Patents Issued in November 30, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170342817
    Abstract: Methods and systems for logging a wellbore having a casing are described. Acoustic energy, typically ultrasonic acoustic energy, is used to stimulate reverberation of the casing at a harmonic (for example, the second or third harmonic) of the resonance frequency of the casing. One or more acoustic sensors are used to measure acoustic signals generated by the casing reverberation. Parameters of the casing are calculated based on the measured acoustic signals adjusted by an adjustment factor determined by the particular harmonic. The use of harmonics instead of the fundamental resonance frequency allows wellbores with casings having walls thicker than 0.625 inches to be logged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Lucio N. Tello, Edwin K. Roberts, Thomas J. Blankinship
  • Publication number: 20170342818
    Abstract: A method that includes deploying a casing with a multi-electrode configuration over a dielectric layer in a downhole environment. The method also includes collecting electromagnetic (EM) measurements using the multi-electrode configuration, and processing the EM measurements to obtain a characterization of fluids in an annulus between the casing and a borehole wall. A related system includes a casing deployed downhole, the casing having a multi-electrode configuration and a dielectric layer between the casing and the multi-electrode configuration. The system also includes a controller for directing collection of EM measurements using the multi-electrode configuration, and a processor that processes the EM measurements to obtain a characterization of fluids in an annulus between the casing and a borehole wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Roberson, Scott Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20170342819
    Abstract: An angular offset apparatus for determining an angular offset, or scribe line offset (SLO), of two objects within a drilling environment. The angular offset apparatus may include a sensing component and a target component located at various locations within the drilling environment. The sensing component may implement one or more sensors configured to collect data associated with the target component and the drilling environment to determine the SLO between the two objects. The angular offset apparatus, along with the calculated SLO, is designed to ensure accuracy and safety during drilling operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Brian Ross Gollehon, Mark Franklin
  • Publication number: 20170342820
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include well ranging apparatus, systems, and methods which operate to receive normal components of electromagnetic field strength azimuthal measurements within a first well at different tool azimuth angles in the first well. Further activities include determining an approximate range from the sensors to a second well that serves as a source of an electromagnetic field, via direct transmission or backscatter transmission, using the normal components of the electromagnetic field strength azimuthal measurements. In some embodiments, the approximate range can be determined without introducing sensor azimuthal separation into range calculations. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Hsu-Hsiang Wu
  • Publication number: 20170342821
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and article of manufacture, may operate to determine a value of strain, such as an equivalent plastic strain, in a perforated portion of a well by applying a set of draw-down pressures to the surface of at least one perforation tunnel in the perforated portion. The perforated portion, in turn, is modeled using stress components provided by a global field model that includes the location of the well, to set boundary conditions at the surface of the well. A well drilling process and a tunnel perforating process are modeled with element removal and pressure addition for the perforated portion. Additional activity may include operating a controlled device based on the value of strain that is determined. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Xinpu Shen, Guoyang Shen, William Standifird
  • Publication number: 20170342822
    Abstract: A system includes a drillstring with an electromagnetic (EM) transmitter in a first borehole. The system also includes at least one fiber optic sensor deployed in a second borehole. The system also includes a processor configured to determine a distance or direction of the EM transmitter relative to the at least one fiber optic sensor based on EM field measurements collected by the at least one fiber optic sensor in response to an EM field emitted by the EM transmitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Glenn Andrew Wilson, Burkay Donderici
  • Publication number: 20170342823
    Abstract: A method includes deploying an object inside a casing installed in a well, and transmitting a pulse conveyed by fluid in the casing. The method also includes receiving a reflection in response to the pulse, and analyzing a travel time for the reflection determine a position of the object in the well. A related system includes a casing installed in a well, and a pulse transmitter in fluid communication with the casing and configured to transmit pulses via fluid in the casing. The system also includes a receiver in fluid communication with the casing and configured to receive pulse reflections, and a processor in communication with the receiver. The processor analyzes a travel time for at least one pulse reflection to determine a position of an object in the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Vimal V. Shah, Neal G. Skinner, Chris Gordon
