Having Specific Vane Mounting Means Patents (Class 415/209.3)
  • Patent number: 9003812
    Abstract: A supporting structure for a gas turbine engine includes at least one annular member, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced elements that extend in a radial direction of the annular member and that are connected to the annular member. At least one of the circumferentially spaced elements has an airfoil shape in cross section. The annular member includes at least two substantially flat panel segments that are arranged side by side in a circumferential direction of the annular member. The panel segments are connected to each other in a connection region that extends along facing end parts of the two panel segments. The airfoil shaped element is connected to the annular member at the connection region. A mean camber line of the airfoil shaped element at least along a portion of its length is inclined in relation to an axial direction of the annular member, and the connection region at least along a portion of its length is inclined in relation to the axial direction of the annular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: GKN Aerospace Sweden AB
    Inventor: Roger Sjöqvist
  • Publication number: 20150098813
    Abstract: A lock link for locking variable stage stator vanes in a compressor includes a substantially planar body portion having a slot formed on one edge and a narrow neck portion extending away from an opposite edge, the narrow neck portion adapted to seat in a corresponding slot in an adjacent lock link attached to an adjacent vane; and a profiled opening in the substantially planar body portion adapted to receive a key provided on a vane stem to prevent relative rotation between the vane and the lock link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Harry McFarland JARRETT, JR., Jayakrishna Velampati, Andrew John Lammas, Laurie Ann Cribley, Saurabh Deshmukh
  • Publication number: 20150098812
    Abstract: An integrated strut and turbine vane nozzle (ISV) arrangement according to an embodiment, includes a single-piece interturbine duct (ITD) and a plurality of vane nozzle segments removably attached to the ITD. Vane airfoils of the vane nozzle segments in combination with trailing edge portions of the struts, form a vane nozzle integrated with the ITD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: VINCENT PARADIS, CHRIS PATER
  • Patent number: 8998574
    Abstract: A vane assembly of a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced vanes extending radially between an outer case and an inner case. A spring-tensioned stator restraining strap is provided around the outer case and surrounding outer ends of the respective vanes. The outer ends of the vanes are received in corresponding openings defined in the outer case and project radially outwardly from the outer case. The spring-tensioned strap compresses the respective vanes radially and inwardly in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: David Harold Menheere, Richard Ivakitch, Andreas Eleftheriou
  • Patent number: 8998575
    Abstract: An airfoil comprises a leading edge, a trailing edge, and pressure and suction surfaces defined therebetween. An inner platform is coupled to a root section of the airfoil, with a curvilinear gusset extending along a lower surface of the inner platform, opposite the root section. An outer platform is coupled to a tip section of the airfoil, with a multi-lobed gusset extending along an upper surface of the inner platform, opposite the tip section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John P. Lucashu, Gregory E. Reinhardt, John C. Ditomasso
  • Patent number: 8992175
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact fan, comprising a fan wheel, in particular a radial fan wheel (1), which is fastened on a rotor of an external rotor motor (82). The fan wheel (1) is supported between a front plate (8) having an air inlet opening (9), which is central, and a motor mount (11). The front plate (8) and the motor mount (11) are connected to one another via multiple spacers (12), which are disposed around the circumference. The front plate (8) and the motor mount (11) are formed as plastic or metal spray parts. The spacers (12) are formed as plastic or metal parts entirely or partially in one piece to the front plate (8) and/or the motor mount (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: ebm-papst Mulfingen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Heli, Jürgen Schöne, Christian Haag, Alfred Korwin
  • Patent number: 8979489
    Abstract: The invention relates to a low pressure turbine (1) of a turbomachine comprising a nozzle (62) belonging to an upstream stage (20B) and a nozzle (162) belonging to a downstream stage (20C), the nozzle (62) forming segments (62a) having an external structure (66) comprising: a tab (76) bearing radially on a hook (79) fixed to the case, a tab (85) bearing radially on a reaming (87) in the case, the tabs (76, 85) delimiting an annular upstream cooling air circulation cavity (91), a contact surface (84) extending in the downstream direction from the tab (85) and lined with an abradable element (86) on the inside, the contact surface comprising a downstream end (92) bearing axially on the nozzle (162) and bearing radially on a stop (93) of the case, the contact surfaces (84) delimiting an annular downstream cooling air circulation cavity (94) communicating with cavity (91).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Christian Taillant, Alain Dominique Gendraud
