Patents by Inventor Gregory Thomas Foster

Gregory Thomas Foster 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: 20150184519
    Abstract: A turbine blade having an airfoil defined by a concave shaped pressure side outer wall and a convex shaped suction side outer wall that connect along leading and trailing edges and, therebetween, form a radially extending chamber for receiving the flow of a coolant. The turbine blade may further include a rib configuration that partitions the chamber into radially extending flow passages. The rib configuration may include a camber line rib having a wavy profile. The wavy profile may include at least one back-and-forth “S” shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gregory Thomas Foster, Lisa Anne Wichmann, Brian Denver Potter, Aaron Ezekiel Smith
  • Publication number: 20150184530
    Abstract: The present application and the resultant patent provide a turbine nozzle for a gas turbine engine. The turbine nozzle may include a first nozzle vane, a second nozzle vane, and a platform connecting the first nozzle vane and the second nozzle vane. The platform may include a first cooling passage and a separate second cooling passage defined therein. The first cooling passage may be configured to direct a first flow of cooling fluid in a first direction, and the second cooling passage may be configured to direct a second flow of cooling fluid in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction. The present application and the resultant patent further provide a method for cooling a turbine nozzle of a gas turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michelle Jessica Iduate, Gregory Thomas Foster, David Wayne Weber
  • Publication number: 20150184520
    Abstract: A turbine blade that includes an airfoil and a radially extending chamber therein for a coolant. The turbine blade may also include a rib configuration that partitions the chamber into radially extending flow passages. The rib configuration may include: a camber line rib that defines a near-wall flow chamber; and traverse ribs extending between the camber line rib and one of the outer walls so to divide the near-wall flow chamber into successively stacked flow passages that each include a segment of the camber line rib. The segment of the camber line rib of one of the flow passages may have a narrowing profile that includes a profile that narrows from opposing ends toward a neck disposed therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brian Denver Potter, Gregory Thomas Foster
  • Publication number: 20150118022
    Abstract: In one example, an arcuate segment for a ring-shaped, rotary machine component such as a stator nozzle or bucket shroud, includes a segment body having an end face formed with a circumferentially-facing seal slot adapted to receive a seal extending between the segment body and a corresponding seal slot in an adjacent segment body to seal a radially-extending gap between the adjacent segment bodies. A cooling channel is provided in the segment body in proximity to the seal slot, and is adapted to be supplied with cooling air. A passage extends from the cooling channel into the seal slot, at a location where the cooling air can be supplied to the higher pressure area on the radially-outer side of the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Wayne WEBER, Gregory Thomas Foster, Aaron Ezekiel Smith
  • Patent number: 9011079
    Abstract: The present application provides a compartmentalized cooling system for providing a cooling flow in a turbine with a flow of combustion gases therein. The compartmentalized cooling system may include a turbine nozzle and a cooling baffle. The turbine nozzle may include an airfoil insert and a nozzle outer sidewall. The cooling baffle may include a high pressure cooling passage in communication with the airfoil insert in a first circuit and an impingement plate positioned about the nozzle outer sidewall in a second circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Walter Coign, Gregory Thomas Foster, Ravichandran Meenakshisundaram, Glen Arthur MacMillan, Aaron Gregory Winn
  • Publication number: 20150101346
    Abstract: A locking spacer assembly for securing adjacent rotor blades includes a first end piece having a platform portion and a root portion that define a first inner surface of the first end piece. The root portion defines a first projection and an opposing second projection of the first end piece. The first projection has an outer profile adapted to project into a first lateral recess of the attachment slot. The second projection has an outer profile adapted to project into a second lateral recess of the attachment slot. A second end piece fits between the first inner surface of the first end piece and a sidewall portion of the attachment slot and includes a platform portion and a root portion. A borehole extends continuously through the first end piece and the second end piece. A fastener configured to engage with a sidewall portion of the attachment slot extends through the borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gregory Thomas Foster, Michael James Healy
  • Publication number: 20150098808
