Patents by Inventor Nicholas John Bloom

Nicholas John Bloom 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: 11898494
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine is provided having a combustion section with a liner extending between a forward end and an aft end. A structural member is positioned in or around at least a portion of the combustion section. Additionally, a piston ring holder is provided attached to the structural member at a first end and positioned proximate to the aft end of the liner at a second end. The piston ring holder is a bimetallic member including a first portion formed of a first material and a second portion formed of a second material. A coefficient of thermal expansion of the first material is different than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas John Bloom, Michael Alan Stieg, Brian Christopher Towle
  • Patent number: 11859819
    Abstract: A combustor for a turbomachine engine includes a dome made of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material, the dome being secured within a support structure. The combustor includes an outer liner made of the CMC material, the outer liner being secured to the dome within the support structure. The combustor also includes an inner liner made of the CMC material, the inner liner being secured to the dome within the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ryan Christopher Jones, Shai Birmaher, Nicholas John Bloom, Daniel J. Kirtley, Gerardo Antonio Salazar Lois, Anquan Wang, Trevor James Hahm
  • Patent number: 11828466
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine includes a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) dome with a swirler mounting wall formed integral with the CMC dome, and a swirler assembly including a plurality of clevis dome attachment members for connecting the swirler assembly to the CMC dome. Bushings are arranged within a plurality of dome-side swirler assembly mounting openings of the swirler mounting wall, and the CMC dome is arranged within respective ones of the plurality of clevis dome attachment members of the swirler assembly. A swirler-dome connecting member is disposed through each of the clevis dome attachment members so as to mount the swirler assembly to the CMC dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Gerardo Antonio Salazar Lois, Daniel J. Kirtley, Nicholas John Bloom, Shai Birmaher, Ryan Christopher Jones
  • Publication number: 20230119008
    Abstract: A combustor for a turbomachine engine includes a dome made of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material, the dome being secured within a support structure. The combustor includes an outer liner made of the CMC material, the outer liner being secured to the dome within the support structure. The combustor also includes an inner liner made of the CMC material, the inner liner being secured to the dome within the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Ryan Christopher Jones, Shai Birmaher, Nicholas John Bloom, Daniel J. Kirtley, Gerardo Antonio Salazar Lois, Anquan Wang, Trevor James Hahm
  • Publication number: 20230114116
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine includes a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) dome with a swirler mounting wall formed integral with the CMC dome, and a swirler assembly including a plurality of clevis dome attachment members for connecting the swirler assembly to the CMC dome. Bushings are arranged within a plurality of dome-side swirler assembly mounting openings of the swirler mounting wall, and the CMC dome is arranged within respective ones of the plurality of clevis dome attachment members of the swirler assembly. A swirler-dome connecting member is disposed through each of the clevis dome attachment members so as to mount the swirler assembly to the CMC dome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Gerardo Antonio Salazar Lois, Daniel J. Kirtley, Nicholas John Bloom, Shai Birmaher, Ryan Christopher Jones
  • Publication number: 20230112757
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine includes a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) dome including a swirler opening therethrough with a flare interface surface surrounding the swirler opening, a swirler assembly including (a) a secondary swirler having a threaded flare attachment portion, and (b) a flare having (i) a threaded secondary swirler attachment portion, and (ii) a dome interface wall that interfaces with the flare interface surface of the CMC dome, and a swirler-dome attachment member. The flare is connected to the secondary swirler via the threaded flare attachment portion and the threaded secondary swirler attachment portion, and the swirler-dome attachment member applies a force to the CMC dome to engage the dome interface wall and the flare interface surface so as to connect the CMC dome and the swirler assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Gerardo Antonio Salazar Lois, Nicholas John Bloom, Daniel J. Kirtley, Shai Birmaher, Ryan Christopher Jones
  • Publication number: 20220333778
    Abstract: A combustor assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a dome defining a slot. The combustor assembly also includes a liner at least partially defining a combustion chamber and extending between an aft end and a forward end. The forward end is received within the slot of the dome. In one exemplary aspect, the combustor assembly includes features that warm the forward end of the liner during transient operation of the engine. Furthermore, the combustor assembly includes features that reduce the thermal gradient between the forward end and the other portions of the liner. In this way, improved durability of the liner may be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Alan Stieg, Nicholas John Bloom
  • Patent number: 11454128
