Patents by Inventor Ronald Ralph Cairo

Ronald Ralph Cairo 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: 10137540
    Abstract: A method and portable device for modifying or coating a surface of turbine components in the field includes an ESD torch electrically connected with ESD equipment. The ESD torch includes an inert gas source, vibration source, and electrode disk of conductive material. The electrode disk is disposed within the ESD torch, shielded by an inert gas and coupled with the vibration source. The electrode disk is rolled over the surface, which actuates the electrode disk and deposits the conductive material from the electrode disk onto the surface of the workpiece to form the compositionally controlled protective coating. The compositionally controlled protective coating deposited by the electrode disk forms a metallurgical bond with the surface of the workpiece to prevent erosion of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jianqiang Chen, Ronald Ralph Cairo
  • Patent number: 9926791
    Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite article and a process of fabricating a ceramic matrix composite are disclosed. The ceramic matrix composite article includes a matrix distribution pattern formed by a manifold and ceramic matrix composite plies laid up on the matrix distribution pattern, includes the manifold, or a combination thereof. The manifold includes one or more matrix distribution channels operably connected to a delivery interface, the delivery interface configured for providing matrix material to one or more of the ceramic matrix composite plies. The process includes providing the manifold, forming the matrix distribution pattern by transporting the matrix material through the manifold, and contacting the ceramic matrix composite plies with the matrix material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald Ralph Cairo, Paul Stephen Dimascio, Jason Robert Parolini
  • Publication number: 20170292639
    Abstract: A carbon fiber reinforcement for reinforcing a pipe connection between two pipes includes a carbon fiber composite having a substantially circular cross-section, a length, a central axis along the length, an outer surface, and an inner surface, wherein the outer surface of the reinforcement is configured to bond with an inner surface of one of the two pipes. A method for reinforcing a pipe connection between two pipes includes forming a carbon fiber composite reinforcement having a substantially circular cross-section, a length, a central axis along the length, an outer surface, and an inner surface, and bonding the outer surface of the reinforcement to an inner surface of one of the two pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: Jianqiang James Chen, Ronald Ralph Cairo
  • Patent number: 9664052
    Abstract: A turbine component, a turbine blade, and a turbine component fabrication process are disclosed. The turbine component includes ceramic matrix composite plies and a feature configured for preventing interlaminar tension of the ceramic matrix composite plies. The feature is selected from the group consisting of ceramic matrix composite tows or precast insert tows extending through at least a portion of the ceramic matrix composite plies, a woven fabric having fiber tows or a precast insert preventing contact between a first set of the ceramic matrix composite plies and a second set of the ceramic matrix composite plies, and combinations thereof. The process includes laying up ceramic matrix composite plies in a preselected arrangement and securing a feature configured for interlaminar tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John McConnell Delvaux, Ronald Ralph Cairo, Jason Robert Parolini
  • Patent number: 9500083
    Abstract: An apparatus to reduce wear and friction between CMC-to-metal attachment and interface, including a metal layer configured for insertion between a surface interface between a CMC component and a metal component. The surface interface of the metal layer is compliant relative to asperities of the surface interface of the CMC component. A coefficient of friction between the surface interface of the CMC component and the metal component is about 1.0 or less at an operating temperature between about 300° C. to about 325° C. and a limiting temperature of the metal component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Ronald Ralph Cairo, Jason Robert Parolini, John McConnell Delvaux
  • Patent number: 9453421
    Abstract: An apparatus having reduced wear and friction between CMC-to-metal attachment and interface of the apparatus, including a CMC component having a surface. The CMC component surface is configured for sliding contact with a surface of a metal component, the sliding contact resulting in formation of debris along the contacting surfaces. The surface of the CMC component has an engineered surface feature formed therein to substantially prevent an accumulation of debris along the contacting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald Ralph Cairo, Jason Robert Parolini, John McConnell Delvaux
  • Publication number: 20160169007
