Patents by Inventor Thomas McCall

Thomas McCall 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: 8438915
    Abstract: A fluid testing apparatus for performing fluid flow analysis on a gas turbine engine component having a plurality of fluid cooling circuits each defining one or more openings in the component includes a first sealing insert configured to create a seal at an interface of the first sealing insert to the component to seal off one or more openings of a first fluid cooling circuit of the component and a generic insert separable from the first sealing insert. The first sealing insert is configured as a substantially flat sheet having a shaped perimeter, and the component is clampable to the generic insert to hold the first sealing insert against the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas McCall, Robert M. Boland
  • Publication number: 20130047714
    Abstract: A fluid testing apparatus for performing fluid flow analysis on a gas turbine engine component having a plurality of fluid cooling circuits each defining one or more openings in the component includes a first sealing insert configured to create a seal at an interface of the first sealing insert to the component to seal off one or more openings of a first fluid cooling circuit of the component and a generic insert separable from the first sealing insert. The first sealing insert is configured as a substantially flat sheet having a shaped perimeter, and the component is clampable to the generic insert to hold the first sealing insert against the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas McCall, Robert M. Boland
  • Publication number: 20110116912
    Abstract: A turbine component has an airfoil extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge, and has an outer surface. A coating includes at least two discontinuous areas that are spaced from each other such that there is an area of uncoated surface between the discontinuous areas of coating. In addition, a method of providing such a coating is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas McCall, Michael L. Miller, David J. Hiskes, Scott C. Lile
  • Publication number: 20100088123
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a digital file from a customer, extracting metadata from the file, and verifying the metadata prior to accepting the digital file. The method may include verifying that a representation of a required physical token appears in the digital file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas A. McCall, William D. Bryant, John W.S. Riney, Christopher E. Gay
  • Patent number: 7640793
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining airflow parameters of gas turbine engine components are provided. In this regard, a representative method includes: receiving information from multiple test systems regarding a first airflow parameter of a gas turbine engine component; and using the information to establish a desired performance parameter that is to be exhibited by a repaired component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas McCall, Kurt A Hassett
  • Publication number: 20090068349
    Abstract: A method of repairing a turbine engine component involves offering two repair options to a customer. A first repair option is based on an operating environment of the turbine engine component and the second repair option is based on cost. The first repair option is priced higher than the second repair option. The turbine engine component is examined. The turbine engine component is then repaired according to the selected repair option.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas McCall, Robert M. Boland, Paul M. Pellet, Daniel E. Quinn, Carlos Valente
  • Publication number: 20090064773
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining airflow parameters of gas turbine engine components are provided. In this regard, a representative method includes: receiving information from multiple test systems regarding a first airflow parameter of a gas turbine engine component; and using the information to establish a desired performance parameter that is to be exhibited by a repaired component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventors: Thomas McCall, Kurt A. Hassett
  • Publication number: 20070090021
    Abstract: Supercritical conversion of hydrocarbons boiling above 538° C. (1000° F.) with a solvating hydrocarbon at a weight ratio of solvating hydrocarbon to high-boiling hydrocarbons of at least 2:1 and at conditions above the critical temperature and pressure of the high-boiling hydrocarbons-solvent mixture, in the presence of hot fluidized solids. The hydrocarbons are supplied to a reaction zone at a temperature below that of the hot solids supplied thereto, whereby the resulting hydrocarbons-solids suspension has a thermal equilibrium temperature corresponding to the reaction temperature. The conversion has high rates of sulfur, nitrogen and metals removal, nearly complete conversion to lower molecular weight products, high naphtha and distillate selectivity, and low coke formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: April 26, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas McCall, Pritham Ramamurthy, Kiran Shah, Michael Silverman, Martin Van Sickels
  • Publication number: 20050274001
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for extruding materials, including electrolytically active materials, onto metallic substrates used in the production of electrodes. The method and apparatus facilitates the production of improved electrodes for use in energy storage devices, such as rechargeable batteries. A preferred device may include a base, a spreader, edge guides and wipers. The wipers, or doctor blades, clean a portion of the substrate during the extrusion process. This provides a clean edge on which a current collector can be welded. The clean edge enables an electrode that is more reliable, more easily used during the battery manufacturing process, and may also provide for lower internal resistance of the energy storage cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Publication date: December 15, 2005
    Applicant: WAVECREST LABORATORIES
