Patents by Inventor William A. Sowa
William A. Sowa 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: 11080940Abstract: A system for component visualization according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a data module configured to access data corresponding to a component design. The component design includes at least one feature corresponding to a group of feature types. A display module is configured to display the data in an environment corresponding to a first user profile. A comparison module is configured to cause the display module to display the at least one feature when the at least one feature meets at least one predetermined criterion relating to the first user profile, and is configured to cause the display module to display a representation of the at least one feature when the at least one predetermined criterion is not met. The representation has a representation geometry that is a different geometry than a feature geometry of the at least one feature. A method for designing a component is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2015Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: William A. Sowa, Andrew D. Milliken, Joshua Daniel Winn
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Patent number: 10740500Abstract: A software agnostic multi-user CAx environment system includes a host computer with a processor and a memory. The processor and memory are configured to operate a multi-user CAx environment. The host computer is configured to communicate with a plurality of local computers. Each of the local computers includes at least one CAx software package and is configured to operate a local CAx environment of the multi-user CAx environment. A part database is configured to store multiple part files. Each of the part files includes at least one component having multiple features. At least one meta data file is stored within the part database. The meta data file is linked to at least one of the plurality of features.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2015Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Raytheon Technologies CorporationInventors: Joshua Daniel Winn, William A. Sowa
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Patent number: 10366099Abstract: A system for collaborating on a component according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first multi-user CAx environment including a data module and an import module. The data module is configured to access a database relating to a component design. The component design relates to a group of function-based commands. The import module is configured to cause an external data entity relating to at least one feature of the component design to be imported into the first multi-user CAx environment, and is configured to cause the data module to store data relating to the external data entity in the database. A method for collaborating on a component design is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2015Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: William A. Sowa, Joshua Daniel Winn, Charles Gregory Jensen
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Patent number: 10339225Abstract: A computerized method and system for computer-aided design access control is disclosed. The method includes receiving a part definition for a part at a server, the part definition comprising a plurality of components and a level of access required for each component of the plurality of components, receiving a request from a user to manipulate the part, the user being associated with a user access level, verifying the user access level against each level of access required for each component of the plurality of components, and presenting a render of the part to the user based on the part definition, the render comprising each component of the plurality of components where the user access level meets the associated level of access required and a placeholder for each component of the plurality of components where the user access level does not meet the associated level of access required.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2015Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: William A. Sowa, Charles Gregory Jensen, Kurt R. Heinemann, Andrew D. Milliken, Diane K. Emmerson, Joshua Daniel Winn, Christopher Farnum, Robert Ivan Yorgason
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Patent number: 10114615Abstract: A system for collaborating on a component according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a data module configured to access data corresponding to a component design, the component design corresponding to a group of feature types. A comparison module is configured to cause the data module to store data corresponding to the component design in a first data container when at least one predetermined criterion is met, and configured to cause the data module to store the data in a second data container when the at least one predetermined criterion is not met. A method for collaborating on a component is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2015Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: William A. Sowa, Andrew D. Milliken, Joshua Daniel Winn
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Patent number: 10108627Abstract: A system for collaborating on a component according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a multi-user CAx environment including a data module and an editing module. The data module is configured to access a database corresponding to a component design. The component design corresponds to a group of predetermined functions. The editing module is configured to generate at least one user-defined function operable to characterize the component design, and configured to cause the data module to store data corresponding to the at least one user-defined function to the database. A method for collaborating on a component design is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2015Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: William A. Sowa, Joshua Daniel Winn, Charles Gregory Jensen
