Patents by Inventor Toby George Darkins
Toby George Darkins 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).
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Patent number: 7546743Abstract: A gas turbine combustor includes a substantially cylindrical combustor liner located substantially concentrically within a flow sleeve, the combustor liner composed through a ceramic matrix composite material, a forward end of the combustor liner provided with a plurality of circumferentially arranged bolt holes. An inner metal ring is located about an outside surface of the forward end of the combustor liner, the inner metal ring provided with a second plurality of circumferentially spaced bolt holes, with a plurality of bolts extending through the first and second pluralities of bolt holes and secured by self-locking nuts. An outer metal ring is spaced radially outwardly of the inner metal ring, with a plurality of circumferentially spaced struts extending between the inner and outer rings.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2005Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: David Edward Bulman, Toby George Darkins, Jr., Mark Stewart Schroder, John Joseph Lipinski
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Publication number: 20080034759Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a mounting assembly for a liner of a gas turbine engine combustor are provided. The combustor includes a combustor liner and a radially outer annular flow sleeve. The mounting assembly includes an inner ring surrounding a radially outer surface of the liner and including a plurality of axially extending fingers. The mounting assembly also includes a radially outer ring coupled to the inner ring through a plurality of spacers that extend radially from a radially outer surface of the inner ring to the outer ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2006Publication date: February 14, 2008Inventors: David Edward Bulman, Toby George Darkins, James Anthony Stumpf, Mark S. Schroder, John Joseph Lipinski
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Patent number: 6904757Abstract: A mounting assembly for a forward end of a liner in a combustor of a gas turbine engine including a dome and a cowl, wherein a longitudinal centerline axis extends through the gas turbine engine. The mounting assembly includes a pin member extending through each one of a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings formed in the forward end of the liner, an aft portion of the cowl, and a portion of the dome, with each pin member including a head portion at one end thereof. A nut is adjustably connected to an end of each pin member opposite the head portion. A bushing is located on each pin member at a position intermediate the head portion and the nut, wherein the openings in the liner forward end are sized to fit around the bushings.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Krista Anne Mitchell, David Edward Bulman, Mark Eugene Noe, Harold Ray Hansel, Thomas Allen Wells, Christopher Charles Glynn, John David Bibler, Toby George Darkins, Jr., Joseph John Charneski, Craig Patrick Burns
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Patent number: 6895761Abstract: A mounting assembly for an aft end of a liner of a gas turbine engine combustor including a support member, wherein a longitudinal centerline axis extends through the gas turbine engine. The mounting assembly includes a pin member extending through each one of a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings in a portion of the support member for the combustor and into a plurality of partial openings formed in the aft end of the liner, with each pin member including a head portion at one end thereof, and a device positioned within each opening in the support member so as to retain the pin members therein. The pin members and the support member are able to slide radially and/or axially with respect to the liner aft end as the support member experiences thermal growth greater than the liner.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Krista Anne Mitchell, David Edward Bulman, Mark Eugene Noe, Harold Ray Hansel, Thomas Allen Wells, Christopher Charles Glynn, John David Bibler, Toby George Darkins, Jr., Joseph John Charneski, Craig Patrick Burns
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Patent number: 6893214Abstract: A turbine engine shroud segment is provided with a radially outer surface including a pair of spaced apart, opposed first and second edge portion surface depressions, for example spaced circumferentially, having a seal surface shaped to receive, in a surface depression formed between assembled adjacent segments in a shroud assembly, or axially assembled adjacent segments and engine members, a radially outer fluid seal member. The depression portions of a shroud segment are joined with the radially outer surface of the shroud segment through an arcuate transition surface. Stresses generated during engine operation in the shroud material are reduced, enabling practical use of a low ductility material, for example a ceramic matrix composite. The edge portion surface depressions are provided with a first shape and the fluid seal member, disposed at the depression, is provided with a surface of a second shape matched in shape with the first shape.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mary Ellen Alford, Toby George Darkins, Mark Eugene Noe
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Patent number: 6884026Abstract: At least one shroud segment, floating axially independently of adjacent turbine engine shroud assembly members, includes a segment body comprising a radially outer surface and a radially outwardly projecting segment support that includes an axial support wall surface therein. The assembly includes a shroud hanger in axial juxtaposition with the segment support, and at least one axial support projection from the shroud hanger into the segment support at the support wall surface. The support projection supports the shroud segment releasably at the support wall surface sufficiently to enable relative axial movement of the shroud segment on the support projection independently of the shroud hanger and adjacent engine members.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Christopher Charles Glynn, Mary Ellen Alford, Mark Eugene Noe, Toby George Darkins, Jr.
