Patents by Inventor Daniel A. Bales

Daniel A. Bales 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: 11852035
    Abstract: An airfoil for a gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an airfoil body extending between leading and trailing edges and extending from a root section, and the airfoil body defining pressure and suction sides. The airfoil body defines a recessed region extending inwardly from at least one of the pressure and suction sides, and the airfoil body includes one or more ribs that define a plurality of pockets within a perimeter of the recessed region. A plurality of cover skins is welded to the airfoil body along the one or more ribs to enclose respective ones of the plurality of pockets. The plurality of cover skins are formed from a common cover having a perimeter that is dimensioned to mate with the perimeter of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: RTX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel A. Bales, Michael DuPont, Eric W. Malmborg
  • Patent number: 11781436
    Abstract: An airfoil for a gas turbine engine includes a first portion joined to a second portion along an interface such that at least the first portion establishes an airfoil section and the second portion establishes a root section. The airfoil section includes an airfoil body that extends between leading and trailing edges in a chordwise direction, between pressure and suction sides separated in a thickness direction, and from the root section to a tip portion in a spanwise direction. A recessed region extends inwardly from at least one of the pressure and suction sides. The airfoil body includes at least one rib that bounds a respective pocket within a perimeter of the recessed region. The recessed region and the at least one rib are dimensioned to extend across the interface. A cover skin is coupled to the airfoil body along the at least one rib to enclose the recessed region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: RTX Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel A. Bales, Dmitri Novikov, Robert C. Dolan, Eric W. Malmborg, Steven T. Gordon
  • Patent number: 11673188
    Abstract: A furnace for removing a molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core through sublimation comprising a retort furnace having an interior; a sublimation fixture insertable within the interior of the retort furnace, the sublimation fixture configured to receive at least one turbine blade having the molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core; a flow passage thermally coupled to the retort furnace configured to heat a fluid flowing through the flow passage and deliver the fluid to the molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core causing sublimation of the molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel A. Bales, Thomas DeMichael
  • Patent number: 11634989
    Abstract: During a bonding process, a tip cap and an airfoil base are provided. The tip cap is arranged on the airfoil base. The tip cap is diffusion bonded to the airfoil base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel A. Bales, Brian T. Hazel, Thomas DeMichael
  • Patent number: 11602809
    Abstract: A fixture assembly includes a first fixture portion, a second fixture portion that interfaces with the first fixture portion, and a sub-fixture movably mounted to the first fixture portion. A multiple of actuators selectively move the sub-fixture toward the second fixture portion. A method of manufacturing a fan blade includes deploying the sub-fixture from the first fixture portion to effectuate a peripheral diffusion bond to join the blade body and the cover of the fan blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel A. Bales, Thomas DeMichael
  • Patent number: 11512610
    Abstract: A clamp for securing a component to an isogrid case of a gas turbine engine includes a top having an attachment feature for coupling the clamp to the component. The clamp further includes a bottom. The clamp further includes two sides extending from the top towards the bottom, each of the two sides being thicker at the bottom than at the top, and the two sides defining a shaped slot closer to the bottom than the top for receiving a rib of the isogrid case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel A. Bales, William Bogue, Stuart C. Kozan
  • Patent number: 11448227
    Abstract: A tool for simultaneous local stress relief of each of a multiple of linear friction welds includes a columnar track defined along an axis, the columnar track having a helical slot; and a support structure engaged with the helical slot to translate and rotate a heat treat fixture portion along the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel A. Bales, Andrew L. Haynes, Luke H. Rettberg
  • Patent number: 11370016
    Abstract: A mounting plate for forming a gas turbine engine component according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a plate body defining an abutment dimensioned to mate with a forming die. The plate body defines at least one internal cooling circuit. The at least one internal cooling circuit includes a passageway having an intermediate portion interconnecting inlet and outlet portions. The intermediate portion is dimensioned to follow a perimeter of the abutment. The intermediate portion includes a plurality of fins extending partially from a first sidewall towards a second sidewall opposed to the first sidewall. A method of forming a gas turbine engine component is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daniel A. Bales
  • Publication number: 20220168803
    Abstract: A furnace for removing a molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core through sublimation comprising a retort furnace having an interior; a sublimation fixture insertable within the interior of the retort furnace, the sublimation fixture configured to receive at least one turbine blade having the molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core; a flow passage thermally coupled to the retort furnace configured to heat a fluid flowing through the flow passage and deliver the fluid to the molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core causing sublimation of the molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2022
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Applicant: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel A. Bales, Thomas DeMichael
  • Patent number: 11346362
    Abstract: A fixture assembly including a first fixture portion; a second fixture portion that interfaces with the first fixture portion; and a bladder assembly mounted to the second fixture portion to face the first fixture portion. A method of manufacturing a fan blade includes inserting a blade body and a cover into a fixture; and deploying a bladder assembly within the fixture to press the cover into the blade body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel A. Bales, Thomas DeMichael
  • Publication number: 20220145763
    Abstract: An airfoil for a gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an airfoil body extending between leading and trailing edges in a chordwise direction and extending from a root section in a spanwise direction, and the airfoil body defining pressure and suction sides separated in a thickness direction. The airfoil body defines a recessed region extending inwardly from at least one of the pressure and suction sides, and the airfoil body includes one or more ribs that define a plurality of pockets within a perimeter of the recessed region. A plurality of cover skins is welded to the airfoil body along the one or more ribs to enclose respective ones of the plurality of pockets. The plurality of cover skins formed from a common cover having a perimeter that is dimensioned to mate with the perimeter of the recess. A method of forming a gas turbine engine component is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Daniel A. Bales, Michael DuPont, Eric W. Malmborg
