Impeller Making Patents (Class 29/889)
  • Publication number: 20140072430
    Abstract: A wind turbine rotor assembly comprises: a rotor support; a rotor which is rotatably mounted to the rotor support; and a base support; wherein the rotor support and base support are provided with engagement means which allow said rotor support and base support to engage with each other so that when the rotor support and base support are moved together a hinged connection is formed between the rotor support and base support, which hinged connection allows the rotor support to rotate relative to the base support during installation or decommissioning of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Sway Turbine AS
    Inventors: Eystein Børgen, Bjørge Sæten
  • Publication number: 20140072444
    Abstract: A rotor assembly for a gas turbine engine, with an annular sleeve having an inner member connected around the shaft to rotate together therewith and having an outer member with a first end connected to the inner member, the outer member defining an annular continuous frustoconical inner surface angled such as to extend closer to the central axis near the first end. A rotor disc includes an annular protuberance extending radially inwardly of the outer member and forced toward the first end, and having an annular continuous frustoconical outer surface complementary to the inner surface of the outer member and in torque-transmitting engagement therewith. The assembly includes means for axially pressing the sleeve and the disc against one another to maintain the complementary frustoconical surfaces in torque-transmitting engagement. A method of engaging a rotor disc to a driving shaft in a gas turbine engine is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Andreas Eleftheriou, Richard Ivakitch
  • Publication number: 20140068937
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a single-piece part for a turbine engine by diffusion bonding, the method including making a blank for the part around a mandrel, the blank including a plurality of coaxial and superposed annular layers of independent rings of metal wire that are stacked on one another around the mandrel, and subjecting the blank to hot isostatic pressing to obtain a single-piece part, and optionally machining the part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Thierry Godon, Bruno Jacques Gérard Dambrine
  • Patent number: 8667678
    Abstract: An assembly device for assembling and disassembling a rotor of a turbomachine with rotor disks that are clamped together by at least one tie rod is provided. The assembly device includes a turning block that is secured to a base and a securing device that secures the rotor against tilting. The rotor is arranged in a transversal manner in relation to a horizontal plane of the base and pivotably mounted on the turning block. The securing device is fixed to the base by several supports and the turning block is arranged inside the surface of the base that is clamped by the supports. Large forces and torque coming from the rotor that is arranged in a perpendicular manner are guided from the securing device to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Johann Floter, Armin Hülfenhaus, Claus Vögelin
  • Patent number: 8667680
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for replacing an inner disk element of a blade integrated disk wherein the blade integrated disk has a plurality of recesses in the form of axial through-bores in the joining area. The method begins with filling the axial through-bores, after which the inner disk element of the blade integrated disk is separated from the remaining blade ring. Next a new inner disk element is inserted into the remaining blade ring and the new inner disk element and the remaining blade ring are joined. Finally the axial through-bores are restored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines AG
    Inventors: Erwin Bayer, Karl-Hermann Richter
  • Publication number: 20140056713
    Abstract: A turbine engine rotor assembly includes a turbine engine rotor disk that extends axially along a centerline between a first disk end and a second disk end, and radially to an outer disk surface. The rotor disk includes one or more blade retention slots arranged circumferentially around the centerline. A first of the blade retention slots extends axially into the rotor disk from a disk end surface at the first disk end to a slot end surface, and radially into the rotor disk from the outer disk surface to a slot base surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Peter V. Tomeo, Carney R. Anderson, William Richard Ganoe
  • Publication number: 20140044554
    Abstract: A method for assembling a modular foundation of a wind turbine having a base and a plurality of foundation sections includes positioning the base of the foundation on a support surface, arranging a plurality of tensioning elements so as to extend from the base to a second location spaced from the base, and stacking a plurality of foundation sections on the base by guiding the foundation sections from the second location toward the base using the tensioning elements. A modular wind turbine foundation includes a base positioned on the seabed; a plurality of tensioning elements extending from the base to a location adjacent the surface of the water; and a plurality of serially stacked foundation segments on top of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventor: Wallace Lafferty
