Turbine Engine Patents (Class 73/112.01)
-
Patent number: 12196601Abstract: A device to detect unauthorized opening of a casing is disposed in the upper or lower casing of an apparatus. The device includes a base plate with vibrator, carrier, and sensor on the lower case, and receiving grooves. Balls of a lesser number than the number of receiving grooves are installed in the grooves in a predetermined arrangement by the manufacturer. A waveguide element and magnet, fixed on the upper casing, is in contact with the balls, and when the waveguide is vibrated, the number and locations of the balls govern the form of a setting signal derived therefrom at the factory. If the upper casing is separated from the lower casing, the waveguide element separates from the carrier, the magnetic element gathers the balls, the predetermined arrangement being thereby lost, when tested by an authorized repair engineer.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2022Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: AMBIT MICROSYSTEMS (SHANGHAI) LTD.Inventors: Xiao-Hu Tang, Pei Liu
-
Patent number: 12187458Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for testing a fuel tank for an aircraft. Electrical power is sent to an optical data concentrator for the fuel tank for the aircraft from a power supply such that the optical data concentrator sends optical signals to optical sensors inside the fuel tank through optical fibers connecting the optical data concentrator to the optical sensors. The electrical power is sent during a phase of manufacturing of the aircraft. Test data is received from the optical data concentrator by a computer system. The test data is based on optical response signals received from the optical sensors. A determination of states for the optical sensors is made by the computer system using the test data. A graphical indication of the states determined for the optical sensors inside the fuel tank is displayed by the computer system in a graphical user interface on a display system.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2018Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Bryan R. Durr, Timothy Edward Jackson, Eric Scott Gubler
-
Patent number: 12186848Abstract: A snake-arm robot and a servicing device are mechanically coupled. The mechanical coupling is accomplished by a longitudinal insertion of the snake-arm robot into the servicing device or the servicing device into the snake-arm robot. An actuator moves the snake-arm robot through a passage within an engine until the snake-arm robot reaches a desired location. The movement of the snake-arm robot concurrently moves the servicing device through the passage. Subsequently, the snake-arm robot is de-coupled from the servicing device and the snake-arm robot is removed from the engine while leaving the servicing device in place within the engine.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2024Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Andrew Crispin Graham
-
Patent number: 12158132Abstract: An ignition circuit and a method of operating an igniter (preferably a traveling spark igniter) in an internal combustion engine, including a high pressure engine. A high voltage is applied to electrodes of the igniter, sufficient to cause breakdown to occur between the electrodes, resulting in a high current electrical discharge in the igniter, over a surface of an isolator between the electrodes, and formation of a plasma kernel in a fuel-air mixture adjacent said surface. Following breakdown, a sequence of one or more lower voltage and lower current pulses is applied to said electrodes, with a low “simmer” current being sustained through the plasma between pulses, preventing total plasma recombination and allowing the plasma kernel to move toward a free end of the electrodes with each pulse.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2021Date of Patent: December 3, 2024Assignee: Knite, Inc.Inventors: Artur P. Suckewer, Szymon Suckewer, Frederick H. Selmon, III
-
Patent number: 12085058Abstract: A wind power generation device includes a blade, a main shaft of which one end is connected to the blade, a speed increaser connected to the other end of the main shaft, an output shaft of which one end is connected to the speed increaser, a power generation unit connected to the other end of the output shaft, a vibration sensor, and an abnormality diagnosis unit. The power generation unit is configured to rotate the output shaft and the main shaft by performing powering operation. The abnormality diagnosis unit diagnoses the presence or absence of an abnormality based on data acquired by the vibration sensor during a period in which the power generation unit performs powering operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2022Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kunihiro Kobayashi, Kazuaki Ishiura, Sou Morishita, Suguru Jimbo
-
Patent number: 11939876Abstract: A system is provided for an aircraft. This aircraft system includes a gas turbine engine and a sensor system. The gas turbine engine includes an inlet and a compressor section. A flowpath projects radially inward into the gas turbine engine from the inlet and extends through the compressor section. The sensor system includes a plurality of static pressure sensors at least partially within the flowpath. The sensor system is configured to determine a total pressure characteristic within the flowpath using the plurality of static pressure sensors.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2022Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Damien Le Pape, Mark Cunningham
