Patents Issued in April 10, 2018
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Patent number: 9938804Abstract: A pump jack assembly has a horsehead mounted to rock on a frame; a polished rod connected to the horsehead; and a hydraulic motor connected to rock the horsehead. The pump jack assembly may have a crank assembly connected between the hydraulic motor and the horsehead, the crank assembly having one or more counterweights; a hydraulic pump; a fluid supply line and a fluid return line between the hydraulic pump and hydraulic motor; and a hydraulic brake on the fluid return line. A method of providing a pump jack assembly includes replacing a non hydraulic pump jack motor, connected to rock the horsehead, with a hydraulic motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2013Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: G.E.T. Hydraulics, LTDInventors: Everett Allan Haarstad, Tyler Haarstad, Gordon Ray Abram
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Patent number: 9938805Abstract: A system for controlling a speed of a pump jack system having a variable speed prime mover includes a sensor attached to the pump jack system. The sensor is capable of detecting an absolute position of a first component of the pump jack system relative to a second component of the pump jack system and configured to send a signal proportional to the sensed absolute position and/or velocity and/or acceleration. The system includes process circuitry configured to accept the signal and perform a calculation related to absolute position and/or velocity and/or acceleration of the first component relative to the second component. The system includes a controller that is configured to receive the signal from the process circuitry and configured to send a signal to the prime mover to adjust a rotational speed of the prime mover and the position of the first component relative to the second component.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: MTS SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Joseph Bernard Suprick, John Matthew Hankinson, John William Balding, Michael Stephen Wardle
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Patent number: 9938806Abstract: A well pump assembly has a main pump suspended on a string of production tubing within casing in a well. A charge pump is located below the main pump. An annular sealing element between the charge pump intake and the charge pump discharge seals between the charge pump and the casing. A motor is coupled with the main pump and the charge pump. A bypass member has an open upper end above the main pump intake and a lower end above the sealing element. The bypass member defines a flow path from the discharge of the charge pump upward past the main pump intake, then downward to reach the main pump intake. The bypass member may be a bypass riser extending alongside the main pump, or it may be a shroud surrounding the main pump.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Baker Hughes, A GE Company, LLCInventors: Jordan D. Kirk, Leslie C. Reid, Brown Lyle Wilson
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Patent number: 9938807Abstract: An artificial lift system for use in a wellbore comprising a torsion clamp connected to an electric submersible pump. The torsion clamp comprises a mandrel, a splined sleeve, a stop, a bypass sleeve, and an adjustable bracket. The mandrel has splines that mesh with splines formed on the sleeve. The mandrel also has a coupling that connects to a coupling of the stop. The adjustable bracket is configured to connect the bypass sleeve to the splined sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: ESP COMPLETION TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.Inventors: Robert P. Fielder, III, Lance I. Fielder
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Patent number: 9938808Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that may include producing wellhead gas from a wellbore, removing hydrocarbons and/or other particulates from the wellhead gas produced from the wellbore to maximize and/or provide a consistent BTU level to the wellhead gas, and burning the wellhead gas in a wellhead gas burner to heat water and/or other chemicals used in hydrocarbon production and/or well completion processes, including, but not limited to hydraulic fracturing (fracking). The wellhead gas burner may also be configured as a primary heat source and integrated with a traditional gas burner system configured as a supplemental heat source. The wellhead gas burner and the traditional gas burner may also be operated simultaneously. The wellhead gas burner may also be mounted to a mobile superheater truck.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2014Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Adler Hot Oil Service, LLCInventor: Paul Briggs
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Patent number: 9938809Abstract: An apparatus and method for the extraction of hydrocarbons from an underground reservoir using a well is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a power source operable to supply periodic electrical power at a first frequency; at least one impulse generator unit operable to convert the periodic electrical power at the first frequency into periodic electrical power at a second frequency and to couple electromagnetic energy generated by the periodic electrical power at the second frequency into the reservoir, the second frequency being at least ten times higher than that of the first frequency; and a conducting cable being operatively coupled between the power source and the at least one impulse generator unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2014Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: ACCELEWARE LTD.Inventors: Michal M. Okoniewski, Jorgen S. Nielsen