    Abstract: Fairing assemblies and methods for assembling gas turbine engine fairing assemblies are provided. For example, a fairing assembly comprises a plurality of fairings, an annular inner band defining a plurality of inner pockets, and an annular outer band defining a plurality of outer pockets. Each fairing has an inner end radially spaced apart from an outer end. Each inner pocket is shaped complementary to each fairing inner end and has forward and aft ends. Each outer pocket is shaped complementary to each fairing outer end and has forward and aft ends. The inner and outer bands are each a single piece structure. Each fairing inner end is received within one of the plurality of inner pockets, and each fairing outer end is received within one of the plurality of outer pockets. Some embodiments also comprise an inner ring positioned against the inner band to close the inner pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark Anthony Holleran, Matthew Mark Weaver, Darrell Glenn Senile, Nicholas John Bloom
  • Publication number: 20220275730
    Abstract: Fairing assemblies and methods for assembling gas turbine engine fairing assemblies are provided. For example, a fairing assembly comprises a plurality of fairings, an annular inner band defining a plurality of inner pockets, and an annular outer band defining a plurality of outer pockets. Each fairing has an inner end radially spaced apart from an outer end. Each inner pocket is shaped complementary to each fairing inner end and has forward and aft ends. Each outer pocket is shaped complementary to each fairing outer end and has forward and aft ends. The inner and outer bands are each a single piece structure. Each fairing inner end is received within one of the plurality of inner pockets, and each fairing outer end is received within one of the plurality of outer pockets. Some embodiments also comprise an inner ring positioned against the inner band to close the inner pockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Inventors: Mark Anthony Holleran, Matthew Mark Weaver, Darrell Glenn Senile, Nicholas John Bloom
  • Patent number: 11402097
    Abstract: A combustor assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a dome defining a slot. The combustor assembly also includes a liner at least partially defining a combustion chamber and extending between an aft end and a forward end. The forward end is received within the slot of the dome. In one exemplary aspect, the combustor assembly includes features that warm the forward end of the liner during transient operation of the engine. Furthermore, the combustor assembly includes features that reduce the thermal gradient between the forward end and the other portions of the liner. In this way, improved durability of the liner may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Alan Stieg, Nicholas John Bloom
  • Publication number: 20220205392
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine is provided having a combustion section with a liner extending between a forward end and an aft end. A structural member is positioned in or around at least a portion of the combustion section. Additionally, a piston ring holder is provided attached to the structural member at a first end and positioned proximate to the aft end of the liner at a second end. The piston ring holder is a bimetallic member including a first portion formed of a first material and a second portion formed of a second material. A coefficient of thermal expansion of the first material is different than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the second material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Inventors: Nicholas John Bloom, Michael Alan Stieg, Brian Christopher Towle
  • Patent number: 11149646
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine is provided having a combustion section with a liner extending between a forward end and an aft end. A structural member is positioned in or around at least a portion of the combustion section. Additionally, a piston ring holder is provided attached to the structural member at a first end and positioned proximate to the aft end of the liner at a second end. The piston ring holder is a bimetallic member including a first portion formed of a first material and a second portion formed of a second material. A coefficient of thermal expansion of the first material is different than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas John Bloom, Michael Alan Stieg, Brian Christopher Towle
  • Patent number: 10801729
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine is provided, which includes: a CMC liner having a forward end and an aft end; an annular dome comprising a metal and defining an annular slot within its end defined between an outer arm and an inner arm; a feather seal extending from an annularly exterior surface of the annular dome to an annularly exterior surface of the liner; and a plurality of pin members. The forward end of the liner defines a plurality of fingers and a plurality of axial slots, and is fitted between the outer arm and the inner arm within the annular slot. Each pin member extending through an aperture in the feather seal, through an aperture in the outer arm of the annular dome, through an opening defined by the liner, and through an aperture in the inner arm of the annular dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Nicholas John Bloom
  • Patent number: 10737986
    Abstract: Methods for repairing composite cylindrical components are provided. One exemplary method for repairing a cylindrical component defining an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction includes removing a damaged region of the cylindrical component. A flange extending from a cylindrical body of the cylindrical component is included in the damaged region. One or more arc segments that extend along the circumferential direction are connected with the existing cylindrical component. At least one of the arc segments includes a prefabricated flange. One or more plies are laid up to connect the arc segments with the existing cylindrical component to repair the damaged region of the cylindrical body and the prefabricated flange formed integrally with one of the arc segments replaces the damaged portion of the flange. Repaired cylindrical components are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Herbert Chidsey Roberts, Glenn Curtis Taxacher, Nicholas John Bloom, Patrick Wayne Hollingsworth
