General Electric Company

Tuley, Eugene N

Dean Thomas Lenahan

Harvey M Maclin

Disclosed are a cooling air modulation apparatus for and method of operation for a gas turbine engine which are effective for increasing engine operating efficiency. According to one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a first inducer means effective for channeling a first portion of cooling air to a rotor component during both first and second modes of operation of the engine. A second inducer means is also provided and is effective for channeling a second portion of the cooling air to the rotor component. Valve means are provided for selectively modulating the amount of cooling air flowing through the second inducer for preventing flow therethrough during the first mode of operation and for allowing unrestricted flow therethrough during the second mode of operation.

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Hamilton, OH, United States of America

Tuley, Eugene N