Patents by Inventor Dennis Mack
Dennis Mack 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).
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Patent number: 8894372Abstract: Systems, methods and devices adapted to ease installation of turbine bucket assemblies about a rotor and to reduce related stress concentrations in the rotor are disclosed. In one embodiment, an insert includes: a base portion adapted to complement an entry slot in a rotor of a turbine; and a neck portion extending radially outboard from the base portion, the neck portion adapted to complement a post of the rotor to form a substantially continuous dovetail about the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Fred Thomas Willett, Jr., Laurence Scott Duclos, Michael Dennis Mack, Timothy Scott McMurray, Roy Paul Swintek
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Publication number: 20140225326Abstract: The present application provides for a brush seal system for use about a rotor of a rotary machine. The brush seal system may include a number of brush seal segments, with each of the brush seal segments having a number of bristles, and one or more of the brush seal segments including an elliptical profile so as to vary a clearance between the brush seal segments and the rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Xiaoqing Zheng, Mehmet Demiroglu, Michael Dennis Mack, Guoqiang Lu
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Patent number: 8794631Abstract: A compliant plate seal manufacturing method is provided. The method includes assembling a plurality of compliant plates and a plurality of spacer shims into a weld fixture, thereby forming a leaf pack having a front and rear end and sides and a curvature, welding the sides of the leaf pack to hook plates on the weld fixture, removing a portion of the weld fixture, removing a portion of the hook plates and applying a radial flow plate to the leaf pack.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2009Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Dennis Mack, William Edward Adis, Hrishikesh Vishvas Deo, Daniel Frederick Purdy, Norman Arnold Turnquist
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Patent number: 8789833Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a turbine assembly includes a first stationary component, a second stationary component positioned radially outside the first stationary component, a first key feature on the first stationary component configured to mate to a second key feature on the second stationary component and a seal assembly positioned between the first and second key features to reduce fluid flow between the first and second key features. The seal assembly includes a V-shape member and a second member adjacent to the V-shape member, the second member and V-shape member having different rates of thermal expansion. The seal assembly also includes a latch feature coupled to the V-shape member configured to expand the seal assembly from a compressed state to an expanded sealing state when the seal assembly is subject to an elevated temperature.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Xiaoqing Zheng, Mehmet Demiroglu, Guoqiang Lu, Michael Dennis Mack, Binayak Roy
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Publication number: 20130256990Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a turbine assembly includes a first stationary component, a second stationary component positioned radially outside the first stationary component, a first key feature on the first stationary component configured to mate to a second key feature on the second stationary component and a seal assembly positioned between the first and second key features to reduce fluid flow between the first and second key features. The seal assembly includes a V-shape member and a second member adjacent to the V-shape member, the second member and V-shape member having different rates of thermal expansion. The seal assembly also includes a latch feature coupled to the V-shape member configured to expand the seal assembly from a compressed state to an expanded sealing state when the seal assembly is subject to an elevated temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Xiaoqing Zheng, Mehmet Demiroglu, Guoqiang Lu, Michael Dennis Mack, Binayak Roy
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Publication number: 20130256992Abstract: The present application provides for a brush seal system for use about a rotor of a rotary machine. The brush seal system may include a number of brush seal segments, with each of the brush seal segments having a number of bristles, and one or more of the brush seal segments including an elliptical profile so as to vary a clearance between the brush seal segments and the rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Xiaoqing Zheng, Mehmet Demiroglu, Michael Dennis Mack, Guoqiang Lu
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Patent number: 8490981Abstract: A brush seal, brush seal segment, and brush seal backplate for use in a rotary device are provided. In one embodiment, the invention provides a brush seal for a rotary device, the brush seal comprising: a plurality of brush seal segments, each segment including: an arcuate fence; an arcuate backplate circumferentially coextensive with the arcuate fence, the arcuate backplate including: a plurality of circumferentially-oriented cavities; a first dam along a first end of the arcuate backplate, the first dam substantially closing an end of at least one of the plurality of circumferentially-oriented cavities; and a second dam along a second end of the arcuate backplate, the second dam substantially closing an end of at least one of the plurality of circumferentially-oriented cavities; a plurality of brush bristles between the arcuate backplate and the arcuate fence; and a static member to which at least one of the plurality of brush seal segments is affixed.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Xiaoqing Zheng, William Edward Adis, Michael Dennis Mack
