Wire, Fiber, Strand Or Fabric Patents (Class 416/230)
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Patent number: 10280769Abstract: An airfoil is disclosed. The airfoil may comprise a body portion having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a pressure side, and a suction side. The airfoil may further comprise a compliant attachment bonded to the body portion and the compliant attachment may be configured to connect to a support structure. The compliant attachment may have a coefficient of thermal expansion intermediate between a coefficient of the thermal expansion of the body portion of the airfoil and a coefficient of thermal expansion of the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2014Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Grant O. Cook, Benjamin T. Fisk
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Patent number: 10240466Abstract: A fiber preform for a hollow turbine engine vane, the preform including a main fiber structure obtained by three-dimensional weaving and including at least one main part, wherein the main part extends from a first link strip, includes a first main longitudinal portion forming a pressure side wall of an airfoil, an U-turn bend portion forming a leading edge or a trailing edge of the airfoil, a second main longitudinal portion facing the first main longitudinal portion and forming a suction side wall of the airfoil, and terminating at a second link strip. The first and second link strips are secured to each other and form a link portion of the main fiber structure. The main longitudinal portions are spaced apart so as to form a gap between the main longitudinal portions forming a hollow in the airfoil.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2014Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignees: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES, SAFRANInventors: Michael Podgorski, Bruno Jacques Gerard Dambrine, Son Le Hong, Dominique Marie Christian Coupe, Ludovic Edmond Camille Molliex, Jonathan Goering
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Patent number: 10221832Abstract: Provided is a rotor blade that may include a first layer having first plurality of fibers oriented at first angle of about 20 to 30 degrees relative to a long axis of the rotor blade, a second plurality of fibers oriented at a second angle of about 60 to 75 degrees relative to the first plurality of fibers, and a third plurality of fibers oriented at a third angle of about ?60 to about ?75 degrees relative to the second plurality of fibers.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2018Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: WEI7 LLCInventor: Kyle K. Wetzel
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Patent number: 10184510Abstract: A piston engine crankshaft made from carbon composite material molded in two separate moldings is disclosed. According to a preferred embodiment, the first mold is optimized to for the top dead center piston ignition load. The second molding takes the dynamic piston and rod load and contains the counterweight. Accordingly, carbon fiber filaments are aligned in preferred directions to ideally absorb loads at different areas of the crankshaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2017Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Inventor: James Walter Linck
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Patent number: 10179439Abstract: A method of manufacturing a portion of a wind turbine blade is described. The method comprising the steps of: laying up a primary fiber material in a mold; infusing said primary fiber material with a primary resin; substantially curing said primary resin in said primary fiber material to form a cured blade element; laying up a secondary fiber material on top of at least a portion of said cured blade element; infusing said secondary fiber material with a secondary resin different to said primary resin, wherein said secondary resin has a higher strength level than said primary resin; and curing said secondary resin in said secondary fiber material to form an integrated reinforced section on said cured blade element.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2015Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: LM WP PATENT HOLDING A/SInventors: Rasmus C Ostergaard, Lars Nielsen, Klavs Jespersen
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Patent number: 10145244Abstract: A rotorcraft rotor blade assembly includes a stub spar extending less than a full span of the rotor blade assembly. An upper skin portion extends substantially the full span of the rotor blade assembly. A lower skin portion extends substantially the full span of the rotor blade assembly. The stub spar is positioned between the upper skin portion and the lower skin portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2015Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.Inventors: Paul K. Oldroyd, Drew Sutton, Andrew Maresh, Christopher Foskey
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Patent number: 10094224Abstract: A rotor blade main body includes multiple first composite sheet groups and multiple second composite sheet groups which are provided in a blade thickness direction. Each first composite sheet group includes multiple composite sheets which are stacked one on another from a blade thickness center side toward a dorsal surface. Each second composite sheet group includes multiple composite sheets which are stacked one on another from the blade thickness center side toward a ventral surface. A composite direction of orientation directions of fibers in the multiple composite sheets in each of the sheet groups inclines by 20 degrees to 45 degrees from a span direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2014Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: IHI CorporationInventor: Takeshi Murooka
