Patents by Inventor Richard J. Tiernan, Jr.

Richard J. Tiernan, Jr. 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: 5180281
    Abstract: The segmented inner case supporting the stator vanes of the compressor is tied to an axially split outer case of a gas turbine engine by utilizing a segmented ring-like element forming a rail with bosses at either end and intermediate the ends and having a relatively thin resilient body between bosses capable of flexing in response to thermal loads. Bolts extending through the outer case are threaded into the bosses. This arrangement facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the compressor section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph C. Burge, Richard J. Tiernan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5167167
    Abstract: Rotating machinery construction employing one or more split balance rings within a rotating element the circumferential position of a ring being adjustable through associated casing structure without disassembly of the machinery to permit rebalancing or trim balancing of the rotor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Tiernan, Jr., Bruce V. Lyon
  • Patent number: 5158430
    Abstract: A "dog bone" in cross section shaped seal mounted in adjacent grooves of segmented stator vanes span the axial extent covering a single casted three rows of vanes. The outer diameter shroud of the stator vane defines a portion of an enclosed cavity subjected to leakage flow in and out of the gas path where the flow reverses at some axial extent of the seal such that the forces acting at different locations on the seal reverses. In a preferred embodiment, the bulbous ends of the "dog bone" are solid coated metallic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Dixon, Joseph C. Burge, Richard J. Tiernan, Jr., Lee E. Hensen
  • Patent number: 5127794
    Abstract: The thermal environment to which the engine's compressor case is subjected is controlled and the coefficient of expansion selected for the stator and rotor components are suitably matched to improve engine performance by reducing radial clearances during part power engine operations. A thermal barrier around the engine case by virtue of a heat shield attached to the customary case flanges and the coaxially mounted spaced stator vanes forming an inner case defining cavities sandwiching the engine case and holds the metal temperature at a value higher than would otherwise be provided. The thermal barrier serves to isolate the outer case from the engine's fan discharge air and the engine's core gas path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph C. Burge, Richard J. Tiernan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4804288
    Abstract: Two shafts 12, 14 are secured axially with bolts 58 through flanges 22 and 32. Coupling 42 is splined to the shafts and resists bending by interaction of bearing surfaces 46, 44, 48 and 50. Threads 66 on one end of the shaft and an inwardly extending flange 68 on the coupling provide a means for removing a shaft without placing axial loading on bearing 18. Either shaft may be removed while leaving the coupling 42 in place to protect the bearing compartment. Axial loading is taken by bolts 58, torque loading by splines 30, 40 and bending moment taken by the interacting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Richard J. Tiernan, Jr.