Vane Fixed Between Radially Separate Surfaces Patents (Class 415/209.4)
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Patent number: 8256088Abstract: A stem (34) extends from a second part (30) through a hole (28) in a first part (22). A groove (38) around the stem provides a non-threaded contact surface (42) for a ring element (44) around the stem. The ring element exerts an inward force against the non-threaded contact surface at an angle that creates axial tension (T) in the stem, pulling the second part against the first part. The ring element is formed of a material that shrinks relative to the stem by sintering. The ring element may include a split collet (44C) that fits partly into the groove, and a compression ring (44E) around the collet. The non-threaded contact surface and a mating distal surface (48) of the ring element may have conic geometries (64). After shrinkage, the ring element is locked onto the stem.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Allister W. James, Jay A. Morrison
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Patent number: 8226361Abstract: A support frame includes a rail engaging a hook of a composite article having plys. The rail included a rail contact surface generally conformal to and contacting a hook contact surface of the hook. The rail and hook contact surfaces being substantially normal to the plys beneath the hook contact surface. One embodiment of the article is a composite nozzle segment including one or more airfoils extending radially between arcuate radially outer and inner band segments having plys curved about a centerline axis and the rail engages a hook of the radially inner band segment. The hook and the rail may be straight or arcuate. The frame includes a central body extending axially aftwardly from the rail to an aft frame flange. A frame pin may be mounted on the frame, engage the inner band segment or one of the airfoils, and may extend into a cavity in the airfoil.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ian Francis Prentice, Darrell Glenn Senile
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Patent number: 8206100Abstract: A stator assembly for a gas turbine engine includes: (a) an outer shroud having a circumferential array of outer slots; (b) an inner shroud having a circumferential array of inner slots; (c) a plurality of airfoil-shaped vanes extending between the inner and outer shrouds, each vane having inner and outer ends which are received in the inner and outer slots; and (d) an annular, resilient retention ring spring which engages the inner ends of the vanes and urges them in a radially inward direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Arthur Schuler, Marek Szrajer, Leszek Rzeszutek, Jakub Broniszewski
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Patent number: 8206094Abstract: An inner shroud portion and an outer shroud portion dividedly formed per stationary blade are formed integrally with each stationary blade. A plurality of the stationary blades adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction are coupled together by a band member at the outer shroud portions. The inner shroud portions are held between seal holders which are formed as two divided members in the flowing direction of a working fluid, which are fastened by a bolt, and which have a length corresponding to the plurality of the stationary blades. The plurality of stationary blades, the inner and outer shroud portions, the band member, and the seal holders assembled in this manner constitute a unit. A plurality of the units are connected in the circumferential direction to constitute a stationary blade ring of an axial compressor.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2006Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Naoyuki Seki, Taku Ichiryu
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Patent number: 8197202Abstract: A stator, including a blade assembly with an inner circumferential surface and a plurality of pre-formed grooves in the inner circumferential surface and an outer race with an outer circumferential surface and a plurality of protrusions at least partially engaged with the plurality of pre-formed grooves. The plurality of protrusions is frictionally engaged with the plurality of pre-formed grooves. In one embodiment, the inner circumferential surface includes an area circumferentially disposed between first and second protrusions from the plurality of protrusions and a portion of the area is displaced radially inward by the engagement of the pluralities of grooves and protrusions.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Steven Olsen, Jens Muehlhausen
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Patent number: 8182202Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Jacques Rene Bart, Didier Rene Andre Escure, Stephane Rousselin
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Patent number: 8167552Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 27, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: SnecmaInventors: Serge Louis Antunes, David Da Silva
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Patent number: 8162603Abstract: A vane frame for a turbomachine and a method for minimizing the weight of a vane frame. The vane frame includes an inner shroud made up of a plurality of inner shroud segments, an outer shroud circumscribing the inner shroud and made up of a plurality of outer shroud segments, and guide vanes structurally interconnecting the inner and outer shrouds. The guide vanes include a plurality of first guide vanes between and connecting first pairs of the inner and outer shroud segments, and a plurality of second guide vanes between and connecting second pairs of the inner and outer shroud segments. The first and second guide vanes are formed of different first and second materials, respectively, with the first material having lower strength, modulus, and/or density than the second material. The structural interconnection between the inner and outer shrouds is dominated by the second guide vanes.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Jan C. Schilling