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Patent number: 9938810Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method comprising a) introducing a delayed-release acid and a gelling agent into a subterranean formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture in a first treatment interval; b) contacting the delayed-release acid with a face of the fracture in the first treatment interval so as to etch one or more channels thereon; c) introducing a combination of non-degradable and degradable micro-proppant particulates into the subterranean formation so as to place them into the fracture in the first treatment interval, wherein they at least partially inhibit fluid flow therethrough; d) introducing a combination of non-degradable and degradable proppant particulates into the subterranean formation so as to place them into the fracture in the first treatment interval, wherein they at least partially inhibit fluid flow therethrough; e) repeating (a) through (d) at a second treatment interval.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2013Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Loan K. Vo, Thomas Zachary Vonk
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Patent number: 9938811Abstract: The flow of well treatment fluids may be diverted from a high permeability zone to a low permeability zone within a fracture network within a subterranean formation by use of a divert system comprising dissolvable diverter particulates and proppant. At least a portion of the high permeability zone is propped open with the proppant of the divert system and at least a portion of the high permeability zone is blocked with the diverter particulates. A fluid is then pumped into the subterranean formation and into a lower permeability zone of the formation farther from the wellbore. The diverter particulates in the high permeability zones may then be dissolved at in-situ reservoir conditions and hydrocarbons produced from the high permeability propped zones of the fracture network. The divert system has particular applicability in the enhancement of production or hydrocarbons from high permeability zones in a fracture network located far field from the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Baker Hughes, LLCInventors: Naima Bestaoui-Spurr, Ahmed M. Gomaa, Harold Gene Hudson, D. V. Satyanarayana Gupta, Scott Gregory Nelson, Harold Dean Brannon
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Patent number: 9938812Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing particulates from a multiple-phase fluid stream is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a treatment chamber having a fluid inlet for receiving the multiple-phase fluid stream. The apparatus also comprises a recovery chamber having a gas channel and a liquid channel in fluid communication with the treatment chamber at a gas and a liquid port, respectively. The gas and liquid channels converge at an intake port of a fluid outlet for discharging particulate-removed gas and liquid.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2014Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Specialized Desanders Inc.Inventor: Christopher Hemstock
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Patent number: 9938813Abstract: A process is provided for treating produced water resulting from an oil recovery operation. Produced water is subjected to a softening process wherein a caustic or other softening reagent is added to the produced water to increase the pH of the produced water. Downstream of softening, there is provided an evaporator for evaporating at least a portion of the produced water and producing steam and a concentrated brine. At least a portion of the concentrated brine is recycled upstream of the evaporator and mixed with the produced water and the softening reagent to enhance the softening process.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Veolia Water Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Karen Schooley, David E. Gamache
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Patent number: 9938814Abstract: A well drilling system can include a drilling tool with at least one component which is displaced by a material that changes shape. The material can be a shape memory material. The material may change shape in response to a temperature change. The component can be a drill bit cutter, a depth of cut control surface, a gauge surface or a stabilizer surface. A method of controlling a drilling operation can include configuring a drilling tool with a material which changes shape, and the material displacing at least one component of the drilling tool during the drilling operation. Displacement of the component can be controlled downhole to maintain drilling parameters (such as torque, vibration, steering performance, etc.) in desired ranges.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2012Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Richard T. Hay
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Patent number: 9938815Abstract: Estimating and predicting wellbore tortuosity. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: receiving, by a computer system, an indication of rotational drilling time and slide drilling time for a wellpath; calculating a value indicative of tortuosity for the wellpath based on the indication of rotational drilling time and slide drilling time for the wellpath; determining, by the computer system, that the wellpath exceeds a tortuosity threshold, the determining based on the value indicative of tortuosity; and changing a drilling parameter regarding the wellpath responsive to determining that the wellpath exceeds the tortuosity threshold.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2013Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORPORATIONInventors: Robello Samuel, Gustavo A. Urdaneta