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Patent number: 6884030Abstract: A method for securing a nozzle for a turbine is provided. The nozzle includes an airfoil having a suction side and a pressure side connected at a leading edge and a trailing edge such that a cooling cavity is defined within the airfoil, the airfoil extending between an inner band and an outer band. The method includes extending at least one member through the airfoil, and at least one of the inner band and the outer band. The method further includes securing the nozzle assembly in position with at least one fastener such that the at least one member is coupled adjacent to at least one of the inner band and the outer band.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Toby George Darkins, Jr., Daniel Gene Dunn, Christopher Grace, Gregory Scot Corman, Mark Stewart Schroder
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Patent number: 6821085Abstract: A turbine engine axial series of members, axially distinct at least radially outwardly, enables independent axial movement to close gaps therebetween, eliminating need for fluid seals. During engine operation, an axially forward first member surface is movable an axial movement distance to close any gap between the first member and a second member that floats axially independently of adjacent members and that is movable axially responsive to axial force from the first member. Axial movement of the second member toward a third member closes any gap therebetween, the axial length of the gap, prior to engine operation, being substantially no greater than the axial movement distance of the first member.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Toby George Darkins, Jr., Mary Ellen Alford, Mark Eugene Noe
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Patent number: 6808363Abstract: A turbine engine shroud segment having a body including a circumferentially arcuate radially inner surface defining a circumferential arc and a radially outer surface is provided, at least at one axially spaced apart outer surface edge portion surface, with a surface depression extending circumferentially across the outer edge portion and including a planar seal surface. The planar seal surface is spaced apart radially outwardly from the circumferential arc defining a spaced apart chord of the arc. The planar seal surface is joined with the segment body radially outer surface through an arcuate transition surface. In a circumferential assembly of a plurality of the shroud segments into a turbine engine shroud assembly, at least one of the outer surface edge portions and its respective depression portion and fluid seal surface is distinct axially from an axially juxtaposed engine member by a separation therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Toby George Darkins, Jr., Mary Ellen Alford, Mark Eugene Noe
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Publication number: 20040118127Abstract: A mounting assembly for an aft end of a liner of a gas turbine engine combustor including a support member, wherein a longitudinal centerline axis extends through the gas turbine engine. The mounting assembly includes a pin member extending through each one of a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings in a portion of the support member for the combustor and into a plurality of partial openings formed in the aft end of the liner, with each pin member including a head portion at one end thereof, and a device positioned within each opening in the support member so as to retain the pin members therein. The pin members and the support member are able to slide radially and/or axially with respect to the liner aft end as the support member experiences thermal growth greater than the liner.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Krista Anne Mitchell, David Edward Bulman, Mark Eugene Noe, Harold Ray Hansel, Thomas Allen Wells, Christopher Charles Glynn, John David Bibler, Toby George Darkins, Joseph John Charneski, Craig Patrick Burns
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Publication number: 20040118122Abstract: A mounting assembly for a forward end of a liner in a combustor of a gas turbine engine including a dome and a cowl, wherein a longitudinal centerline axis extends through the gas turbine engine. The mounting assembly includes a pin member extending through each one of a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings formed in the forward end of the liner, an aft portion of the cowl, and a portion of the dome, with each pin member including a head portion at one end thereof. A nut is adjustably connected to an end of each pin member opposite the head portion. A bushing is located on each pin member at a position intermediate the head portion and the nut, wherein the openings in the liner forward end are sized to fit around the bushings.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Krista Anne Mitchell, David Edward Bulman, Mark Eugene Noe, Harold Ray Hansel, Thomas Allen Wells, Christopher Charles Glynn, John David Bibler, Toby George Darkins, Joseph John Charneski, Craig Patrick Burns
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Publication number: 20040120808Abstract: A turbine engine shroud segment is provided with a radially outer surface including a pair of spaced apart, opposed first and second edge portion surface depressions, for example spaced circumferentially, having a seal surface shaped to receive, in a surface depression formed between assembled adjacent segments in a shroud assembly, or axially assembled adjacent segments and engine members, a radially outer fluid seal member. The depression portions of a shroud segment are joined with the radially outer surface of the shroud segment through an arcuate transition surface. Stresses generated during engine operation in the shroud material are reduced, enabling practical use of a low ductility material, for example a ceramic matrix composite. The edge portion surface depressions are provided with a first shape and the fluid seal member, disposed at the depression, is provided with a surface of a second shape matched in shape with the first shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Mary Ellen Alford, Toby George Darkins, Mark Eugene Noe
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Publication number: 20040120806Abstract: A turbine engine shroud segment having a body including a circumferentially arcuate radially inner surface defining a circumferential arc and a radially outer surface is provided, at least at one axially spaced apart outer surface edge portion surface, with a surface depression extending circumferentially across the outer edge portion and including a planar seal surface. The planar seal surface is spaced apart radially outwardly from the circumferential arc defining a spaced apart chord of the arc. The planar seal surface is joined with the segment body radially outer surface through an arcuate transition surface. In a circumferential assembly of a plurality of the shroud segments into a turbine engine shroud assembly, at least one of the outer surface edge portions and its respective depression portion and fluid seal surface is distinct axially from an axially juxtaposed engine member by a separation therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Toby George Darkins, Mary Ellen Alford, Mark Eugene Noe
