Individually Pivoted Vanes Patents (Class 415/160)
  • Publication number: 20020071760
    Abstract: A variable stator vane assembly for a gas turbine engine including a bushing that facilitates extending a useful life of the stator vane assembly is described. The stator vane assembly includes a spacer and a vane secured to an engine casing. The bushing is between the spacer and vane, and prevents the spacer and the vane from contacting the engine casing. The bushing is fabricated from several materials formed in a matrix, such that at least a portion of the bushing is electrically conductive. During engine operation, a conductive path is realized through the bushing that discharges electrical charges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: William Terence Dingwell, Daniel Padraic O'Reilly, Thomas Carl Mesing
  • Patent number: 6398483
    Abstract: A protection device for protecting a control mechanism of inlet guide-vanes of a turbojet engine includes a narrowed section on a connecting rod. The connecting rod is for transmitting the movement of a spindle of a piston of the control mechanism or actuator to a control ring that directs all of the inlet guide-vanes. The narrowed section of the connecting rod is a frangible part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Snecma Moteurs
    Inventors: Eric Conete, François Marie Paul Marlin
  • Patent number: 6398491
    Abstract: A multistage turbocompressor is equipped with a tapping point between two compressor stages. The guide-blade cascade of the stage arranged directly upstream or downstream of the tapping point is designed with adjustable geometry. The pressure at the tapping point can be set within wide limits, irrespective of the compressor operating point, by an adjustment of this guide-blade cascade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Alstom (Switzerland) Ltd
    Inventors: Franz Joos, Uy-Liem Nguyen, Ulrich Waltke
  • Publication number: 20020061249
    Abstract: In a turbomachine compressor stator comprising a plurality of variable-pitch vanes (36), each vane mounted in rotation, about an axis of pivoting (38), in a wall (34) forming a surface of revolution about a longitudinal central axis of rotation of the turbomachine (32), being inclined by a specified angle (&agr;) with respect to a plane perpendicular to this longitudinal central axis, there is provision for this wall to be machined locally opposite an end part of each vane (42) so as to form a spherical portion or pocket (40) whose center is positioned on the axis of pivoting and whose radius is determined so as to ensure, over the entire range of operation of the vane, a predetermined minimum clearance between this end part of each vane and the opposite machined spherical pocket while limiting the depth of machining of this pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: SNECMA MOTEURS
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Caubet, Daniel Dao, Antoine Jean, Didier Merville
  • Patent number: 6386763
    Abstract: A vane assembly for an engine is disclosed, the vane assembly having a vane including a blade having a spindle disposed at one end thereof and a bushing mounted on the spindle. The bushing-includes first and second half portions, each half portion having a generally semicircular body having a first finger disposed at a first end of a first side of the body, a second finger disposed at a second end of the first side of the body and a third finger disposed on a second side of the body, between the first and second-ends of the body, the first and second fingers having a distance between them which is not less than a width of the third finger. The first and second half portions are snap fit onto the spindle of the vane such that the third finger of the second half portion is located between the first and second fingers of the first half portion, and the third finger of the first half portion is located between the first and second fingers of the second half portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James P. Mack, Edward J. Mack
  • Patent number: 6382910
    Abstract: An adiabatic expansion apparatus 22 with a built-in turbine impeller 12 adiabatically expands gas at a cryogenic temperature when the impeller rotates. A control device 24 is connected coaxially with the turbine impeller to control the impeller. A variable nozzle mechanism 30 is provided for varying the throat area for the gas at a cryogenic temperature to be introduced into the turbine impeller. The adiabatic expansion apparatus is installed in a vacuum vessel 14, and a control device is disposed outside the vacuum vessel. The variable nozzle mechanism comprises a nozzle component 32 built into the adiabatic expansion apparatus, and a driving component 34 installed outside the vacuum vessel. The nozzle component and the driving component are connected to the turbine impeller with a coaxial, thin cylindrical component 36, and drive the nozzle component when the cylindrical component rotates about the axis Z of the turbine impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignees: Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute, Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., LTD
