Patents by Inventor Darrell Glenn Senile

Darrell Glenn Senile 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: 20190224938
    Abstract: Composite components having a T or L-shaped configuration that include features that reduce void defects between abutting laminate portions and provide improved mechanical properties are provided. Methods for forming such components are also provided. In one exemplary aspect, a composite component defines a first direction and a second direction and includes a wedged-shaped noodle at a joint interface between an abutting first laminate portion extending along the first direction and a second laminate portion extending along the second direction. The noodle has a first surface that is angled with respect to the second direction. At least one of the plies of the second laminate portion terminate and attach to the angled first surface of the noodle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Brian Gregg Feie, Darrell Glenn Senile, Gregory Scott Phelps, Thomas Samuel Holaday
  • Patent number: 10309240
    Abstract: An airfoil assembly for a gas turbine engine and a method of transferring load from the ceramic matrix composite (CMC) airfoil assembly to a metallic vane assembly support member are provided. The airfoil assembly includes a forward end and an aft end with respect to an axial direction of the gas turbine engine. The airfoil assembly includes a radially outer end component, a radially inner end component, and a hollow airfoil body extending therebetween. The radially outer end component including a radially outwardly-facing end surface having a non-compression load-bearing feature extending radially outwardly and formed integrally with the outer end component, the load-bearing feature configured to mate with a complementary feature formed in a radially inner surface of a first airfoil assembly support structure and selectively positioned orthogonally to a force imparted into the airfoil assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bryce Loring Heitman, Darrell Glenn Senile, Michael Ray Tuertscher, Greg Scott Phelps, Brian Gregg Feie, Steven James Murphy
  • Publication number: 20190105814
    Abstract: Systems and methods for compacting components are provided. In one exemplary aspect, a component is positioned between a first tool portion and a second tool portion of a compaction tool. A sandwich structure is positioned between the first tool portion and the component. The sandwich structure includes a thermally expandable material and a rigid shell. The thermally expandable material is positioned between the first tool portion and the rigid shell. During compaction, the thermally expandable material is subjected to elevated temperatures and pressures, e.g., within an autoclave. When subjected to elevated temperatures and pressures, the thermally expandable material applies a force on the rigid shell, which in turn applies a force on the component so as to compact the component between the rigid shell and the second tool portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Wei Wu, Darrell Glenn Senile, Thomas Samuel Holaday
  • Patent number: 10180073
    Abstract: A turbine nozzle includes an arcuate inner band having opposed flowpath and back sides, and an aft flange extending outward from the back side; an arcuate outer band having opposed flowpath and back sides; an airfoil-shaped turbine vane extending between the flowpath sides of the inner and outer bands, wherein the inner and outer bands and the vane comprise a ceramic low-ductility material; and a metallic collar surrounding the aft flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Ray Tuertscher, Darrell Glenn Senile, Greg Phelps
  • Patent number: 10161266
    Abstract: A nozzle for a gas turbine engine, including an airfoil having an exterior surface, flange and radially compressive contact face. Also included is an airfoil support frame having a mating face positioned in engagement with the contact face. A non-orthogonal engagement angle is provided in order to transmit a compressive force to the airfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Ruthemeyer, Richard William Albrecht, Jr., Darrell Glenn Senile
  • Patent number: 10132197
    Abstract: Shrouds and shroud assemblies for gas turbine engines are provided. A shroud includes a shroud body. The shroud body includes a forward surface, a rear surface axially spaced from the forward surface, an inner surface extending between the forward surface and the rear surface, and an outer surface extending between the forward surface and the rear surface and radially spaced from the inner surface. The shroud further includes a flange extending from the shroud body, and a bore hole defined in the flange. The bore hole extends generally circumferentially through the flange between a first opening and a second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bryce Loring Heitman, Michael Todd Radwanski, Darrell Glenn Senile
  • Patent number: 10132242
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine assembly includes first and second annular members having different first and second thermal expansion coefficients connected together with dual arm V brackets. Brackets include first and second arms angularly spaced apart from a bracket centerline and extending axially away from bracket bases attached to a first one of the first and second annular members. Arms are attached to a second one of the first and second annular members. A turbine frame includes struts extending between outer and inner rings. An annular mixer and centerbody substantially made from a ceramic matrix composite materials is connected to and supported by the outer and inner rings with first and second sets respectively of the dual arm V brackets. Bracket bases of the first and second sets are attached to the outer and inner rings respectively. Arms of the first and second sets are attached to mixer and centerbody respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Ruthemeyer, Darrell Glenn Senile, Bernard James Renggli, Randy Lee Lewis
  • Publication number: 20180238181
