Removing Material Patents (Class 29/402.06)
  • Patent number: 11618112
    Abstract: A remanufactured pinion shaft includes a salvage member secured to a replacement member. The salvage member may be formed from a damaged pinion shaft and includes first gear teeth proximate a first axial end and a first alignment member proximate a second axial end. The replacement member includes second gear teeth proximate a first axial end and a second alignment member proximate a second axial end. The first alignment member and the second alignment member cooperate to transmit rotational motion between the first salvage member and the replacement member and/or align the salvage member relative to the replacement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis John Graham, Christopher Anthony Kinney
  • Patent number: 11504813
    Abstract: A method comprises inspecting a ceramic matrix composite component assembled in a gas turbine engine to determine an extent of damage to the ceramic matrix composite component, determining a repair technique to repair the damage to the ceramic matrix composite component based on the extent of damage to the ceramic matrix composite component, and repairing the ceramic matrix composite component using the repair technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce High Temperature Composites Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Whittle, Stephen Harris, Keith Sadler, Matthew D. Thomason, Andrew Norton, James Kell
  • Patent number: 11473433
    Abstract: An airfoil for a gas turbine engine includes a substrate portion extending from an airfoil leading edge to an airfoil trailing edge portion. The airfoil trailing edge portion includes a flared portion wherein a substrate portion thickness increases along a camber line of the airfoil, and a trailing edge defined as a full constant radius extending from a pressure side of the airfoil to a suction side of the airfoil. A coating portion includes a coating applied over at least a portion of the substrate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anton G. Banks, Alan C. Barron
  • Patent number: 11371487
    Abstract: A method of repairing a joint connecting a wind turbine blade to a rotor hub of a wind turbine, wherein the joint includes a plurality of bushings in a root end of the wind turbine blade is disclosed. The method includes extracting a selected bushing from the wind turbine blade, the extraction resulting in a bushing cavity in the wind turbine blade; reconditioning the bushing cavity in the wind turbine blade; providing a replacement insert, wherein the insert includes a replacement bushing and a cover disposed around at least a portion of the replacement bushing; positioning the replacement insert into the reconditioned bushing cavity; and securing the replacement insert to the wind turbine blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Romaric Thiebaut
  • Patent number: 10641102
    Abstract: A vane cluster for a gas turbine engine includes an outer diameter platform and an inner diameter platform. A plurality of vanes span from the outer diameter platform to the inner diameter platform. At least one inbound region is defined between a first vane of the plurality of vanes and a second vane of the plurality of vanes. The first vane includes a suction side facing the inbound region. Each of the vanes includes a leading edge core passage and a trailing edge core passage. A plurality of electrical discharge machined (EDM) holes are disposed within at least 0.500 inches (12.7 mm) of a leading edge of the first vane. Each of the EDM holes connect a leading edge core passage of the vane to an exterior surface of the vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn M. McMahon, Christopher Whitfield, Kristopher K. Anderson, Jason B. Moran, Brett Alan Bartling, Christopher Perron, Justin M. Aniello, Stephanie Tanner, Dominic J. Mongillo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10385865
    Abstract: An airfoil for use in a turbomachine includes a pressure sidewall and a suction sidewall coupled to the pressure sidewall. The suction sidewall and the pressure sidewall define a leading edge and an opposite trailing edge. The leading edge and the trailing edge define a chord distance. The airfoil further includes a root portion, and a tip portion. The tip portion extends between the pressure sidewall and the suction sidewall such that the tip portion is substantially perpendicular to each sidewall. The tip portion includes at least one planar section and at least one oblique section that forms a recess within the tip portion. The at least one oblique section extends from the at least one planar section towards the root portion along the chord distance. The tip portion is configured to reduce airfoil wear during contact with a surrounding casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sathyanarayanan Raghavan, Neelesh Nandkumar Sarawate, Kenneth Martin Lewis, Changjie Sun, Ananda Barua
  • Patent number: 10323615
    Abstract: A hydraulic head assembly includes a hydraulic head and an adaptor. The hydraulic head has a first bore and a pumping chamber. The adapter has a second bore. The adapter is connected to the hydraulic head such that the first and second bores are disposed coaxially to form a pumping element bore. A pumping element is disposed within the first and second bores for pressurizing fuel in the pumping chamber. A first seal is formed between the pumping element and the hydraulic head; and a second seal is formed between the pumping element and the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES IP LIMITED
    Inventors: Kevin Laity, Ian Thornthwaite, James Thompson
  • Patent number: 10221859
