Patents Issued in July 24, 2018
  • Patent number: 10030490
    Abstract: A hydraulic fluid distribution system includes a mechanical switch including a first valve, a first actuation pin extending axially from the first valve, and a second actuation pin extending axially from the first valve. The first valve includes an inlet port, a first outlet port, and a second outlet port. The first valve has a first position with the inlet port in fluid communication with the first outlet port and a second position with the inlet port in fluid communication with the second outlet port. The first actuation pin is configured to move in a first axial direction to transition the first valve from the second position to the first position, and the second actuation pin is configured to move in a second axial direction to transition the first valve from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: William Michel
  • Patent number: 10030491
    Abstract: A process for producing gaseous hydrocarbon from a subterranean formation by hydraulically fracturing with injection of a liquid material under pressure such that a connecting fracture is generated extending between a lower injection well and an upper production well, where a gas-liquid interface is defined within the fracture or within the upper producing well, and producing gas across the gas-liquid interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: NEXEN ENERGY ULC
    Inventors: James Frederick Pyecroft, Jurgen Siegfried Lehmann, Omar El-Naggar
  • Patent number: 10030492
    Abstract: Techniques for well testing include providing an amount of a chemical material to a location in a wellbore; reacting the chemical material to generate an exothermic chemical reaction at the location in the wellbore; and fracturing the formation by the exothermic chemical reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ayman Raja Al-Nakhli, Hazim Hussein Abass, Mirajuddin Riazuddin Khan
  • Patent number: 10030493
    Abstract: It is often desirable to suppress the growth of bacteria when conducting oilfield operations, particularly in the subterranean environment. Methods for suppressing growth of bacteria can comprise: providing a plurality of biocidal proppant particulates, the biocidal proppant particulates comprising a biocidal coating upon proppant particulates, the biocidal coating comprising a plurality of biocidal nanoparticles dispersed within a binder material; introducing the biocidal proppant particulates into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation; localizing at least a portion of the biocidal proppant particulates within the subterranean formation; and suppressing growth of one or more types of bacteria with the biocidal nanoparticles in the wellbore or in the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Nguyen, Prashant D. Chopade, David Loveless
  • Patent number: 10030494
    Abstract: Enhanced methods for use in subterranean operations and, more particularly, for fracturing a subterranean formation are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises: introducing into a wellbore penetrating a portion of a subterranean formation alternating intervals of a particulate-laden fluid comprising a plurality of particulates sized 100 U.S. mesh or smaller, and a treatment fluid comprising a lesser amount of particulates than the particulate-laden fluid; wherein the alternating intervals of the particulate-laden fluid and the treatment fluid are introduced into the wellbore at or above a pressure sufficient to create or enhance one or more fractures in the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold G. Walters, David B. Allison, Ronald G. Dusterhoft
  • Patent number: 10030495
    Abstract: A method of heterogeneous proppant placement in a subterranean fracture is disclosed. The method comprises injecting well treatment fluid including proppant (16) and proppant-spacing filler material (18) through a wellbore (10) into the fracture (20), heterogeneously placing the proppant in the fracture in a plurality of proppant clusters or islands (22) spaced apart by the material (24), and removing the filler material (24) to form open channels (26) around the pillars (28). The filler material can be dissolvable particles, initially acting as a consolidator during placement of the proppant in the fracture, and later dissolving to leave flow channels between the proppant pillars. The well treatment fluid can include extrametrical materials to provide reinforcement and consolidation of the proppant and, additionally or alternatively, to inhibit settling of the proppant in the treatment fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fedor Nikolaevich Litvinets, Andrey Vladimirovich Bogdan, Sergey Mikhailovich Makarychev-Mikhailov, Oleg Medvedev, Alejandro Pena, Konstantin Mikhailovich Lyapunov, Alexander Vuacheslavovich Mikhaylov, Timothy M. Lesko, J. Ernest Brown, Dean M. Willberg, Ivan Vitalievich Kosarev, Anatoly Vladimirovich Medvedev, Jonathan Abbott, Alexander Alexandrovich Burukhin
  • Patent number: 10030496
