Patents by Inventor Michael Earl Montgomery

Michael Earl Montgomery 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: 10774667
    Abstract: A steam turbine is provided. The steam turbine includes a housing, a first steam inlet configured to discharge a first steam flow within the housing, and a second steam inlet configured to provide a second steam flow. A rotor and stator are coupled to the housing and configured to form a first flow path therebetween and in flow communication with the first steam flow. The rotor includes a plurality of blades coupled to the rotor, at least one root of the plurality of blades has a first side, a second side and a passageway coupled in flow communication to the first side and the second side. The passageway is configured to receive the second steam flow within the at least one root. The at least one root includes an angel wing configured to seal the second steam flow from the first flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sacheverel Quentin Eldrid, Thomas Joseph Farineau, Michael Earl Montgomery, Timothy Scott McMurray, Xiaoqing Zheng
  • Patent number: 10215033
    Abstract: A stator seal for a turbine assembly includes a seal base securable to a turbine stator and including an annular inner surface, and an abradable coating disposed on the annular inner surface. The abradable coating and the annular inner surface have a predefined cross-sectional profile including a transient operation section that facilitates axial expansion and a steady state operation section that facilitates a tighter clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Fred Thomas Willett, Jr., Michael Earl Montgomery, Peter John Eisenzopf, Richard James Miller
  • Publication number: 20170218786
    Abstract: A steam turbine is provided. The steam turbine includes a housing, a first steam inlet configured to discharge a first steam flow within the housing, and a second steam inlet configured to provide a second steam flow. A rotor and stator are coupled to the housing and configured to form a first flow path therebetween and in flow communication with the first steam flow. The rotor includes a plurality of blades coupled to the rotor, at least one root of the plurality of blades has a first side, a second side and a passageway coupled in flow communication to the first side and the second side. The passageway is configured to receive the second steam flow within the at least one root. The at least one root includes an angel wing configured to seal the second steam flow from the first flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Sacheverel Quentin Eldrid, Thomas Joseph Farineau, Michael Earl Montgomery, Timothy Scott McMurray, Xiaoqing Zheng
  • Patent number: 9702261
    Abstract: A steam turbine is provided. The steam turbine includes a housing and a steam inlet coupled in flow communication to the housing which is configured to discharge a first steam flow within the housing. A stator is coupled to the housing and includes plurality of vanes. A rotor is coupled to the housing and located within the stator, wherein the rotor and the stator are configured to form a first flow path there between and in flow communication with the first steam flow. The rotor includes a plurality of blades coupled to the rotor, at least one root of the plurality of blades has a first side, a second side and a passageway coupled in flow communication to the first side and the second side. The passageway is configured to define a second flow path in flow communication with the first flow path and to discharge a second steam flow within the at least one root.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sacheverel Quentin Eldrid, Thomas Joseph Farineau, Michael Earl Montgomery, Timothy Scott McMurray, Xiaoqing Zheng
  • Patent number: 9359913
    Abstract: An inner shell assembly for a steam turbine includes an inner shell with a plurality of grooves of preset dimensions, and a plurality of nozzle carriers respectively securable in the plurality of grooves. Each of the nozzle carriers supports at least one nozzle and bucket for a turbine stage via a dovetail, where the inner shell, the plurality of nozzle carriers and the nozzles and buckets define a steam path. A radial position of the dovetails in the nozzle carriers within its corresponding grooves is selectable according to the steam path, and an axial width of each of the nozzle carriers is selectable according to the steam path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Earl Montgomery, Fred Thomas Willett
  • Publication number: 20150159497
    Abstract: A steam turbine is provided. The steam turbine includes a housing and a steam inlet coupled in flow communication to the housing which is configured to discharge a first steam flow within the housing. A stator is coupled to the housing and includes plurality of vanes. A rotor is coupled to the housing and located within the stator, wherein the rotor and the stator are configured to form a first flow path there between and in flow communication with the first steam flow. The rotor includes a plurality of blades coupled to the rotor, at least one root of the plurality of blades has a first side, a second side and a passageway coupled in flow communication to the first side and the second side. The passageway is configured to define a second flow path in flow communication with the first flow path and to discharge a second steam flow within the at least one root.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sacheverel Quentin Eldrid, Thomas Joseph Farineau, Michael Earl Montgomery, Timothy Scott McMurray, Xiaoqing Zheng
