Patents Represented by Attorney Patrick K. Patnode

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  • Combustors with improved dynamics
    Patent number: 6269646
    Abstract: A combustor comprises an outer combustor casing defining a plurality of circumferentially adjoining combustion chambers. Each combustion chamber comprises a dome at an upstream end and an outlet at a downstream end. A plurality of pre-mixers are joined to the combustor dome of each respective combustion chamber. The pre-mixers comprise a duct having an inlet at one end for receiving compressed air, an outlet at an opposite end disposed in flow communication with the combustion chamber and a swirler disposed in the duct adjacent the duct inlet for swirling air channeled therethrough. A fuel injector is provided for injecting fuel into the pre-mixer ducts and for mixing with the air in the ducts for flow into the combustion chamber to generate a combustion flame at the duct outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jeffery Allan Lovett, Masayoshi Kuwata, Anil Gulati
  • Method and tool for electrochemical machining
    Patent number: 6267868
    Abstract: An electrode for use in an electrochemical machining process comprising an outer metal skin of corrosion resistant material, an inner core of conductive material, and an insulating coating disposed on an external surface of the outer metal skin. The external surface is partially coated with the insulating coating so as to define a pattern of raised areas to be formed on an internal surface of a predrilled hole in a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bin Wei, Bruce Alan Knudsen, William Thomas Carter, Jr., Hsin-Pang Wang
  • Method for electrochemical machining
    Patent number: 6264822
    Abstract: An electrode used as a tool in an electrochemical machining process to generate raised areas or ridges in the walls of a predrilled hole in an electrically conductive workpiece has an electrically conductive cylinder partially coated with an electrically insulating material in a pattern defining the raised areas to be formed. The pattern may comprise a plurality of spaced apart rings. An electrochemical machining method of drilling bulbs in the walls of a predrilled hole uses the electrode of the invention to greatly increase process efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bin Wei, Hsin-Pang Wang, John Peter Fura
  • Coolable airfoil assembly
    Patent number: 6261054
    Abstract: An apparatus and method including a closed-circuit coolable airfoil assembly for use and exposure in a hot fluid flow of a machine portion. The assembly includes a first flange configured to be connected with a casing of the machine portion. A second flange is configured to be connected with the casing. An airfoil is connected with and between the first flange and the second flange, the airfoil including a peripheral portion surrounding a medial portion. At least one channel is disposed in the peripheral portion, the channel extending between the first flange and the second flange and being in flow communication with each. A closed flow path is formed from the casing and through the first flange, the second flange and the channel in which a coolant fluid can pass to cool the airfoil assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald Scott Bunker, James William Bartos, Nicholas Damlis, Mark Eugene Noe, Steven Douglas Ward
  • Three dimensional spray coating method and simulation
    Patent number: 6256597
    Abstract: A spray coating simulation for a robotic spray gun assembly imports a discretized model of an object geometry. Next, the simulator imports a numerically characterized spray pattern file and a robot motion file having a plurality of motion positions, dwell times and orientations defining a motion path of the spray gun. The individual motion positions within the motion file are read and a determination is made as to which portions of the object geometry are visible at each motion position. Next, a coating thickness at each visible portion of the object geometry is computed, based on the specified spray pattern data, the dwell time and the orientation of the robot motion path, for each motion position. Finally, the total coating thickness over the object geometry is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Hsin-Pang Wang, Erin Marie Perry, Michael Charles Ostrowski, Andrew James Worsey, Sharon Trombly Swede
  • Model based assessment of locomotive engines
    Patent number: 6246950
    Abstract: A locomotive for model-based incipient failure detection includes at least one replaceable unit and at least one sensor to generate signals representative of current engine conditions related to the at least one replaceable unit. A controller includes an embedded replaceable unit model algorithm. Current operating conditions and ambient conditions are utilized within the algorithm to generate a model-based predicted value for the at least one sensor. The controller compares the at least one sensor signals to the model-based predicted values for calculating deviations therebetween and detecting incipient failure of the at least one replaceable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Warren Frank Bessler, Steven Hector Azzaro
  • Displacement controlled butt welding
    Patent number: 6239405
