vane ring (22), an upper vane ring (30), one or more guide vanes (80) positioned at least partially between the vane rings, and a plurality of spacers (42, or 50) positioned between the lower and upper vane rings for maintaining a distance between the lower and upper vane rings. By using a first set of fasteners (190) to fasten the lower vane ring to the turbine housing, and a second set of fasteners (191) to fasten the lower vane ring to the upper vane ring, the vane ring assembly is effectively decoupled from the turbine housing with regard to differential thermal expansion, and the co-planerism of the vane rings is easier to maintain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Borgwarner
    Inventors: Georg Scholz, Richard Hall, George E. Heddy, III
  • Patent number: 8616836
    Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a plurality of detachable, three-dimensional diffuser vanes attached to a diffuser plate of a centrifugal compressor. In certain embodiments, the detachable, three-dimensional diffuser vanes may be attached to the diffuser plate using threaded fasteners. In addition, dowel pins may be used to align the detachable, three-dimensional diffuser vanes with respect to the diffuser plate. However, in other embodiments, the detachable, three-dimensional diffuser vanes may include a tab configured to fit securely within a groove in the diffuser plate. In addition, the tabs of the detachable, three-dimensional diffuser vanes may include indentions that mate with extensions extending from the diffuser plate, wherein the tabs may slide into slots between the extensions and the grooves of the diffuser plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Noel Blair, Charles F. Herr, David N. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 8596969
    Abstract: A case assembly for a gas turbine engine is provided that includes an outer case with circumferentially spaced individual bosses that include a recess. A vane assembly is received in the outer case. An axial retention ring has uninstalled and installed conditions. The axial retention ring outside of the recess is in the uninstalled condition and received in the recess in the installed condition. An anti-rotation feature, such as a ring, is arranged between the bosses in a locking condition to prevent rotation of the axial retention ring between the installed and uninstalled conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Conway Chuong, Shelton O. Duelm
  • Publication number: 20130309062
    Abstract: Embodiments related to wind turbines and methods of guiding a flow of a fluid using a wind turbine. In one embodiment, a wind turbine includes a framework including an annular upper guide means and an annular base guide means; and an annular rotor assembly surrounding a central space, the rotor assembly comprising a plurality of rotor vanes, each rotor vane being held in position between the upper guide means and the base guide means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Guy Andrew VAZ
  • Patent number: 8562292
    Abstract: A steam turbine singlet nozzle airfoil with integral outer sidewall is engaged with an inner ring and an outer ring in a nozzle assembly. The interface of the outer sidewall with the outer ring may include a plurality of mechanical hooks on one or both of the upstream face and the outer radial face of the outer sidewall that engage with complimentary structures on the outer ring. The outer interface may further include low energy welds along limited distances of one or both of the upstream or downstream interface of the outer sidewall and the outer ring. An inner radial end of the singlet nozzle airfoil is pinned into position and fastened to the inner ring. Without a need for high heat welds, distortion of the airfoil and the steam flow path and the associated rework is eliminated and stage performance is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven Sebastian Burdgick, Dominick Joseph Werther
  • Patent number: 8523518
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for linking machine stators are provided. A bracket may be utilized to link adjacent stators within a machine, for example, a turbine. The bracket may include a body portion, a first plurality of extensions, and a second plurality of extensions. The body portion may include a first edge operable to align with a base of a first stator and a second edge opposite the first edge and operable to align with a base of a second stator. The first plurality of extensions may extend from the first edge and may be operable to align with at least one corresponding groove on the base of the first stator. The second plurality of extensions may extend from the second edge and may be operable to align with at least one corresponding groove on the base of the second stator. When utilized to link the first stator and the second stator, the bracket may facilitate a reduction of vibrations in the first stator and the second stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lisa A. Wichmann, Thomas R. Tipton, Nick Martin
  • Publication number: 20130224010
    Abstract: A static structure of a gas turbine engine includes a multiple of airfoil segments and at least one structural reinforcement ring mounted to the multiple of airfoil segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Jorge I. Farah, Theodore W. Kapustka, Jonathan P. Burt, Jonathan J. Jakiel, Dana P. Stewart
