Patents by Inventor Herbert Chidsey Roberts

Herbert Chidsey Roberts 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: 20190360338
    Abstract: A method for repairing a turbine engine includes determining a measure of a gap between the outer ends of a plurality of airfoils and an outer band is greater than a predetermined amount; and depositing an abradable material on the outer band in situ to reduce the measure of the gap between the outer ends of the plurality of airfoils and the outer band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: David Scott Diwinsky, Herbert Chidsey Roberts
  • Patent number: 10450235
    Abstract: A process for producing an internal cavity in a CMC article and mandrels used therewith. The process entails incorporating a mandrel made of a material that is substantially absorbed during thermal treatment of a preform to form the CMC article. The mandrel material is preferably reactive with one or more constituents of the CMC preform during the thermal treatment. The material is preferably silicon or a silicon alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul Edward Gray, Herbert Chidsey Roberts, III, Glenn Curtis Taxacher
  • Patent number: 10443385
    Abstract: Methods for material build-up on a tip of a blade of a gas turbine engine are provided. The method can include inserting a material supply adjacent to the tip and directing a laser onto the interface of the material supply and the tip such that the material supply melts and attaches to the tip. Methods are also provided for remotely stopping a crack in a component of a gas turbine engine. The method can include inserting an integrated repair interface attached to a cable delivery system within a gas turbine engine; positioning the tip adjacent to a defect within a surface of the component; supplying a new material to the fillable area to fill the defect; and directing a laser to the new material within the fillable area to fuse the new material to the component within the defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Scott Diwinsky, Herbert Chidsey Roberts
  • Patent number: 10370975
    Abstract: A rotor blade formed via additive manufacturing is provided. The rotor blade includes an airfoil and a coupled component. The airfoil includes a plurality of fused layers of a first material formed via additive manufacturing and defines a leading edge and a tip at a distal end. The coupled component includes a plurality of fused layers of a second material formed via additive manufacturing. An interlocking transition zone includes a plurality of projections alternately extending from the airfoil and the coupled component, respectively, to undetachably couple the airfoil and the coupled component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Herbert Chidsey Roberts, Richard William Albrecht, Jr., Michael John McCarren, Peter Andrew Flynn, Michael Francis Xavier Gigliotti, Jr., Eric Alan Estill
  • Patent number: 10316666
    Abstract: Methods for performing in situ balancing of an internal rotating component of a gas turbine engine are provided. The method can include inserting a repair tool through an access port of the gas turbine engine with the repair tool including a tip end positioned within the gas turbine engine and a material supply end positioned outside the gas turbine engine. The tip end of the repair tool is positioned adjacent to a surface of the internal rotating component of the gas turbine engine. A new material is supplied from the material supply end of the repair tool to the tip end of the repair tool; and is expelling from the tip end of the repair tool in a direction of the surface of the rotating component such that the new material is added onto a portion of the rotating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Scott Diwinsky, Herbert Chidsey Roberts
  • Patent number: 10265810
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method for performing in situ repairs of internal components of a gas turbine engine may generally include inserting a repair tool through an access port of the gas turbine engine such that the repair tool includes a tip end positioned within the gas turbine engine and a material supply end positioned outside the gas turbine engine. The method may also include positioning the tip end of the repair tool adjacent to a defect of an internal component of the gas turbine engine, wherein the defect defines a fillable volume along a portion of the internal component. In addition, the method may include supplying a filler material to the tip end of the repair tool and expelling the filler material from the tip end of the repair tool such that the fillable volume is at least partially filled with the filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Scott Diwinsky, Herbert Chidsey Roberts
  • Publication number: 20190099942
    Abstract: A method for producing a component layer-by-layer include the steps of: depositing a layer of particulate material having a first area over a build platform; applying a radiant-energy-curable binder to the layer so that a selected portion of the first area is uniformly coated with binder; selectively curing a second area of the layer smaller than the selected portion of first area, using an application of radiant energy in a specific pattern that defines the geometry of a cross-sectional layer of the component; and repeating the steps of depositing, applying, and curing for a plurality of layers until the component is complete.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: Mary Kathryn Thompson, Nagashiresha G., Tyler A. Griffith, Herbert Chidsey Roberts, III