    Abstract: An airfoil for a compressor blade of a gas turbine engine has a chord between a leading edge and a trailing edge and a span between a root and a tip. The airfoil can further include a reduction in local chord from about 75% span to the tip for about a 5% reduction in local solidity. The airfoil can have decreasing sweep angles for the leading edge and the trailing edge from 50% span to the tip and can have decreasing leading and trailing edge dihedral angles from 50% span to the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Curtis William Moeckel, Peter John Wood, Matthew Ford Adam, Eric Andrew Falk, Mark Joseph Stecher
  • Patent number: 9015939
    Abstract: In a method for increasing the strength of a component subjected to torsional and flexural stress, in particular of a crankshaft, in a first step essentially the entire component is provided with a nitriding layer. In a second step, the nitriding layer is at least partially removed in at least one highly stressed region of the component by means of cutting machining, and, in a third step, the at least one highly stressed component region freed of the nitriding layer is mechanically strain-hardened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Alfing Kessler GmbH
    Inventors: Alfons Reeb, Jochen Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9015941
    Abstract: A method of the present disclosure includes of repairing a core stiffened structure with structural foam. Another method includes splicing core members together using structural foam. Another method includes joining a core member to a structure using structural foam. Another method includes using structural foam to stabilize a core member during a machining process. Another method includes stabilizing a core member with structural foam to prevent the core member from crushing in autoclave pressure. The present disclosure further includes a core stiffened structure have a core member with structural foam therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Ramesh Thiagarajan, Robert Mark Chris, John R. McCullough, Suvankar Mishra
  • Patent number: 8959738
    Abstract: A process of repairing a component, a repair tool for a component, and a component are disclosed. The process includes removing material from a region of the component. The removing forms a through-cut in the component, forms a partial-frustoconical geometry in the component, forms a substantially partial-frustoconical geometry in the component, forms a partial-spherical geometry in the component, forms a substantially partial-spherical geometry in the component, forms a partial-elliptical geometry in the component, forms a substantially partial-elliptical geometry in the component, forms a partial-cylindrical geometry in the component, forms a substantially partial-cylindrical geometry in the component, is in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the component, is in a direction substantially inclined with respect to the surface of the component, or a combination thereof. The repair tool includes a securing mechanism and a cutting portion for removing a region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Yagnesh Dalpatbhai Hathiwala, Howard Gerhard Halverson, Somayajula Kumar, Sabarinath Devarajan, David Christopher Bayer
  • Patent number: 8959766
    Abstract: In a method for machining grooves, especially fir-tree grooves (13), which are provided for accommodating blades (19), on a rotor (10) of a turbine, especially a low-pressure steam turbine, great simplification and high flexibility is achieved by the fact that in the grooves, or fir-tree grooves (13), material is removed by a program-controlled milling device, wherein the milling device is inserted into the groove, or fir-tree groove (13), with a milling tool (20) which is guided along the places in the groove, or fir-tree groove (13), which are to be machined, by a milling tool positioning device, which is freely movable in space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Wilfried Storch, Stephan Fiedler, Björn Heucke, Michael Schwaar, Thomas Jaehnert, Günter Gnirss
  • Patent number: 8932431
    Abstract: Disks stuck together in a stack are separated by placing the disks on a shaft of a vibratory apparatus and vibrating the shaft to vibrate the disks by contact of the disks with the vibrating shaft to separate them and also constrain the disks with the shaft as the disks are vibrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Branson Ultrasonics Corporation
    Inventors: Guillermo Coto, Richard K. Buckley, Glenn Doud, Fernando Aguilera Galicia
  • Patent number: 8918977
    Abstract: A method is provided for destroying a blind fastener joining at least two parts. The blind fastener includes, but is not limited to a body situated in the holes provided in the joined parts, with a head at each end thereof, and portions of which protrude above the level of the holes. The method also includes, but is not limited to withdrawing the accessible head of the fastener, and creating a hole that passes through the fastener. An insertion device is configured to restrain the remainder of the fastener in the hole, which has an elongated body having a diameter smaller than or equal to that of the hole and an expandable head at one end thereof The insertion device for restraining the remainder of the fastener being immobilised or capable of only limited movement relative to the joined parts, and expelling the remainder of the fastener from the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Frédéric Chelin, Jacques LaLane
  • Publication number: 20140283456
