Wayne Alan Lillibridge

Title: Wayne Alan Lillibridge: Innovator in Turbine Rotor Design

Introduction

Wayne Alan Lillibridge is a notable inventor based in Clifton Park, NY (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of turbine rotor design, holding 2 patents that showcase his innovative approach to engineering challenges.

Latest Patents

Lillibridge's latest patents include a "Bucket dovetail design for turbine rotors" and a "Bucket and wheel dovetail design for turbine rotors." The first patent focuses on a turbine bucket dovetail that secures buckets in a turbine rotor. This design features a plurality of hooks that engage with a wheel post of the turbine rotor, extending in an axial direction. A pocket is machined in a tangential face of the dovetail, which reduces peak stress in the wheel post dovetail edge at the gate opening. The second patent describes a dovetail joint between a rotor wheel and a bucket, incorporating a male dovetail component on the rotor wheel and a female dovetail component on the bucket. The male component has axially projecting hooks with slanted surfaces, which form included angles larger than 90 degrees, minimizing stress concentrations.

Career Highlights

Wayne Alan Lillibridge has built a successful career at General Electric Company, where he has applied his expertise in turbine technology. His innovative designs have contributed to advancements in turbine efficiency and reliability.

Collaborations

Lillibridge has collaborated with talented coworkers, including Gary Edward Yehle and Noel Jacob Bylina, further enhancing the innovative environment at General Electric Company.

Conclusion

Wayne Alan Lillibridge's contributions to turbine rotor design exemplify his commitment to innovation and engineering excellence. His patents reflect a deep understanding of mechanical design and a dedication to improving turbine technology.