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Patent number: 9938816Abstract: A system and method for optimized control of an assembly for drilling a borehole comprises a self-tuning, multivariable controller and an optimization engine that manipulates the setpoints of the controller such that drilling performance may be continuously optimized. The method includes evaluation of a characteristic system time constant, using this constant to compute bit ROP, using computed ROP to compute process gains, which are used to tune the multivariable controller, automatically refining controller setpoints based on controller performance, and using an optimization engine to systematically adjust controller setpoints such that drilling parameters are optimized based on any of several performance indicators, or a weighted combination of performance indicators.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: SHELL OIL COMPANYInventors: Patricia Astrid, Abhay Kumar Singh, John Edward Huhman, Matthew Alan Stoever, Mark William Dykstra, Rob Hendrikus Gerardus Marinus Grauwmans, Jan-Jette Blangé
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Patent number: 9938817Abstract: A method of verifying swelling of a swellable material in a well can include connecting a transmitter to a sensor which senses a parameter indicative of degree of swelling of the swellable material, and conveying a receiver into an interior of a tubular string. The transmitter transmits to the receiver an indication of the degree of swelling of the swellable material. A packer swelling verification system can include a swellable material which swells in a well, and a well tool which is conveyed to the packer in the well. The well tool receives an indication of a degree of swelling of the swellable material. A method of verifying whether a swellable material has swollen in a well can include positioning a conductor proximate the swellable material, whereby the conductor parts in response to swelling of the swellable material, and detecting whether the conductor has parted.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Ronald L. Hinkie, Kurtis W. Price, Alf K. Sevre, Scott F. Wendorf
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Patent number: 9938818Abstract: A method and system for characterizing subsurface hydraulic fractures, specifically the effective permeability thereof, are disclosed. One method includes transmitting electromagnetic signals from an electromagnetic source toward a subsurface hydraulic fracture location, capturing electromagnetic signal measurements of a subsurface hydraulic fracture on the Earth's surface above the subsurface hydraulic fracture location at a plurality of electromagnetic receivers, and associating characteristic hydraulic flow parameters with the electromagnetic signal measurements to determine one or more fracture zones. The method further includes determining an effective permeability of the one or more fracture zones, thereby determining an effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing in the subsurface hydraulic fracture location.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Gary Michael Hoversten, Michael Commer
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Patent number: 9938819Abstract: An artificial toolface reference system includes a power supply providing current to a ground lead and a reference lead. A ground point is coupled to the ground lead and in electrical connection with the ground. A reference wellbore includes a reference conductor in electrical connection with the ground. The reference conductor is in electrical connection with the reference lead. The reference conductor includes an uninsulated portion and an insulated portion having an insulating layer positioned thereabout. A guidance sensor positioned outside the reference wellbore includes at least one magnetometer. The power supply may be used to provide a current through the reference conductor, into the ground through the uninsulated portion, and the ground point such that a reference magnetic field is generated along the reference conductor. The guidance sensor may measure the reference magnetic field with a magnetometer. An artificial magnetic toolface may be calculated therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES ASSOCIATES, INC.Inventors: Clinton Moss, Douglas Ridgway, Troy Martin
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Patent number: 9938820Abstract: A downhole gas detection tool includes a housing; a first test module that includes a first fluid test chamber operable to fluidly couple to an annulus of a wellbore to receive a first portion of a wellbore fluid, the first test module further including an acoustic fluid sensor to measure a fluid acoustic velocity and attenuation of the first portion of the wellbore fluid received in the first fluid test chamber, and a fluid resistivity sensor to measure a fluid resistivity of the first portion of the wellbore fluid received in the first fluid test chamber; and a second test module including a second fluid test chamber operable to fluidly couple to the annulus of the wellbore to receive a second portion of the wellbore fluid, and a pressure-temperature (PT) sensor to measure at least one of a pressure or a temperature of the second portion of the wellbore fluid.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Clovis Satyro Bonavides, Denis Philippe Schmitt, Mohd Azizi Ibrahim
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Patent number: 9938821Abstract: A well casing detection system includes a well casing and a ranging tool. The well casing includes a beacon with a resonant structure and a power supply. The ranging tool includes a magnetic field inducer, a magnetic field detector, and a power supply. This detection system is used to remotely detect well casing while it is deployed in a well, and may be used in conjunction with measurement while drilling (MWD) methods, logging while drilling (LWD) methods, coiled tubing drilling methods, steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), and wireline drilling methods, such that an operator may simultaneously direct the operation of a drill while operating the detection system.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2013Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Paul F. Rodney
