US5492446A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Self-aligning variable stator vane
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1994-12-15
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Granted: 1996-02-20
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Expires: 2014-12-15
Abstract
Abstract A variable stator vane includes an airfoil with an integral outer trunnion having a seat extending integrally therefrom. A threaded stem extends from the seat and includes a coextensive alignment surface that cooperates with a complementary mounting hole in a lever arm which restrains rotation of the lever arm about the stem during assembly for ensuring a predetermined rotational orientation between the lever arm and the airfoil.
Inventors
- 👤 James T. Hawkins
- 👤 Ritchie D. Price
- 👤 George A. Oxenham
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 17:02
CPC Classifications
F; F01; F01D; F01D17/00; F01D17/10; F01D17/12; F01D17/14; F01D17/16; F01D17/162
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
A variable stator vane comprising: an airfoil having an integral outer trunnion for pivotally mounting said airfoil to a stator casing; a seat extending integrally from a distal end of said trunnion, and having a pair of opposite, parallel flats; a threaded stem extending integrally from said trunnion seat and coaxial with said trunnion, said stem having at least one coextensive first alignment surface; and a lever arm having a mounting hole at a proximal end thereof being complementary with said trunnion seat, said mounting hole being sized for being installed downwardly over said stem while said first alignment surface restrains rotation of said lever arm about said stem until said mounting hole engages said seat for ensuring a predetermined rotational orientation between said lever arm and said airfoil.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
A variable stator vane comprising: an airfoil having an integral outer trunnion for pivotally mounting said airfoil to a stator casing; a seat extending integrally from a distal end of said trunnion, and having a pair of opposite, parallel flats; a threaded stem extending integrally from said trunnion seat and coaxial with said trunnion, said stem having at least one coextensive first alignment surface; and a lever arm having a mounting hole at a proximal end thereof being complementary with said trunnion seat, said mounting hole being sized for being installed downwardly over said stem while said first alignment surface restrains rotation of said lever arm about said stem until said mounting hole engages said seat for ensuring a predetermined rotational orientation between said lever arm and said airfoil.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
A variable stator vane according to claim 1 wherein said mounting hole includes a second alignment surface being complementary with said first alignment surface for restraining rotation of said lever arm about said stem upon installation thereover.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
A variable stator vane according to claim 2 further comprising a washer fixedly joined to said lever arm around said mounting hole, and said second alignment surface is defined by a side of said washer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
A variable stator vane according to claim 2 wherein: said first alignment surface is elongate and concave in transverse section; and said second alignment surface is elongate and convex in transverse section.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A variable stator vane according to claim 2 wherein said second alignment surface is an integral portion of said lever arm mounting hole and extends therethrough.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
52 words
A variable stator vane according to claim 5 wherein: said first alignment surface is substantially flat and defines a stem flat extending along said stem coextensively with at least a portion of a respective one of said seat flats; and said second alignment surface is substantially flat and defines a hole flat.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
A variable stator vane according to claim 6 further comprising a pair of said stem flats on opposite sides of said stem and parallel to each other, and a corresponding pair of said hole flats in said lever arm mounting hole.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
A variable stator vane according to claim 7 wherein screw threads on said stem are interrupted at said stem flats and extend only partially therein.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
95 words
A variable stator vane according to claim 7 wherein: said mounting hole has a first width between said hole flats; said stem has a second width between said stem flats, with said second width being less than said first width for allowing longitudinal translation between said mounting hole and said stem; and said seat has a third width between said seat flats, with said third width being greater than said first and second widths for providing an interference fit between said mounting hole and said seat upon seating thereon in abutting contact with said trunnion.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
69 words
A variable stator vane according to claim 9 wherein said seat flats include a respective pair of flat reliefs at an outer portion of said seat having a fourth width being narrower than said third width, and being coextensive with respective ones of said stem flats for allowing positive initial rotational orientation between said mounting hole and said seat prior to compressive seating therebetween to establish said interference fit.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
42 words
A variable stator vane according to claim 10 wherein said seat is generally D-shaped and defined by said opposite seat flats, a flat side extending between said seat flats at one end, and an arcuate side extending therebetween at an opposite end.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-02-19 | 1999-08-21 | 2000-02-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-02-19 | 2003-08-21 | 2004-02-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-02-19 | 2007-08-21 | 2008-02-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |