Patents by Inventor Rebecca Evelyn Hefner

Rebecca Evelyn Hefner 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: 11643942
    Abstract: A control system for turbine systems configured to utilize an intelligent model of particulate presence and accumulation within turbine systems to address engine maintenance, erosion, corrosion, and parts failure mitigation is disclosed. The control system may build an intelligent model of fluid flow based on the data value measured by at least one sensor and based on a database of known data values to provide an estimation of amount of ingress of air intake particles into the turbine system, fouling within the turbine system, erosion of at least a portion of the turbine system, and performance degradation rate of the turbine system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Kamel Abdelkader Tayebi, Murali Krishna Kalaga, Abdurrahman Abdallah Khalidi, Maruthi Manohar Jupudi, Sumith Unniyattil, Rebecca Evelyn Hefner
  • Patent number: 11578656
    Abstract: Air filtration assemblies configured to provide instant detection of particles and/or improve particle filtration are disclosed. The assemblies may include an air inlet duct in fluid communication with a compressor of a gas turbine system. The air inlet duct may include an inlet for receiving intake air including intake air particles, and an outlet positioned opposite the inlet. The assembly may also include a plurality of vane filters at the inlet, an array of fabric filters positioned in the air inlet duct, downstream of the vane filters, and a silencer assembly positioned in the air inlet duct, downstream of the fabric filters. Additionally, the assembly may include an electrostatic component positioned in the air inlet duct, downstream of the fabric filters. The electrostatic component may be configured to charge the intake air particles that pass through the vane filters and the fabric filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Wolfgang Franz Dietrich Mohr, Joerg Pfistner, Kamel Tayebi, Murali Krishna Kalaga, Rebecca Evelyn Hefner
  • Publication number: 20230029650
    Abstract: A control system for turbine systems configured to utilize an intelligent model of particulate presence and accumulation within turbine systems to address engine maintenance, erosion, corrosion, and parts failure mitigation is disclosed. The control system may build an intelligent model of fluid flow based on the data value measured by at least one sensor and based on a database of known data values to provide an estimation of amount of ingress of air intake particles into the turbine system, fouling within the turbine system, erosion of at least a portion of the turbine system, and performance degradation rate of the turbine system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: KAMEL ABDELKADER TAYEBI, MURALI KRISHNA KALAGA, ABDURRAHMAN ABDALLAH KHALIDI, MARUTHI MANOHAR JUPUDI, SUMITH UNNIYATTIL, REBECCA EVELYN HEFNER
  • Publication number: 20210231053
    Abstract: Air filtration assemblies configured to provide instant detection of particles and/or improve particle filtration are disclosed. The assemblies may include an air inlet duct in fluid communication with a compressor of a gas turbine system. The air inlet duct may include an inlet for receiving intake air including intake air particles, and an outlet positioned opposite the inlet. The assembly may also include a plurality of vane filters at the inlet, an array of fabric filters positioned in the air inlet duct, downstream of the vane filters, and a silencer assembly positioned in the air inlet duct, downstream of the fabric filters. Additionally, the assembly may include an electrostatic component positioned in the air inlet duct, downstream of the fabric filters. The electrostatic component may be configured to charge the intake air particles that pass through the vane filters and the fabric filters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Wolfgang Franz Dietrich Mohr, Joerg Pfistner, Kamel Tayebi, Murali Krishna Kalaga, Rebecca Evelyn Hefner
  • Patent number: 10975774
    Abstract: The present application provides a gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine may include a compressor, a compressor wash system in communication with the compressor, a condensate or boiler feed water system in communication with the compressor, and a dosing system in communication with the condensate or boiler feed water system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Alston Ilford Scipio, Paul Robert Fernandez, Rebecca Evelyn Hefner, Sanji Ekanayake
  • Patent number: 10752382
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing and quantifying the environmental impact on a mechanical component are provided. In one embodiment, a method can include receiving one or more first set(s) of data from one or more first data acquisition system(s) configured to communicate with an onboard system of an aircraft. The method can further include receiving one or more second sets of data from one or more second data acquisition systems that are remote from the aircraft. The method can include determining an aggregate amount of the environmental condition experienced by a mechanical component of the aircraft based at least in part on the first sets of data and the second sets of data. The method can include predicting a level of distress associated with the mechanical component based at least in part on the aggregate amount of the environmental condition experienced by the mechanical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew Scott Kessie, Rebecca Evelyn Hefner
