Turbomachine Making Patents (Class 29/889.2)
  • Publication number: 20150016977
    Abstract: A turbomachine and a method for the assembly of the turbomachine with a housing and with a rotor, in which at least one cover of the housing is fastened to the rotor, and the combination is placed into a lower part of the housing and is then enclosed by an upper part of the housing, is provided. To attain centered mounting of the cover assembly and to thus prevent damage to the shaft seal, it is proposed that the combination, as it is placed in, is supported on at least one guide means in the housing, and the guide means forms a guide for the cover in the housing, by means of which guide the placed-in cover is held spaced apart from the housing lower part and the housing upper part with a radial assembly gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Erich Muranyi, Dieter Nass, Gregor Senyk
  • Patent number: 8931170
    Abstract: A split fuel control module for a gas turbine engine and method of installation. The split fuel control module includes a first frame unit, a second frame unit, a segmented fuel path, and a distributed fuel controller. The first frame unit and the second frame unit are joined together at a frame unit interface. The segmented fuel path includes an upstream fuel interface fixed to the first frame unit and a downstream fuel interface fixed to the second frame unit and detachably coupled to the upstream fuel interface at the frame unit interface. A first portion of the distributed fuel controller is fixed to the first frame unit, and a second portion of the distributed fuel controller is fixed to the second frame unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Matthew Stratton, Gregory Lee Landrum
  • Patent number: 8925201
    Abstract: A method for providing a disc of a bladed rotor for use in a gas turbine engine including the steps of determining the location of blade fixing slots to be formed on the disc to receive the roots of respective blades, determining a virtual profile of each slot on the disc, and forming, prior to the slots being formed in the disc, a narrow, axial pilot slot centrally of the virtual profile of each slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Michel Frédérick
  • Publication number: 20150003979
    Abstract: A steam turbine nozzle vane arrangement includes a first nozzle vane comprising a first radially outer end and a first radially inner end, the first nozzle vane located in a steam turbine housing and operatively coupled to the steam turbine housing proximate the first radially outer end. Also included is a second nozzle vane operatively coupled to the steam turbine housing proximate a second radially outer end, the second nozzle vane located adjacent the first nozzle vane in a circumferentially aligned turbine stage. Further included is a first cover located proximate the first radially inner end and having a first hole. Yet further included is a second cover located proximate a second radially inner end of the second nozzle vane and having a second hole. Also included is a pin disposed within the first and second hole, the pin configured to fixedly couple the first and second nozzle vanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Fred Thomas Willett, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150003976
    Abstract: A turbomachine having at least one circulation structure is disclosed. The circulation structure has an annular space with baffle elements surrounding a main flow path and is open to the main flow path. A housing of the turbomachine to receive the circulation structure is divided in an axial plane into a front housing region and a rear housing region and the circulation structure is divided into a front structure region and a rear structure region in the axial plane of separation. A circulation structure divided into two parts in the axial direction and a method for the same is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: MTU Aero Engines AG
    Inventors: Georg ZOTZ, Giovanni BRIGNOLE, Harsimar SAHOTA, Vitalis MAIRHANSER
  • Patent number: 8918996
    Abstract: Processes for fabricating components to have two or more regions with different grain structures, and components produced by such processes. First and second preforms are fabricated to comprise interface surfaces at which the preforms can be joined together. The first and second preforms are formed of first and second precipitation-strengthened alloys, respectively, and the first alloy differs from the second alloy by having a higher solvus temperature or a higher grain refiner content. The preforms are joined together to form an article comprising first and second portions formed by the first and second preforms, respectively, and corresponding to first and second regions of the component, respectively, and the interface surfaces of the preforms form a joint between the first and second portions of the article. A supersolvus heat treatment is performed on the article so that greater grain growth occurs in the second portion than in the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew Ezekiel Wessman, David Paul Mourer
  • Patent number: 8918995
    Abstract: A method of repairing a damaged notch fillet radius of a turbine blade shroud includes a replacement notch fillet radius and a hardface nugget. The damaged notch fillet radius is blended out and a hardface structure positioned proximate the damaged notch fillet radius is removed. A replacement notch fillet radius is formed with weld filler and the hardface nugget is welded to at least a portion of the replacement notch fillet radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy A. Milleville
  • Publication number: 20140373354
