Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Gene D. Fleischhauer
  • Method and apparatus for processing articles requiring a surface finish
    Patent number: 5214883
    Abstract: An apparatus 10 and method for providing a surface finish to articles 12 is disclosed. Various constructions and details are developed which promote the adaptability of the device and method to use in automated facilities employing flow lines to process articles. In one particular embodiment, articles 12 are disposed in predetermined volumes of finishing media 30 which are separated from each other, the finishing media being vibrated as the media is urged along a surface 58 from one location to another by a helicoid-type blade 66. In one embodiment, a media vibrator vibrates the surface 58 to vibrate the media. Any suitable device may be used to provide vibrational energy to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Naumec, Joseph E. Faucher
  • Flow directing element for the turbine of a rotary machine and method of operation therefor
    Patent number: 5209644
    Abstract: A flow directing element (such as a rotor blade 34 or a stator vane 44) for the turbine section 16 of a rotary machine is disclosed. Various construction details are developed which increase the aerodynamic efficiency of the flow directing element. In one embodiment, the flow directing element is a rotor blade 34 having a roughened surface which approximates the critical roughness characteristic of the airfoil. In one particular embodiment, the roughness average of the surface lies between 120 to 200 AA microinches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas E. Dorman
  • Combustion section supply system having fuel and water injection for a rotary machine
    Patent number: 5175994
    Abstract: A fuel supply system 32 for a rotary machine 10 is disclosed. Various construction details are developed which enable operation of a plurality of fuel injectors 28 in the machine at a low pressure drop with a wide range of fuel and water fuel rates. In one embodiment, an auxiliary water supply system supplies water at a location in close proximity to the fuel injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Theodore G. Fox, Martin J. Walsh, Bethuel M. Barnum, Jan B. Peyrot
  • Apparatus and method for suppressing sound in a gas turbine engine powerplant
    Patent number: 5157916
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for suppressing jet noise in a gas turbine engine powerplant 10 is disclosed. Various construction details are developed for providing sound suppression at sea level take-off operative conditions and not providing sound suppression at cruise operative conditions. In one embodiment, the powerplant 10 has a lobed mixer 152 between a primary flowpath 44 and a second flowpath 46, a diffusion region downstream of the lobed mixer region (first mixing region 76), and a deployable ejector/mixer 176 in the diffusion region which forms a second mixing region 78 having a diffusion flowpath 72 downstream of the ejector/mixer and sound absorbing structure 18 bounding the flowpath throughout the diffusion region. The method includes deploying the ejector/mixer 176 at take-off and stowing the ejector/mixer at cruise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Wynosky, Robert J. Mischke
  • Rotary machine having back to back turbines
    Patent number: 5156534
    Abstract: A rotary machine having a pair of back to back turbines in serial flow relationship is disclosed. Various construction details are developed which permit for a compact design. In one detailed embodiment the turbine has a housing having an inlet manifold and an exit manifold which are disposed between the outlet manifold for an associated turbopump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: N. Frank Burgy, Alfred M. Palgon, Bruce R. Branstrom
  • Stator assembly for a rotary machine
    Patent number: 5152666
    Abstract: A stator assembly 46 for an axial flow rotary machine 10 is disclosed. Various construction details which increase the efficiency of the machine are developed. In one embodiment, the machine includes a circumferentially continuous structural outer case and a circumferentially continuous inner case which is a pressure vessel for the working medium flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Philip S. Stripinis, Thomas C. Walsh
  • Blade lock for a rotor disk and rotor blade assembly
    Patent number: 5151013
    Abstract: A rotor disk 18 and rotor blade 26 assembly is disclosed having a blade lock 66 which retains the rotor blade against axial movement in an axially extending blade retention slot 58. Various construction details are developed which shield the dead rim region D.sub.d and shift at least a portion of the loads associated with the locking device from the dead rim. In one detailed embodiment, a projection 68 from the live rim D.sub.1 of the disk 18 is adapted by slots 86 to receive blade locks 66.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Jerry H. Moore
  • Buffer region for the nacelle of a gas turbine engine
    Patent number: 5127222
    Abstract: A buffer system for cooling a buffer region 66 in the nacelle 14 of a gas turbine engine 12 after engine shutdown is disclosed. Various construction details are developed for positively providing cooling air after engine operation to the buffer region of the nacelle, such as with a blower means 74. A coolable component 96, 98, 100, is disposed in the region. In one detailed embodiment, a shroud 72 extends about the buffer region and at least a portion of the coolable component is disposed in the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Ream, Robert Bubello
  • Method of operating a combustion chamber for a gas turbine engine
    Patent number: 5109664
    Abstract: A method for operating a combustion chamber 12 for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. Various details of the method are developed which improve the ability of the combustion chamber 12 to avoid blow-outs of the combustion chamber. In one particular embodiment, the method employs a fuel distribution valve 12 having ports which provide equal flows through equal flow areas at high power, high aircraft Mach number (such as, greater than 0.8 M) operation while providing unequal flows through unequal flow areas at certain preselected low power operative conditions of the engine which follow the high power operative condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jervis D. Kester, Clarence P. Redington
  • Apparatus for supporting a rotating shaft in a rotary machine
    Patent number: 5110257
    Abstract: A rotary machine 10 includes a rotor shaft 40 and a support system 63 for the shaft. The support system includes a spring 68 and viscous damper 70. Apparatus for removing oil from the damper at preselected rotor speeds is provided and in one embodiment permits operating the engine over a rotor speed range which avoids critical speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: David H. Hibner, Dennis F. Buono, Kurt M. Dembeck, Roy D. Franceschet
  • Method for forming a drain assembly
    Patent number: 5095617
