Removably Secured Or Mounted In Casing Patents (Class 415/189)
  • Patent number: 9551224
    Abstract: The turbine includes: a shaft body supported rotatably; a plurality of turbine blade members; a casing covering the shaft body and the turbine blade row; an outer ring member that is provided on an inner periphery of the casing and includes an inner peripheral portion in which a cross-section having a uneven shape is continuous in a circumferential direction; a plurality of turbine vane members that each has a shroud fitted into the inner peripheral portion of the outer ring member and a turbine vane main body extending from the shroud to a radially inward side; and a plate member that connects at least some of the plurality of turbine vane members and covers one side of the shrouds in the axial direction, thereby sealing a shroud gap formed between the shrouds adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Onishi, Yuichiro Waki, Shoki Yamashita, Takaaki Matsuo, Asaharu Matsuo
  • Patent number: 9534500
    Abstract: A seal arrangement for segmented turbine components comprises a sealing strip and a resilient cord element compressed against the strip to provide positive loading of the strip against the segment sealing faces. The sealing strip and the resilient cord element are engaged in confronting cavities defined in the end faces of adjacent segments. The resilient cord element is commonly held by both segments in a compressed state against the sealing strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Richard Bouchard, John Pietrobon
  • Patent number: 9494039
    Abstract: The invention refers to a stationary gas turbine arrangement with at least one turbine stage that includes at least a first row of vanes being mounted at a stationary component arranged radially outside of the first row of vanes and extending radially into an annular entrance opening of the turbine stage facing a downstream end of a combustor. Further a method for performing maintenance work on a stationary gas turbine is described. The invention is characterized in that the stationary component provides for each vane a radially orientated through-hole designed and arranged for a radial insertion and removal of the vane, and each of said vanes comprises an airfoil having at its one end directed radially outwards a contour being adapted to close the through-hole airtight by a detachable fixation means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Beat Von Arx, Herbert Brandl
  • Patent number: 9388704
    Abstract: A vane array adapted to be coupled to a vane carrier within a gas turbine engine is provided comprising: a plurality of elongated airfoils comprising at least a first airfoil and a second airfoil located adjacent to one another; a U-ring; first connector structure for coupling a radially inner end section of each of the first and second airfoils to the U-ring; second connector structure for coupling a radially outer end section of each of the first and second airfoils to the vane carrier; a platform extending between the first and second airfoils; and platform connector structure for coupling the platform to one of the U-ring and the vane carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew S. Lohaus, Christian Xavier Campbell, Samuel R. Miller, Jr., John J. Marra
  • Patent number: 9382809
    Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a turbomachine for sealing a radial gap between a rotor and a stator, with a plurality of sealing segments each comprising a honeycomb element and a base body for holding the honeycomb element, and with at least one support for arranging the sealing segments on a rotor section or stator section, wherein the base bodies can be arranged on the at least one support by a radial movement and by a plastic deformation of at least one body section, a generative method for the integral production of the sealing segments, and a turbomachine are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: MTU AERO ENGINES GMBH
    Inventors: Erwin Bayer, Thomas Hess, Manfred Feldmann, Sven Hiller, Peter Geiger
  • Patent number: 9366149
    Abstract: A compressor case assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, among other possible things, includes a case. A plurality of vane stages circumscribe an interior of the case. Each of the plurality of vane stages include a vane guide and at least one window for inserting a respective at least one vane there through. The at least one window is axially aligned with each of the vane guides The at least one window extends from an outer surface of the case into each of the vane guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ken F. Blaney, Neil L. Tatman
  • Patent number: 9267435
    Abstract: A cam-type apparatus is included in a support link between outer and inner cases of gas turbine engines for centering the cases one to another. The cam-type apparatus is lockable to allow locking an adjusted position of the cam-type apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bernard Heyerman, Bryan W. Olver
  • Patent number: 9162329
