Removably Secured Or Mounted In Casing Patents (Class 415/189)
  • Patent number: 7048504
    Abstract: A machine stator and assembly and disassembly methods. The elements of a casing portion are formed of consecutive shells in line with grooves configured to house roots of guide vane stages that are fixed in place by springs and pins for stopping rotation. The elements are arranged in a complete circle, and the assembly is made by axially separating the elements to insert the guide vane stages between the elements by a radial movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Snecma Moteurs
    Inventors: Pierre Yves Bailleul, Sebastien Goux, Rene Lefloch, Patrice Mazzotta, Gabriel Radeljak, Dominique Raulin, Alain Repussard, Michel San Basilio
  • Patent number: 7037071
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for holding strip sealing gaskets on a turbomachine nozzle, the nozzle being constituted by a plurality of sectors having guide vanes which extend between inner and outer platforms elements, at least one of said platform elements having a sealing strip (30) disposed radially in a space between said platform element and an adjacent structural element in order to provide fluid tightness between said elements, the corresponding strips of two adjacent sectors touching, and their joint being covered by a joint cover (31) disposed between said strips, and by a holding member for holding said strips in the sealing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Snecma Moteurs
    Inventors: Serge Louis Antunes, Patrick Pierre Bernard Gazeau, Marc Marchi, Patrice Jean Marc Rosset
  • Patent number: 7013652
    Abstract: A gas turbo set comprises a compressor, combustion chamber and turbine, a common rotor shaft having arranged on it, within the compressor, a plurality of rows of compressor moving blades and, within the turbine, a plurality of rows of turbine moving blades, which alternate with guide vane rows of compressor guide vanes and turbine guide vanes fastened to a carrying structure surrounding the rotor shaft on the outside. Simplified mounting/demounting is achieved with the compressor guide vanes and/or the turbine guide vanes of a guide vane row held in each case in a plurality of separate annular segments together forming a complete ring with at least one guide vane row, and with the annular segments fastened releasably to the carrying structure such that the annular segments, together with the compressor or turbine guide vanes fastened to them, can be removed individually from the carrying structure, while maintaining the carrying structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Andreas Gebhardt
  • Patent number: 6971845
    Abstract: A guide vane 1, such as may be used in a guide vane stage of a compressor (not shown), the guide vane comprising a main body 2 and a mounting base 4. In one aspect of the invention, at least part 22 of the mounting base 4 is aerofoil shaped. In another aspect of the invention, the mounting base 4 projects outwardly beyond a surface 14 of the main body 2 on one side only of the guide vane 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Kevin J Weaver
  • Patent number: 6932568
    Abstract: A turbine nozzle segment includes at least one hollow airfoil extending radially between radially outer and inner band segments, a clockwise open hook on a clockwise end at an aft end of the outer band segment, and counter-clockwise open hook on a counter-clockwise end at the aft end of the outer band segments. An exemplary embodiment of the turbine nozzle segment includes a load stop extending radially outwardly from the outer band segment. At least one aftwardly facing load face is at the aft end of the nozzle segment at the outer band segment. The clockwise open hook is C-shaped and the counter-clockwise open hook is a shiplap hook. Another embodiment of the turbine nozzle segment has only one hollow airfoil with an airfoil wall surrounding a bifurcated cavity divided into forward and aft cavities by a bifurcating rib extending between pressure and suction sides of the airfoil wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Andrew Charles Powis, Ronald Eugene McRae, Jr., Jonathan Philip Clarke, Jonathan Jordan Peterman, Robert Alan Frederick, Edward Eugene Gibler, Brian David Keith
  • Patent number: 6918745
    Abstract: The invention relates to an axial compressor stator for a gas turbine, the stator having a rigid, external, annular frame and axially juxtaposed rings configured within the frame and bearing annuli of stationary vanes. The rings are defined by arcuate segments affixed to the frame. The inside walls of the arcuate segments externally define the aerodynamic conduit for the compressed gaseous fluid. The arcuate segments are brazed segments that include a honeycomb component sandwiched between an inner sheetmetal bounding the aerodynamic conduit and an outer sheetmetal. The outer sheetmetal solely connects the arcuate segments to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: SNECMA Moteurs