  • Publication number: 20140037452
    Abstract: A fixture for connecting rotors of a rotary machine includes: an axial member provided with a column-like fitting portion which is disposed inside of a first bolt hole and fits the first bolt hole; and a sleeve provided with a cylindrical fitting portion which is disposed inside of a second bolt hole and fits the second bolt hole. The axial member further includes a tapered portion which is formed on an end portion of the column-like fitting portion, and is gradually reduced in diameter from the first bolt hole toward the second bolt hole. The cylindrical fitting portion of the sleeve is formed with a tapered hole which is gradually expanded in diameter from the second bolt hole toward the first bolt hole around an axis of the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Takuya Komatsubara, Kenichi Arase, Kimihiro Kikugawa
  • Patent number: 8640336
    Abstract: An exemplary turbine engine assembly includes a first shaft that is rotatably driven by a second shaft of a gas turbine engine and a compressor hub driven by the first shaft. The compressor hub is within a compressor section of the gas turbine engine. An epicyclic gear train is driven by the first shaft. A common attachment point secures the first shaft and the compressor hub to the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: William G. Sheridan, Michael E. McCune
  • Publication number: 20140026833
    Abstract: A cooling fan shroud comprises multiple, functionally identical sections that form a ring-like structure that completely surrounds the fan when the shroud is installed onto an aperture plate or other structure. The shroud makes the cooling system more efficient by improving air flow at a given fan speed by reducing fan tip clearance, and increasing air flow due through the fan. An alternative, single piece shroud is also provided which can be retrofitted to an existing cooling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Jeff A. Jensen, Alexander Speros Leanos, Donald Lemont Stamets, Gerald Alan Nuese, John Curtis Simkins, Casey Bradford Behringer
  • Publication number: 20140030078
    Abstract: In a stator, segment coils each consisting of a pair of straight portions connected with a connecting portion in a U-like shape are set in slots of a stator core. Each straight portion has distal end parts protruding on an opposite side to the connecting portions. The distal end parts in odd-numbered positions from an outer or inner circumferential side in a radial direction are twisted in one direction and shaped radially outward and the distal end parts located in even-numbered positions are twisted in an opposite direction to the one direction and shaped radially inward to be joined to each other on the same circumference by welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Fujio Ando, Hirotsugu Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 8631557
    Abstract: A method for providing a shallow-angled hole through a thermal barrier coated component in accordance with one aspect thereof, includes a step of applying a pulse laser beam to pre-drill the hole through a base metal of the component. A thermal barrier coating is then applied to the base metal, covering the pre-drilled hole in the base metal. A further step is conducted to apply the pulse laser beam through the thermal barrier coating a location to coincide with pre-drilled hole in the base metal in order to complete the formation of the hole extending through the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Amr Elfizy, Ghislain Hardy, Sylvain Cournoyer
  • Patent number: 8631577
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an integrally bladed rotor of a gas turbine engine according to one aspect, includes a 3-dimensional scanning process to generate a 3-dimensional profile of individual blades before being welded to the disc of the rotor. A blade distribution pattern on the disc is then determined in a computing process using data of the 3-dimensional profile of the individual blades such that the fabricated integrally bladed rotor is balanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Visal Ing
  • Patent number: 8631578
    Abstract: A balancing weight clip with a mass adapted to balance a rotor assembly of a gas turbine engine, includes a weight portion, a first flange engaging portion and a second flange engaging portion extending from the weight portion, each being engageable with a sidewall of at least one recess located on an edge of a flange of a disc of the rotor assembly. Each flange engaging portion is provided with a hook engageable with a mating groove provided on a face of the flange. At least one of the first and second flange engaging portions is resiliently biased so that the first and second flange engaging portions are elastically moveable away from one another to removably secure the balancing weight clip to the flange and engage each hook with the mating groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: David F. Glasspoole, Francois Caron
  • Patent number: 8631576