  • Publication number: 20170342824
    Abstract: An oil well production analyzing system receives production fluid samples from the oil well according to an automated sampling schedule. The fluid samples are taken from a pipeline through a sampling apparatus to obtain a representative sample. The representative sample flows into a circulation loop having a circulating pump, a water cut analyzer, and a cylindrical vessel, with interconnecting piping and actuated valves there between, with the actuated valves and the circulating pump controlled by a digital processor. Once a determination of the percentage of water and oil in the sample has been determined, the processor stops the circulating pump and activates a piston in the cylindrical vessel which sweeps the cylindrical vessel of any fluid contained in the vessel in preparation of receiving a subsequent fluid sample from the oil well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Dan W. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20170342825
    Abstract: A system that is positionable in a wellbore in a subterranean formation can include a first transceiver that is positionable external to a casing string in the wellbore. The first transceiver can wirelessly transmit data using a modulation technique that is selected from among multiple modulation techniques based on a fluid property of a fluid in the wellbore and a property of the subterranean formation. The system can also include a second transceiver that is positionable in the wellbore and operable to receive the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Mark W. Roberson
  • Publication number: 20170342826
    Abstract: Disclosed are telemetry systems and methods that employ a plurality of electromagnetic transceivers disposed outside a well casing string at a corresponding plurality of depths along the casing string. Each transceiver includes one or more toroidal inductors circumferentially surrounding the casing string and inductively coupled thereto to allow signal transmission between transceivers via currents induced in the casing. In some embodiments, signals are relayed via a chain of transceivers to facilitate indirect communication between a surface facility and other transceivers located too deep for direct communication to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn A. Wilson, Ahmed Fouda, Burkay Donderici, Li Gao, Krishna M. Ravi, Mark W. Roberson, Scott Goodwin, Charles Bartee, Alexander Stewart
  • Publication number: 20170342827
    Abstract: Provided in some embodiments are systems and methods for preparing oriented samples of a laminated rock having different lamination orientations, for each of different stress-levels, transmitting an acoustic pulse through each oriented sample while tri-axially compressing the oriented sample at the stress-level to generate test data indicative of acoustic velocities through the laminated rock at different combinations of lamination orientations and stress levels, determining acoustic velocities through the laminated rock at the different combinations of lamination orientations and stress levels based on the test data, generating a rock model for the laminated rock based on the acoustic velocities, and determining a property of a second laminated rock (e.g., total organic carbon (TOC) content) based on the rock model for the laminated rock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Adel Ali Al-Qahtani
  • Publication number: 20170342828
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying a likelihood that a reservoir of a geological formation received a secondary charge of hydrocarbons of relatively very different thermal maturity of composition are provided. One method includes positioning a downhole acquisition tool in a wellbore in a geological formation and testing one or more fluid properties of the formation fluid. Data processing circuitry may identify whether a relationship of the one or more fluid properties exceeds a first threshold that indicates likely asphaltene instability. When this is the case, data processing circuitry may be used to model the geological formation using a realization scenario in which multiple charges of hydrocarbons of substantially different thermal maturity or substantially different composition, or both, filled a reservoir of the geological formation over geologic time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Hadrien Dumont, Vinay K. Mishra, German Garcia, Li Chen, Thomas Pfeiffer, Soraya S. Betancourt Pocaterra, Jerimiah Forsythe, Andrew Emil Pomerantz, Youxiang Zuo, Oliver C. Mullins
  • Publication number: 20170342829
    Abstract: A cutting device for a cutting head includes a disc, a plurality of cutting elements secured to the disc, and a plurality of wear elements secured to the disc. The disc rotates about an axis of rotation, and the disc includes a peripheral edge. The cutting elements are spaced apart from one another along the peripheral edge of the disc. The wear elements are spaced apart from one another and from the cutting elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Joaquim Antonio Soares de Sousa, Michael Laing
  • Publication number: 20170342830
    Abstract: A cutting device for engaging a rock face includes a disc body supported for rotation about an axis of rotation, and a plurality of peripheral portions removably secured to the disc body. Each of the peripheral portions including a plurality of cutting bits positioned on a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge of each peripheral portion is aligned with the peripheral edges of adjacent peripheral portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Joaquim Antonio Soares de Sousa, Michael Laing