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Spar cap for a wind turbine rotor blade formed from pre-cured laminate plates of varying thicknesses
Patent number: 10072632Abstract: A spar cap for a rotor blade of a wind turbine may generally include an assembly of pre-cured laminate plates stacked on one top of the other, with the assembly including an outermost pre-cured plate, an innermost pre-cured plate positioned opposite the outermost pre-cured plate and a plurality of intermediate pre-cured plates stacked directly between the outermost and innermost pre-cured plates. The outermost pre-cured plate may be configured to be positioned adjacent to an inner surface of a body shell of the rotor blade. In addition, the outermost pre-cured plate may define a plate thickness that differs from a plate thickness defined by the innermost pre-cured plate by at least 50%.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Aaron A. Yarbrough, Christopher Daniel Caruso -
Patent number: 10060411Abstract: A root assembly for a rotor blade of a wind turbine includes a blade root section having an inner sidewall surface and an outer sidewall surface separated by a radial gap, a plurality of root inserts spaced circumferentially within the radial gap, and a plurality of spacers configured between one or more of the root inserts. Further, each of the root inserts includes at least one bore hole surrounded by a pre-cured or pre-consolidated composite material. In addition, the pultruded spacers are constructed of a pre-cured or pre-consolidated composite material.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2015Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Christopher Daniel Caruso, Aaron A. Yarbrough, Daniel Alan Hynum, James Robert Tobin
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Patent number: 10024333Abstract: The present disclosure relates to composite airfoils bonded to a metallic root. A composite body (510) may be formed with a metallic co-molded detail (520). The co-molded detail (520) may be transient liquid phase (TLP) bonded to an attachment feature (530). The attachment feature (530) may allow the composite body (510) to be attached to a rotor (200). The airfoil (500) may also have a metallic edge (550) which is TLP bonded to the composite body (510) via a co-molded edge (540).Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: James T. Roach, Grant O. Cook, III
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Patent number: 9995271Abstract: A wind turbine blade for a wind turbine is a shell structure of a fiber-reinforced composite and comprises a root region and an airfoil region. The root region has a ring-shaped cross section and comprises a plurality of elongated bushings 7 with an inner thread 22 and which are embedded interspaced in the fiber-reinforced polymer so as to substantially follow the circumference of the root region and allow access from the outside to the inner threads 22. The bushings 7 are formed conically tapering from a second end towards a first end thereof, the first end of the bushing 7 being arranged at the end face of the root region.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2012Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: LM WP PATENT HOLDING A/SInventors: Martin Dahl, Bjarne Krab Mortensen, Benjamin Hornblow
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Patent number: 9976537Abstract: A wind turbine blade for a wind turbine is a shell structure of a fiber-reinforced composite and comprises a root region and an airfoil region. The root region has a ring-shaped cross section and comprises a cylindrical insert 7 embedded in the fiber-reinforced polymer so as to substantially follow the circumference of the root region. The cylindrical insert is provided with a number of mutually spaced threaded bores 12, 15 in a first end 9 thereof being accessible from the outside.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2012Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: LM WP PATENT HOLDING A/SInventors: Martin Dahl, Bjarne Krab Mortensen, Benjamin Hornblow
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Patent number: 9976429Abstract: A gas turbine engine composite disk includes dovetail slots between disk posts extending radially inwardly from a periphery, a hub ring of composite plies circumscribed about a centerline axis, and radial plies extending radially away from hub ring into disk posts. A segmented intermediate ring concentric with and located radially outwardly of hub ring includes intermediate ring segments having nested plies with annular bases circumscribed about centerline axis and substantially radially extending clockwise and counter-clockwise radial ply arms. An outer segmented ring may be concentric with and located radially outwardly of intermediate ring, include annular outer ring segments with circumferentially stacked composite plies disposed within intermediate ring segments between clockwise and counter-clockwise radial ply arms and radially outwardly of annular bases. An outer skin of outermost composite covering plies may extend circumferentially around composite disk.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2015Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Nicholas Joseph Kray, Baskaran Bhuvaraghan, Nitesh Jain
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Patent number: 9970304Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a root assembly for a rotor blade of a wind turbine and methods of manufacturing same. The root assembly includes a blade root section having an inner sidewall surface and an outer sidewall surface separated by a radial gap, a plurality of root inserts spaced circumferentially within the radial gap, and a plurality of spacers configured between one or more of the root inserts. Further, each of the root inserts includes at least one bushing surrounded by a pre-cured or pre-consolidated composite material. In addition, the spacers are constructed of a pre-cured or pre-consolidated composite material.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Christopher Daniel Caruso, Aaron A. Yarbrough, Daniel Alan Hynum, James Robert Tobin
