Patents by Inventor Fred Thomas

Fred Thomas 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: 20160024954
    Abstract: A seal assembly for sealing between a rotating component and a stationary component in a turbomachine. The seal assembly includes a plurality of radially inwardly projecting, axially spaced teeth extending from the stationary component, wherein at least one of the plurality of teeth has at least one axially extending hole therethrough. Axial flow of an operating fluid through the holes acts as an air-curtain to interrupt swirl flow in a seal cavity, therefore reducing steam force that could act to destabilize rotordynamics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Xiaoqing Zheng, Daniel Mark Brown, Jason Winfred Jewett, Fred Thomas Willett, JR.
  • Patent number: 9200528
    Abstract: A seal assembly for sealing between a rotating component and a stationary component in a turbomachine. The seal assembly includes a plurality of radially inwardly projecting, axially spaced teeth extending from the stationary component, wherein at least one of the plurality of teeth has at least one axially extending hole therethrough. Axial flow of an operating fluid through the holes acts as an air-curtain to interrupt swirl flow in a seal cavity, therefore reducing steam force that could act to destabilize rotordynamics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Xiaoqing Zheng, Daniel Mark Brown, Jason Winfred Jewett, Fred Thomas Willett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9194244
    Abstract: Systems and devices adapted to retain dovetail components (e.g., buckets) in a turbine drum rotor and reduce rotor component displacement are disclosed. In one embodiment, a turbine bucket includes: a bucket base portion shaped to complement a bucket shank slot in a rotor of a turbine, the bucket base portion including: a forward portion shaped to extend upstream of a first stage circumferential slot of the rotor in to a first rotor post of the rotor; a circumferential protrusion formed in an aft end of the bucket base portion and shaped to connect to the rotor, and a set of axial protrusions formed on tangential sides of the bucket base portion and shaped to connect to the rotor; and a bucket platform extending radially outboard from the bucket base portion, the bucket platform configured to complement a vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Fred Thomas Willett, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150205343
    Abstract: A computing device includes a non-volatile solid state storage device with a hibernation file. The computing device detects a potential user within proximity of the computing device and transitions the computing device to an intermediate power state from a low power state in response to detecting the potential user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Inventors: Fred Thomas, III, Stanley Xu, Kenneth Chan
  • Publication number: 20150167487
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring and adjusting rotor to stator clearances is disclosed, as well as a turbomachine embodying the system and method. In an embodiment, a turbomachine is assembled, including a stator having an upper and a lower stator shell, and a rotor disposed within the stator. A cold clearance between the rotor and the stator is determined at each of a plurality of clearance measurement points using an in situ clearance sensor system. Each of the clearance measurement points is axially spaced from each other clearance measurement point. The cold clearance between the rotor and the stator is adjusted based on the determined cold clearances, by displacing one of the upper stator shell or the lower stator shell relative to a foundation, thereby changing a shape of the upper stator shell or the lower stator shell to accommodate a position of the rotor within the stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Fred Thomas Willett, JR., Kenneth Michael Koza
  • Patent number: 9037434
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining axial clearance data between a rotor and a stator are disclosed. At least one radial clearance sensor is positioned on the stator and is configured to gather radial clearance data, i.e., measurements of a radial distance between the rotor and the stator taken at discrete time intervals. A computing device is operably connected with the at least one radial clearance sensor and is configured to use the radial clearance data to determine axial clearance data, i.e., an axial distance between the stator and the rotor. In one embodiment, the computing device uses, among other data points, an indication of a loss of signal from at least one radial clearance sensor to extrapolate the axial clearance data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Fred Thomas Willett, Jr., Emad Andarawis Andarawis
  • Publication number: 20150098807
    Abstract: A system for providing sealing in a turbine is provided. The sealing system includes a retaining channel oriented within a housing structure proximate a moving turbine component. A seal member is coupled within the retaining channel. A first end of the seal member is secured to the housing structure. A second end of the seal member is movable relative to the retaining channel between first and second positions corresponding to a transient operational mode and a steady state operational mode, respectively. The transient operational mode defines a first clearance between the seal member and the moving turbine component. The steady state configuration defines a second clearance that is smaller than the first clearance. A take-up device coupled to the second end of the seal member moves the second end between the first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Fred Thomas Willett, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150084866