  • Publication number: 20170342831
    Abstract: A rotatable cutting tool (10) includes a cutting tool body (12) having an axial forward end (14) and an axial rearward end (16). A bolster (46) at least partially received in a head portion (22) and includes a convex-shaped head portion (56) with a socket (20), a collar portion (58) and a tapered shank portion (60). The socket (20) is formed with a substantially planar side wall (20a), a bottom wall (20b), and a radius blend (20c). A hard tip or cutting insert (18) is at least partially received in the socket (20) of the bolster (46) and includes a convex-shaped conical head portion (72), a collar portion (74) and an axially-rearward portion (76) that generally conforms to the geometry of the socket (20) of the bolster (46). Between about sixty percent (60%) and about ninety percent (90%) of the cutting insert (18) is received in the socket (20) of the bolster (46), thereby reducing forces and stresses transmitted to the cutting tool (10) during a machining operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Luke A. Weber, Brandon J. Kenno, Nicholas J. Paros
  • Publication number: 20170342832
    Abstract: A cutting tool holding mechanism includes a base, a handle and a locking assembly. The base includes an abutting portion, a receiving groove, at least one limiting groove and at least one limiting hole. The limiting hole is disposed at the base and communicated with the limiting groove. The handle abutted against the base includes a sleeved portion and a plurality of positioning surfaces. The locking assembly includes a packing ring, a locking screw, a locking member and a guiding bolt. The locking member received inside the limiting groove includes a screwed hole and a guiding groove. The guiding groove disposed at one side of the locking member and is aligned with the limiting hole when the locking member is disposed inside the limiting groove. The guiding bolt is disposed in the limiting hole and is abutted against the guiding groove to inhibit the locking member from rotating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Chun-Li CHIANG
  • Publication number: 20170342833
    Abstract: A rock fragmentation device and method is provided which includes a shaft and a plurality of expandable members positioned along a length thereof. The shaft has a hollow length therethrough for the passage of a pressurized fluid, and a plurality of feed apertures for delivery of the pressurized fluid to the expandable members. The shaft further includes a feed inlet for receiving the pressurized fluid from a hydraulic system. The plurality of expandable members each have an inner diameter dimensioned to receive the shaft in a tightly engaging connection, and are positioned on the shaft in fluid tight engagement effective for receiving pressurized fluid via the feed apertures without leaking fluid. The expandable members are expandable, upon filling with the pressurized fluid, to sufficient dimensions to break apart rock when fitted inside a cavity formed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: GUY LEGRIS
  • Publication number: 20170342834
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a tunnel structure at a relatively shallow depth from the surface, which tunnel can be used as a replacement or additional transport route to an existing transport route (2) which is already formed on the surface. The method comprises the steps of forming two spaced apart access tunnels, installing piles (15), installing slide tracks (17) in each of the tunnels, removing a part of the tunnels (hatched portion) to expose the tracks, introducing units (22) comprising side walls portions (26, 28) and a roof section (30) by moving the units along the tracks while excavating the soil in which the tunnel is to be formed is in advance of the leading edge of the units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: JAMES CRAWFORD THOMSON
  • Publication number: 20170342835
    Abstract: A cutting device for cutting rock includes a disc and a plurality of cutting elements secured to the disc. The disc is supported for rotation about an axis of rotation, and the disc includes a peripheral edge extending around the axis of rotation. The plurality of cutting elements are spaced apart along the peripheral edge of the disc and positioned in a cutting plane. Each of the cutting elements includes a base portion and a cutting portion including a cutting edge, and the cutting portion has a width that is larger than a width of the base portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Joaquim Antonio Soares de Sousa, Michael Laing
  • Publication number: 20170342836
    Abstract: A rock bolt includes an elongate metallic body having a first end and an opposed second end, a threaded portion at the second end, for attaching thereto and locating thereon, a nut and a bearing plate, a mechanical anchor at, or at least partially located on, a first end portion of the body and a first resistive anchor, located between the threaded portion and the mechanical anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Martin CAWOOD, Paolo Ettore PASTORINO, Phillipus VAN DER MERWE, Samuel DU PLESSIS
  • Publication number: 20170342837