  • Patent number: 8511982
    Abstract: A compressor diaphragm for a gas turbine engine having improved wear capability, manufacturability, and assembly techniques is disclosed. The diaphragm includes a shiplap-type joint at an outer vane platform for connecting to adjacent vane assemblies and a clamshell-like assembly of a seal box secures and seals regions around the inner vane platform of the compressor diaphragm so as to reduce wear between the seal box and the vane assemblies. The inner platform of the diaphragm segments are fastened to each other through circumferentially-oriented fasteners at the inner diameter platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Adam L. Hart, Charles A. Ellis, Elliot I. Goodman, W. David Day, Gerald Raresheid, James Page Strohl
  • Patent number: 8511981
    Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a centrifugal compressor diffuser that includes an elliptical plate including multiple vane receptacles disposed about an axis of the plate and multiple detachable vanes attached to the plate. Each vane receptacle includes a first two dimensional (2D) projection along a plane of the elliptical plate and each detachable vane includes a second two dimensional (2D) projection along a base portion of the vane, where each detachable vane is disposed in a respective vane receptacle with the first and second 2D projections blocking movement of the detachable vane in at least a first axial direction relative to the elliptical plate. In certain embodiments, the first and second 2D projections may include a first tab to fit in a recess between a pair of second tabs, respectively, or vice versa. However, in other embodiments, the first and second 2D projections may include alternative mating surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Small, Charles F. Herr, David N. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 8511983
    Abstract: A vane for a gas turbine engine includes an airfoil portion, a platform, and a first flange. The airfoil portion has first and second ends spaced apart in a first direction, and the first end of the airfoil portion defines an unshrouded tip. The platform is integrally formed at the second end of the airfoil, and is configured to define a flowpath boundary segment. The first flange extends from the platform away from the airfoil portion. The first flange defines a first circumferential extension and an adjacent second circumferential extension, each defining forward and aft faces. The first and second circumferential extensions are offset in a second direction such that the forward face of the first circumferential extension is substantially aligned with the aft face of the second circumferential extension in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jess A. Weinstein, Kevin C. Eckland
  • Patent number: 8469661
    Abstract: A static vane ring for gas turbine engines includes a plurality of radial struts extending between and interconnecting outer and inner duct walls which define an annular duct therebetween. A load transfer apparatus is attached to at least one of the outer and inner duct walls to transfer load from vane to ring, and between vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Eric Durocher, Lam Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8459941
    Abstract: A mechanical joint for a gas turbine engine includes:(a) an annular first component having an annular, radially-extending first flange; (b) an annular second component having an annular, radially-extending second flange abutting the first flange; (c) a plurality of generally radially-extending radial channels passing through at least one of the first and second flanges; (d) a plurality of generally axially-extending channels extending through the first flange and communicating with respective ones of the radial channels; and (e) a plurality of fasteners clamping the first and second flanges together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ryan Michael Jasko, Kenneth Edward Seitzer, Paul Alexander Intemann, Sasikumar Muthasamy, Jarmo Tapani Monttinen
  • Patent number: 8454308
    Abstract: A horizontally split flow machine housing, particularly for a radial compressor, has a top housing part and a bottom housing part and a top stator part which is received in the top housing part and is prevented from falling out in that the top stator part is supported from the top by stator stops on housing stops. At least one housing stop is fastened to the top housing part in such a way that it can be adjusted toward a stator stop during assembly and is supported at the top housing part below a point of contact between the stator stop and housing stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: MAN Diesel & Turbo SE
    Inventor: Lutz Itter
  • Patent number: 8430625