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Patent number: 10101029Abstract: The present disclosure relates to combustor configurations, panels and components for a gas turbine engine. In one embodiment, a combustor for a gas turbine engine includes a support structure including a plurality of openings and a plurality of panels mounted to the structure. The plurality of panels define a combustion cavity of the combustor. Each panel includes a first wall configured to receive cooling air and a second wall configured to provide air flow for the cavity. The first and second walls form a cavity and include one or more elements for controlling the cooling effectiveness of each panel. Another embodiment is directed to a combustor panel including one or more elements for controlling cooling effectiveness. Another embodiment is directed to a support structure for a combustor of a gas turbine engine. Another embodiment is directed to configurations of panels including single walled portions or single walled panels.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2015Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Tracy A. Propheter-Hinckley, Dominic J. Mongillo, Mark F. Zelesky, Joel H. Wagner, William A. Sowa
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Patent number: 9965572Abstract: A system for collaborating on a component according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a computing device configured to execute a first multi-user CAx environment including a synchronization module. The synchronization module is configured to selectively cause a display module at a first multi-user CAx environment to display data corresponding to changes to at least one subcomponent feature relating to an assembly model caused by a second multi-user CAx environment during an assembly session when at least one predetermined criterion is met. A method for collaborating on a component design is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2015Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Joshua Daniel Winn, William A. Sowa, Michael D. Werkheiser, Kurt R. Heinemann
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Patent number: 9871796Abstract: A system for collaborating on a component a first multi-user CAx environment including a data module. The first multi-user CAx environment corresponds to a first profile. The data module is configured to access data relating to a component design in a database. The database relates to a group of function-based commands. A synchronization module is configured to cause the data module to access at least one work area relating to the component design according to one of at least three access levels when at least one predetermined criterion is met, and another one of the at least three access levels when the at least one predetermined criterion is not met. A method for designing a component is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2015Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: William A. Sowa, Charles Gregory Jensen
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Publication number: 20160290647Abstract: The present disclosure relates to combustor configurations, panels and components for a gas turbine engine. In one embodiment, a combustor for a gas turbine engine includes a support structure including a plurality of openings and a plurality of panels mounted to the structure. The plurality of panels define a combustion cavity of the combustor. Each panel includes a first wall configured to receive cooling air and a second wall configured to provide air flow for the cavity. The first and second walls form a cavity and include one or more elements for controlling the cooling effectiveness of each panel. Another embodiment is directed to a combustor panel including one or more elements for controlling cooling effectiveness. Another embodiment is directed to a support structure for a combustor of a gas turbine engine. Another embodiment is directed to configurations of panels including single walled portions or single walled panels.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2015Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: Tracy A. PROPHETER-HINCKLEY, Dominic J. MONGILLO, Mark F. ZELESKY, Joel H. WAGNER, William A. SOWA
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Patent number: 8671692Abstract: A combustor assembly includes a convergent segment followed by a divergent segment to advantageously improve combustion. The combustor assembly includes a first segment beginning at a forward end that transitions to a second segment past a transition segment in a direction along a combustor axis toward an aft end. The reduction in cross-sectional area within the first segment provides desirable fuel and air mixing properties. The convergent first segment in combination with the divergent second segment decreases residence time of fuel-air mixture within the combustor chamber that decreases production of undesirable emissions from the combustor assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Steven W. Burd, William Sowa, Albert K. Cheung, Stephen Karl Kramer, Reid Dyer Curtis Smith, James Hoke
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Patent number: 8568083Abstract: A gas turbine engine is provided that includes a low pressure spool, a high pressure spool, a stationary support frame, and at least one support arch. The low pressure spool extends between a low pressure compressor and a low pressure turbine. The high pressure spool extends between a high pressure compressor and a high pressure turbine. The spools are rotatable about a center axis of the engine. The support arch has a stationary support mount disposed between a low spool mount and a high spool mount. The support arch is disposed relative to the spools and the stationary support frame so that a load from each spool caused by the rotation of that spool can be transferred to the stationary support frame through the support arch. The support arch can freely rotate about the center axis of the engine relative to the spools and the stationary structural frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2009Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Nagendra Somanath, Keshava B. Kumar, William A. Sowa
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Patent number: 8443610Abstract: An annular combustor for a gas turbine has a combustion chamber having an interior volume that, in longitudinal section, includes a forward volume, an intermediate volume and an aft volume. The forward volume represents from about 30% to about 40% of the combustor interior volume, the intermediate volume represents from about 10% to about 20% of the combustor interior volume, and the aft volume represents from about 40% to about 60% of the combustor interior volume.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: James B. Hoke, Albert K. Cheung, William A. Sowa