    Abstract: In a scroll fluid machine, a thinned section (26) is provided in correspondence with a position at which the wrap height of a spiral wrap (15B, 16B) changes due to a step part. The thinned section (26) is provided on the front-side surface or the rear-side surface of a tooth tip section of at least one of the spiral wraps (15B, 16B) of at least one of partner scrolls (15, 16) respectively engaging with scrolls (15, 16). The thinned section (26) is provided in the direction in which the wrap thickness decreases so as to extend over at least a reduced-machining-accuracy area (27), which is an area where the machining becomes discontinuous due to at least a change in the wrap height. Thus, a contact failure between the spiral wraps (15B, 16B) is avoided in the area where the machining accuracy relatively decreases as a result of increasing the machining speed, thereby achieving both improved productivity and maintained performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES AUTOMOTIVE THERMAL SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto TAKEUCHI, Ei ONOGAWA, Takayuki KUWAHARA
  • Publication number: 20170342838
    Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a first medium at a first pressure, a second medium at a second pressure, and a medium conditioning sub-system. The medium conditioning sub-system includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a turbine. The turbine receives the first medium and the second medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Louis J. Bruno, Harold W. Hipsky
  • Publication number: 20170342839
    Abstract: The low pressure turbine includes a rotor, an outer casing, a plurality of stages of rotor blades, and a plurality of stages of stator vanes. The rotor includes a longitudinal centerline. The outer casing circumscribes the rotor. The plurality of stages of rotor blades is disposed on a radially outer surface of the rotor in a serial flow arrangement. The plurality of stages of stator vanes is disposed on a radially inner surface of the outer casing in a serial flow arrangement. Each stage of the plurality of stages of stator vanes precedes a stage of rotor blades. The last stage of rotor blades of the plurality of stages of rotor blades includes a low swirl outlet rotor blade stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Brandon Wayne Miller, Thomas Ory Moniz, Jeffrey Donald Clements, Joseph George Rose
  • Publication number: 20170342840
    Abstract: A damper ring is mounted in frictional engagement with a radially inwardly facing surface of a circumferential groove defined in a rotary part of a gas turbine engine. Energy dissipation is provided via sliding friction of the ring in the groove. Pressure relief dimples are provided around the outer diameter of the ring for locally reducing contact pressure at the outer diameter below a value at which the damper ring locks in the groove by friction forces when subject to centrifugal loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Maksim PANKRATOV
  • Publication number: 20170342841
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a rotor blade for a gas turbine system. The rotor blade includes a platform having a radially inner surface and a radially outer surface. A shank portion extends radially inwardly from the radially inner surface of the platform. The shank portion and the platform collectively define a shank pocket. An airfoil extends radially outwardly from the radially outer surface of the platform. The shank portion, the platform, and the airfoil collectively define a cooling passage extending from a cooling passage inlet defined by the shank portion or the platform and directly coupled to the shank pocket through the platform to a cooling passage outlet defined by the airfoil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Melbourne James Myers, Xiuzhang James Zhang, Stuart Samuel Collins, Camilo Andres Sampayo, Joseph Block
  • Publication number: 20170342842
    Abstract: An airfoil for a gas turbine engine is provided that includes a first portion formed from a first plurality of plies of a ceramic matrix composite material and defining an inner surface of the airfoil, as well as a second portion formed from a second plurality of plies of a ceramic matrix composite material and defining an outer surface of the airfoil. The first portion and the second portion define a non-line of sight cooling aperture extending from the inner surface to the outer surface of the airfoil. In one embodiment, a surface angle that is less than 45° is defined between a second aperture and the outer surface. A method for forming an airfoil for a gas turbine engine also is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Kirk Douglas Gallier
  • Publication number: 20170342843
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a rotor blade for a gas turbine engine. The rotor blade includes an airfoil, a tip shroud having a side surface and a radially outer surface, and a transition portion coupling the tip shroud to the airfoil. The airfoil, the transition portion, and the tip shroud collectively define a primary cooling passage therein. The primary cooling passage includes a primary cooling passage outlet defined by the side surface of the tip shroud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Fred Thomas Willett, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170342844
    Abstract: A composite article comprises a substrate, the substrate comprising a silicon containing material and an additive comprising boron nitride nanotubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Wayde R. Schmidt, Paul Sheedy, Neal Magdefrau
  • Publication number: 20170342845