    Abstract: The method for removing an inner casing from a machine includes removing a top part of the outer casing, removing a top part of the inner casing, removing the bottom part of the inner casing, before removing the bottom part of the inner casing connecting the bottom part of the inner casing to the rotor, such that the bottom part of the inner casing is supported by the rotor, then rotating the rotor around the longitudinal axis to make the bottom part of the inner casing accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Tobias Christoph Huber, Gerard Froidevaux, Daniel Seng, Karsten Schwarz, Ivan Rozman
  • Patent number: 9068475
    Abstract: There is disclosed a stator vane assembly comprising a support structure 14 arranged to be mounted to a mounting structure 16, a stator vane 12 radially extending from the support structure 14 and a continuity member 28 coupled to the support structure 14 and arranged in use to extend between the mounting structure 16 and the support structure 14 so as to provide a substantially continuous gas-washed surface across the mounting structure 16 and the support structure 14. There is also disclosed a method of forming a stator vane assembly, the method comprising the steps of forming at least one stator vane radially extending from a support structure having a continuity member coupled thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Graham Littler, Ian A Hood
  • Patent number: 9045984
    Abstract: An assembly for use in a gas turbine engine includes an inner diameter (ID) shroud having a plurality of ID slots and an outer diameter (OD) shroud having a plurality of OD slots. The OD shroud is positioned radially outward from the ID shroud. A first stator airfoil extends from the ID shroud to the OD shroud. The first stator airfoil is positioned at least partially in one of the ID slots and is positioned at least partially in one of the OD slots. A first end of the first stator airfoil has one of a raised tab and an indented notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Feigleson, Dennis R. Tremblay
  • Publication number: 20150143819
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices relating to a mechanism which can be used in gas cooling devices, pneumatic motors, turbines and other pressurized gas devices. A rotatable rotor is provided along with a number of hollow conduits that radially radiate from an exit port at the center of the rotor. The pressurized gas is injected into the mechanism at the inlet port(s). The gas enters the conduits and travels from the inlet port(s) to the exit port(s). In doing so, the gas causes the rotor to rotate about its central axis while the gas cools. This results in a colder gas at the exit port(s) than at the inlet port(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Jeliazko Polihronov, Anthony G. Straatman
  • Patent number: 9011085
    Abstract: A Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) airfoil for a gas turbine engine includes at least one CMC ply which defines a suction side, an outer platform, a pressure side and an inner platform with a continuous “I”-shaped fiber geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Ioannis Alvanos
  • Patent number: 8998573
    Abstract: A turbine flowpath apparatus for a gas turbine engine includes: a flowpath component exposed at least partially to a primary combustion gas flowpath of the engine, the flowpath component comprising low-ductility material; a metallic annular stationary structure surrounding the flowpath component, including a bearing surface which bears against the flowpath component, so as to restrain the flowpath component from axial movement in a first direction; and a spring element disposed between the flowpath component and the stationary structure which resilient urges the flowpath component in the first direction against the bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph Albers, Mark Marusko, Barry Wilson, Aaron Dziech, Christopher Johnson
  • Patent number: 8961117
    Abstract: A turbine stage of a turbine engine, the stage including a rotor wheel mounted inside a sectorized ring carried by an outer casing, the outer casing including at least a circumferential rim housed in an annular cavity to attach a downstream end of the ring sector. A bottom wall of the annular cavity of the ring sector remains radially spaced apart from the circumferential rim of the outer casing to provide a thermally insulating space between them and includes a radial positioning mechanism acting on the circumferential rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Snecma
    Inventors: Fabrice Marcel Noel Garin, Alain Dominique Gendraud, Gilles Jeannin, Sebastien Jean Laurent Prestel
  • Patent number: 8956111
    Abstract: A rigid mechanical self-centering assembly for a component mounted relative to an opening. Variable radii cylindrical components are accommodated by virtue of variable-length, rigid, structural stays, and flexible mounts with curved faces for flush abuttal to said component, such as a motor or pump. A high efficiency assembly for electrical components is achieved by use of nonferrous materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Lucien Eddisford
  • Patent number: 8951007
