US5445498A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Bucket for next-to-the-last stage of a turbine
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1994-06-10
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Granted: 1995-08-29
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Expires: 2014-06-10
Abstract
Abstract A next-to-the-last stage steam turbine bucket has a profile according to the table set forth in the specification. The buckets also include continuous couplings at the bucket mid-point including nubs on each bucket projecting from opposite sides thereof in generally circumferentially extending directions. A sleeve is disposed between each pair of adjacent buckets and has open opposite ends for receiving the nubs of the adjacent buckets. The cross-sections of the nubs and open ends of the sleeve are generally complementary and non-circular to prevent sleeve rotation during turbine operation. The buckets have a continuous cover including cover elements having tenons projecting from opposite sides for reception in corresponding openings in the tips of adjacent buckets.
Inventors
- 👤 John C. Williams
- 👤 Stephen G. Ruggles
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 08:45
CPC Classifications
F; F01; F01D; F01D5/00; F01D5/12; F01D5/22; F01D5/14; F01D5/141; F05; F05D; F05D2240/00; F05D2240/20; F05D2240/30; F05D2240/301
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
21 words
A bucket for a steam turbine having a profile in accordance with Table I inclusive as set forth in the specification.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
21 words
A bucket for a steam turbine having a profile in accordance with Table I inclusive as set forth in the specification.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
A plurality of buckets, each constructed in accordance with claim 1, and spaced circumferentially about an axis of a turbine wheel, said buckets having tips, and covers continuously coupling said tips one to the other about said axis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
A plurality of buckets according to claim 2 wherein each said cover includes a first tenon projecting toward an admission side of the turbine wheel and a tenon projecting toward the discharge side of the turbine wheel, the tips of adjacent buckets having openings for receiving the tenons for coupling the tips one to the other.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
59 words
A plurality of buckets according to claim 3 wherein each tenon on a bucket admission side is peened over to provide a rigid connection with an adjoining bucket tip and the tenon on a bucket discharge side has an opening in its end enabling the tenon to be flared, affording a loose connection between the cover and adjoining bucket.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A plurality of buckets according to claim 3 including a continuous sealing rib extending radially outwardly on the surface of each bucket tip and said cover.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
68 words
A plurality of buckets, each constructed in accordance with claim 1, and spaced circumferentially about an axis of a turbine wheel, said buckets having intermediate portions, each intermediate portion of each bucket including a nub projecting in a generally circumferential direction toward an adjacent bucket, a sleeve open at opposite ends receiving the nubs of adjacent buckets affording a continuous coupling at the intermediate portions of the buckets.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
A plurality of buckets according to claim 6 wherein each sleeve has an axis, the ends of the sleeves being formed at an angle to the axis other than 90° to permit the sleeves to rock as the relative positions of the adjacent nubs change during operation of the turbine.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
A plurality of buckets according to claim 6 wherein each nub has a non-circular cross-section and the sleeve has a generally corresponding non-circular cross-section to preclude sleeve rotation during turbine operation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
A plurality of buckets according to claim 6 wherein the buckets have tips and means for continuously coupling said tips one to the other about the turbine axis.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-08-28 | 1999-02-27 | 1999-08-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-08-28 | 2003-02-27 | 2003-08-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-08-28 | 2007-02-27 | 2007-08-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |