Patents by Inventor Frank Worthoff
Frank Worthoff 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: 11913408Abstract: A trunnion-to-disk connection for use on an open fan configuration of a gas turbine engine may include an integral trunnion and blade spar inserted through a trunnion aperture of a fan disk and supported by top bearing and a bottom bearing. A cavity can be provided between a trunnion of the integral trunnion and blade spar and the fan disk, as well as between the top bearing and bottom bearing. Pressurized hydraulic fluid can be supplied to the cavity to urge the integral trunnion and blade spar in a direction to preload the bearings. Prior to pressurization, and prior to installation of the bottom bearing, the trunnion can be inserted into a trunnion aperture of the fan disk such that an end of the trunnion extends past the fan disk to provide sufficient space to insert the bottom bearing from within the open interior of the fan disk.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2023Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignees: General Electric Company, GE Aviation Systems LimitedInventors: Nicholas M. Daggett, Frank Worthoff, Pawel Pres, Daryl John Burford
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Patent number: 11913346Abstract: An apparatus a multiple layer structure having a sub-portion defining an impact zone, and having an inner composite fiber layer, an outer composite fiber layer overlying the inner composite fiber layer, and a woven glass layer, where the inner composite fiber layer, outer composite fiber layer, and the woven glass layer overly the impact zone.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2020Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Frank Worthoff, Benjamin James Roby, Scott Roger Finn
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Publication number: 20220372884Abstract: Preload sleeves and/or other retainers for a collet-mounted blade dovetail and/or other root are disclosed. An example turbofan for an engine includes a trunnion forming a socket for a root of a blade, a primary collet positioning the root with respect to the trunnion, and a radial preload retainer at least partially encircling the primary collet and applying a radial force with respect to the primary collet to support the primary collet positioning the root with respect to the trunnion.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2021Publication date: November 24, 2022Inventors: Nicholas J. Kray, Nicholas M. Daggett, Frank Worthoff, Damian Osowski
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Publication number: 20200291812Abstract: An apparatus a multiple layer structure having a sub-portion defining an impact zone, and having an inner composite fiber layer, an outer composite fiber layer overlying the inner composite fiber layer, and a woven glass layer, where the inner composite fiber layer, outer composite fiber layer, and the woven glass layer overly the impact zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2020Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: Frank Worthoff, Benjamin James Roby, Scott Roger Finn
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Patent number: 10711635Abstract: An apparatus and method for a multiple layer fan casing surrounding a fan having a plurality of circumferentially spaced blades rotatable about a rotational axis and having a sub-portion defining a blade impact zone, the multiple layers comprising an inner fiber layer confronting the blades, an outer fiber layer overlying the inner carbon layer, a glass layer sandwiched between the inner and outer composite fiber layers.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2017Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Frank Worthoff, Benjamin James Roby, Scott Roger Finn
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Publication number: 20190136711Abstract: An apparatus and method for a multiple layer fan casing surrounding a fan having a plurality of circumferentially spaced blades rotatable about a rotational axis and having a sub-portion defining a blade impact zone, the multiple layers comprising an inner fiber layer confronting the blades, an outer fiber layer overlying the inner carbon layer, a glass layer sandwiched between the inner and outer composite fiber layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2017Publication date: May 9, 2019Inventors: Frank Worthoff, Benjamin James Roby, Scott Roger Finn
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Patent number: 9421744Abstract: A method for applying at least one ply onto a tool or an uncured composite layup disposed on the tool includes automatically controlling slidably removing at least one nonstick separator relative to the at least one ply positioned on the at least one nonstick separator to inhibit at least a portion of the at least one ply from adhering to the tool or uncured composite layup while applying a moving compressive force to an outer surface of the at least one ply relative to a moving trailing edge of the at least one nonstick separator to adhere at least a portion of the at least one ply to the tool or to the uncured composite layup.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2014Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Sultan Shair, Julian Thomas O'Flynn, Mathias Ernst Messmer, Frank Worthoff, Mile Ostojic, Mark Ernest Vermilyea
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Publication number: 20140374003Abstract: A method for applying at least one ply onto a tool or an uncured composite layup disposed on the tool includes automatically controlling slidably removing at least one nonstick separator relative to the at least one ply positioned on the at least one nonstick separator to inhibit at least a portion of the at least one ply from adhering to the tool or uncured composite layup while applying a moving compressive force to an outer surface of the at least one ply relative to a moving trailing edge of the at least one nonstick separator to adhere at least a portion of the at least one ply to the tool or to the uncured composite layup.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Sultan Shair, Julian Thomas O'Flynn, Mathias Ernst Messmer, Frank Worthoff, Mile Ostojic, Mark Ernest Vermilyea