  • Patent number: 8882449
    Abstract: A shell differential expansion detector and turbomachine including a detector are disclosed. In an embodiment, the shell differential expansion detector device includes a housing; and a first rod including a distal part extending through a first opening in the housing. The first rod further includes a proximal part within the housing. A sleeve surrounds the distal part of the first rod on an exterior of the housing; and an actuator arm is affixed to the first rod. A second rod is disposed in physical contact at a distal end thereof with the actuator arm; and a shell expansion detector is operably connected with the second rod at a proximal end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Michael Earl Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20140241869
    Abstract: An inner shell assembly for a steam turbine includes an inner shell with a plurality of grooves of preset dimensions, and a plurality of nozzle carriers respectively securable in the plurality of grooves. Each of the nozzle carriers supports at least one nozzle and bucket for a turbine stage via a dovetail, where the inner shell, the plurality of nozzle carriers and the nozzles and buckets define a steam path. A radial position of the dovetails in the nozzle carriers within its corresponding grooves is selectable according to the steam path, and an axial width of each of the nozzle carriers is selectable according to the steam path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Earl Montgomery, Fred Thomas Willett
  • Publication number: 20130323009
    Abstract: A stationary component includes an outer ring including a first plenum, a first passageway, and a second plenum defined therein. The first passageway extends between the first plenum and the second plenum. An airfoil is disposed radially inward of the outer ring. The airfoil includes a second passageway defined therein. The second passageway is coupled in flow communication with the second plenum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Mark Kevin Bowen, Stephen Roger Swan, Michael Earl Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20130280047
    Abstract: A stator seal for a turbine assembly includes a seal base securable to a turbine stator and including an annular inner surface, and an abradable coating disposed on the annular inner surface. The abradable coating and the annular inner surface have a predefined cross-sectional profile including a transient operation section that facilitates axial expansion and a steady state operation section that facilitates a tighter clearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Fred Thomas Willett, JR., Michael Earl Montgomery, Peter John Eisenzopf, Richard James Miller
  • Publication number: 20130094940
    Abstract: A shell differential expansion detector and turbomachine including a detector are disclosed. In an embodiment, the shell differential expansion detector device includes a housing; and a first rod including a distal part extending through a first opening in the housing. The first rod further includes a proximal part within the housing. A sleeve surrounds the distal part of the first rod on an exterior of the housing; and an actuator arm is affixed to the first rod. A second rod is disposed in physical contact at a distal end thereof with the actuator arm; and a shell expansion detector is operably connected with the second rod at a proximal end thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Michael Earl Montgomery
  • Patent number: 8257015
    Abstract: A steam turbine is provided. The steam turbine includes a rotor shaft including a plurality of buckets coupled thereto. The steam turbine further includes a stationary component coupled to a steam turbine casing, wherein the stationary component is coupled upstream from the buckets such that a wheelspace is defined between the buckets and the stationary component. The stationary component includes a first ring coupled to the steam turbine, a second ring coupled to the steam turbine radially inward from the first ring, and at least one airfoil extending between the first ring and the second ring. The steam turbine includes a cooling fluid flowpath defined through at least the first ring, the airfoil, and the second ring. The cooling fluid flowpath is configured to channel a cooling fluid to the wheelspace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark Kevin Bowen, Stephen Roger Swan, Michael Earl Montgomery
  • Patent number: 8105032
    Abstract: A system may cool a wheel of a steam turbine, the wheel being associated with a rotor of the steam turbine. The system may include an inlet passage and an outlet passage. The inlet passage may be positioned to communicate steam from an exterior of the rotor, through an interior of the rotor, and to the wheel. The outlet passage may be positioned to communicate steam from the wheel, through the interior of the rotor, and to the exterior of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert James Bracken, Michael Earl Montgomery, Stephen Roger Swan
  • Patent number: 8047767