    Abstract: A centerline suspension arrangement (42) for a turbine (40). A turbine inner casing (44) is supported within an outer casing (46) via a support member (60) that includes an inner portion (62) contacting the inner casing and an outer portion (66) extending into a slot (68) formed in the outer casing. The support member is slid into an axially oriented slot (64) formed in the inner casing and is body bound therein with respect to radial movements, with the support member and the inner casing slot including opposed vertical support surfaces (82, 90) and a pair of oppositely facing opposed horizontal support surfaces (80, 88 and 86, 92). Thus, dead weight and operating loads from the inner casing are reacted through the support member and into the outer casing without the necessity for any bolting or other fastener attachment in the design load path between the support member and the inner casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Demag Delaval Turbomachinery, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Golinkin, Russell V. Caggiano, Timothy Ewer, Gennaro J. Diorio, Michael J. Lipski
  • Patent number: 8425184
    Abstract: A turbine shroud ring sector for a turbomachine supported at the upstream end by a downstream support of a turbine casing with circular sliding including a first stop able to collaborate with a second stop borne by an element of the turbomachine adjacent to the shroud ring in order to immobilize the shroud ring circularly is disclosed. The sector includes, on an end facing the element, a recess able to allow the second stop to pass to come into contact with the first stop. The recess is cut substantially in the form of a rectangle having, at the bottom of the recess, corners that are rounded in a circular arc of radius r. The bottom of the recess has a convex shape tangential to the circular arcs of the rounded corners and with a curvature that evolves between a radius of curvature r where it meets the rounded corners and a radius of R, greater than the radius r, at a point situated between the two rounded corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Snecma
    Inventors: Bruno Druez, Thomas Langevin, Sebastien Jean Laurent Prestel, Guillaume Sevi
  • Patent number: 8419361
    Abstract: An anti-fret assembly for a turbine engine, the assembly comprising an elongated liner having first and second walls connected by a base to provide a generally U-shaped channel, the liner having an outer surface adapted to lie against a first component and an inner surface adapted to lie against a second component at least the first wall being provided with a notch for receipt of an anti-translation pin, the assembly further comprising an anti-translation pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Daniel Robertson
  • Publication number: 20130089417
    Abstract: A wear prevention system for securing compressor airfoils within a turbine engine while reducing wear of related components is disclosed. The wear prevention system may include a compressor diaphragm spring positioned in an airfoil receiving channel between a radially outer surface of a diaphragm base and a radially inner surface of the airfoil receiving channel. The spring may bias the diaphragm base and airfoil attached thereto radially inward against upstream and downstream arms formed from upstream and downstream recesses extending axially from the airfoil receiving channel in the compressor case. The compressor diaphragm spring may dampen vibration and increase service life of the diaphragm base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: DAVID J. WIEBE, Adam C. Pela
  • Patent number: 8414258
    Abstract: A support bar for a turbine diaphragm that facilitates reduced maintenance cycle time and cost is provided. In one aspect, the support bar is secured to the turbine diaphragm vertically rather than horizontally, allowing access to remove a lower diaphragm half without having to remove the rotor for maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven Sebastian Burdgick, James Peter Anderson, Christopher Donald Porter
  • Patent number: 8403634
    Abstract: A retaining seal assembly for use in a gas turbine engine is provided. The retaining seal assembly comprises an outer retaining ring coupled to an aft end of a gas turbine engine combustor. A turbine nozzle is coupled to the outer retaining ring and comprises an outer band. The outer band comprises a leading edge and an opposing trailing edge that defines a slot. A retention seal comprises a first end positioned within the slot, a generally opposing second end that contacts the outer retaining ring, and a body extending between the first end and the second end. The body further comprises an insertion portion positioned within a passage formed in the outer band. The retention seal is fabricated from a resilient material and is configured to facilitate coupling the turbine nozzle to the outer retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brian P. Arness, John E. Greene, Sze Bun B. Chan
  • Patent number: 8398366
    Abstract: An annular vane assembly for a gas turbine engine is provided. The assembly includes a vane segment, the vane segment includes an arcuate rail and a vane that extends radially inwardly from the arcuate rail. The assembly also includes a hollow cylindrical casing, the inside curved surface of which an annular groove is formed that receives the arcuate rail. The arcuate rail is secured in the annular groove using a resilient strip interposed between the rail and the groove. The resilient strip includes a planar main body and sprung wings that extend to either side of the main body. The wings are angled with respect to the plane of the main body. The resilient strip is moveable circumferentially between a first position in which the strip exerts a force radially on the arcuate rail and a second position in which the wings occupy recesses in the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Philip Twell