-
Patent number: 11898452Abstract: A system is provided for an aircraft. This aircraft system includes a gas turbine engine and a sensor system. The gas turbine engine includes an inlet and a compressor section. A flowpath projects radially inward into the gas turbine engine from the inlet and extends through the compressor section. The sensor system includes a plurality of static pressure sensors at least partially within the flowpath. The sensor system is configured to determine a total pressure characteristic within the flowpath using the plurality of static pressure sensors.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2022Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Damien Le Pape, Mark Cunningham
-
Patent number: 11867070Abstract: A system is provided for an aircraft. This aircraft system includes a gas turbine engine and a sensor system. The gas turbine engine includes an inlet and a compressor section. A flowpath projects radially inward into the gas turbine engine from the inlet and extends through the compressor section. The sensor system includes a plurality of static pressure sensors at least partially within the flowpath. The sensor system is configured to determine a total pressure characteristic within the flowpath using the plurality of static pressure sensors.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2022Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Damien Le Pape, Mark Cunningham
-
Patent number: 11859534Abstract: An airflow profiled structure having a profiled leading edge. The profiled leading edge having, along a leading edge line, a serrated profile line with a succession of teeth and depressions. The airflow profiled structure also includes a porous acoustically absorbent region located towards the bottom of the depressions.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2019Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Safran Aircraft EnginesInventors: Fernando Gea Aguilera, Mathieu Simon Paul Gruber, Georges Jean Xavier Riou
-
Patent number: 11560850Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting an abnormal start of a gas turbine engine are described. Speed data points are sampled from a sensor associated with the engine in accordance with a sampling rate, the speed data points being indicative of a rotational speed of a gas generator of the engine during engine start. The speed data points are continuously stored during the engine start. Previously-obtained speed data points which are older than an abnormal start delay are discarded. An abnormal engine start event is detected by comparing a first one of the stored speed data points with a second one of the stored speed data points, the second one of the stored speed data points obtained before the first one.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2019Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Farzad Baghernezhad, Antoine Pierre
-
Patent number: 11415177Abstract: A sensorized roller for a bearing includes a bore that extends through the roller, a sensor for measuring at least one physical state of the roller bore and producing a first signal indicative of the measured physical state, a wireless transmitter for receiving the first signal from the sensor and wirelessly transmitting a second signal based on the first signal, and a generator configured to be rotated by a movement of the roller, the generator being electrically connected to the sensor. The measuring unit, the wireless transmitter and the generator are located inside the bore.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKFInventors: Nicolaas Simon Willem Den Haak, Andreas Clemens van der Ham
-
Patent number: 11340000Abstract: A method for controlling a vapour compression system (1) is disclosed. A mass flow of refrigerant along a part of the refrigerant path is estimated, based on measurements performed by one or more pressure sensors (10, 12, 13) for measuring a refrigerant pressure at selected positions along the refrigerant path and one or more temperature sensors (11, 14) for measuring a refrigerant temperature at selected positions along the refrigerant path. A refrigerant pressure or a refrigerant temperature at a selected position a pressure sensor (10, 12, 13) or temperature sensor (11, 14) along the refrigerant path is derived, based on the estimated mass flow. The vapour compression system (1) is allowed to continue operating, even if a sensor (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) is malfunctioning or unreliable.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2017Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: Danfoss A/SInventors: Frede Schmidt, Jan Prins, Kristian Fredslund, Kenneth Bank Madsen
-
Patent number: 11326959Abstract: A sensor device includes: a rod member including an axially extending gas passage into which fluid flows; a sheath pipe thinner than the gas passage, inserted in the gas passage with a distal end thereof being located inside the gas passage, and configured to detect a temperature of the fluid; an insert configured to fix a proximal end of the sheath pipe; and retention members configured to retain the distal end of the sheath pipe.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2019Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: TLV CO., LTD.Inventor: Yoshihiro Nishikawa
-