    Abstract: A method for producing a turbine rotor of an exhaust gas turbocharger, wherein the turbine rotor includes a turbine wheel with a hub and turbine blades that extend from the hub, and a shaft, includes the steps of: providing the turbine wheel and the shaft; forming a protective layer by applying or introducing a halogen on or in the surface of the turbine wheel and subsequently heat-treating the turbine wheel; and connecting the shaft to the hub of the turbine wheel after the protective coating is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Oliver Henker, Anton Stich
  • Publication number: 20140366613
    Abstract: A probe assembly for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The probe assembly may include a probe, and a fastener to retain the probe within a case of the gas turbine engine, the fastener including a sealing arrangement with a heat shield of the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Eli Cole Warren, Nicholas R. Leslie
  • Publication number: 20140369811
    Abstract: A bearing housing, or integrated turbocharger housing, with the oil, and optionally air and water galleries, included as as-cast features, thereby avoiding the problems, design limitations and expense associated with conventional post-casting machining. The method of casting preferably uses lost foam casting, or a technique similar to lost foam casting but in which a ceramic shell is formed on the foam form prior to metal casting, but can use any of a variety of casting techniques or a combination of two or more techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Malins, Sean Rylance, James Finley, Rob Daniels
  • Publication number: 20140369818
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan, a speed reduction device driving the fan and a lubrication system for lubricating components across a rotation gap. The lubrication system includes a lubricant input. A stationary first bearing receives lubricant from the lubricant input and has a first race in which lubricant flows and a second race. A second bearing for rotation is within the first bearing including a first opening in registration with the first race such that lubricant may flow from the first race through the first opening into a first conduit. There is a rotating carrier for supporting at least one planetary gear. The second bearing extends from the rotating carrier about an axis. A first spray bar is disposed on the carrier. The second bearing has a second opening in registration with the second race and a second conduit for passing lubricant to the spray bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, William G. Sheridan, Lawrence E. Portlock
  • Patent number: 8910378
    Abstract: A method for working or repairing a combustor wall panel that may be damaged is disclosed. The method comprises providing a supplemental body to a combustor float wall panel, and attaching at least one cooling pin to the supplemental body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Monika D. Kinstler
  • Publication number: 20140360193
    Abstract: A support frame for assembling a combustion module for a gas turbine includes a base plate disposed at a bottom end of the support frame and a support plate that is vertically separated from the base plate by one or more vertical support members. The support plate defines an opening that is sized to allow a portion of the combustion module to pass therethrough. A support block extends vertically from the base plate towards the support plate where the support block defines one or more fastener holes for connecting an aft end of a combustion liner of the combustion module to the support block. A central support column extends vertically from the base plate towards the support plate. A horizontal support extends radially outward from the central support column to align the combustion liner with the opening in the support plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: General Electric Company
  • Patent number: 8898900
    Abstract: A turbine engine includes a housing supporting compressor, turbine sections, and an epicyclic gear train including a carrier. Sun gear and intermediate gears are arranged about and intermeshing with the sun gear. The intermediate gears are supported by the carrier. A baffle includes a lubrication passage near at least one of the sun gear and intermediate gears for directing a lubrication on the at least one of the sun gear and intermediate gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: William G. Sheridan, Michael E. McCune
  • Publication number: 20140348655
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a balancing body (1) for fastening to a ring (4, 5) of a continuous blade arrangement of a compressor or turbine stage of a gas turbine, wherein the balancing body has a first stop (11) for the form-fitting attachment of the balancing body in one peripheral direction (R) to a first axial shoulder (6; 7) of the ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: MTU Aero Engines AG
    Inventors: Manfred Feldmann, Andreas Holzel, Amelia Frodyma
  • Patent number: 8894362
    Abstract: A method is provided for adjusting a position of a blade ring relative to a rotor in a gas turbine engine. An outer casing surrounds the blade ring and the blade ring surrounds the rotor. The method comprises: determining an amount of vertical movement needed to reposition the blade ring relative to the rotor so that the blade ring is at a desired position relative to the rotor; providing at least one torque pin assembly comprising a torque pin and a variable thickness defining structure; determining a change in the thickness of the variable thickness defining structure so as to effect the necessary vertical movement of the blade ring; changing the thickness of the variable thickness defining structure; and coupling the at least one torque pin assembly to the outer casing such that at least one torque pin engages the blade ring. A gas turbine engine is provided having structure for adjusting a position of a blade ring relative to a rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Fretwell
  • Patent number: 8893382
