Patents by Inventor Gregory H. Gernhardt

Gregory H. Gernhardt 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: 5597167
    Abstract: A brush seal assembly includes a tab extending outward and engageable with a brush seal retainer. Various construction details are disclosed that provide a tab that prevents rotation of the brush seal during use and also prevents reverse installation of the brush seal assembly. In a particular embodiment, a brush seal assembly for installation within a carrier includes a tab that fits radially within a cut-out in a retaining means. Engagement with the cut-out prevents rotation. The tab extends outward from the low pressured side of the brush seal assembly. If installed in a reverse orientation, the tab engages the carrier to block installation of the retaining means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: James G. Snyder, Gregory H. Gernhardt
  • Patent number: 5522698
    Abstract: A seal support for a brush seal used between a turbine nozzle assembly and a rotor assembly includes a cover plate portion and a support arm. Various construction details are developed that provide a lightweight support for a brush seal and a windage cover. In a particular embodiment, the seal support includes a cover plate portion having circumferentially continuous surfaces to reduce windage losses and a support arm extending inward over a brush seal. In the installed condition, the seal support is positioned to engage the turbine nozzle assembly in an interference fit to dampen the seal support. In another particular embodiment, the support arm has scalloped corners that mate with corners of adjacent seal supports to define an opening. The opening is located to permit cooling fluid to flow through a metering hole and into a cavity to purge the cavity of gas path fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron S. Butler, Gregory H. Gernhardt