Patent number: 11319883Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing load compressor health state for an auxiliary power unit that includes a power compressor, a combustor, a power turbine, and a load compressor is provided. The auxiliary power unit is operated and bleed air is discharged from the load compressor at a bleed air pressure. Using a pressure sensor, the bleed air pressure discharged from the load compressor is sensed and supplied to a processor. In the processor, power compressor health state is diagnosed based solely on the sensed bleed air pressure.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2019Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Lukas Vesely, Lukas Palaj, Jan Neuzil, Radek Hedl
-
Patent number: 11280683Abstract: Herein provided are methods and systems for detecting a high temperature condition of a gas turbine engine. A fuel flow to a combustor of the engine and a compressor outlet pressure of the engine are obtained. A ratio of the fuel flow to the compressor outlet pressure is determined. The ratio is compared to a threshold and a high temperature condition of the engine is detected when the ratio exceeds the threshold.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2017Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Sylvain Lamarre, Alexandre Charest, Nicolas Des Roches-Dionne
-
Patent number: 11236680Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine comprising: a combustion chamber; at least one fuel spray nozzle operable to deliver a fuel-air mixture into the combustion chamber, wherein during operation of the gas turbine engine the fuel-air mixture is combusted in the combustion chamber, thereby producing a combustion flame; a microwave generator coupled to a waveguide arranged to guide microwaves from the microwave generator into the combustion chamber such that the microwaves are incident on at least a portion of the combustion flame; and a detector operable to detect at least a portion of the microwaves reflected by the combustion flame and/or atomised fuel droplets.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2020Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plcInventor: Stephen G. Dennison
-
Patent number: 11215086Abstract: A system for rotating a turbomachine rotor relative to a stator casing, the rotor including an annular row of blades, the rotating system including a supporting arm including a first end arranged for gripping a leading edge of a first blade of the annular row and a second end arranged for gripping a trailing edge of the first blade; an electric motor including a shaft and a body attached to the supporting arm; and a wheel coupled to the shaft of the motor and provided with a rolling strip, the wheel, furthermore, being arranged so that the rolling strip can come into contact with an annular wall of the stator casing when the supporting arm is mounted on the first blade.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2018Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINESInventors: Eric Monsarrat, Ludovic Benoit
-
Patent number: 11193428Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring component integrity during operation of an engine are provided. Usage data associated with a period of operation of the engine is obtained at an engine controller. The engine controller has assigned thereto a first trust level. A first indication of the usage data is transmitted from the engine controller to a first presentation device forming part of a first communication path, which has assigned thereto a second trust level lower than the first trust level. A second indication of the usage data is transmitted from the engine controller to a second presentation device forming part of a second communication path, which is independent from the first communication path and has assigned thereto the second trust level. The trust level of the first and second communication paths is elevated by having the usage data transmitted through the first and second independent communication paths.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2019Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Tatjana Pekovic, Sean McCarthy, Andrew Ghattas
-
Patent number: 11187622Abstract: An apparatus, system, and process for testing a gas turbine engine or other test object under a cold condition, such as a compressor of a gas turbine engine, a combustor of a gas turbine engine, or an afterburner of an aero gas turbine engine, using compressed air stored in an underground storage reservoir of a CAES system along with an air turbine or an air injector. High-pressure, but low-volume, compressed air from a CAES system can be converted into a low-pressure, but high-volume, flow of compressed air using an air injector to supply enough compressed air to test a combustor or an afterburner. High pressure compressed air from the CAES system can be used to drive an air turbine that then drives a compressor for testing.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2017Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Joseph D. Brostmeyer, Scott A. Baker
-