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a synthesis gas using a solid acid, more particularly to a method for producing a synthesis gas using a solid acid capable of remarkably decreasing production of environmental pollutants such as carbon dioxide, which includes producing hydrogen by reacting a solid acid with water and producing a synthesis gas by reacting the produced hydrogen with a carbon compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Hong Gon Kim, Min Jae Ko, Ju Hee Kim, Young Sang Cho, Jae Ik Kim, Kang-Bong Lee, In-Hwan Oh
  • Patent number: 10030497
    Abstract: A method for optimizing well spacing for a multi-well pad which includes a first group of wells and a second group of wells is provided. The method includes the steps of: creating a fracture in a stage in a first well in the first group of wells; isolating a next stage in said first well in the first group of wells from said stage; creating a fracture in said next stage in the first well in the first group after the step of isolating; measuring a pressure by using a pressure gauge in direct fluid communication with said next stage in the first well in the first group of wells; creating a fracture in one or more stages in a well in the second group of wells in a manner such that the fracture in the well in the second group of wells induces the pressure measured in the first well to change; and recording the pressure change in the next stage of the first well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: STATOIL GULF SERVICES LLC
    Inventors: Matthew A. Dawson, Günther Kampfer
  • Patent number: 10030498
    Abstract: A system and method for adjusting a position of an oil-water interface layer. A vessel, such as a free water knockout or a treater used in the processing of heavy oil, contains a fluid comprising the interface layer. A nuclear densitometer is positioned to obtain density measurements of the fluid at various heights along the vessel. Based at least in part on these density readings, a valve controlling flow out of a water discharge port on the vessel may be actuated, with the flow of water through the water discharge port being inversely proportional to the height of the interface layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: FCCL Partnership
    Inventors: Denise M Kupferschmid, Glenn Price, Scott Yaholnitsky
  • Patent number: 10030499
    Abstract: A real-time drilling monitor (RTDM) workstation provides real-time information at a well-site. The workstation may include a display and a processor coupled to the display. The processor receives sensor signals from a plurality of sensors and generates a single graphical user interface (GUI) populated with dynamically generated parameters based on the sensor signals, as well as static information and dynamically updated uncertainty assessments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA INC.
    Inventor: Paul J. Johnston
  • Patent number: 10030500
    Abstract: A wellbore surveillance system obtains fluid reservoir information data, such as the position and amount of gas, oil and/or water, while draining hydrocarbons from an oil or gas field via a casing in a wellbore in a formation. The casing has a vertical part near a top of the casing and an inner face, the system comprising a first sensor for measuring a content of gas, oil and/or water in the formation, and a second sensor for measuring a content of gas, oil and/or water in the formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: WELLTEC A/S
    Inventor: Jorgen Hallundbæk
  • Patent number: 10030501
    Abstract: An assembly for use in subsurface drilling includes a downhole probe supported in a drill string section by centralizing features of a centralizer that is slidably removable from the drill string section. The centralizer may comprise a tubular body having a bore defined through it. A bore wall of the centralizer is fluted to provide inward contact points that support the downhole probe. The downhole probe may be supported for substantially its entire length. The centralizer may optionally comprise and/or be coated with a vibration damping and/or electrically insulating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Evolution Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron W. Logan, Justin C. Logan, Patrick R. Derkacz
  • Patent number: 10030502
    Abstract: A module gathers information about the level of water in a water well and sends the information to a database. A sensor tracks the level of water in the well, how it changes over time, and the pace of recharge including the rate of water replenishment from the groundwater source. The system can be programmed to send alerts to interested parties when certain thresholds are reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Wellntel, Inc
    Inventors: Marian J. Singer, Nicholas D. Hayes, Dale Raymond, Kent A. Tabor, Dan L. Watts, Christopher H. Bock
  • Patent number: 10030503
