Patents by Inventor James A. Bauer
James A. Bauer 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).
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Patent number: 10797552Abstract: A tool system for tightening a retrightenable wedge system in a slot of a generator stator core is presented. The tool system includes a carriage assembly and a wedge tool assembly that is pivotally coupled to the carriage assembly. The carriage assembly includes motorized drives that axially moves the tool system along the slot and holds the tool system on the slot at an axial position. The wedge tool assembly includes a torqueing socket to tighten the retightenable wedge assembly in the slot. The torqueing socket is driven by a worm gear arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2017Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Xabier A. Sanjuan, Michael R. Vindler, Michael A. Hall, Timothy J. Garner, James A. Bauer, Charles C. Moore
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Publication number: 20190173347Abstract: A tool system for tightening a retrightenable wedge system in a slot of a generator stator core is presented. The tool system includes a carriage assembly and a wedge tool assembly that is pivotally coupled to the carriage assembly. The carriage assembly includes motorized drives that axially moves the tool system along the slot and holds the tool system on the slot at an axial position. The wedge tool assembly includes a torqueing socket to tighten the retightenable wedge assembly in the slot. The torqueing socket is driven by a worm gear arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2017Publication date: June 6, 2019Inventors: Xabier A. Sanjuan, Michael R. Vindler, Michael A. Hall, Timothy J. Garner, James A. Bauer
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Patent number: 10274541Abstract: Eddy current inspection of the step iron region of a generator stator core lamina insulation is performed while the rotor is in situ, with inspection system (81). The system (81) excites the stator core (26) and then measures any eddy currents indicative of a damaged region. The inspection system carriage (42) and its pivoting extension arm (52) are inserted within the rotor gap (34) while the rotor (22) remains in situ within the generator (20). The EL CID system's eddy current sensing coil assembly (54) includes a Chattock coil (70), which is mounted in a coil housing (56, 58) that is in turn pivotally mounted on a distal end of the extension arm (52). A sensing surface (60) of the coil housing (56, 58) remains in abutting contact with the generator core circumference in the step iron region (32), despite the step-like profile of the core circumference in that region.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2015Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Mark W. Fischer, James A. Bauer, Lukas Demsey
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Patent number: 10197538Abstract: System, methods, and devices for inspecting generator rotor slot wedges in-situ are provided. The system includes a controller operably connected to a remote-control carriage for transmitting control signals and receiving data. The carriage includes a drive module for moving the carriage into an inspection area, e.g., through an air gap between the rotor and stator, and an inspection module operable to inspect a rotor wedge surface. The inspection module includes a jack assembly and a transducer assembly. The jack assembly is operably connected to the transducer assembly, and configured to elevate the transducer assembly to the rotor wedge surface for inspection.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2016Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.Inventors: James Alford, Charles C. Moore, El Mahjoub RasselKorde, James A. Bauer, Joseph T. Beuten
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Publication number: 20170363688Abstract: Eddy current inspection of the step iron region of a generator stator core lamina insulation is performed while the rotor is in situ, with inspection system (81). The system (81) excites the stator core (26) and then measures any eddy currents indicative of a damaged region. The inspection system carriage (42) and its pivoting extension arm (52) are inserted within the rotor gap (34) while the rotor (22) remains in situ within the generator (20). The EL CID system's eddy current sensing coil assembly (54) includes a Chattock coil (70), which is mounted in a coil housing (56, 58) that is in turn pivotally mounted on a distal end of the extension arm (52). A sensing surface (60) of the coil housing (56, 58) remains in abutting contact with the generator core circumference in the step iron region (32), despite the step-like profile of the core circumference in that region.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2015Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Mark W. Fischer, James A. Bauer, Lukas Demsey
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Publication number: 20170219533Abstract: System, methods, and devices for inspecting generator rotor slot wedges in-situ are provided. The system includes a controller operably connected to a remote-control carriage for transmitting control signals and receiving data. The carriage includes a drive module for moving the carriage into an inspection area, e.g., through an air gap between the rotor and stator, and an inspection module operable to inspect a rotor wedge surface. The inspection module includes a jack assembly and a transducer assembly. The jack assembly is operably connected to the transducer assembly, and configured to elevate the transducer assembly to the rotor wedge surface for inspection.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2016Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: James Alford, Charles C. Moore, El Mahjoub RasselKorde, James A. Bauer, Joseph T. Beuten