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Patent number: 9964096Abstract: Provided is a rotor blade that may include a first layer having a first plurality of non-woven fibers oriented at first angle of about 10 to 30 degrees relative to a long axis of the rotor blade, a second plurality of non-woven fibers oriented at a second angle of about 60 to 75 degrees relative to the first plurality of fibers, and a third plurality of non-woven fibers oriented at a third angle of about ?60 to about ?75 degrees relative to the second plurality of fibers.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: WEI7 LLCInventor: Kyle K Wetzel
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Patent number: 9945234Abstract: A composite component having a body formed from a plurality of fiber reinforced non-metallic layers. The body includes a delamination region configured so as to permit delamination; and a deflector region configured so as to resist delamination. In the event of delamination, delamination is deflected to and continues to propagate in the delamination region.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plcInventors: Matthew Paul Jevons, Darren Ivor James, Gordon Kalwak
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Patent number: 9938848Abstract: A rotor assembly having a wear member secured to an inner surface of the outer wall of the flow path. The wear member is made of material abradable by the blades. The wear member is located upstream of the blades. A downstream end of the wear member is abradably shaped by the blades upon rotation. An inner surface of the wear member is directed radially inwardly along a direction of flow in the flow path for deflecting a boundary layer of the flow into the annular blade path. A gas turbine engine and a method reducing tip vortices in a rotor assembly are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventor: Enzo Macchia
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Patent number: 9926791Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite article and a process of fabricating a ceramic matrix composite are disclosed. The ceramic matrix composite article includes a matrix distribution pattern formed by a manifold and ceramic matrix composite plies laid up on the matrix distribution pattern, includes the manifold, or a combination thereof. The manifold includes one or more matrix distribution channels operably connected to a delivery interface, the delivery interface configured for providing matrix material to one or more of the ceramic matrix composite plies. The process includes providing the manifold, forming the matrix distribution pattern by transporting the matrix material through the manifold, and contacting the ceramic matrix composite plies with the matrix material.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ronald Ralph Cairo, Paul Stephen Dimascio, Jason Robert Parolini
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Patent number: 9850764Abstract: There is provided a blade tip for a rotary blade. The blade tip is formed of a metal foam and comprises at least one vortex generator. The vortex generator may comprise at least one passageway and/or cavity in the blade tip. In use, a vortex is created between the blade tip and a fan casing adjacent the blade tip.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2015Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plcInventors: Ian Colin Deuchar Care, Stephane Baralon
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Patent number: 9822759Abstract: The blade root or the internal structure of the blade comprise joining elements for joining to the hub disposed between lamination sheets, consisting of a plurality of inserts, designed to receive a fixing element related to the hub, which facilitate the coupling of the blade to the wind turbine hub. It incorporates fibre bands of compact, elongated and enveloping configuration which grip the inserts configuring assemblies embedded between the lamination sheets, wherein the fibre bands guarantee the progressive progression of stresses between blade and hub.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2014Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: INGENIERIA PROSIX, S. L.Inventor: Álvaro Pipo Benito
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Patent number: 9797257Abstract: A composite article including composite component mounted on a spar including a shank extending heightwise from below component base up into composite component. Tab at an upper end of shank substantially or fully embedded in the composite component and at least one ply surface pattern of the composite component contacting and generally conforming to at least one spar surface pattern on the tab. Spar surface pattern may include spaced apart spar surface protrusions with spar surface spaces therebetween and spar surface protrusions extending outwardly from spar and disposed between tows in ply surface pattern. Tows may be layed up in spar surface spaces. Spar surface pattern may include continuous or segmented spaced spar surface protrusions and spar surface spaces therebetween with tows in ply surface pattern disposed in spar surface spaces. The composite article may be a composite blade or vane including a composite airfoil.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Nicholas Joseph Kray, Scott Roger Finn, Peggy Lynn Baehmann, Joel Primmer White