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a logging tool. The logging tool includes a spring integral with a sensor. The spring applies the sensor to a formation wall. Additionally, the spring includes a groove formed along a neutral axis thereof. In addition, a wire is located within the groove and is operatively connected with the sensor and at least one other component of the logging tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alan J. Sallwasser, Julien Toniolo, Peter Wells, Mark A. Fredette
  • Patent number: 10030504
    Abstract: An apparatus for receiving signals in azimuthally acoustic LWD includes a drill collar body, a circuit mounting frame, a receiving transducer, a sealing connector, a preposed processing circuit module, a first receiving signal processing circuit for processing a signal from the transducer, distance detecting sensors, at least one set of plugging assemblies, an electrical connector and a second receiving signal processing circuit for processing signals from the distance detecting sensors. The circuit mounting frame is located inside the drill collar body and connected with the drill collar body. The receiving apparatus integrates a borehole diameter measurement system and an azimuthally acoustic while drilling receiving system on one drill collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: INSTITUTE OF GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
    Inventors: Jian Zheng, Qingyun Di, Wenxuan Chen, Wenxiu Zhang, Yuntao Sun, Yongyou Yang
  • Patent number: 10030505
    Abstract: A method for determining a depth related parameter of an instrument in a wellbore includes measuring movement of the instrument along the wellbore using a wheel sensor urged into contact with a wall of the wellbore. Movement of an instrument conveyance is measured proximate the surface. Measurements from the wheel sensor are calibrated using measurements of movement of the instrument conveyance. The depth related parameter of the instrument is determined using the calibrated wheel sensor measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Julien Toniolo, Peter Wells, Josselin Kherroubi, Richard Bloemenkamp
  • Patent number: 10030506
    Abstract: A downhole device for use in a wellbore that has sensors for monitoring flow rates and fluid properties of fluid flowing in the wellbore. The sensors are disposed adjacent one another so that the properties of the fluid monitored by the sensors are substantially the same. The sensor for monitoring flow rate is a flow meter optionally equipped with rotatable members that are affixed to a rotatable base member. The members are positioned in a path of the flowing fluid which rotates the members and base member; the fluid flow rate is estimated based on a measured rotational rate of the base member. Properties estimated by the fluid property sensor include viscosity and density. The fluid property sensor can include a resonating member disposed in the fluid flow path, by measuring the damping of the fluid across the resonating member, the fluid density and viscosity can be estimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE Company, LLC
    Inventors: Otto N. Fanini, Mohamed Daoud
  • Patent number: 10030507
    Abstract: A method for detecting or mapping potential influx zones for gas from a geological formation to a gas well with a well head with a valve tree or a choke includes the following steps of: marking the potential influx zones with tracer systems with corresponding unique tracers—filling the gas well form the surface, through the well head with liquid wherein the tracers have affinity to the liquid, producing liquid form the well, consecutively sampling samples from the produced liquid, to analyze the samples to prove possible presence of one or more tracers or even measure the tracers concentrations. By performing the method, one may prove possible influx of a back flow of liquid from the influx zones that one assumes implies the gas pressure and the inflow of a gas form the influx zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: RESMAN AS
    Inventors: Fridtjof Nyhavn, Erlend Fævelen
  • Patent number: 10030508
    Abstract: Evaluating annulus-tubing communication points in a production well having an annulus between a production string and a surrounding string(s) of casing. Determining a composition of production fluids produced from the well, and injecting one or more tracer materials into the annulus of the well under pressure as part of a lift gas. Each of the one or more tracer materials defines a material that is not native to the production fluids, and each has a different rate of diffusivity in the lift gas. The tracer materials are detected upon being produced at the surface. A mass spectrometer or other analyzer capable of detecting tracer materials at concentrations of less than 1,000 ppm is used. Determining injection points of the one or more tracer materials, and determining whether each of the injection points represents a gas lift valve along the production tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Michael C. Romer, Ted A. Long, Tony W. Hord
  • Patent number: 10030509