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Patent number: 9938822Abstract: A system for locating water floods, in some embodiments, comprises: multiple non-reference electrodes with insulative pads for coupling to a borehole casing; a reference electrode with an insulative pad for coupling to the borehole casing; and multiple transducers coupled to the reference and non-reference electrodes, each of said electrodes coupled to one or more of the multiple transducers, wherein each transducer coupled to a non-reference electrode determines a differential non-reference potential between that non-reference electrode and the reference electrode, and wherein a transducer that couples to the borehole casing determines an absolute reference potential between the borehole casing and the reference electrode; wherein the differential non-reference potentials are mathematically combined with the absolute reference potential to produce absolute non-reference potentials; wherein scaling weights are applied to said absolute non-reference potentials to produce scaled absolute potentials that are useType: GrantFiled: November 18, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Ahmed Elsayed Fouda, Burkay Donderici
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Patent number: 9938823Abstract: An apparatus includes a circuit to receive power and data over a communication medium, where the circuit is to separate the power and the data. An electronic switch couples the power output by the circuit to a downhole electrical component for use in a well. According to other implementations, an electro-hydraulic actuator includes an outer housing defining a first hydraulic chamber and a second hydraulic chamber, where a seal for one of the hydraulic chambers is achieved without use of an elastomeric seal.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2012Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Benoit Deville, Marian Faur, Charley Martinez
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Patent number: 9938824Abstract: A method for transmitting data from a MWD system at the BHA of a drill string may include transmitting the data in a MWD signal from the MWD system. The MWD signal may be modulated at a position closer to the surface onto a mud pulse modulated signal. The mud pulse modulated signal may be generated by a downhole friction reducing device. The downhole friction reducing device may include a mud motor. The mud motor may create pressure pulses based on its speed of rotation. The downhole friction reducing device may include a modulating valve. The modulating valve may be electromechanically or mechanically operated. The modulated signal may be detected at the surface by a receiver using one or more pressure or flow sensors. The receiver may use one or more harmonics of the modulated signal to receive the data.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2017Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: SCIENTIFIC DRILLING INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Matthew A. White, Tim Whitacre, Brett Van Steenwyk, Mohamed Youssef
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Patent number: 9938825Abstract: In situ density and compressibility of a fluid sample are determined for a fluid sample collected downhole. The density and compressibility of the fluid sampled is determined by measuring a distance to a piston contained within the sample chamber using an external magnetic field sensor that senses a magnetic field emanating from a magnet provided on the piston internal to the sample chamber. The testing is performed quickly and at the surface in a noninvasive fashion (e.g., without opening the sample chamber).Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Li Gao, Mark A. Proett, Sami Eyuboglu, Tony Herman van Zuilekom
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Patent number: 9938826Abstract: In situ density and compressibility of a fluid sample are determined for a fluid sample collected downhole. The density and compressibility of the fluid sampled is determined by measuring a distance to a piston contained within the sample chamber using an external magnetic field sensor that senses a magnetic field emanating from a magnet provided on the piston internal to the sample chamber. The testing is performed quickly and at the surface in a noninvasive fashion (e.g., without opening the sample chamber).Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Li Gao, Mark A. Proett, Sami Eyuboglu, Tony Herman van Zuilekom
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Patent number: 9938827Abstract: A ground breaking machine has a housing and the housing has oppositely disposed end plates which have aligned axial female openings and matching male plate portions positioned in the female openings. The female opening is defined by a side edge having top and oppositely disposed vertical spaced apart side edge portions. Each of the vertical side edge portions terminate in a laterally inwardly extending portion having an upperwardly extending hook portion engageable with a downwardly extending hook portion on the male plate portion for interlocking the female and male hook portions to prevent separation thereof and separation of the male plate portion in the female opening. The method of assembly and mounting the cutter drum in the housing includes the steps of providing a housing having oppositely disposed end plates including aligned axial openings and matching male plate portions for being positioned in the female openings.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Inventor: Larry D. Beller
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Patent number: 9938828Abstract: A system for folding and deploying liners within tunnels includes a mobile conveyor device having a base frame including a plurality of wheels supporting a support frame. The mobile conveyor device also includes a folding assembly mounted upon the support frame at a position adjacent a first end of the base frame and a conveyor assembly mounted upon the support frame at a position adjacent a second end of the base frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2017Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Inventors: David Samuel Pleasants, William Donald Pleasants, Jr.
