Patents by Inventor John Joseph Rahaim

John Joseph Rahaim 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: 20220349316
    Abstract: A passive clearance control limits thermal expansion between stator components relative to rotor components. A control ring controls clearance in a passive manner and is located on or adjacent to stationary components which thermally expand during engine operation. The control ring is formed of material having low coefficient of thermal expansion such as CMCs (Ceramic Matrix Composites) and therefore limits, inhibits or restrains expansion of the adjacent stator components as temperatures increase. Limiting expansion of the stator component reduces rotor/stator clearances and limits parasitic leakage of fluid along the flow path through the engine core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Bhaskar Nanda Mondal, John Joseph Rahaim, Thomas Moniz, Steven A. Ross, Joel Kirk, Scott Hunter, Daniel Fusinato
  • Patent number: 11391173
    Abstract: A passive clearance control limits thermal expansion between stator components relative to rotor components. A control ring controls clearance in a passive manner and is located on or adjacent to stationary components which thermally expand during engine operation. The control ring is formed of material having low coefficient of thermal expansion such as CMCs (Ceramic Matrix Composites) and therefore limits, inhibits or restrains expansion of the adjacent stator components as temperatures increase. Limiting expansion of the stator component reduces rotor/stator clearances and limits parasitic leakage of fluid along the flowpath through the engine core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bhaskar Nanda Mondal, John Joseph Rahaim, Thomas Moniz, Steven A. Ross, Joel Kirk, Scott Hunter, Daniel Fusinato
  • Patent number: 11092013
    Abstract: A flow transfer apparatus for transferring cooling flow from a primary gas flowpath to a turbine rotor. The apparatus includes a first supply plenum communicating with the primary gas flowpath and first inducers, the first inducers configured to accelerate a first fluid flow from the first supply plenum and discharge it toward the rotor with a tangential velocity; a second supply plenum communicating with the primary gas flowpath and second inducers, the second inducers configured to accelerate a second fluid flow from the second supply plenum towards the rotor with a tangential velocity; and a cooling modulation valve operable to selectively permit or block the second fluid flow from the primary gas flowpath to the second supply plenum. The valve includes a flow control structure disposed in the primary gas flowpath and an actuation structure extending to a location radially outside of a casing defining the primary gas flowpath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Joseph Rahaim, Daniel John Fusinato, Scott David Hunter, Joel Francis Kirk, Michael Robert Melzak, Curtis Walton Stover
  • Publication number: 20200131922
    Abstract: A passive clearance control limits thermal expansion between stator components relative to rotor components. A control ring controls clearance in a passive manner and is located on or adjacent to stationary components which thermally expand during engine operation. The control ring is formed of material having low coefficient of thermal expansion such as CMCs (Ceramic Matrix Composites) and therefore limits, inhibits or restrains expansion of the adjacent stator components as temperatures increase. Limiting expansion of the stator component reduces rotor/stator clearances and limits parasitic leakage of fluid along the flowpath through the engine core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Bhaskar Nanda MONDAL, John Joseph RAHAIM, Thomas MONIZ, Steven A. ROSS, Joel KIRK, Scott HUNTER, Daniel FUSINATO
  • Patent number: 10450951
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprising a cyclonic separator provides fluid communication between the compressor section and the turbine section. The cyclonic separator comprises an annular volume receiving a flow of cooling fluid from an inlet and dividing the airflow into a cleaner air outlet and a scavenge outlet. The flow of cooling fluid is provided to the cyclonic separator in a direction tangential to the annular volume such that a cyclonic flow of cooling fluid moves within the annular volume centrifugally separating particles entrained within the airflow to the radial outer area of the annular volume for removal through the scavenge outlet and providing a cleaner airflow to the cleaner air outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Joseph Rahaim, Corey Bourassa, Jared Peter Buhler, Jonathan Russell Ratzlaff
  • Publication number: 20190136714
    Abstract: A flow transfer apparatus for transferring cooling flow from a primary gas flowpath to a turbine rotor. The apparatus includes a first supply plenum communicating with the primary gas flowpath and first inducers, the first inducers configured to accelerate a first fluid flow from the first supply plenum and discharge it toward the rotor with a tangential velocity; a second supply plenum communicating with the primary gas flowpath and second inducers, the second inducers configured to accelerate a second fluid flow from the second supply plenum towards the rotor with a tangential velocity; and a cooling modulation valve operable to selectively permit or block the second fluid flow from the primary gas flowpath to the second supply plenum. The valve includes a flow control structure disposed in the primary gas flowpath and an actuation structure extending to a location radially outside of a casing defining the primary gas flowpath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: John Joseph RAHAIM, Daniel John FUSINATO, Scott David HUNTER, Joel Francis KIRK, Michael Robert MELZAK, Curtis Walton STOVER
