Patents by Inventor James Henry Madge
James Henry Madge 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: 10676952Abstract: A wind turbine system includes a wind turbine generator having a rotor and a nacelle mounted atop a tower structure. The tower structure is mounted to a foundation structure and includes a plurality of tower sections, each including one or more tower section flanges. The wind turbine system further includes one or more connector rings. Each of the one or more connector rings is disposed proximate two adjacent tower section flanges and includes a plurality of pad eye adaptors each having an opening formed therein. The wind turbine system further includes a plurality of tensioned cables, with each coupled to one of the pad eye adaptors at a first end and the foundation structure at a second end. The plurality of tensioned cables are coupled to the tower structure at different or multiple connector ring heights based on site conditions to yield the desired lateral stability.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Biao Fang, Srikrishna Mantravadi, Nikolina Kourteva Kristeva, Ingo Paura, Norman Arnold Turnquist, Todd DarVel Andersen, Pascal Meyer, Gregory Edward Cooper, James Henry Madge
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Publication number: 20190234096Abstract: A wind turbine system includes a wind turbine generator having a rotor and a nacelle mounted atop a tower structure. The tower structure is mounted to a foundation structure and includes a plurality of tower sections, each including one or more tower section flanges. The wind turbine system further includes one or more connector rings. Each of the one or more connector rings is disposed proximate two adjacent tower section flanges and includes a plurality of pad eye adaptors each having an opening formed therein. The wind turbine system further includes a plurality of tensioned cables, with each coupled to one of the pad eye adaptors at a first end and the foundation structure at a second end. The plurality of tensioned cables are coupled to the tower structure at different or multiple connector ring heights based on site conditions to yield the desired lateral stability.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2018Publication date: August 1, 2019Inventors: Biao Fang, Srikrishna Mantravadi, Nikolina Kourteva Kristeva, Ingo Paura, Norman Arnold Turnquist, Todd DarVel Andersen, Pascal Meyer, Gregory Edward Cooper, James Henry Madge
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Patent number: 9683553Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring wind turbine loading are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a main shaft, a bedplate, and a gearbox coupled to the main shaft and mounted to the bedplate. The gearbox includes an outer casing and a torque arm extending from the outer casing. The system further includes an isolation mount coupled to the torque arm, and a sensor configured to measure displacement of the torque arm. In another embodiment, a method includes operating the wind turbine, and detecting displacement of a torque arm of a gearbox of the wind turbine. The method further includes calculating a moment for a main shaft of the wind turbine based on the displacement of the torque arm.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2013Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Dale Robert Mashtare, James Henry Madge, Charudatta Subhash Mehendale, George Albert Goller, Conner B. Shane
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Patent number: 9353729Abstract: An aerodynamic hub assembly for a wind turbine is disclosed. The hub assembly may include a hub extension, a rotor blade having a blade root and a blade tip, and a hub airfoil section mounted at least partially over the hub extension. The hub airfoil section may be fixed relative to the rotor blade or may be configured to rotate about a common pitch axis with the rotor blade. The hub extension may be connected to and extend radially from a center of the hub assembly. Further, the hub assembly may include a pitch bearing having an inner race and an outer race, wherein the pitch bearing may be coupled between the hub extension and the blade root. Additionally, the hub assembly may also include an aerodynamically-shaped spinner, wherein the spinner may house at least a portion of a root structure extending radially from the center of the hub assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2013Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ian David Wilson, Kevin Wayne Kinzie, James Henry Madge, Daniel Jason Erno, Michael Colan Moscinski, Zaeem Ashraf Khan, Dmytro Floriyovych Opaits
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Publication number: 20150069762Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring wind turbine loading are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a main shaft, a bedplate, and a gearbox coupled to the main shaft and mounted to the bedplate. The gearbox includes an outer casing and a torque arm extending from the outer casing. The system further includes an isolation mount coupled to the torque arm, and a sensor configured to measure displacement of the torque arm. In another embodiment, a method includes operating the wind turbine, and detecting displacement of a torque arm of a gearbox of the wind turbine. The method further includes calculating a moment for a main shaft of the wind turbine based on the displacement of the torque arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Dale Robert Mashtare, James Henry Madge, Charudatta Subhash Mehendale, George Albert Goller, Conner B. Shane
