Patents by Inventor James Bradford

James Bradford 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: 9144866
    Abstract: Various embodiments include an apparatus for installing or removing a transition piece (TP) in a gas turbine. The apparatus can include: a control arm assembly sized to rest within an opening in the gas turbine; a guide system coupled to the control arm assembly, the guide system for transporting the TP within the opening in the gas turbine; and a counter balance coupled to the guide system, the counter balance for countering weight of the TP during the installing or the removing of the TP in the gas turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Bradford Holmes, James Robert Hollis, Wayne David Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20150260043
    Abstract: A tool for removing a component from a turbomachine is provided. The tool includes a body having an alignment portion and a connection portion. The alignment portion defines a longitudinal axis and a cross sectional shape complementary to a slot defined in a rotor wheel of the turbomachine. When the tool is positioned in the slot, the connection portion is configured to contact the component. The tool additionally includes a force section connected to the body and configured to transfer a force to the connection portion in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the alignment portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Bradford Holmes, David Randolph Spracher, James Robert Hollis, Wayne David Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9133273
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel humanized, chimeric and murine antibodies that have binding specificity for the human CC chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20). The present invention further relates to heavy chains and light chains of said antibodies. The invention also relates to isolated nucleic acids, recombinant vectors and host cells that comprise a sequence which encodes a heavy chain and/or a light chain of said antibodies, and to a method of preparing said antibodies. The anti-CCL20 antibodies of the invention can be used in therapeutic applications to treat, for example, inflammatory and autoimmune disorders and cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Eisai R&D Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Imai, James Bradford Kline, Tetsu Kawano, Luigi Grasso, Yoshimasa Sakamoto, Jared Spidel, Miyuki Nishimura, Kenzo Muramoto, Tatsuo Horizoe
  • Patent number: 9097123
    Abstract: A method and system adapted for removing one or more shells from an assembly of multiple annular shells, for example, turbine shells of a gas turbine engine. The method includes removing an upper shell positioned in an upper position relative to a lower shell of the assembly of multiple annular shells, and then positioning and securing a counterweight in the upper position and securing the counterweight to the lower shell as a replacement for the upper shell in the upper position. The counterweight and the lower shell are then rotated in unison until the lower shell is in the upper position and the counterweight is in a lower position previously occupied by the lower shell. Thereafter, the lower shell can be removed from the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Bradford Holmes, Kenneth Damon Black, Christopher Paul Cox, Matthew Stephen Casavant, Bradley Edwin Wilson, Brett Darrick Klingler
  • Publication number: 20150209929
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to an apparatus and method for treating a rotatable component. An apparatus according to the present disclosure can include: a sliding engagement member configured to slidably engage a portion of a rotating component that is temporarily stationary; and a tool engaging member for positioning a machining tool relative to the rotating component to machine a surface of the rotating component, wherein the tool engaging member is rotatable to one of a plurality of angles relative to the sliding engagement member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jason Matthew Clark, James Bradford Holmes
  • Patent number: 9038253
    Abstract: A system for lifting a first casing section relative to a second casing section is disclosed. The system may generally include a guide member configured to be coupled to the second casing section so as to generally extend lengthwise in a lift direction of the first casing section and a sleeve member configured to be coupled to the first casing section. The sleeve member may be movably disposed on the guide member such that the sleeve member is displaced along a length of the guide member as the first casing section is lifted in the lift direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John William Herbold, Randall Stephen Corn, James Bradford Holmes, Charles V. Spanos
  • Patent number: 8984730
    Abstract: A system for rotating a turbine shell includes a first platform and a first trunnion rotatably connected to the first platform. A second platform is separated from the first platform, and a second trunnion is separated from the first trunnion and rotatably connected to the second platform. The system further includes structure for rotating the first trunnion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Bradford Holmes, Randall Stephen Corn
  • Patent number: 8906221
    Abstract: An electrochemical grinding tool and method capable of rounding sharp edges that may be prone to cracking, for example, edge regions of cooling slots within dovetail slots of turbine wheels. The electrochemical grinding tool includes a drilling assembly, a conductive bit, and a motor for rotating the conductive bit about an axis thereof. The conductive bit of the electrochemical grinding tool is inserted into a first slot, an electrolyte solution is applied between the conductive bit of the electrochemical grinding tool and a second slot that intersects the first slot, an electrical potential is applied to the conductive bit and the turbine wheel to create a potential gradient between the conductive bit and the edge of the second slot, and material is removed from the edge of the second slot by displacing the conductive bit about and along the edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Bradford Holmes, Andrew Lee Trimmer
  • Patent number: 8826520
    Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of an apparatus for use to extract a rotor from a generator. The apparatus can include a central mount element that secures to the end of the rotor. A pair of support members coupled to the sides of the central mount element. The support members can include a load bearing element that permits travel of the apparatus on a surface, e.g., a platform proximate to the turbine generator. During implementation, the apparatus is configured to direct pulling forces along the center axis of the rotor to restrict movement of the rotor and, in particular, limit rotation of the rotor that can result in inadvertent contact with the stator or other parts of the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Charles Vaughan Spanos, Charles Van Buchan, James Bradford Holmes
  • Patent number: 8807885
    Abstract: A method and a machining kit for machining a bore hole into a shroud block are disclosed. The method includes designating a location of the bore hole on an exterior surface of the shroud block, positioning the shroud block in a machining device, securing the shroud block in the machining device, and machining the bore hole in the shroud block. The machining device includes a locating tool, a machining tool, a platform, a securing device, and a radial support. The radial support is configured to mate with a radial exterior surface of the shroud block such that a machining axis of the machining device may be aligned with a radial axis of the shroud block during positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John William Herbold, Paul L. Kalmar, Randall Stephen Corn, James Bradford Holmes