    Abstract: A method and system for sealing between components within a gas turbine is provided. A first recess defined in a first component receives a seal member. A second recess defined in a second component adjacent the first component also receives the seal member. The first and second recesses are located proximate a hot gas path defined through the gas turbine, and define circumferential paths about the turbine axis. The seal member includes a sealing face that extends in a direction substantially parallel to the turbine axis. The seal member also includes a plurality of seal layers, wherein at least one of the seal layers includes at least one stress relief region for facilitating flexing of the first seal member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Victor John Morgan, Gregory Thomas Foster, Neelesh Nandkumar Sarawate, David Wayne Weber
  • Patent number: 8998565
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus configured to seal with a turbine blade stage of a gas turbine. The apparatus includes an outer shroud coupled to an inner shroud and configured to circumferentially surround the turbine blade stage. The inner shroud is configured to circumferentially surround the turbine blade stage to seal with the turbine blade stage and includes an attachment element configured to be inserted into the outer shroud to couple the inner shroud to the outer shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gregory Thomas Foster, Andres Jose Garcia-Crespo
  • Publication number: 20150037165
    Abstract: A turbine blade is provided and includes pressure and suction surfaces connected to define an interior through which coolant is passable and first and second pedestal arrays, each of the first and second pedestal arrays including pedestals respectively coupled to radially outboard portions of respective interior faces of one of the pressure and suction surfaces. The pedestals of the first pedestal array are separated from pedestals of the second pedestal array by gaps respectively defined therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Jones, Bradley Taylor Boyer, Robert Alan Brittingham, Gregory Thomas Foster, Christopher William Kester
  • Patent number: 8944751
    Abstract: The present application provides an inner nozzle platform. The inner nozzle platform may include a platform cavity, an impingement plenum positioned within the platform cavity, a retention plate positioned on a first side of the impingement plenum, and a compliant seal positioned on a second side of the impingement plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Aaron Gregory Winn, Robert Walter Coign, James Stewart Phillips, Thomas Robbins Tipton, Gregory Thomas Foster, Ravichandran Meenakshisundaram, Niranjan Gokuldas Pai
  • Publication number: 20150013345
    Abstract: A shroud segment for a casing of gas turbine includes a body configured for attachment to the casing proximate a localized critical process location within the casing. The body has a leading edge, a trailing edge, and two side edges. The critical process location is located between the leading edge and the trailing edge when the body is attached to the casing. A cooling passage is defined in the body along one of the side edges with one of an inlet or an outlet proximate the critical process location. The cooling passage is configured large enough to cool the one side edge adjacent the cooling passage to a desired level during operation of the gas turbine. The critical process locations may be related to temperatures, pressures or other measurable features of the gas turbine environment when in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher Donald Porter, Gregory Thomas Foster, Aaron Ezekiel Smith, David Wayne Weber, Michelle J. Rogers
  • Patent number: 8926269
    Abstract: A seal carrier for a seal used between rotating and non-rotating components includes an arcuate sheet metal seal carrier body formed to include a stepped, conical configuration wherein an inner diameter at a forward end is larger than the diameter at an aft end, with plural stepped sections defined by alternating radial and axial portions between the forward end and the aft end. Each axial portion is adapted to carry a seal element, preferably a honeycomb seal. Mounting flanges are provided at the forward end and the aft end of the arcuate sheet metal seal carrier body to enable attachment to the non-rotating component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel Jackson Dillard, Gregory Thomas Foster, Niranjan Gokuldas Pai
  • Publication number: 20140338772
    Abstract: A sealing member, a component including a sealing member, and a method of sealing a hole are disclosed. In an embodiment, the sealing member includes a plug member for occluding a hole in a wall of a passageway. The plug member includes at least one cooling feature disposed on a distal end of the plug member exposed to the passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gregory Thomas Foster, Dustin Michael Earnhardt, Michelle Jessica Rogers, David Wayne Weber
  • Patent number: 8845272