    Inventors: Stéphane Caron, Pierre Debeneix, Philippe Guerout
  • Patent number: 6913441
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a method for clocking a row of stationary airfoils relative to an adjacent row of airfoils, and a turbine blade ring configured for use in such a method. The method according to aspects of the invention is advantageous because it can avoid extensive disassembly of the turbine in order to clock the blade ring. The method includes engaging the outer peripheral surface of a blade ring with a plurality of roller pins such that the weight of the blade ring is entirely supported by the roller pins. A tangential force is applied to the blade ring such that the blade ring rotates on the roller pins, thereby adjusting the position of the stationary airfoils affixed to the blade ring. Additional rotational adjustments can be made to the blade ring until the blade ring is clocked to the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph J. Fadok
  • Patent number: 6893217
    Abstract: A method enables a turbine nozzle for a gas turbine engine to be assembled. The method includes providing a turbine nozzle including a plurality of airfoil vanes extending between an inner band and an outer band, wherein the outer band includes at least one mounting system that extends radially outwardly therefrom and includes a rail and at least one hook, and coupling the turbine nozzle into the gas turbine engine using the mounting system such that the turbine nozzle is at least partially supported by at least one hook. The method also includes positioning a seal assembly between at least one hook and the outer band to facilitate reducing radial leakage through the turbine nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gulcharan S. Brainch, Dean Lenahan
  • Patent number: 6863497
    Abstract: A stator vane span attachment for a gas turbine having a casing 1 in which several stator vane spans 2 are located, wherein means 3 are provided for restraining the stator vane spans 2 against the casing 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventors: Christian Seydel, Andrej Golowin
  • Patent number: 6843638
    Abstract: A variable geometry vane for use in a turbine engine. The vane can be radially mounted in a shroud ring while outside the turbine engine. The shroud and vane assembly can then be mounted to an engine hub without disassembly of the shroud, eliminating the need for a split ring shroud. Once located surrounding the hub, vanes are slid radially inward until a radially inward vane button engages a hole within the hub. Vanes are locked in place using clips slid into slots within the shroud. The clips are retained in place using an adjacent engine part bolted to the face of the shroud. Once in place within the engine, vanes are attached to a control arm for airflow adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Mario A. Hidalgo, Adrian R. Allan, Louis D. Cruse
  • Publication number: 20040170496
    Abstract: A turbine nozzle segment includes at least one hollow airfoil extending radially between radially outer and inner band segments, a clockwise open hook on a clockwise end at an aft end of the outer band segment, and counter-clockwise open hook on a counter-clockwise end at the aft end of the outer band segments. An exemplary embodiment of the turbine nozzle segment includes a load stop extending radially outwardly from the outer band segment. At least one aftwardly facing load face is at the aft end of the nozzle segment at the outer band segment. The clockwise open hook is C-shaped and the counter-clockwise open hook is a shiplap hook. Another embodiment of the turbine nozzle segment has only one hollow airfoil with an airfoil wall surrounding a bifurcated cavity divided into forward and aft cavities by a bifurcating rib extending between pressure and suction sides of the airfoil wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew Charles Powis, Ronald Eugene McRae, Jonathan Philip Clarke, Jonathan Jordan Peterman, Robert Alan Frederick, Edward Eugene Gibler, Brian David Keith
  • Patent number: 6773228
    Abstract: A method enables a gas turbine engine nozzle to be secured within an engine casing that includes an exterior surface. The method comprises the steps of forming a first opening to extend through the engine casing, inserting a nozzle lock through the first opening from the casing exterior surface, coupling the nozzle lock to a portion of the nozzle, and securing the nozzle lock to the engine casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Edward Atwood Rainous, Charles Louis Williams, Michael Peter Murphy, Janice Ilene Pirtle, James Harold Joy
  • Patent number: 6752592