    Abstract: The present application provides a steam turbine. The steam turbine may include a number of rotor wheel slots, a number of buckets positioned in the rotor wheel slots, and a radial support assembly positioned between each of the buckets and each of the rotor wheel slots. The radial support assembly may include one or springs and one or more shims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Sebastian Burdgick, John Ligos, Thomas Joseph Farineau
  • Publication number: 20170342846
    Abstract: Method and computer-readable model for additively manufacturing a ducting arrangement (10) for a gas turbine engine are provided. Ducting arrangement (10) may include a duct (18) to be fluidly coupled to receive a cross-flow of combustion gases from a main combustion stage. Duct (18) includes a duct segment (23) with an expanding cross-sectional area (24) where one or more injector assemblies (26) are disposed. Injector assembly (26) includes one or more reactant-guiding structures (27) arranged to deliver a flow of reactants to be mixed with the cross-flow of combustion gases. The ducting arrangement is effective to reduce total pressure loss while providing an effective level of mixing of the injected reactants with the passing cross-flow. Respective duct components or the entire ducting arrangement may be formed as a unitized structure, such as a single piece using a rapid manufacturing technology, such as 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Yuntao Chen, Juan Enrique Portillo Bilbao, Andrew J. North, Lucky Tran, Joseph Meadows, Walter Ray Laster
  • Publication number: 20170342847
    Abstract: A radial diffuser and method for manufacturing a radial diffuser is provided, where the diffuser includes a vane positioned between a hub and a case. The hub includes a surface. The vane projects from the surface of the hub and is wedge-shaped. The vane includes a leading end extending toward a radial inner edge of the hub, a trailing end extending toward a radial outer edge of the hub, an upper surface, first and second sides extending longitudinally along the vane, and a middle region disposed between the hub and the upper surface. The vane at the upper surface has a thickness defined by a first wedge angle at the upper surface. The vane at the middle region has a thickness defined by a second wedge angle at the middle region. The second wedge angle is smaller than the first wedge angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Steven A. Mazur, Mark E. Whitlock
  • Publication number: 20170342848
    Abstract: A seal assembly for use between an inner shaft and an outer shaft rotatable about a common axis within a turbine engine includes a pair of end rings and a plurality of seal elements coupled between the pair of end rings. Each end ring includes a flange extending in an axial direction, and each seal element includes a pair of shoulders extending in opposing axial directions. The seal assembly also includes a pair of retaining rings. Each retaining ring is positioned between one shoulder of the pair of shoulders and a corresponding one end ring flange of the pair of end ring flanges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Kyle Robert Snow, Daniel Scott Tomasic
  • Publication number: 20170342849
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a blade track, a support assembly, and a seal system. The blade track is arranged around a central axis of the gas turbine engine to direct gasses through the gas turbine engine. The support assembly is arranged around the blade track to support the blade track relative to the central axis. The seal system is configured to block fluid communication between pressurized cavities formed in the support assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Edward C. Rice, Daniel K. Vetters
  • Publication number: 20170342850
    Abstract: A sealing arrangement for sealing between a first stage nozzle and a plurality of aft frames includes a first inner seal and a second inner seal which are circumferentially oriented and circumferentially aligned. A side seal is radially disposed between the first inner seal and the second inner seal. The side seal includes a first portion that is axially offset from the first inner seal and the second inner seal and a second portion abutting the first inner seal and the second inner seal. Also disclosed is an aft frame having a forward face and an aft face. The aft frame includes at least one side seal slot that extends along a side portion. A first portion of the side seal slot is axially offset from the aft face. A second portion of the side seal slot is axially and radially offset from the first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Victor John Morgan, Jesse Ellis Barton
  • Publication number: 20170342851
    Abstract: A turbine assembly includes a rotor assembly including a shaft coupled to a plurality of rotor stages including a plurality of turbine blades. The shaft and the plurality of turbine blades define a wheelspace therein. The turbine assembly further includes a plurality of seals in series, at least one seal of the plurality of seals is coupled between a static support member and a respective rotor stage such that a plurality of turbine cavities in series are defined within the wheelspace. Each turbine cavity of the plurality of turbine cavities defined by the plurality of seals receives a pressurized fluid flow that applies an axially aft force to the respective rotor stage of the plurality of rotor stages that at least partially reduces net rotor thrust generated by the rotor assembly during operation, the pressurized fluid flow further provides turbine purge within the wheel space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Jagata Laxmi Narasimharao, Thomas Ory Moniz, Mohamed Musthafa Thoppil, Bhaskar Nanda Mondal, Atanu Saha
  • Publication number: 20170342852
