Patents by Inventor Eric Steven Buskirk
Eric Steven Buskirk 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: 11162591Abstract: A seal ring assembly for a rotor shaft includes a seal casing defining a radially inwardly directed channel. The seal ring is disposed in the radially inwardly directed channel of the seal casing. The seal ring is resiliently joined about the shaft to form a seal, and the seal ring comprises an electrically insulating or dissipative material or a non-metallic material.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2016Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Matthew Robert Martin, James Jonathan Grant, Anthony James George, Eric Steven Buskirk, Daniel James Fitzmorris
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Patent number: 10284056Abstract: A brush holder apparatus has a stationary support member having two opposing grooves, a fork electrical connector, and a conductive bar passing through a main body of the stationary support member. A brush holder is releasably affixed to the stationary support member, and has two rails that slide along the grooves. The brush holder's knife electrical connector mates with the fork electrical connector. A brush spring is clipped on the brush holder, and presses a brush against a collector. A brush lead connects the brush to a brush terminal. The brush terminal has a generally L-shaped body with a lower part thereof retained under a terminal compression plate, and an upper part thereof located on a front side of the terminal compression plate. The brush terminal is removed from or installed into a front side of the brush holder, and by hand or without the use of any tools.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Frank Austin Scalzo, III, Albert Eugene Steinbach, Paul August Quail, Eric Steven Buskirk, Benjamin Alber Mancuso, Curtis Maurice Hebert, Matthew Thomas Preston
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Patent number: 10224776Abstract: A retention assembly for retaining a plurality of elements in a stator slot of an electric machine is provided. The retention assembly may include a stator wedge fixedly positioned in a dovetail in the stator slot to retain the plurality of elements; a top ripple spring between the plurality of elements and the stator wedge; and at least one shim positioned between the stator wedge and a load bearing surface of the dovetail. A method may include compressing the stator wedge in the stator slot from a first position thereof relative to the dovetail of the stator slot, the compressing creating a gap between the stator wedge and the dovetail. A shim may be inserted in the gap; the compressing released such that the shim retains the stator wedge in a second position that is more compressed relative to the plurality of elements in the stator slot compared to the first position.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Eric Steven Buskirk, Andrew Duane Brown, James Jonathan Grant, Curtis Maurice Hebert, Benjamin Alber Mancuso, Matthew Robert Martin, Jessica Mary Powers
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Patent number: 10158206Abstract: A brush holder apparatus includes a stationary support member having at least one groove, a fork electrical connector, and a conductive bar configured to pass through a portion of a main body of the stationary support member. The conductive bar provides electrical conductivity with a collector mount and fork electrical connector. A brush holder is releasably affixed to the stationary support member, and has at least one rail that slides along the groove(s). The brush holder has a knife electrical connector that mates with the fork electrical connector. A brush spring is clipped on the brush holder, and presses a brush against a collector of a dynamoelectric machine. The brush spring is replaceable in the brush holder. The brush spring or brush holder has a friction enhancing material attached to an area where the brush spring attaches to the brush holder.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Frank Austin Scalzo, III, Eric Steven Buskirk, Benjamin Alber Mancuso, Curtis Maurice Hebert, Matthew Thomas Preston
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Publication number: 20180301962Abstract: A brush holder apparatus has a stationary support member having two opposing grooves, a fork electrical connector, and a conductive bar passing through a main body of the stationary support member. A brush holder is releasably affixed to the stationary support member, and has two rails that slide along the grooves. The brush holder's knife electrical connector mates with the fork electrical connector. A brush spring is clipped on the brush holder, and presses a brush against a collector. A brush lead connects the brush to a brush terminal. The brush terminal has a generally L-shaped body with a lower part thereof retained under a terminal compression plate, and an upper part thereof located on a front side of the terminal compression plate. The brush terminal is removed from or installed into a front side of the brush holder, and by hand or without the use of any tools.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2017Publication date: October 18, 2018Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Frank Austin Scalzo, III, Albert Eugene Steinbach, Paul August Quail, Eric Steven Buskirk, Benjamin Alber Mancuso, Curtis Maurice Hebert, Matthew Thomas Preston
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Publication number: 20180298512Abstract: A method for treating a surface of a brush holder apparatus, where the brush holder apparatus is configured for use in a dynamoelectric machine, includes an electropolishing step that electropolishes the surface of the brush holder apparatus. An anodizing step anodizes the surface of the brush holder apparatus. The electropolishing step is performed before the anodizing step.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2017Publication date: October 18, 2018Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Frank Austin Scalzo, III, Eric Steven Buskirk, Curtis Maurice Hebert
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Publication number: 20180301860Abstract: A brush holder apparatus includes a stationary support member having at least one groove, a fork electrical connector, and a conductive bar configured to pass through a portion of a main body of the stationary support member. The conductive bar provides electrical conductivity with a collector mount and fork electrical connector. A brush holder is releasably affixed to the stationary support member, and has at least one rail that slides along the groove(s). The brush holder has a knife electrical connector that mates with the fork electrical connector. A brush spring is clipped on the brush holder, and presses a brush against a collector of a dynamoelectric machine. The brush spring is replaceable in the brush holder. The brush spring or brush holder has a friction enhancing material attached to an area where the brush spring attaches to the brush holder.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2017Publication date: October 18, 2018Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Frank Austin Scalzo, III, Eric Steven Buskirk, Benjamin Alber Mancuso, Curtis Maurice Hebert, Matthew Thomas Preston