    Abstract: A method for attaching a rotor of a wind turbine generator and a method for constructing a wind turbine generator are provided, with which the rotor blades can be prevented from breaking and with which the construction costs can be reduced. The present invention includes: an assembly step (S1) in which a plurality of wind-turbine rotor blades are attached to a rotor head to assemble the rotor on the ground; a wire attaching step (S2) in which a first wire is attached to a first hoisting portion provided on a rotation axis of the rotor and in which a second wire is attached to a second hoisting portion provided at a position away from the rotation axis; a hoisting step (S3) in which the rotor is hoisted with the first wire; a rotor raising step (S4) in which the first wire is extended so that the rotor is hoisted with the second wire; and a rotor attaching step (S6) in which the rotor hoisted with the second wire is attached to the nacelle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd
    Inventor: Tomohiro Numajiri
  • Publication number: 20140010656
    Abstract: A fixation device for fixing a shaft connecting a rotor and a generator of a wind turbine, the fixation device comprising: a rotor lock for locking the shaft providing a locking clearance; and a rotor brake for braking the shaft; wherein the rotor lock is arranged for positioning the shaft in a selectable angular position within the locking clearance of the rotor lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Jacob Johannes NIES
  • Publication number: 20140010643
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a steam turbine low-pressure or medium-pressure module deflector, said deflector comprising an internal ring and an external ring as well as vanes, said method comprising a step of welding said vanes to said rings. The main characteristic of a method according to the invention is that the welding step is preceded by a step of automatically machining the ends of each vane to create a peripheral recess around each of said ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Arnaud Buguin, Dominique Travenrs
  • Publication number: 20140010642
    Abstract: A stator of an electric motor or generator comprises a core formed of ferromagnetic material having a plurality of teeth arranged circumferentially about an axis. In one aspect of the invention, at least one retaining member connects the end portions of at least two of the teeth to each other in a manner inhibiting relative movement between said tooth end portions. By inhibiting relative movement between said tooth end portions, vibration is reduced. Vibration can also be reduced by welding interior surfaces of a core to each other. Reducing the vibration reduces the noise emissions of the stator during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Gary E. Horst, Jeffrey R. Bohrer, Daniel E. Bailey, Daniel E. Hilton, Gregory M. Levine, Brian P. Klein, L. Ranney Dohogne
  • Patent number: 8624151
    Abstract: A method for drilling a shallow-angled hole through a thermal barrier coated component, in accordance with one aspect thereof, includes a step of applying a pulse laser beam with a first setting to drill a section of the hole substantially within a thermal barrier coating of the component. A further step is conducted to apply the pulse laser beam with a second setting through the initiated hole to further drill through a remainder of the component to complete the formation of the hole extending through the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Amr Elfizy, Ghislain Hardy, Sylvain Cournoyer
  • Publication number: 20140003950
    Abstract: A method of assembling a blade array includes the step of inserting a blade having a platform into a rotor. The blade includes a pocket radially beneath the platform that includes an interference feature. The blade corresponds to one of first and second blades that are scaled versions of one another. The method includes the step of selecting a damper seal, and inserting the damper seal into the pocket. The damper seal corresponds to one of first and second damper seals. The first damper seal cooperates with the interference feature thereby permitting the first damper seal to fully seat within the pocket. The second damper seal is obstructed by the interference feature thereby preventing the second damper seal from fully seating within the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Beattie, Jeffrey Michael Jacques
  • Publication number: 20140003940
    Abstract: A deployable aerodynamic component configured to be mounted to a wind turbine. The wind turbine includes at least one rotor blade. The deployable aerodynamic component configured to be positioned in front of an inner portion of the at least one rotor blade, and is structurally configured to cover a substantial portion of the inner portion of the at least one rotor blade in a wind direction during deployment of the deployable aerodynamic component and to allow the passage therethrough of an incoming wind when non-deployed. Further described is a wind turbine including the above-described deployable aerodynamic component and method for aerodynamic performance enhancement of an existing wind turbine, wherein the method includes mounting the above-described deployable aerodynamic component to a wind turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Dmytro Floriyovych Opaits, Seyed Gholamali Saddoughi, Grover Andrew Bennett, JR., Matthew Patrick Boespflug, Stephen Bertram Johnson, Peggy Lynn Baehmann, Anurag Gupta
  • Patent number: 8615874
