Resilient, Flexible, Or Resiliently Biased Patents (Class 415/174.2)
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Publication number: 20120328419Abstract: A gas leakage seal for a turbine, including first and second cloth layers having woven warp and weft wires, wherein the first and second cloth layers are brazed together by a flux paste whereby the cloth layers have their edges aligned and the brazing substantially seals gaps between the wires along substantially the entire length and width of the brazed together cloth layers. Weld beads having a thickness greater than the combined thickness of the brazed together cloth layers connect the edges of the cloth layers along their length. The turbine includes two members with aligned recesses in which opposite of the weld beads are received. The seal is made by brushing a nickel and/or cobalt based flux paste on one side of one of the cloth layers, brazing that cloth layer to a side of the second cloth layer to substantially seal the gaps between the wires, and creating weld beads with an electron beam to connect the edges of the cloth layers along their length.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventors: Vincent T. Riggi, JR., Barry Monshower, Justin D. Hyslop
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Publication number: 20120321450Abstract: A flow machine includes two structural component parts that cooperate with one another by a bellows seal so that the bellows seal forms a medium barrier between two spaces of the flow machine which directly adjoin the two structural component parts. The flow machine is constructed as a gas turbine, and one space of the two spaces is a hot-gas space of a high-pressure stage of the gas turbine.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: MAN Diesel & Turbo SEInventors: Emil ASCHENBRUCK, Carsten BENNEWA, Christian ROESNER
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Patent number: 8333544Abstract: A card seal with an annular arrangement of plates that form the card seal, where the plates are rotated at an angle around a longitudinal axis of the plates so that the gaps between adjacent plates are not parallel to the rotational axis of the rotor shaft, and where an annular disk is rotatably secured to the rotor shaft and located adjacent to card seal on the low pressure side, or on the high pressure side or even on both sides such that rotation of the annular disk pumps fluid into or draws fluid out from the plate gaps to decrease or eliminate any differential pressure across the card seal. Thus, card seal leakage is reduced or eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2009Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Philip C Pelfrey
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Patent number: 8333551Abstract: A device operating in an environment includes a fiber optic sensing system having one or more fiber optic sensors disposed in the device and configured to detect one or more parameters related to the device. The parameters may include temperature, strain, pressure, vibration, or combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Eric John Ruggiero, Kevin Thomas McCarthy, Christopher Edward Wolfe, Hua Xia, Bala Corattiyil, Kenneth Lee Fisher
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Patent number: 8317459Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can provide systems, methods, and an apparatus for providing a magnetic seal. According to one embodiment, a system having a magnetic seal can be provided. The system can include a rotary machine having a first component and a second component. A magnetic seal can be mounted to the first component and positioned relative to the second component to provide a gap between the magnetic seal and the second component. The magnetic seal can include a first magnetic element and a compliant material adapted to adjust in response to a force exerted on the magnetic seal by a second magnetic element. The second magnetic element can be mounted to the second component so that the gap between the magnetic seal and the second component can be modified in response to the force exerted by second magnetic element on the magnetic seal.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Andres Jose Garcia-Crespo, Gary Charles Liotta
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Publication number: 20120288361Abstract: A brush seal for use between a rotating component and a stationary component in a turbomachine is disclosed. The brush seal according to embodiments of this invention includes a set of bristles having a fixed end and a free end, wherein the fixed end is attached to the rotating component with a mechanical clamping element and the free end extends towards the stationary component, and wherein the set of bristles are angled axially at an axial angle with respect to the rotating component. In one embodiment, the fixed end of the set of bristles are wrapped at least partially around a core element and the clamping element partially surrounds the core element and the fixed end of the set of bristles, wherein the clamping element secures the fixed end of the set of bristles within a circumferential groove in the rotating component.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Guoqiang Lu, Mehmet Demiroglu, Binayak Roy, Deepak Trivedi, Xiaoqing Zheng
