Assembling Fluid Flow Directing Devices, E.g., Stators, Diaphragms, Nozzles Patents (Class 29/889.22)
  • Publication number: 20090257889
    Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] Stator blade wheels and rotor blade wheels do not interfere with each other using lower-cost but wider cutting-width cutting or grinding for half-cutting-off of the stator blade wheels and not using expensive but narrower cutting-width wire electric discharge machining. [Solution] The distance h between a base end face 12ta (12tb) of a stator-blade-wheel outer ring part 12a and the corresponding rotor-blade end face 4aa (4ab), is set at a value larger than the maximum deformation of the running rotor blade wheel 4a during the pump operation. The larger distance h keeps perfectly stator-rotor separation, while the outer ring part 12a of a stator blade wheel 12 goes, in assembling, into the rotor area on account of large shift of any half of stator blade wheels owing to the wide cutting width. It makes also easy stator blade wheel assembling of the pump, as it is allowable to arrange half stator blade wheels with some eccentricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Yongwei Shi, Yuji Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20090226310
    Abstract: A containment case comprises a composite core, with an inner surface, and at least one ceramic layer integrated with the composite core. The at least one ceramic layer is bonded to the inner surface of the composite core with a resin. In another embodiment, a containment case comprises a composite core, with an inner surface, and a hybrid material comprising at least one ceramic material and at least one non-ceramic material. The hybrid material is disposed on the inner surface of the composite core. The hybrid material is bonded to the inner surface of the composite core with a resin. A method of fabricating a containment case includes the steps of disposing one or more layers of ceramic fabric on an inner surface of a composite core, infusing the composite core and the one or more layers of ceramic fabric with resin, and curing the resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Scott Roger Finn, Deepali Bhate, Curt Brian Curtis, Stephen Mark Whiteker, Qi Zhu, Lee Alan Blanton, Edward Atwood Rainous
  • Patent number: 7575415
    Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine engine is provided. The method comprises coupling a first turbine nozzle within the engine, coupling a second turbine nozzle circumferentially adjacent the first turbine nozzle such that a gap is defined between the first and second turbine nozzles and providing at least one spline seal including a substantially planar body. The method also comprises forming at least one retainer tab to extend outward from the body portion of the at least one spline seal, and inserting the at least one spline seal into a slot defined in at least one of the first and second turbine nozzles to facilitate reducing leakage through the gap, such that the at least one retainer tab facilitates retaining the retainer tab within the turbine nozzle slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Vincent Marion Drerup, Harold Ray Hansel, James Anthony Ketzer, Ching-Pang Lee
  • Publication number: 20090185899
    Abstract: A stator vane segment, for constructing a circumferential array of like segments in a gas turbine engine, each segment in the array being separated by an axially extending joint from an adjacent segment and being releasably mounted to an outer engine casing. Each stator vane segment has: a number of vane airfoils spanning radially between an inner platform and an outer platform, and the outer platform includes: a casing mounting fastener on an outer surface and mating lateral joint edges extending between forward and aft edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Guy BOUCHARD, Danny Mills
  • Publication number: 20090175719
    Abstract: Use of the stator blade platforms for the deposition of a track of adjacent abradable material inside an external turbomachine shell. The stator blades (13) are attached to the shell (11) so as to define an annular edge (33) that is substantially continuous and the abradable material is deposited using this edge to delimit a boundary of said track of abradable material (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: TECHSPACE AERO
    Inventors: Alain Derclaye, Rodolphe Lebrun
  • Patent number: 7553130
    Abstract: A compressor nozzle ring for an aircraft includes an inner shroud, an outer shroud and a multiplicity of blades extending from the inner shroud to the outer shroud. Each blade passes through the inner shroud and is attached to it with sealing cement containing an organic polymer adhesive. The adhesive is polyimide based.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Snecma
    Inventors: Claude Marcel Mons, Sandra Andrieu, Manuel Girard, Francois Pierre Georges Maurice Ribassin
  • Publication number: 20090162194
    Abstract: A stator vane assembly for a compressor has a support structure which carries and is bounded by an annular stator vane structure. The stator vane structure comprises a central bore and a sleeve carried on the central bore. The sleeve is disposed between the support structure and bore of the annular stator vane structure. The annular stator vane structure is made from a non-metallic composite material and the sleeve is made from a first material. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the non metallic material is equal to or less than the co-efficient of thermal expansion of the first material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Mark J. Savage
  • Publication number: 20090145133