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Patent number: 10103608Abstract: A method of servicing, or repairing a crack in, a dovetail portion of a dynamoelectric machine's rotor coil slot wall. The coil slot wall includes a radial entry surface connected to an inwardly tapered surface. The inwardly tapered surface is connected to an intermediate radial surface. A machining step machines a first groove in the radial entry surface and inwardly tapered surface. The first groove extends linearly to the intermediate radial surface. The first groove is configured so that a smooth and linear surface is created along a length of the first groove. A second machining step machines a second groove in the intermediate radial surface in an orientation substantially perpendicular to the first groove. A portion of the second groove contacts a portion of the first groove. At least one of the first groove and the second groove are configured to remove damaged material from the coil slot wall.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2015Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Nathaniel Philip Marshall, Alexander Gabriel Beckford, Eric Steven Buskirk
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Patent number: 9793670Abstract: A brush holder apparatus includes a stationary support member having at least one groove and a fork electrical connector. A brush retainment member has a brush restraint apparatus having a plunger brush restraint configured to restrain a brush from sliding within the brush retainment member by pressing it against the brush retainment member. The brush retainment member has at least one rail configured to slide along the at least one groove, and a knife electrical connector configured to mate with the fork electrical connector. The brush retainment member is configured to be releasably affixed to the stationary support member. The stationary support member is configured for electrical connection to a collector mount, and the brush retainment member is configured to retain at least one brush.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2014Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Albert Eugene Steinbach, Eric Steven Buskirk, Benjamin Alber Mancuso, Frank Austin Scalzo, III, Curtis Maurice Hebert, Matthew Thomas Preston
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Publication number: 20170261107Abstract: A seal ring assembly for a rotor shaft includes a seal casing defining a radially inwardly directed channel. The seal ring is disposed in the radially inwardly directed channel of the seal casing. The seal ring is resiliently joined about the shaft to form a seal, and the seal ring comprises an electrically insulating or dissipative material or a non-metallic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2016Publication date: September 14, 2017Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Matthew Robert Martin, James Jonathan Grant, Anthony James George, Eric Steven Buskirk, Daniel James Fitzmorris
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Patent number: 9762014Abstract: A brush holder apparatus includes a stationary support member having at least one groove and a fork electrical connector. A brush retainment member is configured to be releasably affixed to the stationary support member. The brush retainment member has at least one rail configured to slide along the at least one groove. The brush retainment member has a knife electrical connector configured to mate with the fork electrical connector. The stationary support member is configured for electrical connection to a collector mount and the brush retainment member is configured to retain at least one brush.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Albert Eugene Steinbach, Eric Steven Buskirk, Benjamin Alber Mancuso, Frank Austin Scalzo, III, Curtis Maurice Hebert, Matthew Thomas Preston
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Patent number: 9762015Abstract: A brush holder system includes a stationary support member having at least one groove, and a fork electrical connector. A brush retainment member is configured to be releasably affixed to the stationary support member. The brush retainment member has at least one rail configured to slide along the at least one groove. The brush retainment member has a knife electrical connector configured to mate with the fork electrical connector. A radio frequency identification device (RFID) tag is mounted on the brush retainment member, and the RFID tag is configured to monitor brush wear and communicate brush wear status to a monitoring system. The stationary support member is configured for electrical connection to a collector mount and the brush retainment member is configured to retain at least one brush.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Albert Eugene Steinbach, Eric Steven Buskirk, Benjamin Alber Mancuso, Frank Austin Scalzo, III, Curtis Maurice Hebert, Matthew Thomas Preston
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Publication number: 20160372245Abstract: A method for in-situ magnetization of a generator rotor is provided. The generator has a stator and the rotor is located inside the stator. An air gap is formed between an outer radial portion of the rotor and an inner radial portion of the stator. The rotor has a plurality of excitation windings and a plurality of permanent magnets. The method includes the step of applying a current to the excitation windings, and the current is greater than a normal excitation current. A maintaining step maintains the current for a time period sufficient to magnetize the permanent magnets. The magnetization of the permanent magnets occurs on the rotor in-situ and while the rotor is inside the stator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2015Publication date: December 22, 2016Inventor: Eric Steven Buskirk