    Abstract: A method for forming a flush architectural wooden door using at least one post-consumer material includes collecting a previously-used door from a collection site. The previously-used door includes a core having a first major surface, a second major surface opposite to the first major surface, and a perimeter extending around the opposing major surfaces. The core is extracted from the previously-used door. Rails and styles are applied to a perimeter of the extracted core. A first skin is applied over the first major surface of the extracted core and applied rails and styles. The extracted core, rails, styles, and first skin have a collective weight. The extracted core forms over half of that collective weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: William Henry Lucas, III
  • Patent number: 8819926
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide method and apparatus of restoring probes attached to the manipulator in a control environment (e.g. vacuum chamber of an focus ion beam) without a need to open the vacuum chamber. Another embodiment of the present invention teaches construction and application of various shapes of nanoforks from a nanoneedles array inside a FIB vacuum chamber. In another embodiment, the present invention teaches edition and correction of completed and oxide-coated circuit boards by re-nano-wiring using nanoneedles of a nanoneedles array (as nanowire supply), contained in the same controlled space. In this embodiment, individual nanoneedles in a nanoneedle array are manipulated by a manipulator and placed in such a way to make electrical contact between the desired points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventors: Mehdi M Yazdanpanah, Romaneh Jalilian
  • Patent number: 8813331
    Abstract: A process of preparing a turbine rotor wheel, a repair tool for machining a turbine rotor wheel, and a turbine rotor wheel are disclosed. The process includes providing the turbine rotor wheel, the turbine rotor wheel having a dovetail slot, a cooling slot, and a dovetail acute corner formed by the dovetail slot and the cooling slot and removing a stress region from the dovetail acute corner. The repair tool permits removal of strained material while also reducing the operating stress of the feature. The turbine rotor wheel includes a machined portion resulting in lower stress for the turbine rotor wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: John H. Dimmick, III
  • Patent number: 8806731
    Abstract: There is provided a method of repairing a probe board, the method including: preparing a plurality of first via electrodes filled with a first filling material in a board body formed as a ceramic sintered body; forming a via hole for an open via electrode among the plurality of first via electrodes; filling the via hole with a second filling material having a lower sintering temperature than that of the first filling material; and forming a second via electrode by sintering the second filling material. The open via repair according to the present invention improves the manufacturing yield of the board and reduces the manufacturing costs thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myung Whun Chang, Dae Hyeong Lee, Ki Pyo Hong
  • Patent number: 8776370
    Abstract: An example method of maintaining a serviceable component of a gas turbine engine includes selecting a used component, using a fluid to move an abrasive against a surface of the used component, and removing material from the used component using the abrasive. In one example, the method moves the abrasive against the surface of the used component when the used component is installed within the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander V. Staroselsky, Richard Pettit
  • Patent number: 8763229
    Abstract: One or more crack inhibitors can be installed to improve fatigue performance by producing stress states that prevent or inhibit crack initiation. Crack inhibitors can also prevent or retard crack growth. A mandrel can be used to radially expand the crack inhibitors to both induce compressive residual stresses and to form an interference fit between the crack inhibitor and a workpiece. The mandrel can be removed from the installed crack inhibitor, which is left in the workpiece to ensure proper stress states are maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Fatigue Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard Frederick Reid, Kevin J. Dooley
  • Patent number: 8720057
    Abstract: A method is provided for reconditioning a turbomachine rotor, equipped with circumferentially extending grooves for accommodating blades retained in the grooves at a distance from each other by spacers. The method includes removing the blades and spacers from the grooves and hollowing out the exposed grooves, simultaneously widening the grooves to remove damage-inflicted material. At least one circumferentially extending lateral groove is introduced for accommodating a filler piece in the grooves to fill a gap between blades and hollowed-out rotor grooves. New spacers are provided which are matched to the hollowed-out grooves and have recesses which are matched to the introduced lateral grooves. Filler pieces are provided for inserting into the circumferentially extending lateral grooves and recesses of the new spacers. The blades and new spacers are inserted into the hollowed-out rotor grooves and corresponding filler pieces are inserted into the lateral grooves and matched recesses of the new spacers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Ulrich Wellenkamp, Luis Federico Puerta, Wolfgang Kappis
  • Publication number: 20140099190
