Patents by Inventor Howard P. Weaver

Howard P. Weaver 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).

  • Method for reducing tip rub loading
    Patent number: 8662834
    Abstract: A method for reducing tip rub loads in a rotor blade is described having the steps of selecting a location of contact between the rotor blade and a static structure; selecting a location on the blade for incorporating a tip-cutter; selecting a cutter-profile for the tip-cutter; and incorporating the tip-cutter on the selected location on the blade such that tip-cutter is capable of removing a portion of the static structure during a tip rub such that tip rub loads are facilitated to be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Joseph Kray, David W. Crall, Daniel E. Mollmann, Donald Lee Gardner, Marcia Boyle Johnson, Howard P. Weaver, Max Robert Farson
  • Rotor blade with reduced rub loading
    Patent number: 8657570
    Abstract: An airfoil for use in a rotor assembly is disclosed, the airfoil having a tip-cutter located on a sidewall near a tip portion, wherein the tip-cutter is capable of removing a portion of an abradable material during a tip rub. In another embodiment, an airfoil has a tip-grinder located on the tip portion, wherein the tip-grinder capable of removing a portion of an abradable material during a tip rub. In another embodiment, an airfoil has a tip-rake that facilitates reducing loading induced to said airfoil during tip rubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Joseph Kray, David W. Crall, Daniel E. Mollmann, Donald Lee Gardner, Marcia Boyle Johnson, Howard P. Weaver, Max Robert Farson
  • METHOD FOR REDUCING TIP RUB LOADING
    Publication number: 20100329863
    Abstract: A method for reducing tip rub loads in a rotor blade is described having the steps of selecting a location of contact between the rotor blade and a static structure; selecting a location on the blade for incorporating a tip-cutter; selecting a cutter-profile for the tip-cutter; and incorporating the tip-cutter on the selected location on the blade such that tip-cutter is capable of removing a portion of the static structure during a tip rub such that tip rub loads are facilitated to be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Nicholas Joseph Kray, David W. Crall, Daniel E. Mollmann, Donald Lee Gardner, Marcia Boyle Johnson, Howard P. Weaver, Max Robert Farson