Patent number: 11168568Abstract: A method of assembly for a gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, positioning an array of airfoils about an outer periphery of a hub, the hub being rotatable about an engine longitudinal axis of a gas turbine engine, the hub including a plurality of flanges, and each one of the airfoils including an airfoil section extending from a root section. An array of platforms are positioned about the outer periphery of the hub, each of the platforms including one or more slots defined by a plurality of platform flanges, and including the one or more slots receiving a respective one of the flanges of the hub. A plurality of retention pins are moved relative to the array of airfoils such each one of the retention pins extends through the flanges of the hub and through the plurality of platform flanges of a respective one of the platforms to mechanically attach a respective one of the platforms and the root section of a respective one of the airfoils to the hub.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2020Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: Arun K. Theertham
-
Patent number: 11149583Abstract: A system and method for determining particulate accumulation in a gas turbine engine includes sensing the number, size, and type of particulate at a first position on the gas turbine engine and supplying first data representative thereof, where the first position located at a first side of a gas turbine engine component; sensing the number, size, and type of particulate at a second position on the gas turbine engine and supplying first data representative thereof, where the second position located at a second side of the gas turbine engine component and downstream of the first position; and processing the first data and the second data to determine the mass of the particulate accumulated on the gas turbine engine component.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2020Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Dave Dischinger, Nick Nolcheff
-
Patent number: 11035246Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting a structural failure of a fan blade of a fan rotor of an engine are described herein. A fan rotor speed and an engine vibration parameter are obtained. A rate of change of the fan rotor speed is compared to a deceleration threshold and the engine vibration measurement is compared to a vibration threshold. Structural failure of the fan blade is detected when the engine vibration measurement exceeds the vibration threshold for a period of time and the rate of change of the fan rotor speed is below the deceleration threshold. In response to detecting the structural failure, an alert indicative of the structural failure is triggered.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2019Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventor: Li Zhu
-
Patent number: 11015479Abstract: A method for predicting an anomaly in a combustor (16) is presented. The method includes receiving signals representative of parameters in one or more combustion cans (22, 24) of the combustor, generating a plurality of patterns based on a permutation entropy window and the signals, identifying a plurality of pattern categories in the plurality of patterns, determining a permutation entropy based on the plurality of patterns and the plurality of pattern categories, and predicting an anomaly in the combustor based on the permutation entropy. The method further includes comparing the plurality of pattern categories to determined permutations of pattern categories if the anomaly is present in the combustor, and predicting a category of the anomaly based on the comparison of the plurality of pattern categories to the determined permutations of pattern categories.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2017Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Sidharth Abrol, Sangeeta Balram, Prem Kumar Patchaikani, Prabhanjana Kalya
-
Patent number: 11003526Abstract: A method for processing a signal on board an aircraft. An electronic control unit receives an input signal including useful data in a first passband, implements a first operation of bandpass filtering the input signal with a first passband to obtain a useful signal containing the useful data, with detection of interference caused by a lightning strike. The electronic control unit implements a second operation of bandpass filtering the input signal to obtain a detection signal, the bandpass filter having a second passband that is distinct from the first passband, comparing a detection value derived from the detection signal with a detection threshold, and correcting the exploitation of the useful data if exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2018Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSEInventors: Mathieu Conq, Nicolas Geneste, Manuel Fernandes Gomes
-
Patent number: 10974837Abstract: The invention concerns a propulsion device (1) comprising a torque generator (2) driving an output shaft (3) via a power gearbox (4), the output shaft (3) being rotatably coupled to a thruster (5), said power gearbox (4) being fixed on a frame (7) by means of suspension means (8, 14, 15), said suspension means including hydraulic torque recovery means comprising at least a first hydraulic system (15) and a second hydraulic system (15) spaced from each other, each hydraulic system (15) having a pressure chamber whose volume varies according to the position of the housing (9) of the power gearbox (4) relative to the frame (7), the pressure chambers of the hydraulic systems (15) being connected by a capillary so that a hydraulic fluid is able to flow from one pressure chamber to another via the capillary.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2017Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINESInventors: Geoffroy Marie Gérard Nicq, Nora El Ghannam, Mathieu Jean Jacques Santin