    Abstract: An apparatus having reduced wear and friction between CMC-to-metal attachment and interface of the apparatus, including a CMC component having a surface. The CMC component surface is configured for sliding contact with a surface of a metal component, the sliding contact resulting in formation of debris along the contacting surfaces. The surface of the CMC component has an engineered surface feature formed therein to substantially prevent an accumulation of debris along the contacting surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Ronald Ralph CAIRO, Jason Robert PAROLINI, John McConnell DELVAUX
  • Patent number: 9297265
    Abstract: An apparatus having reduced wear and friction between CMC-to-metal attachment and interface of the apparatus, including a CMC component having a surface. The CMC component surface is configured for sliding contact with a surface of a metal component, the sliding contact resulting in formation of debris along the contacting surfaces. The surface of the CMC component has an engineered surface feature formed therein to substantially prevent an accumulation of debris along the contacting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald Ralph Cairo, Jason Robert Parolini, John McConnell Delvaux
  • Publication number: 20160084092
    Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite article and a process of fabricating a ceramic matrix composite are disclosed. The ceramic matrix composite article includes a matrix distribution pattern formed by a manifold and ceramic matrix composite plies laid up on the matrix distribution pattern, includes the manifold, or a combination thereof. The manifold includes one or more matrix distribution channels operably connected to a delivery interface, the delivery interface configured for providing matrix material to one or more of the ceramic matrix composite plies. The process includes providing the manifold, forming the matrix distribution pattern by transporting the matrix material through the manifold, and contacting the ceramic matrix composite plies with the matrix material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Ronald Ralph CAIRO, Paul Stephen DIMASCIO, Jason Robert PAROLINI
  • Patent number: 9234430
    Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite article and a process of fabricating a ceramic matrix composite are disclosed. The ceramic matrix composite article includes a matrix distribution pattern formed by a manifold and ceramic matrix composite plies laid up on the matrix distribution pattern, includes the manifold, or a combination thereof. The manifold includes one or more matrix distribution channels operably connected to a delivery interface, the delivery interface configured for providing matrix material to one or more of the ceramic matrix composite plies. The process includes providing the manifold, forming the matrix distribution pattern by transporting the matrix material through the manifold, and contacting the ceramic matrix composite plies with the matrix material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ronald Ralph Cairo, Paul Stephen DiMascio, Jason Robert Parolini
  • Publication number: 20150330221
    Abstract: A method and portable device for modifying or coating a surface of turbine components in the field includes an ESD torch electrically connected with ESD equipment. The ESD torch includes an inert gas source, vibration source, and electrode disk of conductive material. The electrode disk is disposed within the ESD torch, shielded by an inert gas and coupled with the vibration source. The electrode disk is rolled over the surface, which actuates the electrode disk and deposits the conductive material from the electrode disk onto the surface of the workpiece to form the compositionally controlled protective coating. The compositionally controlled protective coating deposited by the electrode disk forms a metallurgical bond with the surface of the workpiece to prevent erosion of the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Jianqiang CHEN, Ronald Ralph CAIRO
  • Patent number: 9175573
    Abstract: A dovetail attachment seal for a turbomachine includes an outer seal member having a first end that extends to a second end through an intermediate portion, and at least one articulating element encapsulated, at least in part, by the outer seal member at one of the first and second ends. The at least one articulating element is slidingly disposed within the outer seal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald Ralph Cairo, Kevin Leon Bruce
  • Patent number: 9126292
    Abstract: A method and portable device for modifying or coating a surface of turbine components in the field includes an ESD torch electrically connected with ESD equipment. The ESD torch includes an inert gas source, vibration source, and electrode disk of conductive material. The electrode disk is disposed within the ESD torch, shielded by an inert gas and coupled with the vibration source. The electrode disk is rolled over the surface, which actuates the electrode disk and deposits the conductive material from the electrode disk onto the surface of the workpiece to form the compositionally controlled protective coating. The compositionally controlled protective coating deposited by the electrode disk forms a metallurgical bond with the surface of the workpiece to prevent erosion of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jianqiang Chen, Ronald Ralph Cairo