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Patent number: 9938829Abstract: A method for measuring load performance of a positive displacement motor (PDM) test coupon. The test coupon includes a partial length of a PDM stage and is received inside a sealable test chamber. In some embodiments, the test coupon may be cut from a failed PDM stage. The test chamber is filled with test fluid. In some embodiments, the test fluid may be drilling fluid sampled from a live well. Rotation of the rotor on the test coupon actuates rotation of the stator. A braking torque is applied to the stator rotation, enabling evaluation of, for example, fatigue load performance of test coupon. Additional embodiments comprise the rotor axis and the stator axis being offset in order to simulate rotor/stator eccentricity in a full size PDM stage.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2017Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Basintek, LLCInventors: Peter Thomas Cariveau, Timothy Mark Miller, Jing Lu
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Patent number: 9938830Abstract: A controlled collapse stub shaft is provided for allowing controlled axial movement of a mainline shaft which joins a fan or compressor to a turbine of a gas turbine engine. A first end of the stub shaft is adapted to be joined to the mainline shaft. A second end of the stub shaft is adapted to be joined to a part of the engine which is axially stationary relative to the controlled axial movement of the mainline shaft. The stub shaft further has an annular body between the first and second ends. The body contains a plurality of axially-spaced circumferential rows of circumferentially-extending slots, inter-slot ligaments being formed between the slots of each row. Successive rows are offset. In this way, the ligaments of the axially forwardmost and rearwardmost rows excepted, each ligament is sandwiched between a forward slot and a rearward slot of its neighboring rows.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plcInventor: Callum Harper
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Patent number: 9938831Abstract: A rotor for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of blades which extend from a rotor disk, each of the plurality of blades extend from the rotor disk at an interface, the interface defined along a spoke.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Stephen P. Muron, Ioannis Alvanos, Christopher M. Dye, Brian D. Merry, Arthur M. Salve, James W. Norris
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Patent number: 9938832Abstract: A balancing kit and balancing method is provided for balancing a rotating component. The balancing kit comprises a receptacle and a balancing mass. The balancing mass comprises a pin that may be passed through a corresponding slot in a plate of the receptacle during installation. To complete installation, the balancing mass is rotated so that the pin can no longer pass through the slot, and is instead retained in an installed position in which the pin rests on a lower surface of the plate. The balancing mass can be removed by the reverse process.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plcInventor: Mattheus Bakker
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Patent number: 9938833Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for designing and manufacturing flank millable components. In one embodiment, devices, systems, and methods for designing a flank millable component are provided, in which a user is notified when a component geometry option is selected that will result in the component not being flank millable. In another embodiment, the user is prevented from selecting a geometry option that would result in the component not being flank millable. In yet another embodiment, devices, systems, and methods are provided for manufacturing a component with a flank milling process, in which optimized machine instructions are determined that minimize milling machine motion.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Concepts NREC, LLCInventors: Derek J. Cooper, Alexander Plomp, David Japikse
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Patent number: 9938834Abstract: Bladed Gas Turbine Engine (GTE) rotors including deposited transition rings are provided, as are embodiments of methods for manufacturing bladed GTE rotors. In one embodiment, the method includes providing an outer blade ring having an inner circumferential surface defining a central opening, and depositing a deposited transition ring on the inner circumferential surface of the outer blade ring. The outer blade ring can be a full bladed ring or an annular grouping of individually-fabricated bladed pieces. After deposition of the transition ring, a hub disk is inserted into the central opening such that the transition ring extends around an outer circumferential surface of the hub disk. The transition ring is then bonded to the outer circumferential surface of the hub disk utilizing, for example, a hot isostatic pressing technique to join the transition ring and the outer blade ring thereto.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Eric Blumer, David K. Jan, Jason Smoke, Robbie Joseph Adams, Harry Lester Kington