-
Patent number: 10954811Abstract: A measuring device, in particular for a flow inside a turbomachine, in particular in an aircraft engine. The measuring device includes at least one suction intake opening for fluid from an area of a mixed-out flow, wherein the at least one suction intake opening is arranged at a distance from a wall that delimits the flow, and fluid that is suctioned in through a fluid channel can be conducted to a sensor device.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KGInventor: Oliver Freund
-
Patent number: 10883908Abstract: An indentation tester and indentation method for testing a sample heated at a temperature range from above 800° C. to 1200° C., and above, is disclosed. The indentation tester includes a stage having a metallic cylindrical base that houses an inner cylindrical base made of a temperature resistant material sufficient to maintain shape over the range of the heating temperature. A removable crown fastens to the cylindrical base and includes a ring that holds an axisymmetric pipe made of a temperature resistant material sufficient to maintain shape over the range of heated temperature. A nut is turned to tighten the pipe which secures the sample and guides an indenter to penetrate the sample. The indenter includes a rod made of temperature resistant material and a indenter tip.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2018Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALSInventors: Jafar Al-Bin-Mousa, Ahmad Al-Ghamdi, Kamal Al-Shareef, Abdulrahman Al-Adsani
-
Patent number: 10864793Abstract: An active roll stabilizer includes a pair of stabilizer bars installed between left and right wheels of a vehicle and an actuator which connects the pair of stabilizer bars and transmits a rotational force to the pair of stabilizer bars, wherein the actuator includes a motor configured to generate the rotational force, a housing coupled to a portion between the pair of stabilizer bars and having the motor disposed inside the housing, a damping part disposed on an extension line of a rotational shaft of the motor inside the housing and configured to absorb vibrations generated at the motor and the pair of stabilizer bars, and a torque measurement sensing part configured to measure a torque transmitted by the rotational force inside the damping part.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2018Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventor: Gyung Hun Sim
-
Patent number: 10822993Abstract: A system and method for determining performance of a turbine engine, and operation thereof. The system and method includes a plurality of sensors and one or more computing devices executing operations including acquiring a plurality of parameter sets each corresponding to a plurality of engine conditions in which each parameter set corresponding to each engine condition indicates a health condition at a plurality of locations at the engine; comparing the plurality of parameter sets to determine a health condition corresponding to a location at the engine; and generating a health condition prediction at the engine based on the compared parameters.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Sridhar Adibhatla, John Thomas Herbon
-
Patent number: 10815895Abstract: A gas turbine engine generates noise during use, and one particularly important flight condition for noise generation is take-off. A gas turbine engine has high efficiency together with low noise, in particular from the turbine that drives the fan. The contribution of the turbine noise emanating from the rear of the engine to the Effective Perceived Noise Level (EPNL) is in the range of from 7 EPNdB and 30 EPNdB lower at a take-off lateral reference point than at an approach reference point.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2019Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventors: Alastair D Moore, Robert J Telling
-
Patent number: 10788398Abstract: A gas turbine engine test assembly includes a test apparatus having a rotor and stator and a bearing assembly having a fluid circuit providing an adjustable fluid pressure interface between the rotor and stator.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2016Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: Rolls-Royce CorporationInventor: Jacob W. Harral
-
Patent number: 10774653Abstract: An assembly for a gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an airfoil that has an airfoil section extending from a root section. The airfoil section extends between a leading edge and a trailing edge in a chordwise direction and extending between a tip portion and the root section in a radial direction. The airfoil section defines a pressure side and a suction side separated in a thickness direction. A platform is dimensioned to receive a retention pin to mount the platform to a rotatable hub. At least one of the airfoil and the platform includes a plurality of composite layers that define an internal cavity. A lattice structure in the internal cavity extends between the plurality of composite layers. The lattice structure has a plurality of branches that extend from a plurality of nodes.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: Arun K. Theertham
-