    Inventors: Takashi Kato, Katsumi Kawano, Toru Shimba, Tadao Hiyama, Hiroshi Tsuji, Seiichiro Yoshinaga, Hiroshi Asakura, Nobuyoshi Saji, Takehiko Ishizawa
  • Patent number: 6378305
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine having an exhaust-gas turbocharger is provided. The exhaust-gas turbocharger includes a variable turbine geometry that allows for a greater range of use. The exhaust-gas turbocharger is used as a throttling device to dimension the combustion-air quantity delivered to the engine. The variable turbine geometry can be adjusted in such a way that the direction of rotation of the rotor of the exhaust-gas turbocharger is reversed. The intake pressure in the air inlet of the internal combustion engine is set as a function of the direction of rotation of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Siegfried Sumser, Werner Rumez
  • Patent number: 6375412
    Abstract: The present invention is for the efficient transfer of mechanical power through a fluid medium. The various embodiments of the present invention exploit the natural physical properties of fluids to create a more efficient means of driving fluids as well as transferring power from propelled fluids. The present invention employs an impeller assembly in a variety of applications including hydroelectric turbines, fluid turbines, turbine transmissions and pumps of various types. The multi-disk impeller assembly having a central cavity, a specialized central hub design and reinforcing backing plates contribute to greater efficiency and less turbulence, friction and noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel Christopher Dial
  • Publication number: 20020034439
    Abstract: A flexible rod (20) is articulated at a first end to a control ring (30) and is fixed at a second end to a pivot of a blade (10) that is to be controlled. At this second end, it is held so that it can rotate without play on the blade pivot by holding means (44; 52; 54). The articulation means comprise a pivot (24) passing through a first orifice (22) pierced in this first end and engaged in a radial housing (28) of the control ring, the pivot being held in position by a locking ring (34) which has openings (36) for the passage of this pivot and which slides on this control ring. The fixing means comprise a fixing screw (40) passing through a second orifice (38) pierced in the second end of the rod and introduced into a hole (42) of the pivot of the blade that is to be controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Applicant: SNECMA MOTEURS
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Caubet, Antoine Jean, Jacky Naudet, Gabrijel Radeljak, Sebastien Riccioz
  • Patent number: 6354084
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) enhancement system for a turbocharged internal combustion engine includes a throttle valve arranged in the exhaust duct of the engine, downstream of the EGR system. The throttle valve is controlled in response to engine load and engine speed to selectively provide back pressure upstream of the throttle valve to selectively drive an EGR exhaust flow through an EGR duct to the intake manifold. An embodiment of the EGR system includes a cooler that lowers the temperature of the EGR exhaust flow to provide better reductions in nitric oxide emissions. The exhaust turbine of the turbocharger may be of the fixed geometry type or the variable geometry type to provide a turbine with a fixed or variable swallowing capacity. The fixed geometry turbine is preferably equipped to allow excess pressure to be released through a wastegate duct arranged in fluid parallel with the exhaust turbine, thereby allowing for higher power and higher speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. McKinley, Philip M. Dimpelfeld, John M. Mulloy
  • Publication number: 20020023438
    Abstract: An exhaust-gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine has a turbine having a variable turbine geometry for the variable setting of the effective flow inlet cross section to the turbine wheel. The exhaust-gas turbocharger has a compressor which is connected to the turbine via a shaft. The variable turbine geometry can be adjusted by means of a regulating device between a closed position and an open position. To compensate for wear, a stop limiting an end position of the variable turbine geometry is provided, and the position of this stop can be set in a variable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Erwin Schmidt, Siegfried Sumser
  • Patent number: 6312217
