Patents Represented by Attorney Dana F. Bigelow
  • Patent number: 4274806
    Abstract: An airfoil blade tip is so configured that, when it is caused to rub against a surrounding casing, the resultant force acting on the blade tip is substantially in the tangential direction. In this way, axial forces on the airfoil are substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1981
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Vicente C. Gallardo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4272680
    Abstract: A radiation detector is fabricated by the insertion into an arcuate support structure, a plurality of modules comprised of ceramic members with electrode plates disposed therebetween. Securing of the ceramic members to the support structure is accommodated by threaded fasteners which pass through the support section into inserts which are bonded into cavities formed in the ceramic members. Before installation of the module into the support structure, the modules can be tested and the better performing modules can then be installed in the central portion of the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Dennis J. Cotic
  • Patent number: 4259842
    Abstract: A plurality of circumferentially spaced props are attached to the outer overlapping segments of a combustor liner to prevent the thermal outward growth of the inner segment. Placement of the props on the outer segment allows them to remain relatively cool to thereby minimize stresses and, when combined with a liner design which centrifuges the cooling air to the radially inner side of the cooling slot, such placement coincides with a separation bubble so as to minimize flow blockage and resulting hot streaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1981
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John M. Koshoffer, Edward E. Ekstedt, Edward I. Stamm
  • Patent number: 4254619
    Abstract: A pair of turbofan engines are cross connected such that during normal-mode operation horsepower can be shared by the respective cores, and when one engine core becomes inoperative the fan of that engine can be driven by the turbine of the operative engine to thereby maintain a substantial thrust output. In order to balance the respective thrust outputs, variable inlet guide vanes are controlled to decrease the fan mass flow in the operative engine and increase the fan mass flow in the inoperative engine. The variable inlet guide vanes are so constructed as to only partially span the fan duct so as to not appreciably affect the airflow to the core when the inlet guide vane angle setting is altered to allow the core to thereby retain a high level of supercharging during this operational period of maximum power demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1981
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rollin G. Giffin, III, Onofre T. M. Castells
  • Patent number: 4235454
    Abstract: A mobile medical diagnostic device having a mobility chassis with two supporting wheels and a central steerable drive wheel. The device has an electrical power steering system controlled by two synchronized handles operable by wrist action of an operator walking behind the device. The handles include a rotatable grip for controlling the velocity of the device. Advancing the grip actuates the throttle to the drive wheel and retarding the grip actuates a proportional electromechanical braking system. The device includes a proximity detector system which uses ultrasonic transducers to determine when an obstacle is within close proximity to the device, and to responsively and automatically actuate the brake system. The device has a stabilization system which automatically extends an outboard support on each side of the central wheel when the device is positioned for diagnostic analysis and automatically retracts the supports to facilitate mobility of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1980
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Floyd L. Gray, Jerome H. Adam, Larry Susami, Rick A. Zamzow
  • Patent number: 4233507
    Abstract: A table top is positioned on a base for supporting a patient between a radiation source and a radiation detector of the computed tomography system. The table top has a supporting surface which is translatable in the longitudinal direction of the computed tomography system. The table top includes a plurality of samples of reference materials which extend uniformly and longitudinally along the underside of the supporting surface. The reference materials are stable and homogeneous throughout their length and have properties which correspond to known radiation attenuation coefficients. Each computed tomography slice will include a slice of each of the samples of reference material. The resulting image will display a cross sectional slice of each samples which can be used to calibrate the system or correlate the images of the patient. The table top may be equipped with a removable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1980
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Donald J. Volz
  • Patent number: 4230436
    Abstract: Cooling airflow to the shroud support apparatus is varied in response to both rotor speed and elapsed time above a predetermined level by the selective use and mixture of two air sources at different temperatures. For steady-state operation, each of four different operating modes has its prescribed cooling air delivery mode such that, generally, as the engine speed and cycle temperatures increase, so does that of the cooling air. For transient operation, a timer is employed to sequence the desired cooling air delivery modes in such a manner as to maintain optimum rotor-to-shroud clearances during the transient period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1980
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Samuel H. Davison