Patent number: 10718679Abstract: A pressure sensor device with good temperature characteristics. An auxiliary fluid introduction path is provided in a bottom wall portion of a first case to introduce a fluid to the vicinity of a recessed portion of the bottom wall portion where an integrated circuit with a large change in temperature characteristics is mounted such that the temperature of the integrated circuit becomes the same as or close to the temperature of the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2017Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: HOKURIKU ELECTRIC INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroyuki Sawamura, Toshiaki Ichii
-
Patent number: 10690555Abstract: A torque indicator for an aircraft having a main rotor system and a translational thrust system driven by at least one engine includes a first indicator operable to display an actual torque of an engine of the aircraft relative to an engine torque limit, a second indicator operable to display an actual torque of the translational thrust system of the aircraft relative to a translational thrust system torque limit, and a third indicator operable to display an actual torque of the main rotor system of the aircraft relative to a main rotor system torque limit.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2018Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: David L. Adams, Kevin Ron Fimbers
-
Patent number: 10626803Abstract: A method for actively calculating a capability of an electronically controlled valve is provided. The method including the steps of: a) operating the electronically controlled valve in accordance with a task; b) testing the electronically controlled valve in order to determine a range of movement of the electronically controlled valve in accordance with an initial gain, wherein the testing of the electronically controlled valve occurs after the valve has been operated in accordance with the task; c) determining a new gain required for providing a predetermined range of movement of the electronically controlled valve; and d) repeating steps a-c at least once, wherein the new gain is used to operate the valve in accordance with the task.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2015Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: Tyler J. Selstad
-
Patent number: 10557349Abstract: A method to repair a turbomachine including: assign blades and a shroud in a row of the turbomachine to a group; measure, for each blade in the group, a clearance between a tip surface of the blade and a surface of the shroud facing the tip surface; remove the blades and shroud from the row; calculate a difference between the clearance of associated each blade and a design clearance; determine, for each blade, if the difference may be minimized by adding material to the surface of the shroud; adding material to the surface of the shroud, wherein the addition of material to the facing surfaces results in the shroud having at least one dimension that exceeds an original design dimension of the shroud sections, and installing the group of the blades and the shroud with the added material to a row of a turbomachine, wherein at least one of the blades has at least one dimension that does not conform to an original design specification for the blade.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2018Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mariusz Pakuszewski, Georg Alois Smieskol, Marek Wojciechowski
-
Patent number: 10543842Abstract: Methods and systems for improving vacuum generation for an engine that may be operated at higher altitudes are presented. In one non-limiting example, a transmission that is mechanically coupled to the engine may be shifted from a gear to neutral in response to an actual total number of times a vehicle brake pedal is applied and partially released while the vehicle is stopped and the brake pedal is applied.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2018Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Russ William Ferguson, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
-
Patent number: 10504220Abstract: A system includes one or more processors configured to analyze obtained image data representing a rotor blade to detect a candidate feature on the rotor blade and determine changes in the size or position of the candidate feature over time. The one or more processors are configured to identify the candidate feature on the rotor blade as a defect feature responsive to the changes in the candidate feature being the same or similar to a predicted progression of the defect feature over time. The predicted progression of the defect feature is determined according to an action-guidance function generated by an artificial neural network via a machine learning algorithm. Responsive to identifying the candidate feature on the rotor blade as the defect feature, the one or more processors are configured to automatically schedule maintenance for the rotor blade, alert an operator, or stop movement of the rotor blade.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2017Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Ser Nam Lim, David Scott Diwinsky, Wei Wang, Swaminathan Sankaranarayanan, Xiao Bian, Arpit Jain
-
Patent number: 10408081Abstract: Inspection apparatus for a gas turbine engine, the inspection apparatus comprising: a sensor configured to generate data; a housing having an exterior surface and configured to house the sensor therein; and one or more foam members coupled to the exterior surface of the housing, the one or more foam members being resilient to enable the inspection apparatus to be inserted into a gas turbine engine and secured between at least two surfaces of the gas turbine engine.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2016Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plcInventors: James Kell, Graeme E Rigg