    Abstract: In the turbine housing for an exhaust gas turbocharger of a drive assembly at least one spiral channel, which can be coupled to an exhaust gas line of the drive assembly is provided A receiving chamber for a turbine wheel to which exhaust gas can be supplied is disposed upstream of the at least one spiral channel. The turbine wheel is disposed in the turbine housing so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis. A guide baffle is arranged fixed to the turbine housing in a transition region between the at least one spiral channel, the guide baffle being connected to the turbine housing by a metal-to-metal joint whereby the guide baffle is connected to the turbine housing in a particular tight manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Siegfried Botsch, Stephan Krätschmer, Markus Müller, Siegfried Sumser
  • Patent number: 8939425
    Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a fan includes a base board and two fixing assemblies. The fan includes two opposite boards. The base board forms four rods. Each fixing assembly includes a receiving member and an engaging member. The receiving member includes a first pole capable of extending through a corresponding one of the boards and a first block abutting against an outer surface of the board. The engaging member includes a second pole capable of extending though the other one of the boards to be engaged in the first pole, and a second block abutting against an outer surface of the other board. Each of the first and second blocks defines a fixing hole through which a corresponding one of the rods is capable of extending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: ScienBiziP Consulting (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zheng-Heng Sun
  • Patent number: 8939718
    Abstract: A turbocharger has a rotor housing. Said rotor housing has an insertion element. Said insertion element is configured such that the same forms an over-hanging spiral together with said rotor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Hartmut Claus, Holger Fäth, Andre Kaufmann, Stefan Krauβ
  • Patent number: 8911204
    Abstract: A method for servicing a gas turbine engine includes disassembling a bearing compartment, providing access from a forward side of the gas turbine engine to a gearbox contained within said bearing compartment. The gas turbine engine provides a core flow path that extends from the forward side aftward in a core flow direction. The method includes servicing a component located within the bearing compartment. A method for servicing a gas turbine engine includes providing access from a forward side of a front center body assembly, and servicing a component located within a bearing compartment aft of the front center body assembly. The gas turbine engine includes a seal package located aft of a bearing package. A front wall is mounted to the front center body support and is removable from a front center body support to access at least one of the gearbox, the bearing package and the seal package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Todd A. Davis, Brian P. Cigal
  • Patent number: 8869525
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhaust-gas turbocharger (1) having a turbine housing (2) and having a manifold section (3) which is connected to the turbine housing (2), wherein the turbine housing (2) and the manifold section (3) are formed as a single-piece cast part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignees: BorgWarner Inc., Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Robert Lingenauber, Patrick Steingass, Jan Velthuis
  • Patent number: 8858165
    Abstract: A variable vane assembly for a gas turbine engine is disclosed herein. The variable vane assembly includes a vane operable to pivot about a pivot axis. The vane includes a flap portion positionable in a fluid stream for controlling a flow of fluid. The vane also includes a stem portion for mounting the flap portion. The vane also includes a button portion positioned between the flap portion and the stem portion along the pivot axis. The button portion is wider than the stem portion in at least one plane containing the pivot axis. The variable vane assembly also includes a bushing encircling the stem portion and abutting the button portion. The variable vane assembly also includes a labyrinth seal positioned between the bushing and the button portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Peck, Burke Snyder
  • Patent number: 8784051
    Abstract: The strut is for use in a gas turbine engine has body, typically having an airfoil shape, having a leading edge and a trailing edge. The leading edge has at least one gas inlet in direct fluid communication with at least one outlet located in the trailing edge through which gas may be redirected from the leading edge to the trailing edge through the strut for injection back into a wake region downstream of the strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Remo Marini, Edward Vlasic, Jonathon Peter Findlay
  • Patent number: 8764392
    Abstract: A rectifier stage of an axial turbine engine compressor is placed directly downstream of the input blower of a turbo-reactor or turboshaft engine compressor. The blade roots of the rectifier stage are housed inside the inner shroud by insertion into respective slots. The blade roots include at least one opening protruding from the slot of the shroud, so as to receive a spiral ring having at least two loops so as to prevent the blade roots from escaping from the respective slots of the inner shroud, and so as to form a connection between the blade roots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Techspace Aero S.A.
