Rotary kinetic fluid motors or pumps – Working fluid passage or distributing means associated with... – Plural distributing means immediately upstream of runner
Reexamination Certificate
2002-07-03
2004-08-10
Look, Edward K. (Department: 3745)
Rotary kinetic fluid motors or pumps
Working fluid passage or distributing means associated with...
Plural distributing means immediately upstream of runner
C415S209300, C029S889220
Reexamination Certificate
active
06773228
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This application relates generally to gas turbine engines and, more particularly, to nozzle locks for gas turbine engines.
Gas turbine engines typically include a compressor, a combustor, at least one turbine nozzle and a rotor assembly serially connected in flow communication. An engine casing extends around the engine from the compressor to the turbine assembly.
In operation, airflow exiting the compressor is mixed with fuel and ignited within the combustor, and the resulting hot gas/air mixture is channeled through the turbine nozzles to the rotor assembly. As a result of exposure to the hot gas/air mixture, pressure loading may develop within the turbine nozzles.
To facilitate reducing the effects of pressure loading to the turbine nozzle, at least some known turbine engines include a plurality of internal nozzle locks to maintain the turbine nozzles in alignment. The nozzle locks secure the turbine nozzle within the casing to facilitate retaining the nozzles in circumferential alignment. Accordingly, to install or replace the nozzle locks, the turbine casing is first removed. Such a procedure is time-consuming and costly.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of externally attachable nozzle locks for a gas turbine engine secure turbine nozzles within the engine in a cost-effective and reliable manner. Each nozzle lock includes a base, an attachment device coupled to the base, and a locking pin that extends from the base. More specifically, the locking pins extend from a respective base through the turbine casing to secure the nozzles within the turbine casing.
During assembly of each nozzle lock to the gas turbine engine an opening in the turbine casing is formed, extending through the turbine casing radially outwardly from the turbine nozzle. The nozzle lock is inserted through the opening from an exterior surface of the engine casing and coupled to a portion of the nozzle. The nozzle lock is also secured to the engine casing. More specifically, the nozzle lock facilitates maintaining an alignment of the turbine nozzle despite being subjected to tangential forces induced on the turbine nozzles during engine operation. As a result, the turbine nozzle lock facilitates securing the nozzle within the engine in a cost effective and reliable manner.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3788763 (1974-01-01), Nickles
patent: 4245951 (1981-01-01), Minnich
patent: 4957412 (1990-09-01), Olson et al.
patent: 5618161 (1997-04-01), Papageorgiou et al.
patent: 6537022 (2003-03-01), Housley et al.
patent: 52067806 (1977-06-01), None
Joy James Harold
Murphy Michael Peter
Pirtle Janice Ilene
Rainous Edward Atwood
Williams Charles Louis
Andes William Scott
Armstrong Teasdale LLP
Edgar Richard
General Electric Company
Look Edward K.
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