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Patent number: 9938835Abstract: A system for providing cooling of a turbine rotor wheel includes a rotor wheel including a plurality of dovetail slots spaced circumferentially about a peripheral surface of the rotor wheel. Each of the dovetail slots includes a pair of opposite upper slot tangs and a pair of opposite lower slot tangs. The system also includes at least one turbine blade. The turbine blade includes an airfoil, a platform, and a dovetail. The dovetail includes a pair of opposite upper dovetail tangs and a pair of opposite lower dovetail tangs. The dovetail further includes at least one inlet aperture extending longitudinally therethrough. The pair of upper dovetail tangs include a first cooling hole extending therethrough and coupled in flow communication with the at least one inlet aperture.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2013Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Andrew Paul Giametta, David Richard Johns
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Patent number: 9938836Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure provides for a turbine airfoil. The turbine airfoil may include a trailing edge having: a set of cooling channels having a first cooling channel fluidly connected to a second cooling channel; a first section having a first pin bank cooling arrangement, the first section fluidly connected to the first cooling channel; and a second section having a second pin bank cooling arrangement, the second section fluidly connected to the second cooling channel and being radially inward of the first section.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: David Wayne Weber, Gregory Thomas Foster, Michelle Jessica Iduate, Brendon James Leary, Aaron Ezekiel Smith
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Patent number: 9938837Abstract: An airfoil has a body that includes leading and trailing edges that adjoin pressure and suction sides to provide an exterior airfoil surface. A cooling passage extends in a radial direction from a root to a tip. A trailing edge cooling passage interconnects the cooling passage to the trailing edge. The trailing edge cooling passage includes first and second pedestals of different sizes that are arranged in a repeating pattern with respect to pedestals of the same size and with respect to pedestals of different sizes.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Jeffrey R. Levine, Jeffrey S. Beattie, Malcolm C. Staddon
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Patent number: 9938838Abstract: A composite turbine blade for high-temperature applications such as gas turbines or the like includes a root for mounting the blade in a corresponding circumferential assembly groove of a rotor and an airfoil connected to said root. An inner carrying structure is provided extending at least over a portion of the root as well as at least a portion of said airfoil. The inner carrying structure is made of a high strength eutectic ceramic and the airfoil is made of a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: ANSALDO ENERGIA IP UK LIMITEDInventors: Gregoire Etienne Witz, Michael Stuer, Hans-Peter Bossmann
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Patent number: 9938839Abstract: Articles suitable for use as high-temperature machine components include a substrate and an environmental barrier coating disposed over the substrate, where the environmental barrier coating includes at least one hermetic self-sealing layer formed from a mixture including an alkaline earth metal aluminosilicate and a rare-earth silicate, and where the at least one hermetic self-sealing layer exhibits substantially no net remnant or residual expansion when subjected to high temperature heat treatment. The environmental barrier coating can further include a bondcoat disposed between the substrate and the hermetic self-sealing layer, a topcoat disposed over the hermetic self-sealing layer, and/or an intermediate layer disposed between the hermetic self-sealing layer and the bondcoat. The intermediate layer can include a barrier material that is substantially inert with respect to silica.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Larry Steven Rosenzweig, Reza Sarrafi-Nour
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Patent number: 9938840Abstract: An airfoil includes a stator vane that has a platform with a first radial side and a second radial side, and a platform axial leading end and a platform axial trailing end. An airfoil portion extends radially outwardly from the first side. The platform axial trailing end includes a rear axial face that extends from the first radial side and a radially sloped face that extends from the rear axial face to the second radial side.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Matthew P. Forcier, Brian J. Schuler, Jordan T. Wall