    Abstract: An apparatus for communicating optical signals between an external device located on a first side of a wellbore barrier and a downhole device located on a second side of the well bore barrier includes a first wireless node which is positioned on the first side of the well bore barrier and is in communication with the external device via a first cable. A second wireless node is positioned on the second side of the well bore barrier and is in communication with the downhole device via a second cable. The first and second wireless nodes are configured to communicate wirelessly through the well bore barrier using near field magnetic induction (NFMI) communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Mulholland, Gabriel Silva, David Kane, Daniel McStay
  • Patent number: 10030510
    Abstract: A wellbore E-field wireless communication system, the communication system comprising a first E-field antenna, and a second E-field antenna, wherein the first antenna, and the second antenna are both arranged in a common compartment, such as an annulus of a wellbore and further arranged for transferring a signal between a first connector of the first E-field antenna and a second connector of the second E-field antenna by radio waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton AS
    Inventors: Oivind Godager, Fan-Nian Kong
  • Patent number: 10030511
    Abstract: Systems, computer-implemented methods, and non-transitory computer-readable medium having a stored computer program provide characterization of multiphase fluid flow (MPF) using approximate entropy calculation techniques to enhance measuring and monitoring of a flow regime in a segment of pipe for hydrocarbon-production operations. The systems and methods can be optimized using principal component analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Talha Jamal Ahmad, Michael John Black, Muhammad Arsalan, Mohamed Nabil Noui-Mehidi
  • Patent number: 10030512
    Abstract: Systems, computer-implemented methods, and non-transitory computer-readable medium having a stored computer program provide characterization of multiphase fluid flow (MPF) using approximate entropy calculation techniques to enhance measuring and monitoring of a flow regime in a segment of pipe for hydrocarbon-production operations. The systems and methods can be optimized using principal component analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Talha Jamal Ahmad, Michael John Black, Muhammad Arsalan, Mohamed Nabil Noui-Mehidi
  • Patent number: 10030513
    Abstract: A drill stem test string may include a tubular body having an axial bore formed at least partially therethrough. An axial flow valve may be coupled to the first tubular body and allow fluid to flow axially through the first tubular body when in an open state and prevent fluid from flowing axially through the first tubular body when in a closed state. A radial flow valve may be coupled to the first tubular body and allow fluid to flow radially through the first tubular body when in an open state and prevent fluid from flowing radially through the first tubular body when in a closed state. A seal assembly may be coupled to an outer surface of the first tubular body and positioned between a lower end of the first tubular member and the first radial flow valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Dinesh Patel
  • Patent number: 10030514
    Abstract: A method of monitoring fluid flow in an oil reservoir includes the step of delivering a nutrient package to an oil reservoir. The nutrient package stimulates the growth of resident microbes/organisms which changes the morphology and function of the microbes. A sample is taken from produced fluids from wells in the reservoir and possible connections thereof and analyzed. Based on the analysis, determinations are made regarding the movement of fluids in the reservoir by observing changes in the range, concentration, and cell morphology of the microbes after nutrient stimulation by comparing pre-treatment versus post treatment measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: TITAN OIL RECOVERY, INC.
    Inventors: Alan James Sheehy, Brian W. G. Marcotte, Michael Thomas Carroll, Colin Kenneth Hill
  • Patent number: 10030515
    Abstract: A mounting assembly adapted for attachment to a surface of a rotatable driving member of a cutting tool machine and adapted for receiving a cutting tool includes: a base having a bottom portion for attachment to the surface of the rotatable driving member and a front portion that defines a bore; and a tool holder configured for mounting to the base. The tool holder includes: a leading head region having a forward face that defines an aperture for receiving the cutting tool; a trailing shank region with a central longitudinal axis and having an axial forward end and an axial rearward end; and a mediate region intermediate of and contiguous with the leading head region and the trailing shank region. The trailing shank region includes an anti-rotation portion and a mounting retention portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: KENNAMETAL INC.