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Patent number: 9575034Abstract: Immersion ultrasonic NDE is performed within cavities of inanimate objects, having downwardly directed openings, such as for in situ inspection of steam inlet sleeves and steam inlet necks within steam turbine housings. A shaft assembly has one or more single angle or phased array ultrasonic probes that are affixed on an upstream or distal end. An inflatable bladder is affixed to the shaft on a proximal end of the shaft assembly downstream the ultrasonic probe(s). The shaft is inserted into the cavity opening, and the bladder is inflated to form a fluid tight seal against the cavity. Immersion fluid is introduced upstream the bladder in the volume occupied by the probes. Immersion ultrasonic inspection of the object is then performed.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.Inventors: El Mahjoub Rasselkorde, Michael F. Fair, Francisco J. Jaimes, Waheed A. Abbasi, James A. Bauer
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Patent number: 9539668Abstract: A device for removing a coating formed in a slot of a stator core. The device includes a carriage movably attached to a first guide rail assembly to enable movement of the carriage in a longitudinal direction. The device also includes a first drive screw wherein rotation of the first drive screw moves the first guide rail assembly in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the device includes a second guide rail assembly that is attached to the carriage wherein the second guide rail assembly enables movement of the carriage in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. Further, the device includes a second drive screw wherein rotation of the second drive screw moves the carriage in the transverse direction. The carriage includes a laser beam emitting head that moves within the slot in either or both the longitudinal or transverse directions wherein the laser beam emitting head emits a laser beam to remove the coating.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2013Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Vindler, James A. Bauer
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Patent number: 9398198Abstract: Steam turbine engine cross over pipe or other pipe internal inspection is performed with a selectively steerable pipe inspection crawler apparatus with a chassis having a longitudinal axis, with front and rear Mechanum wheels capable of independently-selected forward or rearward driven rotational direction, for selectively steering the apparatus within the pipe interior under control of a human-machine interface (HMI). The crawler apparatus has at least one inspection camera having a field of view, for capturing images of a pipe interior that is also under control of the HMI. Embodiments of the crawler apparatus include a selectively orientable inspection camera and/or a deployable bore scope that is selectively deployed and retracted from a descending section of the cross over pipe.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Jae Young Choi, Christopher Lee Harms, James A. Bauer, Scott A. Karstetter, Michael R. Vindler
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Publication number: 20150260690Abstract: Immersion ultrasonic NDE is performed within cavities of inanimate objects, having downwardly directed openings, such as for in situ inspection of steam inlet sleeves and steam inlet necks within steam turbine housings. A shaft assembly has one or more single angle or phased array ultrasonic probes that are affixed on an upstream or distal end. An inflatable bladder is affixed to the shaft on a proximal end of the shaft assembly downstream the ultrasonic probe(s). The shaft is inserted into the cavity opening, and the bladder is inflated to form a fluid tight seal against the cavity. Immersion fluid is introduced upstream the bladder in the volume occupied by the probes. Immersion ultrasonic inspection of the object is then performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2014Publication date: September 17, 2015Applicant: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: El Mahjoub Rasselkorde, Michael F. Fair, Francisco J. Jaimes, Waheed A. Abbasi, James A. Bauer
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Publication number: 20150240984Abstract: Steam turbine engine cross over pipe or other pipe internal inspection is performed with a selectively steerable pipe inspection crawler apparatus with a chassis having a longitudinal axis, with front and rear Mechanum wheels capable of independently-selected forward or rearward driven rotational direction, for selectively steering the apparatus within the pipe interior under control of a human-machine interface (HMI). The crawler apparatus has at least one inspection camera having a field of view, for capturing images of a pipe interior that is also under control of the HMI. Embodiments of the crawler apparatus include a selectively orientable inspection camera and/or a deployable bore scope that is selectively deployed and retracted from a descending section of the cross over pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2014Publication date: August 27, 2015Applicant: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Jae Young Choi, Christopher Lee Harms, James A. Bauer, Scott A. Karstetter, Michael R. Vindler
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Publication number: 20140190948Abstract: A device for removing a coating formed in a slot of a stator core. The device includes a carriage movably attached to a first guide rail assembly to enable movement of the carriage in a longitudinal direction. The device also includes a first drive screw wherein rotation of the first drive screw moves the first guide rail assembly in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the device includes a second guide rail assembly that is attached to the carriage wherein the second guide rail assembly enables movement of the carriage in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. Further, the device includes a second drive screw wherein rotation of the second drive screw moves the carriage in the transverse direction. The carriage includes a laser beam emitting head that moves within the slot in either or both the longitudinal or transverse directions wherein the laser beam emitting head emits a laser beam to remove the coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2013Publication date: July 10, 2014Inventors: Michael R. Vindler, James A. Bauer