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Patent number: 9938841Abstract: A preswirler for a gas turbine engine diaphragm assembly is disclosed herein. In embodiments, the preswirler includes an outer ring and an inner ring. The outer ring includes an outer ring face, a first contact protrusion, and a second contact protrusion. The first and second contact protrusions are spaced apart and extend from an outer body portion at the outer ring face. The inner ring is located inward from the outer ring. The inner ring includes an inner ring face and a third contact protrusion. The third contact protrusion extends in from an inner body portion and at the inner ring face.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Solar Turbines IncorporatedInventor: Scott L. Stafford
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Patent number: 9938842Abstract: A cooling system for a turbomachine includes a vane having an outer diameter platform at one end and an inner diameter platform at another end opposite the outer diameter platform. The outer diameter platform includes outer diameter attachment structure operative to mount the vane to an outer diameter stationary structure. The inner diameter platform is operative to be disposed on an inner diameter stationary structure. The cooling system also includes an airfoil disposed between the outer diameter platform and the inner diameter platform and defining a first cross-passage. The first cross-passage defines a first outer diameter opening in the outer diameter platform. The first cross-passage defines a first inner diameter opening in the inner diameter platform such that a first leakage flow can pass through the vane from the inner diameter platform, through the airfoil, to the outer diameter platform, and into an outer diameter leakage path of the vane.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: Brandon W. Spangler
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Patent number: 9938843Abstract: A turbine arrangement and a gas turbine engine comprising a rim seal is configured with two cavities. The main fluid path, the two cavities, and a disc space are furthermore separated from another, but still in fluid communication with another, via three annular seal passages. A rim seal is configured for an upstream rotor blade and a downstream guide vane. The seal arrangement includes a trailing edge of the inner blade platform, a leading edge of the inner vane platform and a first annular cavity and a second annular cavity.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2013Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Yan Sheng Li, Roy Teuber
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Patent number: 9938844Abstract: The present application provides a seal assembly for a turbine. The seal assembly may include a first metal shim, a second metal shim, and one or more flexible layers positioned between the first metal shim and the second metal shim.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2011Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Victor J. Morgan, Neelesh N. Sarawate, David W. Weber
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Patent number: 9938845Abstract: A turbomachinery component of a gas turbine engine is disclosed having a number of techniques of reducing the effects of a gap flow between an airfoil member of the gas turbine engine and a wall of the gas turbine engine. The airfoil member can be variable and in one form is a variable turbine vane. In one embodiment a brush seal is included between the vane and the wall. In another form a wear surface is disposed between the vane and the wall. In yet another form a moveable member capable of being actuated to change position can be disposed between the vane and the wall to alter the size of a gap between the two.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2013Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignees: Rolls-Royce Corporation, Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.Inventors: Linnea Taketa, John Munson, Ted J. Freeman
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Patent number: 9938846Abstract: A turbine shroud for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of shroud segments arranged around a central axis. Each shroud segment includes a carrier component, a blade track component, and a retainer component that couples the blade track component to the carrier component. The turbine shroud further includes a plurality of circumferential seals that seal circumferential interfaces between the shroud segments.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignees: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc., Rolls-Royce CorporationInventors: Ted J. Freeman, David J. Thomas, Joseph P. Lamusga, Aaron D. Sippel
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Patent number: 9938847Abstract: A turbine arrangement and a gas turbine engine including a rim seal is configured with two cavities. The main fluid path, the two cavities, and a disc space are furthermore separated from another, but still in fluid communication with another, via three annular seal passages. The turbine arrangement also includes a plurality of cooling fluid injectors arranged underneath a radially inner vane platform. The rim seal is configured for an upstream guide vane and a downstream rotor blade.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2013Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Yan Sheng Li, Roy Teuber