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Patent number: 8231340Abstract: A leaf seal 10 in a rotary machine is located between a higher pressure region 14 and a lower pressure region 16 of the machine. Blow-down forces are greater on the lower pressure side 16 of the leaf seal 10 than on its higher pressure side 14, resulting in greater inward deflection of the leaves 20 on the lower pressure side of the seal than on its higher pressure side, leading in turn to greater wear of the leaves and the contacting rotor surface 44 on the lower pressure side 16 of the seal. To counteract this, the free ends 36 of the leaves 20 can be given a tapered profile 42 to gradually reduce the length of each leaf 20 over its width ‘w’ from its higher pressure side 14 to its lower pressure side 16, so that the leaves 20 are free to deflect under the blow-down forces by the amount of their reduction in length (a maximum of ‘x’), before they contact the rotor surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2011Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.Inventor: Neil Howes
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Publication number: 20120189435Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, an assembly for preventing fluid flow between turbine components includes a shim and a first woven wire mesh layer that includes a first surface coupled to a first side of the shim and a second surface of the woven wire mesh layer opposite the first surface. The assembly also includes a first outer layer coupled to the second surface of the woven wire mesh layer, where the first outer layer includes a high temperature non-metallic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2011Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Victor John Morgan, Rebecca Evelyn Hefner, Stephen Gerard Pope
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Patent number: 8221062Abstract: A device for reducing secondary airflow in a gas turbine is disclosed. The device includes an inter-stage sealing member located between a plurality of first turbine buckets attached to a first rotor disk, and a plurality of second turbine buckets attached to a second rotor disk. The first rotor disk and the second rotor disk are rotatable about a central axis. The inter-stage sealing member is configured to be attached in a fixed position relative to the first rotor disk and the second rotor disk, and to contact the plurality of first buckets and the plurality of second buckets in a sealing engagement.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Gary Charles Liotta, Thomas Raymond Farrell
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Patent number: 8215894Abstract: A seal assembly for a rotational assembly includes a first seal, a second seal and a crossover support. The crossover support includes a first geometry that interacts with the first seal and a second, different geometry that interacts with the second seal.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2007Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Jonathan Logan Miller, Brian P. Cigal
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Publication number: 20120171024Abstract: A fan module includes a frame; a fan wheel; and a bearing holding structure having a hollow bearing cup, an elastic member, and a bearing. The frame has a base, on a center of which the hollow bearing cup is formed. A portion of an inner wall surface of the hollow bearing cup is radially inward protruded, forming a shoulder portion between the inner wall surface and the protruded portion. The elastic member includes a first and a second section tightly bearing on the shoulder portion and the inner wall surface, respectively, and the bearing is tightly supported on the elastic member. The fan wheel has a shaft extended through the bearing and is therefore rotatably mounted on the base and located in the frame. With the elastic member, the bearing is tightly received in the hollow bearing cup without colliding therewith, and stable operation of the bearing is ensured.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2011Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: ASIA VITAL COMPONENTS CO., LTD.Inventor: Wen-Hao Liu
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Publication number: 20120156011Abstract: An air cycle machine includes a bearing housing with a shaft bore. A rotor shaft is arranged in the shaft bore and includes knife edges extending from the rotor shaft. A seal engages the shaft bore and includes an outer diameter and an inner diameter providing a seal land axially aligned with the knife edges. A radial clearance between the seal land and the knife edges is nominally 0.006 inch. The inner diameter is arranged between lateral sides of the seal that define a width. In one example, a tapered surface extending at an angle relative to the outer diameter from the lateral side to the seal land, the tapered surface facing the large end. The outer diameter to the inner diameter provides a first ratio of 1.25-1.28, and the inner diameter to the width provides a second ratio of 4.33-5.58.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventors: Victoria S. Richardson, Lawrence Binek, Craig M. Beers