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Patent number: 9784112Abstract: The invention relates to a turbine engine vane comprising a main body made of composite material, a leading edge, a trailing edge, and at least one metal structural reinforcement, the structural reinforcement comprising a junction surface portion connected to the main body, the structural reinforcement extending between the junction surface portion and one of the leading or trailing edges, the vane being characterized in that the profile of the junction surface portion of the structural reinforcement has a camber less than 30%.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2014Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignees: SNECMA, SAFRANInventors: Maxime Briend, Sebastien Pautard
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Patent number: 9777579Abstract: A composite article including composite component extending heightwise from a component base to a component tip and lengthwise between spaced apart component first and second edges. Component plies having widthwise spaced apart ply first and second sides and ply edges therebetween. Component mounted on a spar which includes a shank extending heightwise into the composite component, tab at upper end of shank and substantially or fully embedded in the composite component, and tab tip. Ply edges of at least a first portion of the plies directly or indirectly contacting or pressing against the tab. Ply edges of at least a second portion of the plies may directly or indirectly contact or press against the tab tip. Ply edges of first portion may press against one or more indented or recessed surfaces in the tab. The composite article may be a composite blade or vane including a composite airfoil.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Nicholas Joseph Kray, Scott Roger Finn, Peggy Lynn Baehmann, Dong-Jin Shim, Gregory Carl Gemeinhardt
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Patent number: 9751277Abstract: The invention relates to a method of cutting off laminate layers for use in a fiber-reinforced laminate object comprising a number of combined laminate layers, wherein, along a section of the at least one rim of the laminate layer, a tapering cut is performed through the thickness of the laminate layer, whereby the thickness of the laminate layer is reduced. Since not only the number of laminate layers, but also the thickness of the individual laminate layers are reduced, a laminate layer is accomplished that can be used in a laminate object, by which both the issues of areas rich in resin, air pockets and the risk of delamination are reduced. The invention also relates to a laminate layer for use in a fiber-reinforced laminate object comprising a number of combined laminate layers and a fiber-reinforced laminate object in the form of the blade of a wind turbine, wherein the blade of the wind turbine comprises a number of combined laminate layers.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2014Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: LM GLASFIBER A/SInventors: Torben Krogsdal Jacobsen, Morten Dahl
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Patent number: 9599094Abstract: A method of manufacturing an aerodynamic shell part for a wind turbine blade is described. The aerodynamic she part comprises a recess for arrangement and connection of a spar cap within said recess. The method comprising the steps of: a) providing a first mold part having a first forming surface that defines a part of an exterior of the aerodynamic shell part, b) laying up fiber-reinforcement material and optionally also sandwich core material in the first mold on the first forming surface, c) arranging one or more inserts having an exterior shape corresponding to at least sides of the recess of the aerodynamic shell part, d) supplying resin to said fiber-reinforcement material and optional sandwich core material, e) curing or preconsolidating the resin, and f) removing the one or more inserts.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: LM WP PATENT HOLDING A/SInventors: Martin Dahl, Lars Nielsen
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Patent number: 9528378Abstract: A turbine engine blade of composite material comprising fiber reinforcement obtained by multilayer weaving of yarns and densified by a matrix. The blade has a first portion constituting an airfoil forming a single piece with at least one second portion constituting a blade root. The fiber reinforcement portions corresponding to the first and second portions of the blade are mutually interleaved, at least in part, with yarns of the second fiber reinforcement portion penetrating into the first fiber reinforcement portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2012Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignees: SNECMA, HERAKLESInventors: Julien Mateo, Clément Roussille, David Marsal, Gilles Ansorena, Ivan Herraiz
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Patent number: 9505145Abstract: A hybrid part for use in a gas turbine engine has a platform and an attachment feature. The platform and an exterior portion of the attachment feature are formed from a monolithic ceramic material. A ceramic matrix composite material is located adjacent interior portions of the platform and the attachment feature and is bonded to the monolithic ceramic material.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Michael G McCaffrey, John E Holowczak