    Abstract: A turbine engine exhaust nozzle is disclosed that includes an exhaust liner having a first attachment structure. A liner support member includes a second attachment structure. A pin cooperates with the first and second attachment structures and is configured to secure the exhaust liner relative to the liner support member. The pin includes first and second dimensions that are different than one another. The pin is inserted into apertures provided by the attachment structures, in one example. The pin is oriented to position the first and second dimensions in a manner providing increased clearance within the apertures. The pin is rotated to load the components and firmly secure the liner to the liner support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Joseph Murphy
  • Patent number: 7544040
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure and a method for assembling a support structure in a turbine or compressor engine for rotatably supporting a rotor member in a stator member. The support structure includes an inner ring, an outer ring and a plurality of struts which extend radially between the inner ring and the outer ring. The inner ring has integrated portions projecting in the direction of the struts and forming end connections for the struts. The integrated end connecting portions of the inner ring are together with the ring made by a metal alloy having initially oversized cross sectional dimensions relative to the cross sectional dimensions of corresponding strut, followed by working at least one lateral surface for removing material. The purpose is to achieve final dimensions and position to conform to the cross sectional dimensions and correct position of each corresponding strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Volvo Aero Corporation
    Inventors: Gunnar Marke, Jan-Erik Andreasson, Bo Johansson
  • Publication number: 20090142185
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjusting ring (1) for adjusting the blades of the VTG distributor of exhaust gas turbochargers, comprising a bearing ring (2) and a lever engagement ring (3) connected to said bearing ring (2), the bearing ring (2) and lever engagement ring (3) being separately manufactured individual parts which are connected to each other by means of a separate connection device (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: BORG WARNER INC.
    Inventors: Holger Fath, Ralf Boning, Dirk Frankenstein
  • Publication number: 20090123277
    Abstract: A method for assembling an exhaust hood for a turbine is provided. The method includes providing a bearing cone that substantially circumscribes a rotor of the turbine; and positioning a guide radially outward from the bearing cone. The guide and the bearing cone are configured to channel fluid from the turbine. The method also includes extending a guide cap from the guide. The guide cap is oriented to facilitate preventing the generation of fluid vortexes within the exhaust hood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Prakash Dalsania, Kamlesh Mundra
  • Publication number: 20090110479
    Abstract: A retention pin for fastening retaining lugs of an outer sidewall, of a turbine nozzle, within a groove between a forward land and an aft land of a retaining ring. The retention pins fit through coaxial holes in the lug and the lands, securing the radial and circumferential location of the nozzles as well as allowing transitional motion. While maintaining limited contact with both the nozzles and the retaining ring they significantly reduce conductive heat transfer from the nozzle to the retaining ring. By positioning the nozzles, they also set the desired nozzle throat areas for targeted turbine performance. The pins have been designed such that the nozzle cannot disengage within the assembly due to the pin backing out of its nominal axial position, and the pin will not fail due to low cycle fatigue, creep, or yielding, all of which prevent nozzle fallout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Ariel K. Harter, Edward D. Benjamin, Daniel D. Snook
  • Patent number: 7520055
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a stator or rotor component (8) for a gas turbine in which at least one wall element (3) is joined together with at least one ring element (9). The edges of the wall element (3) are laser-welded firmly on the ring element (9) from an opposite side, in the radial direction, of the ring element in relation to the wall element in such a way that the joined-together portions of the wall element and the ring element form a T-shaped joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Volvo Aero Corporation
    Inventor: Jan Lundgren
  • Patent number: 7510369
    Abstract: A split shroud system for a gas turbine engine having a pair of annular-shaped shrouds that each have an inner pocket; to form a pair of inner pockets. Each of the pair of pockets having liner parts that form a circle. Liner parts of one of the pair of pockets facing liner parts of the other of the pair of pockets to form liner part pairs. One of each of said of pair of liner parts has a mutual abutting surface that forms a plurality of slots for accepting a plurality of vane inner trunnions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: William C Lytle
  • Publication number: 20090060747
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a gas turbine engine component includes the steps of forming a ceramic workpiece having oriented ceramic reinforcement, and severing the ceramic workpiece to produce a ceramic member having a desired orientation of the ceramic reinforcement. The ceramic member is then attached to a turbine engine component as a thermal barrier layer for the turbine engine component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher W. Strock, Susan M. Tholen
  • Publication number: 20090047126
    Abstract: A low leakage, integral fixed vane system for a gas turbine engine compression system which can accommodate the latest 3-D aerodynamic airfoil geometries and provide endwall ovalization control. A unitized construction wherein the vanes are integral with the case wall in the compression system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Robert A. Ress, JR.