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Patent number: 8182156Abstract: A gas turbine engine bearing cage assembly includes: a first bearing cage having: an annular first bearing support ring; an annular first mounting flange; and an annular array of axially-extending first spring arms interconnecting the first bearing support ring and the first mounting flange, the first spring arms defining an outer diameter; and a second bearing cage having: an annular second bearing support ring; an annular second mounting ring, the second mounting ring defining an inner diameter greater that the outer diameter; and an annular array of axially-extending second spring arms interconnecting the second bearing support ring and the second mounting ring, the second spring arms defining spaces therebetween. The bearing cages are sized such that the first bearing cage can be received within the second bearing cage. The spaces are positioned to receive the first spring arms, permitting independent flexing motion of the first and second spring arms.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ray Harris Kinnaird, Ning Fang
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Patent number: 8177495Abstract: A seal assembly for a gas turbine engine including a seal member and an interstage seal ring including an axially forward member coupled to a first radially inward surface of a first disk and an axially aft member coupled to a second radially inward surface of a second disk, wherein the seal ring is configured to move in an axial direction while the upstream and downstream arms are coupled to the first and second disk respectively.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Christopher Sean Bowes, Ian David Wilson
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Patent number: 8157502Abstract: Pump (1) comprising a rotary shaft (30), a bearing housing (80) that is fixed relative to the rotary shaft, at least one rolling bearing (70) the inner ring (71) of which is connected to the said rotary shaft and the outer ring (76) of which is able to slide in this housing along the axis of rotation of the rotary shaft. The bearing housing (80) comprises a shoulder (81) situated on one side of this bearing and able rigidly to prevent translational movement of the outer ring (76) along the axis of rotation, and a deformable elastic device (100) fixed to the housing on the other side of the bearing (70) so that the bearing lies between the shoulder and the elastic device.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Emmanuel Edeline, Charles Marciquet, Laurent Fabbri, Fabien Wahl
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Patent number: 8141879Abstract: A side seal for sealing the side edges of adjacent combustors of a turbine engine include extended ends. The extended ends of the side seal abut and seal against inner and outer circumferential seals to prevent leakage of combustion gases.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2009Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Krishna Kumar Venkataraman, Kevin Weston McMahan, Timur R. Repikov, Kara Edwards
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Patent number: 8133003Abstract: Disclosed is a seal for a turbomachine including at least one fixed component located proximate to a rotating component of the turbomachine defining a clearance therebetween. At least one magnet is located at the at least one fixed component. The at least one magnet is, when activated, capable of moving the at least one fixed component thereby adjusting the clearance between the fixed component and the rotating component. Further disclosed is a turbomachine utilizing the seal and a method for adjusting a position of at least one fixed component of a turbomachine.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Alan Davi, David Andrew Stasenko
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Patent number: 8133014Abstract: A triple acting radial seal used as an interstage seal assembly in a gas turbine engine, where the seal assembly includes an interstage seal support extending from a stationary inner shroud of a vane ring, the interstage seal support includes a larger annular radial inward facing groove in which an outer annular floating seal assembly is secured for radial displacement, and the outer annular floating seal assembly includes a smaller annular radial inward facing groove in which an inner annular floating seal assembly is secured also for radial displacement. A compliant seal is secured to the inner annular floating seal assembly. The outer annular floating seal assembly encapsulates the inner annular floating seal assembly which is made from a very low alpha material in order to reduce thermal stress.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Todd A Ebert, John A Carella
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Patent number: 8109717Abstract: Gas turbine engine systems involving hydrostatic face seals with back-up seals are provided. In this regard, a representative seal assembly for a gas turbine engine includes: a hydrostatic seal having a seal face and a seal runner; and a back-up seal; wherein, in a normal mode of operation of the hydrostatic seal, interaction of the seal face and the seal runner maintains a pressure differential within the gas turbine engine and, in a failure mode of operation of the hydrostatic seal, the back-up seal maintains a pressure differential within the gas turbine engine.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: United Technologies Corp.Inventors: Jorn A. Glahn, Peter M. Munsell
