Patents by Inventor Michael R. Vindler

Michael R. Vindler 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: 11929642
    Abstract: A generator including a stator frame, a plurality of stator donuts including a plurality of circumferentially disposed notches, and a plurality of a wedge assemblies for mounting the stator donuts to a plurality of building bolts is presented. Each wedge assembly includes a set of opposing wedges. The set of opposing wedges are positioned within a notch in a stator donut to create a locking force between a building bolt and the stator core. The wedge assembly also includes a tensioning bolt to set the opposing wedges to a position creating the locking force between the stator core and the building bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. Vindler, Michael A. Hall
  • Publication number: 20220301314
    Abstract: A method to account for foreign material in a zone includes the steps of training an object detection model to identify an object using a set of database images of objects on a computer utilizing AI algorithms to create a trained object detection model, receiving an object in an area within a field of view of a camera, distinguishing whether the object is entering the foreign material zone or exiting the foreign material zone, and identifying the object using the trained object detection model. In response to the distinguishing step, the method includes storing the image in a log representing the objects in the foreign material exclusion zone in response to the object being identified by the AI-based trained object detection model when the object is entering he foreign material zone or removing the image from the log when the object is exiting the foreign material zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Michael R. Vindler, Zachary Franczyk, Scott A. Karstetter, Phani Ram Kumar Kuruganty, Rajat Vikram Singh
  • Patent number: 11300005
    Abstract: A masking system for a turbine including a first quantity of blades attached to a rotor and arranged adjacent one another to define a blade row with each blade including a blade root, includes a second quantity of center plates. Each center plate is disposed between two adjacent blades and includes a resilient member in contact with each of the two adjacent blades, and a first attachment member operable to attach the center plate to the rotor. The system includes a third quantity of side covers, each side cover positioned adjacent the blade root of one of the blades and connected to one of the center plates, each side cover including a resilient member positioned to surround a portion of the adjacent blade root, and a second attachment member operable to attach the side cover to the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Vindler, Michael A. Hall
  • Publication number: 20220103025
    Abstract: A generator including a stator frame, a plurality of stator donuts including a plurality of circumferentially disposed notches, and a plurality of a wedge assemblies for mounting the stator donuts to a plurality of building bolts is presented. Each wedge assembly includes a set of opposing wedges. The set of opposing wedges are positioned within a notch in a stator donut to create a locking force between a building bolt and the stator core. The wedge assembly also includes a tensioning bolt to set the opposing wedges to a position creating the locking force between the stator core and the building bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Michael R. Vindler, Michael A. Hall
  • Publication number: 20220042421
    Abstract: A masking system for a turbine including a first quantity of blades attached to a rotor and arranged adjacent one another to define a blade row with each blade including a blade root, includes a second quantity of center plates. Each center plate is disposed between two adjacent blades and includes a resilient member in contact with each of the two adjacent blades, and a first attachment member operable to attach the center plate to the rotor. The system includes a third quantity of side covers, each side cover positioned adjacent the blade root of one of the blades and connected to one of the center plates, each side cover including a resilient member positioned to surround a portion of the adjacent blade root, and a second attachment member operable to attach the side cover to the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Inventors: Michael R. Vindler, Michael A. Hall
  • Patent number: 10797552
    Abstract: A tool system for tightening a retrightenable wedge system in a slot of a generator stator core is presented. The tool system includes a carriage assembly and a wedge tool assembly that is pivotally coupled to the carriage assembly. The carriage assembly includes motorized drives that axially moves the tool system along the slot and holds the tool system on the slot at an axial position. The wedge tool assembly includes a torqueing socket to tighten the retightenable wedge assembly in the slot. The torqueing socket is driven by a worm gear arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Xabier A. Sanjuan, Michael R. Vindler, Michael A. Hall, Timothy J. Garner, James A. Bauer, Charles C. Moore
  • Patent number: 10340764