  • Publication number: 20150064000
    Abstract: A coupling support member including a pair of divided pieces is placed in a coupling part between a vane proximal end portion of a guide vane and an attachment flange, and the pair of divided pieces are joined to the vane proximal end portion from both the sides in the vane thickness direction. A linear protrusion is formed on one of joint surfaces of the vane proximal end portion to the pair of divided pieces. A groove engaged with the linear protrusion formed in the vane proximal end portion is formed on one of respective joint surfaces of the pair of divided pieces of the coupling support member. The vane proximal end portion is held between the pair of divided pieces of the coupling support member, by the fastening force that is applied to the pair of divided pieces of the coupling support member from both the sides in the vane thickness direction. It is possible to obtain a high structural strength while contributing to a reduction in weight of a jet engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: IHI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yagi, Tadahiro Ishigure, Takaomi Inada, Takeshi Murooka, Hideo Morita, Tatsuhito Honda
  • Patent number: 8944753
    Abstract: A turbine exhaust case comprises inner and outer annular shrouds defining therebetween an annular hot gaspath. A circumferential array of exhaust struts extends across the gaspath. The exhaust struts are mounted at one radial end thereof on a flexible strut mounting structure. The flexible strut mounting structure is radially deflectable relative to the outer and inner shrouds to accommodate thermal expansion of the exhaust struts during engine operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Richard Bouchard, Daniel Trottier, Gaetan Girard
  • Publication number: 20150030442
    Abstract: In a seal member, a turbine, and a gas turbine, a plurality of vanes includes a vane main body extending in a radial direction of an axis, an outer shroud, an inner shroud and forming a main flow path of a combustion gas between the outer shrouds and the inner shroud, and a retainer protruding from an inner surface in the radial direction of the inner shroud to the inside in the radial direction. The retainers in the vanes, which are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction via a third gap, and relative to one end of the seal member, the other end is positioned downstream in a direction along the axis in the combustion gas to close the third gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Waki, Masato Araki, Kenichi Arase
  • Publication number: 20150027131
    Abstract: An axial compressor includes: a rotor as a rotational shaft; a plurality of rotor blades mounted on the rotor; a compressor casing that covers the rotor and the rotor blades; a plurality of stator vanes mounted on the compressor casing. The rotor blades and the stator vanes are each disposed in a circumferential direction of the rotational shaft to form a rotor-blade cascade and a stator-vane cascade, respectively. The rotor-blade cascade and the stator-vane cascade are arranged in plural rows, respectively, in an axial direction of the rotational shaft. The stator vane has a dovetail as a base for supporting a vane section. The compressor casing has a dovetail groove formed therein. The dovetail groove extends in the circumferential direction of the rotational shaft to receive the dovetail inserted therein to fix the stator vanes. Two or more stator vanes, the stator vanes belonging to stator-vane cascades different from each other, are fixed in the dovetail groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Hiroki TAKEDA, Yasuo TAKAHASHI, Chihiro MYOREN
  • Publication number: 20150003979
    Abstract: A steam turbine nozzle vane arrangement includes a first nozzle vane comprising a first radially outer end and a first radially inner end, the first nozzle vane located in a steam turbine housing and operatively coupled to the steam turbine housing proximate the first radially outer end. Also included is a second nozzle vane operatively coupled to the steam turbine housing proximate a second radially outer end, the second nozzle vane located adjacent the first nozzle vane in a circumferentially aligned turbine stage. Further included is a first cover located proximate the first radially inner end and having a first hole. Yet further included is a second cover located proximate a second radially inner end of the second nozzle vane and having a second hole. Also included is a pin disposed within the first and second hole, the pin configured to fixedly couple the first and second nozzle vanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Fred Thomas Willett, JR.