    Abstract: A turbine housing (430) includes a support housing (440) with an annular shape. The support housing (432) includes an outer surface (433) and an inner surface (434). The inner surface (434) is located radially inward from the outer surface (433). A plurality of cooling holes (431) extols through the support housing(440) from the outer surface (433) to the inner surface (434). The cooling holes (431) include a stadium shape. The stadium shape includes a rectangle with a top and bottom of a first length and ends capped with semicircles with a radius of a second length. The cooling holes (431) are disposed at an angle (98) from thirty to sixty degrees. The angle (98) is between a line (96) projected to the outer surface (433) from an axis of the turbine housing (430) and a line (97) extending through a center of each cooling hole (431) parallel to the first length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: SOLAR TURBINES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Christopher J. Meyer, Tsuhon Lin, Edward T. Ramirez
  • Patent number: 8646162
    Abstract: A retrofit system for providing a load indicator on a foundation bolt. The system includes a fastener having a fastener head, gauge length and central fastener bore in the gauge length and head. A datum rod is anchored in the central bore with a free datum rod being moveable longitudinally relative to the fastener head during elongation of the fastener gauge length. An internally threaded fastener portion below the central fastener bore is configured to thread over a foundation bolt. A compression sleeve positioned over the foundation bolt is configured to receive the load indicating fastener therein and to bear the compressive forces of the fastening. Elongation of the gauge length as the fastener is tightened onto the stud is manifest as displacement of the datum rod end, which displacement is measured to provide an indication of fastener loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald C. Clarke
  • Patent number: 8615864
    Abstract: A disassembled battery and methods for disassembling the battery are provided. Holes are formed in an enclosure of the battery and a fluid is injected into the battery to inactivate an electrolyte inside the battery. The enclosure of the battery is then cut to define strips in the enclosure that can be peeled back to expose a core inside the battery. The core can be extracted and recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Atsushi Mizusawa
  • Patent number: 8607455
    Abstract: A method for producing a coated turbine blade, with which the frequency property thereof can be particularly easily adjusted to the required boundary conditions is provided. Recesses are introduced into a blade tip of the blade leaf of the turbine blade after coating of turbine blade. In one aspect a plurality of bores are made which are distributed along the blade leaf center line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Fathi Ahmad
  • Patent number: 8584337
    Abstract: An electronic component repair method for removing an electronic component soldered on a substrate, the method includes: mounting a heat transfer plate on the electronic component to be removed, the heat transfer plate being formed by bonding a plurality of heat transfer members via a heat insulating member, heating the heat transfer plate mounted on the electronic component by a heating unit, the heating unit heating individually each of the heat transfer members by different heat amount; and removing the electronic component from the substrate after the heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Tohru Harada, Mitsuo Takeuchi, Yoshiaki Yanagida
  • Patent number: 8578582
    Abstract: A method for dismantling a furnace having a multilayered refractory structure including: a furnace shell; a containing layer that is formed of a containing refractory that contains asbestos, and covers the inner side of the furnace shell; and a multilayered non-containing layer that is formed of a non-containing refractory that contains no asbestos, and covers the inner side of the containing layer, the method includes: a primary dismantling process; and a secondary dismantling process conducted after the primary dismantling process. In the primary dismantling process, the non-containing layer is dismantled from a furnace-core side thereof but the containing layer and at least one layer of the layers forming the non-containing layer, which is in contact with the containing layer, are left as a remnant. In the secondary dismantling process, the remnant is dismantled while asbestos measures are implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumi Kurayoshi, Ryo Kato, Katsumi Mori, Yoshihito Doi
  • Patent number: 8572829
    Abstract: An apparatus and respective method for replacing a damaged center console hinge system. Initially, a portion of each of the original hinges is removed, leaving a portion of each base to form a respective registration section. A first hinge replacement member is placed over the first registration OEM hinge section. The first replacement hinge pin is inserted into a hinge receptacle of the OEM armrest cover. A pin of a second replacement hinge member is subsequently inserted into the opposing hinge hole in the OEM armrest cover and the replacement member is placed over the second registration OEM hinge section. Threaded fasteners, adhesive, or any other mechanical fastener are then used to secure the replacement hinge assembly to the center console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 8567058