    Inventors: Luke A. Weber, Eric P. Helsel, Brian K. Lavely, Timothy A. LaMantia, Donald E. Keller
  • Patent number: 10030516
    Abstract: An articulated liner system for the protection of mining equipment surfaces subject to impact and abrasive wear caused by the circulation, loading and/or transport of ores, having a one-piece liner mat and an anchorage assembly with a first part having one mat fastening means and a second part having at least one supporting means for the anchorage assembly. The supporting means is fixed to a reference surface of the mining equipment. The liner mat is fixedly arranged in the one mat fastening means of the first part of the anchorage assembly. The first part of the anchorage assembly is joined to the second part of the anchorage assembly, enabling the mat to be arranged over the mining equipment surface when the joint between the first and the second parts of the anchorage assembly is driven. A method of installation, maintenance and manufacture is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: VITA NOVA SPA
    Inventor: Cristian Diaz
  • Patent number: 10030517
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and methods related to rotor disk bosses. For example, a rotor disk assembly comprises a first rotor disk, wherein the first rotor disk comprises a web, disposed between a rim and a bore. The rotor disk assembly further comprises a second rotor disk operatively coupled to the first rotor disk, an inter-disk device disposed on the second rotor disk and extending axially toward the first rotor disk, and a boss disposed on the first rotor disk, wherein the boss protrudes axially from the web toward the inter-disk device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin L. Corcoran, Jody M Grosso, Christopher St. Mary
  • Patent number: 10030518
    Abstract: An exhaust gas turbocharger may include a turbine housing and a turbine. The turbine housing may include at least two exhaust gas channels and a partition. A wastegate valve may be arranged such that the at least two exhaust gas channels are connectable to a bypass duct bypassing the turbine. The wastegate valve may include a hollow valve body and a valve seat interacting with the valve body. The wastegate valve may be configured such that at least one of ram supercharging and pulse supercharging is performed. A connecting opening may be arranged between the at least two exhaust-gas channels. The valve body may have a base region configured to facilitate a discharging of an exhaust-gas steam into the bypass duct and/or an overflowing of one exhaust gas channel through the connecting opening into the other exhaust-gas channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Bosch Mahle Turbo Systems GmbH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Lummer, Martin Kropp
  • Patent number: 10030519
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine is provided. The engine has an axis and a plurality of coaxial turbine discs, including a first disc and a second disc. A face of the first disc is disposed opposite to a face of the second disc. The engine also has a cover plate coaxial with the axis covering the second disc. The second disc includes an arrangement of turbine blade inserts positioned around its periphery. This arrangement is concentric with the plurality of turbine discs. Turbine blade inserts are retained on the second disc at least in part by the cover plate. The engine further comprises a coaxial tie bolt extending through the plurality of coaxial turbine discs, a spanner nut on the end of the tie bold, an arm coaxial with the axis extending from the face of the second disc having a distal end an axial stop extending from the face of the first disc. The distal end is in contact with the axial stop. The axial stop retains the axial movement of the second disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brandon R. Snyder, Daniel K. Morrison, Matthew Basiletti
  • Patent number: 10030520
    Abstract: A blade for a water current turbine rotor, which extends along a radial direction and comprises an outer surface, an inner surface, a leading edge, and a trailing edge. The leading edge is the edge of the blade that extends along the radial direction and is disposed upstream in the direction in which the water flows along the blade, while the trailing edge is the edge of the blade opposite the leading edge and is disposed downstream in the direction of flow. At least one portion of the blade has a profile comprising a thick portion and a thin portion, the cross section being perpendicular to the radial direction. The thick portion and the thin portion each have a maximum thickness along a direction perpendicular to the outer surface, the maximum thickness of the thick portion being at least four times greater than the maximum thickness of the thin portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Hugo Duchene, Philippe Cagnin, Antoine Girard-Pecarrere
  • Patent number: 10030521
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blade row group arrangeable in a main flow path of a fluid-flow machine and including N adjacent member blade rows firmly arranged relative to one another in both the meridional direction (m) and the circumferential direction (u), with the number N of the member blade rows being greater than/equal to 2 and (i) designating the running index with values between 1 and N. Here, a front member blade row with front blades (i) having a leading edge VK(i) and a trailing edge HK(i) as well as a rear member blade row with rear blades (i+1) having a leading edge VK(i+1) and a trailing edge HK(i+1) are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND LTD & CO KG