  • Patent number: 11325182
    Abstract: A furnace for removing a molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core through sublimation comprising a retort furnace having an interior; a sublimation fixture insertable within the interior of the retort furnace, the sublimation fixture configured to receive at least one turbine blade having the molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core; a flow passage thermally coupled to the retort furnace configured to heat a fluid flowing through the flow passage and deliver the fluid to the molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core causing sublimation of the molybdenum-alloy refractory metal core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel A. Bales, Thomas DeMichael
  • Publication number: 20220127966
    Abstract: An airfoil for a gas turbine engine includes a first portion joined to a second portion along an interface such that at least the first portion establishes an airfoil section and the second portion establishes a root section. The airfoil section includes an airfoil body that extends between leading and trailing edges in a chordwise direction, between pressure and suction sides separated in a thickness direction, and from the root section to a tip portion in a spanwise direction. A recessed region extends inwardly from at least one of the pressure and suction sides. The airfoil body includes at least one rib that bounds a respective pocket within a perimeter of the recessed region. The recessed region and the at least one rib are dimensioned to extend across the interface. A cover skin is coupled to the airfoil body along the at least one rib to enclose the recessed region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Daniel A. Bales, Dmitri Novikov, Robert C. Dolan, Eric W. Malmborg, Steven T. Gordon
  • Patent number: 11267075
    Abstract: A laser welding by-product removal device comprises a housing that includes distal and proximate ends separated along a central axis by a peripheral sidewall. A first plenum circumscribes the peripheral sidewall at the proximate housing end and includes a gas inlet and a first plenum base surface that includes a plurality of gas outlet holes. A second plenum circumscribes the peripheral sidewall between the first plenum and the distal housing end, where the second plenum includes a second plenum base surface, radially inner and outer sidewalls that extend axially distal from the second plenum base surface. The second plenum includes a top surface extending between the radially inner and outer sidewalls, and a by-product outlet in the top surface, where at least one of the second plenum base surface and the radially outer sidewall includes a plurality of by-product inlet holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel A. Bales
  • Patent number: 11248477
    Abstract: An airfoil for a gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first portion welded to a second portion along an interface such that at least the first portion establishes an airfoil section and the second portion establishes a root section mountable to a rotatable hub. The airfoil section includes an airfoil body extending between leading and trailing edges in a chordwise direction, extending between pressure and suction sides separated in a thickness direction, and extending from the root section in a spanwise direction to a tip portion. A recessed region extends inwardly from at least one of the pressure and suction sides. The airfoil body includes at least one rib bounding a respective pocket within a perimeter of the recessed region. A cover skin is welded to the airfoil body along the at least one rib to enclose the recessed region. A method of forming a gas turbine engine component is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel A. Bales, Dmitri Novikov, Robert C. Dolan, Eric W. Malmborg, Steven T. Gordon
  • Patent number: 11236619
    Abstract: An airfoil for a gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an airfoil body extending between leading and trailing edges in a chordwise direction and extending from a root section in a spanwise direction, and the airfoil body defining pressure and suction sides separated in a thickness direction. The airfoil body defines a recessed region extending inwardly from at least one of the pressure and suction sides, and the airfoil body includes one or more ribs that define a plurality of pockets within a perimeter of the recessed region. A plurality of cover skins is welded to the airfoil body along the one or more ribs to enclose respective ones of the plurality of pockets. The plurality of cover skins formed from a common cover having a perimeter that is dimensioned to mate with the perimeter of the recess. A method of forming a gas turbine engine component is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel A. Bales, Michael DuPont, Eric W. Malmborg
  • Patent number: 11231046
    Abstract: An airfoil includes a first airfoil piece and a second airfoil piece that is bonded to the first airfoil piece at a joint. The first airfoil piece and the second airfoil piece are formed of aluminum alloys. At least one of the aluminum alloys is an aluminum alloy composition that has greater than 0.8% by weight of zinc. The joint includes a braze element of magnesium, zinc, or combinations thereof in a higher concentration than in other portions of the first airfoil piece and the second airfoil piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas J. Watson, Daniel A. Bales
  • Patent number: 11192205
    Abstract: A self-leveling container that contains argon gas for laser welding of a work piece includes a base surface, a plurality of pleated sidewalls, each comprising an associated distal sidewall end and an associated proximate sidewall end, where the proximate sidewall end is sealed to the base surface. A frame includes a plurality of frame segments, each secured to an associated one of the distal sidewall ends. A plurality of actuators, each located with one intersection of the plurality of frame segments, linearly move its associated one intersection of the plurality frame segments so a plane formed by the frame segments remains parallel to a planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel A. Bales
  • Patent number: 11174737
    Abstract: An airfoil for a gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an airfoil body defining a recessed region and including at least one rib dimensioned to loop about a respective pocket within a perimeter of the recessed region. At least one cover skin is welded to the airfoil body along the at least one rib to enclose the recessed region. The at least one cover skin is welded to the at least one rib along a respective weld path. The weld path defines a weld width, the at least one rib defines a rib width, and a ratio of the weld width to the rib width is equal to or greater than 3:1 for each position along the weld path. A method of forming a gas turbine engine component is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert C. Dolan, Michael A. Weisse, Daniel A. Bales, Steven T. Gordon, Dmitri Novikov, Eric W. Malmborg, Francis B. Parisi
  • Publication number: 20210332706
    Abstract: During a bonding process, a tip cap and an airfoil base are provided. The tip cap is arranged on the airfoil base. The tip cap is diffusion bonded to the airfoil base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel A. Bales, Brian T. Hazel, Thomas DeMichael