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Publication number: 20150010403Abstract: An aerodynamic hub assembly for a wind turbine is disclosed. The hub assembly may include a hub extension, a rotor blade having a blade root and a blade tip, and a hub airfoil section mounted at least partially over the hub extension. The hub airfoil section may be fixed relative to the rotor blade or may be configured to rotate about a common pitch axis with the rotor blade. The hub extension may be connected to and extend radially from a center of the hub assembly. Further, the hub assembly may include a pitch bearing having an inner race and an outer race, wherein the pitch bearing may be coupled between the hub extension and the blade root. Additionally, the hub assembly may also include an aerodynamically-shaped spinner, wherein the spinner may house at least a portion of a root structure extending radially from the center of the hub assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2013Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: Ian David Wilson, Kevin Wayne Kinzie, James Henry Madge, Daniel Jason Erno, Michael Colan Moscinski, Zaeem Ashraf Khan, Dmytro Floriyovych Opaits
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Patent number: 8469664Abstract: A tower for a wind turbine is disclosed. The tower includes an outer shell defining a yaw axis and a main frame for a nacelle. The tower further includes a first yaw bearing and a second yaw bearing each connecting the outer shell and the main frame. The first yaw bearing and the second yaw bearing are spaced apart from each other along the yaw axis and each rotatable about the yaw axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2011Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Henry Madge, Adam Daniel Minadeo
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Patent number: 8414448Abstract: A gear system, such as for use in a wind turbine, is disclosed. The gear system includes a carrier, a gear defining a central axis, and a pin extending along the central axis and coupling the gear to the carrier. The gear system further includes a roller bearing surrounding the pin, the roller bearing comprising a plurality of roller elements, and a journal bearing surrounding the pin.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Henry Madge, Adam Daniel Minadeo, Priyangu Chunilal Patel
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Publication number: 20130052017Abstract: A gear system, such as for use in a wind turbine, is disclosed. The gear system includes a carrier, a gear defining a central axis, and a pin extending along the central axis and coupling the gear to the carrier. The gear system further includes a roller bearing surrounding the pin, the roller bearing comprising a plurality of roller elements, and a journal bearing surrounding the pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: James Henry Madge, Adam Daniel Minadeo, Priyangu Chunilal Patel
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Patent number: 8338980Abstract: A drive train for a wind turbine includes individual rotor blades connected to a rotor hub. The drive train includes a gearbox, with the rotor hub mounted directly to the gearbox. The gearbox further includes a stationary gear carrier mounted to a mainframe of the wind turbine such that the gearbox substantially supports the weight of the rotor hub. A generator includes a rotor and stationary stator, with the gearbox comprising an output shaft coupled to the rotor such that the gearbox substantially supports the weight of the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2011Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Adam Daniel Minadeo, James Henry Madge, Priyangu Chunilal Patel
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Publication number: 20120133154Abstract: A drive train for a wind turbine includes individual rotor blades connected to a rotor hub. The drive train includes a gearbox, with the rotor hub mounted directly to the gearbox. The gearbox further includes a stationary gear carrier mounted to a mainframe of the wind turbine such that the gearbox substantially supports the weight of the rotor hub. A generator includes a rotor and stationary stator, with the gearbox comprising an output shaft coupled to the rotor such that the gearbox substantially supports the weight of the rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Adam Daniel Minadeo, James Henry Madge, Priyangu Chunilal Patel
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Publication number: 20120134841Abstract: A tower for a wind turbine is disclosed. The tower includes an outer shell defining a yaw axis and a main frame for a nacelle. The tower further includes a first yaw bearing and a second yaw bearing each connecting the outer shell and the main frame. The first yaw bearing and the second yaw bearing are spaced apart from each other along the yaw axis and each rotatable about the yaw axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: James Henry Madge, Adam Daniel Minadeo
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Patent number: 8147183Abstract: A wind turbine and a drivetrain for a generator is provided. The drivetrain includes a hub configured to provide an input rotational speed, and a planetary gearbox in communication with the hub. The planetary gearbox includes a stationary or rotatable carrier and a plurality of planet gears. The planetary gearbox is configured to convert the input rotational speed to an output rotational speed, and includes at least one sun gear. The hub can be rigidly connected to the rotatable ring gear.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2010Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Henry Madge, Priyangu Chunilal Patel, Adam Daniel Minadeo