    Inventor: Volker Guemmer
  • Patent number: 10030522
    Abstract: A turbomachine blade comprising a blade tip and a metallic leading edge having a plurality of shear zones angled to the blade tip, wherein the shear strength of the shear zones is less than the shear strength of the remainder of the leading edge, such that in the event of an impact shear is initially initiated at the shear zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Christopher Benson
  • Patent number: 10030523
    Abstract: An article for gas turbine engine includes a body that has a gaspath side for exposure in a core gaspath of a gas turbine engine. The gaspath side has an undulating surface. A cooling passage is in the body. The cooling passage has a undulating profile that corresponds to the undulating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: San Quach, Tracy A. Propheter-Hinckley, Steven Bruce Gautschi
  • Patent number: 10030524
    Abstract: A component comprises a set of thin film cooling holes formed therein. Each of the thin film cooling holes provides a passage between a first surface of the component and a second surface of the component. Each of the thin film cooling holes includes a smooth transition between the first surface of the component and the surface the passage, and a progressively steeper flow path relative to the first surface of the component and between the smooth transition and the second surface of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey F. Rhodes, Clinton A. Hammes, Rusty M. Garner
  • Patent number: 10030525
    Abstract: A turbine component includes a component wall with inner and outer surfaces wherein a diffuser hole passes through the component wall between the inner surface and the outer surface. The diffuser hole has a hole axis and includes: a metering section extending from an inlet at the inner surface to a junction plane between the inner and outer surfaces; and a diffuser section extending from the junction plane to an outlet at the outer surface, and increasing in flow area from the junction plane to the outlet, the diffuser section having an upstream portion defining a first area ratio and a downstream portion defining a second area ratio different from the first area ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Robert Frederick Bergholz
  • Patent number: 10030526
    Abstract: A cooling system for a turbine bucket including a multi-wall blade and a platform. A cooling circuit for the multi-wall blade includes: an outer cavity circuit and a central cavity for collecting cooling air from the outer cavity circuit; a platform core air feed for receiving the cooling air from the central cavity; and an air passage for fluidly connecting the platform core air feed to a platform core of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gregory Thomas Foster, Elisabeth Kraus Black, Michelle Jessica Iduate, Brendon James Leary, Jacob Charles Perry, II, David Wayne Weber
  • Patent number: 10030527
    Abstract: A method for applying an abrasive comprises: applying, to a substrate, the integral combination of: a self-braze material; and an abrasive embedded in the self-braze material; and securing the combination to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Eric W. Stratton, Michael J. Minor
  • Patent number: 10030528
    Abstract: A spring guide for use in a seal housing including a first body portion, a second body portion, and a flange portion, including a flange width, extending circumferentially between the first body portion and the second body portion. The flange width being less than or equal to approximately 2.1 millimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jonathan Logan Miller
  • Patent number: 10030529
    Abstract: A segmented engine component has multiple segments which are connected to each other via a featherseal arrangement. Each of the components has a combined featherseal slot and lightening pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Russell J. Bergman, Scott A. Kovach
  • Patent number: 10030530
    Abstract: A rotatable sealing structure for a gas turbine engine includes a first blade and a second blade. A seal is arranged between the blades and has a body that is configured for operative association with the first and second blades in a first orientation and in a second orientation to seal a gap defined between the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel A. Snyder
  • Patent number: 10030531
    Abstract: A non-contact seal assembly is provided. This assembly includes a plurality of seal shoes, a seal base and a plurality of spring elements. The seal shoes are arranged about a centerline in an annular array. The seal shoes include a first seal shoe extending axially along the centerline between a first shoe end and a second shoe end. An aperture may extend partially axially into the first seal shoe from the first shoe end and laterally within the first seal shoe. The seal base circumscribes the annular array of the seal shoes. Each of the spring elements is radially between and connects a respective one of the seal shoes with the seal base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher J. Peters