    Abstract: A plurality of mounting holes 28 are bored in gas discharge channel 9a of turbine shroud 9 disposed on the inner periphery of turbine housing 1 on the opposite side to bearing housing. Screw holes 29 are constructed corresponding to mounting holes 28, in annular holder 12a formed in cover 12 so that gas discharge channel 9a can be inserted. Screw holes 29 are slightly offset from mounting holes 28 in the gas discharging direction. Stopping screws 30 with taper pins 30a tapered at tips thereof are screwed into screw holes 29, thereby taper pins 30a are inserted into mounting holes 28. Thus, the effects of thermal deformation of the turbine housing are prevented from directly acting on the turbine shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ishikawajima-harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukio Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20010026758
    Abstract: In order to make the components of a guide apparatus for an axial flow turbine easy to activate and also to permit only small gap flows, an axial flow machine is proposed with a guide apparatus, which comprises a row of adjustable guide vanes in the flow duct, which flow duct is bounded, on the one hand, by an inner spherically configured hub and, on the other hand, by an outer spherically configured guide vane carrier, the guide vanes being, on the one hand, rotationally supported in radial bearing holes of the annular guide vane carrier and, on the other hand, the spherically configured tip and root profiles of the guide vanes sealing against the guide vane carrier and the hub, in which arrangement the hub is embodied with a flexible hub contour at least in the sealing region of the inner tips of the guide vanes and the support for the guide vanes in the direction of the guide vane axes (A) is likewise designed to be flexible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Applicant: MAN B&W Diesel Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Bartholoma, Karl Heinz Schrott
  • Patent number: 6283705
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine variable vane having a winglet integrally formed therewith. In one embodiment, the variable vane includes a winglet attached to one end so as to reduce endwall losses resulting from air leakage from the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side of the airfoil. The winglet substantially increases the width of the endwall gap thereby reducing the loss associated with the vortex flow caused by leakage of gas from the pressure side to the section side of the airfoil. In another aspect the winglet runs along the airfoil thereby increasing stiffness and acting as a bracing strut to increase the resonant frequency of the airfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Allison Advanced Development Company
    Inventors: Edward Claude Rice, Robert Anthony Ress, Jr., Jeffrey Lister Hansen
  • Patent number: 6270309
    Abstract: A low drag ducted ram air turbine generator and cooling system is provided. The ducted ram air turbine generator and cooling system has reduced drag while extracting dynamic energy from the air stream during the complete range of intended flight operating regimes. A centerbody/valve tube having an aerodynamically shaped nose is slidably received in a fairing and primary structure to provide a variable inlet area. An internal nozzle control mechanism attached to the valve tube positions nozzle control doors to provide variable area nozzles directing air flow to the turbine stator and rotor blades to maintain optimum generator efficiency. An alternate embodiment includes an annular internal nozzle having interleaved panels to modulate the air flow to the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Ghetzler Aero-Power Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Ghetzler, Jerome F. Wojtalik, Jr., Neils Kruse, Kendal R. Stephens, Harold Schmulenson
  • Patent number: 6254338
    Abstract: A water turbine or pump having a rotor (1) and a stator (2). The leading edges (13) and the trailing edges (14) at least of the rotor blades (6) form a bend (15) projecting in opposite relationship to the flow direction (12). That causes a flow force resulting in a self-cleaning effect being applied to impurities which are deposited at the leading edges (13). However the adjustment design providing for adjustability of the rotor blades remains substantially unchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Andreas Keller
  • Patent number: 6220031
    Abstract: An exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal-combustion engine, whose exhaust gas turbine has a rotor disk with at least one semiaxial and one radial flow inlet cross-section, and is provided with a variable turbine geometry for the variable adjustment of at least one flow inlet cross-section. Furthermore, a compressor is provided in the intake system of the internal-combustion engine. In order to improve the efficiency of the exhaust gas turbocharger in a wide operating range, the ratio of the compressor outlet diameter to the average turbine inlet diameter can be variably adjusted according to the adjustment of the variable turbine geometry between a minimal value and a maximal value, the minimal value being lower than 1.1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Helmut Daudel, Siegfried Sumser