  • Publication number: 20150118060
    Abstract: A compressor blade generally used in turbine engines is presented. The compressor blade includes a protective covering bonded to a tip portion of the blade with a braze material. The braze material includes from about 1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent of an active metal element, based on the total amount of the braze material. A compressor rotor is also provided that includes a plurality of the compressor blades. A method for joining a protective covering to a tip portion of a compressor blade, and a method for repair of a compressor blade, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sundeep Kumar, Warren Arthur Nelson, Ronald Ralph Cairo, Anand Krishnamurthy
  • Patent number: 8974588
    Abstract: A coating composition, a process of applying a coating having a coating composition, and a process of forming a coating composition are disclosed. The coating composition includes an alloy and an oxide component comprising nickel oxide. The process of applying the coating includes cold spraying the coating onto the article. The process of forming the coating composition includes blending and milling the alloy with the oxide component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Yuk-Chiu Lau, Surinder Singh Pabla, David Vincent Bucci, Paul Mathew, Ronald Ralph Cairo, Krishnamurthy Anand, Guruprasad Sundararajan, Mohandas Nayak, Eklavya Calla
  • Patent number: 8845283
    Abstract: A compressor blade and process for inhibiting rub encounters between a blade tip of the blade and an interior surface of a case that surrounds the rotating hardware within a compressor section of a turbomachine. The compressor blade includes a cap that defines the blade tip at a radially outermost end of the blade, and a plurality of flexible elements extending from a surface of the cap that defines the blade tip. The flexible elements extend from the surface in a span-wise direction of the blade, and are operable to become rigid due to centrifugal stiffening at compressor operating speeds and, optionally, cut a groove the interior surface of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald Ralph Cairo, Warren Arthur Nelson
  • Publication number: 20140199173
    Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite article and a process of fabricating a ceramic matrix composite are disclosed. The ceramic matrix composite article includes a matrix distribution pattern formed by a manifold and ceramic matrix composite plies laid up on the matrix distribution pattern, includes the manifold, or a combination thereof. The manifold includes one or more matrix distribution channels operably connected to a delivery interface, the delivery interface configured for providing matrix material to one or more of the ceramic matrix composite plies. The process includes providing the manifold, forming the matrix distribution pattern by transporting the matrix material through the manifold, and contacting the ceramic matrix composite plies with the matrix material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ronald Ralph CAIRO, Paul Stephen DIMASCIO, Jason Robert PAROLINI
  • Publication number: 20140154073
    Abstract: An apparatus having reduced wear and friction between CMC-to-metal attachment and interface of the apparatus, including a CMC component having a surface. The CMC component surface is configured for sliding contact with a surface of a metal component, the sliding contact resulting in formation of debris along the contacting surfaces. The surface of the CMC component has an engineered surface feature formed therein to substantially prevent an accumulation of debris along the contacting surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ronald Ralph CAIRO, Jason Robert PAROLINI, John McConnell DELVAUX
  • Publication number: 20140144157
    Abstract: A dovetail attachment seal for a turbomachine includes an outer seal member having a first end that extends to a second end through an intermediate portion, and at least one articulating element encapsulated, at least in part, by the outer seal member at one of the first and second ends. The at least one articulating element is slidingly disposed within the outer seal member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ronald Ralph Cairo, Kevin Leon Bruce
  • Publication number: 20140093381
    Abstract: A turbine component, a turbine blade, and a turbine component fabrication process are disclosed. The turbine component includes ceramic matrix composite plies and a feature configured for preventing interlaminar tension of the ceramic matrix composite plies. The feature is selected from the group consisting of ceramic matrix composite tows or precast insert tows extending through at least a portion of the ceramic matrix composite plies, a woven fabric having fiber tows or a precast insert preventing contact between a first set of the ceramic matrix composite plies and a second set of the ceramic matrix composite plies, and combinations thereof. The process includes laying up ceramic matrix composite plies in a preselected arrangement and securing a feature configured for interlaminar tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: John McConnell DELVAUX, Ronald Ralph CAIRO, Jason Robert PAROLINI