  • Patent number: 7490470
    Abstract: An exhaust turbocharger equipped with a nozzle throat area varying mechanism can be provided in which brazing welding is achieved with a small number of man-hour and at low cost, and which is stable in quality without danger of fracture of brazing-welded parts of constituent members. The variable-throat exhaust turbocharger equipped with a nozzle throat area varying mechanism for varying the blade angle of a plurality of nozzle vanes supported rotatably by members including turbine casing, is characterized in that members having at least one through-hole with at least one shaft member to be inserted into the through-hole(s) to be fixed therein among constituent members of the nozzle throat area varying mechanism are connected by means of brazing welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuaki Jinnai, Hiroshi Nakagawa, Isamu Inamura
  • Patent number: 7481088
    Abstract: An apparatus for surface blasting gas turbine blades in the area of their blade roots includes a vibrator with an oscillating surface oriented so that the oscillating surface extends essentially in the horizontal direction. A processing chamber for receiving the blade root adjoins the oscillating surface. The processing chamber is embodied such that the turbine blade is orientable, during the blasting, with a profiled support surface of the blade root extending at least temporarily essentially parallel to the oscillating surface of the vibrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Bayer, Thomas Peschke, Holger Polanetzki, Alexander Winkler, Thomas Dautl
  • Publication number: 20080283636
    Abstract: An electrostatic spraying device comprises a capillary spray electrode having a spraying end, a reference electrode, and a reservoir in fluid communication with the spray electrode. In use, the electrodes are connected across a generator in order to establish an electric field between the electrodes and cause fluid in the reservoir to be sprayed from the spray electrode. The spray electrode has a focus that defines a point at which the electric field is focussed on the spraying end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Aerstream Technologhy Limited
    Inventor: Bruce Alastair Pirrie
  • Publication number: 20080264033
    Abstract: A method for assembling a gas turbine combustor system is provided. The method includes providing a combustion liner including a center axis, an outer wall, a first end, and a second end. The outer wall is orientated substantially parallel to the center axis. The method also includes coupling a transition piece to the liner second end. The transition piece includes an outer wall. The method further includes coupling a plurality of lean-direct injectors along at least one of the liner outer wall and the transition piece outer wall such that the injectors are spaced axially apart along the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Benjamin Paul Lacy, Gilbert Otto Kraemer, Balachandar Varatharajan, Ertan Yilmaz, John Joseph Lipinski, Willy Steve Ziminsky
  • Patent number: 7442006
    Abstract: An integrated assembly is provided for a centrifugal compressor, which integrates selected static portions of the centrifugal compressor into a monolithic structure to allow a small deflection of the inner flow path at assembly. The integrated assembly may include a machined compressor shroud casting having integral diffuser vanes, an aft sheet metal inner flow ring having a radially extending rim with slots in the inner flow ring for receiving diffuser vanes and slots in the rim for receiving deswirler vanes, an outer deswirler band surrounding the inner flow ring and having slots opposing those in the rim, and a plurality of deswirler vanes for fabrication between the inner flow ring and the deswirler band within the respective slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ly D. Nguyen, Gary A. Shoff
  • Patent number: 7430802
    Abstract: The invention relates to a segmented inner ring for holding guide blades. According to the invention, a lateral wall opposing the front side of the inner ring and pertaining to a shaft shoulder formed on the rotor shaft extends radially, and respectively one half of a labyrinth seal is formed on the front side of the inner ring and on the shaft shoulder. The aim of the invention is to apply an arrangement of stacked labyrinth seals, known from airplane turbines, to a stationary gas turbine having a separation plane. To this end, a method is used to mount an inner ring of a gas turbine. The invention also relates to a stationary gas turbine comprising a segmented inner ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Tiemann
  • Publication number: 20080240912
    Abstract: A method of assembling a stator assembly includes coupling at least one stator ring segment to a portion of a casing using at least one circumferential stator ring groove defined in the casing. The method also includes coupling at least one stator blade assembly to a portion of the stator ring segment such that at least one radial passage is at least partially defined by at least one of the stator blade assembly and the stator ring segment. The stator assembly includes at least one first radial passage defined within a portion of the stator ring segment. The assembly also includes at least one second radial passage coupled in flow communication with the first radial passage. The second radial passage is at least partially adjacent to at least one of a portion of the stator blade assembly and a portion of the stator ring segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen Paul Wassynger, Nicholas Francis Martin