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for surface treatment of a wind turbine rotor blade (1) comprising a leading edge and a trailing edge separating substantially opposing first and second surfaces of said rotor blade. The method comprises the steps of providing a wind turbine rotor blade, supporting said rotor blade at least at a root end and at a distal position along a longitudinal axis of the rotor blade and providing moveably arranged first and second surface treatment devices (24, 25) adapted to provide surface treatment of the first and second surfaces of the rotor blade, respectively, wherein the first and second surface treatment devices are moved in opposite directions and towards the leading and trailing edges, respectively, during surface treatment of the first and second surfaces of the rotor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Hviid Keld Møller, Bjarne Siig, Angelo Sardellano
  • Patent number: 8568069
    Abstract: A machining method for machining a superficial portion of a laminate using machine tool having a depth limiter which restricts a maximum depth of the machine tool. A guide frame having an inner guide contour restricts a maximum dimension of the superficial portion, and is secured over the superficial portion. The superficial portion is machined while the machine tool is guided by the guide contour. From another point of view, a machining apparatus for machining a superficial portion of a material is provided. The machining apparatus comprises a guide frame, an inner guide contour for guiding a machine tool, an attachment member for securing the guide frame to an attachment member, adjacent to the superficial portion, of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Willem Brugman
  • Patent number: 8543031
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method for reconditioning an intermediate transfer member and the reconditioned intermediate transfer member. The method comprises stripping off an outer layer of the intermediate transfer member. A mixture of a polymer, conductive particles and a solvent is coated over the outer surface of a seamless intermediate transfer member. The mixture is heated to form a layer on the outer surface of the intermediate transfer belt. An apparatus for reconditioning an intermediate transfer member is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Dante M. Pietrantoni, Yuhua Tong, Jin Wu, Frank Mezzatesta, Jeremy J. Bean, Heiko Rommelmann, Jonathan H. Herko
  • Patent number: 8510926
    Abstract: A method of repairing a stator assembly of a gas turbine engine includes removing a worn surface of the stator assembly to provide a revealed area, and securing additional material to the stator assembly utilizing gas metal arc welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy P. Hasselberg, William M. Rose, David A. Rutz
  • Patent number: 8474140
    Abstract: Grinding a machine component such as a valve component during remanufacturing, includes seating one end of the valve component in a chuck of the grinding apparatus, then contacting a steady rest with a reference surface on an outer diameter of the valve component while rotating the valve component, and then reseating the one end of the valve component in the chuck. A first valve surface on an outer diameter of the valve component is ground while contacting the steady rest with the reference surface, then a second, different valve surface on the outer diameter of the valve component is ground also while contacting the steady rest with the reference surface. The valve component is then reassembled with a hydraulically actuated device for service therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Francis E. Erbes, Michael Grier, Gary Harris, Randall H. Bishop
  • Patent number: 8387495
    Abstract: A cutting tool apparatus, methods, and kit for removing damaged surfaces, more specifically, a portable cutting tool for removing cracked inner wing spars from hard to access surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Timothy J. Amerine, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8387226
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are present for removing a blind fastener from a structure. A first hole is drilled in a guide located around a center of a head of a core bolt in a body of the blind fastener to form a pilot hole. A second hole is drilled in the pilot hole in the head of the core bolt. The head of the core bolt is separated from the shaft of the core bolt. The core bolt is separated from the body. The core bolt is moved out of the body after the core bolt has been separated from the body. A head of the body is separated from a shaft of the body. The shaft of the body is moved out of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Matthew J. Weigel, Jr., Sujith N. Mally
  • Patent number: 8387221
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for finishworking of a forming tool for an auto body sheet metal part in which, in a first working step for identifying a surface region of a tool surface to be remachined, a sheet metal part which has been coated with a marking paint can be formed in a pressing process by means of the tool and, using the color impression of the sheet metal part on the tool surface, the surface region which is to be remachined is acquired, and then in a second working step the surface region to be remachined can be remachined by a corresponding surface treatment. According to the invention, the device has a machining apparatus which electronically acquires the tool surface with the color impression and, depending on the intensity of the color impression, determines the location and/or dimension of the surface area to be remachined and remachines it accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Matthias Kerschner, Hubert Waltl, Martin Hoernig, Nadine Mueller
  • Patent number: 8387254