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Patent number: 9494135Abstract: A wind turbine blade with a blade attachment is provided. A tip end of the wind turbine blade is connected with the blade attachment by a glue-interface. The glue-interface is arranged between the tip end of the blade and the blade attachment. The glue-interface is arranged in a circumferential manner in view to the tip end of the blade and in view to the blade attachment. The blade attachment includes a core with a surface, while the core is surrounded by this surface. The blade attachment, which comprises the core and the surface, is completely made of one foam, showing at least two different densities. That part of the surface of the core, which is arranged adjacent to the glue-interface, is made of foam with a first density, while the chosen first density prevents the infusion of water from the glue-interface into the core.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2013Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Jeppe Funk Kirkegaard
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Patent number: 9441492Abstract: An aircraft rotor blade having a root portion having a through seat and designed for connection to the rotor; and a main portion extending from the root portion. The blade is produced by polymerizing an assembly having a main structure of composite material, and a composite material covering defining the outer surface of the blade. At the root portion, the main structure has a contoured block; and a lamina member extending about at least part of the block, and having a first part adhering to a first peripheral portion of the block, and a second part spaced apart from and facing a second peripheral portion of the block to form the seat; the lamina member having a pre-preg of continuous unidirectional fibers.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: AGUSTAWESTLAND S.P.A.Inventors: Fabio Nannoni, Francesco Scapinello, Giuseppe Manenti
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Patent number: 9429140Abstract: Structural preform layers of multiple rigid unidirectional strength elements or rods are constructed and arranged for use in fabricating load-bearing support structures and reinforcements of wind turbine blades. Individual preform layers include multiple elongate unidirectional strength elements or rods arranged in a single layer along a longitudinal axis of the preform layer. Each preform layer includes one or more fibrous carrier layers to which the multiple strength elements or rods are joined and arranged in the single layer. Each strength element or rod is longitudinally oriented and adjacent to other elements or rods. Individual strength elements or rods include a mass of substantially straight unidirectional structural fibers embedded within a matrix resin such that the elements or rods have a substantially uniform distribution of fibers and high degree of fiber collimation.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: SENVION GMBHInventors: Joel D. Gruhn, Ethan Franklin, Kameshwaran Narasimhan
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Patent number: 9403335Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wind turbine rotor blade having a trailing edge by Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding is described. A number of layers having fiber material are laid up onto the inner surface of a first mold part. A plurality of fiber rovings is laid up onto the number of layers at a position which forms the trailing edge of the blade. The blade is cast using Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Kristian Lehmann Madsen
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Patent number: 9394882Abstract: Structural preform layers of multiple rigid unidirectional strength elements or rods are constructed and arranged for use in fabricating load-bearing support structures and reinforcements of wind turbine blades. Individual preform layers include multiple elongate unidirectional strength elements or rods arranged in a single layer along a longitudinal axis of the preform layer. Each preform layer includes one or more fibrous carrier layers to which the multiple strength elements or rods are joined and arranged in the single layer. Each strength element or rod is longitudinally oriented and adjacent to other elements or rods. Individual strength elements or rods include a mass of substantially straight unidirectional structural fibers embedded within a matrix resin such that the elements or rods have a substantially uniform distribution of fibers and high degree of fiber collimation.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: SENVION GMBHInventors: Joel D. Gruhn, Ethan Franklin, Kameshwaran Narasimhan
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Patent number: 9334743Abstract: A Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) airfoil for a gas turbine engine includes a first multiple of CMC plies which define a suction side, a first airfoil portion of the first multiple of CMC plies at least partially parallel to an airfoil axis. A second multiple of CMC plies define a pressure side, a second airfoil portion of the second multiple of CMC plies at least partially parallel to the airfoil axis and bonded to the first airfoil portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Ioannis Alvanos, Gabriel L. Suciu, Douglas M. Berczik, John D. Riehl, Kevin L. Rugg
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Patent number: 9316203Abstract: A blade connection for a rotor blade of a wind turbine having a plurality of receptacles which extend in the longitudinal direction of the rotor blade and can each receive a longitudinal bolt and are in contact with a component having an inner thread for the longitudinal bolt. The rotor blade is manufactured from two materials, at least in the region of the blade connection, wherein a first material is a composite material, and a second material is a composite material provided with at least one reinforcement layer made of metal and/or ceramic. The receptacles are composed of the first material and the second material is bonded to the first material.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2012Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Nordex Energy GmbHInventor: Christian Guenther
