IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,747,513
Granted Patent B2
US 12,747,513 · App. 18/443,250 · Granted Sep 29, 2026

System for securing component for an electrically-driven process

Inventors: James Whitton (East Burke, VT); Zachary Hopkins (San Diego, CA); Zachary Oras (Riverview, FL)
Assignee: Chromalloy Gas Turbine LLC
C25D5/022C25D7/008C25D17/06F01D5/288B33Y80/00F05D2230/90F05D2260/30
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,747,513
App. No.
18/443,250
Granted
Sep 29, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

A system for securing a component for an electrically-driven process is disclosed. The system includes a mai015134n body having an opening, a retention slot configured for retaining the component, and a channel. The system includes a fastener extending through the opening in the main body, and an insert inserted into the channel. The system has a shank movably coupled to the fastener and configured to contact the insert. The insert is configured to maintain electrical contact between the shank and the component when the component is retained within the retention slot.

Claims (25)

1 . A system for securing a component for an electrically-driven process, comprising:

a main body having an opening, a retention slot configured for retaining the component, and a channel;

a fastener extending through the opening in the main body;

an insert inserted into the channel; and

a shank movably coupled to the fastener and configured to contact the insert;

wherein, the insert is configured to maintain electrical contact between the shank and the component when the component is retained within the retention slot.

2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the insert includes a flat spring.

3 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the component displaces the flat spring from its steady state when the component is inserted into the retention slot.

4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the insert includes a support having a protrusion configured to contact the component when the component is retained within the retention slot.

5 . The system of claim 1 , including a cover plate having a locking tab.

6 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the main body includes a socket for receiving the locking tab.

7 . The system of claim 6 , wherein the main body has a relief slot and the locking tab has a catch configured to extend through the relief slot.

8 . The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the main body and the fastener is additively manufactured from a polymer material.

9 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the insert is additively manufactured from a conductive material.

10 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the shank extends through an aperture in the insert.

11 . The system of claim 1 , wherein at least a section of the channel is above the retention slot.

12 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the component is one of a gas turbine blade and a gas turbine vane.

13 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the insert is configured to maintain electrical contact between the shank and the component when the component is retained within the retention slot and the component moves relative to the shank during the electrically-driven process.

14 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the insert includes a support having a serration configured to matingly contact a feature of the component.

15 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the insert includes a stop having a projection, and the main body includes a notch configured to receive the projection.

16 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the flat spring includes a curved portion configured as a gripping surface for manipulating the insert.

17 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the main body includes a wall within the channel, the wall having a tang configured to matingly receive a serration of the insert.

18 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the system is configured to mask at least a portion of the component during the electrically-driven process.

19 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the insert is removable from the main body.

20 . The system of claim 9 , wherein the conductive material includes at least one of titanium, stainless steel, and tungsten carbide.

Assignments (2)
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Mar 27, 2024
From: CHROMALLOY GAS TURBINE LLC
To: ROYAL BANK OF CANADA
Reel/Frame 066926/0565 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 4, 2024
From: WHITTON, JAMES; HOPKINS, ZACHARY; ORAS, ZACHARY
To: CHROMALLOY GAS TURBINE LLC
Reel/Frame 066632/0536 →
Continuity (3)
Continuation In Part 18155187 · Jan 17, 2023
Division 16897857 · Jun 10, 2020
Related Publication 20240191386A1 · Jun 13, 2024
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