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine is disclosed with a turbine section having at least one turbine rotor with a plurality of turbine blades, a plurality of blade tracks positioned circumferentially around the turbine blades, at least one dovetail shaped connecting member extending radially outward from each blade track, and a hanger connected to a structural member of the gas turbine engine and configured to releasably couple with the at least one dovetail shaped connecting member of a corresponding blade track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: David J. Thomas, Richard C. Uskert
  • Publication number: 20170342853
    Abstract: An in-line shutoff valve includes a valve body with an inlet chamber, an outlet chamber, and a poppet seat disposed between the inlet and outlet chambers. A poppet is movably disposed within the valve body and has an open and closed position. The poppet seats against the poppet seat in the closed position, fluidly separating the inlet chamber from the outlet chamber. The poppet is unseated from the poppet seat in the open position, fluidly coupling the inlet and outlet chambers. A manifold with a servo port and a vent port is disposed within the valve body between the inlet and outlet chambers, the vent port being in fluid communication with the servo port to cool valve internal structures when the poppet is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Gregory K. Schwalm, Gary M. McBrien
  • Publication number: 20170342854
    Abstract: A large frame heavy duty industrial gas turbine engine that can produce twice the power as a conventional single spool industrial engine, and can operate at full power during a hot day. The industrial engine includes a high spool that directly drives an electric generator at a synchronous speed of the electric power grid, a low spool with a low pressure turbine that drives a low pressure compressor from the exhaust gas from the high pressure turbine, where the low pressure compressor supplies compressed air to the high pressure compressor. Variable inlet guide vane assemblies are used in the low pressure turbine and the low pressure compressor so that the high spool can operate at full power even during a hot day. The low spool is designed to operate at a higher speed than at the normal temperature conditions so that a high mass flow can be produced for the high spool during the hot day conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Barry J. Brown, Joseph D. Brostmeyer, Justin T. Cejka, Russell B. Jones
  • Publication number: 20170342855
    Abstract: A method of operating a turbine engine that includes shutting down the turbine engine such that a rotational speed of the turbine engine decreases, and actuating a starter motor of the turbine engine at one of as the rotational speed of the turbine engine decreases or at a preset time after the turbine engine receives a full stop command such that residual heat is exhausted from the turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Charles Hon, Amid Ansari, Michael Scott McCambridge, Thomas Earl Gillingham
  • Publication number: 20170342856
    Abstract: A dual trip manifold assembly (TMA) includes an isolation valve assembly having a first valve configured to receive a flow of fluid from a hydraulic system fluid supply. The first valve is configured to channel the flow of fluid to at least one hydraulic circuit. The isolation valve assembly also includes a second valve configured to receive the flow of fluid from the at least one hydraulic circuit. The second valve is further configured to channel the fluid flow to a trip header. The first valve and the second valve are synchronized to each other such that rotation of one valve causes a substantially similar rotation in the other valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Adam Eric Virkler, Daniel John Nosek, Troy Gilchrist Wojick, Brent Allan Dietrich, Terry Joseph Bailey
  • Publication number: 20170342857
    Abstract: A turbomachine with a shaft supporting a turbine wheel is supported for rotation in a housing. The shaft extends through a bore in the housing and a bearing assembly is disposed in the bore. The turbomachine has a first lubricating fluid slinger comprising a screw thread that is engageable with a threaded section of the shaft such that the first lubricating fluid slinger is screwable along the threaded section of the shaft so as to apply a compressive preload to the bearing assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: James Donaldson, Prabhu Ramasamy, Paul Brierley
  • Publication number: 20170342858
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a fan shaft driving a fan having fan blades, a fan shaft support that supports the fan shaft and a gear system connected to the fan shaft. The gear system includes a ring gear defining a ring gear transverse stiffness, at least one journal bearing defining a journal bearing transverse stiffness, a gear mesh defining a gear mesh transverse stiffness, and a reduction ratio greater than 2.3. The ring gear transverse stiffness is less than 20% of the gear mesh transverse stiffness and the journal bearing transverse stiffness is less than or equal to the gear mesh transverse stiffness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Jason Husband
  • Publication number: 20170342859
