Patents by Inventor Stephen Melton

Stephen Melton 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).

  • Publication number: 20070193276
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling sump pressurization in a gas turbine bearing sump by controllably restricting or actively venting air flow from said sump cavity to maintain a continuous air flow from said sump cavity through a sump vent in all operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventors: Bala Corattiyil, Stephen Melton
  • Publication number: 20060120854
    Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine assembly, including a gas turbine engine, a power turbine coupled to the gas turbine engine, and a thrust bearing coupled to the power turbine. The method includes coupling a first annular portion having a first radius to the power turbine, coupling a second annular portion having a second radius to the thrust bearing, wherein the first radius is different than the second radius, and coupling a plurality of structural members between the first and second portions such that the thrust assembly has a substantially frusto-conical shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Wakeman, Stephen Melton, Michael Murphy
  • Publication number: 20060117756
    Abstract: A method of reducing gas turbine engine distortion includes coupling a core gas turbine engine to a power turbine, coupling the power turbine to a thrust bearing support assembly through a frusto-conically shaped structural support such that the net axial thrust of the coupled core gas turbine engine and power turbine reacts through the thrust bearing support assembly at engine centerline to facilitate minimizing distortion of the core gas turbine engine casing, and supporting the thrust bearing support assembly such that all of the remaining thrust generated by the core gas turbine engine and the power turbine is reacted to ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Wakeman, Peter Mueller, Stephen Melton, Michael Summers