  • Patent number: 8388307
    Abstract: Embodiments of a turbine nozzle assembly are provided for deployment within a gas turbine engine (GTE) including a first GTE-nozzle mounting interface. In one embodiment, the turbine nozzle assembly includes a turbine nozzle flowbody, a first mounting flange configured to be mounted to the first GTE-nozzle mounting interface, and a first radially-compliant spring member coupled between the turbine nozzle flowbody and the first mounting flange. The turbine nozzle flowbody has an inner nozzle endwall and an outer nozzle endwall, which is fixedly coupled to the inner nozzle endwall and which cooperates therewith to define a flow passage through the turbine nozzle flowbody. The first radially-compliant spring member accommodates relative thermal movement between the turbine nozzle flowbody and the first mounting flange to alleviate thermomechanical stress during operation of the GTE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Smoke, Stony Kujala, Gregory O. Woodcock, Bradley Reed Tucker
  • Patent number: 8366385
    Abstract: A method for servicing a gas turbine engine includes providing access from a forward section of the gas turbine engine to a gearbox contained within a bearing compartment. A gas turbine is also disclosed in which a bearing package is mounted to a front center body support and a low spool. A front wall is removable from the front center body support to provide access to the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Todd A. Davis, Brian P. Cigal
  • Patent number: 8328511
    Abstract: A turbine nozzle includes radially inner and outer bands integrally joined to opposite ends of an airfoil. The outer band has forward and aft hooks extending radially outwardly at axially opposite ends. And the hooks have different prechorded circumferential curvatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Wilhelm Ramon Hernandez Russe, John Alan Manteiga, Robert John Parks
  • Publication number: 20120282088
    Abstract: An inner ring for forming a guide blade ring for a turbomachine is disclosed, composed of at least two one-part ring segments having a plurality of openings, closed on the peripheral side, for accommodating journal bearings on the blade side, the outer diameter of the inner ring being at least 12 times larger than its height. Also disclosed are a guide blade ring having this type of inner ring and a turbomachine having this type of guide blade ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Stiehler
  • Patent number: 8292573
    Abstract: A turbine nozzle includes outer and inner bands bounding nozzle vanes. The outer band includes an aft flange. An impingement baffle bridges the outer band and aft flange at the root thereof to provide impingement cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark Broomer, Robert Francis Manning, Haidong Liu
  • Patent number: 8267646
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for assembling a multi-stage compressor or a multi-stage turbine for use in a gas-turbine engine. The method comprises the steps of assembling a rotor drum so as to comprise a plurality of rotor discs 17, 18, and then releasably connecting a plurality of static components 38 to the assembled rotor drum 19, thus forming an intermediate structure. The intermediate structure is then inserted within an outer casing 50, preferably by lowering the outer casing 50 over the intermediate structure, whereafter the static components 38 are fixed to the outer casing 50. The static components 38 are then released from their connection to the rotor drum 19 in order to permit rotation of the drum 19 relative to the static components 38 and the outer casing 50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Daniel Robertson
  • Patent number: 8267647
    Abstract: A vane ring assembly which includes a lower vane ring (22), an upper vane ring (30), one or more guide vanes (80) positioned at least partially between the vane rings, and a plurality of spacers (42, or 50) positioned between the lower and upper vane rings for maintaining a distance between the lower and upper vane rings. By using a first set of fasteners (190) to fasten the lower vane ring to the turbine housing, and a second set of fasteners (191) to fasten the lower vane ring to the upper vane ring, the vane ring assembly is effectively decoupled from the turbine housing with regard to differential thermal expansion, and the co-planerism of the vane rings is easier to maintain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Georg Scholz, Richard Hall, George E. Heddy, III
  • Patent number: 8268438
    Abstract: The present application provides a component for use in streams of hot gas, which comprises a first region of fiber-ceramic material, a second region of fiber-ceramic material and a middle layer of fiber-ceramic material which is arranged between the first region and the second region, wherein the fiber-ceramic material of the middle layer has a lower ceramic content than the fiber-ceramic material of the first region and the second region, and wherein at least one acute-angled in-flow edge and/or away-flow edge of the component is formed on the middle layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Deutsches Zentrum fuer Luft—und Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventors: Martin Friess, Markus Keck