    Abstract: In a gas turbine having a chordal hinge seal between an inner rail of each nozzle segment and an annular axially facing sealing surface of a nozzle support ring, a supplemental seal is disposed between the support ring and inner bands of the nozzle segments on a lower pressure side of the chordal hinge seals. To minimize or prevent leakage flow across the chordal hinge seals, a generally U-shaped supplemental seal having reversely folded U-shaped marginal portions is received in a cavity formed in the axially extending sealing surface of the inner rail of the nozzle segment. At operating conditions, the marginal portions seal against the base of the cavity and the annular sealing surface of the nozzle support ring to prevent leakage flow past the chordal hinge seal from entering the hot gas path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Abdul-Azeez Mohammed-Fakir, Mahmut Faruk Aksit, Ahmad Safi, Srikanth Vedantam, Ning Fang
  • Patent number: 6742987
    Abstract: A turbine nozzle includes a row of vanes in corresponding segmented outer and inner bands. The inner band of each segment includes a retention flange. A nozzle support includes forward and aft flanges defining a retention slot receiving the retention flange. The retention flange includes a radial lug trapped axially in the retention slot, and a tangential lug at an opposite circumferential end disposed on the forward flange. The aft flange includes an outer hinge, and the retention flange further includes an inner hinge for cradle mounting the retention flange in the nozzle support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Victor Hugo Silva Correia, Robert Alan Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20040013519
    Abstract: A turbine nozzle includes a row of vanes in corresponding segmented outer and inner bands. The inner band of each segment includes a retention flange. A nozzle support includes forward and aft flanges defining a retention slot receiving the retention flange. The retention flange includes a radial lug trapped axially in the retention slot, and a tangential lug at an opposite circumferential end disposed on the forward flange. The aft flange includes an outer hinge, and the retention flange further includes an inner hinge for cradle mounting the retention flange in the nozzle support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Victor Hugo Silva Correia, Robert Alan Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20040005217
    Abstract: A method enables a gas turbine engine nozzle to be secured within an engine casing that includes an exterior surface. The method comprises the steps of forming a first opening to extend through the engine casing, inserting a nozzle lock through the first opening from the casing exterior surface, coupling the nozzle lock to a portion of the nozzle, and securing the nozzle lock to the engine casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Edward Atwood Rainous, Charles Louis Williams, Michael Peter Murphy, Janice Ilene Pirtle, James Harold Joy
  • Patent number: 6655911
    Abstract: A stator vane in an axial flow turbine can be fixed to the stator casing by means of force-fit attachment elements. The stator vane root has a hollow profile and includes radially inner platform matched to the contour of the flow channel, a radially outer platform matched to the contour of the stator casing, and two essentially parallel sidewalls. The outer platform has at least one hole for the attachment element. In one embodiment, the outer platform is detachably connected to the vane root. In other embodiments, a cavity is formed with vane root walls and with stator casing walls and is essentially tightly sealed from hot gas passing through the flow channel, allowing cooling of the cavity with little coolant loss, and allowing vanes without any seals between platforms and other vane root parts. In another embodiment, bearing surfaces of each vane are provided at different levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Alstom (Switzerland) Ltd
    Inventor: Igor Bekrenev
  • Patent number: 6626641
    Abstract: A steam turbine of the type which incorporates a turbine case defining a plurality of passages having outlets opening through an inside end wall of the turbine case in a direction generally parallel to the turbine shaft, with nozzles positioned over the outlets to direct steam against the periphery of the turbine wheel, can be modified to a higher efficiency design. To perform the modification, the nozzles are removed, an arcuately shaped housing is positioned in covering relationship with the outlets, and an arcuately shaped louver is positioned so as to form an end wall of the housing. The louver has a plurality of vanes to direct the steam against the periphery of the turbine wheel to cause rotation of the turbine shaft and the housing forms a confined steam flow path from the outlets to the louver. The downstream turbine blading can be modified if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Alfred Conhagen, Inc.
