Patents by Inventor Daniel K. Vetters

Daniel K. Vetters 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).

  • ANTI-FRET LINER
    Publication number: 20200095877
    Abstract: An airfoil vane assembly includes an anti-wear device for blocking fretting on the airfoil shell and/or carrier as an interface between the airfoil shell and carrier during relative movement. The anti-wear device can be secured with one of the airfoil shell and carrier while slidingly engaged with the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: Eric Koenig, Michael J. Whittle, Daniel K. Vetters
  • TURBINE VANE ASSEMBLY WITH REINFORCED END WALL JOINTS
    Publication number: 20200088050
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to turbine vane assemblies comprising ceramic matrix composite materials. The turbine vane assemblies further including reinforcements that strengthen joints in the turbine vane assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Whittle, Daniel K. Vetters, Jeffrey A. Walston, Eric Koenig
  • TURBINE VANE ASSEMBLY WITH CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITE COMPONENTS
    Publication number: 20200080429
    Abstract: Turbine vane assemblies incorporating both metallic and ceramic matrix composite materials are provided in the present disclosure. The turbine vane assemblies further include interface components that allow for differing rates of thermal expansion in the ceramic matrix composite components and the metallic components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel K. Vetters, Michael J. Whittle, Eric Koenig, Jeffrey A. Walston
  • Turbine shroud segment with flange-facing perimeter seal
    Patent number: 10577960
    Abstract: A turbine shroud adapted for use in a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of metallic carrier segments and a plurality of blade track segments mounted to corresponding metallic carrier segments. Cooling air is directed onto the blade track segments to cool the blade track segments when exposed to high temperatures in a gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc., Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Mark O'Leary, Daniel K. Vetters, Matthew R. Brandt, Ted J. Freeman
  • Gas turbine engine with dovetail connection having contoured root
    Patent number: 10577951
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a turbine having turbine blades and a shroud having a blade track for positioning radially outside of the blades. At least one of the blades and the blade track are secured in place using a dovetail connection between a dovetail receiver and a dovetail assembly formed to include a contoured root.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc., Rolls-Royce High Temperature Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel K. Vetters, Ted J. Freeman, Andrew J. Lazur, Robert J. Shinavski, Wayne S. Steffier
  • Turbine shroud assembly with anti-rotation features
    Patent number: 10577978
    Abstract: An assembly adapted for use in a gas turbine engine has a carrier component and a supported component. The assembly including a mounting system for coupling the supported component to the carrier component and a seal adapted to resist the movement of gasses between the supported component to the carrier component. In an illustrative embodiment, the assembly is a turbine shroud segment for blocking gasses from passing over turbine blades included in the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc., Rolls-Royce Corporation, Rolls-Royce High Temperature Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Ted J. Freeman, Aaron D. Sippel, Daniel K. Vetters, David J. Thomas, Alexandra R. Baucco, Joseph P. Lamusga
  • Turbine blade with three-dimensional CMC construction elements
    Patent number: 10577939
    Abstract: An ceramic matrix composite blade for use in a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The ceramic matrix composite blade includes a root, an airfoil, and a platform located between the root and the airfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce Corporation, Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel K. Vetters, David J. Thomas
  • CMC AIRFOIL ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20200063581
    Abstract: A ceramic airfoil system includes a ceramic airfoil shell support by a pair of radially extending pins which penetrate through the shell and connect with a carrier. This pins are disposed at the leading and trailing edges of the airfoil and can be preloaded against the corresponding leading and trailing edge walls to manage thermal growth rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel K. Vetters, Michael J. Whittle, Eric Koenig
  • BRAZED BLADE TRACK FOR A GAS TURBINE ENGINE
    Publication number: 20200056493
    Abstract: A blade track for a gas turbine engine includes segments and joints that couple the segments together. Each segment extends part-way around a central axis of the engine and the joints couple together adjacent segments to form a full hoop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Aaron D. Sippel, Daniel K. Vetters, Jun Shi, David J. Thomas, Andrew J. Eifert, Peter Broadhead
  • Keystoned blade track
    Patent number: 10563535
    Abstract: A blade track for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of blade track segments. The blade track segments are arranged circumferentially around a central axis to form the blade track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce Corporation, Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc., Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Daniel K. Vetters, Aaron D. Sippel, David J. Thomas, Andrew J. Eifert, Paul A. Davis, Simon L. Jones, Peter Broadhead, Bruce E. Varney, Jeffrey A. Walston, Steven Hillier
  • Full hoop blade track with flanged segments
    Patent number: 10550709