  • Patent number: 10202867
    Abstract: A flow transfer apparatus for transferring cooling flow from a primary gas flowpath to a turbine rotor. The apparatus includes a first supply plenum communicating with the primary gas flowpath and first inducers, the first inducers configured to accelerate a first fluid flow from the first supply plenum and discharge it toward the rotor with a tangential velocity; a second supply plenum communicating with the primary gas flowpath and second inducers, the second inducers configured to accelerate a second fluid flow from the second supply plenum towards the rotor with a tangential velocity; and a cooling modulation valve operable to selectively permit or block the second fluid flow from the primary gas flowpath to the second supply plenum. The valve includes a flow control structure disposed in the primary gas flowpath and an actuation structure extending to a location radially outside of a casing defining the primary gas flowpath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Joseph Rahaim, Daniel John Fusinato, Scott David Hunter, Joel Francis Kirk, Michael Robert Melzak, Curtis Walton Stover
  • Patent number: 10125686
    Abstract: A turbine engine assembly is provided. The assembly includes a booster compressor that discharges a flow of first compressed air at a first temperature, and a high-pressure compressor (HPC). The HPC receives a first portion of the flow of first compressed air and discharges the first portion at a second temperature higher than the first temperature such that a flow of second compressed air is formed. The assembly also includes a heat exchanger (HEX) that receives a second portion of the flow of first compressed air from the booster compressor and a first portion of the flow of second compressed air from the HPC such that heat is transferred therebetween. The HEX discharges the first portion of the flow of second compressed air at a third temperature lower than the second temperature and higher than the first temperature such that a flow of cooled bleed air is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Carlos E. Diaz, John Joseph Rahaim, Jorge de Luis, Noel Istvan Macsotai
  • Publication number: 20170122202
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprising a cyclonic separator provides fluid communication between the compressor section and the turbine section. The cyclonic separator comprises an annular volume receiving a flow of cooling fluid from an inlet and dividing the airflow into a cleaner air outlet and a scavenge outlet. The flow of cooling fluid is provided to the cyclonic separator in a direction tangential to the annular volume such that a cyclonic flow of cooling fluid moves within the annular volume centrifugally separating particles entrained within the airflow to the radial outer area of the annular volume for removal through the scavenge outlet and providing a cleaner airflow to the cleaner air outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: John Joseph Rahaim, Corey Bourassa, Jared Peter Buhler, Jonathan Russell Ratzlaff
  • Publication number: 20160160684
    Abstract: A turbine engine assembly is provided. The assembly includes a booster compressor that discharges a flow of first compressed air at a first temperature, and a high-pressure compressor (HPC). The HPC receives a first portion of the flow of first compressed air and discharges the first portion at a second temperature higher than the first temperature such that a flow of second compressed air is formed. The assembly also includes a heat exchanger (HEX) that receives a second portion of the flow of first compressed air from the booster compressor and a first portion of the flow of second compressed air from the HPC such that heat is transferred therebetween. The HEX discharges the first portion of the flow of second compressed air at a third temperature lower than the second temperature and higher than the first temperature such that a flow of cooled bleed air is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Carlos E. Diaz, John Joseph Rahaim, Jorge de Luis, Noel Istvan Macsotai
  • Publication number: 20160123172
    Abstract: A passive clearance control limits thermal expansion between stator components relative to rotor components. A control ring controls clearance in a passive manner and is located on or adjacent to stationary components which thermally expand during engine operation. The control ring is formed of material having low coefficient of thermal expansion such as CMCs (Ceramic Matrix Composites) and therefore limits, inhibits or restrains expansion of the adjacent stator components as temperatures increase. Limiting expansion of the stator component reduces rotor/stator clearances and limits parasitic leakage of fluid along the flowpath through the engine core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Bhaskar Nanda MONDAL, John Joseph RAHAIM, Thomas MONIZ, Steven A. ROSS, Joel KIRK, Scott HUNTER, Daniel FUSINATO