    Inventors: Alton Burns, Michael L. Macek
  • Patent number: 6612809
    Abstract: The present invention provides a seal for a gas turbine engine, comprising an annular ring with an L-shaped cross-section having a radially extending leg and an axially extending leg. A plurality of corrugations are formed in the axial leg so as to make it compliant in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Paul Czachor, Tod Kenneth Bosel
  • Publication number: 20030123979
    Abstract: In a gas turbine having a chordal hinge seal between an inner rail of each nozzle segment and an annular axially facing sealing surface of a nozzle support ring, a supplemental seal is disposed between the support ring and inner bands of the nozzle segments on a lower pressure side of the chordal hinge seals. To minimize or prevent leakage flow across the chordal hinge seals, a generally U-shaped supplemental seal having reversely folded U-shaped marginal portions is received in a cavity formed in the axially extending sealing surface of the inner rail of the nozzle segment. At operating conditions, the marginal portions seal against the base of the cavity and the annular sealing surface of the nozzle support ring to prevent leakage flow past the chordal hinge seal from entering the hot gas path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Abdul-Azeez Mohammed-Fakir, Mahmut Faruk Aksit, Ahmad Safi, Srikanth Vedantam, Ning Fang
  • Publication number: 20030113206
    Abstract: A turbine nozzle includes segments of outer and inner bands supporting corresponding vane pairs. The bands adjoin each other at corresponding ends along splitlines, with each band having a forward land, an opposite aft land, and a middle land extending therebetween. The forward lands have a nominal aft-facing step, the aft lands have a nominal forward-facing step and the middle lands are nominally flush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: John Peter Heyward, Robert Ingram Ackerman, Gregory Alan White
  • Patent number: 6579061
    Abstract: A turbine nozzle includes segments of outer and inner bands supporting corresponding vane pairs. The bands adjoin each other at corresponding ends along splitlines, with each band having a forward land, an opposite aft land, and a middle land extending therebetween. The forward lands have a nominal aft-facing step, the aft lands have a nominal forward-facing step and the middle lands are nominally flush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Peter Heyward, Robert Ingram Ackerman, Gregory Alan White
  • Publication number: 20030099542
    Abstract: The present invention provides a seal for a gas turbine engine, comprising an annular ring with an L-shaped cross-section having a radially extending leg and an axially extending leg. A plurality of corrugations are formed in the axial leg so as to make it compliant in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Robert Paul Czachor, Tod Kenneth Bosel
  • Patent number: 6558115
    Abstract: A turbine guide blade includes a platform which absorbs thermal loads and a fastening region adjoining the platform for absorbing mechanical loads. The fastening region has such a slim construction that it leaves a cold side of the platform readily accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Tiemann
  • Publication number: 20030068225
    Abstract: A nozzle lock for circumferentially securing a nozzle segment relative to the engine casing of a gas turbine engine. The nozzle lock includes a thickener pad joined to an outer surface of the engine casing and a locking member disposed in a notch located in the outer band of the nozzle segment. A pin formed on the locking member is press-fit into the casing and the thickener pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christopher G. Housley, Donald Franklin Enzweiler
  • Patent number: 6543995
    Abstract: A stator assembly for a rotary machine a stator vane for the assembly are disclosed. Various construction details are developed which facilitate assembly, disassembly and replaceability of the vane. The stator assembly includes a casing having a plurality of flats which adapts the case to engage a corresponding flat on the stator vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Keith T. Honda, Michael E. McMahon, Steven J. Feigleson
  • Patent number: 6537022
    Abstract: A nozzle lock for circumferentially securing a nozzle segment relative to the engine casing of a gas turbine engine. The nozzle lock includes a thickener pad joined to an outer surface of the engine casing and a locking member disposed in a notch located in the outer band of the nozzle segment. A pin formed on the locking member is press-fit into the casing and the thickener pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christopher George Housley, Donald Franklin Enzweiler
  • Patent number: 6530744
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine component including a nozzle outer band, a plurality of nozzle vanes extending inward from the outer band, and an inner band extending circumferentially around inner ends of the vanes. Further, the component has a shroud integral with the outer band adapted for surrounding a plurality of blades mounted in the engine for rotation about a centerline thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gary Charles Liotta, Robert Francis Manning
  • Publication number: 20020182057
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine component including a nozzle outer band, a plurality of nozzle vanes extending inward from the outer band, and an inner band extending circumferentially around inner ends of the vanes. Further, the component has a shroud integral with the outer band adapted for surrounding a plurality of blades mounted in the engine for rotation about a centerline thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Gary Charles Liotta, Robert Francis Manning
