Patents by Inventor Kevin J. Pittenger

Kevin J. Pittenger 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: 10145265
    Abstract: A method for balancing rotating machinery, such as gas turbine engines, to minimize vibrations. The method involves operation of the engine for a period of time at varying power levels and ranges of other operational parameters representative of the system operating envelope to obtain vibration data (amplitude and phase) for the full range of dynamic responses of interest. This usually includes time at elevated power settings until the engine reaches thermal stability, altitude variation, etc. as well as the full engine operating range. The full set of vibration data measured during the engine run is analyzed to generate unique unbalance states. The unique unbalance states are then analyzed and the mean unbalance state is identified. Balancing masses can then be installed or removed in accordance with a balance solution that is equal and opposite to the mean unbalance state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Timothy L. Skilton, Kevin J. Pittenger
  • Publication number: 20170145854
    Abstract: A method for balancing rotating machinery, such as gas turbine engines, to minimize vibrations. The method involves operation of the engine for a period of time at varying power levels and ranges of other operational parameters representative of the system operating envelope to obtain vibration data (amplitude and phase) for the full range of dynamic responses of interest. This usually includes time at elevated power settings until the engine reaches thermal stability, altitude variation, etc. as well as the full engine operating range. The full set of vibration data measured during the engine run is analyzed to generate unique unbalance states. The unique unbalance states are then analyzed and the mean unbalance state is identified. Balancing masses can then be installed or removed in accordance with a balance solution that is equal and opposite to the mean unbalance state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Timothy L. Skilton, Kevin J. Pittenger
  • Patent number: 9587512
    Abstract: A method for balancing rotating machinery, such as gas turbine engines, to minimize vibrations. The method involves operation of the engine for a period of time at varying power levels and ranges of other operational parameters representative of the system operating envelope to obtain vibration data (amplitude and phase) for the full range of dynamic responses of interest. This usually includes time at elevated power settings until the engine reaches thermal stability, altitude variation, etc. as well as the full engine operating range. The full set of vibration data measured during the engine run is analyzed to generate unique unbalance states. The unique unbalance states are then analyzed and the mean unbalance state is identified. Balancing masses can then be installed or removed in accordance with a balance solution that is equal and opposite to the mean unbalance state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Timothy L. Skilton, Kevin J. Pittenger