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Publication number: 20130168926Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method for assembling a turbine includes placing a middle layer between a first and second outer member, wherein the middle layer includes a non-continuous layer of material and the first and second outer members each include a member of continuous material and welding a primary joint between the middle layer, first outer member and second outer member, the primary joint extending through the first outer member, the middle layer and at least a portion of the second outer member. The method also includes welding a secondary joint between the middle layer and first outer member, the secondary joint extending through the first outer member and at least a portion of the middle layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Yan Cui, William Edward Adis, Srikanth Chandrudu Kottilingam, Dechao Lin, Michael Dennis Mack, Daniel Frederick Purdy
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Publication number: 20130164138Abstract: Systems, methods and devices adapted to ease installation of turbine bucket assemblies about a rotor and to reduce related stress concentrations in the rotor are disclosed. In one embodiment, an insert includes: a base portion adapted to complement an entry slot in a rotor of a turbine; and a neck portion extending radially outboard from the base portion, the neck portion adapted to complement a post of the rotor to form a substantially continuous dovetail about the rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Fred Thomas Willett, JR., Laurence Scott Duclos, Michael Dennis Mack, Timothy Scott McMurray, Roy Paul Swintek
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Publication number: 20120326392Abstract: A brush seal is provided having a brush housing having a back plate and a front plate, a first layer of bristles disposed adjacent to the back plate, where at least one of the first layer of bristles has a first diameter. A second layer of bristles are disposed adjacent to the first layer of bristles, and at least one of the second layer of bristles has a second diameter. A third layer of bristles are disposed adjacent to the second layer of bristles, and at least one of the third layer of bristles has a third diameter. The first diameter and the third diameter are larger than the second diameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventors: Xiaoqing Zheng, Bernard Arthur Couture, JR., Michael John Bowman, William Edward Adis, Michael Dennis Mack, Kim James Clark
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Publication number: 20120326393Abstract: A seal is provided having a bristle pack with a first layer of bristles and a second layer of bristles. The bristle pack has at least one segment end. The first layer of bristles is configured to substantially surround the second layer of bristles, and at least one of the first layer of bristles has a first diameter. The second layer of bristles are located substantially in a center portion of the bristle pack, and at least one of the second layer of bristles has a second diameter. The first diameter is larger than the second diameter, and the first layer of bristles located near the at least one segment end are configured to protect the second layer of bristles located near the at least one segment end.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventors: Xiaoqing Zheng, Bernard Arthur Couture, JR., Michael John Bowman, William Edward Adis, Michael Dennis Mack, Kim James Clark
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Patent number: 8328198Abstract: A brush seal and brush seal segment for use in a rotary device are provided. In one embodiment, the invention provides a brush seal comprising: a plurality of brush seal segments, each segment including: an arcuate fence; an arcuate backplate substantially circumferentially coextensive with the arcuate fence, the arcuate backplate including a first end and a second end; and a plurality of brush seal bristles between the arcuate backplate and the arcuate fence, the plurality of brush seal bristles being angled with respect to a radial axis of the arcuate backplate and at least one of the first end and the second end of the arcuate backplate; and a static member to which at least one of the plurality of brush seal segments is affixed.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: William Edward Adis, Xiaoqing Zheng, Bernard Arthur Couture, Michael Dennis Mack
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Publication number: 20120251303Abstract: A brush seal for use between a rotating component and a stationary component in a turbomachine is disclosed. The brush seal according to embodiments of this invention include a set of bristles having a fixed end and a free end, wherein the fixed end is attached to the rotating component, and wherein the set of bristles are angled axially with respect to the rotating component.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Xiaoqing Zheng, William Edward Adis, Bernard Arthur Couture, JR., Michael Dennis Mack, Kristan Brice Sears
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Patent number: 8250756Abstract: A compliant plate seal arrangement manufacturing method is provided. A compliant plate seal manufacturing method includes assembling a plurality of t-shims and a plurality of spacer shims into a straight weld fixture, thereby forming a shim pack having a front and rear end and sides, welding the sides of the shim pack to a top plate, removing a portion of the weld fixture, removing the plurality of spacer shims, shaping the shim pack into a target diameter, and applying a radial flow plate to the leaf pack.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: William Edward Adis, Bernard Arthur Couture, Jr., Hrishikesh Vishvas Deo, Sean Douglas Feeny, Michael Dennis Mack, Daniel Frederick Purdy, Norman Arnold Turnquist