  • Patent number: 6439841
    Abstract: An annular turbine frame has ring disposed coaxially about an axial centerline axis and includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart ports. A plurality of circumferentially spaced apart struts are joined radially to the ring by devises on the ring. Each strut has radially opposite first and second ends, and a through channel extending therebetween. Each of the channels is aligned with a corresponding one of the ports. Each of the ports has a port counterbore though a radially outer portion of the port forming a shoulder in the port. A seal is disposed within the port counterbore between the shoulder and the strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Tod Kenneth Bosel
  • Patent number: 6431829
    Abstract: A turbine device includes a rotor having a plurality of turbine blades disposed between an inner-diameter surface and an outer-diameter surface. The turbine blades are of a front or intermediate loaded type near the inner-diameter surface and of a rear loaded type near the outer-diameter surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyoshi Watanabe, Hideomi Harada
  • Patent number: 6428272
    Abstract: Rotor disk stress is reduced in a bolted joint for connecting adjacent rotor disks in a gas turbine engine. The bolted joint includes a bolt hole formed in the first rotor disk and a tube disposed in the bolt hole such that a channel is defined between the tube and the bolt hole. A bolt is disposed in the tube such that a gap is defined between the bolt and the tube. The gap thermally insulates the bolt from hot fluid in the channel. A first passage provides fluid communication between the channel and a forward cavity, and a second passage provides fluid communication between the channel and an aft cavity. Hot fluid passing through the channel reduces thermal gradients in the first rotor disk. The tube thermally shields the bolt from the hot fluid to minimize differential thermal growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jason Francis Pepi, Todd Alan Ebert
  • Patent number: 6416277
    Abstract: A reversible nozzle (10), removably attached to a fluid emitting base, such as a half turbine casing (22). The reversible nozzle (10) has a nozzle body (16) and a nozzle tube (12), with the nozzle body (16) preferably forming a plurality of fastener receiving slots (18, 18a). The nozzle tube (12) is angled with respect to the nozzle body (16). An installed reversible nozzle (10) is reversed by removing fasteners (34) connecting the nozzle body (16) to the fluid emitting base (22), rotating the nozzle body (16) about a normal nozzle body axis X, and resecuring the reversible nozzle (10) to the fluid emitting base (22) with fasteners (34). To aid in the alignment of the reversible nozzle (10), one fastener receiving slot (18a) is preferably elongated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Elliott Turbomachinery Co., Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Manges, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6409472
    Abstract: A stator assembly for a rotary machine having a shroud for a stator vane is disclosed. Various construction details are developed which limit movement of the stator vane into the flowpath by reason of the stator vane being restrained by the shroud. In one particular embodiment, a clip member extends through an opening in the tip of the vane and is disposed at a location adjacent a nonflowpath surface of the shroud to restrain the tip of the vane against inward movement through the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. McMahon, Robert B. Richardson, Steven J. Feigleson, Keith T. Honda, Christopher G. Demers, Michael A. Servadio, Kevin A. Walton
  • Publication number: 20020076320
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved system for installing a vane in a gas turbine. The system includes a receptor pocket positioned within a first support structure and a boot attached to a first or inner end of a vane for insertion into the receptor pocket. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the receptor pocket is formed by machining it into the support structure. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the receptor pocket is formed by an insert which is installed into the support structure. In accordance with the present invention, the inner end of the vane having the boot is first inserted into the receptor pocket. After insertion has been completed, the vane is rotated until an outer base is brought into position against an outer support structure. The outer end of the vane is then secured to the outer support structure using studs and nuts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Samuel L. Glover, Thomas E. Manning
  • Patent number: 6398485
    Abstract: A device for positioning of nozzles of a stator stage and for cooling of rotor discs in gas turbines, of the type including nozzle segments consisting of several airfoils. Each nozzle segment is connected at its top to an outer ring to define a chamber containing cooling air and is positioned at its base on an inner ring. The nozzle segments form a circumferential array about the axis of the gas turbine. In each airfoil of the nozzle segment, there is provided at least one tube, which is inserted in a corresponding duct inside the airfoil for delivering cooling air to the first and second stage discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone Holding S.p.A.