  • Patent number: 8257037
    Abstract: A nozzle guide vane arrangement comprising a vane member having a platform portion extending forwards of a leading edge of the vane member, the platform portion having a first securing member and a second securing member to provide at least part of the means to retain the vane member in use, the arrangement characterized in that the first securing member and the second securing member are staggered with an axial displacement relative to each other upon the platform portion in the direction from the leading edge to a trailing edge of the vane member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Moira J. Tildsley
  • Patent number: 8220150
    Abstract: A method of repairing a vane cluster for a gas turbine engine includes attaching a first registration block to a salvageable airfoil segment of the vane cluster, machining a face of the first registration block relative to datum surfaces of the vane cluster, removing a damaged airfoil segment from the vane cluster, adding new material to the salvageable airfoil segment, joining a replacement airfoil segment having a second registration block to the salvageable airfoil segment to replace the damaged airfoil segment, removing the first registration block, and removing the second registration block. The respective first and second registration blocks of the salvageable airfoil segment and the replacement airfoil segment are aligned in a configuration substantially identical to a configuration of the vane cluster prior to undergoing repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Pellet, David J. Hiskes
  • Publication number: 20120128481
    Abstract: A blade sector of a turbine distributor to be carried by a turbine casing of an aeronautical turbine engine, including a front connection mechanism and a rear connection mechanism, wherein the front connection mechanism is adapted so as to bear against a holder carried by the turbine casing. The sector further includes an anti-wear device formed by a piece of a metal material surrounding the front end of the front connection mechanism and provided between the front connection mechanism and the holder to ensure a sliding contact between the two parts. The anti-wear device is axially maintained in position on the blade sector using an attachment mechanism engaging with the front connection mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Olivier,Jean Daniel Baumas, Didier Noel Durand, Eric Herzer, Patrick Jacques Rossi
  • Publication number: 20120128482
    Abstract: An assembly forming an outer shell sector, for a bladed ring sector configured to be used on a compressor or turbine stator in an aircraft turbomachine, including a plurality of elementary sectors and vibration damping shims each of them being inserted between two elementary sectors associated with it. A profile of each vibration damping shim is approximately the same as a profile of the elementary sectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Laurent Gilles Dezouche, Patrick Edmond Kapala, Samir Zaidi
  • Patent number: 8182202
    Abstract: A coupling device for coupling a turbine upstream guide vane which is coupled to a supporting part which itself attached to a stabilizing part is disclosed. The coupling device includes a interlocking device for interlocking a supporting end of the supporting part with a stabilizing end of the stabilizing part, and a retaining part to keep the supporting end and the stabilizing end interlocked. The coupling device may be used to couple an upstream guide vane of a turbojet turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Jacques Rene Bart, Didier Rene Andre Escure, Stephane Rousselin
  • Patent number: 8172522
    Abstract: A method and system of supporting removable static components in a turbine engine stator assembly is described. The method comprises the steps of engaging a stator hanger located at a first location on a first static component with a post located on a first static structure whereby the post supports at least a part of the weight of the first static component, engaging a stator stopper located at a second location on the first static component that is located circumferentially apart from the first location with the stator hanger that is located on a second static component, and engaging a hook located at a third location on the first static component with a second static structure whereby the second static structure supports at least a part of the weight of the first static component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jason David Shapiro, Victor Hugo Silva Correia
  • Patent number: 8167552
    Abstract: A locking member for a device for fastening ring sectors to an aircraft turbine engine casing is disclosed. The member has first and second clamping branches, which are connected together by curving joining portions, via a connecting branch. The joining portion of center thickness E1 has an inside surface of mean radius Rm1, and the joining portion of center thickness E2 has an inside surface of mean radius Rm2. Thickness E1 is strictly smaller than thickness E2, and mean radius Rm1 is strictly smaller than mean radius Rm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Snecma