    Abstract: A blade track assembly is disclosed. The blade track assembly comprises a plurality of ceramic matrix composite blade track segments arranged circumferentially adjacent to one another around a central axis. Each of the blade track segments includes an arcuate runner extending in a circumferential direction around a portion of the central axis and is coupled to circumferentially adjacent blade track segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc., Rolls-Royce Corporation, Rolls-Royce plc, Rolls-Royce High Temperature Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel K. Vetters, Aaron D. Sippel, David J. Thomas, Andrew J. Eifert, Paul A. Davis, Simon L. Jones, Steven M. Hillier, Peter Broadhead, Joseph Doyle, Michael Jacquinto, Wesley Thibault, Jun Shi, Roderick Townes
  • TURBINE VANE ASSEMBLY WITH CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITE COMPONENTS
    Publication number: 20200024972
    Abstract: Structural rod supports are provided in vanes in a gas turbine assembly in order to provide support to the vanes and an annular seal. Structural rods couple to the turbine case at one end and the annular seal at an opposite end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: Ted J. Freeman, Daniel K. Vetters, Christopher Nash, Eric Koenig, Michael Whittle
  • TURBINE SHROUD SEGMENT WITH SIDE PERIMETER SEAL
    Publication number: 20200025015
    Abstract: A turbine shroud segment of a turbine shroud for use in a turbine of a gas turbine engine is disclosed herein. The turbine shroud segment includes a carrier segment and a blade track segment. The carrier segment includes metallic materials. The blade track segment includes ceramic matrix composite materials. A seal is arranged between the carrier segment and the blade track segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: Mark O'Leary, Daniel K. Vetters
  • TURBINE SHROUD SEGMENT WITH LOAD DISTRIBUTION SPRINGS
    Publication number: 20200025013
    Abstract: A turbine shroud adapted for use in a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of metallic carrier segments and a plurality of blade track segments mounted to corresponding metallic carrier segments. Cooling air is directed onto the blade track segments to cool the blade track segments when exposed to high temperatures in a gas turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: Mark O'Leary, Daniel K. Vetters, Matthew R. Brandt, Ted J. Freeman
  • Variable pitch fan for a gas turbine engine
    Patent number: 10539024
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine airflow member is disclosed having spherical interface shapes at a tip end and a hub end. In one embodiment, the airflow member is a fan blade. The spherical interface shapes can be convex or concave. In one form, the tip end spherical shape is axially shifted aft relative to a hub end. The tip end can include relatively little forward portion in an expanding flow path with predominant portion of the tip end in a contracting flow path. Such a configuration can occur with a midpoint and trailing edge located in the contracting flow path. A center of gravity of a swept airflow member having spherical end shape can be located on a pivot axis of the airflow member. Divot depressions can be provided to permit concave flow path shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce Corporation, Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Roy D. Fulayter, Daniel K. Vetters, Bronwyn Power
  • VARIABLE PITCH FAN FOR A GAS TURBINE ENGINE
    Publication number: 20200018320
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan having a plurality of fan blades configured to rotate about a central axis of the gas turbine engine. Each fan blade is configured to pivot about a pitch axis that extends radially away from the central axis to vary a pitch of the fan blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventor: Daniel K. Vetters
  • TURBINE SHROUD WITH FORWARD CASE AND FULL HOOP BLADE TRACK
    Publication number: 20190376404
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a turbine shroud assembly arranged around a turbine wheel assembly. The turbine shroud assembly includes an annular turbine case, a blade track, and a forward case. The turbine case is arranged around a central axis of the turbine assembly. The blade track is located radially between the turbine case and the central axis. The forward case is coupled to the turbine case and is arranged to block axial movement of the blade track relative to the turbine case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Edward C. Rice, Daniel K. Vetters
  • CMC AIRFOIL JOINT
    Publication number: 20190368363
    Abstract: Joining an airfoil with a platform by mechanical keying can provide advantages in applications of ceramic materials, such as ceramic matrix composites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Walston, Michael Whittle, Daniel K. Vetters, Eric Koenig
  • Brazed blade track for a gas turbine engine
    Patent number: 10494935
    Abstract: A blade track for a gas turbine engine includes segments and joints that couple the segments together. Each segment extends part-way around a central axis of the engine and the joints couple together adjacent segments to form a full hoop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc., Rolls-Royce Corporation, Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Aaron D. Sippel, Daniel K. Vetters, Jun Shi, David J. Thomas, Andrew J. Eifert, Peter Broadhead
  • Airfoil for a gas turbine engine having insulating materials
    Patent number: 10487672
    Abstract: An airfoil adapted for use in a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The airfoil may include components made from ceramic materials. The airfoil may include insulating material to thermally isolate portions of the airfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce Corporation, Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel K. Vetters, Ted J. Freeman