  • Patent number: 10247002
    Abstract: A method for remotely stopping a crack in a component of a gas turbine engine is provided. The method can include inserting an integrated repair interface attached to a cable delivery system within a gas turbine engine; positioning the tip adjacent to a defect within a surface of the component; temporarily attaching the tip adjacent to the defect within the surface on the component; supplying a new material to the area to fill the defect; and heating the new material to fuse the new material to the component within the defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Herbert Chidsey Roberts, David Scott Diwinsky, Wayne R. Grady
  • Patent number: 10239157
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an axi-symmetric part. The apparatus includes a vessel configured to contain the powder. The vessel is also configured to receive a part such that at least a portion of the part contacts the powder contained within the vessel. A first energy source is configured to generate a first beam of energy. The first beam of energy is configured to melt the powder at a first predetermined location such that the melted powder fuses to the part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Michael McCarren, Herbert Chidsey Roberts, Eric Alan Estill, Peter Andrew Flynn
  • Publication number: 20190084894
    Abstract: Methods for repairing composite cylindrical components are provided. One exemplary method for repairing a cylindrical component defining an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction includes removing a damaged region of the cylindrical component. A flange extending from a cylindrical body of the cylindrical component is included in the damaged region. One or more arc segments that extend along the circumferential direction are connected with the existing cylindrical component. At least one of the arc segments includes a prefabricated flange. One or more plies are laid up to connect the arc segments with the existing cylindrical component to repair the damaged region of the cylindrical body and the prefabricated flange formed integrally with one of the arc segments replaces the damaged portion of the flange. Repaired cylindrical components are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: Herbert Chidsey Roberts, Glenn Curtis Taxacher, Nicholas John Bloom, Patrick Wayne Hollingsworth
  • Patent number: 10213883
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for repairing an abradable material coated on a casing of a gas turbine engine. The system includes an articulating guide configured to fit into an access port of the gas turbine engine. Further, the articulating guide has a proximal end and a distal end. The system also includes a repair tool configured at a distal end of the articulating guide. The repair tool includes a body having a proximal end and a shaped distal end, with the shaped distal end extending away from the body. Thus, the shaped distal body is configured to trench out an area of the abradable material comprising a defect. The system also includes a filler material for filling the trenched out area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Herbert Chidsey Roberts, David Scott Diwinsky
  • Publication number: 20190040742
    Abstract: Methods for repairing composite components are provided. For instance, one exemplary method includes machining an interlocking feature into an existing component. A replacement material or core having an interlocking feature complementary to the interlocking feature of the existing component is then joined with the component. The interlocking features interlock to form a joint. The joint is then overlaid with one or more plies to rebuild the outer surface of the component and seal the joint. A bonding process can be used to chemically bond the newly joined parts together. Repaired composite components are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Herbert Chidsey Roberts, Glenn Curtis Taxacher
  • Patent number: 10190442
    Abstract: Methods are provided for repairing a surface of a component within a gas turbine engine. A first bladder and a second bladder can be installed (simultaneously or independently) within the gas turbine engine. The first bladder and the second bladder can then be inflated with an inflating fluid to form a first circumferential seal and a second circumferential seal to define an isolated area within the gas turbine engine. All the surfaces within the isolated area can then be coated with a masking layer. At least a portion of the masking layer can then be removed to expose a working area, and a coating can be formed on the working area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Scott Diwinsky, Herbert Chidsey Roberts
  • Patent number: 10184344