  • Patent number: 8920112
    Abstract: A stator subassembly includes an array of circumferentially arranged stator vanes. A damper spring is provided between the array and an outer case, which supports the array. The damper spring is configured to bias the array radially inwardly from the outer case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Mark David Ring
  • Patent number: 8920116
    Abstract: A wear prevention system for securing compressor airfoils within a turbine engine while reducing wear of related components may include a compressor diaphragm spring positioned in an airfoil receiving channel between a radially outer surface of a diaphragm base and a radially inner surface of the airfoil receiving channel. The spring may bias the diaphragm base and airfoil attached thereto radially inward against upstream and downstream arms formed from upstream and downstream recesses extending axially from the airfoil receiving channel in the compressor case. The compressor diaphragm spring may dampen vibration and increase service life of the diaphragm base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Wiebe, Adam C. Pela
  • Patent number: 8919119
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for a variable geometry turbine. In one example, a turbine nozzle comprises a central axis and a nozzle vane. The nozzle vane includes a stationary vane and a sliding vane. The sliding vane is positioned to slide in a direction substantially tangent to an inner circumference of the turbine nozzle and in contact with the stationary vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Harold Huimin Sun, Jizhong Zhang, Liangjun Hu, Dave R. Hanna
  • Patent number: 8905711
    Abstract: A vane structure for a gas turbine engine according includes a multiple of CMC airfoil sections integrated between a CMC outer ring and a CMC inner ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Ioannis Alvanos, Brian D. Merry, Christopher M. Dye
  • Publication number: 20140356158
    Abstract: The gas turbine engine vane assembly has a vane having an elongated airfoil body extending to a tip and a grommet disposed around the tip. An insert having a closed loop shape with an inner surface matingly shaped to receive the outer surface of the grommet, and an outer surface matingly shaped to be snugly received in the slot. A method of mounting such a vane assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Barry BARNETT
  • Patent number: 8899914
    Abstract: A stator subassembly includes an array of circumferentially arranged stator vanes. An attachment liner secures the stator vanes to one another to provide the subassembly. A damper spring is integral with the attachment liner and is provided between the array and an outer case, which supports the array. The damper spring is configured to bias the array radially inwardly from the outer case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Mark David Ring
  • Patent number: 8888451
    Abstract: A method for producing a vane for application in a component in a gas turbine engine includes casting at least one of a vane leading edge part and a vane trailing edge part and connecting the leading edge part and the trailing edge part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Volvo Aero Corporation
    Inventors: Lisa Falk, Elin Skoglund
  • Publication number: 20140301836
    Abstract: A vane assembly for a gas turbine engine comprises at least one vane, a first platform and a second platform. The at least one vane has a first end and an opposite second end with the first end of the at least one vane being secured in a corresponding first aperture in the first platform, and the second end of the at least one vane being secured in a corresponding second aperture in the second platform. The at least one vane intersects the first platform at an acute angle, and the at least one vane intersects the second platform at an obtuse angle with the acute angle and the obtuse angle being supplementary to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Brynley CLARK
  • Publication number: 20140301840
    Abstract: A guide vane arrangement for a turbomachine, particularly a gas turbine, is disclosed. The guide vane arrangement includes an external shroud band, on which at least two guide vanes protrude radially inward. A pair of axial ribs spaced apart from each other in the peripheral direction and disposed between two adjoining guide vanes in the peripheral direction protrude radially outward from a circumferential surface of the external shroud band and/or axially from a radial flange of the external shroud band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: MTU Aero Engines AG
    Inventors: Manuel Hein, Markus Uecker, Rudolf Stanka
  • Publication number: 20140271171
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods of a vane design utilizing welding techniques. The present invention concerns a method for preventing cracking within a vane assembly utilizing full penetration welding. Additional embodiments concern a vane design that, when assembled with another vane, comprises an axial slot that prevents cracking within a vane assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: RICHARD ORSATTI, EDWARD LEN MILLER
  • Publication number: 20140241874
    Abstract: A wear liner for a stator vane includes a shaped member, comprising a U-shaped portion that receives a foot of a stator vane. A first end of the wear liner is biased into contact with the stator vane. A spring seal extends from the U-shaped portion and into bias contact with an inner surface of the support structure to further prevent leakage between the stator foot and case support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20140234098
    Abstract: A method of repairing a turbine engine case includes the steps of removing worn material from a retention hook in a casing, and inserting an insert into a recess within the hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Derek W. Anderson, Oleg Ivanov, Michael J. Madel
  • Patent number: 8807933
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a turbine-engine composite rectifier comprising a ferrule provided with a plurality of stator vanes (2), said stator vanes each comprising a blade (4) and optionally a platform (3), said method comprising at least the following steps: a) first layers of a reinforcement (6) are wound on a mandrel, said mandrel also acting as a mold and comprising protruding portions, said first reinforcement layers (6) comprising buttonholes (7) positioned facing the protruding portions; b) a prefabricated disc (9) is positioned on each of the protruding portions: c) last reinforcement layers (8) are wound above the discs (9), thereby forming a preform; d) a resin is injected into the closed mold with the preform and the resin-impregnated preform is polymerized; e) the polymerized preform is taken out of the mold and the base of the blade (4) or optionally the platform of the vane (3), if the latter comprises one of them, is added by welding on each of the discs (9
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Techspace Aero S.A.
