Patents by Inventor Allister W. James

Allister W. James 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).

  • Publication number: 20090075112
    Abstract: A combustion turbine component (10) includes a combustion turbine component substrate (16) and an alloy coating (14) on the combustion turbine component substrate. The alloy coating (14) includes iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), at least one of titanium (Ti) and molybdenum (Mo), at least one rare earth element, and an oxide of the at least one rare earth element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: SIEMENS POWER GENERATION, INC.
    Inventors: Anand A. Kulkarni, Allister W. James, Douglas J. Arrell
  • Publication number: 20090075110
    Abstract: A combustion turbine component (10) includes a combustion turbine component substrate (16) and an alloy coating (14) on the combustion turbine component substrate. The alloy coating (14) includes a first amount, by weight percent, of nickel (Ni) and a second amount, by weight percent, of cobalt (Co), the first amount being greater than the second amount. The alloy coating also includes chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), and yttrium (Y). The alloy coating further includes at least one of titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), tungsten (W), and rhenium (Re). Moreover, the alloy coating includes at least one rare earth element, and an oxide of at least one of the yttrium the at least one rare earth element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventors: Anand A. Kulkarni, Allister W. James, Douglas J. Arrell
  • Publication number: 20090075111
    Abstract: A combustion turbine component (10) includes a combustion turbine component substrate (16) and an alloy coating (14) on the combustion turbine component substrate. The alloy coating (14) includes nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), and yttrium (Y). Furthermore, the alloy coating includes at least one of titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), tungsten (W), and rhenium (Re). The alloy coating also includes at least one rare earth element, and an oxide of at least one of the yttrium (Y) and the at least one rare earth element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: SIEMENS POWER GENERATION, INC.
    Inventors: Anand A. Kulkarni, Allister W. James, Douglas J. Arrell
  • Publication number: 20090075101
    Abstract: A combustion turbine component (10) includes a combustion turbine component substrate (16) and an alloy coating (14) on the combustion turbine component substrate. The alloy coating (14) includes a first amount, by weight percent, of cobalt (Co) and a second amount, by weight percent, of nickel (Ni), the first amount being greater than the second amount. The alloy coating further includes chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al), at least one rare earth element, and an oxide of the at least one rare earth element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventors: Anand A. Kulkarni, Allister W. James, Douglas J. Arrell
  • Publication number: 20090041615
    Abstract: Disclosed are novel nickel-base alloy compositions that may be cast as a single crystal or directionally solidified alloy consisting essentially of, by weight: 8-12% Cr, 10-14% Co, 0.3-0.9% Mo, 3-7% W, 2-8% Ta, 2.0-5.5% Al, 1.5-5.0% Ti, up to 2% Nb, less than 0.1% B, less than 0.1% Zr, 0.05-0.15% C, less than 0.5% Hf, 2-4% Re, 0.05-0.2% Si, up to 0.015% S, up to 0.1% La, up to 0.1% Y, up to 0.1% Ce, up to 0.1% Nd, up to 0.1% Dy, up to 0.1% Pr, up to 0.1% Gd, balance is Ni, and wherein (La+Y+Ce+Nd+Dy+Pr+Gd) is 0.001-0.1%. The compositions for the nickel-base superalloy have a balance between oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance, castability, and mechanical properties, such as creep resistance and thermo-mechanical fatigue resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: SIEMENS POWER GENERATION, INC.