    Abstract: A retightenable wedge system for tightening a coil in a slot of a generator stator bar is presented. The retightenable wedge system includes a first filler layer, a spring member, a second filler layer and a retightenable wedge assembly. The retightenable wedge assembly includes a slot wedge having an aperture, a tightening member having form fit feature and a locking member having mating form fit feature. The tightening member is tightenable in the aperture such that a radial load is applied on the second filler layer for tightening the coil in the slot. The tightening member is locked in place in the aperture by an engagement between the form fit feature of the tightening member and the mating form fit feature of the locking member such that the tightening member is restrained from backing out of the slot wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Xabier A. Sanjuan, Michael R. Vindler, Michael A. Hall, Timothy J. Garner
  • Publication number: 20190173347
    Abstract: A tool system for tightening a retrightenable wedge system in a slot of a generator stator core is presented. The tool system includes a carriage assembly and a wedge tool assembly that is pivotally coupled to the carriage assembly. The carriage assembly includes motorized drives that axially moves the tool system along the slot and holds the tool system on the slot at an axial position. The wedge tool assembly includes a torqueing socket to tighten the retightenable wedge assembly in the slot. The torqueing socket is driven by a worm gear arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: Xabier A. Sanjuan, Michael R. Vindler, Michael A. Hall, Timothy J. Garner, James A. Bauer
  • Publication number: 20180287448
    Abstract: A retightenable wedge system for tightening a coil in a slot of a generator stator bar is presented. The retightenable wedge system includes a first filler layer, a spring member, a second filler layer and a retightenable wedge assembly. The retightenable wedge assembly includes a slot wedge having an aperture, a tightening member having form fit feature and a locking member having mating form fit feature. The tightening member is tightenable in the aperture such that a radial load is applied on the second filler layer for tightening the coil in the slot. The tightening member is locked in place in the aperture by an engagement between the form fit feature of the tightening member and the mating form fit feature of the locking member such that the tightening member is restrained from backing out of the slot wedge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: Xabier A. Sanjuan, Michael R. Vindler, Michael A. Hall, Timothy J. Garner
  • Patent number: 9539668
    Abstract: A device for removing a coating formed in a slot of a stator core. The device includes a carriage movably attached to a first guide rail assembly to enable movement of the carriage in a longitudinal direction. The device also includes a first drive screw wherein rotation of the first drive screw moves the first guide rail assembly in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the device includes a second guide rail assembly that is attached to the carriage wherein the second guide rail assembly enables movement of the carriage in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. Further, the device includes a second drive screw wherein rotation of the second drive screw moves the carriage in the transverse direction. The carriage includes a laser beam emitting head that moves within the slot in either or both the longitudinal or transverse directions wherein the laser beam emitting head emits a laser beam to remove the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Vindler, James A. Bauer
  • Patent number: 9398198
    Abstract: Steam turbine engine cross over pipe or other pipe internal inspection is performed with a selectively steerable pipe inspection crawler apparatus with a chassis having a longitudinal axis, with front and rear Mechanum wheels capable of independently-selected forward or rearward driven rotational direction, for selectively steering the apparatus within the pipe interior under control of a human-machine interface (HMI). The crawler apparatus has at least one inspection camera having a field of view, for capturing images of a pipe interior that is also under control of the HMI. Embodiments of the crawler apparatus include a selectively orientable inspection camera and/or a deployable bore scope that is selectively deployed and retracted from a descending section of the cross over pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Jae Young Choi, Christopher Lee Harms, James A. Bauer, Scott A. Karstetter, Michael R. Vindler
  • Publication number: 20160185280
    Abstract: A hands free bicycle signaling system is provided which allows a cyclist to communicate with drivers and others around him/her to increase the cyclist's and the others' safety. It includes helmet mountable safety related outputs, a power source, and a control unit. A safety related output can be voice activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: David J. Coles, Michael R. Vindler
  • Publication number: 20150240984
