Patents by Inventor Alexander Martin Sener

Alexander Martin Sener has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11952900
    Abstract: A variable guide vane assembly is provided for a turbine defining a core air flowpath. The variable guide vane assembly includes an airfoil band defining a flowpath surface and a cavity. The variable guide vane assembly further includes an airfoil including a first end extending at least partially into the cavity of the airfoil band and an opposite second end, the airfoil extending generally along an axis between the first end and the second end and being moveable generally about the axis relative to the airfoil band. The variable guide vane assembly further includes a sealing element operable to form a seal between the first end of the airfoil and the airfoil band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alexander Martin Sener, Brian David Keith, David Alan Frey, Jamil Darnell Grant
  • Patent number: 11879360
    Abstract: Nozzle segment assemblies for gas turbine engines include an outer band, inner band, and at least one airfoil body between the outer band and inner band. The airfoil body includes an outer end extending through the outer band and having an outer end reinforced wall portion engaging with the outer band and an inner end extending through the inner band and having an inner end reinforced wall portion engaging with the inner band. A thickness of the outer end and inner end reinforced wall portions are each greater than a thickness of a central wall portion of the airfoil body to reduce stresses in the airfoil body. The outer band, the inner band, and the airfoil bodies are ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials. Direct mounting of the airfoil bodies to the inner and outer hangers of the nozzle further reduce stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brian Gregg Feie, Alexander Martin Sener, Mark Holleran, Douglas G. Decesare
  • Patent number: 11846207
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a gas turbine engine and methods for assembling a nozzle assembly are provided. In one example aspect, the nozzle assembly includes an outer wall and an inner wall radially spaced from the outer wall. The outer wall defines a plurality of mounting openings spaced circumferentially from one another. The inner wall defines a plurality of mounting openings spaced circumferentially from one another. The mounting openings defined by the inner wall are positioned circumferentially between adjacent mounting openings defined by the outer wall. The nozzle assembly includes vanes that are inserted through the mounting openings of the outer wall in a radially inward direction and vanes that are inserted through the mounting openings of the inner wall in a radially outward direction in an alternating manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Alan Frey, Jeffrey Douglas Rambo, Alexander Martin Sener, Kirk Douglas Gallier
  • Publication number: 20230014436
    Abstract: A variable guide vane assembly is provided for a turbine defining a core air flowpath. The variable guide vane assembly includes an airfoil band defining a flowpath surface and a cavity. The variable guide vane assembly further includes an airfoil including a first end extending at least partially into the cavity of the airfoil band and an opposite second end, the airfoil extending generally along an axis between the first end and the second end and being moveable generally about the axis relative to the airfoil band. The variable guide vane assembly further includes a sealing element operable to form a seal between the first end of the airfoil and the airfoil band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Alexander Martin Sener, Brian David Keith, David Alan Frey, Jamil Darnell Grant
  • Publication number: 20220412222
    Abstract: An airfoil assembly defines an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, and includes an airfoil and an outer band disposed on an outer end of the airfoil in the radial direction. The outer band includes an outer attachment structure configured to secure the outer band to an outer support structure on an outer side of the outer band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Alexander Martin Sener, Matthew Mark Weaver, Lauren Rose Watson
  • Publication number: 20220341339
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a gas turbine engine and methods for assembling a nozzle assembly are provided. In one example aspect, the nozzle assembly includes an outer wall and an inner wall radially spaced from the outer wall. The outer wall defines a plurality of mounting openings spaced circumferentially from one another. The inner wall defines a plurality of mounting openings spaced circumferentially from one another. The mounting openings defined by the inner wall are positioned circumferentially between adjacent mounting openings defined by the outer wall. The nozzle assembly includes vanes that are inserted through the mounting openings of the outer wall in a radially inward direction and vanes that are inserted through the mounting openings of the inner wall in a radially outward direction in an alternating manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: David Alan Frey, Jeffrey Douglas Rambo, Alexander Martin Sener, Kirk Douglas Gallier
  • Patent number: 11391158
    Abstract: Airfoil assemblies for gas turbine engines are provided. For example, an airfoil assembly comprises an airfoil, an inner band defining an inner opening shaped complementary to an inner end of the airfoil, and an outer band defining an outer opening shaped complementary to an outer end of the airfoil. The airfoil inner end is received with the inner opening, and the airfoil outer end is received within the outer opening. A strut extends radially through an airfoil cavity. A first pad is defined at a first radial location within the cavity. A second pad is defined within the cavity at a second, different radial location. In some embodiments, the airfoil assembly inner band includes a first inner flange, through which the inner band is secured to a support structure, and the outer band includes a first outer flange, through which the outer band is secured to a support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Darrell Glenn Senile, Matthew Mark Weaver, Alexander Martin Sener