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Patent number: 8157507Abstract: A stator assembly having an inner shroud and an outer shroud with a plurality of airfoils extending between the shrouds, and a vibration damping horn extending from one of the shrouds and aligned with the airfoil, the vibration damping horn having a higher stiffness than the airfoil, the vibration damping horn extends into a damping chamber formed between the shroud and a seal plate, and the damping chamber is filled with ceramic balls that rub against the vibration damping horn to dissipate vibration energy from the airfoil by friction.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2010Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Metthew T Coffin, Louis M Cardoso, III
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Patent number: 8157515Abstract: A vane doublet for a turbine nozzle includes a radially inner band; a radially outer band; and a pair of airfoils extending between the inner band and the outer band. One of the inner and outer bands is split in a generally axial direction along a split line passing between the pair of airfoils, and a seal is secured between or adjacent to facing edges of the split line.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mark Bailey, Christopher E. Thompson
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Patent number: 8133011Abstract: The invention concerns a novel type of turbomachine. The stator of the turbomachine comprises a plurality of profiled members forming stiffeners arranged on the blade stage. The profiled members are distributed uniformly at periphery of the blade stage and individually between two consecutive blades. The stiffeners are fixed to the internal and external ferrules of the stator in order to uniformly increase the axial and radial stiffness of the stator in normal operation of the turbomachine and to allow the internal ferrules to have a limited displacement during the normal functioning of the turbomachine. This makes it possible to reduce the axial sizing of the turbomachine, and consequently its mass.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Techspace AeroInventor: Jean-François Gérard Jacques Cortequisse
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Patent number: 8128357Abstract: The invention relates to a guide blade segment of a thermal turbomachine, in particular a gas turbine, comprising a number of profiled blades which are arranged on a platform. A plurality of securing elements for securing the guide blade segment to an associated guide blade support are arranged on the side of the platform which is oriented away from the blade. The aim of the invention is to provide a guide blade segment which can be produced in a simple and economical manner avoiding casting problem areas enabling the guide blade segment to be attached in a particularly reliable and secure manner to the associated guide blade support. According to the invention, at least one section of at least one of the securing elements is a separately produced component which is rigidly connected to the platform or to an additional section of the securing element.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Katharina Bergander, Georg Bostanjoglo, Tobias Buchal, Winfried Eβer, Dirk Goldschmidt, Torsten Koch, Rudolf Küperkoch, Thorsten Mattheis, Jan Münzer, Ralf Müsgen, Matthias Oechsner, Ursula Pickert, Volker Vosberg
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Patent number: 8105016Abstract: A damping arrangement for guide vanes, in particular for guide vanes of a gas turbine or an aircraft engine, is disclosed. Referring to this damping arrangement, the radially external ends of the guide vanes of a guide vane grid or a guide vane ring are mounted to a housing. The radially internal ends of the guide vanes form an inner shroud. At least one seal bearing is mounted to the inner shroud of the guide vanes. At least one spring element is installed between the inner shroud of the guide vanes and the, or each, seal bearing. The, or each, spring element is configured as a leaf spring.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2005Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbHInventors: Carsten Butz, Werner Humhauser, Patrick Wackers, Walter Waschka, Moritz Wirth
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Patent number: 8096746Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 13, 2007Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.Inventors: Eric Durocher, Yves Caron
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Patent number: 8092166Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Dyson Technology LimitedInventors: Frederic Nicolas, Kevin John Simmonds
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Patent number: 8087874Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Brian Jardine, Brian Koch, Jeff Guymon, Craig White
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Patent number: 8070432Abstract: A static gas turbine component includes an inner and an outer annular support member and a plurality of circumferentially spaced radial struts arranged between the support members for transmitting structural loads. Each of a plurality of the struts includes a load carrying core rigidly fixed to both the inner and the outer support member forming a unitary carcass with the support members, an impact resistant shell surrounding the core, and an energy absorbing material arranged between the core and the shell.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2005Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Volvo Aero CorporationInventor: Anders Sjunnesson