    Abstract: Steam turbine engine cross over pipe or other pipe internal inspection is performed with a selectively steerable pipe inspection crawler apparatus with a chassis having a longitudinal axis, with front and rear Mechanum wheels capable of independently-selected forward or rearward driven rotational direction, for selectively steering the apparatus within the pipe interior under control of a human-machine interface (HMI). The crawler apparatus has at least one inspection camera having a field of view, for capturing images of a pipe interior that is also under control of the HMI. Embodiments of the crawler apparatus include a selectively orientable inspection camera and/or a deployable bore scope that is selectively deployed and retracted from a descending section of the cross over pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Jae Young Choi, Christopher Lee Harms, James A. Bauer, Scott A. Karstetter, Michael R. Vindler
  • Patent number: 9056387
    Abstract: A device for removing a coating formed in a slot of a stator core. The device includes a carriage movably attached to a first guide rail assembly to enable movement of the carriage in a longitudinal direction. The device also includes a first drive screw wherein rotation of the first drive screw moves the first guide rail assembly in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the device includes a second guide rail assembly that is attached to the carriage wherein the second guide rail assembly enables movement of the carriage in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. Further, the device includes a second drive screw wherein rotation of the second drive screw moves the carriage in the transverse direction. The carriage includes a nozzle that moves within the slot in either or both the longitudinal or transverse directions wherein the nozzle sprays an abrasive media for removal of the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Vindler, Scott A. Karstetter, Jordan D. Haase
  • Patent number: 9017147
    Abstract: A sampling device for removing a surface portion from a substrate. The device includes a frame structure and a cutter head assembly. The cutter head assembly includes a pivot body having a first end supported at a pivot point on the frame structure, and a cutter supported for rotation about a rotational axis at a second end of the pivot body. The cutter has a semi-ellipsoidal shape and a drive motor is operably connected to the cutter. The pivot point is located in spaced relation to the rotational axis. The cutter is operable to cut a surface portion of a substrate during pivotal movement about the pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Vindler, Ronald H. Lovett
  • Publication number: 20140190948
    Abstract: A device for removing a coating formed in a slot of a stator core. The device includes a carriage movably attached to a first guide rail assembly to enable movement of the carriage in a longitudinal direction. The device also includes a first drive screw wherein rotation of the first drive screw moves the first guide rail assembly in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the device includes a second guide rail assembly that is attached to the carriage wherein the second guide rail assembly enables movement of the carriage in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. Further, the device includes a second drive screw wherein rotation of the second drive screw moves the carriage in the transverse direction. The carriage includes a laser beam emitting head that moves within the slot in either or both the longitudinal or transverse directions wherein the laser beam emitting head emits a laser beam to remove the coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: Michael R. Vindler, James A. Bauer
  • Publication number: 20130196575
    Abstract: A device for removing a coating formed in a slot of a stator core. The device includes a carriage movably attached to a first guide rail assembly to enable movement of the carriage in a longitudinal direction. The device also includes a first drive screw wherein rotation of the first drive screw moves the first guide rail assembly in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the device includes a second guide rail assembly that is attached to the carriage wherein the second guide rail assembly enables movement of the carriage in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. Further, the device includes a second drive screw wherein rotation of the second drive screw moves the carriage in the transverse direction. The carriage includes a nozzle that moves within the slot in either or both the longitudinal or transverse directions wherein the nozzle sprays an abrasive media for removal of the coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Michael R. Vindler, Scott A. Karstetter, Jordan D. Haase
  • Publication number: 20120266733
    Abstract: A sampling device for removing a surface portion from a substrate. The device includes a frame structure and a cutter head assembly. The cutter head assembly includes a pivot body having a first end supported at a pivot point on the frame structure, and a cutter supported for rotation about a rotational axis at a second end of the pivot body. The cutter has a semi-ellipsoidal shape and a drive motor is operably connected to the cutter. The pivot point is located in spaced relation to the rotational axis. The cutter is operable to cut a surface portion of a substrate during pivotal movement about the pivot point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Michael R. Vindler, Ronald H. Lovett