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Patent number: 8109716Abstract: Gas turbine engine systems involving hydrostatic face seals with anti-fouling provisioning are provided. In this regard, a representative turbine assembly for a gas turbine engine comprises: a turbine having a hydrostatic seal; the hydrostatic seal having a seal face, a seal runner, a carrier, and a biasing member; the seal face and the seal runner defining a high-pressure side and a lower-pressure side of the seal; the carrier being operative to position the seal face relative to the seal runner; and the biasing member being located on the lower-pressure side of the seal and being operative to bias the carrier such that interaction of the biasing member and gas pressure across the seal causes the carrier to position the seal face relative to the seal runner.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: United Technologies Corp.Inventors: Jorn A. Glahn, Peter M. Munsell
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Publication number: 20120027574Abstract: An article of manufacture has a body formed in part of a first metal alloy and in part of a second metal alloy, the second metal alloy having a thermal coefficient of expansion that is less than the thermal coefficient of expansion of the first metal alloy. A BOAS segment for a gas turbine engine is disclosed wherein the formation of cracks due to thermal mechanical fatigue in the body of the disclosed BOAS segment is minimized, if not eliminated, through a unique construction of the disclosed BOAS segment, whether original equipment manufacture or a repaired blade outer air seal. A method for manufacture of a BOAS segment and a method for modifying a BOAS segment are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Philip R. Belanger, Susan M. Tholen
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Patent number: 8087872Abstract: The present application provides a variable steam seal system for use with a steam turbine. The variable steam seal system may include a seal steam header, a first pressure section, a first pressure seal positioned about the first pressure section, and a flow path through the first pressure seal and extending to the seal steam header. The first pressure seal may include a moveable seal packing ring for varying the flow path through the first pressure seal to the seal steam header.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2010Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mahendra Singh Mehra, Nestor Hernandez Sanchez
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Patent number: 8079809Abstract: An inflatable sealing assembly for sealing between an intake section of a turbine engine and an air inlet ring of a vehicle. The inflatable sealing assembly including a seal holder coupled to the intake section of the engine and having a first inflatable seal, a second inflatable seal, and a closed cell foam material disposed therein. The first inflatable seal and the second inflatable seal are configured when inflated to provide a seal between the intake section of the turbine engine and the air inlet ring of the vehicle and prevent foreign object debris and/or water from entering the turbine engine.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Al Selder, Raymond A. Sutyak, Donald R. Piscopo, Joseph A. Olsen, III, Marc Schmittenberg
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Patent number: 8047767Abstract: A high pressure first stage turbine and seal assembly are described. In one embodiment, a high pressure turbine section is provided. The turbine section includes at least one stage, at least one rotor and a bucket assembly. The bucket assembly includes a bucket and an attachment fixture. The stage has a high root reaction during operation. An intermediate space is between the bucket assembly and a stationary component of the turbine section. A seal is provided between the stationary member and the rotor to facilitate preventing leakage from the intermediate space toward an end of the stage. Steam balance holes are provided in the rotor or the bucket to facilitate feeding steam towards an end of the turbine stage.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Michael Earl Montgomery
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Publication number: 20110182722Abstract: Fluid leakage from high to low pressure sides through an annular gap formed between constructional members of a turbocharger and extending radially of a turbine shaft can be prevented. The turbocharger has a sealing device for prevention of fluid leakage from high to low pressure sides through a radially extending annular gap 15 formed between a shroud 10 and a shroud-confronting portion 14 which constitute the turbocharger, the sealing device having a frustoconical disc spring seal member 24 arranged in a pressed manner in the gap 15 between the shroud 10 and the shroud-confronting portion 14.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2008Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: IHI CorporationInventor: Yoshimitsu Matsuyama
