Patents by Inventor Gilbert Farmer

Gilbert Farmer 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).

  • Patent number: 7222488
    Abstract: A fabricated cowl for a double annular combustor of a gas turbine engine having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, including an outer annular portion, an inner annular portion, and a middle annular portion. A plurality of circumferentially spaced radial slots are formed in at least one of the annular portions. The outer annular portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced windows of desired size formed therein, wherein a plurality of outer radial members connecting the outer annular portion and the middle annular portion are provided between adjacent windows therein. Similarly, the inner annular portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced windows of desired size formed therein, wherein a plurality of inner radial members connecting the inner annular portion and the middle annular portion are provided between adjacent windows therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gilbert Farmer, Steven Clayton Vise, Walter Byron Houchens, III, Craig Douglas Young
  • Patent number: 7216485
    Abstract: A method for adjusting the airflow in a turbine component having a plurality of airflow holes. The method comprises the step of depositing an overlay metallic coating on the surface of the turbine component in a manner such that at least some of the airflow holes are partially filled such that the volume of the partially filled airflow holes is changed so as to adjust the airflow through the turbine component. Also provided is a turbine component having a plurality of airflow holes, at least some of the airflow holes being partially filled with the overlay metallic coating to change the volume thereof so as to adjust the airflow through the turbine component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Michael Caldwell, Thomas John Tomlinson, Robert George Zimmerman, Jr., Raymond William Heidorn, Gilbert Farmer
  • Publication number: 20060073348
    Abstract: A method of applying a wear coat to a surface portion of a fuel assembly. The engine component is dipped in wax and a desired portion of the wax is removed with a fluid. The removed wax exposes a surface of the component. This surface can then be electroplated with a wear coat while the non-exposed surfaces are protected from electrodeposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Publication date: April 6, 2006
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Gilbert Farmer, James Groeschen
  • Patent number: 7022940
    Abstract: A combustor liner is provided having first and second annular bands which define an overlapping circumferential joint area, wherein a weld is disposed in the joint area encompassing substantially all of the axial length of the joint area. A method for producing such a combustor liner is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gilbert Farmer, James A. Groeschen, Ronald D. Redden, Shaun M. DeVane
  • Publication number: 20060059918
    Abstract: A method for adjusting the airflow in a turbine component having a plurality of airflow holes. The method comprises the step of depositing an overlay metallic coating on the surface of the turbine component in a manner such that at least some of the airflow holes are partially filled such that the volume of the partially filled airflow holes is changed so as to adjust the airflow through the turbine component. Also provided is a turbine component having a plurality of airflow holes, at least some of the airflow holes being partially filled with the overlay metallic coating to change the volume thereof so as to adjust the airflow through the turbine component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Publication date: March 23, 2006
    Inventors: James Caldwell, Thomas Tomlinson, Robert Zimmerman, Raymond Heidorn, Gilbert Farmer
  • Patent number: 6931728
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a test model of a gas turbine engine combustor dome, and the test model produced thereby. The method entails individually stamping a plurality of dome wall segments and first and second mounting band segments. Each wall segment comprises at least one cup between radially inward and outward edges of the wall segment, and an opening in the cup. At least one wall segment and its two corresponding mounting band segments are placed on a fixture that locates the opening of the wall segment, locates the first and second mounting band segments at the radially-inward and outward edges of the wall segment, and orients the wall segment to establish a dome angle of the fixtured dome assembly. The wall segment and mounting band segments are then joined while the fixtured dome assembly remains on the fixture to form at least a unitary sector of the test model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Edward Lee Howard, Gilbert Farmer, James Hollice Poynter, Ronald Lee Sheranko, John Robert Staker, Thomas Carl Mills, Gregory Thomas Lucas
  • Patent number: 6908657
    Abstract: A process of removing deposits from through-holes in a component, such as metallic bond coat and ceramic materials from cooling holes in an air-cooled gas turbine engine. The process is particularly effective in removing a TBC material deposited in a cooling hole of a component as a result of depositing a coating of the TBC material on a surface of the component, in which the deposit is removed from the cooling hole without damaging the cooling hole or the TBC coating surrounding the cooling hole on the coated surface of the component. A preferred feature is that the cooling hole, including the entrance to the hole at a surface of the component opposite the coated surface and the coating surrounding the exit of the hole at the coated surface, exhibits improved surface characteristics that increase the discharge coefficient of the cooling hole, as evidenced by an increase in the effective area of the cooling hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gilbert Farmer, Jeffrey Arnold Fehrenbach