    Abstract: A method of assembling a combustion system for a gas turbine engine includes providing a combustion chamber frame, an inner casing structure, and an outer casing structure. The method also includes mounting the combustion chamber frame between the inner casing structure and the outer casing structure such that the combustion chamber frame is coupled to the inner casing structure and the outer casing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Bruce Patterson, Donald Michael Corsmeier, Craig Douglas Young, Donald Lee Gardner, James Edward Thompson, Daniel Dale Brown, Glenn Edward Wiehe, Donald Scott Yeager, Mark Willard Marusko, Michael Joseph Zerbe
  • Patent number: 8893381
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel David Noe, Douglas Jerome Jones, Michael Alan Pierson
  • Publication number: 20140341742
    Abstract: The invention concerns a rotor hub of a wind power installation comprising a handling apparatus for lifting the rotor hub by means of a crane for mounting the rotor hub to a pod arranged on a wind power installation pylon, wherein the handling apparatus is so adapted that upon being lifted at a fixing portion of the handling apparatus the rotor hub rotates from a perpendicular orientation with a substantially perpendicular hub axis into a horizontal orientation with a substantially horizontal hub axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Frank Knoop, Gerrit Kuiper
  • Patent number: 8888442
    Abstract: A turbine vane ring has radially outer and inner annular shrouds defining therebetween an annular gaspath. Circumferentially spaced-apart airfoil vanes extend radially across the gaspath between the outer and the inner shrouds. The radially outer shroud has a circumferentially continuous cylindrical wall extending axially from a leading edge to a trailing edge. A set of circumferentially distributed stress relieving slots is defined in the leading edge of the cylindrical wall at locations adjacent to the leading edge of at least some of said airfoil vanes. The stress relieving slots extend radially through the cylindrical wall from the radially inner surface to the opposed radially outer surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Keppel Nyron Bharath, John Pietrobon, Vincent Paradis, Douglas MacCaul
  • Patent number: 8887391
    Abstract: A method for forming a slot in a rotor disk includes a finishing step using a tool rotating at angle off normal in direction opposite a direction that the tool is driven through the slot. A finish profile is obtained in part by removing material from a bottom surface with a tool rotating about an axis off normal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Krzyszlof Barnat
  • Patent number: 8881395
    Abstract: A method for increasing the coefficient of adhesion between two parts that rotate as one with a rotor, for example a turbomachine rotor, those parts pressing against one another via pressing faces. The method includes milling at least one of the pressing faces so as to modify its surface finish and increase its roughness, then covering the or each machined face with a thin layer of a material that is hard and has a high coefficient of friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Vincent Dessoly, Claude Marcel Mons, Ana Carmen Viguera Sancho
  • Patent number: 8875374
    Abstract: An installation method makes use of a tool that includes a block and a plate. The block is configured to align the installation tool with a U-shaped component. The plate extends from the block and is configured to hold a flexible component, such that the flexible component is accurately located within the U-shaped component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Vontell, Ronald W. Brush
  • Publication number: 20140321978
    Abstract: A nozzle and shroud for use in an air cycle machine has a plate and a shroud curving in a first axial direction about a center axis of the shroud relative to the plate. A plurality of vanes extends in a second axial direction away from the plate. The plurality of vanes extends for a height away from the plate and a width defined as the closest distance between two adjacent vanes, with a ratio of the height to the width being between 1.7377 and 2.1612. An air cycle machine and a method of repair are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Craig M. Beers, Christopher McAuliffe
  • Publication number: 20140317926
    Abstract: A method for maintaining a gas turbine engine includes providing access from a forward section of a front center body assembly to a flex support mounted to a front center body support. The flex support is mounted to a geared architecture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Todd A. Davis, Brian P. Cigal
  • Patent number: 8869397
    Abstract: A method reinforcing an axisymmetric annular metal part by including a winding of composite material. A metal blank for the part is prepared, a cavity is formed therein that opens out into a coaxial inside face thereof, and that presents a right cross-section of axial extent that decreases from the inside towards the outside, a reinforcing yarn is wound in the cavity, the cavity is closed, the assembly is subjected to a hot isostatic compression process, and the blank is machined to obtain a final part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Messier-Bugatti-Dowty
    Inventors: Patrick Dunleavy, Jean-Michel Patrick Maurice Franchet, Gilles Charles Casimir Klein, Richard Masson
  • Patent number: 8864445
    Abstract: The present application provides a method of installing an impingement cooling assembly in an inner platform of an airfoil of a turbine nozzle. The method may include the steps of positioning an insert within a cavity of the airfoil, positioning a core exit cover about an opening of the cavity, positioning an impingement plenum within a platform cavity, inserting an unfixed spoolie through an assembly port of the impingement plenum and into an airflow cavity of the insert, and closing the assembly port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Walter Coign, Aaron Gregory Winn