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Patent number: 7950297Abstract: An inspection head where non-destructive inspection is structured to fit into narrow spaces, and to accurately and repeatably move an inspection probe along a surface to be inspected. Movement of the inspection head along an X, Y, Z, ?, and ?-axis is precisely controlled by individual drive mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2007Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Charles Crawford Moore, Michael Charles Moore, Michael F. Fair, James A. Bauer, Michael J. Metala
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Patent number: 7866421Abstract: A remote-controlled dynamoelectric machine maintenance vehicle that can fit and travel within the air gap between a stator and rotor of a dynamoelectric machine. The maintenance vehicle has an effectuator that can remotely attach to an adjustable wedge within a coil slot of the stator and tighten the wedge in position and then move on to repeat the process until all the wedges on the stator are secured.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Charles C. Moore, Mark W. Fischer, James A. Bauer, Waldemar Spruda, Olaf Froede
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Patent number: 7653986Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for the horizontal stacking of laminations 10 and donuts to form a stator core. A stator generator frame 2 has multiple keybars 6 that run the axial length of the frame. The laminations 10 have grooves 12 there-in that engage the keybars to provide a secure fit of the laminations to the generator frame. By extending two or more of the keybars 6, these extensions 7 may be used as rails on which the laminations may be horizontally inserted into the stator frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2008Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Thomas M. Majernik, James A. Bauer, John B. Sargeant, George F. Dailey
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Publication number: 20090194346Abstract: A remote-controlled dynamoelectric machine maintenance vehicle that can fit and travel within the air gap between a stator and rotor of a dynamoelectric machine. The maintenance vehicle has an effectuator that can remotely attach to an adjustable wedge within a coil slot of the stator and tighten the wedge in position and then move on to repeat the process until all the wedges on the stator are secured.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2008Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: SIEMENS POWER GENERATION, INC.Inventors: Charles C. Moore, Mark W. Fischer, James A. Bauer, Waldemar Spruda, Olaf Froede
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Publication number: 20090126493Abstract: An inspection head where non-destructive inspection is structured to fit into narrow spaces, and to accurately and repeatably move an inspection probe along a surface to be inspected. Movement of the inspection head along an X, Y, Z, ?, and ?-axis is precisely controlled by individual drive mechanisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2007Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventors: Charles Crawford Moore, Michael Charles Moore, Michael F. Fair, James A. Bauer, Michael J. Metala
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Patent number: 7427929Abstract: Apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an advisory system that transmits information regarding the status of the host vehicle to drivers of other vehicles, in particular when the status of the host vehicle presents a hazardous condition to other vehicles. An advisory system may also receive information from other vehicles, and provide an alert to the driver of the host vehicle if a hazard to the host vehicle exists. Methods of providing such information are also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2006Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: James A. Bauer, Okuda Masato
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Patent number: 6889783Abstract: A remote controlled inspection vehicle provides interchangeable modules, permitting the vehicle to be easily configured to perform a wide variety of tasks. The vehicle includes at least one frame module having a pair of drive modules on either side. Each drive module includes a continuous track surrounding a permanent magnet, and is dimensioned and configured to pivot around its longitudinal axis. The frame modules are dimensioned and configured to be hingedly secured to other frame modules, end effectors including various sensors for performing inspections, and tail units to assist in placing the vehicle in the desired environment.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2003Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventors: Charles C. Moore, James A. Bauer, Mark W. Fischer, Harry L. Sill
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Patent number: 6876222Abstract: An automated tool for performing an EL CID inspection of the step iron region of a generator stator that can be employed with the rotor in place. The tool has a track that is axially cantilevered at one end and supported magnetically within a stator slot adjacent the region to be monitored. The track has a smoothly rounded contour that approximately conforms to the profile of the stator step region. A carriage carrying a pickup coil is slideably mounted on the track and is driven back and forth along the track over the area to be inspected by a remotely-operated drive system. A video camera is mounted on the track and provides a remote visual indication of the location of the carriage relative to the stator.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventors: Mark W. Fischer, George F. Dailey, James A. Bauer