Patents by Inventor Mark L. Kamphaus

Mark L. Kamphaus 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: 9618384
    Abstract: An acoustic measurement system for detecting locked blade assemblies in a gas turbine having a plurality of blade assemblies. The system includes at least one acoustic sensor for detecting acoustic energy generated as a result of movement of the blade assemblies during a turning gear operation. In addition, the system includes a housing for holding the acoustic sensor, wherein the housing is mounted to an outer diffuser of the gas turbine. The housing also includes a rotatable joint for enabling rotation of the acoustic sensor. Further, the system includes a data acquisition unit that detects an absence of acoustic energy wherein the absence of acoustic energy is indicative of locked blade assemblies. The blade assemblies are locked due to wedging of a sealing pin between the blade assemblies. The acoustic energy is detected in a frequency range of approximately 0.9 kHz to 10 kHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Clifford Hatcher, Jr., Forrest R. Ruhge, John E. Junkin, Mark L. Kamphaus
  • Publication number: 20160169733
    Abstract: An acoustic measurement system for detecting locked blade assemblies in a gas turbine having a plurality of blade assemblies. The system includes at least one acoustic sensor for detecting acoustic energy generated as a result of movement of the blade assemblies during a turning gear operation. In addition, the system includes a housing for holding the acoustic sensor, wherein the housing is mounted to an outer diffuser of the gas turbine. The housing also includes a rotatable joint for enabling rotation of the acoustic sensor. Further, the system includes a data acquisition unit that detects an absence of acoustic energy wherein the absence of acoustic energy is indicative of locked blade assemblies. The blade assemblies are locked due to wedging of a sealing pin between the blade assemblies. The acoustic energy is detected in a frequency range of approximately 0.9 kHz to 10 kHz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Clifford Hatcher, Jr., Forrest R. Ruhge, John E. Junkin, Mark L. Kamphaus