  • Publication number: 20220136397
    Abstract: Nozzle segment assemblies for gas turbine engines include an outer band, inner band, and at least one airfoil body between the outer band and inner band. The airfoil body includes an outer end extending through the outer band and having an outer end reinforced wall portion engaging with the outer band and an inner end extending through the inner band and having an inner end reinforced wall portion engaging with the inner band. A thickness of the outer end and inner end reinforced wall portions are each greater than a thickness of a central wall portion of the airfoil body to reduce stresses in the airfoil body. The outer band, the inner band, and the airfoil bodies are ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials. Direct mounting of the airfoil bodies to the inner and outer hangers of the nozzle further reduce stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Gregg Feie, Alexander Martin Sener, Mark Holleran, Douglas G. Decesare
  • Patent number: 11268394
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a gas turbine engine and methods for assembling a nozzle assembly are provided. In one example aspect, the nozzle assembly includes an outer wall and an inner wall radially spaced from the outer wall. The outer wall defines a plurality of mounting openings spaced circumferentially from one another. The inner wall defines a plurality of mounting openings spaced circumferentially from one another. The mounting openings defined by the inner wall are positioned circumferentially between adjacent mounting openings defined by the outer wall. The nozzle assembly includes vanes that are inserted through the mounting openings of the outer wall in a radially inward direction and vanes that are inserted through the mounting openings of the inner wall in a radially outward direction in an alternating manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Alan Frey, Jeffrey Douglas Rambo, Alexander Martin Sener, Kirk Douglas Gallier
  • Publication number: 20210285332
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a gas turbine engine and methods for assembling a nozzle assembly are provided. In one example aspect, the nozzle assembly includes an outer wall and an inner wall radially spaced from the outer wall. The outer wall defines a plurality of mounting openings spaced circumferentially from one another. The inner wall defines a plurality of mounting openings spaced circumferentially from one another. The mounting openings defined by the inner wall are positioned circumferentially between adjacent mounting openings defined by the outer wall. The nozzle assembly includes vanes that are inserted through the mounting openings of the outer wall in a radially inward direction and vanes that are inserted through the mounting openings of the inner wall in a radially outward direction in an alternating manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: David Alan Frey, Jeffrey Douglas Rambo, Alexander Martin Sener, Kirk Douglas Gallier
  • Publication number: 20210254469
    Abstract: Airfoil assemblies for gas turbine engines are provided. For example, an airfoil assembly comprises an airfoil, an inner band defining an inner opening shaped complementary to an inner end of the airfoil, and an outer band defining an outer opening shaped complementary to an outer end of the airfoil. The airfoil inner end is received with the inner opening, and the airfoil outer end is received within the outer opening. A strut extends radially through an airfoil cavity. A first pad is defined at a first radial location within the cavity. A second pad is defined within the cavity at a second, different radial location. In some embodiments, the airfoil assembly inner band includes a first inner flange, through which the inner band is secured to a support structure, and the outer band includes a first outer flange, through which the outer band is secured to a support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Darrell Glenn Senile, Matthew Mark Weaver, Alexander Martin Sener
  • Patent number: 11015613
    Abstract: A shroud assembly includes a shroud segment and a hanger. In one exemplary aspect, the shroud segment has a shroud body extending substantially along a circumferential direction between a first end and a second end. The shroud body defines a radial centerline along the circumferential direction. A flange is attached to or integral with the shroud body. The flange is pivotally coupled with the hanger at a location spaced from the radial centerline of the shroud body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel Patrick Kerns, Dennis Paul Dry, Megan Elizabeth Scheitlin, Alexander Martin Sener, Jason David Shapiro
  • Patent number: 10927677
    Abstract: Airfoil assemblies for gas turbine engines are provided. For example, an airfoil assembly comprises an airfoil, an inner band defining an inner opening shaped complementary to an inner end of the airfoil, and an outer band defining an outer opening shaped complementary to an outer end of the airfoil. The airfoil inner end is received with the inner opening, and the airfoil outer end is received within the outer opening. A strut extends radially through an airfoil cavity. A first pad is defined at a first radial location within the cavity. A second pad is defined within the cavity at a second, different radial location. In some embodiments, the airfoil assembly inner band includes a first inner flange, through which the inner band is secured to a support structure, and the outer band includes a first outer flange, through which the outer band is secured to a support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Darrell Glenn Senile, Matthew Mark Weaver, Alexander Martin Sener