    Abstract: Devices and systems for transporting a material suspended in a fluid, e.g., pulverized coal, that can be assembled about a rotary element are disclosed. The devices and systems comprise a first portion or half of a fan wheel assembly, a second portion or half of a fan wheel assembly, and a plurality of splice plates for connecting the first portion of the fan wheel assembly to the second portion of the fan wheel assembly about the rotary element. Methods of manufacturing and assembling the sectionalized devices and systems are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Riley Power Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Smith, Craig A. Penterson, Richard N. DuVerger
  • Publication number: 20130336796
    Abstract: A tapered roller bearing element includes a first end and a second end, the second end having a second end radius. There is an apex ring between the two ends having an apex ring radius. There is also a base cone extending between the first end and the apex ring, the base cone tapering outwardly at a base cone angle. In addition, a relief cone extends between the apex ring and the second end, the relief cone tapers inwardly at a relief cone angle, and relief cone angle is larger than the base cone angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul A. Carvalho, Matthew C. Soule
  • Publication number: 20130330190
    Abstract: A water paddle comprising a first shaft having a blade end and a free end and a second shall having a blade end and a free end, a first cog collar located on an exterior surface of first shaft and having a first set of teeth extending radially from a mating end of first cog collar and accessible to the user's fingers, a second cog collar located on an exterior surface of second shaft and having a second set of teeth extending radially from a mating end of second cog collar and accessible to the user's fingers, second set of teeth mateable with first set of teeth to prevent rotational movement between shafts, a ferrule extending from the free end of second shaft, a clip lip member located on an interior surface of the ferrule, and a spring tab mechanism located within an interior surface of first shaft and includes a body having corresponding resilient arms each having a displaceable tab supported thereon engageable with a set of push button holes located on first shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Dale Kevin Kicker
  • Patent number: 8601688
    Abstract: A method for mounting a wind turbine blade to a wind turbine hub by use of a crane boom is provided. The orientation of the blade is kept substantially horizontal when the blade is lifted off the ground and mounted to the rotor hub. Control wires which connect the blade via the crane boom to a winch arrangement are used for keeping the blade orientation substantially horizontal in addition to at least one bearing wire for bearing the blade weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Henrik Fomsgaard Lynderup, Jesper Moeller
  • Publication number: 20130323067
    Abstract: A rotor assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a rotor configured for rotation about an engine axis, the rotor including an aft surface including a rotor slot and a cover plate attached to the aft surface of the rotor, the cover plate including a tab received within the rotor slot and a cover plate slot aligned with the rotor slot. A lock assembly disposed within the rotor slot holds a position of the cover plate relative to the rotor. The lock assembly includes a key portion conforming to the rotor slot, a lock portion engageable with a surface of the rotor slot and a threaded member for holding the lock assembly within the rotor slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Stephen M. Antonellis, Frank Heydrich
  • Publication number: 20130323078
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an airfoil includes the steps of fabricating a first core including a first plurality of ribs defining a first plurality of passages of a completed airfoil, and fabricating as second core including a second plurality of ribs defining a second plurality of passages of the completed airfoil. The second plurality of ribs includes a plurality of standoffs. The plurality of standoffs set a spacing between the first plurality of ribs and the second plurality of ribs to define a spacing between the first plurality of channels and the second plurality of channels of the completed airfoil. The airfoil is then molded about the core assembly. Once completed, the core assembly is removed to provide a completed airfoil incorporating multiple microcircuits with a desired stability and structural integrity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Beattie, Jeffrey Michael Jacques, Justin D. Piggush
  • Patent number: 8595930
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting an inner radial surface of a housing of a turbomachine from corrosion. The method includes tapering the inner radial surface of the housing and a corresponding outer radial surface of a corrosion-resistant liner, and heating the housing to increase a diameter of the inner radial surface of the housing. The method also includes inserting the corrosion-resistant liner at least partially into the housing, and attaching the corrosion-resistant liner to the inner radial surface of the housing a solid-state bonding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventors: Byron L. Mohr, David C. Seib
  • Publication number: 20130315745