    Inventor: Georges Duchaine
  • Patent number: 8794911
    Abstract: A fixed vane section for a gas turbine engine includes an anti-rotation slot that receives a pin for maintaining a desired position while providing for movement encountered during operation. The example anti-rotation slot includes a compound radius on inner surfaces to reduce stresses encountered during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Richard M. Murphy, Matthew S. Gleiner
  • Publication number: 20140193251
    Abstract: A stator vane assembly for a gas turbine engine is disclosed and includes a plurality of vanes received within channels defined within a case. An anti-rotation plate extends from a flange of the case between adjacent ones of the plurality of vanes for preventing rotation of the plurality of vanes relative to the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert B. Richardson, Steven J. Ford, Kevin C. Eckland, Kishore Kumar Madduri, Chandrashekar Vaddatti, Ramesh Ankam
  • Publication number: 20140186173
    Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a plurality of detachable, three-dimensional diffuser vanes attached to a diffuser plate of a centrifugal compressor. In certain embodiments, the detachable, three-dimensional diffuser vanes may be attached to the diffuser plate using threaded fasteners. In addition, dowel pins may be used to align the detachable, three-dimensional diffuser vanes with respect to the diffuser plate. However, in other embodiments, the detachable, three-dimensional diffuser vanes may include a tab configured to fit securely within a groove in the diffuser plate. In addition, the tabs of the detachable, three-dimensional diffuser vanes may include indentions that mate with extensions extending from the diffuser plate, wherein the tabs may slide into slots between the extensions and the grooves of the diffuser plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Noel Blair, Charles F. Herr, David N. O'Neill
  • Publication number: 20140178193
    Abstract: The invention relates to an axial turbomachine stator (2) comprising an inner shell (28) with an annular row of openings; an annular row of blades (26); the said blades extending substantially radially through the said openings, respectively, and each comprising a cut-out (34) on the inside of the shell; at least one blade-retaining plate (36) inserted in at least one cut-out (34), with means of immobilisation of the said plate in the cut-out(s). The means of immobilisation comprise at least one tongue (38) with an end forming a support surface (40) in contact with a part of the blade (26) or of one of the blades (26) located radially directly above the corresponding cut-out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Techspace Aero S.A.
    Inventor: Christophe Remy
  • Patent number: 8757966
    Abstract: A stationary vane assembly of a turbine engine including an inner casing and a high-pressure turbine guide vane assembly including at least two angular sectors including blades, the angular sectors being fixed on the casing, each angular sector including a platform and a fastening tab. The fastening tab protrudes from the platform radially inwardly. The casing includes a first annular groove receiving the fastening tabs, radial retaining pins for the angular sectors being introduced into bores made in the casing and the fastening tabs, the axial retaining pins being axially stopped by a ring mounted in a second annular groove of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Stéphane Pierre Guillaume Blanchard, Fabrice Marcel Noël Garin, Laurent Pierre Joseph Ricou, Mathieu Dakowski
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8734100
    Abstract: A turbine stage for a turbomachine, the stage comprising a rotor wheel mounted inside a sectorized ring carried by an outer casing, and a sectorized nozzle fastened to the casing downstream from the wheel, each ring sector having a downstream end that is held bearing radially outwards against a cylindrical rail of the casing by means of the nozzle, the casing rail including an annular row of through radial notches reducing the areas for heat exchange by conduction both between the casing and the ring sectors and between the casing and the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Fabrice Marcel Noel Garin, Alain Dominique Gendraud, Thierry Lequitte, Sebastien Jean Laurent Prestel
  • Patent number: 8714921
    Abstract: A fan shroud with modular vane members for a cooling system. A plurality of modular vane set members are positioned around the inner surface of the fan shroud ring, each of the modular vane set members having a plurality of vane members. The modularity provides flexibility and versatility for the fan shroud and corresponding efficiencies in costs and manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Tembreull, Kevin M. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8714920
    Abstract: A turbine airfoil (31) with an end portion (42) that tapers (44) toward the end (43) of the airfoil. A ridge (46) extends around the end portion. It has proximal (66) and distal (67) sides. A shroud platform (50) is bi-cast onto the end portion around the ridge without bonding. Cooling shrinks the platform into compression (62) on the end portion (42) of the airfoil. Gaps between the airfoil and platform are formed using a fugitive material (56) in the bi-casting stage. These gaps are designed in combination with the taper angle (44) to accommodate differential thermal expansion while maintaining a gas seal along the contact surfaces. The taper angle (44) may vary from lesser on the pressure side (36) to greater on the suction side (38) of the airfoil. A collar portion (52) of the platform provides sufficient contact area for connection stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian X. Campbell, Jay A. Morrison, Allister W. James, Raymond G. Snider, Daniel M. Eshak, John J. Marra, Brian J. Wessell
  • Patent number: 8708649
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a turbine engine rectifier stage comprising a plurality of fixed vanes connecting an inner ferrule support 19 to an outer ferrule support 14, said inner ferrule support and said outer ferrule support defining an aerodynamic vein and comprising a set of contiguously assembled sectors 20,15 respectively, the plurality of fixed vanes comprising so-called structural vanes 5 surrounding so-called non-structural or aero vanes 6 so as to form boxes 7, said structural vanes 5 being rigidly attached to the ends of the sectors of the inner ferrule support 20 by means of attachment elements 17 in order to impart increased stiffness to the boxes 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Techspace Aero S.A.