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Publication number: 20110171012Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a damping system for rotating machinery such as gas turbine engines. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for damping systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Inventors: Daniel Kent Vetters, Timothy Hoffmann, Steven Arlen Klusman
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Patent number: 7938616Abstract: A dynamic sealing system between two coaxial rotary shafts respectively comprising an inner shaft and an outer shaft. Connected to the inner shaft, the system comprises a sectorized annular assembly of wipers that are movable under the effect of centrifugal force, and an annular receptacle for liquid arranged in the inside surface of the outer shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2007Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Laurent Gille, Serge Rene Morreale
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Patent number: 7918643Abstract: A compressor of a gas turbine engine comprises blades 2, 4 provided on blade platforms 8, 12 of a rotor. Stator vanes 20 lie between the blades 2, 4 and are connected to a vane support structure 22. Sealing rings 38 are secured to the vane support structure 22 to restrict air flow into stator wells 36 on each side of the vane support structure 22. The sealing rings 38 are made from a flexible material so that they deflect on installation of the vane support structure 22 in a direction radially inwards between the adjacent blade platforms 8, 12.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2007Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Rolls-Royce plcInventor: Kevin J Weaver
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Publication number: 20110064566Abstract: The invention relates to a device for impeller sealing in centrifugal pumps for fluid media, by means of which the gap between pump housing (1) and at least one impeller (2) is completely sealed against a transport of material from the pressure side (3) of impeller (2) to the suction side (4) thereof. According to the invention, a sealing ring comprising a rigid pressure ring (7) as well as an annular elastic sealing lip (8) joined with pressure ring (7) is disposed in pump housing (1) between pressure side (3) and suction side (4), whereby, when the centrifugal pump is in operation, sealing lip (8) is applied in sliding manner over the entire periphery of impeller (2) on a sliding surface (6) formed on impeller (2) in the region of impeller intake (5). For this purpose, the sealing ring is positioned in pump housing (1) by means of an adjusting member (9) and its sealing lip (8) inclined against said sliding surface (6) is pre-stressed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2009Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventor: Uwe Wuerdig
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Patent number: 7901186Abstract: A seal assembly (60) for sealing first and second static parts (40A, 40B) with opposed slots (44A, 44B) together forming a pocket (46). The seal assembly (60) comprises a floor strip (70) positioned adjacent the pocket's floor (48) and a ceiling strip (80) positioned adjacent the pocket's ceiling (50). A connection (90) of the strips' central portions (72, 82) provides a flat hinge between cooperating hinge portions (76, 86). A first set of the hinge portions (76A-86A) converge for insertion into the first slot (44A) and a second set of hinge portions (76B-96B) converge for insertion into the second slot (44B). After such slot insertion and pocket installation, the converged hinge portions (76A-86A, 76B-86B) resiliently diverge within the pocket to seat the floor strip's end portions (74A, 74B) against the pocket's floor (48) and to seat the ceiling strip's end portions (84A, 84B) against the pocket's ceiling (50).Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Parker Hannifin CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Cornett, Christopher D. Mahoney
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Publication number: 20110033283Abstract: A turbomachine rotor including a disc including a rim and axial slots machined in the rim for the individual housing of blades, a ring being attached to one face of the rim, the ring being pierced with holes in the axial continuation of the slots, at least some of the holes in the continuation of the slots including a plug. The plug includes a first half-plug made of a first wear-resistant material and a second half-plug made of a second material, one of the two half-plugs bearing on one side of the ring and the other bearing on the other side of the ring and being connected to one another through the hole. The plug is configured to form an anti-wear device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2009Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicants: SNECMA, Carbone Lorraine ComposantsInventors: Thomas Chrzastek, Jean-Bernard Forgue, Dominique Gaveau, Patrick Jean-Louis Reghezza, Nicolas Christian Triconnet
