Patents by Inventor Michael J. WHITTLE

Michael J. WHITTLE 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).

  • CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITE VANE WITH HYBRID CONSTRUCTION
    Publication number: 20200392049
    Abstract: A component for use in a gas turbine engine is made from ceramic materials. The component is made from a core preform containing ceramic reinforcement fibers. A plurality of preform tows are applied on at least a portion of the core preform and extend along at least a portion of the core preform to provide an outermost surface. The core preform and the plurality of preform tows are infiltrated with ceramic matrix material to form a ceramic matrix composite component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Inventors: Anthony G. Razzell, Michael J. Whittle, Ian M. Edmonds
  • Ceramic matrix composite turbine vanes and vane ring assemblies
    Patent number: 10859268
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to turbine vanes comprising ceramic matrix composite materials and vane ring assemblies including the same. The turbine vane may include mount extensions that extend outside a primary gas path to provide a point of coupling for attaching the turbine vane to a support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: Michael J. Whittle
  • TURBINE SECTION ASSEMBLY WITH CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITE VANE
    Publication number: 20200362707
    Abstract: A turbine assembly adapted for use in a gas turbine engine is disclosed in this paper. The turbine assembly includes a turbine vane comprising ceramic matrix composite materials configured for use in high temperature environments. The turbine assembly further includes a vane-stage support for holding the turbine vane and other components in place relative to a turbine case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Whittle, Anthony G. Razzell, Roderick M. Townes, David J. Shepherd, Duncan Forbes
  • SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING TURBINE ASSEMBLY FLOW CHARACTERISTICS
    Publication number: 20200362710
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine arranged around an axis. The turbine includes a turbine vane assembly. A method for creating the turbine vane assembly includes fabricating a plurality of turbine vanes comprising ceramic matrix composite material and selecting and arranging the turbine vanes to form a turbine vane assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Whittle, Roderick M. Townes, Andrew Holt
  • CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITE AEROFOIL WITH IMPACT REINFORCEMENTS
    Publication number: 20200362706
    Abstract: A turbine blade of ceramic matrix composite material construction adapted for use in a gas turbine engine includes an airfoil assembly. The airfoil assembly includes an airfoil and at least one reinforcement inset coupled to the airfoil assembly. The reinforcement inset is configured to resist damage to the airfoil assembly due to objects impacting the airfoil assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Edward M. Jones, Michael J. Whittle, James C. Smith, Emma C. Steedman, Ian Edmonds
  • TURBINE VANE ASSEMBLY HAVING CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITE COMPONENTS WITH SLIDING SUPPORT
    Publication number: 20200362709
    Abstract: A turbine vane assembly adapted for use in a gas turbine engine includes a spar, a turbine vane, and load transfer pins. The spar comprises metallic materials and is configured to support other components of the turbine vane assembly relative to an associated turbine case. The turbine vane comprises ceramic matrix composite materials and is shaped to include an airfoil configured to direct the flow of hot gasses through a primary gas path of the turbine vane assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventor: Michael J. Whittle
  • CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITE VANE WITH ADDED PLATFORM
    Publication number: 20200362712
    Abstract: A turbine vane assembly adapted for use in a gas turbine engine includes an aerofoil configured to interact with gases flowing through the gas turbine engine along a gas path, an outer platform that defines an outer boundary of a gas path, and an inner platform that defines an inner boundary of the gas path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Emma C. Steedman, Michael J. Whittle, Edward M. Jones, James C. Smith
  • TURBINE ENGINE ASSEMBLY WITH CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITE COMPONENTS AND END FACE SEALS
    Publication number: 20200355089
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine assembly includes a first component, a second component, and a seal. The first component is spaced apart from the second component to form a gap between the first component and the second component. The seal is configured to block gases from flowing in the gap between the first component and the second component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Anthony G. Razzell, Michael J. Whittle, Steven Hillier
  • TURBINE SECTION ASSEMBLY WITH CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITE VANE
    Publication number: 20200340363
    Abstract: A turbine assembly adapted for use in a gas turbine engine with a turbine vane comprising ceramic matrix composite materials. The turbine vane is configured to redirect air moving through a primary gas path of the gas turbine engine. The turbine assembly includes a vane-stage support for holding the turbine vane in place relative to a turbine case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Whittle, Anthony G. Razzell, Roderick M. Townes, David J. Shepherd, Duncan Forbes
  • TURBINE SECTION ASSEMBLY WITH CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITE VANE
    Publication number: 20200340370
    Abstract: A turbine assembly adapted for use in a gas turbine engine with a turbine vane comprising ceramic matrix composite materials. The turbine vane is configured to redirect air moving through a primary gas path of the gas turbine engine. The turbine assembly includes a vane-stage support for holding the turbine vane in place relative to a turbine case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Whittle, Anthony G. Razzell, Roderick M. Townes, David J. Shepherd, Duncan Forbes
