Patents by Inventor Steven Sebastian Burdgick

Steven Sebastian Burdgick 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: 8834113
    Abstract: An alignment member for a turbine diaphragm segment is disclosed. The alignment member is configured to span radially across a portion of the turbine diaphragm segment and an adjacent turbine casing segment. The alignment member can include: a main body having a first aperture for aligning with a first corresponding aperture in one of the turbine diaphragm segment or the turbine casing segment; and a flange extending from the main body, the flange including a second aperture for aligning with a portion of the other of the turbine diaphragm segment or the turbine casing segment, the alignment member for adjusting a position of the turbine diaphragm segment relative to the adjacent turbine casing segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Carl Joseph Schaus, Steven Sebastian Burdgick, Dominick Joseph Werther
  • Publication number: 20140154065
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a turbomachine flow divider. In various particular embodiments, a flow divider for connecting with a first inner diaphragm ring and a second inner diaphragm ring of a turbomachine includes: a body section; and a pair of axially extending flanges extending from the body section, each of the axially extending flanges for engaging with the first inner diaphragm ring and the second inner diaphragm ring, respectively, wherein the flow divider is formed substantially of a rolled plate metal or a sheet metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Prashant Prabhakar Sankolli, Steven Sebastian Burdgick
  • Publication number: 20140154070
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a turbomachine diaphragm ring. In various particular embodiments, a turbomachine diaphragm ring includes: a packing slot sized to house a dovetail section of a turbomachine packing, the packing slot extending circumferentially about a rotational axis of the turbomachine; a key slot connected with the packing slot sized to house a portion of a key member, the key slot extending at least one of radially or axially from the packing slot; and a retaining slot connected with the key slot and extending substantially circumferentially from the key slot, the retaining slot sized to house a retaining member for retaining the key member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Reid, James Peter Anderson, Steven Sebastian Burdgick, Mark Richard DeLorenzo
  • Publication number: 20140154066
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a steam turbine nozzle and turbomachinery including such a nozzle. In various particular embodiments, a steam turbine nozzle includes: a body having: a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall; a pressure side and a suction side each extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall; and a leading edge section at a first junction of the pressure side and the suction side, and a trailing edge section at a second junction of the pressure side and the suction side; and a bypass fluid conduit including: a channel having an opening to at least one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall; and an outlet passageway fluidly connected with the channel between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the outlet passageway including a first opening on at least one of the pressure side of the body, the suction side of the body or the trailing edge section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Debabrata Mukhopadhyay, Steven Sebastian Burdgick, Prashant Prabhakar Sankolli, Moorthi Subramaniyan
  • Patent number: 8690533
    Abstract: A remote adjustment and measurement system for a steam turbine nozzle assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment, a steam turbine casing segment is disclosed including: a horizontal joint surface; a pocket having a first opening at the horizontal joint surface and a second opening substantially opposing the first opening; and a path accessible from a radially outward surface of the steam turbine casing segment, the path fluidly connected to the second opening of the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven Sebastian Burdgick, Daniel Ross Predmore
  • Patent number: 8684697
    Abstract: A steam turbine nozzle airfoil with integral inner and outer sidewalls is engaged with an inner ring and an outer ring in a nozzle assembly. Previous designs required large clearances between radial surfaces to permit simultaneous circumferential loading of the inner and outer sidewall into the inner and outer rings. The inventive arrangement provides for breech loading of the inner sidewall into the inner ring which allows near line-to-line radial contact on the hooks between the rings and the integral sidewalls of the Singlet nozzle airfoil. Tighter radial clearance overcome problems with loose assembly such as movement during welding, gaps leading to stress risers and performance issues associated with nozzle throat control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dominick Joseph Werther, Steven Sebastian Burdgick
  • Patent number: 8657562
    Abstract: A steam turbine diaphragm stage having a self-aligning flow splitter is disclosed. In one embodiment, a steam turbine flow splitter body is disclosed, the steam turbine flow splitter body having a central portion and two end portions, and including: a flow divider proximate to the central portion; and a substantially radially outward extending hook proximate to at least one of the two end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven Sebastian Burdgick, Prashant Prabhakar Sankolli
  • Publication number: 20130336784
    Abstract: Various embodiments include an alignment pin for a turbomachine. In some embodiments, the alignment pin includes a hollowed head section for engaging a diaphragm slot in the turbomachine. In these embodiments, the alignment pin further includes an expandable sleeve section connected with the hollowed head, the expandable sleeve section for engaging a casing slot in the turbomachine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Prashant Prabhakar Sankolli, Steven Sebastian Burdgick
  • Patent number: 8591180
    Abstract: A steam turbine nozzle assembly having a flush aperture is disclosed. In one embodiment, the steam turbine nozzle assembly includes a diaphragm assembly comprising: an inner diaphragm ring segment; an outer diaphragm ring segment; a static nozzle blade positioned between the inner diaphragm ring segment and the outer diaphragm ring segment; and a first cavity between the static nozzle blade and one of the inner diaphragm ring segment or the outer diaphragm ring segment; wherein the one of the inner diaphragm ring segment or the outer diaphragm ring segment includes a first aperture fluidly connected with the first cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Peter Anderson, Steven Sebastian Burdgick, Mark Edward Burnett, Dominick Joseph Werther
  • Patent number: 8562292