    Inventors: Allister W. James, Gerhard E. Fuchs, Douglas J. Arrell
  • Publication number: 20080298975
    Abstract: The present invention provides near-surface cooled airfoils that can be made with near-surface cooling passages that are completely free of any leachable or otherwise sacrificial material in the recessed portion of the outer surface of the core. The turbine airfoil comprises a metallic core or substrate having an outer surface and one or a plurality of recessed portions of the outer surface; an intermediate metallic skin or foil having a back surface and a top surface, the back surface of the intermediate skin being bonded to the outer surface of the core such that the recessed portion(s) is sufficiently enclosed so as to form at least one or more near-surface cooling passages or pathways; and at least one or more metallic coatings of a high temperature-resistant metallic material deposited on a top surface of the intermediate skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Allister W. James, Anand A. Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 7452182
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a modular turbine vane assembly. The vane assembly includes an airfoil portion, an outer shroud and an inner shroud. The airfoil portion can be made of at least two segments. Preferably, the components are connected together so as to permit assembly and disassembly of the vane. Thus, in the event of damage to the vane, repair involves the replacement of only the damaged subcomponents as opposed to the entire vane. The modular design facilitates the use of various materials in the vane, including materials that are dissimilar. Thus, suitable materials can be selected to optimize component life, cooling air usage, aerodynamic performance, and cost. Because the vane is an assemblage of smaller sub-components as opposed to one unitary structure, the individual components of the vane can be more easily manufactured and more intricate features can be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Vance, Allister W. James
  • Publication number: 20080260572
    Abstract: A nickel-based superalloy having a good balance between corrosion and oxidation resistance. The alloy provides good mechanical properties. The superalloy is suited for directional solidification casting but can also be used for conventional or single crystal casting techniques. The superalloy is well suited for the hot section components such as blades, vanes and ring segments for gas turbine engines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Allister W. James, Douglas J. Arrell
  • Publication number: 20080260571
    Abstract: A nickel-based superalloy that forms a chromia scale in an oxidizing environment is disclosed. The alloy provides good oxidation resistance at temperatures below 900° C. in a dry or moist atmosphere. The superalloy is well-suited for components of gas or steam turbine engines including blades and vanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Douglas J. Arrell, Allister W. James
  • Publication number: 20080251165
    Abstract: A heat treatment process for a component of a turbine engine formed from multiple materials, such as steel and nickel. The heat treatment process includes two stages: a first stage for austinitizing the steel and solutioning the nickel, and a second stage for ageing and tempering the materials. The heat treatment process may include heating a component formed from a steel portion and a nickel portion such that the steel portion austinitizes and the nickel portion undergoes solutioning, cooling the component to prevent the excessive formation of gamma prime ({grave over (?)}), and subjecting the component to a temper heat treatment during which martensite tempering occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Douglas J. Arrell, Allister W. James
  • Publication number: 20080253894
    Abstract: A method of forming a rotor for a turbine engine such that the rotor is formed of two materials including: an outer ring formed from a first steel material, and a disk formed from a second material, such as a low alloy steel, having a larger thermal expansion coefficient than the first material forming the inner disk. The ring may include an inner aperture having a conical shape, and the disk may have an outer surface with a conical shape and a diameter with a portion that is larger than a portion of the ring. The ring may be heated such that the aperture expands to a size greater than the largest diameter of the inner disk. The ring may be positioned over the disk and allowed to cool to allow the ring to be attached to the disk. The ring and disk may then be co-forged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Douglas J. Arrell, Allister W. James
  • Publication number: 20080253890
    Abstract: A method of forming a rotor for a turbine engine such that the rotor is formed of two materials including: an inner disk formed from a first material, such as steel, and an outer ring formed from a second material, such as a nickel alloy, having a larger thermal expansion coefficient than the first material forming the inner disk. The ring may include an inner aperture having a conical shape, and the disk may have an outer surface with a conical shape and a diameter with a portion that is larger than a portion of the ring. The ring may be heated such that the aperture expands to a size greater than the largest diameter of the inner disk. The ring may be positioned over the disk and allowed to cool to allow the ring to be attached to the disk. The ring and disk may then be co-forged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Douglas J. Arrell, Allister W. James