  • Patent number: 10294869
    Abstract: A control system for a gas turbine includes a processor. The processor configured to access one or more operating parameters of the gas turbine. The operating parameters are configured to specify how the gas turbine operates. The processor is configured to predict a rate of degradation to one or more parts of a compressor of the gas turbine due to one or more effects on the parts by operating the gas turbine according to the one or more operating parameters. The processor is configured to send an alert to an electronic device based at least in part on the rate of degradation of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Xiaomo Jiang, Rebecca Evelyn Hefner, Bradford George Foulkes, Jianxiong Chen, John Robert Korsedal
  • Publication number: 20190016478
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing and quantifying the environmental impact on a mechanical component are provided. In one embodiment, a method can include receiving one or more first set(s) of data from one or more first data acquisition system(s) configured to communicate with an onboard system of an aircraft. The method can further include receiving one or more second sets of data from one or more second data acquisition systems that are remote from the aircraft. The method can include determining an aggregate amount of the environmental condition experienced by a mechanical component of the aircraft based at least in part on the first sets of data and the second sets of data. The method can include predicting a level of distress associated with the mechanical component based at least in part on the aggregate amount of the environmental condition experienced by the mechanical component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Andrew Scott Kessie, Rebecca Evelyn Hefner
  • Patent number: 10099804
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing and quantifying the environmental impact on a mechanical component are provided. In one embodiment, a method can include receiving one or more first set(s) of data from one or more first data acquisition system(s) configured to communicate with an onboard system of an aircraft. The method can further include receiving one or more second sets of data from one or more second data acquisition systems that are remote from the aircraft. The method can include determining an aggregate amount of the environmental condition experienced by a mechanical component of the aircraft based at least in part on the first sets of data and the second sets of data. The method can include predicting a level of distress associated with the mechanical component based at least in part on the aggregate amount of the environmental condition experienced by the mechanical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew Scott Kessie, Rebecca Evelyn Hefner
  • Publication number: 20170361947
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing and quantifying the environmental impact on a mechanical component are provided. In one embodiment, a method can include receiving one or more first set(s) of data from one or more first data acquisition system(s) configured to communicate with an onboard system of an aircraft. The method can further include receiving one or more second sets of data from one or more second data acquisition systems that are remote from the aircraft. The method can include determining an aggregate amount of the environmental condition experienced by a mechanical component of the aircraft based at least in part on the first sets of data and the second sets of data. The method can include predicting a level of distress associated with the mechanical component based at least in part on the aggregate amount of the environmental condition experienced by the mechanical component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew Scott Kessie, Rebecca Evelyn Hefner
  • Publication number: 20170357223
    Abstract: A control system for a gas turbine includes a processor. The processor configured to access data indicative of environmental conditions of a location of the gas turbine. The processor is configured to predict an occurrence of an event associated with the gas turbine based on the environmental conditions, wherein the event comprises a change in operation of the gas turbine due to the environmental conditions. The processor is configured to send a signal indicating the occurrence of the event to an electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Xiaomo Jiang, Alston IIford Scipio, Sanji Ekanayake, Rebecca Evelyn Hefner
  • Publication number: 20170356346
    Abstract: A control system for a gas turbine includes a processor. The processor configured to access one or more operating parameters of the gas turbine. The operating parameters are configured to specify how the gas turbine operates. The processor is configured to predict a rate of degradation to one or more parts of a compressor of the gas turbine due to one or more effects on the parts by operating the gas turbine according to the one or more operating parameters. The processor is configured to send an alert to an electronic device based at least in part on the rate of degradation of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Xiaomo Jiang, Rebecca Evelyn Hefner, Bradford George Foulkes, Jianxiong Chen, John Robert Korsedal