    Abstract: An airfoil includes an airfoil working portion and an adjoining endwall. The endwall has a leading edge, a trailing edge, a first mateface, and a second mateface that collectively define a perimeter of the endwall, with the first and second matefaces arranged opposite one another. A forward zone is defined by the endwall that extends to the leading edge. The first and second matefaces are each oriented at an angle ?II relative to radial in the forward zone. An aft zone is defined by the endwall that extends to the trailing edge. The first and second matefaces are each oriented at an angle ?II relative to radial in the aft zone. The angles ?II and ?II are not equal. A middle zone is defined in between the forward and aft zones, and the first and second matefaces transition between the angles ?II and ?I in the middle zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Andrew S. Aggarwala
  • Publication number: 20130315740
    Abstract: A method for installing an inner blade part or a wind turbine blade and to a lifting bracket for use in performing said method, e.g., a inner blade part for a partial pitch wind turbine blade comprising an inner blade part and an outer blade part, said inner blade part comprising a first flange for connection to a hub flange at a wind turbine hub and a second flange for connection to an outer blade part, said flanges all comprising a number of bolts and/or bolt holes. The lifting bracket has a flange for connection to a suitable number of bolts and/or bolt holes at said second flange on the inner blade part, the flange having a first surface and an opposite second surface arranged for interfacing with the first flange, and further the lifting bracket also has at least one lifting lug and at least one counter weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Envision Energy (Denmark) ApS
    Inventor: Jan Westergaard
  • Patent number: 8590150
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of joining a hub 11 and a shroud 12 of an impeller 10, either one of which has blades 13 integrally formed thereon, by welding. During the welding, in an upright state in which the hub 11 is placed to face a mount surface, the hub 11 and the shroud 12 are placed on top of each other to form an assembled body 10. Welding is performed on the assembled body 10 covered with a heat insulating jacket 30(a to g), the jacket 30 covering the assembled body 10 except an open region (OP) and an inflow port 14IN required for welding. When welding of one open region OP is completed, a new open region OP is formed by moving the heat insulating jacket 30 with respect to the assembled body, and then the next welding is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Khanhson Pham, Hiroshi Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20130309075
    Abstract: An axial flow turbine diaphragm is constructed without welding or other metal joining techniques as an annular array of static blade units. Each blade unit comprises an aerofoil and radially inner and outer platforms integral with the aerofoil. The radially inner platform consists of a segment of the inner diaphragm ring and the radially outer platform consists of a segment of the outer diaphragm ring. At least the outer ring segment has engagement features that mechanically engage with complementary engagement features on neighbouring outer ring segments in the annular array of blade units, the engagement features acting to mechanically interlock neighbouring outer ring segments and produce a self-supporting turbine diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Angus Robert Brummitt-Brown, Adrian Clifford Lord, Niall MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20130302164
    Abstract: The invention relates to a Magnus rotor comprising a cylindrical body of revolution for converting wind power into a feed force using the Magnus effect. The Magnus rotor comprises: a rotational shaft about which the body of revolution rotates; a support member on which the body of revolution is mounted; and a body of revolution which has means for the reinforcement thereof. The body of revolution is primed in at least two planes arranged at a mutual spacing in the axial direction perpendicular to the rotational shaft of the body of revolution in order to accommodate balancing weights. The invention further relates to a method for balancing a body of revolution according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: WOBBEN PROPERTIES GMBH
    Inventors: Rolf Rohden, Thomas Bohlen
  • Publication number: 20130287583
    Abstract: A damper (2) for damping a blade movement of a turbomachine (1), and to a method for producing the damper (2). The damper (2) has at least one side surface (21, 21?) which can be brought into frictional contact with a friction surface of the turbomachine (1) in order to damp a blade movement. The side surfaces (21, 21?) are asymmetrically convex in shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventors: Carsten Schoenhoff, Manfred Dopfer, Martin Pernleitner, Wilfried Schuette
  • Patent number: 8567059
    Abstract: A process for forming a firtree slot in a disc of a bladed rotor assembly for a gas turbine engine may include making a first pass with a machining quill to form a rough profile of the firtree slot, making a second pass with an inclined machining quill having the shape of one of the finished side wall profile of the firtree slot and avoiding engagement with the other side, and making a third pass with an inclined second quill having the shape of the other of the finished side wall profile of the firtree slot and avoiding engagement with the other side, in order to provide a firtree slot for receiving and fixing the root of a blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Sylvain Jetté, Yannick Dupont, Amr Elfizy