  • Patent number: 6779268
    Abstract: A method facilitates replacing a portion of a gas turbine engine combustor. The combustor includes a combustor liner and a wire-wrapped cowl assembly that includes an inner cowl and an outer cowl. The method comprises cutting through the wire-wrapped cowl assembly upstream from fastener openings used to couple the inner and outer cowls to the combustor liner, removing a portion of the cowl assembly from the combustor, and coupling a replacement cowl to the portion of the existing cowl assembly that is downstream from the cut, wherein the replacement cowl includes an inner annular portion, an outer annular portion, and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced radial ligaments extending therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Gilbert Farmer
  • Publication number: 20040154152
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a test model of a gas turbine engine combustor dome, and the test model produced thereby. The method entails individually stamping a plurality of dome wall segments and first and second mounting band segments. Each wall segment comprises at least one cup between radially inward and outward edges of the wall segment, and an opening in the cup. At least one wall segment and its two corresponding mounting band segments are placed on a fixture that locates the opening of the wall segment, locates the first and second mounting band segments at the radially-inward and outward edges of the wall segment, and orients the wall segment to establish a dome angle of the fixtured dome assembly. The wall segment and mounting band segments are then joined while the fixtured dome assembly remains on the fixture to form at least a unitary sector of the test model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Edward Lee Howard, Gilbert Farmer, James Hollice Poynter, Ronald Lee Sheranko, John Robert Staker, Thomas Carl Mills, Gregory Thomas Lucas
  • Publication number: 20040115447
    Abstract: A process of removing deposits from through-holes in a component, such as metallic bond coat and ceramic materials from cooling holes in an air-cooled gas turbine engine. The process is particularly effective in removing a TBC material deposited in a cooling hole of a component as a result of depositing a coating of the TBC material on a surface of the component, in which the deposit is removed from the cooling hole without damaging the cooling hole or the TBC coating surrounding the cooling hole on the coated surface of the component. A preferred feature is that the cooling hole, including the entrance to the hole at a surface of the component opposite the coated surface and the coating surrounding the exit of the hole at the coated surface, exhibits improved surface characteristics that increase the discharge coefficient of the cooling hole, as evidenced by an increase in the effective area of the cooling hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Gilbert Farmer, Jeffrey Arnold Fehrenbach
  • Publication number: 20040106360
    Abstract: A method for removing thermal barrier coating material from at least one opening. The method includes providing a mixture of water and a plurality of beads, and directing the mixture into the at least one opening to facilitate removing thermal barrier coating material obstructing the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Gilbert Farmer, Jeffrey Arnold Fehrenbach
  • Publication number: 20040103665
    Abstract: A combustor liner is provided having first and second annular bands which define an overlapping circumferential joint area, wherein a weld is disposed in the joint area encompassing substantially all of the axial length of the joint area. A method for producing such a combustor liner is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gilbert Farmer, James A. Groeschen, Ronald D. Redden, Shaun M. DeVane
  • Patent number: 6729940
    Abstract: A method of stripping coating from a portion of a coated surface of a component. The method includes fastening a mask sheet to the component over a region adjacent the portion of the coated surface. The mask sheet has a contour generally corresponding to a contour of the surface of the component. A high pressure fluid jet is sprayed from a spray head toward the portion of the coated surface after the mask sheet is fastened to the component to strip the coating from the portion of the surface. After the coating is stripped from the portion of the surface, the mask sheet is removed from the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gilbert Farmer, Jeffrey Arnold Fehrenbach, William Lee Imhoff, David Allen Kastrup
  • Patent number: 6725667
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, including an inner liner, an outer liner spaced radially from the inner liner, an annular dome connected to the inner and outer liners, a plurality of air/fuel mixers connected to the dome and circumferentially spaced within the dome, an outer cowl connected to the outer liner, and an inner cowl connected to the inner liner, wherein a combustion chamber is formed by the inner liner, the outer liner and the dome. The dome further includes a first end connected to a liner of the combustor, a second end spaced radially from the first end, a first portion extending rearwardly from the first end adjacent the liner, a second portion extending rearwardly from the second end and flaring radially outward from the longitudinal axis, and a nonlinear third portion connecting the first and second dome portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gilbert Farmer, James Anthony Groeschen