  • Patent number: 6209324
    Abstract: An exhaust turbocharger for an internal combustion engine has a main compressor for compressing the fresh air supplied to the engine, an additional compressor for compressing combustion gases to be recycled to the engine, and a turbine that can be driven by the exhaust gases from the engine and which serves to drive the main compressor and the additional compressor. The turbine has an adjustable geometry which facilitates optimization of engine operation regarding pollutant emissions, fuel consumption, and performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Helmut Daudel, Helmut Finger, Siegfried Sumser
  • Patent number: 6210106
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sealing apparatus for sealing leakage around a trunnion assembly of a gas turbine engine variable vane rotatably supported by an engine casing. The apparatus includes a trunnion of the variable vane rotatable about a trunnion axis, radially spaced apart inner and outer casing bores circumscribed about the trunnion axis and disposed radially outward of the engine centerline through the casing, and the trunnion rotatably disposed within the inner and outer casing bores. The inner bore is wider than the outer bore forming an annular shoulder with a planar radially inwardly facing shoulder surface. An annular recess in the trunnion has a planar radially inwardly facing recess surface substantially co-planar with the shoulder surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: James T. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 6179469
    Abstract: A rotation mechanism for rotating a rotary ring which has the following features: the number of parts it requires will be reduced as much as possible; its configuration will be simple and economical to build; the operating drag of the ring will be low; any distortion resulting from the load or thermal expansion will be reliably absorbed; and the ring will be rotated reliably with a small operating force. This rotation mechanism rotates an annular rotation ring in which two follower links are connected to the periphery of the rotation ring in such a way that they are free to rotate. The follower links act to provide coupled forces to rotate the rotation ring. The central portion of a drive lever is rotatably mounted by an operating pin on the end of an operating lever which rotates on an operating shaft. Two drive links, each of which is connected at one end to a respective one of the follower links, are joined by pins to either end of the drive lever in such a way that they are free to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Taku Ichiryu, Tadao Yashiki
  • Patent number: 6146093
    Abstract: A seal and a washer for a variable vane assembly in a turbine engine are described. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion that are substantially perpendicular. The seal is positioned between a variable vane and a casing. The washer is substantially flat and is located between the casing and a spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Lammas, Wayne R. Bowen
  • Patent number: 6129512
    Abstract: A rectifier vane stage is connected to a stator that is supported at the internal end thereof by a connecting ring which includes a support ring and a stiffening ring, a retaining lip of which is inserted into the support ring and similarly into the recesses of the ends of the vanes. The possibility of the vane accidentally coming loose following breakage of said vane is therefore eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation "Snecma"
    Inventors: Daniel Andre Agram, Anne-Cecile Christine Marlin
  • Patent number: 6129511
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the amount of gas flow through a compressor having variable geometry guide vanes and a variable geometry diffuser. The geometry variation of the diffuser is based on the geometry variation of the guide vanes. The method and apparatus ensure that the compressor will operate at peak efficiency over a broad range of load conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: John W. Salvage, Joost J. Brasz
  • Patent number: 6086327
    Abstract: A vane assembly for an engine is disclosed, the vane assembly having a vane including a blade having a spindle disposed at one end thereof and a bushing mounted on the spindle. The bushing includes first and second half portions, each half portion having a generally semicircular body having a first finger disposed at a first end of a first side of the body, a second finger disposed at a second end of the first side of the body and a third finger disposed on a second side of the body, between the first and second ends of the body, the first and second fingers having a distance between them which is not less than a width of the third finger. The first and second half portions are snap fit onto the spindle of the vane such that the third finger of the second half portion is located between the first and second fingers of the first half portion, and the third finger of the first half portion is located between the first and second fingers of the second half portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Mack Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Mack, Edward J. Mack