  • Publication number: 20140308113
    Abstract: A structure providing compliance and sealing between ceramic or ceramic composite (CMC) part and a metallic part has an interface component for centering the CMC part in the metallic part, thus reducing thermal stress motion of the CMC component. In gas turbine engine applications, the structure comprises a CMC blade track inserted in a clip placed within a metallic hanger. The clip provides for radial compliance and secures controlled leakage of cooling air required to ensure that acceptable temperatures are maintained for the metallic structures. A washer is positioned adjacent to the clip provide for axial orientation of the blade track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: William I. Westphal, Clayton C. Smith
  • Patent number: 8857055
    Abstract: A process is provided for forming shaped air holes, such as for use in turbine blades. Aspects of the disclosure relate to forming shaped portions of air holes using a short pulse laser, forming a metered hole corresponding to each shaped portion, and separately finishing the shaped portion using a short-pulse laser. In other embodiments, the order of these operations may be varied, such as to form the shaped portions and to finish the shaped portions using the short-pulse laser prior to forming the corresponding metered holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bin Wei, Jon Conrad Schaeffer, Ronald Scott Bunker, Wenwu Zhang, Kathleen Blanche Morey, Jane Marie Lipkin, Benjamin Paul Lacy, Wilbur Douglas Scheidt
  • Patent number: 8857178
    Abstract: A turbocharger for an internal combustion engine includes a center housing, a shaft rotatably supported in the center housing, and a turbine wheel connected at one end of the shaft. A turbine housing is connected to the center housing and disposed around the turbine wheel. A bore formed in the turbine housing extends from a gas outlet end of the turbine housing to an annular stop surface of the turbine housing disposed adjacent the turbine wheel. A nozzle ring disposed in the bore surrounds a portion of the turbine wheel. An outlet cone is disposed at least partially in the bore and surrounds a remaining portion of the turbine wheel. The outlet cone is connected to the gas outlet end of the turbine housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Steve O'Hara
  • Publication number: 20140301849
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine disk split retainer ring system is provided and includes an apparatus and method for retaining a split ring in relation to a turbine cover plate or disk. Pegs are used to capture and retain a split retainer ring of the gas turbine rotor in relation to the cover plate. An anti-rotation peg has a radially oriented tab for engaging the split ring so as to control the rotation of the ring. The system may be used to balance the operating condition of a turbo machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Brandon R. Snyder
  • Publication number: 20140300112
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an offshore wind power generator, a lifting jig for transferring the offshore wind power generator, and a method for installing the offshore wind power generator using the lifting jig. The offshore wind power generator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a blade, a nacelle including a power generator for generating power by the rotation of the blade, and a tower supporting the nacelle and installed on a support structure installed offshore. Also, the offshore wind power generator includes a tower support structure installed on the tower so that the tower is lifted using a predetermined transfer unit in a state where the blade, the nacelle, and the tower are integrally assembled. The tower support structure is disposed above a center of gravity of the wind power generator at which the blade, nacelle, and the tower are integrally assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG HEAVY IND. CO., LTD. a corporation
    Inventors: Byung Kyu Lee, Dong Ho Cho
  • Publication number: 20140301854
    Abstract: A securement system for securing an attachment portion of at least one rotor blade or rotor blade segment in a mounting site of a rotor base. The securement system has at least one holder element and a second holder element, each of which has a holding portion and a connecting portion. The connecting portions can be introduced into the mounting site so as to establish a clip connection and can be locked together in the mounting site. The holding portions are configured so as to fasten the attachment portion of the at least one rotor blade or of the rotor blade segment in the mounting site in the locked state of the connecting portions. Further disclosed is a method for securing an attachment portion of at least one rotor blade or rotor blade segment in a mounting site of a rotor base and a rotor having a securement system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: MTU Aero Engines AG
    Inventors: Frank STIEHLER, Felix KERN
  • Publication number: 20140294589
    Abstract: A spool for a gas turbine engine includes at least one rotor disk defined along an axis of rotation and at least one rotor ring defined along the axis of rotation, with the rotor ring being in contact with the rotor disk. The rotor disk and rotor ring are contoured to define a smooth rotor stack load path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Stephen P. Muron, Christopher M. Dye, Ioannis Alvanos, Brian D. Merry
  • Publication number: 20140294573