  • Patent number: 10030532
    Abstract: An abradable seal includes a seal element that is formed of a polymer matrix with thermally conductive microspheres dispersed through the polymer matrix. The polymer matrix has a polymer matrix thermal conductivity and the microspheres have a microsphere thermal conductivity that is greater than the polymer matrix thermal conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott Alan Eastman, Changsheng Guo
  • Patent number: 10030533
    Abstract: An example turbomachine bushing a bushing having a wear surface configured to interface directly with a variable vane assembly to limit radially inward movement of the variable vane assembly, wherein the variable vane assembly is moveable axially between a first position contacting the wear surface and a second position spaced from the wear surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Dougan, Bernard W. Pudvah
  • Patent number: 10030534
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for detecting distortion in a component of a gas turbine engine. In one embodiment, the system includes at least one detectable datum marker configured at least partially within the component. Further, the system includes a non-destructive inspection tool configured to monitor a location of the detectable datum marker over time. Thus, distortion of the component can be detected as a function of movement of the location of the detectable datum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Herbert Chidsey Roberts, Glenn Curtis Taxacher
  • Patent number: 10030535
    Abstract: An improved composite structure and method for making same has been provided. The provided improved composite structure has locally strengthened areas within a reinforcement region. The locally strengthened areas within the reinforcement region have load distribution devices to redistribute load in order to (i) locally strengthen an area around damage induced by an initial momentary and direct transmitted load, and (ii) limit growth and propagation of damage induced by an initial momentary and direct transmitted load during a subsequent unbalance load. The improved composite structure reduces the impact of the fan blade out phenomenon in a weight efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Bill Russell Watson, Michael Braley, Gary Roberts
  • Patent number: 10030536
    Abstract: A combination of a gas turbine pressure sensing assembly and an engine electronics unit. The pressure sensing assembly includes a pressure manifold having an air inlet and one or more air outlets. The pressure sensing assembly further includes one or more pressure sensors connected to the air outlets to sense the pressure of air entering through the air inlet. The engine electronics unit in operation produces waste heat. The pressure sensing assembly further includes a heat conduction path which thermally connects the engine electronics unit to the manifold such that the manifold acts as a sink for the waste heat. The temperature rise of the manifold produced by the waste heat preventing icing of the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: David Brookes
  • Patent number: 10030537
    Abstract: A turbine nozzle includes an airfoil that extends in span from an inner band to an outer band where the inner band and the outer band define outer flow boundaries of the turbine nozzle. The inner band includes a gas side surface that is at least partially covered by one or more inner plates. The inner band also includes a plurality of cooling channels formed within the gas side surface beneath the one or more inner plates. The outer band includes a gas side surface that is at least partially covered by one or more outer plates. The outer band comprises a plurality of cooling channels formed within the gas side surface beneath the one or more outer plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sandip Dutta, Benjamin Paul Lacy, Joseph Anthony Weber, Peter Galen Stevens
  • Patent number: 10030538
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of cooling a hot portion of a gas turbine engine, such as a rotor disk, by having a vane assembly with a cooling air passage and a flow control insert located within the cooling air passage defining a conduit. A turning nozzle is mounted to the vane and has a turning passage with an inlet and an outlet, the turning nozzle is fluidly coupled to the flow control insert outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Wilhelm Ramon Hernandez, Daniel Edward Demers, Tyler Frederick Hooper, Victor Hugo Silva Correia, Troy Todd Dennis
  • Patent number: 10030539
    Abstract: A compressor of a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of rotors rotatable about a central longitudinal axis, a plurality of stators, and a circumferential inner case wall located outwardly of the plurality of rotors and the plurality of stators. The inner case wall includes a plurality of first slots located in a first section of the circumferential inner case wall and a plurality of second slots located in at least one second section of the circumferential inner case wall. A first area of each of the first slots is greater than a second area of each of the second slots. A circumferential manifold is located outwardly of the inner case wall including a port. At least one of the plurality of second slots is located proximate to the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Ronan, Daniel Carminati