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Publication number: 20110020113Abstract: A seal structure is provided for preventing leakage of gases across a gap between first and second components in a turbine engine. The seal structure is adapted to be received in first and second adjacent slots provided in the first and second components. The seal structure may comprise: a wear resistant layer; and a deformable layer defined by a material having one of a varying density and a varying porosity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2009Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventor: Alexander R. Beeck
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Publication number: 20110014035Abstract: A metal sealing material used in a sealing device which can reduce a gap between a stator and a rotor of a turbine. The metal sealing material used in a sealing device for a stator and a rotor of a turbine includes a surface layer and a lower layer composed of a porous metal layer, wherein the porosity of the surface layer is smaller than the porosity of the lower layer; the porosity of the surface layer is 60 to 65% and the porosity of the lower layer is 67 to 75% or less; and the porous metal layer has a thickness of 0.3 to 3.0 mm and may include, as a main component, an MCrAlY alloy where M is either one of Ni and Co or both thereof, and h-BN as a solid lubricant.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventors: Yoshitaka KOJIMA, Hideyuki Arikawa, Akira Mebata, Hiroyuki Doi, Hajime Toriya, Kenjiro Narita
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Patent number: 7854584Abstract: A rotary machine includes a machine rotor, a bearing coupled to the machine rotor, a machine stator, and a sealing device disposed between the machine rotor and the machine stator. The sealing device includes a dry gas seal and first and second seals disposed between the dry gas seal and the bearing. One or both of the first and second seals includes a brush seal or more specifically a brush seal including a plurality of non-metallic fibers.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Roderick Mark Lusted, Christopher Edward Wolfe, Eric John Ruggiero, Gabriele Mariotti
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Patent number: 7832734Abstract: A seal arrangement for a turbo-engine, for sealing a peripheral gap between a rotor and a stator is provided. The stator a seal holder provided with at least one groove for respectively receiving a segmented, dynamic seal. Segments of the dynamic seal are made up of a plurality of brush seal segments, and free ends of bristles of the brush seal segments extend in the radial direction project from the respective groove and lie on the rotor. The or every groove for receiving the brush-type seal segments is designed without an undercut, the brush-type seal segments being received in the respective groove without an undercut in a positive manner.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbHInventors: Stefan Beichl, Alfons Gail
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Patent number: 7827685Abstract: A seal and method of making seals utilises folds in order to form creases in a length of material such that the creases reinforce individual seal elements or surfaces whilst perforations or slots in a seal edge allow air leakage from one side of the seal element or surface to the other. Thus, air pressurisation can take place between spaced seal elements or surfaces and this allows air flotation or riding of a rotating component relative to a static housing component. The perforations are typically graduated from the seal edge in order to provide the best pressurisation and air-riding effect for proximity or gap control between the sealing edge and the rotating component surface. The slots effectively provide flexibility to the sealing edge such that the seal component emulates a brush seal.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Rolls-Royce plcInventor: Alison J McMillan
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Publication number: 20100270747Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a brush seal comprising brush seal bristles made up of component brush seal filaments. The component brush seal filaments comprise a polyether ketone comprising structural units derived from a diaryl ketone and a diphenolic compound and having a glass transition temperature in excess of 100° C. In a particular embodiment, the component brush seal filaments comprise PEEK. The novel brush seals provided by the present invention present a number of advantages over conventional non-metallic brush seals comprising KEVLAR filaments, such as enhanced friction characteristics and greater stability to fluid lubricants comprising groups reactive with the amide moieties present in aramid filaments such as KEVLAR.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2009Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Farshad Ghasripoor, Biao Fang, Eric John Ruggiero, Vasanth Srinivasa Kothnur
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Publication number: 20100254807Abstract: A seal plate for a turbine engine is provided. The turbine engine has a central axis. The seal plate comprises a forward face extending radially from the central axis. The forward face comprises a flat portion extending circumferentially around the central axis, and a front flow discourager coupled to the flat portion and extending outward from the flat portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2009Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Jason Smoke, Steve Halfmann, Brandan Wakefield