    Abstract: A steam turbine singlet nozzle airfoil with integral outer sidewall is engaged with an inner ring and an outer ring in a nozzle assembly. The interface of the outer sidewall with the outer ring may include a plurality of mechanical hooks on one or both of the upstream face and the outer radial face of the outer sidewall that engage with complimentary structures on the outer ring. The outer interface may further include low energy welds along limited distances of one or both of the upstream or downstream interface of the outer sidewall and the outer ring. An inner radial end of the singlet nozzle airfoil is pinned into position and fastened to the inner ring. Without a need for high heat welds, distortion of the airfoil and the steam flow path and the associated rework is eliminated and stage performance is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven Sebastian Burdgick, Dominick Joseph Werther
  • Patent number: 8529198
    Abstract: A remote adjustment and measurement system for a steam turbine nozzle assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment, a steam turbine casing segment is disclosed including: a horizontal joint surface; a pocket having a first opening at the horizontal joint surface and a second opening facing substantially radially outward; and a port accessible from a radially outward surface of the steam turbine casing segment, the port fluidly connected to the second opening of the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Steven Sebastian Burdgick
  • Publication number: 20130177397
    Abstract: A slotted turbine static nozzle airfoil. In one embodiment, the turbine static nozzle airfoil includes a concave pressure wall having a slot extending therethrough; a convex suction wall adjoined with the concave pressure wall at respective end joints; and a pocket fluidly connected with the slot and located between the convex suction wall and the concave pressure wall, wherein at least one of the convex suction wall or the concave pressure wall includes a thinned segment proximate one of the respective end joints, the thinned segment configured to extend the pocket toward a trailing edge of the turbine static nozzle airfoil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven Sebastian Burdgick, Alberto Di Sante
  • Patent number: 8414258
    Abstract: A support bar for a turbine diaphragm that facilitates reduced maintenance cycle time and cost is provided. In one aspect, the support bar is secured to the turbine diaphragm vertically rather than horizontally, allowing access to remove a lower diaphragm half without having to remove the rotor for maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven Sebastian Burdgick, James Peter Anderson, Christopher Donald Porter
  • Publication number: 20130022453
    Abstract: An alignment member for a turbine diaphragm segment is disclosed. The alignment member is configured to span radially across a portion of the turbine diaphragm segment and an adjacent turbine casing segment. The alignment member can include: a main body having a first aperture for aligning with a first corresponding aperture in one of the turbine diaphragm segment or the turbine casing segment; and a flange extending from the main body, the flange including a second aperture for aligning with a portion of the other of the turbine diaphragm segment or the turbine casing segment, the alignment member for adjusting a position of the turbine diaphragm segment relative to the adjacent turbine casing segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Carl Joseph Schaus, Steven Sebastian Burdgick, Dominick Joseph Werther
  • Publication number: 20120148395
    Abstract: A steam turbine nozzle airfoil with integral inner and outer sidewalls is engaged with an inner ring and an outer ring in a nozzle assembly. Previous designs required large clearances between radial surfaces to permit simultaneous circumferential loading of the inner and outer sidewall into the inner and outer rings. The inventive arrangement provides for breech loading of the inner sidewall into the inner ring which allows near line-to-line radial contact on the hooks between the rings and the integral sidewalls of the Singlet nozzle airfoil. Tighter radial clearance overcome problems with loose assembly such as movement during welding, gaps leading to stress risers and performance issues associated with nozzle throat control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Dominick Joseph Werther, Steven Sebastian Burdgick
  • Publication number: 20120141260
    Abstract: A steam turbine singlet nozzle airfoil with integral outer sidewall is engaged with an inner ring and an outer ring in a nozzle assembly. The interface of the outer sidewall with the outer ring may include a plurality of mechanical hooks on one or both of the upstream face and the outer radial face of the outer sidewall that engage with complimentary structures on the outer ring. The outer interface may further include low energy welds along limited distances of one or both of the upstream or downstream interface of the outer sidewall and the outer ring. An inner radial end of the singlet nozzle airfoil is pinned into position and fastened to the inner ring. Without a need for high heat welds, distortion of the airfoil and the steam flow path and the associated rework is eliminated and stage performance is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Steven Sebastian Burdgick, Dominick Joseph Werther
  • Publication number: 20120128465
    Abstract: A steam turbine diaphragm stage having a self-aligning flow splitter is disclosed. In one embodiment, a steam turbine flow splitter body is disclosed, the steam turbine flow splitter body having a central portion and two end portions, and including: a flow divider proximate to the central portion; and a substantially radially outward extending hook proximate to at least one of the two end portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven Sebastian Burdgick, Prashant Prabhakar Sankolli
  • Publication number: 20120121391
    Abstract: A remote adjustment and measurement system for a steam turbine nozzle assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment, a steam turbine casing segment is disclosed including: a horizontal joint surface; a pocket having a first opening at the horizontal joint surface and a second opening substantially opposing the first opening; and a path accessible from a radially outward surface of the steam turbine casing segment, the path fluidly connected to the second opening of the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven Sebastian Burdgick, Daniel Ross Predmore
  • Publication number: 20120114470
    Abstract: A remote adjustment and measurement system for a steam turbine nozzle assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment, a steam turbine casing segment is disclosed including: a horizontal joint surface; a pocket having a first opening at the horizontal joint surface and a second opening facing substantially radially outward; and a port accessible from a radially outward surface of the steam turbine casing segment, the port fluidly connected to the second opening of the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Steven Sebastian Burdgick
  • Patent number: 8167313
    Abstract: A brush seal assembly and method for sealing a turbine machine rotary member relative to a stationary member circumscribing the rotary member. The seal assembly includes a first compliant seal component disposed at a radially inward region of the stationary member in rubbing contact with a surface of the rotary member. The seal assembly also includes at least one hard seal element formed integrally with a carrier of the first compliant seal component, located a specified axial distance from the first compliant seal component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven Sebastian Burdgick, Andrew Greif