    Abstract: A turbine shroud includes a body having a plurality of sides. A first inward facing groove is defined by a first side of the body, and a first seal covers the first inward facing groove to define a first fluid passage in the first inward facing groove along the first side of the body. A first inlet port through the first seal fluid communication through the first seal into the first fluid passage. A method for forming a turbine shroud includes forming an inner surface and forming an outer surface opposed to the inner surface, wherein the outer surface is configured for exposure to a hot gas path. The method further includes defining a first slot in the inner surface and extending a first seal across the first slot to define a first fluid passage in the first slot along the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Wayne Weber, Gregory Thomas Foster
  • Patent number: 8684683
    Abstract: A turbine nozzle attachment assembly includes an outer turbine component (a shroud or a turbine shell) formed with a circumferential groove open in a forward-facing axial direction; a nozzle segment including a vane extending between inner and outer bands, the outer band provided with an upstanding annular hook formed with a hook element extending in an aft-facing axial direction and received in the circumferential groove. The upstanding annular hook and hook element are formed with a circumferentially-oriented slot. An anti-rotation block is located in the circumferentially-oriented slot, and an anti-tipping plate having a circumferential width greater than a corresponding circumferential width of the circumferentially-oriented slot substantially covers a forward face of the anti-rotation block. The anti-rotation block and the anti-tipping plate are fastened directly to the outer turbine component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas James Brunt, Robert Walter Coign, Gregory Thomas Foster
  • Publication number: 20140070457
    Abstract: Methods of forming a ceramic component and a high temperature mold for use therewith are provided. The method includes providing a fixture having a receiving surface configured to receive an unfired ceramic component. The method includes applying a continuous high temperature membrane to a surface of the unfired ceramic component. The method includes covering the continuous high temperature membrane and unfired ceramic component with a high temperature loose media. The method includes heating the unfired ceramic component to a firing temperature. The high temperature mold includes the fixture and a support structure forming a compartment surrounding the fixture. The mold allows the high temperature loose media to be contained within the compartment and to cover the continuous high temperature membrane. The continuous high temperature membrane and high temperature loose media are evenly distributed over the uncured ceramic component and operable to provide constant pressure during processing using the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory Thomas FOSTER, Eric Richard BONINI
  • Patent number: 8647055
    Abstract: Shroud assembly for use in a turbine, having an outer shroud having a side proximate to flow of operative fluid of the turbine, the side having a boss and an outer shroud aperture extending through the boss. An inner shroud is located between the side of the outer shroud proximate to the flow of operative fluid and the operative fluid flow of the turbine, the inner shroud having an inner shroud aperture which is dimensioned to fit over the boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gregory Thomas Foster, Robert Coign, Kevin McGovern, David Weber
  • Publication number: 20130315719
    Abstract: A turbine shroud cooling assembly for a gas turbine system includes an inner shroud component disposed within a turbine section of the gas turbine system and proximate a hot gas path therein, wherein the inner shroud component includes a base portion in direct contact with the hot gas path. Also includes is a rib protruding radially away from the base portion and disposed proximate at least one cavity configured to receive a cooling flow from a cooling source, wherein the cooling flow passes through the main passage of the rib for cooling the inner shroud component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Michelle Jessica Rogers, Gregory Thomas Foster
  • Publication number: 20130266435
    Abstract: A turbine shroud assembly includes an inner shroud portion comprising a body portion having a first circumferential edge, and a discourager extending circumferentially past the first circumferential edge of the body portion, wherein the discourager is integrally formed with the inner shroud portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory Thomas Foster, Andrés Jose Garcia-Crespo
  • Publication number: 20130177384
    Abstract: The present application provides a compartmentalized cooling system for providing a cooling flow in a turbine with a flow of combustion gases therein. The compartmentalized cooling system may include a turbine nozzle and a cooling baffle. The turbine nozzle may include an airfoil insert and a nozzle outer sidewall. The cooling baffle may include a high pressure cooling passage in communication with the airfoil insert in a first circuit and an impingement plate positioned about the nozzle outer sidewall in a second circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Walter Coign, Gregory Thomas Foster, Ravichandran Meenakshisundaram, Glen Arthur MacMillan, Aaron Gregory Winn