    Abstract: A method of forming a drain assembly 30 for a case 26 is disclosed. Various construction details are developed for minimizing the radial profile and facilitating assembly to an opening in the case while blocking the passage of flames from the exterior to the interior. In one embodiment, the method of forming the drain assembly 30 includes disposing a cover 42 facing one side of the case which has a passage 48 therethrough, disposing a plate 58 having a passage 62 on the other side of the case, and disposing a baffle 66 in the opening to block flames from passing between the cover side of the case and the plate side of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Mark W. Costa, Steven P. Shach
  • Bowed airfoil for the compression section of a rotary machine
    Patent number: 5088892
    Abstract: An airfoil for a compression section 12 of a rotary machine 10 is disclosed. Various construction details are developed to increase the efficiency of the compression section 12. In one detailed embodiment, the airfoil has a spanwise axis 52 or stacking line which extends in a generally radial direction. The stacking line or spanwise axis 52 is straight over the mid-section of the airfoil and is angled circumferentially toward the radial direction in the end wall regions 58, 66 of the airfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Harris D. Weingold, Robert J. Neubert, John G. Andy, Roy F. Behlke, Glen E. Potter
  • Seal assembly
    Patent number: 5085313
    Abstract: A seal assembly 74 used between two members 42, 45 which are capable of relative movement is disclosed. Various construction details are developed which enable the seal assembly to accommodate other movement in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement while accommodating movement in the direction of movement. In one embodiment, the seal assembly extends between two circumferentially extending surfaces which face each other. The seal assembly is formed of a plurality of circumferentially spaced seal elements 74 having flaps 116 which are radially and circumferentially flexible but relatively stiff in the axial direction in comparison to the radial and circumferential flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Naumec, Joseph E. Faucher
  • Drain assembly
    Patent number: 5054282
    Abstract: A drain assembly 30 for a case 26 is disclosed. Various construction details are developed for minimizing the radial profile and facilitating assembly to an opening in the case while blocking the passage of flames from the exterior to the interior. In one embodiment, the drain assembly 30 has a cover 42 facing one side of the case with passages 48 therethrough, a plate 58 having a passage 62 on the other side of the case, and a baffle 66 disposed in the opening to block flames from passing between the cover side of the case and the plate side of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Mark W. Costa, Steven P. Shach
  • Premounting retainer for a gas turbine engine
    Patent number: 5031396
    Abstract: Stator structure for a gas turbine engine is disclosed which has retainers 26, 28 for engaging a heavy component, such as an electronic engine control 18. The retainers restrain the component against movement during installation. Various construction details which permit the stator structure to engage the component during assembly and yet allow for easy removal of the component are developed. In one embodiment, the stator structure includes a pair of circumferentially spaced retainers 26, 28 having channels 44 which open to each receive a mating element 46 on an engine component to support and position the component during installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Norman G. Margnelli
  • Buffer region for the nacelle of a gas turbine engine
    Patent number: 5012639
    Abstract: A buffer system for cooling a buffer region 66 in the nacelle 14 of a gas turbine engine 12 after engine shutdown is disclosed. Various construction details are developed for positively providing cooling air after engine operation to the buffer region of the nacelle, such as with a blower means 74. A coolable component 96, 98, 100, is disposed in the region. In one detailed embodiment, a shroud 72 extends about the buffer region and at least a portion of the coolable component is disposed in the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Ream, Robert Bubello
  • Fuel distribution valve for a combustion chamber
    Patent number: 5003771
    Abstract: A fuel distribution valve 16 for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. Various construction details are developed which improve the ability of the combustion chamber 12 to avoid blowouts of the combustion chamber. In one particular embodiment, the fuel distribution valve has ports 38 for controlling the fuel flow to fuel nozzles 14 in the combustion chamber. The ports provide equal flow area at high engine power, high aircraft Mach number (greater than 0.8M) operation while providing unequal flow areas at certain preselected low power operative conditions of the engine which follow the high power operative condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jervis D. Kester, Clarence P. Redington
  • Apparatus for supporting a rotating shaft in a rotary machine
    Patent number: 4983051
    Abstract: A rotary machine 10 includes a rotor shaft 40 and a support system 63 for the shaft. The support system includes a spring 68 and viscous damper 70.Means for removing oil from the damper at preselected rotor speeds is provided and in one embodiment permits operating the engine over a rotor speed range which avoids critical speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: David H. Hibner, Dennis F. Buono, Kurt M. Dembeck, Roy D. Franceschet
  • Dual fuel injector
    Patent number: 4977740
    Abstract: A fuel injector 28 for gaseous and liquid fuel is disclosed. Various construction details are developed to enhance mixing and reduce nitrogen oxide emissions in a compact design. In one embodiment of the invention, the fuel nozzle 28 includes two radially spaced passages 68, 104 for air having swirlers 86, 112 and a liquid fuel passage 57 disposed between the air passages and a gaseous fuel passage 116 outwardly of the outermost air passage. In one detailed embodiment, a center body 76 is disposed in the inner air chamber to promote re-ciruclation of the hot gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Madden, Barry C. Schlein, W. Barry Wagner
  • Apparatus and process for forming an aqueous solution
    Patent number: 4973529
    Abstract: An apparatus 124 using an aqueous solution consisting essentially of water for forming a compound which retards the deposition of iron-based compounds is disclosed. The apparatus includes a chamber 138 for forming steam which is injected through a nozzle 148 into a chamber 136. The pH of the aqueous solution, which is acidic, is raised in the presence of oxygen to cause Fe++ to come out of solution as a precipitate and the oxygen level is lowered to limit the growth in size of the precipitate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: International Fuel Cells
    Inventors: Albert P. Grasso, Wolfgang M. Vogel, William A. Taylor, Bryan F. Dufner