    Abstract: Two parts are coaxially aligned at opposing face ends. The parts are temporarily compressed together at the face ends during welding thereof to control size of the resulting weld joint. Temporary compression may be effected by applying a compression force through the parts to abut together the face ends, and then limiting plastic displacement of the parts at the weld joint during welding. The displacement control limits radial expansion at the weld joint in a preferred embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Marshall Gordon Jones, Carl Edward Erikson, Martin Norman Hassink
  • Method and tool for electrochemical machining
    Patent number: 6234752
    Abstract: An electrochemical machining process is disclosed for forming multiple raised areas having multiple heights in a wall of predrilled holes within a workpiece. Positioned within each hole is an electrode coated with an insulating material in a pattern defining the raised areas to be formed in the wall of each respective hole. An electric current is applied from a power supply to each of the electrodes. A resistor is positioned between the power supply and at least one of the electrodes to vary the voltage passing through the electrode to vary the amount of material removed within that respective hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bin Wei, Hsin-Ping Wang
  • Gas oven control
    Patent number: 6216683
    Abstract: A gas oven comprises at least a first burner element disposed within an oven cavity of the gas oven. A first control valve is disposed within a gas line connected to the burner element and to a gas source. The control valve controls gas flow to the burner element. A first temperature sensor is positioned so as to detect temperature about the burner element. A controller is electrically coupled to the temperature sensor and to the control valve wherein the controller ensures successful ignition of the burner element by monitoring the temperature signals generated from the temperature sensor to determine if the temperature signals increase a rate that is greater than a predetermined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: James Rollins Maughan
  • Tool for electrochemical machining
    Patent number: 6200439
    Abstract: An electrode used as a tool in an electrochemical machining process to generate raised areas or ridges in the walls of a predrilled hole in an electrically conductive workpiece has an electrically conductive cylinder partially coated with an electrically insulating material in a pattern defining the raised areas to be formed. The pattern may comprise a plurality of spaced apart rings. An electrochemical machining method of drilling bulbs in the walls of a predrilled hole uses the electrode of the invention to greatly increase process efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bin Wei, Hsin-Pang Wang, John Peter Fura
  • Nozzle box
    Patent number: 6196793
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for directing a flow of fluid to a turbine via a nozzle box mountable to encircle a shaft. The nozzle box includes a housing having an inner wall spaced from an outer wall and joined therewith so as to form a chamber therein. The housing also includes at least one inlet and at least one outlet in which each is in fluid flow communication with the chamber. A plurality of radially projecting nozzles are positioned between the inner and outer walls and located upstream of the outlet for directing the flow of fluid through the outlet. A flow distributor is positioned between the inner and outer walls and located upstream of the nozzles for directing the flow of fluid through the chamber and to the nozzles. The flow distributor is configured to obtain a substantially uniform flow of fluid to the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Mark Edward Braaten
  • Refrigeration system with independent compartment temperature control
    Patent number: 6196011
    Abstract: A refrigeration system is disposed within an outer cabinet having a freezer compartment and a fresh food compartment connected via a mullion opening. A compressor, a condenser, an expansion device and a freezer evaporator are connected in series to expand and condense a refrigerant to cool the compartments. A freezer compartment temperature sensor and a fresh food compartment temperature sensor are provided to sense compartment temperatures. A discrete speed freezer compartment fan directs cooling air throughout the freezer compartment and through the mullion opening to the fresh food compartment. A controller generates control signals to the discrete speed evaporator fan to operate at high speed if either the fresh food compartment or both the freezer and fresh food compartments demand cooling and at a low speed if only the freezer compartment demands cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Warren Frank Bessler
  • Short-pulse high-peak laser shock peening
    Patent number: 6197133
    Abstract: A target is laser shock peened by directing against an ablative coating thereon a laser beam pulse having a fluence, duration, and corresponding peak power effective for ablating the coating to form a plasma and shock wave therein. The plasma is confined adjacent the target to plastically deform the target by the shock wave to develop residual compressive stress therein. The pulse has a duration less than ten nanoseconds and a corresponding peak power for increasing coupling efficiency between the pulse and plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Josef Robert Unternahrer, William Taylor Lotshaw, Phillip Randall Staver
  • Reduced emissions gas turbine combustor
    Patent number: 6192689