  • Patent number: 4230439
    Abstract: A timing valve is responsive to certain hydraulic rotor speed input signals so as to schedule increased temperatures of air to a turbine shroud support in accordance with the thermal time constants of the rotor. Clearance between the rotor and the shroud is thereby minimized during both transient and steady-state operating conditions. Temperatures are incrementally increased by selectively combining air from the compressor fifth and ninth stage bleed manifolds. Under certain operating conditions, the timing valve is pre-empted and air is provided at a predetermined temperature level as a function of rotor speed only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1980
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph P. Smith, Jr., Robert L. Mentzer, Dana D. Freberg
  • Patent number: 4222708
    Abstract: An inherent eccentricity between the rotor bearings and the stator shroud is reduced by intentionally fabricating into each of a pair of frame annuluses, outer and inner surfaces which are relatively eccentric, and then rotating the annuluses with respect to each other until the inherent eccentricity is substantially offset. A method is provided to determine the optimum relative rotational positions as a function of the measured inherent eccentricity, and restrictions in the number of possible rotational positions are considered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1980
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Samuel H. Davison
  • Patent number: 4223222
    Abstract: A scintillation camera device has a suspension system for positioning a detector head attached to a suspended arm for imaging a portion of a patient. The suspended arm includes a linking member which is pivotally attached to the suspension system and which extends horizontal from the suspension system. A rigid member is pivotally attached to the linking member and provides horizontal articulation for the suspended arm. The rigid member has a yoke at the end thereof with the yoke having a base with ends adapted to pivotally retain the detector head. The rigid member has a generally arcuate shape which provides clearance for the patient whereby the rigid member can be extended over the patient and lowered for imaging a portion of the far side of the patient. The pivotal attachments of the linking member and the rigid member have releasable brakes to permit ready positioning of the detector head and subsequent locking of the head in that desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1980
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David A. Gray, Marvin L. Sivertsen, Jerome H. Adam, John F. Prendergast, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4222235
    Abstract: A variable cycle turboshaft engine includes a remote fan system and respective high and low pressure systems for selectively driving the fan system in such a manner as to provide VTOL takeoff capability and minimum specific fuel consumption (SFC) at cruise and loiter conditions. For takeoff the fan system is primarily driven by the relatively large low pressure system whose combustor receives the motive fluid from a core bypass duct and, for cruise and loiter conditions, the fan system is driven by both a relativelysmall high pressure core and the low pressure system with its combustor inoperative. A mixer is disposed downstream of the high pressure system for mixing the relatively cold air from the bypass duct and the relatively hot air from the core prior to its flow to the low pressure turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1980
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Arthur P. Adamson, Elmore V. Sprunger
  • Patent number: 4222234
    Abstract: A core engine with a single shaft driving both a forward and a rear fan, with the fans discharging into separate nozzles which are variable to direct exhaust gases in either the downward or rearward direction or in any direction therebetween. Separate flow modulating means are provided with the fans to selectively vary the respective thrusts produced. By selective modulation of the nozzles and the flow-varying means, both engine angle control and position control may be obtained in all three planes. A third variable position nozzle is provided to direct the discharge flow of the core turbine between the downward and rear directions to thereby augment the thrust and control functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1980
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Arthur P. Adamson
  • Patent number: 4221542
    Abstract: A shrouded blade for insertion into an axial disk slot and having a radial spacer and a circumferential groove is provided with a segmented retainer bar which fits into the circumferential groove to axially retain the blade. The retainer bar includes flanges which extend radially inward on either side of the spacer such that the spacer provides positive placement for the retainer bar in both the radial and circumferential directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1980
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald C. Acres, Robert D. Gravitt, Robert H. Roth
  • Patent number: 4217499
    Abstract: An axial tomography system is disclosed which includes an assembly rotatable about an axis extending along a central opening defined therein, and means for positioning the body portion to be examined within the central opening so that the axis of assembly rotation is perpendicular to a plane passing through the bodily structures to be examined. A source of penetrating radiation is mounted on the assembly toward one side thereof and provides radiation in the form of a fan beam. Means are provided for rotating the assembly so that the fan beam impinges upon said body portion at a plurality of incident directions. Detector means for the radiation are positioned on the assembly opposite the source, enabling detection of radiation which traverses laterally and is not absorbed in the thin body section in which the aforementioned plane resides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1980