  • TURBINE SECTION ASSEMBLY WITH CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITE VANE
    Publication number: 20200340367
    Abstract: A turbine assembly adapted for use in a gas turbine engine is disclosed in this paper. The turbine assembly includes a turbine vane comprising ceramic matrix composite materials configured for use in high temperature environments. The turbine assembly further includes a vane-stage support for holding the turbine vane and other components in place relative to a turbine case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Whittle, Anthony G. Razzell, Roderick M. Townes, David J. Shepherd, Duncan Forbes
  • THERMO-MECHANICAL FATIGUE SYSTEM FOR STATIC COMPONENTS
    Publication number: 20200340883
    Abstract: According to an aspect of this disclosure, a system of applying thermal loads may include at least one laser module, and a plurality of optical components fixed to the at least one laser module and directing a plurality of laser beams from the plurality of optical components towards a surface. Further, the plurality of laser beams apply radiative heating to the surface in accordance with the system. The system also includes at least one infrared camera measuring thermal conditions of the surface, and a controller coordinating operation of the at least one laser module and the at least one infrared camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Alexander Wong, Steven Hillier, Michael J. Whittle
  • TURBINE SECTION ASSEMBLY WITH CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITE VANE
    Publication number: 20200340365
    Abstract: A turbine assembly adapted for use in a gas turbine engine is disclosed in this paper. The turbine assembly includes a turbine vane comprising ceramic matrix composite materials configured for use in high temperature environments. The turbine assembly further includes a vane-stage support for holding the turbine vane and other components in place relative to a turbine case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Whittle, Anthony G. Razzell, Roderick M. Townes, David J. Shepherd, Duncan Forbes
  • Inter-component seals for ceramic matrix composite turbine vane assemblies
    Patent number: 10808553
    Abstract: Turbine vane assemblies incorporating both metallic and ceramic matrix composite materials are provided in the present disclosure. The turbine vane assemblies further include interface components that allow for differing rates of thermal expansion in the ceramic matrix composite components and the metallic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Michael J. Whittle, Anthony Razzell
  • ANGLED ULTRASONIC MACHINING TOOL
    Publication number: 20200324346
    Abstract: According to an aspect of this disclosure, an ultrasonic machining apparatus may include a machining head disposed at an angle, a machining platform for mounting a component, and one or more actuators for imparting ultrasonic vibration on the component wherein the angled machining head operates on the component according to the angle of the machining head, a position of the component, and the ultrasonic vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Whittle, Alistair Buchanan, Craig A. Johnson
  • Turbine vane assembly with ceramic matrix composite components
    Patent number: 10767497
    Abstract: Turbine vane assemblies incorporating both metallic and ceramic matrix composite materials are provided in the present disclosure. The turbine vane assemblies further include interface components that allow for differing rates of thermal expansion in the ceramic matrix composite components and the metallic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce Corporation, Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Daniel K. Vetters, Michael J. Whittle, Eric Koenig, Jeffrey A. Walston
  • Turbine vane assembly with ceramic matrix composite vanes
    Patent number: 10767493
    Abstract: A turbine section adapted for use in a gas turbine engine includes a turbine case, a turbine wheel, and a turbine vane assembly. The turbine case is made from metallic materials. The turbine wheel is housed in the case. The turbine vane assembly is fixed to the case and configured to smooth and redirect air moving along a primary gas path of the turbine section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Michael J. Whittle, Steven Hillier
  • Turbine vane assembly with cooling feature
    Patent number: 10767495
    Abstract: A turbine vane assembly adapted for use in a gas turbine engine includes a support strut and a turbine vane arranged around the support strut. The support strut is made of metallic materials. The turbine vane is made of ceramic matrix composite materials to insulate the metallic materials of the support strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Michael J. Whittle, Paul Morrell, Anthony Razzell, Matthew Adams
  • TURBINE VANE ASSEMBLY WITH COOLING FEATURE
    Publication number: 20200263557
    Abstract: A turbine vane assembly adapted for use in a gas turbine engine includes a support and a turbine vane arranged around the support. The support is made of metallic materials. The turbine vane is made of ceramic matrix composite materials to insulate the metallic materials of the support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Whittle, Steven Hillier
  • Advanced gas turbine engine
    Patent number: 10738693
    Abstract: A highly efficient gas turbine engine includes a fan which is driven from a turbine via a gearbox, such that the fan has a lower rotational speed than the driving turbine, thereby providing efficiency gains. The efficient fan system is mated to a core that has low cooling flow requirements and/or high temperature capability, and which may have particularly low mass for a given power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Michael J Whittle, Pascal Dunning, Roderick M Townes