    Inventors: Serge Louis Antunes, David Da Silva
  • Patent number: 8157517
    Abstract: A diaphragm assembly of a centrifugal compressor includes a return channel wall having a generally ring-like shape; a vane assembly having a plurality of vanes formed integrally with at least one ring-shaped track having a rail structure extending therefrom; and a diaphragm wall having a generally ring-like shape and at least one groove extending around a circumference thereof. The vane assembly is fixedly coupled to the return channel, thereby forming a return channel assembly. The return channel assembly is coupled to the diaphragm wall by sliding the rail structure into the at least one groove of the diaphragm wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Elliott Company
    Inventors: Timothy A. Feher, Samuel K. Kemp, Stephen Mark Hanak
  • Patent number: 8142146
    Abstract: A steam turbine has a stationary section, a turbine rotor, nozzle diaphragms, and a nozzle box. The stationary section includes a casing. The turbine rotor includes moving blade stages arranged in an axial direction. Each of the moving blade stages is provided with moving blades arranged in a circumferential direction, and rotatably provided in the casing. Each of the nozzle diaphragms has turbine nozzles arranged in the circumferential direction provided substantially coaxially with the turbine rotor by being secured to the stationary section. The nozzle box is supported on the stationary section and arranged at an upstream part of the moving blade stages substantially coaxially with the turbine rotor so as to lead steam flowing toward the turbine moving blades. The nozzle box holds at least two stages of the nozzle diaphragms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kawakami
  • Patent number: 8142143
    Abstract: A stator blade for a gas turbine includes a blade airfoil extending in a longitudinal direction of the blade and is delimited by leading and trailing edges. The stator blade includes a shroud, whose inner side is exposed to hot gas which flows through the gas turbine. A hook-like fastening element for fastening the stator blade on a casing of the gas turbine projects outwards in the region of the trailing edge. The fastening element has a locating slot above the trailing edge for fixing a heat shield, which is connected to the shroud in the flow direction of the hot gas. A cavity is provided on the shroud between the locating slot for the heat shield and the trailing edge of the blade airfoil for reducing the thermal and mechanical stresses in the region of transition between the trailing edge and shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Erich Kreiselmaier, Jose Anguisola McFeat, Christoph Nagler, Sergei Riazantsev, Brian Kenneth Wardle
  • Patent number: 8133018
    Abstract: A high-pressure turbine of a turbomachine, including at least one upstream guide vane element and an impeller mounted so as to rotate inside ring sectors attached to an annular support which is suspended from an outer casing, the upstream guide vane element including, at its radially inner end, a mechanism for attachment to an inner casing and, at its radially outer end, a mechanism for pressing axially on a fixed element of the turbine that is suspended from the outer casing independently of the annular support for attachment of the ring sectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Mathieu Dakowski, Claire Dorin, Alain Dominique Gendraud, Vincent Philippot
  • Patent number: 8123474
    Abstract: A technique for refurbishing nozzle diaphragm sections of a gas turbine replaces an eroded section of the nozzle diaphragm with a replacement part designed to engage a slot machined in the nozzle diaphragm. The replacement part is formed of a material with capable of sustained exposure to higher temperature than the original eroded section, and with a similar coefficient of expansion as the material used for manufacture the original nozzle diaphragm. The combination of the nozzle diaphragm and the replacement part conform to the original manufacturer's dimensional specifications for the nozzle diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignees: Dresser-Rand Company, Calpine Operating Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory R. Gaul, Gary O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8096746
    Abstract: A vane assembly for a gas turbine engine comprising a number of radial loading elements disposed between lugs of the vane ring and the vane support, such as to generate a radial load force against the vane ring. The radial load force prevents unwanted relative movement between the vane ring and the vane support during operation of the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Eric Durocher, Yves Caron
  • Patent number: 8092163
    Abstract: A reaction mount system that provides support for the stator vane for a gas turbine engine is described comprising a stator hanger located on an outer band at a first location and a stator stopper located at a second location that is located circumferentially apart from the first location. A stator assembly for a gas turbine engine is described, the stator assembly comprising a stator vane having an airfoil, an outer band located on a radially outer end of the airfoil, a shroud hanger located axially adjacent to the outer band, the shroud hanger comprising a post wherein at least a portion of the post extends in an axial direction over a portion of the outer band, and a reaction mount system located on the outer band wherein the reaction mount system engages with the post to provide support for the stator vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jason David Shapiro, Victor Hugo Silva Correia