    Abstract: A method of rebuilding a solenoid for use in automatic transmissions is disclosed. In one embodiment, an improvement over the original equipment design allows for increased durability of the solenoid. In another embodiment, a lower cost method is disclosed for reusing an expensive component. In either case, various components within the solenoid are reused, reconditioned or replaced. A preferred process for disassembling the solenoid is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Powertrain Engineering, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Fathauer
  • Publication number: 20130047394
    Abstract: A system and method for refurbishing forged components. The system includes an identification subsystem for identifying a forged component for refurbishment, a removal subsystem for removing portions of the forged component, and a rebuilding subsystem for rebuilding the forged component, the rebuilding subsystem including an assembly for adding a non-molten material to the forged component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Laurent Cretegny, William Thomas Carter, Leonardo Ajdelsztajn
  • Publication number: 20130042474
    Abstract: A method of repairing a seal wire groove is disclosed, the groove forming an annular structure having an outer surface and an inner surface and defining an original profile when new, comprising the steps of: removing a less-than-annular portion of the original profile of the groove to remove damaged portions of at least one of the inner and outer surfaces thereby forming a void; adding new material to the void; and shaping the new material to form a new profile of the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Daniel David Noe, Douglas Jerome Jones, Michael Alan Pierson
  • Patent number: 8343294
    Abstract: An apparatus and method adapted to enhance the structural performance of a desired connection and provide a readily perceivable indication of predetermined limitations having being reached prior to actual failure of a connection. A method for enhancing structural performance of a desired structure by preventing fracture propagation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: The University of Kansas
    Inventors: Ronald M. Barrett, Caroline R. Bennett, Stanley T. Rolfe, Adolfo B. Matamoros
  • Patent number: 8336180
    Abstract: A method for repairing a crushing device or other device configured to comminute material includes the steps of removing at least one first insert from a portion of a crushing body such that at least one opening is formed in the portion of the crushing body, positioning at least one second insert in the at least one opening formed by the removing of the at least one first insert, positioning a force application mechanism adjacent to the at least one second insert and the portion of the crushing body, and actuating the force application mechanism to deform the portion of the crushing body to attach the at least one second insert to the portion of the crushing body. The one or more first inserts may be damaged and the one or more second inserts may be used to replace the one or more damaged first inserts. The force application mechanism is preferably explosive material. A method of forming a wearable surface is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Flsmidth A/S
    Inventors: Ivo Botto, Kranthi Prakash Peddeti, Curtis Erwin Prothe, Andrew W. Vargo
  • Patent number: 8333006
    Abstract: A method for removing a crack in an electromechanical rotor, including: forming a plurality of slots on a periphery of a core portion of an electromechanical rotor along an axial direction thereof; inserting coils into the slots, respectively; forming a plurality of wedges for maintaining the coils in the slots, respectively; and forming a cut hole at at least a part of the core portion from an outer surface of the core portion toward the side of a center axis thereof so as to contain a crack along a circumferential direction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Koji Matsuyama, Hideki Chiba, Hiromichi Ito, Yomei Yoshioka, Kazuhiro Saito, Yasuo Kabata, Ryoji Nagano, Hiroaki Koinuma, Kaname Hirai, Toshio Kitajima
  • Publication number: 20120315385
    Abstract: The method according to the invention for reprocessing the worn surface of grinding rollers (2) of a material bed roller mill comprises the following method steps: a. providing a mobile processing station (6) which is arranged in a container (8) and comprises at least one machine tool (9) and a drive (10) for rotating the grinding roller, b. removing the complete roller unit (A) containing the grinding roller to be reprocessed from the material bed roller mill, c. positioning the complete roller unit in front on the mobile processing station and coupling the drive to the shaft (1) of the grinding roller, d. producing a new cylindrical surface (2h) using the machine tool, and e. producing a new wear protection comprising new profiled bodies (2c) and/or build-up welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Bernd Kripzak, Herbert Pingel
  • Publication number: 20120304646
    Abstract: A shim is provided for repairing damage in a surface of a mechanical piece at or near an outer edge of a bore in the surface. The damage may penetrate a given distance within the surface and the bore is in close proximity to an attachment hole. The shim has a body having a first side and a second side and a thickness therebetween that is equal to or greater than the depth of the damage penetrating the given distance and contiguous to the attachment opening, wherein the body fits within an area machined into an outer surface surrounding the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Leonard Paul Palmisano, Robert J. DeRosa, William Bogue