    Inventors: Xavier Wery, Alain Derclaye, Enrique Penalver Castro
  • Patent number: 8702385
    Abstract: A nozzle blade and nozzle ring assembly includes a nozzle blade having radially inner and outer sidewalls with an airfoil portion extending therebetween; the inner and outer sidewalls walls formed with axially-extending first surface features along forward and aft marginal edges of the inner and outer sidewalls, respectively; and radially inner and outer nozzle rings formed with corresponding axially-extending second surface features mated with the first surface features, wherein the radially inner and outer sidewalls are welded to the radially inner and outer nozzle rings only along the mated first and second surface features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven Sebastion Burdgick, Thomas Patrick Russo
  • Patent number: 8690530
    Abstract: A system for supporting a nozzle assembly includes a first member connected to a stationary component and a second member extending from the first member radially through at least a portion of the nozzle assembly. A distal end of the second member is radially displaced from the first member and configured to contact the nozzle assembly. A method for supporting a nozzle assembly includes connecting a first member to a stationary component and extending a second member from the first member radially through at least a portion of the nozzle assembly. The method further includes contacting a distal end of the second member to the nozzle assembly, wherein the distal end is radially displaced from the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel David Snook, Leissner Ferdinand Poth, III
  • Publication number: 20140083099
    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: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ken F. Blaney, Neil L. Tatman
  • Publication number: 20140069101
    Abstract: A compressor fairing segment includes a body having an upstream surface, a downstream surface, and opposing side surfaces between the upstream and downstream surfaces. A first detent on the upstream surface is shaped to conform to a first complementary fitting inside a compressor. A second detent on the downstream surface shaped to conform to a second complementary fitting inside the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Nathan Stafford Race, Brian Denver Potter
  • Patent number: 8667680
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for replacing an inner disk element of a blade integrated disk wherein the blade integrated disk has a plurality of recesses in the form of axial through-bores in the joining area. The method begins with filling the axial through-bores, after which the inner disk element of the blade integrated disk is separated from the remaining blade ring. Next a new inner disk element is inserted into the remaining blade ring and the new inner disk element and the remaining blade ring are joined. Finally the axial through-bores are restored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines AG
    Inventors: Erwin Bayer, Karl-Hermann Richter
  • Patent number: 8668442
    Abstract: A turbine nozzle is provided and includes a first ring having a first microstructure, a vane extending from the first ring, a first porous zone between the first ring and the vane that is more porous than the first microstructure to attenuate thermo-mechanical fatigue cracking between the vane and the first ring. Methods of manufacturing the turbine nozzle are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Morris, Daniel Ryan, Donald G. Godfrey, Jason Smoke
  • Publication number: 20140064956
    Abstract: A guide vane assembly for a stator vane stage comprises at least two aerofoil members joined together using a vane assembly attachment web. The vane assembly attachment web may be provided at the inner and/or outer radius of the aerofoil members. The vane assembly attachment web allows the guide vane assembly to be attached to an inner and/or outer attachment ring, thereby forming a stator vane stage. Such an arrangement may allow composite fibre reinforced guide vane assemblies to be readily assembled together to form stator vane stages. Stator vane stages that comprise such composite fibre reinforced guide vane assemblies may be lighter than conventional metallic stator vane stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Andrew James DRANE
  • Publication number: 20140064955
    Abstract: A guide vane assembly for a gas turbine engine includes: a strut having: a root, a tip, a leading edge, a trailing edge wall, and opposed sidewalls extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge wall; and a pair of spaced-apart prongs extending axially aft from the trailing edge wall, each prong having an outer wall that is flush with a respective one of the sidewalls; and a flap positioned axially aft of the strut, the flap having a root, a tip, a leading edge, a trailing edge, and opposed sides extending between the leading and trailing edge, wherein a portion of the leading edge is disposed between the prongs, and wherein a disk-like flap button is disposed at the tip of the flap adjacent its leading edge, the flap button including a pair of spaced-apart notches formed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Thurmond Douglas Senter, Mark Joseph Mielke, Alan Glen Turner, Thomas Becker