  • Publication number: 20130276456
    Abstract: An airfoil includes a body that has a platform, an airfoil extending outwardly from a side of the platform and a root extending outwardly from another side of the platform. A member is connected in an articulated joint to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Tracy A. Propheter-Hinckley, Anita L. Tracy
  • Publication number: 20130280082
    Abstract: An airfoil includes an airfoil body that defines a longitudinal axis. The airfoil body includes a leading edge and a trailing edge and a first sidewall and a second sidewall that is spaced apart from the first sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall join the leading edge and the trailing edge and at least partially define at least one longitudinally elongated cavity in the airfoil body. A plurality of loose particles is enclosed in the at least one longitudinally elongated cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Tracy A. Propheter-Hinckley, Gregory M. Dolansky, Benjamin T. Fisk, Robert J. Treen
  • Patent number: 8561298
    Abstract: A method for welding superalloy components at ambient temperature conditions while reducing the propensity of the superalloy material to crack as a result of the weld. A root pass region of the weld is formed using a filler material that exhibits ductility that is higher than that of the base superalloy material. The ductile material mitigates stress in the root region, thereby preventing the formation of cracks. A remaining portion of the weld is formed using a filler material that essentially matches the base superalloy material. The method may utilize a pre-weld heat treatment to grow a gamma prime precipitate phase in the superalloy material, a chill fixture to remove heat during welding, a relief cut to reduce stress in the root region, and a conventional post-weld heat treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Morin, Lucian Iordache, Ovidiu Timotin, Sooyeum Oh
  • Publication number: 20130272895
    Abstract: An impeller is formed of two parts, i.e., an inner peripheral side part and an outer peripheral side part. The inner peripheral side part is molded in a cylindrical shape. The outer peripheral side part is formed by integrally molding an annular disc externally fitted to an outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral side part, a plurality of blades provided at an interval in a circumferential direction on a surface that faces the other side in the axis line direction of the annular disc and forming al flow path extending in a radial direction, and a cover covering the plurality of blades from the other side in the axis line direction and having an insertion hole to which the inner peripheral side part is inserted in the axis line direction at an interval in a radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Akihiro Nakaniwa, Hitoshi Shinohara
  • Publication number: 20130269188
    Abstract: Disclosed is a holding device for holding a hub to be installed at a nacelle. The holding device includes a carrier element with a first connection interface configured to connect the holding device to a lifting system, and a second connection interface configured to connect the device to a blade pitch bearing of the hub. Further disclosed is a pitch operating device for operating a blade pitch angle adjustment device of a hub to be mounted to a nacelle. The pitch operating device includes an actuating unit and a power interface for connecting the pitch operating device to the blade pitch angle adjustment device. Further disclosed is a hub installation system including such a holding device and such a pitch operating device. Further, a method for installing a hub at a nacelle and a method for dismounting a hub from a nacelle are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Loevenskjold Falkenberg
  • Publication number: 20130272889
    Abstract: A method is provided for extending the service life of a used metallic compressor wheel having a damaged surface. The method generally comprises the steps of inspecting the used compressor wheel for material discontinuities such as fatigue cracks and, if fatigue cracks exceeding a predetermined length are not present, renewing the used compressor wheel such as by peening. The inspection process comprises conducting a non-destructive examination of the used compressor wheel to detect cracks larger than those which would fall generally within the compressive stress zone that is generated by peening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Olen Cornell, Marvin Grendel McKimpson, Yong Tian, Dong Fei
  • Patent number: 8550522
    Abstract: A tool to enable removal of a wind turbine blade, wherein the weight of the blade itself secures the blade without need for additional fixation. The tool includes an articulated structure, composed of an upper part and a lower part articulated to each other; a cradle-shaped support attached to the lower part of the structure and configured to house a blade, the cradle-shaped support having two portions being moveable to each other; a hooking element which allows the tool to be suspended from a first crane; and springs fixed to the structure for exerting an aperture force on the structure, which allows automatic aperture of the structure in the absence of blades in the interior of the cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Acciona Windpower, S.A.