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Publication number: 20120086172Abstract: A brush seal and brush seal segment for use in a rotary device are provided. In one embodiment, the invention provides a brush seal comprising: a plurality of brush seal segments, each segment including: an arcuate fence; an arcuate backplate substantially circumferentially coextensive with the arcuate fence, the arcuate backplate including a first end and a second end; and a plurality of brush seal bristles between the arcuate backplate and the arcuate fence, the plurality of brush seal bristles being angled with respect to a radial axis of the arcuate backplate and at least one of the first end and the second end of the arcuate backplate; and a static member to which at least one of the plurality of brush seal segments is affixed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2010Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Xiaoqing Zheng, William Edward Adis, Bernard Arthur Couture, JR., Michael Dennis Mack
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Publication number: 20110272891Abstract: A method for fabricating a brush seal assembly comprising, bending a first plate member to a helical shape, bending a second plate member to a helical shape, securing the first plate member to a drum, winding a wire material around the drum and the first plate member, securing the second plate member to the drum, attaching the second plate member and the first plate member to the wire, and cutting the wire to define a bristle length.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: William Edward Adis, Bernard Arthur Couture, JR., Marshall Gordon Jones, Michael Dennis Mack, Daniel Frederick Purdy
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Patent number: 8051563Abstract: A method for fabricating a brush seal assembly comprising, bending a first plate member to a helical shape, bending a second plate member to a helical shape, securing the first plate member to a drum, winding a wire material around the drum and the first plate member, securing the second plate member to the drum, attaching the second plate member and the first plate member to the wire, and cutting the wire to define a bristle length.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: William Edward Adis, Bernard Arthur Couture, Jr., Marshall Gordon Jones, Michael Dennis Mack, Daniel Frederick Purdy
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Publication number: 20110204573Abstract: A brush seal, brush seal segment, and brush seal backplate for use in a rotary device are provided. In one embodiment, the invention provides a brush seal for a rotary device, the brush seal comprising: a plurality of brush seal segments, each segment including: an arcuate fence; an arcuate backplate circumferentially coextensive with the arcuate fence, the arcuate backplate including: a plurality of circumferentially-oriented cavities; a first dam along a first end of the arcuate backplate, the first dam substantially closing an end of at least one of the plurality of circumferentially-oriented cavities; and a second dam along a second end of the arcuate backplate, the second dam substantially closing an end of at least one of the plurality of circumferentially-oriented cavities; a plurality of brush bristles between the arcuate backplate and the arcuate fence; and a static member to which at least one of the plurality of brush seal segments is affixed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Xiaoqing Zheng, William Edward Adis, Michael Dennis Mack
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Publication number: 20110173129Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for facilitating international return of dutiable goods. A typical application involves a purchaser buying goods on-line, resulting in shipping the goods internationally to the purchaser. After receipt of the goods, the purchaser determines that return of the goods is necessary. The purchaser contacts the merchant selling the goods to request returning the goods. The merchant, in turn, communicates to the carrier delivering the goods that an international return is requested. The merchant provides certain information to the carrier allowing the carrier to make available the necessary documentation required by the customer to return the goods to the merchant. The documentation includes a properly completed commercial invoice that is made available to the consignee. The consignee can then sign and use the documentation for returning the item. The documentation may be variously provided to the customer either by the merchant or the carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2011Publication date: July 14, 2011Inventor: Dennis Mack
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Patent number: 7937331Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for facilitating international return of dutiable goods. A typical application involves a purchaser buying goods on-line, resulting in shipping the goods internationally to the purchaser. After receipt of the goods, the purchaser determines that return of the goods is necessary. The purchaser contacts the merchant selling the goods to request returning the goods. The merchant, in turn, communicates to the carrier delivering the goods that an international return is requested. The merchant provides certain information to the carrier allowing the carrier to make available the necessary documentation required by the customer to return the goods to the merchant. The documentation includes a properly completed commercial invoice that is made available to the consignee. The consignee can then sign and use the documentation for returning the item. The documentation may be variously provided to the customer either by the merchant or the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Dennis Mack