  • Patent number: 6050775
    Abstract: A radial-flow exhaust-gas turbocharger turbine is provided with a row of adjustable guide blades which are rotatable via adjusting shafts mounted in a casing. The guide blades are each provided with sealing discs on their longitudinal sides running at right angles to the adjusting-shaft axes. The diameter of the sealing discs is a multiple of the thickness of the guide blades. The sealing discs which are located on the side remote from the adjusting shafts form bearing points for the guide blades in the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Erdmann, Siegfried Sumser
  • Patent number: 6045325
    Abstract: A seal, and method of using same, for an inlet guide vane in a gas turbine engine includes a longitudinally extending tubular portion that has a longitudinal axis defined therethrough, a dovetail portion including a rib portion and a retaining feature. The rib portion is integral with the tubular portion and extends parallel to the axis, and the rib portion extends in a direction radially outward from the axis. The retaining feature is integral with the rib portion and tapers toward the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Lajos H. Horvath, Waclaw I. Surowka
  • Patent number: 6039534
    Abstract: An inlet guide vane assembly for a centrifugal compressor includes a guide vane housing having an inlet side for receiving a fluid passing through the compressor at a first flow angle, an outlet side remote from the inlet side and a central axis extending between the inlet and outlet sides of the housing. The assembly has a first set of inlet guide vanes pivotally mounted within the guide vane housing, between the inlet side and the outlet side thereof, for impinging upon the fluid passing through the housing. The assembly includes a second set of inlet guide vanes pivotally mounted within the guide vane housing, between the first set of inlet guide vanes and the outlet side of the housing, for impinging upon the fluid passing through the housing after the fluid has passed through the first set of inlet guide vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Northern Research and Engineering Corp
    Inventors: George S. Stoner, Peter M. Schoonmaker
  • Patent number: 6019574
    Abstract: A variable stator vane includes an airfoil having a threaded stem, a lever having a mounting hole receiving the stem, and a nut threadingly engaging the stem to retain the lever on the airfoil. A clearance is provided between the seat and lever during alignment therebetween to provide sufficient thread overlap between the nut and stem to permit engagement therebetween, with insufficient thread overlap being provided during misalignment to prevent threaded engagement therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Joseph DiBella
  • Patent number: 5993152
    Abstract: An actuation system for variable stator vanes pivotally mounted in a casing includes a plurality of levers joined to the respective vanes. An actuation ring coaxially surrounds the casing adjacent to the levers. A plurality of circumferentially spaced apart ring guides are joined to the casing for guiding circumferential rotation of the ring. Respective slip joints are provided between each of the levers and the actuation ring for varying pivot length of the levers as the ring is rotated for effecting nonlinear vane actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Jan C. Schilling
  • Patent number: 5947681
    Abstract: A turbocharger with a variable turbine nozzle having a plurality of vanes provides reduced actuation forces by pressure balancing the vane support axles. A nozzle ring and insert ring are secured in substantially rigid spaced relation by a series of hollow spacers and bolts to position the vanes between the nozzle inlet from the volute and nozzle outlet adjacent the turbine. A chamber intermediate the turbine housing and the center housing of the turbocharger accommodates the actuation mechanism for the nozzle vanes and through communication with the nozzle inlet from the volute by the tolerances between the nozzle ring and various elements of the actuation linkage transmits exhaust gas pressure to impinge on an end of the first axle for each vane. Balancing exhaust gas pressure is transmitted through channels between the turbine housing and insert ring, which extend from the nozzle inlet to the apertures receiving the second axles, to impinge on an end of the second axle for each vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Garrett Rochford
  • Patent number: 5931636