    Abstract: Flow path assemblies of gas turbine engines are provided. For example, a flow path assembly comprises an inner wall and a unitary outer wall that includes a combustor portion extending through a combustion section of the gas turbine engine and a turbine portion extending through at least a first turbine stage of a turbine section of the gas turbine engine. The combustor portion and the turbine portion are integrally formed as a single unitary structure. The flow path assembly further comprises a plurality of nozzle airfoils, each nozzle airfoil having an inner end radially opposite an outer end. The inner wall or the unitary outer wall defines a plurality of openings therethrough, and each opening is configured for receipt of one of the plurality of nozzle airfoils. Methods of assembling flow path assemblies also are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Brandon ALlanson Reynolds, Jonathan David Baldiga, Darrell Glenn Senile, Daniel Patrick Kerns, Michael Ray Tuertscher
  • Publication number: 20180238184
    Abstract: Flow path assemblies having features for positioning the assemblies within a gas turbine engine are provided. For example, a flow path assembly comprises an inner wall and a unitary outer wall that includes an integral combustion portion and turbine portion, the combustor portion extending through a combustion section of the gas turbine engine and the turbine portion extending through at least a first turbine stage of a turbine section of the gas turbine engine. The flow path assembly further comprises at least two positioning members for radially centering the flow path assembly within the gas turbine engine. The positioning members extend to the flow path assembly from one or more structures external to the flow path assembly, constrain the flow path assembly tangentially, and allow radial and axial movement of the flow path assembly. Other embodiments for positioning flow path assemblies also are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Brandon ALlanson Reynolds, Jonathan David Baldiga, Darrell Glenn Senile, Daniel Patrick Kerns, Michael Ray Tuertscher, Aaron Michael Dziech, Brett Joseph Geiser
  • Patent number: 10036269
    Abstract: A gas turbine sealing assembly includes a first static gas turbine wall, a second static gas turbine wall, and a leaf seal having a first side and a second side. The first static gas turbine wall contacts the second side at a first position, and the second static gas turbine wall contacts the second side at a second position. A spring exerts force on the first side. The spring includes a first spring wall coupled to the first static gas turbine wall. A second spring wall extends radially outward from the first spring wall. A third spring wall extends axially away from the second spring wall. A fourth spring wall extends radially inward from the third spring wall and includes a radially inner end. The radially inner end of the fourth spring wall contacts the first side of the leaf seal between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Johnnattan Tennessee Ugarte, Darrell Glenn Senile, Mullahalli Venkataramaniah Srinivas, Jonathon Farmer, Hugh Quill
  • Patent number: 10018075
    Abstract: Methods for positioning neighboring nozzles of a gas turbine engine are provided. A method includes assembling a first nozzle assembly. The first nozzle assembly includes a first nozzle and a first nozzle support structure. The method further includes assembling a second nozzle assembly. The second nozzle assembly includes a second nozzle and a second nozzle support structure. The method further includes adjusting the first nozzle assembly and the second nozzle assembly such that an engineering dimension between the first nozzle and the second nozzle is within a predetermined engineering tolerance, and joining the first nozzle support structure and the second nozzle support structure together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bryce Loring Heitman, Steven James Murphy, Darrell Glenn Senile
  • Patent number: 9915159
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly is provided which is, in part, formed of a low coefficient of thermal expansion material. The assembly includes a nozzle fairing formed of the low coefficient of thermal expansion material and includes a metallic strut extending radially through the nozzle fairing. Load is transferred from the nozzle fairing to a static structure in either of two ways: first, the strut may receive the load directly and/or second, load may be transferred from the nozzle fairing to at least one of the inner and outer support rings. Further, the nozzle fairing and strut may allow for internal airflow for cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Benjamin Scott Huizenga, Christopher Charles Glynn, Darrell Glenn Senile, Robert Alan Frederick, Michael Todd Radwanski, Michael Ray Tuertscher, Greg Scott Phelps
  • Publication number: 20180051880
    Abstract: A combustor assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a dome having a forward surface and an inner surface. The forward surface and the inner surface of the dome at least partially define a slot. The combustor assembly also includes a liner at least partially defining a combustion chamber and extending between an aft end and a forward end. The forward end of the liner is positioned within the slot of the dome. The forward end of the liner includes an axial interface surface and a radial interface surface. The axial interface surface defines a radial gap with the inner surface of the dome and the radial interface surface defines an axial gap with the forward surface of the dome. At least one of the radial gap or the axial gap is less than about 0.150 inches during operating conditions of the combustor assembly to prevent an undesirable airflow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Alan Stieg, Darrell Glenn Senile, Gregory Scott Phelps, Jeffrey Douglas Johnson, Chad Holden Sutton, Robert Andrew Stowers
  • Publication number: 20180017258