    Inventors: Román Echarri Latasa, Sayoa Clavería Ibarrola, Eduardo Arraiza Arbeloa, Javier Fernández De Manzanos Domínguez, JoséMiguel García Sayés, Miguel Núñez Polo
  • Publication number: 20130259692
    Abstract: An exemplary fan includes a hub and an impeller. The hub is made of metal, and includes a flange. The impeller is made of plastic. The impeller is formed around the hub and has the flange embedded therein. A method for manufacturing the fan is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: FOXCONN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: WEN-CHENG CHEN
  • Publication number: 20130259694
    Abstract: In manufacturing a multi-finger pinned root pin-coupling a turbine blade made of a high-strength material and a rotor disc, a reamer used to ream a pin insertion hole formed through a turbine blade attachment base is removed from the pin insertion hole while being rotated so as to cause a scratch formed by a chip on the inner surface of the pin insertion hole to be inclined with respect to the axial direction of the pin insertion hole. This brings the direction of the scratch on the inner surface of the pin insertion hole and the direction of tensile stress generated on the inner surface of the pin insertion hole adequately close to be parallel to each other. As a result, the fatigue strength reduction caused by the scratch can be inhibited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuya HIRANO, Masaaki TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20130259674
    Abstract: An insulator for a stator assembly includes at least a first insulator adapted to be mounted to the stator core and structured to insulate the stator core from the coils. The at least one insulator includes structure to perform at least one additional function. For example, the structure may include a support member to support and/or locate the PCBA on the stator core, a wire guide to guide cross-over wires that form a connection between coils, and/or positioning structure to precisely position the PCBA with respect to the coils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: ResMed Motor Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: David B. SEARS, Michael Bruce MOIR, Peter Jeffrey THOMAS
  • Patent number: 8533948
    Abstract: A process is provided for producing a rotor which is made by welding together disk-shaped and/or drum-shaped elements, in particular disks, wherein a device is used to join the disks together axially in sequence along a longitudinal axis and the disks are welded in a two-stage welding process. As they are joined together, the disks are stacked axially in the vertical direction. A first welding process takes place in a vertical orientation of the stacked disks, followed by a second welding process in a horizontal orientation of the stacked disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Sorin Keller, Andreas Hartmann
  • Publication number: 20130236317
    Abstract: A clip to connect a blade to a rotor disk, the blade with a root and a tip in a spanwise direction, and a leading edge and a trailing edge in a chordwise direction, the root with a bottom surface, includes a locking mechanism shaped to engage a complementary slot extending into the bottom surface of the blade root in the spanwise direction; a support connected to the locking mechanism extending the length of the bottom surface of the root in the chordwise direction; and first and second arms extending radially inward converging in an axial direction so that the arms are closer at their distal ends to engage the rotor disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Lin-Jun Hou
  • Publication number: 20130236323
    Abstract: A method of forming a leading edge protection component includes depositing particles using a cold spray process on a mandrel to form a leading edge protection component; and removing the leading edge protection structure from the mandrel. The leading edge protection can be formed in one or more pieces and involve using one or more mandrels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sergey Mironets, Aaron T. Nardi
  • Publication number: 20130224029
    Abstract: A balanced rotor comprising a circumferential slot and a plurality of aerofoils each secured in the slot by a respective root, the root having a root block having circumferentially facing flanks and a seal wing extending circumferentially from one of the flanks, characterised in that the seal wing has a notch engaging a balance weight positioned between adjacent roots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
  • Publication number: 20130209231
    Abstract: A platform for supporting a nozzle guide vane for a gas turbine is provided. The platform has a gas passage surface arranged to be in contact with a streaming operation gas, and a cooling channel for guiding a cooling fluid within the cooling channel formed in an inside of the platform. A cooling portion of an inner surface of the cooling channel is in thermal contact with the gas passage surface. The platform is an integrally formed part representing a segment in a circumferential direction of the gas turbine. The cooling channel has a first cooling channel portion and a second cooling channel portion arranged downstream of the first cooling channel portion with respect to a streaming direction of the operation gas. The first cooling channel portion and the second cooling channel portion are interconnected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Anthony Davis, Paul Mathew Walker