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Patent number: 8070429Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include a nozzle assembly for a turbine, the nozzle assembly including an airfoil, inner and outer sidewalls, and inner and outer rings. Each of these sidewalls and rings are coupled together at an interface through a combination of a mechanical interconnection on one end and a welded connection on the other end. The mechanical interconnection includes either the sidewalls or the rings having a protruding hook and the other having a corresponding hook recess. The interconnection can also include axial and radial mechanical stops. The configuration may further include one or more surfaces at an interface between a ring and a sidewall angled away from the interface to form a narrow groove. The configuration further may include a ring with a consumable root portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Steven Sebastian Burdgick, Andrew Paul Greif
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Patent number: 8047771Abstract: Turbine nozzles and methods of manufacturing the turbine nozzles are provided. In an embodiment, by way of example only, a turbine nozzle includes a first ring, a vane, and a first joint. The first ring comprises a single unitary component and having a first opening and including a first metal alloy. The vane includes a first end disposed in the first opening and includes a second metal alloy. The first joint is formed in the first opening between the first ring and the vane and includes a first braze layer and an oxide layer. The first braze layer is disposed adjacent to the oxide layer, and the first braze layer and the oxide layer are disposed between the first ring and the vane.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Bradley Reed Tucker, Mark C. Morris, Jason Smoke, Daniel Ryan
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Patent number: 8043044Abstract: A load pin has an end portion, and a vane has a base with a cutout in the base, wherein the end portion of the load pin engages a wall portion of the cutout in the base of the vane, thereby inhibiting any movement of the vane in a particular direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Thomas Hudson, John Robert Sech
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Patent number: 8038389Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 4, 2006Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Brian P. Arness, John E. Greene, Sze Bun B. Chan
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Patent number: 8033786Abstract: A vane assembly for a gas turbine engine comprising an axial loading element disposed between a mounting element of the vane ring and a cooperating portion of the supporting structure, such as to generate a load force therebetween in an axial direction. The axial load force limits unwanted relative movement between the vane ring and the supporting structure during operation of the gas turbine engine.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.Inventors: Eric Durocher, John Pietrobon, Alan Juneau, Dennis English
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Publication number: 20110211946Abstract: A nozzle blade and nozzle ring assembly includes a nozzle blade having radially inner and outer sidewalls with an airfoil portion extending therebetween; the inner and outer sidewalls walls formed with axially-extending first surface features along forward and aft marginal edges of the inner and outer sidewalls, respectively; and radially inner and outer nozzle rings formed with corresponding axially-extending second surface features mated with the first surface features, wherein the radially inner and outer sidewalls are welded to the radially inner and outer nozzle rings only along the mated first and second surface features.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Steven Sebastion BURDGICK, Thomas Patrick RUSSO
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Patent number: 7997860Abstract: A nozzle blade comprising radially inner and outer walls with an airfoil portion extending therebetween; the inner and outer walls formed with alignment features on respective oppositely-facing surfaces aligned with a longitudinal center axis through the nozzle blade.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Steven S. Burdgick, Thomas P. Russo
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Patent number: 7946811Abstract: An assembly of sectorized fixed compressors for a turbomachine compressor is disclosed. The assembly is a single piece and includes two coaxial rings connected by radial airfoils. The outer ring includes two annular mounting lugs on a casing of the compressor. At least one of these annular lugs is connected to the outer ring in a zone axially separate from the zone for connecting the leading edges or trailing edges of the airfoils to the outer ring.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Olivier Abgrall, Yvon Cloarec
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Patent number: 7914255Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a diaphragm assembly for a steam turbine. The method includes forming at least one opening within a radially outer band and forming at least one opening within a radially inner band. The method further includes coupling at least one partition to at least one opening within the radially outer band including a radially inner surface and a radially outer surface wherein the at least one opening is at least partially defined by a wall that extends obliquely between the outer band radially inner surface and the outer band radially outer surface. The method additionally includes coupling the at least one partition to the at least one opening within the radially inner band wherein the at least one partition extends between the at least one radially outer band opening and the at least one radially inner band opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Alexander W. Workman, Jeffery Gerald, Richard C. Jesionowski, Mark Bowen, Daniel Ray Foote, Jr.