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Patent number: 9938848Abstract: A rotor assembly having a wear member secured to an inner surface of the outer wall of the flow path. The wear member is made of material abradable by the blades. The wear member is located upstream of the blades. A downstream end of the wear member is abradably shaped by the blades upon rotation. An inner surface of the wear member is directed radially inwardly along a direction of flow in the flow path for deflecting a boundary layer of the flow into the annular blade path. A gas turbine engine and a method reducing tip vortices in a rotor assembly are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventor: Enzo Macchia
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Patent number: 9938849Abstract: An air seal system for a rotor blade assembly of a gas turbine engine includes a substrate. An optional ceramic interlayer may be disposed on an optional bond coat deposited on the substrate. An erosion resistant thermal barrier coating (E-TBC) layer is disposed on the ceramic interlayer (if present) or on the bond coat, or on the substrate. An abradable layer is disposed on the erosion resistant thermal barrier coating (E-TBC) layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2014Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Christopher W. Strock, Paul M. Lutjen, Michael J. Bruskotter
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Patent number: 9938850Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-spool gas turbine engine, including: a first generator for providing electrical power to an electrical system, the generator being driveably connected to a first spool; a second generator for providing electrical power to the electrical system, the generator being driveably connected to a second spool; a disconnection device for disconnecting the second generator from the second spool; and, a controller configured to selectively operate the disconnection device under predetermined powered engine conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2013Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plcInventors: Huw Llewelyn Edwards, Robert William Slater
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Patent number: 9938851Abstract: This governing valve drive mechanism is a governing valve drive mechanism (15) that opens/closes a steam flow path (12) with a valve body (13) in order to regulate the flow rate of steam in a steam turbine (10), and is equipped with: a valve body advancing/retreating mechanism (14) for advancing and retreating the valve body (13) toward and from the steam flow path (12); multiple sets of electric actuators (23A, 23B) each having a rotational drive source (26) and a conversion section (30) for converting rotation of the rotational drive source (26) into a linear motion; connection switching sections (38) by which the electric actuators (23A, 23B) can be individually connected to the valve body advancing/retreating mechanism (14); and a control unit (17) for controlling operations of the rotational drive sources (26) and connection switching sections (38).Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2014Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES COMPRESSOR CORPORATIONInventors: Tomoaki Okamura, Makoto Katagake
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Patent number: 9938852Abstract: An acoustic assembly includes a backsheet including a plurality of perforations defined therethrough and an acoustic core coupled to the backsheet. The acoustic core includes a plurality of channels defined therethrough that are configured to be in flow communication with the plurality of perforations. The acoustic assembly also includes a linear facesheet coupled to the acoustic core, wherein the linear facesheet includes a plurality of apertures configured to be in flow communication with the plurality of channels. A lipskin is coupled to the linear facesheet, wherein the lipskin includes a plurality of openings configured to be in flow communication with the plurality of apertures.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2014Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Alex C. Lumbab, Justin Honshune Lan, Bradley Scott Leisten
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Patent number: 9938853Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gas turbine engine assembly having a compressor configured to increase pressure of incoming air, a combustion chamber, at least one turbine coupled to a generator, a torsional damper, and a controller. The combustion chamber is configured to receive a pressurized air stream from the compressor. Further, fuel is injected into the pressurized air in the combustion chamber and ignited so as to raise a temperature and energy level of the pressurized air. The turbine is operatively coupled to the combustion chamber so as to receive combustion products that flow from the combustion chamber. The generator is coupled to the turbine via a shaft. Thus, the torsional damper is configured to dampen torsional oscillations of the generator. Moreover, the controller is configured to provide additional damping control to the generator.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Paul Robert Gemin, Thomas Lee Becker, Tod Robert Steen