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Janos A. Racz, Edward J. Seppi
  • Patent number: 4217498
    Abstract: An axial tomography system is disclosed which includes an assembly rotatable about an axis extending along a central opening defined therein, and means for positioning the body portion to be examined within the central opening so that the axis of assembly rotation is perpendicular to a plane passing through the bodily structures to be examined. A source of penetrating radiation is mounted on the assembly toward one side thereof and provides radiation in the form of a fan beam. Means are provided for rotating the assembly so that the fan beam impinges upon said body portion at a plurality of incident directions. Detector means for the radiation are positioned on the assembly opposite the source, enabling detection of radiation which traverses laterally and is not absorbed in the thin body section in which the aforementioned plane resides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1980
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Janos A. Racz, Edward J. Seppi
  • Patent number: 4216462
    Abstract: The system is composed of a plurality of bedside stations, each in the vicinity of a hospitalized patient, and each interconnected to a central station for monitoring and controlling the bedside stations. The bedside stations contain a plurality of physiological sensing and data sending modules. Each bedside unit contains a central processor for controlling the flow and format of data from the module and to the central station. The central station includes peripheral display units for selectively displaying data from each of the bedside stations. A central processor controls the flow of data from each bedside station to the peripheral displays and for communicating with each bedside processor. Data links are provided for the analog data from the central stations and data links for serial asynchronous data transmission from the bedside station to the central station and for commands from the central station to the bedside station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1980
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William J. McGrath, Regis P. DiGiacomo
  • Patent number: 4216381
    Abstract: A supporting structure allows a conventional, counterbalanced scintillation camera to be adapted for emission tomography analysis by rotating a detector in a circular orbit about a patient. The structure includes a base having a pair of upright stanchions supporting an upright circular frame which has a central, longitudinal axis. The upright circular frame comprises an outer circular ring and a concentric inner circular ring adapted for concentric relative rotation. An elongated frame pivotally supports a detector at one end and has a counterweight at the other end is tiltably mounted within the inner circular ring of the circular frame. The structure includes a drive system for rotating the elongated frame within the circular frame whereby the detector orbits the patient to receive emission data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1980
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Kai Lange
  • Patent number: 4214738
    Abstract: An isolation mount for damping radial vibration as well as axial vibrations without attendant shear forces to the elastomeric medium. A toroidal casing has a plate extending through its radially outer wall and terminating with flanges on its radially inner edge near a cylindrical core of the casing. Elastomeric O-rings are disposed on either side of the plate so as to be captured between the respective flange and oppositely disposed casing wall. Relative movement between the plate and the casing then results in compressive loads to certain portions of one or both of the O-rings, regardless of whether the relative motion is in the axial or radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1980
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Russell L. Casper
  • Patent number: 4205813
    Abstract: Cascades and associated blocker doors are provided in the lower section of a turbofan engine nacelle such that when the blocker doors are closed the bypass flow is diverted through the open cascades to produce vertical thrust. Vanes are provided in the cascades to assist in directing the diverted airflow in the downward direction. The upper section of the bypass duct is isolated from the lower cascade section by way of horizontal struts extending across the bypass duct. A pair of outer doors may be provided over the cascades such that, when opened, they act to provide side skirts to guide the downward flow of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1980
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert C. Evans, Robert C. Ammer
  • Patent number: RE30644
    Abstract: An ionization chamber for use in determining the spatial distribution of x-ray photons in tomography systems comprises a plurality of substantially parallel, planar anodes separated by parallel, planar cathodes and enclosed in a gas of high atomic weight at a pressure from approximately 10 atmospheres to approximately 50 atmospheres. The cathode and anode structures comprise metals which are substantially opaque to x-ray radiation and thereby tend to reduce the resolution limiting effects of x-ray fluoresence in the gas.In another embodiment of the invention the anodes comprise parallel conductive bars disposed between two planar cathodes.Guard rings eliminate surface leakage currents between adjacent electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nathan R. Whetten, John M. Houston