    Abstract: A high pressure first stage turbine and seal assembly are described. In one embodiment, a high pressure turbine section is provided. The turbine section includes at least one stage, at least one rotor and a bucket assembly. The bucket assembly includes a bucket and an attachment fixture. The stage has a high root reaction during operation. An intermediate space is between the bucket assembly and a stationary component of the turbine section. A seal is provided between the stationary member and the rotor to facilitate preventing leakage from the intermediate space toward an end of the stage. Steam balance holes are provided in the rotor or the bucket to facilitate feeding steam towards an end of the turbine stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Michael Earl Montgomery
  • Patent number: 7635250
    Abstract: An apparatus for routing fluid in a steam turbine is provided. The steam turbine includes a stage comprising a plurality of buckets secured to a rotor. The rotor is configured to rotate in response to a first volume of fluid flowing from an inlet passageway past the plurality of buckets. The apparatus includes a member having a fluid passageway extending therethrough. The fluid passageway includes a first end in fluid communication with a discharge side of the stage of the steam turbine. A second volume of fluid comprising a portion of the first volume of fluid is received into the fluid passageway at the discharge side of the stage and is discharged out of an outlet of the fluid passageway. The outlet is in fluid communication with a region between an upstream side of the stage and a sealing member disposed against the rotor. The region receives a third volume of leakage fluid from the upstream side of the stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Earl Montgomery, Robert Walter Hausler, Patrick Anthony Razzano, Jr., James Michael Stagnitti, Michael Thomas Hamlin
  • Publication number: 20090208323
    Abstract: A method for cooling a rotating component within a steam turbine is provided. The method includes channeling a cooling fluid through an outer plenum defined in a stationary component of the steam turbine and channeling the cooling fluid from the outer plenum through a passageway defined in an airfoil of the stationary component. The cooling fluid is discharged from the airfoil passageway through an inner plenum of the stationary component to facilitate cooling an adjacent rotating component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Mark Kevin Bowen, Stephen Roger Swan, Michael Earl Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20090196735
    Abstract: A system may cool a wheel of a steam turbine, the wheel being associated with a rotor of the steam turbine. The system may include an inlet passage and an outlet passage. The inlet passage may be positioned to communicate steam from an exterior of the rotor, through an interior of the rotor, and to the wheel. The outlet passage may be positioned to communicate steam from the wheel, through the interior of the rotor, and to the exterior of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert James Bracken, Michael Earl Montgomery, Stephen Roger Swan
  • Patent number: 7520721
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for aligning and sealing a turbine shell assembly an first shell assembly including at least one first shell segment, a second shell assembly including a tongue extending therefrom, a groove defined by the first shell assembly, the groove configured to mate with the tongue extending from the second shell assembly, at least one key structure disposable in the groove, the at least one key structure being associable with at least one surface of the at least one first shell segment, and at least partially sealable with a sealing surface of the tongue, and a tapered surface of the groove that is associable with at least a portion of the at least one key structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Hamlin, Michael Earl Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20080069691
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for aligning and sealing a turbine shell assembly an first shell assembly including at least one first shell segment, a second shell assembly including a tongue extending therefrom, a groove defined by the first shell assembly, the groove configured to mate with the tongue extending from the second shell assembly, at least one key structure disposable in the groove, the at least one key structure being associable with at least one surface of the at least one first shell segment, and at least partially sealable with a sealing surface of the tongue, and a tapered surface of the groove that is associable with at least a portion of the at least one key structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Hamlin, Michael Earl Montgomery
  • Patent number: 7331754
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a nozzle box assembly including a torus, a steam path ring, and a bridge ring. The torus has a plurality of steam inlets and an annular steam outlet. The steam path ring has an annular steam inlet, the annular steam inlet has an inner diameter (ID) and an outer diameter (OD), the steam path ring is disposed downstream of the torus. The bridge ring has an annular steam inlet and an annular steam outlet, the annular steam outlet has an ID and an OD, the bridge ring is disposed between the torus and the steam path ring, the bridge ring annular steam outlet is adjacent to the steam path ring annular steam inlet, and the steam path ring annular steam inlet OD is greater than the bridge ring annular steam outlet OD and the steam path ring annular steam inlet ID is smaller than the bridge ring annular steam outlet ID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Charles Thomas O'Clair, Jeyaruban Amirtharajah, Michael Earl Montgomery