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Publication number: 20100239415Abstract: A spring assembly for a retractable turbine rotor seal supported in an arcuate segment may include in one embodiment a first radially inner restraining plate having a lower surface adapted to engage a surface of a turbine stator, and a flat upper surface provide with an upstanding hub; a second radially outer restraining plate having a flat lower surface and an upper surface adapted to engage a surface of the arcuate segment, the radially outer restraining plate formed with an opening receiving the upstanding hub; and at least one spring telescoped over the upstanding hub and exerting a radially outward biasing force on the second radially outer restraining plate, and adapted to exert a radially outward retracting force on the arcuate segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2009Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Norman Arnold TURNQUIST, Shorya nmn AWTAR, Mustafa GURSOY, Karatik Mangudi VARADARAJAN
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Patent number: 7798769Abstract: A ceramic seal element (200) for use in a turbo-machine comprises a first, rigid portion (210) comprising ceramic fibers (212) bound within a ceramic matrix binder (214), a second, flexible portion (220) comprising ceramic fibers (222), and a third, rigid portion (230) comprising ceramic fibers (232) bound within a ceramic matrix binder (234). Ceramic fibers (222) retain a desired flexibility because they are not bound in ceramic matrix binder. In some embodiments the ceramic fibers (212, 222, 232) are stacked as horizontally disposed layers (225). Also, the fibers (212, 222, 232) of any layer (225) comprise bundles of fibers wherein some of the bundles extend continuously across portions (210, 220, 230). An alternative sealing element (300) comprises a first, rigid portion (310) comprising ceramic fibers (312) that are bound within a ceramic matrix binder (314), and a second, flexible portion (320) that comprises ceramic fibers (313) that retain a desired flexibility. Methods of manufacture are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventor: Douglas A. Keller
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Patent number: 7731478Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a packing ring segment assembly for sealing a turbine gas path are provided. The assembly includes a sealing portion including radially inwardly directed teeth, and a dovetail mounting portion including a hollowed out portion including a biasing member internal to the packing ring segment. The biasing member is coupled to the packing ring segment and configured to engage a pair of annular shoulders of a dovetail groove in the turbine such that the packing ring segment is biasing radially outward at relatively low turbine loads and low working pressure, and at relatively high turbine loads and high working pressure a working fluid overcomes the radial biasing member forces and urge the packing ring segment radially inward.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Richard Chevrette, Frederick G. Baily
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Patent number: 7726940Abstract: Assembly of segmented seals can be problematic in areas of limited space for an introductory tapered mandrel and where there are the problems with damage to the seal surfaces 23, 24. By the present method and arrangement, a seal formed from segments 22 is expanded to an expanded state and then retained at that state by the use of a sacrificial material 26 in the gaps 25 between the segments 22 opened by expansion. The sacrificial material 26 is typically a low melting temperature wax and so is removed when the seal arrangement reaches its operating temperature.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLCInventor: Guy David Snowsill
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Patent number: 7726936Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a ring seal for a turbine engine. The ring seal can be made up of a plurality of circumferentially abutted ring seal segments. Each ring seal segment can comprise a plurality of individual channels. The channels can be generally U-shaped in cross-section with a forward span, and aft span and an extension connecting therebetween. The channels can be positioned such that the aft span of one channel can substantially abut the forward span of another channel. The plurality of separate channels can be detachably coupled to each other by, for example, a plurality of pins. The ring seal segment according to aspects of the invention can facilitate numerous advantageous characteristics including greater material selection, selective cooling, improved serviceability, and reduced blade tip leakage. Moreover, the configuration is well suited to handle the operational loads of the turbine.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2006Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.Inventors: Douglas A. Keller, Steven J. Vance, Christian X. Campbell