    Inventors: Enrique Penalver Castro, Yves Culot
  • Patent number: 8740556
    Abstract: A structural and aerodynamic module including two blades each extending along a longitudinal axis, in which each blade includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, a radially inner edge, and a radially outer edge, is provided. The module also includes a radially inner platform mechanically connecting the radially inner edges of the two blades, and a radially outer platform mechanically connecting the radially outer edges of the two blades such that the two blades and the radially outer and inner platforms delimit a flow stream. The two blades and the platforms are made from a composite material and the two blades are fixed on the radially outer and inner platforms using screw-nut assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Thierry Georges Paul Papin, Alain Raffy, Dominique Raulin
  • Publication number: 20140093363
    Abstract: An assembly includes a plurality of vanes, a forward liner segment, and an aft liner segment. The forward liner segment and the aft liner segment are mounted to the plurality of vanes and each segment comprises an arc of less than 360° in length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: United Technologies Corporation
  • Patent number: 8684674
    Abstract: A shroud for turbine engines. The shroud has an integrated anti-rotation device that prevents circumferential movement of the shroud during normal engine operation, and which allows for circumferential installation in split annular case designs. Since the anti-rotation device is an integral part of the shroud and/or annular split turbine case, no additional parts are necessary for assembly or disassembly. Moreover, existing annular split turbine cases can be reworked to accept the anti-rotation device and yet still be backwards compatible with original shroud designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: George Joe-Kueng Chan, Victor Hugo Silva Correia
  • Patent number: 8684683
    Abstract: A turbine nozzle attachment assembly includes an outer turbine component (a shroud or a turbine shell) formed with a circumferential groove open in a forward-facing axial direction; a nozzle segment including a vane extending between inner and outer bands, the outer band provided with an upstanding annular hook formed with a hook element extending in an aft-facing axial direction and received in the circumferential groove. The upstanding annular hook and hook element are formed with a circumferentially-oriented slot. An anti-rotation block is located in the circumferentially-oriented slot, and an anti-tipping plate having a circumferential width greater than a corresponding circumferential width of the circumferentially-oriented slot substantially covers a forward face of the anti-rotation block. The anti-rotation block and the anti-tipping plate are fastened directly to the outer turbine component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas James Brunt, Robert Walter Coign, Gregory Thomas Foster
  • Patent number: 8662819
    Abstract: A method for preventing cracking of a turbine engine case includes the steps of disposing at least two rails upon an exterior surface of a turbine engine case; and securing a first rail to a first means for attaching at least one fan exit guide vane to the turbine engine case and securing a second rail to a second means for attaching the at least one fan exit guide vane to the turbine engine case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Gilford Beaulieu
  • Patent number: 8646744
    Abstract: A structural frame for a turbomachine, such as an intermediate frame or an exhaust frame, the frame including at least two coaxial rings, an inner ring and an outer ring, together with radial arms interconnecting the rings. At least one of these elements includes a plurality of parts that are fastened together by bolting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Thierry Francois Maurice Duchatelle, Thierry Georges Paul Papin, Dominique Raulin, Arnaud Sanchez
  • Patent number: 8632046
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a fan includes a bracket, two fixing members, two screws, and a shield plate. The bracket includes a fixing plate defining a vent and two first through holes adjacent to opposite ends of a top of the vent. The screws extend through the fixing members and the first through holes of the bracket, in that order, for engaging in an upper portion of the fan arranged behind the fixing plate, with the vent aligning with the fan. A top of the shield plate is rotatably connected between the fixing members. The shield plate hangs vertically by gravity to cover the vent upon a condition that the gravity of the shield plate is not overcome by airflow passing through the vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zheng-Heng Sun
  • Publication number: 20140003926
    Abstract: A compressor for a gas turbine having a rotor rotating about an axis and a housing coaxially surrounding the rotor, thereby defining a flow channel between the rotor and the housing for a fluid to be compressed. Alternating rows of vanes and blades are arranged within the flow channel, with the vanes being mounted in the inner wall of the housing, and the blades being mounted in the outer wall of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Tobias STEFFEN, Marc RAUCH, Mauro CORRADI, Bjoern VEITH