    Abstract: The invention proposes an axisymmetrical portion (24) for an aircraft turbojet engine intermediate case intended to protrude downstream from an outer axisymmetrical portion of said intermediate case, the axisymmetrical portion (24) including an annular groove (40) radially open outwards, characterized in that it includes at least one insert (60) laid out inside the groove (40), which covers each internal face (50, 52, 54) of the groove (40) and which is radially open outwards. The invention also proposes an insert intended to be mounted in the axisymmetrical portion and a method for mounting the insert in the axisymmetrical portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Richard LAVIGNOTTE, Patrick Jean-Louis Reghezza
  • Patent number: 8844131
    Abstract: A process is provided for forming a leaf-spacer pair for use in a leaf seal which effects a seal between two components. The process includes the steps of: (a) providing a leaf section which maintains, in the leaf seal, wiping contact with one of the components, and a root section from which the leaf section extends and which, in the leaf seal, is fixed relative to the other component, the leaf section and the root section being formed from a first sheet of material of substantially uniform thickness; (b) providing a spacer formed from a second sheet of material, the spacer being physically separate from the leaf section and the root section; and (c) fastening the spacer to the root section to form a leaf-spacer pair in which the spacer overlays the root section and remains fixed relative thereto on handling of the leaf-spacer pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Gervas Franceschini
  • Publication number: 20140260327
    Abstract: The present invention is an article containing internal cooling channels located near at least one surface. In an embodiment, the cooled article includes a base material, a first layer, and a second layer. Here, the first layer is bonded to the base material and the second layer is bonded to the first layer, wherein at least one closed cooling channel is disposed within a portion of the first layer and a portion of the second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: General Electric Company
  • Publication number: 20140255182
    Abstract: A push-lock pin for connecting a tile to a gas turbine engine wall according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a housing extending longitudinally along an axis; a shaft assembly within the housing, the shaft assembly including a push-down pop-up mechanism and a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism moveable to a locked position such that the locking mechanism limits movement of a tile away from a gas turbine engine wall; and a stop feature to limit movement of the tile toward the gas turbine engine wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jose E. Ruberte Sanchez, Timothy J. McAlice
  • Publication number: 20140255167
    Abstract: A method of assembling a gas turbine engine includes locating a consumable assembly tool within the engine
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Stevens, Jeremy Drake, Brian Duguay, Timothy M. Davis, Ryan M. Kohn, Dairus D. McDowell, Brian McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 8826784
    Abstract: A method of machining an airfoil includes the steps of providing first and second cutting tools respectively having first and second cutting contours that are different than one another. A blank is cut with the first cutting tool to provide a first airfoil surface on a first blade. The blank is cut with the second cutting tool to provide a second airfoil surface on a second blade. An airfoil is produced having the first and second blades. A cutting tool for machining the airfoil includes a shank. A cutting surface adjoins the shank and provides a cutting contour corresponding to an airfoil surface. The cutting surface extends along a cutting length axially from a nose to near a cutting boundary. The cutting length is configured to be greater than the blade length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Chung Y. Wu
  • Publication number: 20140248146
    Abstract: A first ceramic matrix composite structure having a first flange with a first aperture, and a second structure having a second flange with a second aperture are clamped together by a fastener and spring assembly. The second flange is in contact with the first flange and the apertures of the first and second flanges align with each other. A threaded fastener having a thermal expansion rate that is different than the thermal expansion rate of at least one of the first ceramic matrix composite structure and second structure extends through the aligned apertures. The fastener includes a bolt, a nut, and a spring assembly that maintains a constant clamping pressure irrespective of the thermal expansion differences between the bolt and the first ceramic matrix composite structure and second structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: David J. Sander, Shelton O. Duelm
  • Publication number: 20140248136
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine section comprises a rotatable shaft, first and second axially adjacent components, a nut, and a multifunction positioning lock washer. The first and second axially adjacent components are located on the rotatable shaft and are separated by an axial separation distance. The nut is configured to thread onto the rotatable shaft to hold one of the first and second axially adjacent components in compression. The multifunction positioning lock washer has antirotation geometry configured to prevent the nut from tightening or loosening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James L. Lucas, Jason D. Himes
  • Patent number: 8821127