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Publication number: 20040120811Abstract: A method for securing a nozzle for a turbine is provided. The nozzle includes an airfoil having a suction side and a pressure side connected at a leading edge and a trailing edge such that a cooling cavity is defined within the airfoil, the airfoil extending between an inner band and an outer band. The method includes extending at least one member through the airfoil, and at least one of the inner band and the outer band. The method further includes securing the nozzle assembly in position with at least one fastener such that the at least one member is coupled adjacent to at least one of the inner band and the outer band.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Toby George Darkins, Daniel Gene Dunn, Christopher Grace, Gregory Scot Corman, Mark Stewart Schroder
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Patent number: 6733235Abstract: A turbine engine shroud segment comprises a body including a radially outer surface having axially and circumferentially spaced apart edge surfaces. The segment includes a projection integral with and projecting generally radially outwardly from the body, and positioned at a generally midway surface portion between the axially spaced apart edge surfaces. The projection comprises a head and a transition portion with a cross section smaller than that of the head and integral with and between the head and the body. In a turbine engine shroud assembly, a plurality of such shroud segments are assembled circumferentially with a shroud hanger carrying the projection in a hanger cavity through end portions of radially inner opposed hook members that register with the projection at the transition portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mary Ellen Alford, Mark Eugene Noe, Toby George Darkins, Jr., Madeleine Elise Fessler
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Publication number: 20040062639Abstract: A turbine engine shroud assembly comprises at least one shroud segment floating axially independently of other engine members disposed in adjacent juxtaposition with the shroud segment. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a plurality of shroud segments, in one form of a low ductility material, disposed in circumferential juxtaposition. Each segment includes a segment body comprising a radially outer surface with which a radially outwardly projecting segment support is attached. The shroud segment support includes therein a support wall surface extending generally axially into and at least partially through the segment support. The assembly includes a shroud hanger in axial juxtaposition with the shroud segment support, and at least one support projection, for example a support pin, extending generally axially from the shroud hanger into the shroud segment support at the shroud segment support wall surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Christopher Charles Glynn, Mary Ellen Alford, Mark Eugene Noe, Toby George Darkins
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Publication number: 20040062640Abstract: A turbine engine comprising compressor, combustion and turbine sections includes a combination of an axially juxtaposed series of members, for example a turbine nozzle, a shroud and a turbine rear frame or additional nozzle, axially distinct one from another at least at a radially outer portion. The series of members function and are assembled axially together to enable appropriate relative, independent axial movement thereby eliminating a need for fluid seals between members of the series. An axially forward first member has a radially inner portion held by the engine and a radially outer portion cantilevered from the inner portion to enable general axial movement of the outer portion of a first axial length during engine operation. The outer portion includes an axially aft first surface in juxtaposition with an axially forward second surface of a middle or second member.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Toby George Darkins, Mary Ellen Alford, Mark Eugene Noe
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Patent number: 6702550Abstract: A turbine engine shroud segment, preferably a low ductility material, for example a ceramic matrix composite, comprises a segment body extending between body circumferential ends. The body includes a body radially inner surface arcuate at least circumferentially, and a body radially outer surface from which a plurality of hooks extend generally radially outwardly. Each hook comprises a generally radially outwardly extending hook arm with a generally axially extending hook end having a generally radially inner surface in spaced apart juxtaposition with a portion of the body radially outer surface. Such body outer surface includes at least two body contact surfaces each matched in shape and in juxtaposition at least at body circumferential ends with a cooperating hanger contact surface. The radially inner surface of each hook end includes a hook end contact surface matched in shape with a cooperating hanger contact surface at least in a circumferential middle portion of such surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Toby George Darkins, Jr., Mary Ellen Alford, Christopher Charles Glynn
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Publication number: 20030185674Abstract: A turbine engine shroud segment comprises a segment body including a radially inner surface arcuate at least circumferentially, a radially outer surface, and a plurality of axially and circumferentially spaced apart edge surfaces connected with and between the inner and outer surfaces. For carrying the segment body, the segment includes a projection, in one form a single projection, integral with and projecting generally radially outwardly from the body. The projection is selected to be positioned at a generally midway surface portion of the body radially outer surface between at least one of the plurality of spaced apart edge surfaces. The projection comprises a projection head spaced apart from the body radially outer surface and a projection transition portion, having a transition surface, integral with both the projection head and the body radially outer surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Mary Ellen Alford, Mark Eugene Noe, Toby George Darkins, Madeleine Elise Fessler
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Publication number: 20030133790Abstract: A turbine engine shroud segment, preferably a low ductility material for example a ceramic matrix composite, comprises a segment body extending between body circumferential ends. The body includes a body radially inner surface arcuate at least circumferentially, and a body radially outer surface from which a plurality of hooks extend generally radially outwardly. Each hook comprises a generally radially outwardly extending hook arm with a generally axially extending hook end having a generally radially inner surface in spaced apart juxtaposition with a portion of the body radially outer surface. Such body outer surface includes at least two body contact surfaces each matched in shape and in juxtaposition at least at body circumferential ends with a cooperating hanger contact surface. The radially inner surface of each hook end includes a hook end contact surface matched in shape with a cooperating hanger contact surface at least in a circumferential middle portion of such surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventors: Toby George Darkins, Mary Ellen Alford, Christopher Charles Glynn