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Patent number: 7874795Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a turbine that may include: (1) a nozzle blade having inner and outer sidewalls and, in part, defining a flowpath upon assembly into the turbine; (2) an outer ring; (3) a flowsplitter having a horizontal extension; (4) an interface between the outer ring and the outer sidewall having at least one of (i) a male/female interface or (ii) a radial interlock; and (5) an interface between the horizontal extension and the inner sidewall having at least one of (i) the male/female interface or (ii) the radial interlock. In some embodiments, one of the interface between the outer ring and the outer sidewall and the interface between the horizontal extension and the inner sidewall comprises a weld and one of the interface between the outer ring and the outer sidewall and the interface between the horizontal extension and the inner sidewall is weld free.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2006Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Steven S. Burdgick, Thomas W. Crall
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Patent number: 7874547Abstract: Reduced size evaporative cooling apparatus utilizes a convex flare at the outlet of the apparatus to control air flow exiting the apparatus and cause air to flow along a helical path that produces an updraft off the ground below the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2007Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Inventors: Larry R. Gordon, Jon E. Jelen
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Patent number: 7857584Abstract: The invention relates to a novel reworking of a geometric shape of a stator vane in order locally to reduce the stress levels. It proposes a novel type of stator section in which a local reworking of the geometry of the vanes has been performed, this reworking making it possible to reduce the level of stress in the brazed joint connecting the vane to its outer shroud without entailing further aerodynamic engineering. To do that, the invention consists in a progressive and localized increase in the radius at the trailing edge combined with a progressive increase in the thickness of the vane.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Claire Jacqueline Aynes, Evelyne Ginette Boutteville, Thierry Jean Maurice Niclot
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Patent number: 7854588Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a blade for a torque converter stator including a body, a first end, and a second end; a stator blade assembly; and a stator for a torque converter including a plurality of blades, a housing, and a core ring. The first end is arranged to engage the housing and the second end is arranged to engage the core ring. In some aspects, the blade is stamped or the body is arcuate. The assembly includes a plurality of separate blades. In some aspects, each blade is stamped or bodies for adjacent blades at least partially overlap with respect to a radial plane through an axis for the stator. In some aspects, an axial opening between blades widens radially outward or inward.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Philip George, Steven Olsen, Nigel Gurney
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Patent number: 7836702Abstract: An assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a combustor and a vane assembly disposed downstream thereof. A portion of an outer platform of the vane assembly defines an axial sliding joint connection with the combustor, and includes a plurality of depressions located in an outer circumferential surface thereof opposite the combustor. The depressions are disposed in regions of expected higher thermal growth about the circumference of the outer platform such that thermal growth of the entire outer platform is substantially uniform circumferentially therearound.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2006Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.Inventors: Nicolas Grivas, Bhawan B. Patel, Oleg Morenko, Eric Durocher
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Patent number: 7824152Abstract: A mounting arrangement (10) for a multivane segment (12) of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) composition positioned between outer and inner metallic rings (14, 16). Selected ones of the vanes (18a) of the multivane segment surround internal struts (24) joining the outer and inner rings. Spring members (26, 28) accommodate differential thermal growth between the multivane segment and the outer and inner rings, and a compliant material (30) seals against gas leakage around the segments.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventor: Jay A. Morrison
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Publication number: 20100254804Abstract: A stator vane assembly comprising: an inner vane support (44); an outer vane support; and a plurality of vanes (50) extending radially between the inner vane support (44) and the outer vane support; wherein each of the inner (44) and outer vane supports has openings for receiving respective first and second ends of the vanes (50) and each said vane (50) is connected to the inner vane support (44) at its first end by a first vane boot (40) received in a said opening and to the outer vane support at its second end by a second vane boot (40) received in another said opening, wherein each vane boot (40) has a rim portion (41) shaped to locate the boot (40) within the corresponding opening in the vane support, the rim portion (41) engaging with the inner surface defining the opening, an abutting portion (47) for abutting against the vane support (44) in the region surrounding the opening, and a vane pocket (42) for accommodating the end of the vane, wherein the vane pockets (42) of the first and second vane bootsType: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventor: Cedric B HARPER