  • Publication number: 20040045301
    Abstract: A fabricated cowl for a double annular combustor of a gas turbine engine having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, including an outer annular portion, an inner annular portion, and a middle annular portion. A plurality of circumferentially spaced radial slots are formed in at least one of the annular portions. The outer annular portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced windows of desired size formed therein, wherein a plurality of outer radial members connecting the outer annular portion and the middle annular portion are provided between adjacent windows therein. Similarly, the inner annular portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced windows of desired size formed therein, wherein a plurality of inner radial members connecting the inner annular portion and the middle annular portion are provided between adjacent windows therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Gilbert Farmer, Steven Clayton Vise, Walter Byron Houchens, Craig Douglas Young
  • Publication number: 20040035115
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, including an inner liner, an outer liner spaced radially from the inner liner, an annular dome connected to the inner and outer liners, a plurality of air/fuel mixers connected to the dome and circumferentially spaced within the dome, an outer cowl connected to the outer liner, and an inner cowl connected to the inner liner, wherein a combustion chamber is formed by the inner liner, the outer liner and the dome. The dome further includes a first end connected to a liner of the combustor, a second end spaced radially from the first end, a first portion extending rearwardly from the first end adjacent the liner, a second portion extending rearwardly from the second end and flaring radially outward from the longitudinal axis, and a nonlinear third portion connecting the first and second dome portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Gilbert Farmer, James Anthony Groeschen
  • Patent number: 6672067
    Abstract: A cowl for use with a combustor of a gas turbine engine, the cowl includes a main body with an annular corrugation. A combustor of a gas turbine engine, the combustor includes: a hollow body defining a combustion chamber, the hollow body having a liner; an outer cowl having an annular corrugation, the cowl connecting to the liner; and an inner cowl connecting to the liner. A method of configuring a cowl for a gas turbine engine combustor, the method includes forming an annular corrugation in a main body of the cowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gilbert Farmer, Ronald D. Redden, Balena B. Shorter, James A. Groeschen, Mehmet M. Dede, Daniel L. Durstock
  • Patent number: 6663919
    Abstract: A process of removing deposits from through-holes in a component, such as metallic bond coat and ceramic materials from cooling holes in an air-cooled gas turbine engine. The process is particularly effective in removing a TBC material deposited in a cooling hole of a component as a result of depositing a coating of the TBC material on a surface of the component, in which the deposit is removed from the cooling hole without damaging the cooling hole or the TBC coating surrounding the cooling hole on the coated surface of the component. A preferred feature is that the cooling hole, including the entrance to the hole at a surface of the component opposite the coated surface and the coating surrounding the exit of the hole at the coated surface, exhibits improved surface characteristics that increase the discharge coefficient of the cooling hole, as evidenced by an increase in the effective area of the cooling hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gilbert Farmer, Jeffrey Arnold Fehrenbach
  • Patent number: 6655149
    Abstract: A multi-hole cooled combustor liner is provided which reduces hot streaks and associated material distress in the liner. Areas of increased cooling hole density are disposed upstream of the primary dilution holes and in circumferential alignment with fuel cup centers. Additional cooling holes are provided in between primary dilution holes are arranged in alternating pairs of circumferentially angled holes so as to provide a converging cooling air flow in the downstream direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gilbert Farmer, Daniel Dale Brown, Myron Edward Rutherford
  • Patent number: 6655146
    Abstract: A combustor liner has an annular shell which includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is provided with slot film cooling and the second portion is provided with multi-hole film cooling. The multi-hole cooling portion can be located either forward or aft of the slot film cooling portion, depending on the nature of the combustor that the liner is to be used in. In one possible embodiment, the liner includes a first annular panel, a second annular panel section joined at its forward end to the aft end of the first panel section, and a third annular panel section being joined at its forward end to the aft end of the second panel section. At least one of the panel sections has multi-hole film cooling and at least one other of the panel sections has slot film cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ella Christine Kutter, Marwan Al-Roub, Thomas Anthony Leen, Daniel Dale Brown, Craig Douglas Young, Gilbert Farmer, Mohammad Ehteshami