  • Patent number: 8616839
    Abstract: A turbine is provided and includes a turbine shell including shrouds at multiple stages thereof, and constraining elements, disposed at least at first through fourth substantially regularly spaced perimetrical locations around the turbine shell, which are configured to concentrically constrain the shrouds of the turbine shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Henry Grady Ballard, Jr., Fred Thomas Willett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8591182
    Abstract: A device (10) for suspending gas channel elements, in particular for suspending guide blades or guide blade segments or gas channel segments, on a housing of a gas turbines is provided. The device comprises first plate-shaped elements (11, 12, 13, 14) and second plate-shaped elements (15, 16, 17), whereby the first plate-shaped elements (11, 12, 13, 14) and the second plate-shaped elements (15, 16, 17) are connected together by web-like elements (18) which extend in an essentially perpendicular manner in relation to the first and second elements and form a meandering or crenelated profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Morgenstern, Rudolf Stanka
  • Patent number: 8562292
    Abstract: A steam turbine singlet nozzle airfoil with integral outer sidewall is engaged with an inner ring and an outer ring in a nozzle assembly. The interface of the outer sidewall with the outer ring may include a plurality of mechanical hooks on one or both of the upstream face and the outer radial face of the outer sidewall that engage with complimentary structures on the outer ring. The outer interface may further include low energy welds along limited distances of one or both of the upstream or downstream interface of the outer sidewall and the outer ring. An inner radial end of the singlet nozzle airfoil is pinned into position and fastened to the inner ring. Without a need for high heat welds, distortion of the airfoil and the steam flow path and the associated rework is eliminated and stage performance is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven Sebastian Burdgick, Dominick Joseph Werther
  • Patent number: 8523518
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for linking machine stators are provided. A bracket may be utilized to link adjacent stators within a machine, for example, a turbine. The bracket may include a body portion, a first plurality of extensions, and a second plurality of extensions. The body portion may include a first edge operable to align with a base of a first stator and a second edge opposite the first edge and operable to align with a base of a second stator. The first plurality of extensions may extend from the first edge and may be operable to align with at least one corresponding groove on the base of the first stator. The second plurality of extensions may extend from the second edge and may be operable to align with at least one corresponding groove on the base of the second stator. When utilized to link the first stator and the second stator, the bracket may facilitate a reduction of vibrations in the first stator and the second stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lisa A. Wichmann, Thomas R. Tipton, Nick Martin
  • Patent number: 8459941
    Abstract: A mechanical joint for a gas turbine engine includes:(a) an annular first component having an annular, radially-extending first flange; (b) an annular second component having an annular, radially-extending second flange abutting the first flange; (c) a plurality of generally radially-extending radial channels passing through at least one of the first and second flanges; (d) a plurality of generally axially-extending channels extending through the first flange and communicating with respective ones of the radial channels; and (e) a plurality of fasteners clamping the first and second flanges together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ryan Michael Jasko, Kenneth Edward Seitzer, Paul Alexander Intemann, Sasikumar Muthasamy, Jarmo Tapani Monttinen
  • Patent number: 8443514
    Abstract: A maintenance method of a gas turbine unit, having a first stator element provided with first connecting holes contemplates replacing a second stator element, provided with second connecting holes and connected to the first stator element by means of coupling pins insertable into the first and the second connecting holes, with a third spare stator element provided with third connecting holes; and coupling the first stator element to the third spare stator element by means of eccentric coupling pins and eccentric bushes, each of which is selectively insertable in the first and the third connecting holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Ansaldo Energia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianluigi Bertino
  • Patent number: 8439635