  • Publication number: 20140044537
    Abstract: A gas turbine stage, in particular a low-pressure compressor stage, for a gas turbine, in particular an aircraft engine gas turbine having a guide vane assembly having at least one guide vane (1) having a radially inner guide vane root (1.1), on which a sealing ring element (2) is supported by a spoke-type centering that has an inner wall (1.2) and a circumferential groove (2.1, 2.2) receiving the same, the inner wall having at least one face (1.4) facing a groove inner surface of the circumferential groove and a flank (1.5) adjacent thereto and angled therefrom; a rounded portion, in particular a radius (R) being formed between the face and the flank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: MTU Aero Engines AG
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Hackenberg
  • Patent number: 8647056
    Abstract: Variable geometry turbomachine with a bearing housing, an adjacent turbine housing, a turbine wheel rotating in the turbine housing about a turbine axis; an inlet passage upstream of the turbine wheel between inlet surfaces of first and second wall members, one wall member moveable along the turbine axis to vary the inlet passage size; vanes across the inlet passage connected to a first wall member; an array of vane slots defined by the second wall member to receive the vanes for relative movement between the wall members; the second wall member comprising a shroud defining vane slots; the second wall member supported by a support member retained by a mounting feature; the mounting feature being one of the bearing housings, the turbine housing, or the actuation element; and the shroud is fixed to the support member so axial movement of the shroud relative to the support member is substantially prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Turbo Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Robert L. Holroyd
  • Publication number: 20140033734
    Abstract: A compressor assembly of a gas turbine engine includes a case including at least one opening and a stator assembly supported within the case. A lug assembly is secured to the case and sets a position of the stator assembly relative to the case. The lug assembly includes a lug engaging the stator assembly and a boss extending from the lug through the opening in the case. The boss including a threaded hole receiving a threaded member holding the lug assembly to the case and defines a seat for the threaded member that is spaced apart from an outer surface of the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Eugene Lockhart, Jess A. Weinstein, David P. Dube
  • Publication number: 20140013772
    Abstract: A stator joint for a gas turbine engine has a center axis, and a shroud having a radial wall facing substantially radially with respect to the center axis. A slot wall defines in-part a slot in the shroud. A relief wall defines a relief area of the slot. The relief wall extends between the radial wall and the slot wall. A vane has an airfoil and a lug extending into the slot. A flowable attachment material is disposed in the relief area for engagement of the vane to the shroud. A vane assembly and a gas turbine engine are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Richard K. Hayford, Glen E. Potter
  • Patent number: 8602725
    Abstract: A configuration including outer-rotation motor portion (4) including stator (2) with a center through which fixed axis (1) passes, and rotor (3) pivotally supported capable of rotating around stator (2); a plurality of blade plates (5) radially arranged on rotor (3); support base (6) having fixed axis (1) in a center thereof and located in a lower part of stator (2); angle changing unit (7) provided on support base (6); and a plurality of stationary blade plates (9) being detachably placed on stationary blade holders provided on angle changing unit (7). With the configuration in which an elevation/depression angle of stationary blade plates (9) is adjustable by at least one stationary blade driving motor (10) that drives angle changing unit (7), a structure is simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeo Itou, Tetsuji Kawazu
  • Patent number: 8596969
    Abstract: A case assembly for a gas turbine engine is provided that includes an outer case with circumferentially spaced individual bosses that include a recess. A vane assembly is received in the outer case. An axial retention ring has uninstalled and installed conditions. The axial retention ring outside of the recess is in the uninstalled condition and received in the recess in the installed condition. An anti-rotation feature, such as a ring, is arranged between the bosses in a locking condition to prevent rotation of the axial retention ring between the installed and uninstalled conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Conway Chuong, Shelton O. Duelm
  • 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