    Inventors: Franco Frosini, Piero Jacopetti
  • Patent number: 6394750
    Abstract: A method and replacement detail for use in processing a stator vane for a rotary machine are disclosed. Various steps and construction details are developed which promote the ease of carrying out the process and improve the fatigue life of the processed stator vane. In one particular embodiment, a portion of the airfoil and the platform are removed in a region adjacent the leading edge of the airfoil and replaced with a replacement detail having new material at a location where cracks are known to form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: David James Hiskes
  • Patent number: 6375415
    Abstract: A nozzle stage segment includes inner and outer bands spaced radially one from the other with a nozzle vane therebetween. The outer band includes a wall defining a portion of the hot gas path flow through the turbine and an outer cover defining a chamber with the outer wall. The vane includes a vane extension integrally cast with the nozzle segment and extending into a vane extension on the cover. The cover mounts a forward hook for structurally mounting the nozzle segment to a fixed part of the turbine casing, thereby establishing a structural load path through the hook, the cover extension and the vane extension upon welding the extension to one another and the outer wall and cover to one another. Cavities in the vane open into the chamber to receive a cooling medium and which cavities and chamber form part of a closed circuit cooling path through the nozzle stage segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Steven Sebastian Burdgick
  • Patent number: 6364606
    Abstract: A high temperature capable flange is disclosed where the use of bolts is minimized or eliminated. The flange is intended for use in a gas turbine engine extending generally along a central axis. The loads between a hanger and an inner case, a hanger and a seal, or between all three are transmitted through pin arrangements that are substantially radially located. The hanger, inner case and seal all include generally ring shaped portions that are at least partially overlapping. The ring shaped portions of the components may have a variety of radially overlapping cavities for receiving the pins in different arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Allison Advanced Development Company
    Inventors: Edward C. Rice, Jack D. Petty
  • Patent number: 6343463
    Abstract: A support and locking device for nozzles of a high-pressure stage in gas turbines comprises a plurality of groups of stator vanes, which are associated with a plurality of outer sealing plates, for connection of the groups to the outer liner of the combustion chamber, and are associated with a plurality of inner sealing plates, for connection of the groups to the inner liner of the combustion chamber. Each of the groups of stator vanes is locked by an inner ring, and the ring has a first series of outer holes to reinforce this locking, and a second series, of inner, through holes, which are provided in an inner extension of the ring and are used to secure the ring itself to the structure of the gas turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Mei
  • Patent number: 6336790
    Abstract: An axial flow power tool turbine motor for operation with an elastic fluid, like pressured air, includes a housing (12), a rotor (11) rotatively journalled in the housing (12) and formed in one piece with drive blades (24) arranged in axially spaced circumferential rows (C, A, C, E, G, I, K), and a stator (10) in the form of a tubular body (22) which is immovably supported in the housing (12) and which carries internal guide vanes (23) arranged in circumferential rows (B, D, F, H, J), wherein the tubular stator body (22) is divided into three longitudinal sections (22a, 22b, 22c) with which the guide vanes (23) are integrally formed, and a retainer (27, 29) for fixing and mounting the longitudinal sections (22a, 22b, 22c) in accurately defined relative positions to form the tubular stator body (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools A.B.