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Patent number: 8103375Abstract: A method for finishing a part having excess material includes generating one or more surfaces on a model of the part to be machined, creating a machining tool path drive geometry, using the machine tool path drive geometry and one or more surfaces on the model to be machined to generate machining tool paths on the surfaces; and running tool paths on the part in a fixture.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Randall Maurice Ouellette, Jeffrey Robert Close, James Henry Madge
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Patent number: 8099255Abstract: A measurement system and a method for measuring a net deflection of a shaft in a wind turbine are disclosed. The measurement system includes at least one first sensor positioned proximate a first shaft component, the at least one first sensor configured to measure at least one first deflection of the first shaft component, and at least one second sensor configured to measure at least one reference deflection. The measurement system further includes a base, wherein the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor are coupled together and configured on the base, and a processor configured to calculate the net deflection of the shaft utilizing the at least one first deflection and the at least one reference deflection.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2010Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: James Henry Madge
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Publication number: 20110246131Abstract: A measurement system and a method for measuring a net deflection of a shaft in a wind turbine are disclosed. The measurement system includes at least one first sensor positioned proximate a first shaft component, the at least one first sensor configured to measure at least one first deflection of the first shaft component, and at least one second sensor configured to measure at least one reference deflection. The measurement system further includes a base, wherein the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor are coupled together and configured on the base, and a processor configured to calculate the net deflection of the shaft utilizing the at least one first deflection and the at least one reference deflection.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventor: James Henry Madge
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Publication number: 20110211962Abstract: A wind turbine and a drivetrain for a generator is provided. The drivetrain includes a hub configured to provide an input rotational speed, and a planetary gearbox in communication with the hub. The planetary gearbox includes a stationary or rotatable carrier and a plurality of planet gears. The planetary gearbox is configured to convert the input rotational speed to an output rotational speed, and includes at least one sun gear. The hub can be rigidly connected to the rotatable ring gear.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2010Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventors: James Henry Madge, Priyangu Chunilal Patel, Adam Daniel Minadeo
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Publication number: 20110143880Abstract: A drivetrain for a generator in a wind turbine is disclosed. In one embodiment, the drivetrain includes an input shaft configured to provide an input rotational speed, and a planetary gearbox in communication with the input shaft. The planetary gearbox includes a stationary carrier and a plurality of rotatable gears. The planetary gearbox is configured to convert the input rotational speed to an output rotational speed. The drivetrain additionally includes an output shaft in communication with the planetary gearbox. The output shaft is configured to rotate at the output rotational speed. The drivetrain further includes a load isolation device disposed between the input shaft and the planetary gearbox. The load isolation device is configured to reduce transmission to the planetary gearbox of bending loads on the input shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Adam Daniel Minadeo, James Henry Madge, Priyangu Chunilal Patel
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Publication number: 20110131781Abstract: A method of assembling a bore repair assembly for use with a wind turbine. The wind turbine includes a gearbox assembly that defines a first bearing bore and a second bearing bore coaxially aligned with the first bearing bore. The method includes coupling a first support assembly with respect to the second bearing bore. A boring bar is positioned coaxially within the first bearing bore and through the second bearing bore. The boring bar is rotatably coupled to the first support assembly. A boring bar drive assembly is coupled to the boring bar for rotating the boring bar about a central bearing axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventors: Alistair Jeffrey Smith, Douglas Jerome Jones, Jeremy Clayton Plummer, James Henry Madge, Keith Alan Marsden, Wayne Alan Demo
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Patent number: 7861827Abstract: A bearing oil supply assembly includes (a) a plate member with opposed first and second sides, the plate member having a first bore formed in the first side which is adapted to receive a first bearing; (b) an annular manifold attached to the plate member such that the plate member and the manifold cooperatively define an annular oil gallery; and (c) a plurality of passages formed in the manifold, the passages cooperating with the plate member to define a plurality of generally axially-directed pathways in fluid communication with the first bore and the oil gallery. The passages are substantially evenly spaced around the circumference of the manifold. The oil supply assembly may be used to supply oil to two bearings carrying separate shafts running at different speeds.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Henry Madge, Jeremy Clayton Plummer