  • Patent number: 9758877
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for inhibiting corrosion on metal surfaces of gas turbine air compressors. The methods comprise contacting the metal surfaces with a corrosion inhibiting composition comprising at least one filming amine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sal Esposito, Anthony M. Rossi, Mel Joseph Esmacher, Rebecca Evelyn Hefner, Trevor James Dale, Kelsey Elizabeth Beach
  • Patent number: 9671030
    Abstract: A metallic seal assembly, a turbine component, and a method of regulating flow in turbo-machinery are disclosed. The metallic seal assembly includes a sealing structure having thermally-responsive features. The thermally-responsive features deploy from or retract toward a surface of the sealing structure in response to a predetermined temperature change. The turbine component includes the metallic seal assembly. The method of regulating flow in turbo-machinery includes providing the metallic seal assembly and raising or retracting the thermally-responsive features in response to the predetermined temperature change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul Stephen Dimascio, Michael Douglas Arnett, Rebecca Evelyn Hefner, Christopher D. Higgins
  • Patent number: 9587632
    Abstract: A thermally-controlled component and thermal control process are disclosed. The thermally-controlled component includes thermally-responsive features. The thermally-responsive features are configured to modify a flow path to control temperature variation of the thermally-controlled component. The thermally-responsive features deploy from or retract toward a surface of the thermally-controlled component in response to a predetermined temperature change. The thermal control process includes modifying the flow path in the thermally-controlled component to control temperature variation of the thermally-controlled component and/or cooling a region of the thermally-controlled component through the thermally-responsive features deploying from or retracting toward a surface of the thermally-controlled component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul Stephen Dimascio, Michael Douglas Arnett, Rebecca Evelyn Hefner
  • Publication number: 20160169116
    Abstract: The present application provides a gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine may include a compressor, a compressor wash system in communication with the compressor, a condensate or boiler feed water system in communication with the compressor, and a dosing system in communication with the condensate or boiler feed water system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Alston Ilford SCIPIO, Paul Robert FERNANDEZ, Rebecca Evelyn HEFNER, Sanji EKANAYAKE
  • Publication number: 20160169117
    Abstract: The present application provides a gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine may include a compressor, a condensate or boiler feed water system in communication with the compressor, a dosing system in communication with the condensate or boiler feed water system, and a cooling water system in communication with the condensate or boiler feed water system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: ALSTON ILFORD SCIPIO, MEL JOSEPH ESMACHER, REBECCA EVELYN HEFNER, SANJI EKANAYAKE
  • Patent number: 9297742
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a corrosion sensor includes spraying a non-conductive material on a substrate and spraying a conductive material at discrete locations on the substrate or on the non-conductive material. The method further includes spraying the non-conductive material around the discrete locations of the conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Rebecca Evelyn Hefner, Paul Stephen DiMascio
  • Patent number: 9291082
    Abstract: A system includes a catalytic reactor configured to mount to a combustor. The catalytic reactor includes a catalyst configured to reduce emissions associated with combustion in the combustor. The catalytic reactor also includes a first and a second sacrificial coating disposed over the catalyst prior to mounting of the catalytic reactor into the combustor, wherein the first and second sacrificial coatings are removable while the catalytic reactor is mounted to the combustor without damaging the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard Todd Everhart, Rebecca Evelyn Hefner, Cristina Colindres Kraemer, Gilbert Otto Kraemer, Surinder Singh Pabla, Stephen Gerard Pope
  • Patent number: 9267393
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide an apparatus for cleaning airfoils inside a gas turbine compressor. In one embodiment, an apparatus for cleaning at least one airfoil within a turbine compressor, includes: a hose for applying cleaning material to the at least one airfoil; and an articulation assembly for articulating a nozzle of the hose, the articulation assembly including: a main shaft attached to the hose at a first end; and an articulating trigger for rotating the first end of the main shaft. The apparatus may further include a borescope attached to the articulation assembly and a borescope monitor for viewing the at least one airfoil via the borescope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Pablo de Jesus Diaz, Rebecca Evelyn Hefner