  • Publication number: 20080229737
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a stator blade assembly for a torque converter stator including an inner ring having first openings; an outer ring having second openings; and extruded blades with first and second ends. The first end is disposed in a respective first opening and arranged to radially fix each blade with respect to the inner ring and the second end is disposed in a respective second opening and arranged to radially fix each blade with respect to the outer ring. In some aspects, the inner ring includes an inner circumferential surface and a portion of the first end extends radially inward past the inner surface and is in contact with the inner surface. In some aspects, the outer ring includes an outer circumferential surface and a portion of the second end extends radially outward past the outer surface and is in contact with the outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: William Brees, Christopher Shamie
  • Publication number: 20080209728
    Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a combustor for a gas turbine engine, wherein the combustor includes a swirler assembly. The method comprises machining material to form a domeplate, positioning a sealplate including an overhanging portion against the domeplate, securing the sealplate in position relative to the domeplate with a welding process, and welding the swirler assembly to the domeplate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen John Howell, John Carl Jacobson, Timothy P. McCaffrey, Barry Francis Barnes
  • Patent number: 7416389
    Abstract: Methods and systems for ordering blades in a rotatable machine is provided. The method includes receiving at least one geometric parameter measurement of each blade in a row of blades, determining a root sum squared value of a difference of a selected one of the received geometric parameter measurements between adjacent blades in the row of blades, determining a vector sum of a selected other one of the received geometric parameter measurements, determining a moment weight vector sum of each blade to be positioned on the rotor, and determining, using a computer, a sequence map of each blade using the root sum squared value of the difference of the geometric parameter measurement between adjacent blades in the row of blades, the vector sum of a selected other one of the received geometric parameter measurements, and the moment weight vector sum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Richard Henning, John Douglas Mickol, Daniel Edward Mollmann
  • Publication number: 20080190214
    Abstract: A cutback flow straightener comprises a plurality of flow straightener vanes positioned in a flow duct. The flow straightener vanes are cut back as a function of a radius of the flow duct, such that an axial length of the vanes decreases with the radius.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ubowski, Bogdan Marcu
  • Publication number: 20080193290
    Abstract: Embodiments for a compressor stator vane assembly in a gas turbine engine are disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention a stator vane assembly is provided having a plurality of vanes each with an attachment and channels machined into the forward and aft walls of the attachment. A forward hook ring segment is pressfit into the channel in the forward wall of the attachment and an aft hook ring is pressfit into the channel in the aft wall of the attachment. The hook ring segments join a plurality of vanes together so as to provide a uniform engagement of mounting slots in the compressor case. Such an arrangement increases the contact area between the hook rings and the compressor case such that damping of individual vane vibrations are improved and operating stresses are reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Power Systems Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: James G. Brackett, Charles Ellis, Michael Davis McGhee, J. Page Strohl
  • Publication number: 20080173062
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fitting device for producing the arrangement for locking a sealing element, arranged at the front end on a rotor of a turbine, against a displacement in the circumferential direction, the sealing element locking moving blades arranged on the rotor against an axial displacement. Furthermore, the invention comprises a method of producing the arrangement for locking a sealing element, arranged at the front end on a rotor of a turbine, against a displacement in the circumferential direction. The quality of the fitting can be further increased by means of a modular, mobile fitting device which secures the sealing element for the duration of the bending operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Marcus Brucher, Christian Baumler, Andreas Fohrigen, Detlef Gruhn, Armin Hulfenhaus, Adam Przybyla, Sabine Rintzel, Melanie Uckert, Claus Vogelin, Uwe Wegmann
  • Patent number: 7389583