  • Patent number: 8266800
    Abstract: A method of adding material to a nickel-based superalloy component, such as a gas turbine rotor disk, without damaging the underlying material and without creating an unacceptable level of cracking. The method is advantageously applied in the repair of Alloy 706 turbine rotors having experienced operating failures in the steeple region of the disk. Once the damaged material is removed, replacement nickel-based superalloy material is added using a welding process that protects both the underlying material and the replacement material. The replacement material may be added by welding, with the preheat temperature maintained no lower than 100° C. below the aging temperature of the deposited alloy and with the interpass temperature maintained below the solution annealing temperature of the alloy. Alternatively, the replacement material may be preformed and welded to the original material using a friction welding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: David Scott Segletes, Brij B. Seth, Srikanth C. Kottilingam, Peter Jon Ditzel
  • Patent number: 8234784
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for extending the life of a booster valve in an automatic transmission. The booster valve commonly resides in the pump stator body and is modulated by reverse oil pressure and pressure control solenoid pressure signals. Pressure signals from the reverse oil pressure and the pressure control solenoid force a booster valve piston towards a pressure regulator valve piston also generally residing in the pump stator body. The booster valve piston slides inside a booster valve sleeve, and over time, the booster valve sleeve wears and the performance of the booster valve degrades or fails. The present invention replaces an original inner booster valve spring with a longer (or in some cases shorter) replacement booster valve spring to shift the operating range of the booster valve piston to an unworn portion of the booster valve sleeve to extend the life of the booster valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Steven W. Younger
  • Publication number: 20120180651
    Abstract: A transmission system and method of repair having a transmission servo rod received within a transmission housing bore, the rod having an aperture disposed along an exterior surface of the rod, configured to receive transmission fluid from a port within the transmission housing bore, a first recessed groove in the exterior surface of the rod disposed above the aperture; a second recessed groove in the exterior surface of the rod disposed below the aperture; and a first and second resilient sealing member received within the first and second recessed grooves, respectively, the resilient sealing members configured to engage an inner surface of the transmission housing bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew J. Wanie
  • Patent number: 8205334
    Abstract: A method for repairing a component having first and second major surfaces, a thickness between the major surfaces, and an edge, is characterized by utilizing a template to determine if the component is suitable for repair, and forming a slot cut entirely through the thickness of the component. The slot extends inward from the edge of the component, has an open end at the edge of the component, a closed end within the component, a width, a radius at the closed end, and chamfered edges at the open end. Forming the slot includes forming an initial cut with a first cutting surface from the edge of the component at least to the defect, finishing the initial cut to the width and the radius with a second cutting surface, resulting in a finished cut, and chamfering the edge of the finished cut with a third cutting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Peter E. Leibfried, John P. Arrigoni, Dale A. Simard, Philip J. Dunne, William G. Sorvillo, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8099848
    Abstract: A process for removing in a single step the thimbles attached to the stubs of an anode leg, including the following steps: a) said anode stem leg is placed between a stop device and an attacking device, said stop device surrounding, at least partially, each stub of said anode stem leg and having a stop surface that stops the corresponding thimble from moving forward; b) movement of the attacking device in the direction of the stop device until said anode leg enters into contact with said stop device; c) continuation of the movement of said attack device so that each thimble, blocked by the associated stop surface, is detached from the corresponding stub; f) stop and withdraw of the attacking device; In this process, a stop device is used comprising at least two stop surfaces, separated from one another by an axial distance such that the thimbles blocked by a first stop surface are detached from the stubs before the other thimbles are blocked by the other stop surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: E.C.L
    Inventor: Didier Lescarcelle
  • Patent number: 8096030
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for mobile repair of a stationary rotor seals of a turbo machine is provided. The method includes the following steps, 3D-scanning of the stationary seal, generation of 3D-model of the stationary seal, removing of the damaged spots of the seal using laser cutting, and generating a new seal at the repair spot by use of a second process head, which generates the seal by laser powder cladding. The apparatus includes a 3D-scanner, a cutting tool, and a first process head and a second process head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Andreas Graichen