-
Patent number: 10401881Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure can relate to quantification of gas turbine inlet filter blockage. In one embodiment, a method can include receiving data associated with an inlet flow conditioning system associated with a turbine in a power plant. The method may further include determining an inlet flow associated with the turbine, based at least in part on operational data from the turbine. The method may further include determining an effective area of the inlet flow conditioning system, based at least in part on the inlet flow associated with the turbine. The method can further include determining a fouling rate of the inlet flow conditioning system, based at least in part on a difference between the effective area of the inlet flow conditioning system and a corresponding effective area of the inlet flow conditioning system determined at a prior operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2017Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: David Spencer Ewens, John Raffensperger
-
Patent number: 10316689Abstract: A controller for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The controller is configured to measure a first rotational speed of a shaft of the engine at a first end of the shaft and to measure a second rotational speed of the shaft at a second end. The first end may be coupled to a turbine of the engine and the second end may be coupled to a compressor of the engine. The controller is further configured to determine a shaft twist angle as a function of the first rotational speed and the second rotational speed, determine whether the shaft twist angle is within a predetermined shaft health monitoring range, and record the shaft twist angle. The controller may be configured to generate a maintenance alert in response to determining that the shaft twist angle is within the predetermined shaft health monitoring range.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2016Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Rolls-Royce CorporationInventor: William S. Fletcher
-
Patent number: 10294798Abstract: A component for a gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a body portion, a cooling circuit disposed within the body portion and including at least a first cavity, a core in fluid communication with the first cavity, and an exit surface that extends through an exterior surface of the body portion. At least one surface indicator is visible near the exit surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2013Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Tracy A. Propheter-Hinckley, Peter Holman Thomas
-
Patent number: 10281712Abstract: Internal components of power generation machinery, such as gas turbine engines, are inspected with a spherical, optical-camera inspection system, mounted within a camera housing on a distal end of a compact diameter, single-axis inspection scope. The inspection scope includes nested, non-rotatable telescoping tubes, which define an extension axis. Circumscribing, telescoping tubes have anti-rotation collars, which are in sliding engagement with extension tracks on a circumferential surface of an opposing, nested tube, for ease of extension and retraction of the camera during visual inspections of power generation machinery. The camera is advanced and/or retracted along a scope extension axis by nested, drive tubes, which incorporate at least one external drive screw on a circumscribed drive tube and corresponding female threads formed in a circumscribing drive tube. The spherical camera has a 360-degree field of view, and captures images without rotation about the scope extension axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2017Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.Inventors: David Letter, Isaac Piersall, Clifford Hatcher, Jr.
-
Patent number: 10253699Abstract: A device for integrity testing a system for rapid reactivation of a turboshaft engine of a helicopter, includes a pneumatic turbine that is mechanically connected to the turboshaft engine and is supplied with gas, upon a command, by a pneumatic supply circuit such that it is possible to rotate the turboshaft engine and ensure that it is reactivated. The testing device has an apparatus configured to withdraw pressurized air from the turboshaft engine and a duct for conveying the withdrawn air to the pneumatic circuit for supplying the pneumatic turbine with gas. The device further includes a sensor for determining the rotational speed of the pneumatic turbine.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2015Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: SAFRAN HELICOPTER ENGINESInventors: Romain Thiriet, Jean-Michel Bazet, Camel Serghine, Patrick Marconi, Jérôme Irigoyen, Stephen Langford
-
Patent number: 10196985Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a fluid based engineering system are disclosed. The systems and methods may include a model processor for generating a model output, the model processor including a set state module for setting dynamic states of the model processor, the dynamic states input to an open loop model based on the model operating mode. The system may include a control law for directing the actuator as a function of a model output and for determining if the control device is operating with deteriorated conditions. The model processor may further include an estimate state module for determining an estimated state of the model based on a prior state model output and the current state model of an open loop model.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Boris Karpman, Richard P. Meisner
