Patents by Inventor Michael Elliot Wymore

Michael Elliot Wymore 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: 7785067
    Abstract: A method of assembling a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes coupling at least one turbine nozzle segment within the gas turbine engine. The at least one turbine nozzle segment includes at least one airfoil vane extending between an inner band and an outer band that includes an aft flange and a radial inner surface. The method also includes coupling at least one turbine shroud segment downstream from the at least one turbine nozzle segment, wherein the at least one turbine shroud segment includes a leading edge and a radial inner surface, and coupling a cooling fluid source in flow communication with the at least one turbine nozzle segment such that cooling fluid channeled to each turbine nozzle outer band aft flange is directed at an oblique discharge angle towards the leading edge of the at least one turbine shroud segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ching-Pang Lee, Eric Alan Estill, James Harvey Laflen, Paul Hadley Vitt, Michael Elliot Wymore
  • Patent number: 7722315
    Abstract: A method of assembling a gas turbine engine includes coupling a turbine shroud assembly within the gas turbine engine. The turbine shroud assembly includes a shroud segment having a leading edge defining a forward face and a radial inner surface. A turbine nozzle is coupled to the turbine shroud assembly such that a gap is defined between an aft face of an outer band of the turbine nozzle and the forward face. A plurality of recuperated cooling openings are defined through the leading edge at an oblique inlet angle with respect to a centerline of the gap and between the forward face and the radial inner surface to direct cooling fluid through the leading edge to facilitate preferential cooling of the leading edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ching-Pang Lee, Eric Alan Estill, James Harvey Laflen, Paul Hadley Vitt, Michael Elliot Wymore
  • Patent number: 7611324
    Abstract: A method of assembling a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes coupling at least one turbine nozzle segment within the gas turbine engine. The at least one turbine nozzle segment includes at least one airfoil vane extending between an inner band and an outer band that includes an aft flange and a radial inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ching-Pang Lee, Eric Alan Estill, James Harvey Laflen, Paul Hadley Vitt, Michael Elliot Wymore
  • Publication number: 20080131260
    Abstract: A method of assembling a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes coupling at least one turbine nozzle segment within the gas turbine engine. The at least one turbine nozzle segment includes at least one airfoil vane extending between an inner band and an outer band that includes an aft flange and a radial inner surface. The method also includes coupling at least one turbine shroud segment downstream from the at least one turbine nozzle segment, wherein the at least one turbine shroud segment includes a leading edge and a radial inner surface, and coupling a cooling fluid source in flow communication with the at least one turbine nozzle segment such that cooling fluid channeled to each turbine nozzle outer band aft flange is directed at an oblique discharge angle towards the leading edge of the at least one turbine shroud segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Ching-Pang Lee, Eric Alan Estill, James Harvey Laflen, Paul Hadley Vitt, Michael Elliot Wymore
  • Publication number: 20080131261
    Abstract: A method of assembling a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes coupling at least one turbine nozzle segment within the gas turbine engine. The at least one turbine nozzle segment includes at least one airfoil vane extending between an inner band and an outer band that includes an aft flange and a radial inner surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Ching-Pang Lee, Eric Alan Estill, James Harvey Laflen, Paul Hadley Vitt, Michael Elliot Wymore
  • Publication number: 20080127491
    Abstract: A method of assembling a gas turbine engine includes coupling a turbine shroud assembly within the gas turbine engine. The turbine shroud assembly includes a shroud segment having a leading edge defining a forward face and a radial inner surface. A turbine nozzle is coupled to the turbine shroud assembly such that a gap is defined between an aft face of an outer band of the turbine nozzle and the forward face. A plurality of recuperated cooling openings are defined through the leading edge at an oblique inlet angle with respect to a centerline of the gap and between the forward face and the radial inner surface to direct cooling fluid through the leading edge to facilitate preferential cooling of the leading edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Ching-Pang Lee, Eric Alan Estill, James Harvey Laflen, Paul Hadley Vitt, Michael Elliot Wymore