    Abstract: A variable area turbine nozzle includes a plurality of circumferentially adjoining nozzle segments. Each nozzle segment includes outer and inner bands, with a plurality of first vane segments fixedly joined therebetween. A plurality of second vane segments adjoin respective ones of the first vane segments to define therewith corresponding vanes which are spaced apart to define respective throats of minimum flow area for channeling therethrough combustion gas. The second vane segments are pivotable to selectively vary the throat area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph W. Savage, Ely E. Halila, Robert J. Orlando, Valentine R. Boehm, Jr., James A. Martus, Thomas T. Wallace, Monty L. Shelton
  • Patent number: 5873700
    Abstract: An earth and sand wear resisting hydraulic machine disposed in pressurized water and having movable guide vanes, has a wear resisting material against earth and sand applied by spraying or welding to the front end of a vane body of each guide vane, to the surface of a vane body portion located below the center of a water flowing portion of the vane body and to upper and lower end faces of the vane body. Consequently, the guide vanes and end faces are protected against wear caused by earth and sand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 5807072
    Abstract: A variable stator vane assembly which substantially eliminates leakage paths by utilizing a cantilevered finger spring seal and an o-ring is described. In one form, the stator vane assembly includes a spacer configured to form, with an upper, or outer, surface of the vane trunnion bushing, an annulus. The ring shaped cantilevered finger spring seal is positioned in the annulus and forms a seal between the spacer and trunnion bushing. The stator vane assembly also includes, in one form, an o-ring located at an interface between the stator case and the stator vane metal jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Stephen R. Payling
  • Patent number: 5796199
    Abstract: Pivoting vane internal extremity bearing (1) whose internal extremities are connected by a linking ring (12). The bearing elements (18) connecting the internal extremity pivots (10) to the ring (12) are composed of a bush (19) prolonged by bearing necks (20) with a spin axis (X') parallel to that of the ring (12). The forces undergone by the vanes, which transversally move the pivots (10), do not cause any wear of the bush (19), but a rotation of the latter around the axis (X'). Application for turbine aero engine stator vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Societe Nationale D'Etude et de Construction De Moteurs D'Aviation "Snecma"
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Charbonnel
  • Patent number: 5795128
    Abstract: A control device for the pivot of a variably settable movable vane mounted so that the pivot is integrated in an air manifold comprises a rotatable mounting for pivotally mounting the pivot in a bore in a platform fixed to the manifold by upstream and downstream flanges, a link for rotating the pivot to vary the setting of the vane, and a ring mounted outside the manifold and connected to the link for controlling the setting of the vane. The rotatable mounting for pivotally mounting the pivot in the bore comprises an end piece which is fitted on the pivot and which itself fits within a hollow friction bush fixed in the bore. The bush is provided with a slit extending partly around its circumference, and the upstream end of the link projects through the slit via apertures in the manifold and the platform to engage with an eye provided on the pivot end piece which receives a correspondingly shaped intermediate portion of the end piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation "SNECMA"
    Inventor: Frederic Paul Eichstadt
  • Patent number: 5700129
    Abstract: In order to create an adjusting ring for the synchronous alteration of the angle of pitch of guide vanes of a compressor having several bearing points for mounting on a compressor housing of the compressor, which can be manufactured at least partially from materials with a low coefficient of thermal expansion and is, nevertheless, compatible with a metallic compressor housing with respect to temperature, it is suggested that the adjusting ring comprise curved ring segments each arranged between two adjacent bearing points, the curvature of the ring segments decreasing during an increase in the temperature of the ring segments so that the bearing points between the ring segments are displaced outwards in a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Deutsche Forschungsanstalt fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventor: Frank Kocian
  • Patent number: 5692879
    Abstract: Device for controlling pivoting blades or variable pitch blades (3) in a turbine in which the control ring (10) rotates under the effect of an angled cam (15) controlled by a system with a connecting rod (22) and crank (21). This system imposes a non-linear rotation law between the blades (3) and the crank (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction De Moteurs d'Aviation SNECMA