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a stator component that is intended in operation to guide a gas flow and to transfer loads. The component is constructed of at least two sectors in the direction of its circumference. The sectors are cast in separate pieces, positioned adjacent to each other and joined together by welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Volvo Aero Corporation
    Inventor: Jan Lundgren
  • Publication number: 20080141531
    Abstract: A method of assembling a stator apparatus includes providing a first vane having an airfoil section located between a first platform section and a second platform section, positioning a first shroud ring adjacent to the first vane, welding the first platform section of the first vane to the first shroud ring relative to a first edge of the of the first platform section of the first vane, and welding the first platform section of the first vane to the first shroud ring relative to a second edge of the of the first platform section. The second edge is located opposite the first edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jose Paulino, Mark Rogers, Charles H. Warner, Steven D. Jenkel, Kurt R. Heinemann, Steven R. Chabot, Chester D. Blackman, Paul S. Bean
  • Publication number: 20080134505
    Abstract: A fixture to facilitate positioning a gas turbine engine component. The fixture includes a stationary portion including at least one stationary datum locator extending outward from the stationary portion. The fixture also includes a movable portion including at least one movable datum locator extending from the movable portion. The at least one movable datum locator is substantially parallel to each of the at least one stationary datum locator. The movable portion is movable in a direction that is away from the stationary portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Andrew Gabriel, Michelle Rene Bezdecny, Rajesh Ramamurthy, Clarence Albert Ash, Michael Evans Graham
  • Patent number: 7377036
    Abstract: A fuel nozzle assembly for a gas turbine includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced vanes with holes for flowing fuel from plenums within the vanes through holes in the vane walls for premixing with air. To tune the nozzle assembly, the holes are resized by reforming the existing holes to a predetermined hole size, securing plugs into the holes, and forming holes through at least certain of the plugs to diameters less than the diameter of the existing holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jere A. Johnson, Mark J. Bailey, Mark D. Pezzutti, James Christopher Monaghan, Ron Souther, Robert R. Berry
  • Patent number: 7363762
    Abstract: A method of assembling a gas turbine engine includes providing a gas turbine engine including a compressor, a combustor downstream from the compressor, and a turbine coupled to the compressor, and coupling a seal assembly aft of the compressor such that air discharged through the seal assembly facilitates reducing the cavity pressure, and therefore reducing the axial forces induced to an aft side of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Julius John Montgomery, Robert Proctor, Nathan Gerard Cormier, Christopher Charles Glynn, Glen William Royal
  • Patent number: 7360988
    Abstract: A method facilitates the assembly of a gas turbine engine. The method comprises providing a turbine nozzle including an inner band, an outer band, and at least one vane extending between the inner and outer bands, wherein the vane includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall connected together at a leading edge and a trailing edge and coupling the turbine nozzle to a combustor that includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced cooling openings that are oriented with respect to the turbine nozzle such that cooling air discharged therefrom during engine operation is biased towards the vane leading edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ching-Pang Lee, Wenfeng Lu, Douglas Marti Fortuna, Jakub Roniewicz, Robert Andrzej Gniazdowski
  • Patent number: 7331755
    Abstract: A method for assembling a vane sector for a gas turbine engine, the vane sector including an airfoil vane and a platform includes depositing a wear coating material onto a selected area of the platform, positioning the platform adjacent to the airfoil vane, and executing a brazing operation such that the airfoil vane is permanently coupled to the platform portion and such that the wear coating material is bonded across a predefined area of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Froats Broderick, Ronald Lance Galley, Clifford Earl Shamblen, David Edwin Budinger, Reed Roy Oliver, Roger Owen Barbe
  • Patent number: 7322796
    Abstract: A method for forming a component for use in a gas turbine engine, such as a turbine vane construction is provided. The method broadly comprises the steps of: forming a first aerodynamic structure having a first platform with a leading edge and a trailing edge, and an edge with an airfoil suction side structure; forming a second aerodynamic structure having a second platform with a leading edge and a trailing edge, and an first edge with an airfoil pressure side structure; and joining the two structures together so that the airfoil suction side structure mates with the airfoil pressure side structure to form an airfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Edward F. Pietraszkiewicz, Om Parkash Sharma
