Patents by Inventor Steven Clayton

Steven Clayton 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: 20190085767
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a combustor, the combustor including combustor liner having a plurality of dilution openings. The combustor receives a flow of fuel that is ignited and mixed with dilution air to form a flow of combustion gases. The flow of combustion gases travels through the combustor to a turbine section of an engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: Steven Clayton Vise, Allen Michael Danis, Jayanth Sekar, Pradeep Naik, Perumallu Vukanti, Arthur Wesley Johnson, Clayton Stuart Cooper, Karthikeyan Sampath
  • Publication number: 20180363555
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a propulsion system including an annular inner wall and an annular outer wall, a nozzle assembly, a turbine nozzle, and an inner casing and an outer casing. The inner wall and outer wall together extend at least partially along a longitudinal direction and together define a combustion chamber inlet, a combustion chamber outlet, and a combustion chamber therebetween. The nozzle assembly is disposed at the combustion inlet and provides a mixture of fuel and oxidizer to the combustion chamber. The turbine nozzle defines a plurality of airfoils in adjacent circumferential arrangement disposed at the combustion chamber outlet. The turbine nozzle is coupled to the outer wall and the inner wall. The inner casing is disposed inward of the inner wall and the outer casing is disposed outward of the outer wall. Each of the inner casing and the outer casing are coupled to the turbine nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Zelina, Sibtosh Pal, Arthur Wesley Johnson, Clayton Stuart Cooper, Steven Clayton Vise
  • Publication number: 20180355792
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a rotating detonation combustion system for a propulsion system, the rotating detonation combustion system defining a radial direction, a circumferential direction, and a longitudinal centerline in common with the propulsion system extended along a longitudinal direction. The rotating detonation combustion system includes an annular outer wall and an annular inner wall each generally concentric to the longitudinal centerline and together defining at least in part a combustion chamber and a combustion chamber inlet. The outer wall and the inner wall together define an annular nozzle concentric to the longitudinal centerline at the combustion chamber inlet. The nozzle defines a lengthwise direction and extending between a nozzle inlet and a nozzle outlet along the lengthwise direction, the nozzle inlet configured to receive a flow of oxidizer. The nozzle further defines a throat between the nozzle inlet and nozzle outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Sibtosh Pal, Joseph Zelina, Arthur Wesley Johnson, Clayton Stuart Cooper, Steven Clayton Vise
  • Publication number: 20180356094
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of operating a propulsion system at an approximately constant detonation cell quantity in the combustion chamber of a detonation combustion system. The propulsion system defines an inlet section upstream of the rotating detonation combustion system and an exhaust section downstream of the rotating detonation combustion system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Zelina, Sibtosh Pal, Arthur Wesley Johnson, Clayton Stuart Cooper, Steven Clayton Vise
  • Publication number: 20180356099
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a propulsion system including a rotating detonation combustion (RDC) system defining a plurality of fuel-oxidizer mixing nozzles each defined by a converging-diverging nozzle wall defining a nozzle flowpath. The nozzle wall defines a throat and a lengthwise direction extended between a nozzle inlet and nozzle outlet along the lengthwise direction. The longitudinal centerline of the propulsion system and the radial direction together define a reference plane, and the lengthwise direction of the nozzle intersects the reference plane and defines a nozzle angle greater than zero degrees and approximately 80 degrees or less relative to the reference plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Zelina, Sibtosh Pal, Arthur Wesley Johnson, Clayton Stuart Cooper, Steven Clayton Vise
  • Publication number: 20180356093
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of operating a propulsion system including a rotating detonation combustion (RDC) system. The RDC system defines a combustion inlet at an upstream end, a combustion outlet at a downstream end, a combustion chamber therebetween, and a nozzle defined at the combustion inlet upstream of the combustion chamber, and a secondary flowpath extended from upstream of the nozzle to downstream of the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Sibtosh Pal, Joseph Zelina, Arthur Wesley Johnson, Clayton Stuart Cooper, Steven Clayton Vise
  • Publication number: 20180355822
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a rotating detonation combustion system for a propulsion system including a plurality of combustors in adjacent arrangement along the circumferential direction. Each combustor defines a combustor centerline extended through each combustor, and each combustor comprises an outer wall defining a combustion chamber and a combustion inlet. Each combustion chamber is defined by an annular gap and a combustion chamber length together defining a volume of each combustion chamber. Each combustor defines a plurality of nozzle assemblies each disposed at the combustion inlet in adjacent arrangement around each combustor centerline. Each nozzle assembly defines a nozzle wall extended along a lengthwise direction, a nozzle inlet, a nozzle outlet, and a throat therebetween, and each nozzle assembly defines a converging-diverging nozzle. A first array of combustors defines a first volume and a second array of combustors defines a second volume different from the first volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Steven Clayton Vise, Joseph Zelina, Arthur Wesley Johnson, Clayton Stuart Cooper, Sibtosh Pal
  • Publication number: 20180355793