    Abstract: An example computing system may include a display and an input device. The input device may include a touch sensor to provide touch data, and a contactless sensor to provide contactless data. A field of view of the contactless sensor is directed away from the touch sensor. A controller is to combine the touch data and the contactless data into combined data to generate a virtual hand to be displayed on the display. The virtual hand is to include an unsensed feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Fred Thomas, Robert Adam Baum, David H. Harnes, John Michael Main
  • Publication number: 20150067732
    Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a computing device from a server, video content and an address indicating a location of interactive content. The method also includes generating a display of an on-screen image indicating availability of the interactive content, the on-screen image at least partially overlaying a display of the video content. The method further includes discontinuing the display of the on-screen image responsive to a command from the server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Wayne R. Howe, Fred Thomas Danner, III, John R. Mauney
  • Patent number: 8966542
    Abstract: A method includes receiving an indicator from a service provider via a network. The indicator is received with first media content and includes data to cause a selectable image to be displayed with the first media content. The selectable image indicates an availability of second media content that is different than the first media content. The method includes, in response to receipt of the indicator, displaying the selectable image with the first media content at a display device. The method further includes, in response to receiving a removal message before receiving an input indicating a selection of the selectable image, removing the selectable image from display at the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Wayne R. Howe, Fred Thomas Danner, III, John R. Mauney
  • Publication number: 20150030433
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring turbine rotor-to-stator clearances and a method for assembling a turbomachine based on the measured clearances are disclosed. In an embodiment, at least one clearance sensor is inserted into a stator of a turbomachine. Using the sensor, tops-on clearance between a rotor blade tip and an inner surface of a stator is measured while an upper stator shell, a rotor, a lower stator shell are assembled together; and a tops-off clearance is measured while the lower stator shell and a rotor are assembled together. A tops-on/tops-off shift, i.e., a difference between the tops-on clearance and the tops-off clearance, is determined. The turbine can be assembled by adjusting a relative position of the rotor and stator to account for the tops-on/tops-off shift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Fred Thomas Willett, JR.
  • Patent number: 8926273
    Abstract: A steam turbine with a drum rotor utilizing individual nozzle ring assemblies in the IP section incased by a single shell. In one embodiment, a steam turbine has a high pressure (HP) section with a double shell drum and an intermediate pressure (IP) section with a single shell drum, with the IP section including a plurality of individual nozzle ring assemblies axially spaced along the single shell casing, such that each nozzle ring assembly surrounds the drum rotor. In other embodiments, a low pressure section (LP) of the steam turbine can have a single-flow or dual-flow connection to a condenser, and the condenser can be positioned to the side, vertically below, or axially aligned with the LP section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Gerard Baran, Kenneth Michael Koza, Richard James Miller, Jr., James Edward Olson, Robert James Piechota, Kevin John Lewis Roy, Fred Thomas Willett
  • Publication number: 20150003979
    Abstract: A steam turbine nozzle vane arrangement includes a first nozzle vane comprising a first radially outer end and a first radially inner end, the first nozzle vane located in a steam turbine housing and operatively coupled to the steam turbine housing proximate the first radially outer end. Also included is a second nozzle vane operatively coupled to the steam turbine housing proximate a second radially outer end, the second nozzle vane located adjacent the first nozzle vane in a circumferentially aligned turbine stage. Further included is a first cover located proximate the first radially inner end and having a first hole. Yet further included is a second cover located proximate a second radially inner end of the second nozzle vane and having a second hole. Also included is a pin disposed within the first and second hole, the pin configured to fixedly couple the first and second nozzle vanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Fred Thomas Willett, JR.