  • Patent number: 7320175
    Abstract: The invention provides a production process of a gas turbine capable of being applied to various cycles. A principal part of a gas turbine is set in advance based on roughly set conditions, and the number of stages of a compressor and the number of stages of a turbine, which can provide conditions suitable for a desired cycle, are set based on the set principal part. The compressor and the turbine each having the set number of stages and included in the principal part are combined with each other to construct the gas turbine. When the set number of stages of the compressor or the turbine differs among a plurality of desired cycles, a substantially disk-shaped member having an outer periphery, which forms an inner peripheral wall of a substantially annular flow passage of the compressor or the turbine, is assembled into the cycle having a smaller number of stages so that the bearing-to-bearing distance is kept constant in the gas turbine operated in the plurality of desired cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomomi Koganezawa, Takanori Shibata, Nobuhiro Seiki, Shinya Marushima, Shinichi Higuchi, Nobuaki Kizuka, Ryou Akiyama, Masami Noda
  • Publication number: 20080000083
    Abstract: A process for lining or for relining a fluid helical device stator. In one preferred embodiment, the process includes removing an existing helical surface of a progressive cavity helical device from a housing which is connected to tubulars used downhole in a subterranean well. A mandrel having a helical exterior is inserted into a mold. In one preferred embodiment, a composite stator insert is formed in the mold composed of fibers and resin. Once the composite stator insert has been formed, the mandrel and the mold are removed. The composite stator insert is inserted into and attached to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventor: Steven M. Wood
  • Patent number: 7287958
    Abstract: A method, rotor assembly, and apparatus for ordering blades in a rotatable machine is provided. The rotor assembly includes a disk including a plurality of circumferentially-spaced blade root slots defined therein, and a plurality of blades, each blade including a root, a tip, and an airfoil therebetween, each blade positioned within a pre-determined slot based on a blade map, the blade map generated by a computer system configured to receive a geometric parameter measurement of each blade in a row of blades, determine a shape factor for the row of blades using the geometric parameter measurement of each blade, and determine a sequence map of each blade using the shape factor for the row of blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas Richard Henning, John D. Mickol, Daniel E. Mollmann, Michael H. Schneider, Andrew Breeze-Stringfellow, Timothy J. Horejs
  • Patent number: 7260892
    Abstract: A method facilitates the assembly of a stator assembly for a turbine engine. The method includes providing a cantilevered shell including a first end and a second end, and coupling a second member within the turbine engine. The method also includes coupling the shell to a frame such that the shell extends circumferentially around at least a portion of the second member such that a non-uniform circumferential radial gap is defined radially between the second member and the shell using methods other than directing machining of an inner surface of the shell, and wherein the non-uniform circumferential radial clearance gap becomes substantially uniform during operation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jan Christopher Schilling, Daniel Edward Mollmann, Barry Lynn Allmon, Anthony Durchholz
  • Patent number: 7249929
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine compressor has a number of shroud rings, at least a bleed one of which defines a number of bleed ports. A structural hub is downstream of the shroud rings and secured relative to the shroud rings. A structural hub case extends from an aft joint with the structural hub to a fore joint with a joined one of the shroud rings and has a number of valve ports. At least a portion of the structural case extends structurally between the fore and aft joints. A valve element is shiftable between first and second conditions for respectively blocking and not blocking communication through the valve ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin J. Cummings, Christopher G. Demers, James C. Hodgson, Gabriel Suciu, Brian Merry
  • Patent number: 7238003
    Abstract: A simplified vane mounting arrangement by which a vane ring can be pre-assembled to an inner support ring before being installed in an outer casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Remy Synnott, Nicolas Grivas, Alan Juneau, David Glasspoole
  • Patent number: 7200933
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a stator component intended during operation to conduct a gas flow. The component is made up of at least two sections (113) in its circumferential direction, which sections each have at least one wall part (101, 102). The sections are placed adjacent to each other and two wall parts, one from each of two adjacent sections, are connected in order together to form a means, extending in the radial direction of the component, for guidance of the gas flow and/or transmission of load during operation of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Volvo Aero Corporation