    Abstract: Turbine nozzles are provided for gas turbine engines. The turbine nozzle includes an arcuate inner band; an arcuate outer band; and a nozzle vane disposed between the arcuate inner band and the arcuate outer band. The radially inner end of the nozzle vane is attached to the arcuate inner band through an interlocking transition zone including a plurality of projections alternately extending from the radially inner end of the nozzle vane and the arcuate inner band, respectively, to undetachably couple the nozzle vane and the arcuate inner band. Optionally, the radially outer end of each nozzle vane is also attached to the arcuate outer band through an interlocking transition zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Herbert Chidsey Roberts, Richard William Albrecht, Jr., Michael John McCarren, Peter Andrew Flynn, Michael Francis Xavier Gigliotti, Jr., Eric Alan Estill
  • Patent number: 10180072
    Abstract: A bladed disk for a gas turbine engine is provided. The bladed disk includes a rotor disk, a plurality of rotor blades, and an interlocking transition zone. The rotor disk includes a plurality of fused layers of a first material formed via additive manufacturing and defines an outer rim. The plurality of rotor blades includes a plurality of fused layers of a second material formed via additive manufacturing. The interlocking transition zone includes a plurality of projections alternately extending from the outer rim of the rotor disk and the plurality of rotor blades, respectively, to undetachably couple the rotor disk and the plurality of rotor blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Herbert Chidsey Roberts, Richard William Albrecht, Jr., Michael John McCarren, Peter Andrew Flynn, Michael Francis Xavier Gigliotti, Jr., Eric Alan Estill
  • Publication number: 20180363497
    Abstract: A turbine component assembly is disclosed, including a first component, a second component, and an interface shield. The first component is arranged to be disposed adjacent to a hot gas path, and includes a ceramic matrix composite composition. The second component is adjacent to the first component and arranged to be disposed distal from the hot gas path across the first component. The interface shield is disposed on a contact region of the first component, and directly contacts the second component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Glenn Curtis TAXACHER, Bruce BADDING, Herbert Chidsey ROBERTS, III
  • Publication number: 20180363503
    Abstract: A shroud dampening pin is disclosed including a shaft, a dampening portion at a first end of the shaft, and a cap at a second end of the shaft. The dampening portion includes a bevel having a bevel angle and a contact surface. A turbine shroud assembly is disclosed, including an inner shroud, an outer shroud, the shroud dampening pin, and a biasing apparatus. The outer shroud includes a channel extending from an aperture adjacent to the inner shroud at a channel angle from the aperture. The shroud dampening pin is disposed within the channel. The dampening portion extends through the aperture with the contact surface contacting the inner shroud. The biasing apparatus contacts the cap and provides a biasing force to the inner shroud through the contact surface. The bevel angle is about the same as the channel angle, and the contact surface is about parallel to the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Glenn Curtis TAXACHER, Herbert Chidsey ROBERTS, III, Randall GILL
  • Patent number: 10144096
    Abstract: Methods are provided for securing a tool within a gas turbine engine. The method can include inserting a tool into the engine; inserting a bladder between a portion of the tool and a component in the engine; and inflating the bladder to temporarily secure the tool in its position. For example, two tools (or more) can be inserted into the engine and secured by the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Herbert Chidsey Roberts, David Scott Diwinsky
  • Publication number: 20180328189
    Abstract: CMC components having microchannels and methods for forming microchannels in CMC components are provided. For example, a method for forming microchannels in a CMC component comprises laying up a plurality of body plies for forming a body of the CMC component; laying up a microchannel ply on the plurality of body plies that has at least one void therein for forming at least one microchannel; laying up a cover ply on the microchannel ply to define an outer layer of the CMC component; and processing the laid up body plies, microchannel ply, and cover ply to form the CMC component. In another embodiment, the method comprises applying an additive matrix to the body plies to define at least one microchannel. In still other embodiments, the method comprises machining at least one microchannel in the plurality of body plies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: David Alan Frey, Kirk Douglas Gallier, Herbert Chidsey Roberts
  • Patent number: 10125611
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an improved system and method for repairing a bend in a turbine blade of a turbine of a gas turbine engine. The system includes an articulating guide configured to fit into an access port of the turbine. The articulating guide includes a proximal end and a distal end. The system also includes a repair tool configured at the distal end of the articulating guide. Further, the repair tool is configured to fit over the turbine blade. Thus, the repair tool is configured to bend the turbine blade to an unbent position while the turbine blade is secured within the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Herbert Chidsey Roberts, David Scott Diwinsky