    Abstract: An optimized combustor cooperating with a compressor in driving a gas turbine comprises a cylindrical outer combustor wall having an upstream fuel entry region and a downstream turbine entry region. An array of mixing holes are disposed about the periphery of the outer combustor wall adjacent to the fuel entry region so as to lower Nox production therein. An array of dilution holes are medially disposed within the outer combustor wall to provide an entry for dilution air to the combustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alan S. Feitelberg, Kevin Michael Elward, Robert Lee Hillis, Milton Bradford Hilt, John Francis Love, Roointon Erach Pavri, Richard Benjamin Schiefer, Richard Arthur Symonds
  • Cryostat, cryostat positioning method, and cryostat alignment set
    Patent number: 6185808
    Abstract: A cryostatic vessel is radially interconnected inside a tubular thermal shield. A shield first endplate includes a plurality of spacers which are disposed in axial abutment with a corresponding first endplate of the vessel during assembly. A shield second endplate is disposed in axial abutment against an opposite end of the shield, and includes alignment holes receiving corresponding alignment pins extending from an opposite endplate of the vessel. The spacers maintain a predetermined clearance between the endplates of the vessel and shield which clearance is precisely maintained upon fixedly joining both shield endplates to the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard Andrew Ranze, Kenneth Gordon Herd
  • Method and apparatus for imaging thin structures
    Patent number: 6182512
    Abstract: An exemplary imaging apparatus includes a wave generator for generating a wave in an article; a detector for detecting a wave in the article; and a processor which: forms a matched filter based on a response of the article to a wave propagated through the article; directs the wave generator to generate a wave at a plurality of generation positions; directs the detector to detect a motion of the article at a plurality of detection positions; forms a scan data set from the detected motion of the article; multiplies the scan data set by the matched filter to produce a compensated data set; and coherently sums data points in the compensated data set to produce a focused image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Peter William Lorraine
  • Airfoil with reduced heat load
    Patent number: 6183197
    Abstract: An airfoil with a reduced heat load for use in either a turbine or a compressor of a gas turbine engine comprises having at least one heat reducing dimple on the body of the airfoil or on the associated endwall of the airfoil. The body of the airfoil is comprised of a leading edge, a trailing edge, a pressure side and a suction side. The length of the heat reducing dimple in the expected direction of hot gas stream flow is at least equal to or greater than the width transverse to such direction. The heat reducing dimple is located on the airfoil or endwall so as to reduce the heat load as the hot gas stream flow passes from the leading edge to the trailing edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald Scott Bunker, Nesim Abuaf
  • Turbine blade tip with offset squealer
    Patent number: 6179556
    Abstract: An industrial turbine assembly comprises a plurality of rotating blade portions in a spaced relation with a stationary shroud. The rotating blade includes a root section, an airfoil having a pressure sidewall and a suction sidewall defining an outer periphery and a tip portion having a tip cap. An offset squealer is disposed on the tip cap. The offset squealer is positioned inward from the outer periphery of the rotating blade. The offset squealer increases the flow resistance and reduces the flow of hot gas flow leakage for a given pressure differential across the blade tip portion so as to improve overall turbine efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ronald Scott Bunker
  • Coolable airfoil
    Patent number: 6174133
    Abstract: Apparatus and method including a coolable airfoil for exposure in a hot fluid flow of a machine portion. The airfoil is configured to be connectable with the machine portion and includes a peripheral portion surrounding a medial portion, and a chordwise extending pressure side joined with a chordwise extending suction side. At least a first channel is disposed in the peripheral portion of the pressure side and at least a second channel is disposed in the peripheral portion of the suction side. A flow path is formed from the machine portion and through the first and second channels. The flow path is configured to direct a coolant fluid substantially radially outward through the first channel in the peripheral portion of the pressure side and substantially radially inward through the second channel in the peripheral portion of the suction side to cool the airfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ronald Scott Bunker
  • Dynamically uncoupled low nox combustor with axial fuel staging in premixers
    Patent number: 6164055
    Abstract: A low NOx combustor and method improve dynamic stability of a combustion flame fed by a fuel and air mixture. The combustor includes a chamber having a dome at one end thereof to which are joined a plurality of premixers. Each premixer includes a duct with a swirler therein for swirling air, and a plurality of fuel injectors for injecting fuel into the swirled air for flow into the combustion chamber to generate a combustion flame therein. The fuel injectors are axially staged at different axial distances from the dome to uncouple the fuel from combustion to reduce dynamic pressure amplitude of the combustion flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jeffery Allan Lovett, Steven George Goebel