    Inventors: Jon West, Thomas McCall, Thomas Audit
  • Publication number: 20050277024
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to increasing the performance of batteries by reducing the internal resistance of the electrodes and improving the adhesion of electrolytic materials to metal substrates used in the manufacture of electrodes for energy storage cells. In one embodiment, the present invention may be illustrated as a system and method for increasing battery performance by precoating the electrode plates with nickel, to improve the adherence of the metal hydrides, or other electrolytic materials, to the metallic substrate. For example, by precoating a nickel plated steel substrate with powdered nickel at or near the glass transition temperature of 1100° C., the adhesion of nickel metal hydride powder is improved, providing an electrode with reduced internal resistance, when compared to electrodes in which the metal substrate is not precoated with nickel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Publication date: December 15, 2005
    Applicant: WAVECREST LABORATORIES
    Inventors: Jon West, Thomas Audit, Thomas McCall
  • Publication number: 20050275380
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for increasing the rate at which an electrolyte permeates the micropores of an energy storage cell. In a preferred embodiment, an energy storage cell is filled with a quantity of an electrolyte which is then exposed to an electric field. The electrolyte is electrophoretically driven into the micropores of the energy cell at a rate that is greater than without the use of electrophoresis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Publication date: December 15, 2005
    Applicant: WAVECREST LABORATORIES
    Inventors: Thomas McCall, Jon West, Thomas Audit
  • Publication number: 20050266306
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multiple-contact current collector for use in energy storage cells. The current collector of the present invention provides for lower internal resistance and higher conductivity than previous current collectors, thereby achieving increased current handling capacity, improved heat rejection, and lower discharge temperatures. The collector is characterized by a series of protrusions arranged around the perimeter of the plate that connect to the positive windings of the cell and are subsequently welded thereto. Additionally, the collector is provided with protrusions and dimples to increase the area of contact between the collector plate and the winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 1, 2005
    Applicant: WAVECREST LABORATORIES
    Inventors: Jon West, Thomas McCall, Thomas Audit
  • Publication number: 20050266308
    Abstract: A collector to terminal conductive element, or tab, for use with multiple-contact current collectors in the manufacture and use of energy storage cells. The collector to terminal conductive element of the present invention provides for lower internal resistance and higher conductivity than previous positive devices, thereby achieving higher current handling capacity and lower discharge temperatures. The conductive element of the present invention is manufactured separately from the collector itself, to avoid problems with alignment during the process of connecting the collector to the energy storage device and to facilitate the tab's connection to the cell terminal. In one preferred embodiment, the terminal to collector conductive element is useful for creating current paths between the anode of a coiled cell energy storage device and a battery terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 1, 2005
    Applicant: WAVECREST LABORATORIES
    Inventors: Jon West, Thomas McCall, Thomas Audit
  • Publication number: 20050266307
    Abstract: Disclosed is a current collector and method for increasing the electrical conductivity between the collector, casing, and the winding in the cell. The current collector comprises a sheet of highly conductive metal, such as pure nickel, having a plurality of protruding tabs arranged about its periphery. The tabs are folded upwardly to receive the winding and to fit inside the casing. The tabs are then welded to the casing, using a series welding technique through the outside of the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 1, 2005
    Applicant: WAVECREST LABORATORIES
    Inventors: Jon West, Thomas McCall, Thomas Audit
  • Publication number: 20050266309
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gasket for single or multi-cell rechargeable batteries and provides an improved seal between multiple cells in a battery or between a cell and the vent of a pressure vessel. In particular, the invention illustratively is described as having at least two alternating sectional profiles, each different section being fabricated to permit greater equalization of pressure between cells and the other section fabricated to retain electrolyte within the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 1, 2005
    Applicant: WAVECREST LABORATORIES
    Inventors: Jon West, Thomas McCall, Thomas Audit
  • Publication number: 20050167333
    Abstract: Supercritical conversion of hydrocarbons boiling above 538° C. (1000° F.) with a solvating hydrocarbon at a weight ratio of solvating hydrocarbon to high-boiling hydrocarbons of at least 2:1 and at conditions above the critical temperature and pressure of the high-boiling hydrocarbons-solvent mixture, in the presence of hot fluidized solids. The hydrocarbons are supplied to a reaction zone at a temperature below that of the hot solids supplied thereto, whereby the resulting hydrocarbons-solids suspension has a thermal equilibrium temperature corresponding to the reaction temperature. The conversion has high rates of sulfur, nitrogen and metals removal, nearly complete conversion to lower molecular weight products, high naphtha and distillate selectivity, and low coke formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Publication date: August 4, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas McCall, Pritham Ramamurthy, Kiran Shah, Michael Silverman, Martin Van Sickels