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Charbonnel
  • Patent number: 5672047
    Abstract: An adjustable stator vane assembly disposed in a fluid conduit of a turbomachine includes an annular outer shroud and an annular inner shroud positioned within and concentric to the outer shroud to form an annular fluid flow path. A plurality of rotatable stator vanes are positioned between the outer shroud and the inner shroud and spaced apart about the circumference of the inner shroud. Each rotatable stator vane has a vane shaft attached to one end thereof and a pivot pin supporting the other end thereof. A plurality of vane stem bushings are mounted in one of the inner shroud and the outer shroud, with each bushing receiving a respective vane shaft. The distal end of each vane shaft is connected through an individual linkage to a synchronizing ring. An actuator provide arcuate movement of the ring so as to simultaneously rotate each of the rotatable stator vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventor: Dietrich Birkholz
  • Patent number: 5636968
    Abstract: A device for assembling a circular stage of pivoting vanes and composed of a ring for retaining bushes in which the pivots of the vanes rotate. The ring is composed of sectors extending between the pivots and connected together by a circular rail. A further ring separate from the rail or integrated with the latter is engaged in throats of the pivots so as to retain them against an axial movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Societe Nationale D'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs D'Aviation "Snecma"
    Inventors: Jacques R. Audet, Jean-Louis Charbonnel, Gerard G. Miraucourt, Jean-Claude Prato
  • Patent number: 5630701
    Abstract: A power turbine includes pivotable vanes for a variable area nozzle which are accurately and consistently assembled in a first full throat area position by providing an abutment and an abutment surface on gear segment arms attached to spindles at the radially outermost ends of the vanes. When the first vane has been fitted in the 100% throat position by threading its aerofoil portion through a slotted aperture in the turbine casing 10, the remaining vanes are accurately angularly positioned by causing their abutments to abut the abutment surface on the previously fitted vane segment arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Steven D. Lawer
  • Patent number: 5623823
    Abstract: A variable cycle gas turbine engine (10) includes a core unit (30) having a guide vane array (36), and a hybrid stage (38) with a rotor blade array (40) and a stator vane array (42). The engine is operable in at least two modes which channel different quantities of working medium air to the core unit, and each mode corresponds to a distinct thermodynamic cycle. The vanes (54) of the hybrid stage stator vane array are bivariable so that the leading segment (140) and trailing segment (146) of each vane are separately adjustable over a range of pitch angles. The bivariable character of the vanes ensures aerodynamic stability of the engine in each of its modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Steven M. Schirle, Samy Baghdadi, Syed J. Khalid, Gary M. Perkins
  • Patent number: 5622473
    Abstract: A variable stator vane assembly which substantially eliminates leakage paths by utilizing a cantilevered finger spring seal and an o-ring is described. In one form, the stator vane assembly includes a spacer configured to form, with an upper, or outer, surface of the vane trunnion bushing, an annulus. The ring shaped cantilevered finger spring seal is positioned in the annulus and forms a seal between the spacer and trunnion bushing. The stator vane assembly also includes, in one form, an o-ring located at an interface between the stator case and the stator vane metal jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Stephen R. Payling
  • Patent number: 5601401
    Abstract: An apparatus for actuating variable stage vanes is provided having a plurality of pivot arms, a synchronizing ring, and apparatus for pivotly attaching the pivot arms to the synchronizing ring. Each pivot arm includes a first end for fixed attachment with one of the vanes. The synchronizing ring includes a first flange, a second flange, a web extending between the flanges, and a plurality of openings disposed in the web. The apparatus for pivotly attaching the pivot arms to the synchronizing ring are disposed within the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred P. Matheny, Brian H. Terpos
  • Patent number: 5593275