  • Publication number: 20140223709
    Abstract: A turbomachine rotor blade milling machine system includes a fixture having a body including first and second opposing surfaces and a slot. The fixture is configured and disposed to connect with first and second rotor blade sections mounted in a rotor wheel. A mounting system includes at least one mounting element coupled to one of the first and second opposing surfaces of the body at the slot. A milling machine is coupled to the one of the first and second opposing surfaces through the at least one mounting element. The milling machine includes a cutter and is configured and disposed to form an opening extending axially through a dovetail portion of a third rotor blade section arranged between the first and second rotor blade sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jason Matthew Clark, John William Herbold, James Bradford Holmes
  • Publication number: 20140165359
    Abstract: Various embodiments include alignment systems for turbines. In various particular embodiments, an apparatus for aligning an end of a transition piece (TP) with an outlet of a combustor component is disclosed. The apparatus can include: a mount configured to attach to the combustor component proximate the outlet; a hinge component pivotably connected to the mount, the hinge component having an axis of motion substantially perpendicular with a primary axis of the combustor component; a dummy transition piece (dummy TP) component fixedly attached to the hinge component for pivoting with the hinge component; and an adjustment apparatus having a first end fixedly attached to the dummy TP, and a second end with an actuatable adjustment member for modifying a position of the dummy TP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: James Bradford Holmes, James Robert Hollis, Wayne David Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20140165397
    Abstract: Various embodiments include an apparatus for installing or removing a transition piece (TP) in a gas turbine. The apparatus can include: a control arm assembly sized to rest within an opening in the gas turbine; a guide system coupled to the control arm assembly, the guide system for transporting the TP within the opening in the gas turbine; and a counter balance coupled to the guide system, the counter balance for countering weight of the TP during the installing or the removing of the TP in the gas turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: James Bradford Holmes, James Robert Hollis, Wayne David Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20140112727
    Abstract: A cutting tool locating device for a forming an opening in a gear includes a guide member configured and disposed to be fixedly connected to gear mounted to a shaft, and an alignment puck moveably mounted to the guide member. The alignment puck includes a bushing configured and disposed to align with a recess formed in the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Charles Vaughan Spanos, Randall Stephen Corn, John William Herbold, James Bradford Holmes
  • Publication number: 20140034513
    Abstract: An electrochemical machining tool and method capable of rounding sharp edges that may be prone to cracking, for example, edge regions of cooling slots within dovetail slots of turbine wheels. The electrochemical machining tool includes an electrode and is secured to the component. The electrode of the electrochemical machining tool is inserted into a first slot, an electrolyte solution is applied between the electrode of the electrochemical machining tool and a second slot that intersects the first slot, an electrical potential is applied to the electrode and the turbine wheel to create a potential gradient between the electrode and the edge of the second slot, and material is removed from the edge of the second slot by displacing the electrode about and along the edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Bradford Holmes, Andrew Lee Trimmer, Seung-Woo Choi
  • Publication number: 20140034512
    Abstract: An electrochemical grinding tool and method capable of rounding sharp edges that may be prone to cracking, for example, edge regions of cooling slots within dovetail slots of turbine wheels. The electrochemical grinding tool includes a drilling assembly, a conductive bit, and a motor for rotating the conductive bit about an axis thereof. The conductive bit of the electrochemical grinding tool is inserted into a first slot, an electrolyte solution is applied between the conductive bit of the electrochemical grinding tool and a second slot that intersects the first slot, an electrical potential is applied to the conductive bit and the turbine wheel to create a potential gradient between the conductive bit and the edge of the second slot, and material is removed from the edge of the second slot by displacing the conductive bit about and along the edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: James Bradford Holmes, Andrew Lee Trimmer
  • Publication number: 20140026414
    Abstract: A method and system adapted for removing one or more shells from an assembly of multiple annular shells, for example, turbine shells of a gas turbine engine. The method includes removing an upper shell positioned in an upper position relative to a lower shell of the assembly of multiple annular shells, and then positioning and securing a counterweight in the upper position and securing the counterweight to the lower shell as a replacement for the upper shell in the upper position. The counterweight and the lower shell are then rotated in unison until the lower shell is in the upper position and the counterweight is in a lower position previously occupied by the lower shell. Thereafter, the lower shell can be removed from the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: James Bradford Holmes, Kenneth Damon Black, Christopher Paul Cox, Matthew Stephen Casavant, Bradley Edwin Wilson, Brett Darrick Klingler
  • Publication number: 20130322973
    Abstract: A tool for drilling, tapping, and back spot facing a hole in dynamoelectric machines includes a servo motor cutting device and a drill unit skid. The servo motor cutting device includes a cutting tool. The drill unit skid engages a hook fit slot in a case of the dynamoelectric machine and supports the servo motor cutting device. The drill unit skid includes hook fit slides configured to guide the drill unit skid along the hook fit slot and act as a stop in a radial direction. The tool includes a laser positioning device configured to detect the position of the cutting tool, and a micro switch configured to stop the servo motor cutting device when the micro switch activates. The servo motor cutting device rotates the cutting tool to create the hole, and a rotor of the dynamoelectric machine is left in place during drilling, tapping and back spot facing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: James Bradford Holmes
  • Publication number: 20130240504
    Abstract: A system for heating a stator segment includes a first frame member, a plurality of arms extending radially from the first frame member, and a heater releasably connected to each arm. The system further includes a biasing element for biasing each heater away from the first frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: James Bradford Holmes, Charles Van Buchan, Jason Matthew Clark
  • Patent number: D735928
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventors: James Bradford Hawkins, Jeremy Daniel Langton