    Inventors: Jan Lundgren, Mats Hallqvist
  • Patent number: 7195452
    Abstract: The mounting of low expansion full ring shrouds in a turbine engine requires radial compliance to limit the stresses experienced by the shroud due to thermal growth differences between the shroud and its support. A method provides radial compliance with no looseness in a mounting system. The mounting system also allows for axial motion of the shroud, should such motion be needed or desired. The lack of looseness in the mounting system results in an ability to achieve smaller tip clearances and thus better engine performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian R. Allan, James L. Hadder, George E. Zurmehly
  • Patent number: 7185433
    Abstract: A method for repairing a stationary turbine nozzle segment having at least one vane disposed between outer and inner structural bands includes providing an engine-run turbine nozzle segment having at least one vane disposed between outer and inner bands, wherein the outer band and the vanes are previously replaced components of the segment and the inner band is an original component of the segment; separating the inner band from the nozzle segment; repairing damage in the outer band and/or the vane; and joining the outer band and the vane to a newly manufactured replacement inner band segment. The replacement inner band segment includes: a structural inner band; and an integral structural collar adapted to receive an inner end of the at least one vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Matthew N. Miller, James W. Caddell, Jr., James M. Caldwell, Brian A. Norton
  • Patent number: 7186070
    Abstract: A method of modifying a turbine nozzle area comprises depositing a thermal barrier coating (TBC) on the nozzle endwalls to provide a minimum nozzle area, evaluating an airflow through the nozzle, and machining the TBC to increase the nozzle area. Adjacent segment area variation may be minimized, improving engine reliability by reducing the aerodynamic excitation to the down stream blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Morris, Thomas E. Strangman, Craig A. Wilson, George W. Wolfmeyer, Steve H. Halfmann, David K. Jan
  • Patent number: 7179052
    Abstract: A nozzle diaphragm assembly includes a diaphragm outer ring having a groove opened toward an inner diameter side to be continuous in an inner peripheral direction; a diaphragm inner ring having a groove opened toward an outer diameter side to be continuous in an outer peripheral direction; and a nozzle blade having a diaphragm outer ring insertion portion on one end and a diaphragm inner ring insertion portion on the other end, in which the groove opened toward the inner diameter side of the diaphragm outer ring and the diaphragm outer ring insertion portion are shaped to be fitted to each other, and in which the groove opened toward the outer diameter side of the diaphragm inner ring and the diaphragm inner ring insertion portion are shaped to be fitted to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takashi Sasaki, Yuji Nakama, Kenichi Imai
  • Patent number: 7172389
    Abstract: A method is provided for making a repaired turbine engine stationary vane assembly including at least one airfoil bonded between spaced apart first and second platforms. The method comprises providing a first vane assembly member including at least a portion of the first platform, the airfoil, and a first segment of the second platform bonded with the airfoil. Also provided is a second vane assembly member including a second segment of the second platform with a recess of a shape and size sufficient to receive the first segment of the second platform. The first segment is placed in the recess after which the first and second segments are bonded, for example by brazing or welding. Provided is a more structurally sound repaired turbine engine stationary vane assembly including the first and second vane assembly members bonded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Philip Hagle, Timothy Lee Siebert, Jeffrey John Reverman, Dana Leigh Ferguson, Gregory Matthew Ford
  • Patent number: RE40585
    Abstract: In water cooled electric generators, an electrical and fluidic connector connects a stator bar to an electrical bus and to a water source. The connector comprises two pieces, a clip and a sleeve. During installation, the sleeve is brazed to the stator bar in a fluid tight manner, and the clip is then brazed to the sleeve. Fluidic connection from the generator's water source to the stator bar is provided by a hose attached to a fluid port on the clip. Connection to the electrical bus of the generator is provided by copper leaves and/or copper piping brazed onto the clip. The clip and the sleeve are both formed from copper to form an electrical connection between the copper leaves and/or copper piping and the stator bar. The connector may be further used to replace a defective electrical and fluidic connector that terminates a stator bar in a water cooled electric generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Mechanical Dynamics and Analysis, Inc.
    Inventors: James Kenneth Taillon, Frank Richard Reidelberger, III