  • Publication number: 20210040861
    Abstract: A variable guide vane assembly is provided for a turbine defining a core air flowpath. The variable guide vane assembly includes an airfoil band defining a flowpath surface and a cavity. The variable guide vane assembly further includes an airfoil including a first end extending at least partially into the cavity of the airfoil band and an opposite second end, the airfoil extending generally along an axis between the first end and the second end and being moveable generally about the axis relative to the airfoil band. The variable guide vane assembly further includes a sealing element operable to form a seal between the first end of the airfoil and the airfoil band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: Alexander Martin Sener, Brian David Keith, David Alan Frey, Jamil Darnell Grant
  • Patent number: 10822981
    Abstract: A variable guide vane assembly is provided for a turbine defining a core air flowpath. The variable guide vane assembly includes an airfoil band defining a flowpath surface and a cavity. The variable guide vane assembly further includes an airfoil including a first end extending at least partially into the cavity of the airfoil band and an opposite second end, the airfoil extending generally along an axis between the first end and the second end and being moveable generally about the axis relative to the airfoil band. The variable guide vane assembly further includes a sealing element operable to form a seal between the first end of the airfoil and the airfoil band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alexander Martin Sener, Brian David Keith, David Alan Frey, Jamil Darnell Grant
  • Patent number: 10815821
    Abstract: A stage of guide vanes for a machine includes a first variable vane assembly including an airfoil. The airfoil of the first variable vane assembly includes a first member and a second member each extending generally along a radial direction and the second member being moveable relative to the first member. The stage of guide vanes also includes a second variable vane assembly including an airfoil, the airfoil of the second variable vane assembly including a first member and a second member each extending generally along the radial direction and the second member being moveable relative to the first member, the second members of the airfoils of the first and second variable vane assemblies being moveable towards one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alexander Martin Sener, Frederick Martin Heise, Monty Lee Shelton
  • Publication number: 20200072075
    Abstract: A stage of guide vanes for a machine includes a first variable vane assembly including an airfoil. The airfoil of the first variable vane assembly includes a first member and a second member each extending generally along a radial direction and the second member being moveable relative to the first member. The stage of guide vanes also includes a second variable vane assembly including an airfoil, the airfoil of the second variable vane assembly including a first member and a second member each extending generally along the radial direction and the second member being moveable relative to the first member, the second members of the airfoils of the first and second variable vane assemblies being moveable towards one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: Alexander Martin Sener, Frederick Martin Heise, Monty Lee Shelton
  • Publication number: 20190284938
    Abstract: Airfoil assemblies for gas turbine engines are provided. For example, an airfoil assembly comprises an airfoil, an inner band defining an inner opening shaped complementary to an inner end of the airfoil, and an outer band defining an outer opening shaped complementary to an outer end of the airfoil. The airfoil inner end is received with the inner opening, and the airfoil outer end is received within the outer opening. A strut extends radially through an airfoil cavity. A first pad is defined at a first radial location within the cavity. A second pad is defined within the cavity at a second, different radial location. In some embodiments, the airfoil assembly inner band includes a first inner flange, through which the inner band is secured to a support structure, and the outer band includes a first outer flange, through which the outer band is secured to a support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Darrell Glenn Senile, Matthew Mark Weaver, Alexander Martin Sener
  • Publication number: 20190128131
    Abstract: A variable guide vane assembly is provided for a turbine defining a core air flowpath. The variable guide vane assembly includes an airfoil band defining a flowpath surface and a cavity. The variable guide vane assembly further includes an airfoil including a first end extending at least partially into the cavity of the airfoil band and an opposite second end, the airfoil extending generally along an axis between the first end and the second end and being moveable generally about the axis relative to the airfoil band. The variable guide vane assembly further includes a sealing element operable to form a seal between the first end of the airfoil and the airfoil band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Alexander Martin Sener, Brian David Keith, David Alan Frey, Jamil Darnell Grant
  • Publication number: 20180195403
    Abstract: A shroud assembly includes a shroud segment and a hanger. In one exemplary aspect, the shroud segment has a shroud body extending substantially along a circumferential direction between a first end and a second end. The shroud body defines a radial centerline along the circumferential direction. A flange is attached to or integral with the shroud body. The flange is pivotally coupled with the hanger at a location spaced from the radial centerline of the shroud body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel Patrick Kerns, Dennis Paul Dry, Megan Elizabeth Scheitlin, Alexander Martin Sener, Jason David Shapiro