    Abstract: A compressor stator vane assemblage includes a first metal bushing disposed within a bore through the compressor casing and bolted to the casing by externally accessible bolts. A second composite bushing is disposed within the first bushing and receives the spindle of the stator vane. Reduced diameter portions of the spindle project through openings in the first and second bushings. A lever attaches to the spindle portion and is movable to rotate the vane. By removing the bolts, the first and second bushings can be removed from the casing for replacement or rotation of 180.degree. for prolonged service life without disassembly of the casing or removal of the stator vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Srinivasan Venkatasubbu, Jeffrey J. Eschenbach, Stephen J. Waymeyer, Bruno G. Lampsat
  • Patent number: 5518365
    Abstract: A radial-flow exhaust gas turbocharger turbine includes a row of individually adjustable guide vanes, each guide vane mounted on a rotatable shalt supported in the turbine casing. A chord of each guide vane is not greater that a largest diameter of the shaft on which the guide vane is mounted. When viewed in the axial direction, a profile of each vane lies completely within a radially outer contour of the associated shaft. This permits the design of a one-piece adjustable unit formed of a guide vane, a rotatable shaft, and a pivoting lever. The adjustable unit can be inserted into the casing or removed from the casing as a single unit to facilitate installation and maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Management AG
    Inventors: Jozef Baets, Marcel Zehnder
  • Patent number: 5517817
    Abstract: The present invention is a variable area turbine nozzle for use in a turbine engine. The variable area turbine nozzle adjusts the positions of its vanes to insure efficient operation of the turbine engine. The vanes rotate about bearing assemblies that are air cooled to extend the operating life of the bearing assemblies. Each vane is cantilevered off journal bearings outside the outer casing which carry moment loads while ball bearings take all radial loads for ease of rotation. This design provides long running time of the turbine nozzles without frequent overhaul.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: William R. Hines
  • Patent number: 5498128
    Abstract: In a radial-flow exhaust turbocharger turbine with a row of individually adjustable guide vanes (18), said guide vanes can be turned by means of an adjusting shaft (19) supported in a casing (14). Each adjusting shaft (19) is actuated by means of a pivoting lever (21).In each case two adjacent pivoting levers (21) are coupled by means of a connecting element (24). The connecting elements have a pivot (25) at their point of attachment to the pivoting lever. The distance (A) between the pivots (25) of a connecting element corresponds to the center distance (B) between two adjacent adjusting shafts (19). As a result, all the pivoting levers perform the same angular movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Management AG
    Inventors: Jozef Baets, Marcel Zehnder
  • Patent number: 5492446
    Abstract: A variable stator vane includes an airfoil with an integral outer trunnion having a seat extending integrally therefrom. A threaded stem extends from the seat and includes a coextensive alignment surface that cooperates with a complementary mounting hole in a lever arm which restrains rotation of the lever arm about the stem during assembly for ensuring a predetermined rotational orientation between the lever arm and the airfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James T. Hawkins, Ritchie D. Price, George A. Oxenham
  • Patent number: 5484261
    Abstract: The invention provides a regulating system (23) for controlling the heating of the gases on the downstream side of the regulating system, attenuating the aerodynamic noise produced by the gyratory flow on the downstream side of the directing vanes (24) of the regulating system and facilitating the endoscopic inspection of the blades and vanes of a compressor (3) owing to the provision of a throughway passage (27) in the regulating system (23), and in particular a throughway opening in at least one directing vane (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Turbomeca
    Inventors: Pierre Biscay, Alain J. Farrando, Philippe D. Joubert, Jean-Bernard Martin, Hubert H. Vignau
  • Patent number: 5472314
    Abstract: A variable camber vane for a turbomachine comprises leading and trailing edge parts, at least one of which is pivotable relative to the other, and a resilient joining part inserted into a space provided between the leading and trailing edge parts, the joining part being formed by a block of resilient material which is bonded to the leading and trailing edge parts and which ensures the continuity of the intrados and extrados faces of the vane to permit an even flow of fluid along the vane. The vane may also include means for enabling a cooling or heating fluid to flow in the leading and trailing edge parts, and a plurality of ducts in the resilient joining part establishing communication between the fluid flow means of the leading and trailing edge parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation "SNECMA"
    Inventors: Jean-Claude L. Delonge, Claude J. A. Loudet, Gerard R. E. R. Vermont