Systems, methods, and apparatus for linking machine stators

A machine component, comprising:

• a casing that surrounds a rotor;
• a plurality of stators attached to the casing;
• and
• a bracket operable to link at least two of the plurality of stators, the bracket comprising:
• a body portion comprising a first edge operable to align with a base of a first stator of the plurality of stators and a second edge opposite the first edge and operable to align with a base of a second stator of the plurality of stators;
• a first plurality of extensions that extend from the first edge in a first direction and that are operable to align with at least one corresponding groove on the base of the first stator and are operable to position the base of the first stator in the first direction;
• and
• a second plurality of extensions that extend from the second edge in a second direction and that are operable to align with at least one corresponding groove on the base of the second stator and are operable to position the base of the second stator in the second direction,
• wherein an angle of less than approximately 180 degrees is formed between the first direction and the second direction, such that the first and second plurality of extensions are operable to position the base of the first stator at the angle of less than approximately 180 degrees with respect to the base of the second stator, the angle corresponding to a curvature of the casing,
• wherein the first plurality of extension do not align with the at least one corresponding groove on the base of the second stator and the second plurality of extension do not align with the at least one corresponding groove on the base of the first stator.

A method for linking stators in a machine component, the method comprising:

• providing two stator base members operable to support a respective stator blade, wherein each of the two base members comprises one or more grooves;
• providing a bracket comprising a body, a first set of extensions extending in a first direction that are receivable by the one or more grooves of a first of the two base members and is operable to position the first of the two base members in the first direction, and a second set of extensions extending in a second direction that are receivable by the one or more grooves of the other base member and is operable to position the other base member in the second direction, wherein an angle of less than approximately 180 degrees is formed between the first direction and the second direction, such that the first and second set of extensions are operable to position the first of the two base members at the angle of less than approximately 180 degrees with respect to the other base member, the angle corresponding to a curvature of a casing of the machine component;
• and
• linking the two base members with the bracket within the machine component,
• wherein the first plurality of extension do not align with the at least one corresponding groove on the base of the second stator and the second plurality of extension do not align with the at least one corresponding groove on the base of the first stator.