The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 06, 1999
Filed:
Aug. 13, 1997
Lawrence Donald Willey, Burnt Hills, NY (US);
General Electric Co., Schenectady, NY (US);
Abstract
A labyrinth bucket tip to stator segment seal is provided. The bucket cover includes radially outwardly projecting labyrinth teeth while the fixed segment contains radially inwardly projecting labyrinth teeth. The teeth are arranged in groups thereof with end teeth or repeating patterns of groups lying in radial registration with one another while teeth between the end teeth are radially misaligned to provide a vernier type arrangement. The inner teeth groups have reduced radial clearance relative to conventional practice. End teeth are provided for each array of teeth which project beyond the gap between the tips of the groups of teeth to form a conventional seal with radially opposing lands and conventional radial clearance. This design results in an improved labyrinth bucket tip seal having reduced leakage and minimal risk of performance deterioration due to rubs.