    Abstract: Components and methods for forming components are provided. For example, a method for forming a component includes laying up a plurality of plies to form a component preform that defines an axis of symmetry and a circumferential direction. Laying up the plurality of plies includes overlapping ends of the plurality of plies to define overlap regions and offsetting the overlap regions along the circumferential direction such that any radial line drawn from the axis of symmetry through the plies passes through only one overlap region. In another embodiment, a component includes a body that is symmetric about an axis of symmetry and that defines a circumferential direction and a radial direction. The body is formed from a plurality of plies and has a substantially uniform thickness. Ends of the plurality of plies are overlapped to define a plurality of overlap regions, which are offset along the circumferential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Alan Stieg, Brian Christopher Towle, Darrell Glenn Senile, Gregory Scott Phelps, Jeffrey Douglas Johnson
  • Publication number: 20170370583
    Abstract: Ceramic matrix composite (CMC) components and methods for forming CMC components of gas turbine engines are provided. In one embodiment, a CMC component for a gas turbine engine includes an inner wall defining a first inner surface; an outer wall defining a second inner surface; and a nozzle extending from the inner wall to the outer wall. The inner wall, outer wall, and nozzle are integrally formed from a CMC material such that the inner wall, outer wall, and nozzle are a single unitary component. An exemplary method for forming a CMC component includes laying up a plurality of plies of a CMC material; processing the plurality of plies to form a green state component; firing the green state component; and densifying the fired component to produce a final unitary component. The unitary component comprises a combustor liner portion and a combustor discharge nozzle stage portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Mark Willard Marusko, Mark Eugene Noe, Darrell Glenn Senile
  • Publication number: 20170328217
    Abstract: Airfoils for gas turbine engines are provided. In one embodiment, an airfoil formed from a ceramic matrix composite material includes opposite pressure and suction sides extending radially along a span and defining an outer surface of the airfoil. The airfoil also includes opposite leading and trailing edges extending radially along the span. The pressure and suction sides extend axially between the leading and trailing edges. The leading edge defines a forward end of the airfoil, and the trailing edge defining an aft end of the airfoil. Further, the airfoil includes a trailing edge portion defined adjacent the trailing edge at the aft end of the airfoil; a plenum defined within the airfoil forward of the trailing edge portion; and a cooling passage defined within the trailing edge portion proximate the suction side. Methods for forming airfoils for gas turbine engines also are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: Kirk Douglas Gallier, Darrell Glenn Senile, John Calhoun
  • Publication number: 20170114653
    Abstract: A gas turbine sealing assembly includes a first static gas turbine wall, a second static gas turbine wall, and a leaf seal having a first side and a second side. The first static gas turbine wall contacts the second side at a first position, and the second static gas turbine wall contacts the second side at a second position. A spring exerts force on the first side. The spring includes a first spring wall coupled to the first static gas turbine wall. A second spring wall extends radially outward from the first spring wall. A third spring wall extends axially away from the second spring wall. A fourth spring wall extends radially inward from the third spring wall and includes a radially inner end. The radially inner end of the fourth spring wall contacts the first side of the leaf seal between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: Johnnattan Tennessee Ugarte, Darrell Glenn Senile, Mullahalli Venkataramaniah Srinivas, Jonathon Farmer, Hugh Quill
  • Publication number: 20170082062
    Abstract: A nozzle for a gas turbine engine, including an airfoil having an exterior surface, flange and radially compressive contact face. Also included is an airfoil support frame having a mating face positioned in engagement with the contact face. A non-orthogonal engagement angle is provided in order to transmit a compressive force to the airfoil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Ruthemeyer, Richard William Albrecht, JR., Darrell Glenn Senile
  • Publication number: 20170081966
    Abstract: One aspect the present subject matter is directed to a nozzle segment including a stator component having an airfoil. The airfoil includes a leading edge portion, a trailing edge portion, a pressure side wall and a suction side wall and a plurality of film holes in fluid communication with the radial cooling channel. A strut is disposed within the radial cooling channel and defines an inner radial cooling passage within the radial cooling channel. The strut defines a plurality of apertures that provide for fluid communication from the inner radial cooling passage to the radial cooling channel and the plurality of film holes provide for bore cooling of the airfoil of at least one of the pressure side wall or the suction side wall and provide for film cooling of the trailing edge portion of the airfoil between about fifty percent and one hundred percent of the chord length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin Scott HUIZENGA, Darrell Glenn SENILE, Robert Alan FREDERICK, Paul Joseph KREITZER
  • Publication number: 20170022828
    Abstract: Nozzles and nozzle assemblies for gas turbine engines are provided. A nozzle includes an airfoil having an exterior surface defining a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge, an outer band disposed radially outward of the airfoil, the outer band including a radially outwardly-facing end surface, and an inner band disposed radially inward of the airfoil, the inner band including a radially inwardly-facing end surface. The nozzle further includes a flange extending radially from one of the radially outwardly-facing end surface or the radially inwardly-facing end surface. The flange is formed from a ceramic matrix composite material and includes a plurality of ceramic matrix composite plies stacked together and generally having an L-shape in a circumferential cross-sectional view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Bryce Loring HEITMAN, Gregory Scott PHELPS, Darrell Glenn SENILE