  • Publication number: 20080250641
    Abstract: A turbine airfoil system for forming a turbine airfoil that is usable in a turbine engine. The airfoil may be formed from a porous material shaped into an outer airfoil shape. The porous material may include an inner central spar capable of supporting the turbine airfoil an outer porous region and an outer coating. The porous material facilitates efficient cooling of the turbine airfoil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Allister W. James, Douglas J. Arrell
  • Publication number: 20080253923
    Abstract: A nickel-based superalloy that forms a chromia scale in an oxidizing environment is disclosed. The alloy provides good oxidation resistance at temperatures below 900° C. in a dry or moist atmosphere. The superalloy is suited for components of gas or steam turbine engines including blades and vanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Douglas J. Arrell, Allister W. James
  • Publication number: 20080254276
    Abstract: A system for forming a surface coating on an outer surface of a foam for use with cooling system of turbine engines. The system may include removing filler from the outer surface of the foam to expose a porous structure of the foam, whereby portions of the porous structure extend outwardly from a newly formed outer surface of the filler. A surface layer may be applied to the outer surface of the filler and exposed portions of the porous structure, whereby the surface layer is attached to the porous structure at least in part due to mechanical interaction with the portions of the porous structure extending outwardly from the newly formed outer surface of the filler. The filler material may then be removed from the porous structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Allister W. James, Douglas J. Arrell
  • Publication number: 20080166585
    Abstract: A method for welding to a superalloy material without causing cracking of the material. The method includes the steps of depositing a weld strip (18) of a weldable material onto a superalloy substrate material (12) using a spray deposition process (20) and then forming a weldment (26) to the weld strip. None or a controlled amount of the substrate material (12) is melted during the weld in order to maintain the concentration of strengthening elements in the local melt within a zone of weldability. The spray deposition process may be a thermal process such as HVOF or a cold spray process. A groove (16) may be formed in a surface (10) of the superalloy substrate material to receive the weld strip. A diffusion heat treatment step may be used to improve adhesion between the weld strip and the superalloy material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: David B. Allen, Allister W. James, David W. Hunt
  • Patent number: 7334995
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to a turbine blade assembly and an associated method of manufacture. The turbine blade assembly can include: (a) a unitary structure having an airfoil and a primary root portion; (b) a separately-formed platform; and (c) a secondary root portion that cooperates with the primary root portion to define a root. The platform can be secured in place between the structure and the secondary root portion. In a preferred embodiment, the structure can be formed by casting, and the secondary root portion can be formed by powder metallurgy. Ideally, the structure is configured so as to avoid large changes in section size or to at least make such changes gradual, particularly in transitioning from the airfoil to the primary root portion. The turbine blade assembly can reduce the propensity for defects to form during the manufacturing process. Thus, higher casting yields can be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventor: Allister W. James
  • Patent number: 6132527
    Abstract: A new nickel base superalloy suitable for compressor or turbine discs of gas turbine engines with fatigue crack propagation resistance equal to Waspaloy, tensile strength higher than Waspaloy and higher operating temperature than Waspaloy or UDIMET 720 family of alloys. The nickel base superalloy has a preferred composition by weight % of 14.0-19.0% cobalt, 14.35-15.15 Chromium, 4.25-5.25 Molybdenum, 1.35-2.15 tantalum, 3.45-4.15 titanium, 2.85-3.15 aluminium, 0.01-0.025 boron, 0.012-0.033 carbon, 0.05-0.07 zirconium, 0.5-1.0 hafnium, up to 1.0 rhenium, up to 2.0 tungsten, less than 0.5 niobium, up to 0.1 yttrium, up to 0.1 vanadium, up to 1.0 iron, up to 0.2 silicon, up to 0.15 manganese and balance nickel plus incidental impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Steven J Hessell, Wayne Voice, Allister W James, Sarah A Blackham, Colin J Small, Michael R Winstone
  • Patent number: 5897718
    Abstract: A new nickel base superalloy suitable for compressor or turbine discs of gas turbine engines with fatigue crack propagation resistance equal to Waspaloy, tensile strength higher than Waspaloy and higher operating temperature than Waspaloy or UDIMET 720 family of alloys. The nickel base superalloy has a preferred composition by weight % of 14.0-19.0% cobalt, 14.35-15.15 Chromium, 4.25-5.25 Molybdenum, 1.35-2.15 tantalum, 3.45-4.15 titanium, 2.85-3.15 aluminium, 0.01-0.025 boron, 0.012-0.033 carbon, 0.05-0.07 zirconium, 0.5-1.0 hafnium, up to 1.0 rhenium, up to 2.0 tungsten, less than 0.5 niobium, up to 0.1 yttrium, up to 0.1 vanadium, up to 1.0 iron, up to 0.2 silicon, up to 0.15 manganese and balance nickel plus incidental impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Steven J Hessell, Wayne Voice, Allister W James, Sarah A Blackham, Colin J Small, Michael R Winstone