Patents by Inventor Zachary L. Walters

Zachary L. Walters 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).

  • Systems and methods for inspecting, cleaning, and/or repairing one or more blades attached to a rotor of a gas turbine engine using a robotic system
    Patent number: 10730185
    Abstract: A system for inspecting, cleaning, and/or repairing one or more blades attached to a rotor of a gas turbine engine. The system includes a track disposed adjacent to the rotor, a mechanical arm moveable along the track, a number of tools attachable to the mechanical arm, and a controller configured to control a position of at least one of the tools that is attached to the mechanical arm about the one or more blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Zachary L. Walters, Maxwell E. Miller, Robert E. Huth
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INSPECTING, CLEANING, AND/OR REPAIRING ONE OR MORE BLADES ATTACHED TO A ROTOR OF A GAS TURBINE ENGINE USING A ROBOTIC SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20190308319
    Abstract: A system for inspecting, cleaning, and/or repairing one or more blades attached to a rotor of a gas turbine engine. The system includes a track disposed adjacent to the rotor, a mechanical arm moveable along the track, a number of tools attachable to the mechanical arm, and a controller configured to control a position of at least one of the tools that is attached to the mechanical arm about the one or more blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Zachary L. Walters, Maxwell E. Miller, Robert E. Huth
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CLEANING BLADES AND STATOR VANES IN A GAS TURBINE ENGINE
    Publication number: 20180363496
    Abstract: A device for cleaning blades in a turbomachine is disclosed. The device may include a frame, a cleaning jaw pivotably attached to the frame, opposing cleaning pads attached to a distal end of the cleaning jaw, a cleaning pad actuator attached to the frame for actuating the opposing cleaning pads, and at least one handle attached to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Zachary L. Walters, Maxwell E. Miller, Robert E. Huth