    Abstract: A blade assembly for a groove of a wheel of rotating machinery is described. The blade assembly includes, a blade root having two longitudinal sides, a base, and a roof, wherein the profile of the longitudinal sides includes a rounded surface, a blade connected to the roof of the blade root, and one or more keys juxtaposed along each longitudinal side of the blade root, each key having an inboard side and an outboard side, wherein the profile of the inboard side of each key is configured to mate with the profile of the blade root. The blade assembly allows replacement of a compressor blade without the need for unstacking the rotor to gain access to the damaged blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Ken Knecht
  • Publication number: 20140241885
    Abstract: A partly cruciform flexbeam (1) of a bearingless main rotor system of a helicopter with a hub drive and an airfoil blade. The partly cruciform flexbeam (1) comprises a flexbeam head (2) with a flat bearing laminate at one end, a root end (3) opposed to said flexbeam head (2) and a flexbeam body (6) between said flexbeam head (2) and said root end (3), said flexbeam body (6) being torsion soft with a substantially cruciform cross section. The invention is as well related to a method of manufacturing such a partly cruciform flexbeam (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: AIRBUS HELICOPTERS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Gerald KUNTZE-FECHNER, Martin ORTNER
  • Publication number: 20140241871
    Abstract: A fuel injector comprises a swirler and the swirler comprises a plurality of vanes, a first member and a second member. The second member is arranged coaxially around the first member and the vanes extend radially between the first and second members. The vanes have leading edges and the second member has an upstream end. The leading edges of the vanes extend with radial and axial components from the first member to the upstream end of the second member and the radially outer ends of the leading edges of the vanes form arches with the upstream end of the second member. The arrangement of the swirler enables the fuel injector to be built by direct laser deposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Mark GREGORY, Oliver James FRANCIS
  • Patent number: 8813359
    Abstract: A process is provided for manufacturing leaf seals for effecting seals between coaxial, relatively rotating components. Each leaf seal has an annular pack of leaves which are stacked face-to-face, and are mountable to one of the components at respective root portions of the leaves. The annular pack has a pack radius at the wiping contact edges which is matched within tolerance limits to the radius of the sealing surface. The process includes: determining production parameters for the production of a plurality of leaf seals, the parameters being determined such that at least a portion of the produced leaf seals will have pack radii which violate the tolerance limit; producing the leaf seals using the determined production parameters; and modifying the pack radii of the portion of the produced leaf seals which violate the tolerance limit such that the modified pack radii match the sealing surface within the tolerance limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce, PLC
    Inventor: Ingo Henry Johannes Jahn
  • Publication number: 20140230246
    Abstract: A system for connecting spaced components of a gas turbine engine includes connecting one end of a T-bar to each of the spaced components. One component is attached to the crossbar portion of the T-bar by trapping the crossbar between the component and a bracket. The second component is attached to the shaft portion using a hanger nut connected to the shaft portion of the T-bar and bolted to the second component. The system may be installed by attaching the crossbar portion, then advancing the first component towards the second component until the shaft portion passes through an aperture in the second component. The hanger nut is attached to the shaft portion and the second component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn M. McMahon, Jeffrey R. Lavin
  • Publication number: 20140230452
    Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a gas turbine engine includes a fan, a speed reduction device driving the fan, and a lubrication system for lubricating components across a rotation gap. The lubrication system includes a lubricant input. A stationary first bearing receives lubricant from the lubricant input and has a first race in which lubricant flows. A second bearing for rotation is within the first bearing. The second bearing has a first opening in registration with said first race such that lubricant may flow from the first race through the first opening into a first conduit. The first bearing also has a second race into which lubricant flows. The second bearing has a second opening in registration with the second race such that lubricant may flow from the second race through the second opening into a second conduit. The first and second conduits deliver lubricant to distinct locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, William G. Sheridan, Lawrence E. Portlock
  • Publication number: 20140234078
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan section including a fan rotatable about an axis. A speed reduction device is connected to the fan. The speed reduction device includes a planetary fan drive gear system with a planet gear ratio of at least 2.5. A bypass ratio is greater than about 11.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: William G. Sheridan, Karl L. Hasel
  • Publication number: 20140230247
    Abstract: A method of making a turbomachine part, wherein the method can include machining a blank into a base having blades extending therefrom, the blades defining a channel therebetween. The method can also include forming a bridge constructed from refractory material in the channel between the blades, and forming a cover on the tops of the blades and over the channel, such that the base, the blades, and the cover form a single substantially homogenous turbomachine part once the bridge is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: DRESSER-RAND COMPANY
    Inventors: Kevin Pickrell, Mark J. Kuzdzal