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for locking a composite component such as blade or vane of a turbine engine is disclosed herein. The disclosed lock can also be used generally to fix the position of composite structures. The lock includes a first locking member including a first structure operable to at least partially fix the first locking member along an axis of a slot for receiving a blade or a vane. The lock also includes a second locking member including a second structure operable to engage the blade or vane. The first and second locking members are slidably engaged with one another along mating ramped surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Christopher Uskert, Darrell Curtis Harris
  • Patent number: 8430629
    Abstract: An assembly for a stator stage of a turbomachine is disclosed. The assembly includes: an outer shroud presenting a series of openings for mounting each stationary vane by welding between the edge of an opening and the outline of the platform of the vane, the outline of the outer segment of an opening surrounding, in radial projection, the outline of the inner segment thereof, the shroud not having any other holes; and at least one stationary vane with its top including a non-pierced platform received in one of the openings prior to the welding step, such that an inside face of the platform bears against a bearing face of the shroud, the outline of the platform presenting a shape that is identical to the shape of the outline of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Techspace Aero
    Inventors: Gabriel Turi, Guy Biemar
  • Patent number: 8403634
    Abstract: A retaining seal assembly for use in a gas turbine engine is provided. The retaining seal assembly comprises an outer retaining ring coupled to an aft end of a gas turbine engine combustor. A turbine nozzle is coupled to the outer retaining ring and comprises an outer band. The outer band comprises a leading edge and an opposing trailing edge that defines a slot. A retention seal comprises a first end positioned within the slot, a generally opposing second end that contacts the outer retaining ring, and a body extending between the first end and the second end. The body further comprises an insertion portion positioned within a passage formed in the outer band. The retention seal is fabricated from a resilient material and is configured to facilitate coupling the turbine nozzle to the outer retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brian P. Arness, John E. Greene, Sze Bun B. Chan
  • Publication number: 20130039749
    Abstract: A turbine assembly is provided. The turbine assembly includes an inner turbine casing and an outer turbine casing radially outward from the inner turbine casing, the outer turbine casing including an aperture extending therethrough and a support assembly extending through the aperture, the support assembly externally adjustable outside of the outer turbine casing to adjust the inner turbine casing relative to the outer turbine casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Matthew Stephen Casavant, Bradley Edwin Wilson
  • Patent number: 8366385
    Abstract: A method for servicing a gas turbine engine includes providing access from a forward section of the gas turbine engine to a gearbox contained within a bearing compartment. A gas turbine is also disclosed in which a bearing package is mounted to a front center body support and a low spool. A front wall is removable from the front center body support to provide access to the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Todd A. Davis, Brian P. Cigal
  • Publication number: 20130022453
    Abstract: An alignment member for a turbine diaphragm segment is disclosed. The alignment member is configured to span radially across a portion of the turbine diaphragm segment and an adjacent turbine casing segment. The alignment member can include: a main body having a first aperture for aligning with a first corresponding aperture in one of the turbine diaphragm segment or the turbine casing segment; and a flange extending from the main body, the flange including a second aperture for aligning with a portion of the other of the turbine diaphragm segment or the turbine casing segment, the alignment member for adjusting a position of the turbine diaphragm segment relative to the adjacent turbine casing segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Carl Joseph Schaus, Steven Sebastian Burdgick, Dominick Joseph Werther
  • Patent number: 8322982
    Abstract: A vane fixing apparatus for removably fixing a vane plate (14) to a web (12) is described. The vane fixing apparatus comprises a mounting bracket (16) attached to the vane plate (14), and a mounting block (20,30) held on the web (12) by at least one fastener (18), wherein the mounting block (20,30) is moveable between a first configuration in which the mounting bracket (16) may engage and disengage the mounting block (20,30) and a second configuration in which the mounting block (20,30) securely retains the mounting bracket (16) relative to the web (12), and wherein the mounting block (20,30) is moveable between the first and second configurations by operation of the fastener (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Joseph B. Cooper, Paul R. Hayton