    Inventor: Rolf Alexis Jacobsson
  • Patent number: 6302647
    Abstract: An engine turbocharger includes a turbine inlet scroll for conducting exhaust gas from a laterally offset position to the annular inlet of a turbine wheel. An outer wall defines a generally S-shaped passage connecting an inlet flange with concentric annular outlet flanges aligned on laterally spaced parallel axes. An inner wall positioned near the outlet end of the turbine inlet duct defines an annular passage portion for distribution of exhaust gas to the turbine inlet. Three annularly spaced struts or vanes support the inner wall within the outer wall slightly upstream from the outlet flanges of the scroll. A straight vane is positioned on the central plane of the turbine inlet scroll to support the wall with the least possible interference with gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua D Schueler, John R. Zagone
  • Patent number: 6296443
    Abstract: A seating spring is provided for a gas turbine engine compressor stator having a casing with a circumferential casing slot for mounting a plurality of vane sectors at outer bands thereof. The seating spring has at least one reaction tab configured to abut the casing at one side of the casing slot and a spring arm connected to the reaction tab and configured to abut a respective one of the outer bands to bias the outer band against the casing at a second side of the casing slot. A retention arm is connected to the reaction tab and engages the casing so as to be prevented from moving radially outward. The spring arm is thereby retained in contact with the outer band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Shawn T. Newman, Gary R. Peters
  • Patent number: 6296442
    Abstract: A turbomachine stator vane set includes a ring of vanes having platforms arranged in a housing formed on an outer shell. The bottom of the housing has a non-planar surface which is spherical or cylindrical with a radius of curvature R, and the cooperating surface of the platforms has a corresponding non-planar surface which is spherical or cylindrical with a larger radius of curvature R+&Dgr;R prior to fitting and which is reduced to the radius R under stress, by the action of fastening rivets used to assemble the vane platforms with the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Techspace Aero
    Inventor: Hung Quac Tran
  • Patent number: 6287091
    Abstract: A turbocharger includes a rotor having coaxial turbine and compressor wheels. In a preferred embodiment, a turbine inlet scroll conducts exhaust gas toward the turbine wheel and an exhaust duct carries exhaust gas away from the turbine wheel. A turbine nozzle ring coupled between the inlet scroll and the exhaust duct defines an annular passage including angled stator blades and vanes that direct gas angularly against energy converting blades of the turbine wheel. Ring seals at outer and inner edges of the nozzle ring inlet end seal the inlet end against loss of gas pressure. They may also form springs that axially bias the nozzle ring against a stop to fix the axial position of the nozzle ring. The nozzle ring is centered by radial guides at the outlet end which may include at least three radial keys on the nozzle ring engaging mating guide slots connected with the exhaust duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Gary R Svihla, John R. Zagone
  • Patent number: 6261058
    Abstract: The present invention provides a stationary blade of integrated segment construction, in which a thermal barrier coating can be applied to the whole blade surface and excessive stress can be avoided in a shroud. A plate seat connector is provided at each end face portion of an inside shroud and an outside shroud attached to outside and inside ends of gas turbine stationary blade. Several stationary blades are integrated by joining the plate seat connectors of the adjacent shrouds by means of bolts and nuts to provide a stationary blade of integrated segment construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahito Kataoka, Masao Terazaki, Yukihiro Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6234750
    Abstract: A compressor stator includes a casing having a circumferentially extending slot therein in which are mounted a plurality of vane sectors. Each sector includes a plurality of vanes extending between outer and inner bands, with each outer band being mounted in the slot. A plurality of tabs are ranged in interlocked pairs between the outer bands and casing for unloading adjacent sectors from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark J. Mielke, David E. Bulman, Kenneth E. Seitzer
  • Patent number: 6210108
    Abstract: A wall first portion of an article is provided with reduced tensile stress, of an amount less than that which can result in cracking of the wall, with an elongated opening through the wall first portion. The opening separates areas of a wall first portion and extends generally toward a wall second portion under a lower or different stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Susan E. Ebacher
  • Patent number: 6174129
    Abstract: A turbo-machine having a means for attaching the blade ring to the casing at a plurality of alternative radial positions to provide for a plurality of alternative clocking angles for a stage of stationary airfoils. The blade ring is provided with a plurality of notches that may selectively be aligned with a pin inserted through the casing. By rotating the blade ring so that a selected notch aligns with the pin, a selected clocking position may be achieved. Assembly with a different clocking angle is achieved by aligning the pin with a different notch. The notches may be provided at any location around the blade ring so long as they are separated by a radial distance which is a non-integer multiple of the segment angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation
    Inventors: Stefan Mazzola, Kent Goran Hultgren
  • Patent number: 6164903
    Abstract: A ceramic turbine inlet vane(s) is resiliently mounted to stator portions (10) and (15) of a gas turbine engine by outer and inner resilient mounts (20) and (25). The resilient mounts each include springs, which accommodate varying rates of radial and axial thermal expansion between the vane and adjacent metallic stator structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Konstantino Kouris