  • Fan
    Patent number: 8092166
    Abstract: A fan assembly for creating an air current is described. The fan assembly includes a nozzle mounted on a base housing a device for creating an air flow through the nozzle. The nozzle includes an interior passage for receiving the air flow from the base, a mouth through which the air flow is emitted, the mouth being defined by facing surfaces of the nozzle, and spacers for spacing apart the facing surfaces of the nozzle. The nozzle extends substantially orthogonally about an axis to define an opening through which air from outside the fan assembly is drawn by the air flow emitted from the mouth. The fan provides an arrangement producing an air current and a flow of cooling air created without requiring a bladed fan. The spacers can provide for a reliable, reproducible nozzle of the fan assembly and performance of the fan assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Frederic Nicolas, Kevin John Simmonds
  • Patent number: 8092165
    Abstract: A stator vane segment, for constructing a circumferential array of like segments in a gas turbine engine, each segment in the array being separated by an axially extending joint from an adjacent segment and being releasably mounted to an outer engine casing. Each stator vane segment has: a number of vane airfoils spanning radially between an inner platform and an outer platform, and the outer platform includes: a casing mounting fastener on an outer surface and mating lateral joint edges extending between forward and aft edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Guy Bouchard, Danny Mills
  • Patent number: 8087874
    Abstract: A retention structure includes a center body including an outer surface, an enclosed end, an open end, and a contact section, the outer surface adapted to define a first portion of a flowpath, and the contact section extending radially outwardly from a centerline and located on the enclosed end and configured to reduce a radial and a torsional component of a first load that exceeds a first threshold applied to the contact section, when the turbine rotates and applies the first load to the contact section and an energy absorber coupled to the center body, disposed adjacent to the contact section, and having an outer surface adapted to define a second portion of the flowpath, the energy absorber further adapted to collapse, when the turbine rotates and contacts the energy absorber and applies a second load that exceeds a second threshold to the energy absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Jardine, Brian Koch, Jeff Guymon, Craig White
  • Publication number: 20110305566
    Abstract: An adjustable support apparatus for a steam turbine nozzle assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment, a steam turbine apparatus includes: a diaphragm segment having a horizontal joint surface and an angled ledge below the horizontal joint surface, the angled ledge configured to receive a complementary angled portion of a wedge member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Prashant Prabhakar Sankolli, James Peter Anderson, Jason Paul Mortzheim
  • Patent number: 8052385
    Abstract: An outer seal assembly of a turbine rotor stage is secured within a circumferential groove of the turbine casing in such a manner as to both fix the outer seal assembly in its installed position and also provide for sealing around its outer periphery so as to thereby prevent the leakage of cooling air therearound. A plurality of arcuate elements having an angle-shaped cross sectional profile are provided to interface between radially extending arms of the outer seal assembly and the inner surface of the casing, with a locking mechanism then being applied to secure the two structures in their installed positions. Each of the arcuate elements includes a radially extending panel, a plurality of forwardly extending hooks that are disposed within a groove in the casing, and a second forwardly extending flange that engages the rear surface of the outer seal assembly arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph J. Thompson, Susan M. Tholen
  • Patent number: 8038389
    Abstract: A turbine nozzle assembly and a method for assembling the turbine nozzle assembly with respect to a combustor of a gas turbine engine are provided. The method includes coupling a radial outer retaining ring to an aft end of the combustor. A plurality of turbine nozzles are provided. Each turbine nozzle includes an inner band, a radially opposing outer band, and at least one vane extending between the inner band and the outer band. The outer band of each turbine nozzle is coupled to the outer retaining ring to define the turbine nozzle assembly. An inner retaining ring is positioned about an axis of the gas turbine engine and coupled to the inner band of each turbine nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brian P. Arness, John E. Greene, Sze Bun B. Chan