-
Patent number: 10197474Abstract: A system for use in inspecting a component having flow openings defined therein. The system includes a fluid injector in flow communication with the component, wherein the fluid injector provides fluid to the component such that the fluid is discharged from the flow openings. A sensing sheet is coupled to or positioned proximate to the component such that the fluid discharged from the flow openings is received at the sensing sheet, wherein the sensing sheet is formed from pressure-sensitive material. A light source emits light towards the sensing sheet such that the pressure-sensitive material is excited to an energy level. The system further includes an imaging device that captures images of a change in color of the pressure-sensitive material as a function of a pressure of the fluid received at the sensing sheet, wherein the change in color represents a pressure distribution across the sensing sheet based on a flow profile of the fluid discharged from the flow openings.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2017Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Anquan Wang, Guanghua Wang, James Peter DeLancey
-
Patent number: 10190946Abstract: A measuring comb for temperature and/or pressure and/or chemical composition of the gases flowing at the outlet of a turbine engine flow path, in which the flow path extends around an axis of revolution of the flow path, is provided. The measuring comb includes: a comb body with an elongated shape, intended to face the outlet of the flow path, the comb body including at least one measuring opening arranged along an axis, the measuring opening being configured to tap gases flowing at the outlet of the flow path; and an adjusting system configured to adjust an angle between the axis of the at least one measuring opening and the axis of revolution, so as to allow orientation of the at least one measuring opening in the flow direction of the gases at the outlet of the flow path.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2015Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFTS ENGINESInventors: Romain Nicolas Lunel, Laurent Bernard Cameriano, Jeremy Giordan, Denis Jean Maurice Sandelis, Aurelien Lionel Tedesco
-
Patent number: 10184454Abstract: The present invention relates to a horizontal-shaft/vertical-transmission wind turbine for generating electricity, which may be on-shore or off-shore, with reduced materials and structures in the nacelle, mast and foundation, which moves much of the equipment to the base of the mast, thereby reducing capex, enabling significant reductions in the operation and maintenance costs of the turbines, and reducing the cost of the installed power (installed MW) in a wind farm. The mechanical energy coming from the rotor is transmitted by a vertical shaft system (6) along the mast, which incorporates naval technology, and which is based on platforms (1) to neutralize harmonics and is connected to H/Vst (3) and V/Hmvst (4) transmissions, coupled using contraction and expansion joints (2). In addition to this, the rotor orientation system (YAW control) (29), which is connected to the torque control of the transmissions, the brake control and the blade pitch control, enables the rotor to be properly positioned.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2014Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: EMBREVEL-EMPRESA BRASILEIRA DE ENERGIA RENOVAVEL LTDAInventor: Marcelo Monteiro De Barros
-
Patent number: 10047627Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for controlling a tip clearance between a shroud and blade of a turbocharger turbine. In one embodiment, a method for an engine including a turbocharger comprises, selectively adjusting a flow of coolant from one or more engine coolant sources through a shroud of a turbine based on a tip clearance between the shroud and a blade of the turbine.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Matthew John Malone, Daniel Edward Loringer
-
Patent number: 9982656Abstract: A method for controlling wind alignment correction of a wind turbine comprises: acquiring environmental wind speed values, wind alignment angle measured values, and generated power values of the wind turbine in real time; dividing each acquired environmental wind speed value into multiple wind speed sections according to the magnitude of the environmental wind speed value, and extracting wind alignment angle measured values and generated power values in at least one wind speed section; determining a maximum value of extracted generated power values in each wind speed section; calculating a wind alignment correction deviation of the wind turbine according to a wind alignment angle measured value corresponding to the maximum value; and performing correction processing on a subsequently acquired wind alignment angle measured value by using the wind alignment correction deviation.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2015Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: BEIJING GOLDWIND SCIENCE & CREATION WINDPOWER EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Jian Li, Guilin Zhou