    Abstract: A hybrid combustion system, and method of operation, for a propulsion system is provided. The hybrid combustion system defines a radial direction, a circumferential direction, and a longitudinal centerline in common with the propulsion system extended along a longitudinal direction. The hybrid combustion system includes a rotating detonation combustion (RDC) system comprising an annular outer wall and an annular inner wall each generally concentric to the longitudinal centerline and together defining a RDC chamber and a RDC inlet, the RDC system further comprising a nozzle located at the RDC inlet defined by a nozzle wall. The nozzle defines a lengthwise direction extended between a nozzle inlet and a nozzle outlet along the lengthwise direction, and the nozzle inlet is configured to receive a flow of oxidizer. The nozzle further defines a throat between the nozzle inlet and the nozzle outlet, and wherein the nozzle defines a converging-diverging nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Steven Clayton Vise, Joseph Zelina, Arthur Wesley Johnson, Clayton Stuart Cooper, Sibtosh Pal
  • Publication number: 20180355795
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a rotating detonation combustion system for a propulsion system, the rotating detonation combustion system defining a radial direction, a circumferential direction, and a longitudinal centerline in common with the propulsion system extended along a longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Sibtosh Pal, Joseph Zelina, Arthur Wesley Johnson, Clayton Stuart Cooper, Steven Clayton Vise
  • Publication number: 20180356096
    Abstract: A method and system of effervescent atomization of liquid fuel for a rotating detonation combustor (RDC) for a propulsion system is provided. The method includes flowing liquid fuel through a fuel injection port of a nozzle assembly of the RDC system; flowing a gas through the fuel injection port of the nozzle assembly volumetrically proportional to the liquid fuel; producing a gas-liquid fuel mixture at the fuel injection port by mixing the flow of gas and the flow of liquid fuel; flowing an oxidizer through a nozzle flowpath of the RDC system; producing an oxidizer-gas-liquid fuel mixture by mixing the gas-liquid fuel mixture and the flow of oxidizer within the nozzle flowpath; and igniting the oxidizer-gas-liquid fuel mixture within a combustion chamber of the RDC system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Sibtosh Pal, Joseph Zelina, Arthur Wesley Johnson, Clayton Stuart Cooper, Steven Clayton Vise
  • Patent number: 8616006
    Abstract: A laser ignition system for an internal combustion engine, and more specifically a gas turbine engine, is provided. The system including a laser light source configured to generate a laser beam, an ignition port configured to provide optimized optical access of the laser beam to a combustion chamber and an optical beam guidance component disposed between the laser light source and the ignition port. The optical beam guidance component is configured to include optimized optic components to transmit the laser beam to irradiate on a fuel mixture supplied into the combustion chamber to generate a combustor flame in a flame region. A method for igniting a fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sara Rocci Denis, Herbert Kopecek, Richard Wade Stickles, Chukwueloka Obiora Umeh, Gabor Ast, Mark Patrick Kelsey, Steven Clayton Vise, Gary Lee Leonard, Shai Birmaher
  • Patent number: 8468813
    Abstract: A muffler for an internal combustion engine exhaust system includes a housing having an inlet and outlet headers enclosing opposite ends of an outer shell. A partition divides a housing interior into first and second chambers, the first chamber having sound absorbing material positioned therein. The partition has an aperture allowing fluid communication between the first and second chambers. A through pipe extends through the inlet and outlet headers and the partition and has a plurality of perforations enabling fluid communication between the through pipe and the first chamber. A valve assembly has a valve flap positioned inside the through pipe for rotation with an axle pivotally coupled to the pipe between a closed position and an open position. The valve is positioned downstream of the pipe perforations such that all of an exhaust gas flowing through the muffler passes through the valve regardless of the valve flap position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Hill, Howard C. Macaluso, Steven Clayton
  • Publication number: 20120131927
    Abstract: A laser ignition system for an internal combustion engine, and more specifically a gas turbine engine, is provided. The system including a laser light source configured to generate a laser beam, an ignition port configured to provide optimized optical access of the laser beam to a combustion chamber and an optical beam guidance component disposed between the laser light source and the ignition port. The optical beam guidance component is configured to include optimized optic components to transmit the laser beam to irradiate on a fuel mixture supplied into the combustion chamber to generate a combustor flame in a flame region. A method for igniting a fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Sara Rocci Denis, Herbert Kopecek, Richard Wade Stickles, Chukwueloka Obiora Umeh, Gabor Ast, Mark Patrick Kelsey, Steven Clayton Vise, Gary Lee Leonard, Shai Birmaher
  • Publication number: 20110123645
    Abstract: Provided are topical antimicrobial compositions for application to the epidermis, e.g., hands, arms, legs, face, scalp as well as other body areas which are characterized in being free of conventional anionic soaps and conventional anionic surfactants, which preferably exhibits an acidic pH. The compositions exhibit at least 3 log kill efficacy, preferably at least 4 log kill efficacy at 60 seconds contact time of at least two, preferably at least three and most preferably at least four of microorganisms selected from the group consisting of: S. aureus, E. coli. P. aeruginosa and E. hirae, according to the known-art protocols EN 12054 (Chemical Disinfectants and antiseptics—Quantitative suspension test for the evaluation of antimicrobial activity), EN 1276 (Evaluation of Bactericidal Activity in Suspension—Dilution Neutralisation Method) and EN 1499 (Chemical Disinfectants and Antiseptics—Hygienic Handwash).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: RECKITT BENCKISER INC.