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Publication number: 20100068042Abstract: A brush seal for a turbo-machine for sealing a gap between a rotating and a stationary component is disclosed. Elastically flexible bristles are arranged in a plurality of rows that are adjacent to each other. A film or a disk is arranged between at least two rows of bristles, the film or the disk extending in the longitudinal direction of said bristles.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2007Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventors: Stefan Brück, Matthias Neef, Erik Sulda, Norbert Sürken
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Patent number: 7651317Abstract: A multistage compressor for a turbomachine, in particular an airplane turboprop or turbojet, the compressor comprising a double-walled casing having an inner wall made up of shrouds surrounding respective annular rows of moving blades and annular rows of straightening stator vanes, said shrouds being connected to the outer wall of the casing by independent suspension means enabling the radial clearances between the outer ends of the moving blades and the shrouds of the inner wall of the casing to be adjusted independently from one compression stage to another.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Gilles Alain Marie Charier, Franck Christian Conan, Thomas Julien Roland Earith, Marc Leandri
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Publication number: 20100008769Abstract: A sealing system for sealing a gap between a dovetail tab of a bucket and a rotor. The sealing system may include a sealing slot positioned about the dovetail tab and a pivot plate positioned within the sealing slot. The sealing slot may include a pivot point and a rest ledge such that the pivot plate pivots about the pivot point and into the gap when the bucket rotates.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2008Publication date: January 14, 2010Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Brian P. Arness, Louis Veltre, Ariel Kelsey Coleman Harter, John D. Ward
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Patent number: 7637719Abstract: A sealing arrangement, especially for a flow engine, for non-hermetically sealing a gap (12) between a rotor (10) and a stator (11), which comprises a seal having a plurality of sealing elements that are fixed to a sealing element support, said sealing element support being at least partially disposed in a receptacle (16) which is defined by a supporting element (17) and a cover element (18) is disclosed. The sealing element support is configured as a ring that is interrupted once or several times. Free ends (19, 20) of the sealing element support overlap in the area of interruptions in the circumferential direction. The contours of the supporting element (17) and the cover element (18) are adapted to the contours of the sealing element support and the sealing elements (15). At least one end (19, 20) of every part of the sealing element support is associated with an antirotation device (21, 22).Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2005Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbHInventor: Wilhelm Graebeldinger
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Patent number: 7597535Abstract: A fan module adapted to be assembled onto a system frame includes a body, a fan assembly, and at least two connecting elements. The body has an accommodating space. The fan assembly is disposed in the accommodating space. The connecting elements are protruded from the body, and the connecting elements are inserted to and connected with a plurality of holes of the system frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Chun-Nan Wu, Kuo-Tung Hsu
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Patent number: 7584924Abstract: A high-speed vertical take-off and land aircraft includes a body with an engine supported by the body. A fan assembly is also carried by the body. The fan assembly includes a hub and a plurality of blades to provide vertical lift for the aircraft. A nozzle ring is provided on the fan assembly. The nozzle ring includes an annular nozzle array. Hot gases from the engine are fed to the nozzle array by a feed duct. A bearing mechanism supports the fan assembly on the body. The bearing mechanism is carried in a work space. A brush seal assembly thermally isolates the work space from the hot exhaust gases passing through the feed duct to the nozzle array.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Go Aircraft Ltd.Inventor: Gordon Y. W. Ow
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Publication number: 20090206554Abstract: A method is provided for assembling a turbine engine. The method includes providing a retro-fit seal ring assembly that includes a plurality of unitary, arcuate ring segments that are circumferentially-spaced about a center axis of the ring assembly. Each of the plurality of ring segments includes a body and at least one integrally formed tooth that extends radially inward therefrom. The methods also includes extending at least one fastener through the body of each of the plurality of ring segments, and removably coupling each of the plurality of ring segments to an outer surface of a stationary component within the turbine engine using the at least one fastener.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2008Publication date: August 20, 2009Inventors: Mark Kevin Bowen, Steven Sebastian Burdgick, Jason Paul Mortzheim, William Edward Adis, Eric Diederich Iken