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Patent number: 9267388Abstract: Disclosed herein is a production method of a shroud segment that includes a forming process of molding a cylindrical fiber fabric (10) into a shroud segment shape by pressing a cylindrical surface of the fiber fabric, and a matrix forming process of impregnating the fiber fabric molded into the shroud segment shape with a matrix.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2011Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: IHI CORPORATIONInventors: Yousuke Mizokami, Nobuya Tao, Takashi Tamura
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Patent number: 9248612Abstract: A containment case comprises a composite core, with an inner and outer surface, at least one puncture resistant layer bonded to the inner surface of the composite core and at least one energy capture layer bonded to the outer surface of the composite core. The puncture resistant layer having a high through-thickness shear strength and high interlaminar toughness at impact. The energy capture layer having a high in-plane tensile strength and low resistance to delamination and fiber-matrix debonding at impact. A method of fabricating a containment case includes the steps of disposing one or more layers of a puncture resistant material on a layup mandrel, disposing one more layers of a structural composite material on an exterior surface of the puncture resistant material, disposing one or more layers of an energy capture material on an exterior surface of the structural material and curing a resin in the plurality of layers.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2011Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Qi Zhu, Scott Roger Finn
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Patent number: 9234430Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite article and a process of fabricating a ceramic matrix composite are disclosed. The ceramic matrix composite article includes a matrix distribution pattern formed by a manifold and ceramic matrix composite plies laid up on the matrix distribution pattern, includes the manifold, or a combination thereof. The manifold includes one or more matrix distribution channels operably connected to a delivery interface, the delivery interface configured for providing matrix material to one or more of the ceramic matrix composite plies. The process includes providing the manifold, forming the matrix distribution pattern by transporting the matrix material through the manifold, and contacting the ceramic matrix composite plies with the matrix material.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Ronald Ralph Cairo, Paul Stephen DiMascio, Jason Robert Parolini
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Patent number: 9234497Abstract: A rotor blade for a wind turbine is provided. The rotor blade includes an elongate blade base body with a number of connecting elements each having at least one axially extending connecting portion adapted to be connected with at least one corresponding connecting portion of a rotor hub of a wind turbine, wherein the respective connecting elements are connected to at least two circumferentially extending connecting members with the connecting members being adjacently disposed in circumferential direction so as to build a ring-like shape. Further, a wind turbine with such a rotor blade is provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Erik Grove-Nielsen
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Patent number: 9217333Abstract: A composite material turbomachine vane comprising a blade is provided, wherein the vane comprises a first resin reinforced with long fibers and a second resin reinforced with short fibers, the first and second resins being chemically compatible or identical, the long fibers serving to stiffen the vane and the short fibers dispersed in the second resin serving to fill in the parts of the vane that are not reinforced by the long fibers and giving the vane its substantially final shape.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: Techspace Aero S.A.Inventors: Sacha Berard, Hervé Grelin
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Patent number: 9212560Abstract: A method of forming a component for use in a gas turbine engine includes the steps of forming an airfoil/root assembly; creating a platform assembly structure having an opening; inserting the airfoil/root assembly into the opening; and bonding the platform assembly structure to the airfoil/root assembly to form the component.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: Michael G. McCaffrey
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Patent number: 9181927Abstract: A lightning protection system for a wind turbine includes at least one insulated high-voltage cable, a pick-up unit and an additional insulated high-voltage cable. The at least one insulated high-voltage cable is electrically connected to a lightning receptor and to the pick-up unit. The pick-up unit is electrically connectable to an electrically grounded member by the additional insulated high-voltage cable.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2012Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Bastian Lewke, Kaj Olsen
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Patent number: 9136685Abstract: A blade for wind power generation includes a lightning receptor configured to form a part of the surface of the blade, and a lightning receiving protrusion that protrudes outward from the surface of the lightning receptor. The lightning receiving protrusion is provided to a surface boundary between the blade and the lightning receptor. The surface boundary configured to protect against the lightning is positioned within a radius of a circle, which is centered on a tip of the lightning receiving protrusion and which has a radius of twice the length of the lightning receiving protrusion. A point where electric field concentration on the surface of the lightning receptor is greatest is moved from the boundary to the tip of the lightning receiving protrusion, so as to significantly reduce a possibility of blade damage associated with lightning striking the boundary when being stroke by the lightning.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: THE JAPAN STEEL WORKS, LTD.Inventors: Jun Suzuki, Atsutoshi Muto