  • Publication number: 20200158341
    Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine is provided, which includes: a CMC liner having a forward end and an aft end; an annular dome comprising a metal and defining an annular slot within its end defined between an outer arm and an inner arm; a feather seal extending from an annularly exterior surface of the annular dome to an annularly exterior surface of the liner; and a plurality of pin members. The forward end of the liner defines a plurality of fingers and a plurality of axial slots, and is fitted between the outer arm and the inner arm within the annular slot. Each pin member extending through an aperture in the feather seal, through an aperture in the outer arm of the annular dome, through an opening defined by the liner, and through an aperture in the inner arm of the annular dome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventor: Nicholas John BLOOM
  • Publication number: 20200040749
    Abstract: Fairing assemblies and methods for assembling gas turbine engine fairing assemblies are provided. For example, a fairing assembly comprises a plurality of fairings, an annular inner band defining a plurality of inner pockets, and an annular outer band defining a plurality of outer pockets. Each fairing has an inner end radially spaced apart from an outer end. Each inner pocket is shaped complementary to each fairing inner end and has forward and aft ends. Each outer pocket is shaped complementary to each fairing outer end and has forward and aft ends. The inner and outer bands are each a single piece structure. Each fairing inner end is received within one of the plurality of inner pockets, and each fairing outer end is received within one of the plurality of outer pockets. Some embodiments also comprise an inner ring positioned against the inner band to close the inner pockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Mark Anthony Holleran, Matthew Mark Weaver, Darrell Glenn Senile, Nicholas John Bloom
  • Publication number: 20190203940
    Abstract: A combustor assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a dome defining a slot. The combustor assembly also includes a liner at least partially defining a combustion chamber and extending between an aft end and a forward end. The forward end is received within the slot of the dome. In one aspect, the forward end of the liner defines blind warming openings that allow a warming airflow to actively warm the forward end during transient operation of the engine. In another aspect, the dome defines a plurality of impingement openings that allow a warming airflow to impinge on the forward end to actively warm the liner during transient operation of the engine. In another aspect, a grommet coupling a pin with the liner defines a plurality of warming passages that allow a warming airflow to flow therethrough to warm the forward end of the liner during transient engine operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Alan Stieg, Nicholas John Bloom, Brett Joseph Geiser
  • Publication number: 20190203611
    Abstract: A combustor assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a dome defining a slot. The combustor assembly also includes a liner at least partially defining a combustion chamber and extending between an aft end and a forward end. At least a portion of the forward end is received within the slot of the dome. The forward end of the liner defines a plurality of warming holes that allow for a warming airflow to flow therethrough to warm the forward end at a faster rate during transient operating conditions of the engine thereby reducing transient stresses and increasing liner durability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Alan Stieg, Nicholas John Bloom, Eric Ryan Newburn, Brett Joseph Geiser
  • Publication number: 20190203939
    Abstract: A combustor assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a dome defining a slot. The combustor assembly also includes a liner at least partially defining a combustion chamber and extending between an aft end and a forward end. The forward end is received within the slot of the dome. In one exemplary aspect, the combustor assembly includes features that warm the forward end of the liner during transient operation of the engine. Furthermore, the combustor assembly includes features that reduce the thermal gradient between the forward end and the other portions of the liner. In this way, improved durability of the liner may be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Alan Stieg, Nicholas John Bloom
  • Publication number: 20190137101
    Abstract: A combustor assembly for a gas turbine engine is provided. The combustor assembly includes a liner at least partially defining a combustion chamber and extending between an aft end a forward end generally along an axial direction. The combustor assembly also includes an annular dome including an enclosed surface defining a slot for receipt of the forward end of the liner. A cap is positioned at the forward end of the liner and at least partially positioned within the slot defined by the enclosed surface of the annular dome. The cap includes a surface configured to contact at least one of the enclosed surface of the annular dome and the forward end of the liner. Such a configuration may form a substantially airtight seal between the forward end of the liner and the annular dome despite a relative thermal expansion between the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Nicholas John Bloom, Daniel Kirtley, Michael Alan Stieg, Brian Christopher Towle, Chad Holden Sutton