  • Publication number: 20160040552
    Abstract: A flow transfer apparatus for transferring cooling flow from a primary gas flowpath to a turbine rotor. The apparatus includes a first supply plenum communicating with the primary gas flowpath and first inducers, the first inducers configured to accelerate a first fluid flow from the first supply plenum and discharge it toward the rotor with a tangential velocity; a second supply plenum communicating with the primary gas flowpath and second inducers , the second inducers configured to accelerate a second fluid flow from the second supply plenum towards the rotor with a tangential velocity; and a cooling modulation valve operable to selectively permit or block the second fluid flow from the primary gas flowpath to the second supply plenum. The valve includes a flow control structure disposed in the primary gas flowpath and an actuation structure extending to a location radially outside of a casing defining the primary gas flowpath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: John Joseph RAHAIM, Daniel John FUSINATO, Scott David HUNTER, Joel Francis KIRK, Michael Robert MELZAK, Curtis Walton STOVER
  • Patent number: 8393855
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine annular turbine casing having an annular shell, axially spaced apart forward and aft flanges extending radially outwardly from the shell, forward and aft case hooks depending radially inwardly from the annular shell, and an axially curved surface at an outer diameter of the aft flange. The axially curved surface may be a semi-spherical surface. The forward and aft case hooks may be located axially near or at the forward and aft flanges respectively. A circular row of holes may be axially disposed through the aft flange circumscribing the central axis and radially located between the outer diameter of the aft flange and the annular shell. An annular manifold spaced radially outwardly of the shell forming an annular space between the manifold and the shell and having impingement holes disposed through the manifold may be used for impinging cooling air on the axially curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Zhifeng Dong, John Joseph Rahaim
  • Patent number: 8197186
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine annular turbine casing having an annular shell, axially spaced apart forward and aft flanges extending radially outwardly from the shell, forward and aft case hooks depending radially inwardly from the annular shell, and an axially curved surface at an outer diameter of the aft flange. The axially curved surface may be a semi-spherical surface. The forward and aft case hooks may be located axially near or at the forward and aft flanges respectively. A circular row of holes may be axially disposed through the aft flange circumscribing the central axis and radially located between the outer diameter of the aft flange and the annular shell. An annular manifold spaced radially outwardly of the shell forming an annular space between the manifold and the shell and having impingement holes disposed through the manifold may be used for impinging cooling air on the axially curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Zhifeng Dong, John Joseph Rahaim
  • Publication number: 20090003990
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine annular turbine casing having an annular shell, axially spaced apart forward and aft flanges extending radially outwardly from the shell, forward and aft case hooks depending radially inwardly from the annular shell, and an axially curved surface at an outer diameter of the aft flange. The axially curved surface may be a semi-spherical surface. The forward and aft case hooks may be located axially near or at the forward and aft flanges respectively. A circular row of holes may be axially disposed through the aft flange circumscribing the central axis and radially located between the outer diameter of the aft flange and the annular shell. An annular manifold spaced radially outwardly of the shell forming an annular space between the manifold and the shell and having impingement holes disposed through the manifold may be used for impinging cooling air on the axially curved surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Zhifeng Dong, John Joseph Rahaim
  • Publication number: 20090004002
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine annular turbine casing having an annular shell, axially spaced apart forward and aft flanges extending radially outwardly from the shell, forward and aft case hooks depending radially inwardly from the annular shell, and an axially curved surface at an outer diameter of the aft flange. The axially curved surface may be a semi-spherical surface. The forward and aft case hooks may be located axially near or at the forward and aft flanges respectively. A circular row of holes may be axially disposed through the aft flange circumscribing the central axis and radially located between the outer diameter of the aft flange and the annular shell. An annular manifold spaced radially outwardly of the shell forming an annular space between the manifold and the shell and having impingement holes disposed through the manifold may be used for impinging cooling air on the axially curved surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Zhifeng Dong, John Joseph Rahaim