    Inventors: Willard Burt, James Steven Clayton, Richard John Kosturko
  • Publication number: 20110061969
    Abstract: A muffler for an internal combustion engine exhaust system includes a housing having an inlet and outlet headers enclosing opposite ends of an outer shell. A partition divides a housing interior into first and second chambers, the first chamber having sound absorbing material positioned therein. The partition has an aperture allowing fluid communication between the first and second chambers. A through pipe extends through the inlet and outlet headers and the partition and has a plurality of perforations enabling fluid communication between the through pipe and the first chamber. A valve assembly has a valve flap positioned inside the through pipe for rotation with an axle pivotally coupled to the pipe between a closed position and an open position. The valve is positioned downstream of the pipe perforations such that all of an exhaust gas flowing through the muffler passes through the valve regardless of the valve flap position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: William E. Hill, Howard C. Macaluso, Steven Clayton
  • Patent number: 7669422
    Abstract: A combustor liner includes a liner having an upstream end and a downstream end having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, and a plurality of cooling holes formed in the liner, the cooling holes are arranged along the longitudinal axis into a plurality of circumferentially extending rows that are variably spaced apart along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Baha Suleiman, Steven Clayton Vise, Daniel Dale Brown
  • Publication number: 20100011773
    Abstract: A combustor liner includes a liner having an upstream end and a downstream end having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, and a plurality of cooling holes formed in the liner, the cooling holes are arranged along the longitudinal axis into a plurality of circumferentially extending rows that are variably spaced apart along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Baha Suleiman, Steven Clayton Vise, Daniel Dale Brown
  • Patent number: 7546739
    Abstract: An igniter tube assembly includes an axis of symmetry extending therethrough, an igniter tube that includes a first opening extending coaxially therethrough having a diameter sized to receive a portion of the igniter therethrough such that the igniter tube circumscribes the igniter and such that a gap is defined between the igniter tube and the igniter, a ferrule coupled to the igniter tube, and a plurality of cooling air openings extending through at least one of the igniter tube and the ferrule to facilitate channeling cooling air into the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas George Holland, Steven Clayton Vise, Marie Ann McMasters
  • Patent number: 7222488
    Abstract: A fabricated cowl for a double annular combustor of a gas turbine engine having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, including an outer annular portion, an inner annular portion, and a middle annular portion. A plurality of circumferentially spaced radial slots are formed in at least one of the annular portions. The outer annular portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced windows of desired size formed therein, wherein a plurality of outer radial members connecting the outer annular portion and the middle annular portion are provided between adjacent windows therein. Similarly, the inner annular portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced windows of desired size formed therein, wherein a plurality of inner radial members connecting the inner annular portion and the middle annular portion are provided between adjacent windows therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gilbert Farmer, Steven Clayton Vise, Walter Byron Houchens, III, Craig Douglas Young
  • Patent number: 6932093
    Abstract: A method facilitates washing a gas turbine engine combustor. The method comprises coupling a nozzle assembly against the combustor, wherein the nozzle assembly includes an inlet end, a discharge end, a hollow nozzle body extending therebetween, and a centerbody positioned within the nozzle body, coupling the nozzle assembly to a fluid source, and discharging an annulus of fluid from the nozzle assembly into the combustor to facilitate removing particulate matter from the combustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Paul James Ogden, Craig Douglas Young, Steven Clayton Vise