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Patent number: 8181466Abstract: A mid-turbine frame connected to at least one mount of a gas turbine engine transfers a first load from a first bearing and a second load from a second bearing to the mount. The mid-turbine frame includes a single point load shell structure and a plurality of struts. The single point load shell structure combines the first load and the second load into a combined load. The plurality of struts is connected to the single point load structure and transfers the combined load from the single point load shell structure to the mount.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2010Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Keshava B. Kumar, Nagendra Somanath, William A. Sowa
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Patent number: 8181467Abstract: A single point load structure transfers a first load from a first bearing cone and a second load from a second bearing cone of a gas turbine engine to a plurality of struts. The single point load structure includes a stem, a branch connected to the stem and a torque box connected to the plurality of struts for absorbing the first and second loads from the stem and the branch. The stem has a concave surface that opens in a radially outward direction with respect to a rotational axis of the gas turbine engine.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2010Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Keshava B. Kumar, Nagendra Somanath, William A. Sowa
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Publication number: 20120017599Abstract: A combustor assembly includes a convergent segment followed by a divergent segment to advantageously improve combustion. The combustor assembly includes a first segment beginning at a forward end that transitions to a second segment past a transition segment in a direction along a combustor axis toward an aft end. The reduction in cross-sectional area within the first segment provides desirable fuel and air mixing properties. The convergent first segment in combination with the divergent second segment decreases residence time of fuel-air mixture within the combustor chamber that decreases production of undesirable emissions from the combustor assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: Steven W. Burd, William Sowa, Albert K. Cheung, Stephen Karl Kramer, Reid Dyer Curtis Smith, James Hoke
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Patent number: 8028528Abstract: A combustor assembly includes a convergent segment followed by a divergent segment to advantageously improve combustion. The combustor assembly includes a first segment beginning at a forward end that transitions to a second segment past a transition segment in a direction along a combustor axis toward an aft end. The reduction in cross-sectional area within the first segment provides desirable fuel and air mixing properties. The convergent first segment in combination with the divergent second segment decreases residence time of fuel-air mixture within the combustor chamber that decreases production of undesirable emissions from the combustor assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2005Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Steven W. Burd, William Sowa, Albert K. Cheung, Stephen Karl Kramer, Reid Dyer Curtis Smith, James Hoke
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Patent number: 7954325Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a combustor module including an annular combustor having a liner assembly that defines an annular combustion chamber having a length, L. The liner assembly includes a radially inner liner, a radially outer liner that circumscribes the inner liner, and a bulkhead, having a height, H1, which extends between the respective forward ends of the inner liner and the outer liner. The combustor has an exit height, H3, at the respective aft ends of the inner liner and the outer liner interior. The annular combustor has a ratio H1/H3 having a value less than or equal to 1.7. The annular combustor may also have a ration L/H3 having a value less than or equal to 6.0.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2005Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Steven W. Burd, Albert K. Cheung, Dae K. Dempsey, James B. Hoke, Stephen K. Kramer, John T. Ols, Reid Dyer Curtis Smith, William A. Sowa
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Publication number: 20110120134Abstract: An annular combustor for a gas turbine has a combustion chamber having an interior volume that, in longitudinal section, includes a forward volume, an intermediate volume and an aft volume. The forward volume represents from about 30% to about 40% of the combustor interior volume, the intermediate volume represents from about 10% to about 20% of the combustor interior volume, and the aft volume represents from about 40% to about 60% of the combustor interior volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2009Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: United Technologies CorporationInventors: James B. Hoke, Albert K. Cheung, William A. Sowa
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Publication number: 20110056213Abstract: A gas turbine engine is provided that includes a low pressure spool, a high pressure spool, a stationary support frame, and at least one support arch. The low pressure spool extends between a low pressure compressor and a low pressure turbine. The high pressure spool extends between a high pressure compressor and a high pressure turbine. The spools are rotatable about a center axis of the engine. The support arch has a stationary support mount disposed between a low spool mount and a high spool mount. The support arch is disposed relative to the spools and the stationary support frame so that a load from each spool caused by the rotation of that spool can be transferred to the stationary support frame through the support arch. The support arch can freely rotate about the center axis of the engine relative to the spools and the stationary structural frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2009Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Nagendra Somanath, Keshava B. Kumar, William A. Sowa