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Patent number: 8826957Abstract: A method for applying at least one ply onto a tool or an uncured composite layup disposed on the tool includes automatically controlling slidably removing at least one nonstick separator relative to the at least one ply positioned on the at least one nonstick separator to inhibit at least a portion of the at least one ply from adhering to the tool or uncured composite layup while applying a moving compressive force to an outer surface of the at least one ply relative to a moving trailing edge of the at least one nonstick separator to adhere at least a portion of the at least one ply to the tool or to the uncured composite layup.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Sultan Shair, Julian Thomas O'Flynn, Mathias Messmer, Frank Worthoff, Mile Ostojic, Mark E. Vermilyea
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Patent number: 8734101Abstract: A vane includes a composite airfoil having a single dovetail root extending chordwise between or near leading and trailing edges of the airfoil. The root is connected to the airfoil and is slidably received in a dovetail slot in an inner vane mount. The dovetail slot has a triangular slot cross section and a flat slot bottom and flat slot pressure and suction side crush faces corresponding to pressure and suction sides of the airfoil. The root has a triangular root cross section, a flat root bottom, and flat dovetail root pressure and suction side crush faces. A biasing means urges the root bottom of the dovetail root away from the slot bottom and presses and preloads the dovetail root pressure and suction side crush faces against the slot pressure and suction side slot crush faces.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: General Electric Co.Inventors: Seth Alexander McDonald, William James Strock, Courtney James Tudor, William Howard Hasting, Frank Worthoff
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Patent number: 8727721Abstract: A vane includes a composite airfoil having one or more pockets and one or more spars received therein respectively. The spars extending radially away from a bridge of a vane mount supporting airfoil. The spars may be integrally formed with the bridge. The spars may be adhesively bonded to the composite airfoil within the pockets. A passage may extend between an airfoil base and an airfoil tip. A gas turbine engine annular fan frame includes an annular row of the composite outlet guide vanes extending radially between and connecting radially inner and outer rings of the fan frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2010Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Courtney James Tudor, Frank Worthoff, David William Crall, Seth Alexander McDonald
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Patent number: 8690531Abstract: A vane includes a composite airfoil having one or more outer pockets and one or more outer spars received therein respectively. The outer spars extending radially inwardly from an outer bridge of the outer vane mount outwardly supporting airfoil. The spars may be integrally formed with the bridge and adhesively bonded to the composite airfoil within the pockets with a passage extending between an airfoil base and an airfoil tip. A metallic leading edge tip may be disposed along the leading edge of the composite airfoil. A gas turbine engine annular fan frame incorporates the vanes in an annular row of composite outlet guide vanes extending radially between and connecting radially inner and outer rings of the fan frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: General Electroc Co.Inventors: Courtney James Tudor, Frank Worthoff, David William Crall, Seth Alexander McDonald
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Publication number: 20140060732Abstract: A method for applying at least one ply onto a tool or an uncured composite layup disposed on the tool includes automatically controlling slidably removing at least one nonstick separator relative to the at least one ply positioned on the at least one nonstick separator to inhibit at least a portion of the at least one ply from adhering to the tool or uncured composite layup while applying a moving compressive force to an outer surface of the at least one ply relative to a moving trailing edge of the at least one nonstick separator to adhere at least a portion of the at least one ply to the tool or to the uncured composite layup.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Sultan SHAIR, Julian Thomas O'FLYNN, Mathias MESSMER, Frank WORTHOFF, Mile OSTOJIC, Mark E. VERMILYEA
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Patent number: 8550776Abstract: A vane includes a composite airfoil having chordwise spaced apart forward and aft dovetail feet at or near leading and trailing edges of the airfoil. Each foot includes a shank connecting a dovetail root to an airfoil base and each root is slidably received in a dovetail slot in an inner vane mount. The dovetail slot has a triangular slot cross section and a flat slot bottom and flat slot pressure and suction side crush faces corresponding to pressure and suction sides of the airfoil. The dovetail root having a triangular root cross section and a flat root bottom and flat dovetail root pressure and suction side crush faces. A biasing means urges the root bottom of the dovetail roots away from the slot bottom and presses and preloads the dovetail root pressure and suction side crush faces against the slot pressure and suction side slot crush faces.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Seth Alexander McDonald, William James Strock, Courtney James Tudor, William Howard Hasting, Frank Worthoff