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Publication number: 20160359385Abstract: A retention assembly for retaining a plurality of elements in a stator slot of an electric machine is provided. The retention assembly may include a stator wedge fixedly positioned in a dovetail in the stator slot to retain the plurality of elements; a top ripple spring between the plurality of elements and the stator wedge; and at least one shim positioned between the stator wedge and a load bearing surface of the dovetail. A method may include compressing the stator wedge in the stator slot from a first position thereof relative to the dovetail of the stator slot, the compressing creating a gap between the stator wedge and the dovetail. A shim may be inserted in the gap; the compressing released such that the shim retains the stator wedge in a second position that is more compressed relative to the plurality of elements in the stator slot compared to the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2015Publication date: December 8, 2016Inventors: Eric Steven Buskirk, Andrew Duane Brown, James Jonathan Grant, Curtis Maurice Hebert, Benjamin Alber Mancuso, Matthew Robert Martin, Jessica Mary Powers
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Patent number: 9508479Abstract: A method for in-situ magnetization of a generator rotor is provided. The generator has a stator and the rotor is located inside the stator. An air gap is formed between an outer radial portion of the rotor and an inner radial portion of the stator. The rotor has a plurality of excitation windings and a plurality of permanent magnets. The method includes the step of applying a current to the excitation windings, and the current is greater than a normal excitation current. A maintaining step maintains the current for a time period sufficient to magnetize the permanent magnets. The magnetization of the permanent magnets occurs on the rotor in-situ and while the rotor is inside the stator.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Eric Steven Buskirk
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Publication number: 20160308424Abstract: A method of servicing, or repairing a crack in, a dovetail portion of a dynamoelectric machine's rotor coil slot wall. The coil slot wall includes a radial entry surface connected to an inwardly tapered surface. The inwardly tapered surface is connected to an intermediate radial surface. A machining step machines a first groove in the radial entry surface and inwardly tapered surface. The first groove extends linearly to the intermediate radial surface. The first groove is configured so that a smooth and linear surface is created along a length of the first groove. A second machining step machines a second groove in the intermediate radial surface in an orientation substantially perpendicular to the first groove. A portion of the second groove contacts a portion of the first groove. At least one of the first groove and the second groove are configured to remove damaged material from the coil slot wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2015Publication date: October 20, 2016Inventors: Nathaniel Philip Marshall, Alexander Gabriel Beckford, Eric Steven Buskirk
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Patent number: 9470508Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to non-contact coordinate measuring systems, apparatuses, and methods. An apparatus according to the present disclosure can include a laser assembly slidably coupled to a track and configured to emit a first laser beam onto an exterior surface of a component, wherein the track is coupled to a machine for manufacturing the component; a laser encoder configured to detect the first laser beam emitted from the laser assembly and reflected from the exterior surface of the component; and a computer system coupled to the laser encoder and configured to render a geometric profile of the exterior surface of the component based on the first laser beam detected with the laser encoder.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2014Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Sean Christopher Morrissey, Eric Steven Buskirk, Michael Andrew Dagostino, Sr., Robert Charles Malison, Jr.
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Publication number: 20150357778Abstract: A brush holder apparatus includes a stationary support member having at least one groove and a fork electrical connector. A brush retainment member has a brush restraint apparatus having a plunger brush restraint configured to restrain a brush from sliding within the brush retainment member by pressing it against the brush retainment member. The brush retainment member has at least one rail configured to slide along the at least one groove, and a knife electrical connector configured to mate with the fork electrical connector. The brush retainment member is configured to be releasably affixed to the stationary support member. The stationary support member is configured for electrical connection to a collector mount, and the brush retainment member is configured to retain at least one brush.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2014Publication date: December 10, 2015Inventors: Albert Eugene Steinbach, Eric Steven Buskirk, Benjamin Alber Mancuso, Frank Austin Scalzo, III, Curtis Maurice Hebert, Matthew Thomas Preston
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Publication number: 20150357777Abstract: A brush holder apparatus includes a stationary support member having at least one groove and a fork electrical connector. A brush retainment member is configured to be releasably affixed to the stationary support member. The brush retainment member has at least one rail configured to slide along the at least one groove. The brush retainment member has a knife electrical connector configured to mate with the fork electrical connector. The stationary support member is configured for electrical connection to a collector mount and the brush retainment member is configured to retain at least one brush.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2014Publication date: December 10, 2015Inventors: Albert Eugene Steinbach, Eric Steven Buskirk, Benjamin Alber Mancuso, Frank Austin Scalzo, III, Curtis Maurice Hebert, Matthew Thomas Preston
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Publication number: 20150357780Abstract: A brush holder system includes a stationary support member having at least one groove, and a fork electrical connector. A brush retainment member is configured to be releasably affixed to the stationary support member. The brush retainment member has at least one rail configured to slide along the at least one groove. The brush retainment member has a knife electrical connector configured to mate with the fork electrical connector. A radio frequency identification device (RFID) tag is mounted on the brush retainment member, and the RFID tag is configured to monitor brush wear and communicate brush wear status to a monitoring system. The stationary support member is configured for electrical connection to a collector mount and the brush retainment member is configured to retain at least one brush.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2014Publication date: December 10, 2015Inventors: Albert Eugene Steinbach, Eric Steven Buskirk, Benjamin Alber Mancuso, Frank Austin Scalzo, III, Curtis Maurice Hebert, Matthew Thomas Preston