    Abstract: A heater side channel blower includes a blower housing (12) with a bottom wall (14) and a circumferential wall (16), that enclose a first flow chamber in a housing interior (18). A ring-shaped delivery duct (22), open towards an outer side of the blower housing (12), is provided at the bottom wall (14). A flow medium inlet (50), for the entry of medium to be delivered into the housing interior (18), is open towards the first flow chamber. A second flow chamber (42) is provided in the housing interior (18). A flow medium outlet (52), for the discharge of medium to be delivered from the housing interior (18), is open towards the delivery duct (22) to the second flow chamber (42). The first flow chamber is separated from the second flow chamber (42) by at least one chamber separation element (60, 62) that is permeable to medium to be delivered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Michael HUMBURG, Hermann EPPLER
  • Publication number: 20170342860
    Abstract: A gas turbine facility of an embodiment includes: a combustor casing; a combustor provided in the combustor casing; a cylinder surrounding a periphery of the combustor and dividing a space between the combustor casing and the combustor; a turbine rotated by combustion gas exhausted from the combustor; a heat exchanger cooling the combustion gas exhausted from the turbine; a pipe through which a part of the combustion gas cooled in the heat exchanger passes in the heat exchanger to be heated, the pipe guiding the combustion gas heated in the heat exchanger into the cylinder; and a pipe guiding another part of the combustion gas cooled in the heat exchanger to a space between the combustor casing and the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Yuichi Morisawa, Hideyuki Maeda, Yasuaki Nakamura, Yasunori Iwai, Masao Itoh
  • Publication number: 20170342861
    Abstract: It is aimed to improve circularity. In a casing, in which a cylindrical shape thereof is divided into two parts in a radial direction thereof and the casing is connected in the cylindrical shape via flanges thereof protruding outward in the radial direction at both divided ends thereof; increased thickness portions that increase radial direction thickness thereof are formed in a portion excluding the divided ends and circular arc center portions farthest from the divided ends, the portion being between the divided ends and the circular arc center portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Kohei HATANO
  • Publication number: 20170342862
    Abstract: The present application provides an exhaust diffuser for a gas turbine engine. The exhaust diffuser may include a hub, a casing, and a strut extending between the hub and the casing. The hub may include an angled configuration about the strut and a substantially flat configuration downstream of the angled configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Santhosh Kumar Vijayan, Deepesh Dinesh Nanda, Manjunath Bangalore Chengappa
  • Publication number: 20170342863
    Abstract: Systems and methods for suppressing infrared radiation generated by a turbine engine. A system comprises a primary assembly having a center body, a plurality of vanes extending from the center body, an outer radial duct with the plurality of vanes extending therethrough, a structural baffle, and a mixer. The primary assembly is disposed in the exhaust flow path of a turbine engine and encased in ducting and/or an airfoil. An air flow path defined between the center body and outer radial duct is axially spit by an interface rim and flow segregator. The flow segregator segregates engine core flow from ambient air flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: James C. Muskat, Todd S. Taylor, Mike Nesteroff, Eric Donovan, James Carl Loebig
  • Publication number: 20170342864
    Abstract: A system for warming an engine. The system includes an engine coolant system that directs warm engine coolant to the engine to heat the engine. A heat pump system warms the engine coolant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Alec BERGWEILER
  • Publication number: 20170342865
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a system having: at least one computing device configured to monitor a combined-cycle (CC) power plant during a transient event by performing actions including: determining whether a change in an operating condition of a component of the CC power plant is unintentional, the determining including comparing control system instructions for the component of the CC power plant with a reference look-up table, the reference look-up table including correlation data for the control system instructions for the component and historical data about the operating condition of the component; and providing instructions to a control system of the CC power plant to modify the operating condition in the CC power plant in response to determining that the change in operating condition of the component is unintentional.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Awadesh Kumar Tiwari, William Forrester Seely
  • Publication number: 20170342866
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a valvetrain that includes a rocker arm assembly on which is mounted an electronic device and at least a part of a generator. The generator converts some of the mechanical energy that is transmitted through the rocker arm assemblies into electricity. That electricity may be used to power an electric latch, a transmitter, or another type of rocker arm assembly-mounted electrical device. Various generator configurations are described. In some configurations, the generator is piezoelectric. In other configurations, the generator is electromagnetic. In some configurations, the generator is driven by force transmitted by the rocker arm assembly from a cam. In some configurations, the generator is driven by vibrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James Edward McCarthy, Jr., David Gerard Genise