This inventor holds 2 USPTO granted patents and 1 published patent application and 2 EPO patents. Top assignee: General Electric Company. Active years: 1999-2000.
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1999-2000
Title: Fred Thomas Willett: Innovator in Turbine Blade Cooling Technology
Introduction
Fred Thomas Willett is a notable inventor based in Niskayuna, NY (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of turbine technology, particularly in the area of turbine blade cooling. With a total of 2 patents, Willett's work has had a considerable impact on the efficiency and performance of turbine systems.
Latest Patents
Willett's latest patents focus on innovative designs for turbine rotor blades. One of his key inventions involves a turbine rotor blade that comprises a shank portion, a tip portion, and an airfoil. The airfoil features a pressure side wall and a suction side wall interconnected by several partition sidewalls, which define an internal cooling passageway. This internal cooling passageway includes at least one radial outflow passageway to direct a cooling medium flow from the shank portion towards the tip portion, as well as at least one radial inflow passageway to direct a cooling medium flow from the tip portion back towards the shank portion. Additionally, mixing ribs are strategically placed on the partition sidewalls within the radial outflow passageways to enhance thermal mixing of the cooling medium flow, thereby improving heat transfer across a broad range of Buoyancy numbers.
Career Highlights
Willett is associated with General Electric Company, where he has been able to apply his innovative ideas in a practical setting. His work has contributed to advancements in turbine technology, making significant strides in efficiency and performance.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Willett has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Fred W. Staub and Robert James Piechota. These collaborations have fostered an environment of innovation and have led to the development of cutting-edge technologies in the field.
Conclusion
Fred Thomas Willett's contributions to turbine blade cooling technology exemplify the spirit of innovation. His patents and collaborations have paved the way for advancements that enhance the efficiency of turbine systems.