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Patent number: 7797922Abstract: A casing for an aircraft turbine bypass engine comprises a splitter having slots to receive and be welded to a plurality of struts extending between an outer ring and an inner hub of the casing.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.Inventors: Andreas Eleftheriou, David Denis, Denis Leclair, Yves Roussel
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Patent number: 7794203Abstract: A joining device including a clevis and a connecting member is disclosed. The connecting member includes a through hole which is housed between a first and a second lug of the clevis. These lugs respectively have a first clevis hole and a second clevis hole. The device further includes a shear pin system passing through each of the holes and includes a threaded end collaborating with a nut system which abuts against the second lug. The shear pin system includes a widened portion passing through the first hole and forming a shoulder situated between the two lugs. The member is situated away from the first lug. A first side of the member is pressed against the shoulder and a second side of the member is pressed against the second lug.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2008Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: SnecmaInventors: Godefroy Francis Frederic Drelon, Philippe Jean-Pierre Pabion, Sebastien Jean Laurent Prestel, Jean-Luc Soupizon
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Patent number: 7765787Abstract: A casing for a gas turbine includes a construction providing improved structural efficiency. Improved load paths and means for transmitting loads in the engine case are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2007Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.Inventors: Andreas Eleftheriou, Kevin Walter Lobo, Maurice Weinberg, Quantai Liu
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Patent number: 7762087Abstract: A mid-turbine frame connected to at least one mount of a gas turbine engine transfers a first load from a first bearing and a second load from a second bearing to the mount. The mid-turbine frame includes a load transfer unit, a torque box rotatably positioned within the load transfer unit, and a plurality of struts. The load transfer unit has a first locking element and combines the first load and the second load into a combined load. The torque box has a second locking element that is engagable with the first locking element of the load transfer unit. The plurality of struts are connected between the torque box and the mount, and transfer the combined load from the torque box to the mount. The first locking element and the second locking element are at least one of a rib or a groove.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2006Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Nagendra Somanath, Keshava B. Kumar, William A. Sowa, Christopher Dye
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Patent number: 7762766Abstract: A support for the first row turbine vanes (12) in a gas turbine engine, the support including a support framework (18). The support framework (18) includes an outer vane carrier (34), and an inner vane carrier (36) connected to the outer vane carrier (34) by a plurality of struts (44, 46). The outer vane carrier (34) is mounted to an inner casing (16) of the engine and the struts (44, 46) support the inner vane carrier (36) in cantilevered relation to the outer vane carrier (34). An aft outer flange (94) of each first row vane (12) is supported on the outer vane carrier (34) and a forward inner flange (114) of the vane (12) is support on the inner vane carrier (36).Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2006Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Yevgeniy Shteyman, John Strain, William R. Ryan, Robert W. Spitzer
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Patent number: 7761990Abstract: A method of replacing an individual damaged compressor stator airfoil includes machining an oversized slot through the stator casing, removing the damaged airfoil, and joining a sleeve to the replacement airfoil and stator casing. The oversized slot creates sufficient clearance for removal of a three-dimensional airfoil, while the sleeve creates a sufficiently tight fit to allow the pieces to be brazed together.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: PAS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Wes L. Ellis, Mark Greene
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Patent number: 7753648Abstract: A guide vane arrangement 20 for a gas turbine engine (10, FIG. 1) includes a vane member 21 extending between inner and outer platforms 22, 24 which are respectively mounted on inner and outer mounting members 42, 34. One of the inner and outer platforms 22, 24 includes a resilient that abuts the respective inner or outer platform 22, 24 to permit relative movement between the inner or outer platform 22, 24 and the respective inner or outer mounting member 42, 34.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Rolls-Royce plcInventors: Dale E Evans, Alison J McMillan, Stephen J Booth
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Patent number: 7748956Abstract: A method of assembling a stator apparatus includes providing a first vane having an airfoil section located between a first platform section and a second platform section, positioning a first shroud ring adjacent to the first vane, welding the first platform section of the first vane to the first shroud ring relative to a first edge of the of the first platform section of the first vane, and welding the first platform section of the first vane to the first shroud ring relative to a second edge of the of the first platform section. The second edge is located opposite the first edge.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Jose Paulino, Mark Rogers, Charles H. Warner, Steven D. Jenkel, Kurt R. Heinemann, Steven R. Chabot, Chester D. Blackman, Jr., Paul S. Bean, Jr.
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Publication number: 20100111682Abstract: A turbine nozzle includes a row of vanes extending radially between annular outer and inner bands. The outer band includes a pair of radial flanges defining an annular seal groove therebetween. One of the flanges is crenelated to improve nozzle life.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Patrick Jarvis Scoggins, James Harvey Laflen, Ching-Pang Lee, Wilson Frost
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Patent number: 7686571Abstract: A stator vane assembly for a gas turbine engine, the stator vane including an airfoil portion formed from a single crystal material and two platforms attached to the ends of the airfoil by shear pins that fit within slots formed between the platform and airfoil. The shear pin slots extend along the contour of the airfoil where the lowest stress levels are located. The platforms include openings having the same cross sectional shape as the curved airfoil. Because of the shear pin retainers between the airfoil and the platforms, the airfoil can be formed from a single crystal material while the platforms are un-coupled from the airfoil and can be made from a different material.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Alfred P. Matheny
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Patent number: 7665963Abstract: A method for repairing or replacing a mechanically retained vane is provided. The method comprises the steps of forming an oversized cavity in an outer base, inserting a flared end of a vane in the oversized cavity, and inserting a wedge for mechanically retaining the flared end of the vane in the oversized cavity. The wedge has a first surface with a constant pitch angle to match the outer base cavity and a second surface with a variable pitch angle to match the vane tip dovetail.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2006Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: William Bogue, Bruce A. McCollum
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Patent number: 7654794Abstract: Method and apparatus for assembling steam turbines are provided. The method of assembling a steam turbine includes providing an annular outer member, providing an annular inner member, coupling a plurality of airfoils to the inner member with a plurality of generally radial fastener assemblies such that the plurality of airfoils extend substantially radially outward from the inner member, and coupling each of the plurality of airfoils to the outer member.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2005Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Steven Sebastian Burdgick, Boris Ivanovitch Frolov
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Patent number: 7648336Abstract: A gas turbine stator includes a vane assembly, and a platform that is configured to receive the vane assembly. The vane assembly includes a vane and a cap. The vane extends radially from the cap. The vane includes a pressure side shell and a separate suction side shell.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Ronald Ralph Cairo
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Patent number: 7625170Abstract: A method for assembling a gas or steam turbine is provided. The method includes providing an insulator and positioning the insulator between a vane support and a vane such that the insulator facilitates preventing hot gas migration into the vane, and such that during operation, hot gas is channeled from a high pressure side of the vane to a low pressure side of the vane. A vane assembly for a turbine rotor assembly is also provided. The vane assembly includes a vane support and an insulator including a projecting portion. The assembly also includes a vane. The insulator is coupled to the vane support such that the projecting portion is between the vane and a nozzle support strut to facilitate hot gas flow from a pressure side of the projecting portion to a suction side of the projecting portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John Greene, Ronald Ralph Cairo, Paul Steven Dimascio, Nitin Bhate, Jason Thurman Stewart
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Patent number: 7600970Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite nozzle assembly. The ceramic matrix composite nozzle assembly may include a ceramic matrix composite vane, a number of metallic components positioned about the ceramic matrix composite vane, and a number of metallic seals positioned between the ceramic matrix composite vane and one or more of the metallic components.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2005Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Nitin Bhate, Thomas Allen Wells, Ian Francis Prentice, John Greene
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Patent number: 7553130Abstract: A compressor nozzle ring for an aircraft includes an inner shroud, an outer shroud and a multiplicity of blades extending from the inner shroud to the outer shroud. Each blade passes through the inner shroud and is attached to it with sealing cement containing an organic polymer adhesive. The adhesive is polyimide based.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: SnecmaInventors: Claude Marcel Mons, Sandra Andrieu, Manuel Girard, Francois Pierre Georges Maurice Ribassin
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Publication number: 20090162194Abstract: A stator vane assembly for a compressor has a support structure which carries and is bounded by an annular stator vane structure. The stator vane structure comprises a central bore and a sleeve carried on the central bore. The sleeve is disposed between the support structure and bore of the annular stator vane structure. The annular stator vane structure is made from a non-metallic composite material and the sleeve is made from a first material. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the non metallic material is equal to or less than the co-efficient of thermal expansion of the first material.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventor: Mark J. Savage