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Publication number: 20120171025Abstract: A vane includes a composite airfoil having one or more outer pockets and one or more outer spars received therein respectively. The outer spars extending radially inwardly from an outer bridge of the outer vane mount outwardly supporting airfoil. The spars may be integrally formed with the bridge and adhesively bonded to the composite airfoil within the pockets with a passage extending between an airfoil base and an airfoil tip. A metallic leading edge tip may be disposed along the leading edge of the composite airfoil. A gas turbine engine annular fan frame incorporates the vanes in an annular row of composite outlet guide vanes extending radially between and connecting radially inner and outer rings of the fan frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2010Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventors: Courtney James Tudor, Frank Worthoff, David William Crall, Seth Alexander McDonald
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Publication number: 20120171028Abstract: A vane includes a composite airfoil having one or more pockets and one or more spars received therein respectively. The spars extending radially away from a bridge of a vane mount supporting airfoil. The spars may be integrally formed with the bridge. The spars may be adhesively bonded to the composite airfoil within the pockets. A passage may extend between an airfoil base and an airfoil tip. A gas turbine engine annular fan frame includes an annular row of the composite outlet guide vanes extending radially between and connecting radially inner and outer rings of the fan frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2010Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventors: Courtney James Tudor, Frank Worthoff, David William Crall, Seth Alexander McDonald
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Publication number: 20120051923Abstract: A vane includes a composite airfoil having a dovetail root extending chordwise between or near leading and trailing edges of the airfoil. The root is connected to the airfoil and is slidably received in a dovetail slot in an inner vane mount. The dovetail slot has a triangular slot cross section and a flat slot bottom and flat slot pressure and suction side crush faces corresponding to pressure and suction sides of the airfoil. The root has a triangular root cross section, a flat root bottom, and flat dovetail root pressure and suction side crush faces. A biasing means urges the root bottom of the dovetail root away from the slot bottom and presses and preloads the dovetail root pressure and suction side crush faces against the slot pressure and suction side slot crush faces.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventors: Seth Alexander McDonald, William James Strock, Courtney James Tudor, William Howard Hasting, Frank Worthoff
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Publication number: 20120027604Abstract: A vane includes a composite airfoil having chordwise spaced apart forward and aft dovetail feet at or near leading and trailing edges of the airfoil. Each foot includes a shank connecting a dovetail root to an airfoil base and each root is slidably received in a dovetail slot in an inner vane mount. The dovetail slot has a triangular slot cross section and a flat slot bottom and flat slot pressure and suction side crush faces corresponding to pressure and suction sides of the airfoil. The dovetail root having a triangular root cross section and a flat root bottom and flat dovetail root pressure and suction side crush faces. A biasing means urges the root bottom of the dovetail roots away from the slot bottom and presses and preloads the dovetail root pressure and suction side crush faces against the slot pressure and suction side slot crush faces.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventors: Seth Alexander McDonald, William James Strock, Courtney James Tudor, William Howard Hasting, Frank Worthoff
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Patent number: 7972109Abstract: A method for fabricating a fan assembly is provided, wherein the method includes providing a rotor having a plurality of rotor blades. At least one rotor blade is fabricated from a frangible material. The method also includes coupling a casing substantially circumferentially about the rotor, and positioning the casing a distance from the plurality of rotor blades. The distance is selected to facilitate increasing an amount of initial resistance created between the casing and the plurality of rotor blades after a bladeout.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2006Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: David William Crall, Frank Worthoff, Daniel Edward Mollmann, Nicholas Joseph Kray, Max Farson
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Patent number: 7749927Abstract: Tethered flange corners including at least one ply of barrier fibers and at least one fiber tow wrapped about the barrier fibers. Also included are flanges having a tethered corner containing at least one ply of barrier fibers, at least one fiber tow wrapped about the barrier fibers, at least one ply of filler fibers applied over the fiber tow, and at least one ply of flange fibers applied over the filler fibers. Additionally included are articles incorporating a composite structure having a flange with a tethered corner containing at least one ply of barrier fibers and at least one fiber tow wrapped about the barrier fibers.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Lee Alan Blanton, Curt Brian Curtis, Frank Worthoff