  • Patent number: 8914839
    Abstract: A system and method are described for providing interactive television services and for switching between television programs, such as to an interactive program session from another program. An interactive server, capable of providing requested interactive video services to a set of subscribers in a given geographic area, is coupled to a network to which subscriber set top boxes are also coupled. Television programming, which may be furnished by any number of sources, is accompanied by a signal that indicates the availability of other programming, such as interactive television service related to the program being viewed, as well as information to be used in requesting such service. The user, when notified by this signal, may input to the set top box a request for a second program, such as an interactive program or application. The identity of the original program channel is stored, and a session with the video service provider is established over the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Wayne R. Howe, Fred Thomas Danner, III, John R. Mauney
  • Patent number: 8894372
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Fred Thomas Willett, Jr., Laurence Scott Duclos, Michael Dennis Mack, Timothy Scott McMurray, Roy Paul Swintek
  • Publication number: 20140331255
    Abstract: A method includes receiving video content and interactive callback data. The interactive callback data includes an interactive callback address that indicates a location of interactive content. The interactive callback data is associated with an on-screen image that is displayable with at least a portion of the video content, where the on-screen image indicates availability of the interactive content. The method also includes receiving a command to discontinue display of the on-screen image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Wayne R. Howe, Fred Thomas Danner, III, John R. Mauney
  • Patent number: 8876460
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring turbine rotor-to-stator clearances and a method for assembling a turbomachine based on the measured clearances are disclosed. In an embodiment, at least one clearance sensor is inserted into a stator of a turbomachine. Using the sensor, tops-on clearance between a rotor blade tip and an inner surface of a stator is measured while an upper stator shell, a rotor, a lower stator shell are assembled together; and a tops-off clearance is measured while the lower stator shell and a rotor are assembled together. A tops-on/tops-off shift, i.e., a difference between the tops-on clearance and the tops-off clearance, is determined. The turbine can be assembled by adjusting a relative position of the rotor and stator to account for the tops-on/tops-off shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Fred Thomas Willett, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140241867
    Abstract: Systems and devices adapted to retain dovetail components (e.g., buckets) in a turbine drum rotor and reduce rotor component displacement are disclosed. In one embodiment, a turbine bucket includes: a bucket base portion shaped to complement a bucket shank slot in a rotor of a turbine, the bucket base portion including: a forward portion shaped to extend upstream of a first stage circumferential slot of the rotor in to a first rotor post of the rotor; a circumferential protrusion formed in an aft end of the bucket base portion and shaped to connect to the rotor, and a set of axial protrusions formed on tangential sides of the bucket base portion and shaped to connect to the rotor; and a bucket platform extending radially outboard from the bucket base portion, the bucket platform configured to complement a vane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Fred Thomas Willett, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140241869
    Abstract: An inner shell assembly for a steam turbine includes an inner shell with a plurality of grooves of preset dimensions, and a plurality of nozzle carriers respectively securable in the plurality of grooves. Each of the nozzle carriers supports at least one nozzle and bucket for a turbine stage via a dovetail, where the inner shell, the plurality of nozzle carriers and the nozzles and buckets define a steam path. A radial position of the dovetails in the nozzle carriers within its corresponding grooves is selectable according to the steam path, and an axial width of each of the nozzle carriers is selectable according to the steam path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Earl Montgomery, Fred Thomas Willett
  • Patent number: 8819758
    Abstract: A system and method are described for providing interactive television services and for switching between television programs, such as to an interactive program session from another program. An interactive server, capable of providing requested interactive video services to a set of subscribers in a given geographic area, is coupled to a network to which subscriber set top boxes are also coupled. Television programming, which may be furnished by any number of sources, is accompanied by a signal that indicates the availability of other programming, such as interactive television service related to the program being viewed, as well as information to be used in requesting such service. The user, when notified by this signal, may input to the set top box a request for a second program, such as an interactive program or application. The identity of the original program channel is stored, and a session with the video service provider is established over the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Wayne R. Howe, Fred Thomas Danner, III, John R. Mauney