  • Publication number: 20120195737
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine including a segment of an annular guide vane assembly is provided. When the engine is used, the segment directs hot combustion gases onto rotor blades of the engine. The segment includes a platform disposed at a side of the segment radially inward/outward with respect to the axis of rotation of the engine. The platform has a trailing edge portion downstream with respect to the flow of hot combustion gases through the segment, the trailing edge portion includes a rail that extends radially inwardly/outwardly from the trailing edge portion. The engine also includes a support and cooling arrangement for supporting the segment and directing a cooling fluid to cool the segment. The arrangement is located radially inward/outward of the platform, and includes a flange part that extends radially outwardly/inwardly from the arrangement. The arrangement further includes a leaf seal and a retaining pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: David Butler
  • Publication number: 20120189438
    Abstract: A method of assembling gas turbine engine front architecture includes positioning inner and outer fairings relative to one another. Multiple vanes are arranged circumferentially between the inner and outer fairings. A liquid sealant is applied around a perimeter of the vanes to seal between the vanes and at least one of the fairings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Steven J. Feigleson, Dennis R. Tremblay, William R. Edwards
  • Patent number: 8220150
    Abstract: A method of repairing a vane cluster for a gas turbine engine includes attaching a first registration block to a salvageable airfoil segment of the vane cluster, machining a face of the first registration block relative to datum surfaces of the vane cluster, removing a damaged airfoil segment from the vane cluster, adding new material to the salvageable airfoil segment, joining a replacement airfoil segment having a second registration block to the salvageable airfoil segment to replace the damaged airfoil segment, removing the first registration block, and removing the second registration block. The respective first and second registration blocks of the salvageable airfoil segment and the replacement airfoil segment are aligned in a configuration substantially identical to a configuration of the vane cluster prior to undergoing repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Pellet, David J. Hiskes
  • Patent number: 8206086
    Abstract: An inlet case for a small gas turbine engine, where the inlet case is formed as a hybrid piece with a metallic inner shroud cylinder and plastic guide vanes and plastic outer shroud molded around the metallic inner shroud cylinder. The metallic inner shroud cylinder carries an electric generator and provides for a good convective heat transfer surface to carry heat away from the electric generator and into the inlet air flow entering the engine. The plastic guide vanes and outer shroud allow for a light weight inlet case assembly that is also much easier to form the airfoil shapes than a machined metallic inlet case. The plastic guide vanes and outer shroud are injection molded around the metallic inner shroud cylinder to produce a rigid single inlet case. The metallic cylinder includes axial extending slots that receive the lower ends of the guide vanes during the injection molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D Johnson, Ryan C McMahon
  • Patent number: 8206100
    Abstract: A stator assembly for a gas turbine engine includes: (a) an outer shroud having a circumferential array of outer slots; (b) an inner shroud having a circumferential array of inner slots; (c) a plurality of airfoil-shaped vanes extending between the inner and outer shrouds, each vane having inner and outer ends which are received in the inner and outer slots; and (d) an annular, resilient retention ring spring which engages the inner ends of the vanes and urges them in a radially inward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Arthur Schuler, Marek Szrajer, Leszek Rzeszutek, Jakub Broniszewski
  • Publication number: 20120134791
    Abstract: A turbine nozzle attachment assembly includes an outer turbine component (a shroud or a turbine shell) formed with a circumferential groove open in a forward-facing axial direction; a nozzle segment including a vane extending between inner and outer bands, the outer band provided with an upstanding annular hook formed with a hook element extending in an aft-facing axial direction and received in the circumferential groove. The upstanding annular hook and hook element are formed with a circumferentially-oriented slot. An anti-rotation block is located in the circumferentially-oriented slot, and an anti-tipping plate having a circumferential width greater than a corresponding circumferential width of the circumferentially-oriented slot substantially covers a forward face of the anti-rotation block. The anti-rotation block and the anti-tipping plate are fastened directly to the outer turbine component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas J. Brunt, Robert Coign, Gregory Foster