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Patent number: 9103214Abstract: A vane structure for a gas turbine engine includes an airfoil section with a platform segment adjacent to a ring. An insert is adjacent to the platform segment and an overwrap is wound around the ring and the insert.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2011Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: Michael G. McCaffrey
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Patent number: 9045991Abstract: A composite aerofoil, the aerofoil having a leading edge, a trailing edge a pressure side and a suction side and comprising an outer erosion protection layer along one or both of the pressure side or suction side, a structural core having a plurality of resin impregnated plies of unidirectional fibers, and between the outer erosion protection layer and the structural core a woven composite impregnated with a resin having a modulus of elasticity greater than that of the resin impregnating the plies in the structural core.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2012Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: COMPOSITE TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS LIMITEDInventors: Simon Read, Bijoysri Khan
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Patent number: 9033664Abstract: A blade for use in water, the blade comprising an outer shell of fiber reinforced plastic defining a cavity. A substantial portion of the cavity is filled with a resin which adheres to the inner wall of the shell.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Blade Dynamics, Ltd.Inventors: Paul Trevor Hayden, David Anthony Whiley, Derek Ness
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Patent number: 9032621Abstract: A method for manufacturing a work piece is provided. The method includes preparing fiberglass in a mold, preparing a closed mold cavity around the fiberglass, flushing the closed mold cavity with an oxygen-free gas, injecting resin in the closed mold cavity, and curing the casted work piece. Furthermore, a work piece manufactured by the above method is provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Karsten Schibsbye
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Patent number: 9022733Abstract: A turbine nozzle element including an inner annular platform sector, an outer annular platform sector, and at least one vane extending between the platform sectors and connected to both of them. The nozzle element includes a single piece of composite material including fiber reinforcement densified by a matrix that is at least partially ceramic, and the fiber reinforcement includes a fiber structure that is woven by three-dimensional or multi-layer weaving, and that presents continuity throughout the volume of the nozzle element and throughout the periphery of the vane.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2010Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignees: SNECMA, SNECMA Propulsion SolideInventors: Dominique Coupe, Guillaume Jean-Claude Robert Renon
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Patent number: 9004873Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique airfoil for a turbomachine. Another embodiment is a unique gas turbine engine. Yet another embodiment is a method for manufacturing an airfoil for a turbomachine. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for airfoils and turbomachinery. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2010Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Rolls-Royce CorporationInventor: Edward Claude Rice
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Patent number: 8998581Abstract: An impeller for a turbo-machine and is provided. The impeller includes a metallic base having a central hole, a back surface and a front surface opposite to the back surface; at least one blade extending on the front surface of the metallic base; a composite shroud attached to the at least one blade such that plural closed paths or vanes are formed by the front surface of the metallic base, the at least one blade and the composite shroud; and a connector configured to attach the composite shroud to the metallic base or the at least one blade.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.Inventors: Iacopo Giovannetti, Massimo Giannozzi, Dino Bianchi, Leonardo Tognarelli, Manuele Bigi, Andrea Massini
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Patent number: 8992181Abstract: A wind turbine blade includes a multilayer composite structure including a first reflective layer, and a second layer including a plurality of resistive circuit analog (CA) elements. The CA elements are tuned so as to interact with the first layer to provide absorption of electromagnetic (EM) energy over a desired frequency range. The parameters of the CA elements can be varied to provide for frequency tuning and to maintain absorption at a specific frequency range despite varying layer separation, while at the same time ensuring that the mechanical properties of the CA layer are compatible with integration into the turbine blade.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2010Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Qinetiq LimitedInventors: Greg Peter Wade Fixter, Christopher Douglas James Spooner, Christopher James Perry